Events

MELBOURNE EVENTS  

FROM MARCH 2020 TO JUNE 2020

MARCH 2020

04/03/2020 to 14/03/2020
Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival
The Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival is an annual celebration of fashion, arts, ideas and creative endeavour for everyone to enjoy. All-encompassing with a curated program of premium runways, workshops, industry seminars, forums, live entertainment and much more.
Royal Exhibition Building9 Nicholson Street Carlton
see website for details.
vamff.com.au

 

12/03/2020 to 15/03/2020
Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2020
See the best of Melbourne, the best of racing, the best of culture, together in one melting pot like nothing else on the planet. Melbourne’s newest live music series, AusGP Sessions, is set to make its debut at this year’s race. See the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on the Melbourne Walk. Get ready for selfies and autographs each day.
Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit 12 Aughtie Drive Albert Park Melbourne
www.grandprix.com.au

 

12/03/2020 to 10/05/2020
Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities
Cirque du Soleil will return to Melbourne from March 2020 with its most acclaimed touring show, a tale in which time comes to a complete stop, transporting the audience inside a fantasy world where everything is possible.
Flemington Racecourse
Flemington Drive 428-550 Epsom Road Flemington
1800 036 685
www.cirquedusoleil.com/kurios

 

18/03/2020 to 21/03/2020
Senior Moments 2
The smash hit Senior Moments is back in a senior sequel without equal: Senior Moments 2: ‘Remember Remember’ is another seriously silly comedy revue, a brilliantly funny collection of comic sketches and songs performed by a cast who are old enough to know better!
Athenaeum Theatre 188 Collins Street Melbourne
www.seniormomentsshow.com.au/s…

 

19/03/2020 to 29/03/2020
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
The Queen Victoria Market, is playing host to the festival with 10 days of dinners, parties, talks, demonstrations and free events for the whole family. All day and night the Market will be a magnet for food-loving Melburnians , from Sichuan to spaghetti, plants to passionate people.
Queen Victoria Market Cnr Elizabeth and Victoria streets Melbourne
03 9823 6100
info@foodfest.com.au
www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/

 

to 21/03/2020
Come From Away
Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of thousands of stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland, Canada that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.
Comedy Theatre 240 Exhibition Street Melbourne
comefromaway.com.au/

 

22/03/2020
Friend in Me Family Day
This event was born in 2017 when Melbourne mum Louise Larkin heard the story of Logan Camilleri from Melton on Fox FM – a little boy who had no one turn up to his sixth birthday party. Four years later, the annual event has quadrupled in size (from 350 at the first party to a whopping 2,000 smiling faces at last year’s event) and is moving to Melbourne Showgrounds to accommodate the growth in 2020.
Melbourne Showgrounds 276-318 Epsom Road Flemington
www.friendinme.org.au

 

12/03/2020 to 23/03/2020
Melbourne Queer Film Festival
Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) heads into its 30th year to showcase the finest, contemporary queer cinema from Australia and beyond in the largest queer film festival in the southern hemisphere.
The Capitol Level 1 113 Swanston Street Melbourne
mqff.com.au

 

25/03/2020 to 19/04/2020
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival takes over town! For three and a half weeks in March and April the city loads up on laughs, with comedians hitting stages across the city and further afield. Free family entertainment, world-class special events, trail-blazing solo shows and late-night fun.
Melbourne Town Hall
90-130 Swanston Street Melbourne *Shows at various venues across the city.
comedyfestival.com.au

 

29/03/2020
Victoria’s Multicultural Festival
Enjoy free music, dance performances, art, film, cultural cuisines and activities for all ages. With a range of cultural experiences on offer, visitors will have an opportunity to deepen their understanding and appreciation for diversity and help strengthen our community.
Queen Victoria Market Cnr Elizabeth and Victoria streets Melbourne
multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au

 

25/03/2020 to 29/03/2020
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
Attracting over 100,000 garden, design and DIY enthusiasts with the country’s best landscape designers returning to create the largest and most ambitious show gardens ever seen at the event.
Royal Exhibition Building 9 Nicholson Street Carlton
melbflowershow.com.au/

 

APRIL 2020

01/04/2020 to 08/04/2020
Junior Rangers – Mysterious Mammals
Put on your detective hat and join the City of Melbourne Park Rangers to help solve the mysterious case of Melbourne’s missing mammals.Junior Rangers will hunt for evidence of the furry, four-legged creatures hidden in the tree tops and grasslands, and learn about the strange and wonderful animals that once roamed Royal Park.
Australian Native Gardens, Royal Park 1 Gatehouse Street Melbourne
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/commu…

 

02/04/2020 to 06/04/2020
Marvel Universe Live
Immersive video projection and cutting-edge special effects captivate and transport audiences across the universe from the fantastical Savage Land to New York City and beyond.
Rod Laver Arena Melbourne Park Batman Avenue Melbourne
www.marveluniverselive.com/en-au

 

24/05/2019 to 05/04/2020
Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Marks
Documenting the Body, curated by Stanislava Pinchuk, presents local and contemporary perspectives on tattooing as it intersects with themes of immigration, journeys, the body, heritage and identity.
Immigration Museum 400-424 Flinders Street Melbourne
museumsvictoria.com.au/immigra…

 

09/04/2020
Mad Scientist Craft at Southbank Library
Colour and decorate your own lab coat in this workshop for mini mad scientists aged seven and up.
Southbank Library at Boyd Ground 207 City Road Southbank VIC 3006Contact details
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/commu…

 

10/04/2020
Good Friday Appeal Kids Day Out
The Good Friday Appeal Kids Day Out, Bring the whole family together for a day of amusement, activities and entertainment, all while raising much needed funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Place South Wharf
www.goodfridayappeal.com.au

 

16/04/2020 to 19/04/2020
Melbourne Home Show
The Melbourne Home Show, is packed to the rafters with all the latest building and renovation products from more than 250 leading brands.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre1 Convention Centre Place
South Wharf
03 9276 5555
www.melbournehomeshow.com.au

 

18/04/2020 to 19/04/2020
Autumn Plant Sale – Melbourne Gardens
In need of a little more greenery in your life? Colour your home with treasures from the autumn plant sale at Melbourne Gardens. Select from juicy succulents, beautiful blossoms, pretty natives, tasty herbs and everything in between.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Birdwood Avenue Melbourne
Growing Friends Plant Nursery, enter via Gate E
bit.ly/37CFk84

 

23/04/2020 to 10/05/2020
Hamlet.
Hamlet is a portrait of a young man struggling with the death of his father, his mother’s hasty remarriage to his uncle, and the vision of his father’s ghost looming in his mind’s eye
Arts Centre Melbourne 100 St Kilda Road Melbourne
www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

 

23/04/2020 to 07/06/2020
SIX the Musical
The global all-female pop concert musical, is the five-star phenomenon that is ‘bursting at the corset with 21st century sass and attitude’Critically acclaimed across the UK with a studio album storming up the UK pop charts, the sell-out intoxicating Tudor take-off continues.
Comedy Theatre 240 Exhibition Street Melbourne
www.sixthemusical.com/australia

 

Anzac Day – 25 /04/2020
Anzac Day is a time for the community to come together to remember and recognise the service and sacrifice of members of the Australian Defence Force. Originally a commemoration of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, Anzac Day is a public expression of gratitude and reflection resonates to the present day.?
www.shrine.org.au/Remembrance/Anzac-Day

 

MAY 2020

to 03/05/2020
Shrek the Musical
Shrek the Musical brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favourite ogre to life on the stage. In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre – not a handsome prince – shows up to rescue a feisty princess.
Her Majesty’s Theatre219 Exhibition StreetMelbourne
www.shrekthemusical.com.au

 

04/05/2020 to 07/05/2020
Melbourne International Coffee Expo 2020
Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) is known throughout the Asia Pacific as the largest and most exciting dedicated coffee event. Established back in 2012, it has become a must-attend event for everyone in the coffee community.MICE will host the World Barista Championship and World Brewers Cup, showcasing Melbourne and our coffee talent to the world.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Centre Place South Wharf

 

06/05/2020
Spirit of the Dance
‘Spirit of the Dance’ is coming to Australia with their new spine tingling 21st anniversary show. ‘Spirit of the Dance’ is Irish in origin and bursts with raw energy, having been described as explosive, breathtaking, and spectacular. This blockbuster show takes dance to the next level and features a fusion of heart-pounding Irish dance, combined with dance styles from around the world including Scottish, Flamenco, Latin, salsa, street dance, hip-hop, techno can-can and American tap.
Hamer Hall 100 St Kilda Road Southbank
www.mellenevents.com.au/curren…

 

10/05/2020
Mother’s Day Classic
It’s not only a fun way to spend Mother’s Day but it’s also about supporting those in the community who have been affected by breast cancer. Over the past 22 years, the Mother’s Day Classic has donated over $37 million to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to fund life-saving breast cancer research projects. Make Mother’s Day mean more this year by attending this incredible event and supporting a cause that affects so many Australians.
Alexandra Gardens St Kilda Road Melbourne
www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/e…

 

11/05/2020 to 17/05/2020
Melbourne Knowledge Week
Melbourne Knowledge Week is back this May with seven days of interactive events, workshops, dinners and performances. Discover bold ideas, inspiring creativity and smart technologies that will shape Melbourne in the coming years.
Venues:see website for details.
https://mkw.melbourne.vic.gov.au/

 

15/05/2020 to 31/05/2020
Next Wave Festival
this year under the theme A Government of Artists. A two-week program spanning all art forms and showcases 28 major artistic commissions. The program also features parties, public programs and public interventions.
Various venues across Melbourne
See website for full program and venues
nextwave.org.au

 

to 15/05/2020
ClimateWatch Walk
Become a citizen scientist and help monitor the biodiversity at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.
On this guided walk, you’ll search for the impacts of climate change and collect valuable information for Earthwatch with the ClimateWatch app.
Suits ages 8+ years.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Birdwood Avenue Melbourne
03 9252 2429
mbookings@rbg.vic.gov.au
bit.ly/2wrOsPW

 

16/05/2020 to 17/05/2020
Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival
25th annual Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival, with over 40 events, an extensive Go Vege vegetarian food fair, spectacular cultural performances, children’s activities one of Victoria’s largest animal farms, bubble classes and demonstrations and a Dragon Boat sprint race along the Yarra River.Experience a slower pace through an array of mindfulness experiences including gentle tai chi, the ancient practice of sutra calligraphy and the quietude of tea ceremonies. From spicy hotpots to Malaysian desserts, savour a range of tasty vegetarian treat in the Go Vege Food Fair along the banks of the Yarra River.
Federation Square Cnr Flinders and Swanston Streets Melbourne
0450 536 567
www.buddhaday.org.au

 

to 30/05/2020
Billy Elliot the Musical
Set in a northern town during the miners’ strike of 1984-1985, the show follows Billy’s journey from boxing ring to ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that unites his family, inspires his community and changes his life forever.
Regent Theatre 191-197 Collins Street Melbourne
www.billyelliotthemusical.com.au

 

to 31/05/2020
Free Guided Walk at Melbourne Gardens
See the highlights of Melbourne’s green sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city with a free guided walkFind sensational views and photo opportunities, and uncover the heritage and plant diversity of Melbourne Gardens with a passionate guide.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Birdwood Avenue Melbourne Meet at the Visitor Centre
mbookings@rbg.vic.gov.au
bit.ly/37Mg4M

 

JUNE 2020

03/06/2020 to 04/06/2020
Birds of Tokyo with MSO
One of Australia’s most successful contemporary rock bands, join forces with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Conductor Vanessa Scammell will lead the five-piece band and the MSO in an evening that showcases their brand new music
Hamer Hall 100 St Kilda Road Southbank
www.mso.com.au

 

05/06/2020 to 04/10/2020
Pierre Bonnard
Pierre Bonnard is one of the most beloved painters of the 20th century, celebrated for his use of colour to convey an exquisite sense of emotion. In 2020, Australians have the opportunity to appreciate this great painter, in the most comprehensive exhibition of Pierre Bonnard yet presented in this country.
NGV International 180 St Kilda Road Melbourne VIC 3004
www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/

 

TO – 7/06/ 2020

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival

An annual, world-class jazz festival first held in 1998.The Festival takes place in concert halls, arts venues, jazz clubs and throughout the streets of Melbourne as the city comes alive with the spirit of jazz.Each festival program aims to appeal to young and old, to enthusiasts and the uninitiated, to encourage as many people as possible to experience the very personal impact that jazz can have on its listener.

The Festival’s vision is to be one of the leading centres of jazz presentation in the world by providing a platform for performance, collaboration, education and engagement. Its diverse programming includes modern masters of jazz, late night art parties, free events, Australian /international collaborations and pathways for emerging artists.

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival is run by a dedicated Board and Management team who are passionate about making Melbourne a world-class destination for jazz.
https://www.melbournejazz.com

19/06/2020 to 19/07/2020
Lightscape
A new immersive experience is coming to Melbourne next winter, with illuminated creations lighting a journey through Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s Melbourne Gardens. Watch as light tumbles from the undergrowth to light up trees like fizzing fireworks It’s a winter walk like no other.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria mBirdwood Avenue Melbourne
www.melbournelightscape.com.au/

 

20/06/2020 to 21/06/2020
Truffle Melbourne Festival Weekend
Come along to a free celebration of all things truffle – the largest outside Europe.There’ll be all-day entertainment with live truffle dog and truffle chef demonstrations and the tastiest truffle treats in town – try affordable truffle creations from Melbourne’s best.
Queen Victoria Market Cnr Elizabeth and Victoria streets Melbourne
trufflemelbourne.com/

 

CULINARY EVENTS

19/03/2020 to 29/03/2020
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

Melbourne’s biggest gastronomic celebration, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, marks its 28th year in 2020.Melbourne’s home of fresh food, the Queen Victoria Market, is playing host to the festival with 10 days of dinners, parties, talks, demonstrations and free events for the whole family.All day and into the night the Market will be a magnet for food-loving Melburnians and visitors, celebrating everything that makes our city delicious, from Sichuan to spaghetti, plants to passionate people.
Location

Queen Victoria Market
Cnr Elizabeth and Victoria streets
Melbourne  03 9823 6100
info@foodfest.com.au
www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/

 

25/03/2020 to 26/03/2020
Barrio Rising Stars Dinner

It’s the year of Filipino food at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2020.

It’s easy to dismiss both chefs JP Anglo and Ross Magnaye as rough or unsophisticated: one has a penchant for tattoos, the other for surfing and motorcycles. But underneath, both are curious and inventive minds that never stop thinking about how to push the envelope to evolve the food of the Philippines.

Drawing on their shared Filipino heritage across the Luzviminda archipelago, these Barrio Rising Stars will create an exclusive menu for event-goers that’s set to be a unique night out for Melbourne.Be part of the movement to showcase and celebrate Filipino cuisine, culture and community and book your tickets.Presented by Rice Paper Sister in partnership with The Entree.Pinays for Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2020.

Rice Paper Sister
15 Hardware Lane Melbourne

0456 009 448
bookings@ricepapersister.com.au
www.melbournefoodandwine.com.a…

CURRENTLY ON
Truffle Melbourne Festival Weekend

Come along to a free celebration of all things truffle – the largest outside Europe.There’ll be all-day entertainment with live truffle dog and truffle chef demonstrations and the tastiest truffle treats in town – try affordable truffle creations from Melbourne’s best.Queen Victoria Market
Cnr Elizabeth and Victoria streets
Melbourne

0418 176 617
info@trufflemelbourne.com
trufflemelbourne.com/

 

29/03/2020

Barrio Laneway Fiesta

It’s the year of Filipino food at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2020. Indulge in Filipino street food favourites from our famous barbecued pork sticks, lechon, sisig and balut to baked goods, sweets and dirty ice-cream.The Barrio Laneway Fiesta will include special international guest, Philippines’ own ‘lechon diva’, Dedet de la Fuente, and a “barrio” of culinary friends including John Rivera, Pacific Region San Pellegrino Young Chef 2018; Santiago Cuyugan (Head Chocolatier at Bibelot, South Melbourne); Joel Baylon of Shobosho, Adelaide; and Migo Razon, DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne. Celebrate the last day of the festival with a Filipino street party like no other! Presented by female-led Filipino-Australian advocacy group The Entree Pinays in collaboration with Rice Paper Sister and our international and local team of culinary and cultural champions for Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2020.

Rice Paper Sister 15 Hardware Lane
Melbourne  03 9600 4949
bookings@ricepapersister.com.au
www.melbournefoodandwine.com.a…

Chokolait
Highly acclaimed chocolate salon, Chokolait, is a haven for dessert lovers. Choose from an irresistible menu of indulgent treats and escape the bustle of Melbourne’s Emporium shopping centre.

Enjoy Belgian couverture chocolates, decadent beverages plus freshly baked cakes, hand-crafted by expert chocolatiers.
Emporium Melbourne Shop 342, Level 3287 Lonsdale Street Melbourne

JAPANESE
Kurimu
Kurimu is a Melbourne-born, Japanese-inspired pastry brand serving creamy custard-filled choux pastry, topped with crunchy almonds.
Melbourne Central
Cnr La Trobe & Swanston Streets
Melbourne VIC 3000

GREEK
Lukumades

Lukumades, otherwise known as Greek doughnuts, are sold all over Greece from small dedicated patisseries They are usually served as a treat in the afternoon with honey syrup and crushed walnuts.Lukumades specialise in creating hand-crafted Greek doughnuts with a modern twist. Whether you like your doughnuts smothered with Nutella, sprinkled with crushed Oreos or drizzled with salted caramel sauce, they have a little something for everyone.
Look for their sleek black storefront on Lygon Street.
346 Lygon Street
Carlton VIC 3053

Om Nom Kitchen

Located within the iconic Adelphi Hotel, Om Nom Kitchen is a great place to experience delicious sweet and savoury flavours.The team put their skills to work to create magical culinary works of art with a ‘wow factor’. Using quality ingredients from local, sustainably-sourced suppliers, they aim to delight your taste buds with their range of dishes.
Ordering the ‘feed me’ option is a great way to experience Om Nom favourites. Also, be sure to try one of their delicious signature cocktails.
187 Flinders Lane
Melbourne VIC 3000

DESSERT LOUNGE
Sweetie And Moustache Dessert Lounge
Sweetie and Moustache Dessert Lounge and Bar is a double storey lounge, with a rooftop bar where you can relax and enjoy desserts. Their signature mille layered crepe cakes are available in more than 12 flavours. These are available for take away or dine-in, and can be pre-ordered online.
They also provide other kinds of desserts with creativity and passion. The bar provides bar food and cocktails.
Floor 3-4
207 Russell Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
ITALIAN
+39 Pizzeria & Antipasteria
+39 is a delightful Italian pizzeria, degustation bar and restaurant, as well as being the international dialling code for Italy.

During the day, you can enjoy a café-style breakfast or lunch. Evening diners are treated to modern creations, provincial recipes and more decadent fare, including lobster and caviar.

362 Little Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

LEBANESE
Abla’s Restaurant
One of Melbourne’s most popular and best-loved restaurants, Abla’s has been the home of the queen of Lebanese cooking, Abla Amad, since 1979.
Banquets are always the way to go at Abla’s, providing the best sampling of the restaurant’s traditional, homemade Lebanese dishes. A vegetarian banquet option is offered, along with the most popular dishes, including mixed dips, felafel, chicken and rice and lamb or chicken skewers.
109 Elgin Street
Carlton VIC 3053

MEXICAN
Amigos Hardware Lane

Amigos takes full advantage of Melbourne’s European-style streetscape, taking up three levels of a heritage building in atmospheric Hardware Lane.
Amigo’s has intimate, alfresco and communal dining areas, plus a convivial tequila and tapas bar. The innovative menu of contemporary Mexican cuisine includes all the favourites: salsas, tacos, nachos, enchiladas, salads, fajitas burritos and paella.
Order food to go on weekends, or book the tequila and tapas bar for private functions seating up to 50 people.
75-77 Hardware Lane
Melbourne VIC 3000

 

VIETNAMESE

Annam
Like Vietnam itself, Annam borrows from the regions’ neighbours and offers a taste that is uniquely it’s own. You might choose whole fish grilled over charcoal, or decide on a selection of made-to-order rice paper rolls featuring local produce. Try a traditional hot pot, stir fry, curry or dumplings.

On the lighter side, there are snacks and salads packed full of flavour and desserts to die for, including instant classics waffle coated fried ice cream and young coconut sorbet.

There are a combination of seating options, from restaurant tables and private dining options for groups of 6-16 people. If you’re feeling relaxed, grab a cocktail and a spot at the bar. The beverage list has been created to enhance the fire and smoke of the food; everything from the beer to the wines to the cocktails has been chosen to complement your dining experience.
56 Little Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

JORDANIAN & MIDDLE EASTERN

Arabesque
Arabesque serve authentic Jordanian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Head upstairs behind the espresso bar and you will find the shisha, a relaxed and casual lounge.
The kitchen closes at 11pm Monday to Thursday and 1am Friday to Saturday.
642 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne VIC 3000