What's on in August

Joy

Experience an emotive adventure where creativity, colour and storytelling join forces.

Until 1 Nov

Making Memoir of a Snail

Explore handmade sets, props and characters from Adam Elliot's claymation film Memoir of a Snail.

Until 31 Mar

State Library Victoria Unlocked

On this exclusive tour, gain access to State Library Victoria before the doors open to the public.

Until Dec 2026

The Story of the Moving Image

A permanent exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.

12 Feb – 10 Dec

Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu

Each month, watch a movie on the big screen, including contemporary, classic and documentary films.

17 Feb – 15 Dec

Bedtime Storytime

Hop into your pyjamas, grab your favourite teddy and enjoy bedtime stories.

Until 26 Dec

Cabaret Ridiculous

An hour of variety entertainment that’s as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.

Until 12 Dec

Local Lunch Club

Live well, eat well, together at Kathleen Syme Library.

From 29 Aug

G3 Game

Experience gaming like never before, with state-of-the-art facilities.

1 Apr – 25 Oct

Rome: Empire, Power, People

This Melbourne-exclusive exhibition is a vibrant exploration of Ancient Rome.

4 Mar – 2 Dec

English Learners' Book Club

A place where English learners connect to discuss books and share ideas.

Until 30 Aug

Badass Women of Melbourne: Women's History Walking Tour

Take a guided walk to uncover the hidden stories of everyday women who shaped Melbourne.

2 Feb – 7 Dec

Songbirds

Visit Southbank Library on Mondays for Songbirds, with songs, rhymes and stories for littlies.

Until 1 Nov

Taste of Combat

Honouring the vital work of the Catering Corps and the evolution of military food.

4 Feb – 9 Dec

Preschool Storytime

Share the wonder of books with your children at storytime at Library at The Dock.

17 Aug

An Evening with Sir Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie returns to Melbourne to discuss the transformative power of literature.

23 Jul – 9 Aug

Mackenzie

A camp, dark and deranged retelling of Macbeth, set in the heights of early 2000s TV stardom.

Until 26 Dec

The Sunday Market at Southgate

Explore the Sunday Market at Southgate and meet the makers.

27 – 29 Aug

How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert

An awe-inspiring experience for the whole family.

4 Feb – 9 Dec

Stompers

Join in the Stompers fun with your toddler every Wednesday at East Melbourne Library.

2 Feb – 7 Dec

Stompers

Enjoy fun stories, songs, rhymes and activities at Kathleen Syme Library every Monday.

15 Feb – 13 Dec

Kensington Market

An eclectic mix of homewares, culinary treats, ceramics, sustainable goods and visual art.

3 Feb – 8 Dec

Stompers

Bring your child to Library at The Dock on Tuesdays for a lifelong love of books.

6 Feb – 11 Dec

Songbirds

Come along to City Library on Fridays for songs, rhymes and stories.

21 Aug

Metropolis: Sounds of Cinema

Showcasing the MSO’s commitment to contemporary symphonic music.

19 Aug

Trilogy: Stravinsky, Mills & Shostakovich

Celebrate 15 years of the Australian World Orchestra with three monumental works in one night.

13 – 15 Aug

Jaime Conducts Mahler 6

Mahler’s Symphony No 6 and the world premiere of a new work by James Henry.

21 Jul – 22 Aug

Uncle Vanya

Chekhov’s timeless tale, full of mordant wit, unrequited love and longing, finds new life.

5 Feb – 10 Dec

Preschool Storytime

Share the wonder of books with your children at narrm ngarrgu Library.

Until 27 Dec

Heartfulness Meditation and Wellness

Learn to relax, meditate and live stress-free with a simple heart-based meditation practice.

4 Feb – 9 Dec

Songbirds

Come along to Library at The Dock on Wednesdays for Songbirds: songs, rhymes and stories.

Until 17 Dec

Strum and Sing

Join this ukelele community, whether you're a seasoned pro or have never held a uke in your life.

12 Feb – 27 Jan

Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declarations

A stirring exhibition exploring romantic love through the State Library's extraordinary archive.

Until Dec 2026

Swinging 60s

Did the sixties really swing in Victoria? A new exhibition from the Old Treasury Building.

30 Jul – 1 Aug

Winter Gala

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's Winter Gala warms you up with a trip to Buenos Aires.

Until 31 Oct

City Highlights Express Cruise

Explore Melbourne in just 45 mins with this express Yarra River cruise.

3 Feb – 25 Aug

Maracatu Estrela do Mar: Afro-Brazilian Percussion Workshops

Explore Afro-Brazilian percussion and music at this workshop series from Estrela do Mar.

14 Aug – 12 Sep

The Jungle and the Sea

One family’s journey to retain their dignity and safety against the backdrop of a civil war.

Until Dec 2026

Water Marbling Workshop

Learn the art of water marbling and apply it to textiles.

Until 11 Oct

Encore!

See 50 objects, from 50 years in one collection.