What's on in October

–
A crowd of people gathered around a Melbourne Fringe Festival stage with purple and yellow lights.

Discover things to do in Melbourne in October, from free events to exhibitions, attractions and places to visit.

A shirtless man wearing a bright orange suit jumps enthusiastically inside a distorted, circular panoramic view of a city square under a sunset sky.
–

Melbourne Fringe Festival

Melbourne Fringe Festival returns with 500+ exciting, boundary-pushing arts events.

Animator and filmmaker Adam Elliot working on a claymation set, adjusting characters.
Until

Making Memoir of a Snail

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

A traditional beer keg-tapping ceremony at an Oktoberfest celebration, at a Bavarian-style beer hall.
–

Oktoberfest at Munich Brauhaus

Enjoy Bavarian feasts, flowing German bier, live entertainment, and all the Oktoberfest festivities.

Dark image of a Dracula figure lit with red light on stage.
Until

Dracula: Ballet at its Darkest

A bold, cinematic reimagining of the gothic classic.

Illuminated panels with shades of red on a black background.
–

Melbourne International Jazz Festival

A city-wide celebration of jazz, improvisation and boundary-pushing contemporary music.

A large group of people taking part in the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival, running across Princess Bridge over the Yarra River, with tall city buildings and trees in the background, set against a blue sky.
–

Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival

The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival takes over the streets of Melbourne this October.

Two individuals talking to each other inside Melbourne Museum at night, with blue lighting.
Until

Nocturnal: Museum After Dark

Experience Melbourne Museum after hours, when the doors stay open and the night belongs to adults.

International human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, a woman with fair hair and gold hoop earrings, looking directly at the camera with a slight smile.

For Future Reference: Jennifer Robinson on Courage

Hear human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson discuss the notion of courage in our uncertain world.

Visitors enjoying an evening event at the National Gallery of Victoria, seated on stools under shadowy lighting.
Until

NGV Friday Nights: Cartier

NGV Friday Nights shine with Cartier, featuring live music, flims, food and drinks.

Novelty wind-up chattering teeth against a yellow background.
Until

Basement Comedy Club: Weekend Showcase

Bringing you the biggest names and best comedians in the country, and beyond.

A child posing in an alcove in a rainbow mural.
–

School holidays

Entertain the whole family over the school holidays with these kid-friendly events and activities.

Man wearing traditional Italian dress - red hat, green waistcoat, holding an Italian flag in front of the Exhibition Building.
–

Italian Festa and Expo

Celebrating all thing Italian at the Royal Exhibition Building and Museum Plaza.

Participants on the State Library Victoria Unlocked guided morning tour inside the iconic dome at State Library Victoria in Melbourne.
Until

State Library Victoria Unlocked

Join an exclusive guided tour and experience State Library Victoria before the doors open.

A crowd of people at an outdoor event with market stalls.

RMIT City North Shared Futures Festival

Enjoy games, food and live performances celebrating community, creativity and innovation.

A still image from the movie Driving Miss Daisy, with Morgan Freeman at the wheel of a car and Jessica Tandy in the back seat reading a newspaper.
–

Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu

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

A young person with long blonde hair, wearing a green satin top and making an animated, expressive gesture with hands up near their face against a solid olive-green background.
–

Tegan Higginbotham: Follow That Turtle!

Award-winning comedian Tegan Higginbotham is back with an unmissable hour of stand-up gold.

Installation view of the Spartans & Anzacs exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance, with people walking around the space, reading panels and looking at displays.
Until

Spartans & Anzacs

This exhibition invites reflection on the enduring values forged in conflict.

Black and white photograph of a busy Melbourne city intersection with trams, cars, people crossing the road, and buildings, dating from around the 1950s or 1960s.
Until

Making Modern Melbourne

This free exhibition examines the tumultuous twentieth century in Melbourne.

Four rows of people sitting smiling and laughing.
Until

Kings of Comedy: Underground, Uncensored, Unrivalled

Enjoy stand-up comedy from future stars and celebrity guest headliners.

Close up of a Bulgarian Banista – an egg, cheese and spinach pie similar to a Borek.

Bulgarian Filo Pastry Magic

Master the art of filo pastry and learn techniques to elevate your baking game.

See all events in October

Discover more

A chef cooking meat skewers over a flaming grill.
–

What's on in November

Things to do in Melbourne in November, from free events to exhibitions and places to visit.

A night tennis match at Rod Laver Arena.

Major events

From the Australian Open to the Melbourne Cup, major events take centre stage throughout the year.

Young child, in front of an artsy background, looking up at something.

Family and kids

Find things to do with the kids, from family-friendly events to fun attractions and workshops.

Young kid sitting on the shoulders of an adult in a large crowd of people watching a show.

Melbourne for free

Discover free things to do in Melbourne, including galleries, museums, events and festivals.