Don't miss in Melbourne
Art
Margaret Preston: A Retrospective
On until Sun 31 Jan
Culture
Marvel Stadium Tour
10 dates · next Thu 15 Oct
Sport
Melbourne v Richmond - 2026 NAB AFLW Season 11
Fri 16 Oct · 7:15pm–11:15pm
Sport
Caulfield Cup
Sat 17 Oct · 12:00am–11:59pm
Food
Mango Party at Prahran Market
Sat 17 Oct – Sun 18 Oct
Food
Italian Festa & Expo
Sat 17 Oct – Sun 18 Oct
Free this weekend in Melbourne
Today 6
TODAY
Marvel Stadium Tour
10 dates · next Thu 15 Oct
Ticketed event at Marvel Stadium. Details and tickets on the organiser's page.
Details
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Ticketed event at Marvel Stadium. Details and tickets on the organiser's page.
- Thu 15 Oct 2026
- Fri 16 Oct 2026
- Sat 17 Oct 2026
- Sun 18 Oct 2026
- Mon 19 Oct 2026
- Tue 20 Oct 2026
- Wed 21 Oct 2026
- Thu 22 Oct 2026
- Fri 23 Oct 2026
- Sat 24 Oct 2026
TODAY
ROME: Empire, Power, People
7 dates · next Thu 15 Oct
Featuring original statues, mosaics, frescoes, jewellery and everyday objects from the humblest to the most sumptuous, this Melbourne-exclusive exhibition is a vibrant exploration of Rome's political, cultural and social life.
Details
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Featuring original statues, mosaics, frescoes, jewellery and everyday objects from the humblest to the most sumptuous, this Melbourne-exclusive exhibition is a vibrant exploration of Rome's political, cultural and social life.
- Thu 15 Oct 2026
- Fri 16 Oct 2026
- Sat 17 Oct 2026
- Sun 18 Oct 2026
- Mon 19 Oct 2026
- Tue 20 Oct 2026
- Wed 21 Oct 2026
TODAY
Briefs: The Works
5 dates · next Thu 15 Oct
Circus with attitude. Drag with muscle. Burlesque with bite.
After selling out seasons around the world and setting Melbourne's Spiegel Haus ablaze, Briefs Factory brings its hit sensation BRIEFS: THE WORKS to Melbourne Fringe.
This is a no-holds-barred raid through the glittering archives of Australia's most iconic queer cabaret company. A high voltage collision of world class circus, outrageous drag, seductive burlesque and filthy comedy, delivered with the swagger and skill and that have made Briefs a global phenomenon.
Hosted by the incomparable Fez Faanana as Shivannah, and featuring a
Details
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Circus with attitude. Drag with muscle. Burlesque with bite. After selling out seasons around the world and setting Melbourne's Spiegel Haus ablaze, Briefs Factory brings its hit sensation BRIEFS: THE WORKS to Melbourne Fringe. This is a no-holds-barred raid through the glittering archives of Australia's most iconic queer cabaret company. A high voltage collision of world class circus, outrageous drag, seductive burlesque and filthy comedy, delivered with the swagger and skill and that have made Briefs a global phenomenon. Hosted by the incomparable Fez Faanana as Shivannah, and featuring a
- Thu 15 Oct 2026
- Fri 16 Oct 2026
- Sat 17 Oct 2026
- Sat 17 Oct 2026
- Sun 18 Oct 2026
TODAY
Cosi Fan Tutte
2 dates · next Thu 15 Oct
Melbourne Opera presents, Mozart's sparkling comedy in a new production by Suzanne Chaundy featuring some of Mozart's most beautiful ensembles and arias - Cosi fan Tutte is accessible and enjoyable comedy in which two men test their girlfriends fidelity and infidelity.
Details
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Melbourne Opera presents, Mozart's sparkling comedy in a new production by Suzanne Chaundy featuring some of Mozart's most beautiful ensembles and arias - Cosi fan Tutte is accessible and enjoyable comedy in which two men test their girlfriends fidelity and infidelity.
- Thu 15 Oct 2026
- Sun 18 Oct 2026
TODAY
The Shark Is Broken
10 dates · next Thu 15 Oct
When the shark won't work, the drama does. Behind the scenes of Jaws, three actors are stranded on a boat as tempers flare, egos clash and a cinematic legend hangs by a thread. The Shark Is Broken is a razor-sharp, laugh-out-loud play about fame, failure, and friendship under pressure - an edgy, once is a lifetime theatrical treat that proves the biggest drama was never in the water. You're gonna need a bigger seat. Book Now .
Details
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When the shark won't work, the drama does. Behind the scenes of Jaws, three actors are stranded on a boat as tempers flare, egos clash and a cinematic legend hangs by a thread. The Shark Is Broken is a razor-sharp, laugh-out-loud play about fame, failure, and friendship under pressure - an edgy, once is a lifetime theatrical treat that proves the biggest drama was never in the water. You're gonna need a bigger seat. Book Now .
- Thu 15 Oct 2026
- Fri 16 Oct 2026
- Sat 17 Oct 2026
- Sat 17 Oct 2026
- Sun 18 Oct 2026
- Sun 18 Oct 2026
- Wed 21 Oct 2026
- Wed 21 Oct 2026
- Thu 22 Oct 2026
- Fri 23 Oct 2026
TODAY
Carl Barron: Just Wondering Why
3 dates · next Thu 15 Oct
The brand-new show from Australia's most popular comedian!! One thing Carl has heard his whole life is that he thinks too much. Doors 7pm.
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The brand-new show from Australia's most popular comedian!! One thing Carl has heard his whole life is that he thinks too much. Doors 7pm.
- Thu 15 Oct 2026
- Sat 17 Oct 2026
- Sun 18 Oct 2026
On for a while 1
UNTIL 31 JAN
Margaret Preston: A Retrospective
On until Sun 31 Jan
Ticketed NGV retrospective of modernist painter Margaret Preston at the Ian Potter Centre, Fed Square. Closes 31 January.
Details
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Ticketed NGV retrospective of modernist painter Margaret Preston at the Ian Potter Centre, Fed Square. Closes 31 January.
This weekend 9
TOMORROW
Melbourne v Richmond - 2026 NAB AFLW Season 11
Fri 16 Oct · 7:15pm–11:15pm
Ticketed event at IKON Park. All ages.
Details
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Ticketed event at IKON Park. All ages.
TOMORROW
Comedy Fridays at Piper's Playhouse
Fri 16 Oct · 7:30pm–11:30pm
Ticketed event at Piper's Playhouse. 18+.
Details
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Ticketed event at Piper's Playhouse. 18+.
SAT 17 OCT
Caulfield Cup
Sat 17 Oct · 12:00am–11:59pm
The 150th Caulfield Cup, a Group 1 race over 2400m and one of the big days of Melbourne's spring racing season.
Details
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The 150th Caulfield Cup, a Group 1 race over 2400m and one of the big days of Melbourne's spring racing season.
SAT 17 OCT
Free
Mango Party at Prahran Market
Sat 17 Oct – Sun 18 Oct
A weekend of mango demos, free tastings and kids' activities at Prahran Market.
Details
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A weekend of mango demos, free tastings and kids' activities at Prahran Market.
SAT 17 OCT
Free
Italian Festa & Expo
Sat 17 Oct – Sun 18 Oct
Free Italian food weekend at the Royal Exhibition Building with 50+ food vendors, live music on three stages, bars and a kids' area. Sat 11am to 10.30pm, Sun 11am to 8.30pm.
Details
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Free Italian food weekend at the Royal Exhibition Building with 50+ food vendors, live music on three stages, bars and a kids' area. Sat 11am to 10.30pm, Sun 11am to 8.30pm.
SAT 17 OCT
Free
Melbourne Donut Festival
Sat 17 Oct – Sun 18 Oct · 9am–4pm daily
Free weekend of 15+ donut makers under cover in the Queen Victoria Market sheds, with coffee and entertainment.
Details
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Free weekend of 15+ donut makers under cover in the Queen Victoria Market sheds, with coffee and entertainment.
SAT 17 OCT
Carlton v Western Bulldogs - 2026 NAB AFLW Season 11
Sat 17 Oct · 3:05pm–7:05pm
Ticketed event at IKON Park. All ages.
Details
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Ticketed event at IKON Park. All ages.
SAT 17 OCT
Tina's Rooftop Piano Bar
Sat 17 Oct · 6:00pm–7:15pm
A cabaret and comedy cocktail hour (and 15!)
Tina Del Twist lets her velvet voice and wicked wit loose with a bevy of dazzling guests every Saturday throughout Melbourne Fringe Festival, on the Spiegel Haus Rooftop. Australia’s much-loved nightingale holds court as your host, serving glamour, laughter and a generous splash of mischief.
*Strictly no refunds
Details
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A cabaret and comedy cocktail hour (and 15!) Tina Del Twist lets her velvet voice and wicked wit loose with a bevy of dazzling guests every Saturday throughout Melbourne Fringe Festival, on the Spiegel Haus Rooftop. Australia’s much-loved nightingale holds court as your host, serving glamour, laughter and a generous splash of mischief. *Strictly no refunds
SUN 18 OCT
Collingwood v Sydney & Essendon v North Melbourne - 2026 NAB AFLW
Sun 18 Oct · 12:30pm–4:30pm
Collingwood v Sydney - 12:30 PM Essendon v North Melbourne - 3:05 PM
Details
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Collingwood v Sydney - 12:30 PM Essendon v North Melbourne - 3:05 PM
Next 7 days 6
MON 19 OCT
Free
Melbourne Fashion Week
Mon 19 Oct – Sun 25 Oct
A week of runways, talks and exhibitions in the CBD. The two City Square runways are free to attend.
Details
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A week of runways, talks and exhibitions in the CBD. The two City Square runways are free to attend.
WED 21 OCT
Melb Int'l Jazz Fest - Haus Party
Wed 21 Oct · 6:00pm–11:59pm
Rally your favourite people for a huge night at Jazz Fest’s Haus Party — where jazz, groove, hip-hop and electronic music collide.
Details
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Rally your favourite people for a huge night at Jazz Fest’s Haus Party — where jazz, groove, hip-hop and electronic music collide.
WED 21 OCT
La Ronde
4 dates · next Wed 21 Oct
With so many five-star reviews, we’ve lost count - This award-winning production is a lavish cocktail of the highest quality circus, cabaret, and comedy from the internationally renowned creators of Blanc de Blanc and Late Night Vice. 18+.
Details
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With so many five-star reviews, we’ve lost count - This award-winning production is a lavish cocktail of the highest quality circus, cabaret, and comedy from the internationally renowned creators of Blanc de Blanc and Late Night Vice. 18+.
- Wed 21 Oct 2026
- Thu 22 Oct 2026
- Fri 23 Oct 2026
- Fri 23 Oct 2026
THU 22 OCT
Luna Dark
Thu 22 Oct – Sun 1 Nov
Luna Park's Halloween event with haunted mazes, scare attractions and unlimited rides. Night sessions plus kid-friendly day sessions.
Details
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Luna Park's Halloween event with haunted mazes, scare attractions and unlimited rides. Night sessions plus kid-friendly day sessions.
THU 22 OCT
CHRIS CONNOR | VIVA ELVIS The King Lives 2026 Tour
Thu 22 Oct · 7:30pm–11:30pm
Ticketed event at Palais Theatre. Doors 6pm.
Details
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Ticketed event at Palais Theatre. Doors 6pm.
THU 22 OCT
The House Soiree at Pipers Playhouse (18+ Event)
2 dates · next Thu 22 Oct
This performance contains haze, smoke, strobe lighting, adult themes, and partial nudity. 18+, doors 7:30pm.
Details
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This performance contains haze, smoke, strobe lighting, adult themes, and partial nudity. 18+, doors 7:30pm.
- Thu 22 Oct 2026
- Fri 23 Oct 2026
Later 30
FRI 23 OCT
Melbourne EV Show
2 dates · next Fri 23 Oct
Australia's National EV Transition Platform - Opening 9am to 5pm daily. All ages.
Details
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Australia's National EV Transition Platform - Opening 9am to 5pm daily. All ages.
- Fri 23 Oct 2026
- Sat 24 Oct 2026
FRI 23 OCT
Co-opera presents Carl Maria von Weber Der Freischütz
Fri 23 Oct · 6:00pm–10:00pm
The music of this first German romantic opera is irresistible. Its origins lie in a folk tradition concerning a dark and atmospheric tale of a young forester who, unknowingly, enters into a pact with the Devil in a trial required to earn his beloved's hand in marriage. Doors 5:30pm.
Details
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The music of this first German romantic opera is irresistible. Its origins lie in a folk tradition concerning a dark and atmospheric tale of a young forester who, unknowingly, enters into a pact with the Devil in a trial required to earn his beloved's hand in marriage. Doors 5:30pm.
FRI 23 OCT
EMPRESS EROTIQUE
Fri 23 Oct · 8:00pm–11:15pm
After captivating audiences in previous years, one of the Australian Burlesque Festival's most beloved and unforgettable shows is making its long-awaited return.
Details
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After captivating audiences in previous years, one of the Australian Burlesque Festival's most beloved and unforgettable shows is making its long-awaited return.
SAT 24 OCT
Free
Pinoy Octoberfest
Sat 24 Oct – Sun 25 Oct · 10am–4pm daily
A weekend of Filipino food stalls and live entertainment at Queen Victoria Market. Free entry.
Details
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A weekend of Filipino food stalls and live entertainment at Queen Victoria Market. Free entry.
SAT 24 OCT
Free
Festival Indonesia
Sat 24 Oct · 10:00am–7:00pm
Free day of Indonesian food, music, dance and fashion at Fed Square, with batik and dance workshops.
Details
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Free day of Indonesian food, music, dance and fashion at Fed Square, with batik and dance workshops.
SAT 24 OCT
Cox Plate at Flemington
Sat 24 Oct · 12:25pm–5:50pm
The Cox Plate runs at Flemington for 2026 only, its first time at the course. A full Group 1 race day a week before the Cup Carnival.
Details
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The Cox Plate runs at Flemington for 2026 only, its first time at the course. A full Group 1 race day a week before the Cup Carnival.
SUN 25 OCT
Free
Hallozeen Zine Fair
Sun 25 Oct · 12:00pm–5:00pm
Sticky Institute's 12th Halloween zine fair at Kensington Town Hall, 12pm to 5pm. Free.
Details
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Sticky Institute's 12th Halloween zine fair at Kensington Town Hall, 12pm to 5pm. Free.
FRI 30 OCT
Free
Passage: The Art of Atong Atem
Fri 30 Oct – Mon 14 June · 10am–5pm daily
Free NGV exhibition of photographer and artist Atong Atem at the Ian Potter Centre, Fed Square.
Details
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Free NGV exhibition of photographer and artist Atong Atem at the Ian Potter Centre, Fed Square.
SAT 31 OCT
Free
Thrive: Multicultural Women's Festival
Sat 31 Oct · 9:00am–4:00pm
A free day of cultural dance and live performance in the C and D Sheds at Queen Victoria Market.
Details
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A free day of cultural dance and live performance in the C and D Sheds at Queen Victoria Market.
SAT 31 OCT
Free
Witches Market
Sat 31 Oct · 10:00am–3:00pm
A Halloween-weekend market by Witches of Macedon with 40+ stalls at Kensington Town Hall, 10am to 3pm. Free entry.
Details
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A Halloween-weekend market by Witches of Macedon with 40+ stalls at Kensington Town Hall, 10am to 3pm. Free entry.
SAT 31 OCT
Free
Victorian Festival of Diwali
Sat 31 Oct · 11:30am–10:00pm
Fed Square's Diwali celebration with Indian music and dance, a bazaar, street food and evening fireworks. Free.
Details
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Fed Square's Diwali celebration with Indian music and dance, a bazaar, street food and evening fireworks. Free.
SAT 31 OCT
Free
The Street Social: Halloween
Sat 31 Oct – Sun 1 Nov · 12pm–7pm daily
Food trucks and live music on Harbour Esplanade in Docklands over the Halloween weekend, 12pm to 7pm both days. Free entry.
Details
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Food trucks and live music on Harbour Esplanade in Docklands over the Halloween weekend, 12pm to 7pm both days. Free entry.
SAT 31 OCT
Victoria Derby Day
Sat 31 Oct · 12:20pm–5:40pm
Opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, headlined by the Victoria Derby. Black and white dress code and a big, social crowd.
Details
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Opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, headlined by the Victoria Derby. Black and white dress code and a big, social crowd.
MON 2 NOV
Free
Melbourne International Dumpling Festival
Mon 2 Nov · 12:00pm–10:00pm
Dozens of dumpling vendors at Queen Victoria Market on Cup eve, from xiao long bao to pierogi and momo. Free entry, register online.
Details
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Dozens of dumpling vendors at Queen Victoria Market on Cup eve, from xiao long bao to pierogi and momo. Free entry, register online.
TUE 3 NOV
Melbourne Cup Day
Tue 3 Nov · 10:45am–5:15pm
The Melbourne Cup at Flemington, on a Victorian public holiday. Fashion, crowds and a full card of racing.
Details
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The Melbourne Cup at Flemington, on a Victorian public holiday. Fashion, crowds and a full card of racing.
THU 5 NOV
Oaks Day
Thu 5 Nov · 1:00pm–5:50pm
Thursday race day of the Cup Carnival, featuring the Oaks for three-year-old fillies. Usually more relaxed, with a strong fashion focus.
Details
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Thursday race day of the Cup Carnival, featuring the Oaks for three-year-old fillies. Usually more relaxed, with a strong fashion focus.
SAT 7 NOV
Coffee Weekend
Sat 7 Nov – Sun 8 Nov · 9am–4pm daily
A ticketed coffee festival in C Shed at Queen Victoria Market. Kids under 12 free with a paying adult.
Details
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A ticketed coffee festival in C Shed at Queen Victoria Market. Kids under 12 free with a paying adult.
SAT 7 NOV
Champions Stakes Day
Sat 7 Nov · 12:40pm–5:50pm
Closing Saturday of the Cup Carnival. The cheapest weekend entry of the carnival and a good day for families.
Details
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Closing Saturday of the Cup Carnival. The cheapest weekend entry of the carnival and a good day for families.
FRI 13 NOV
Free
Colours of Asia: Garden of Wonders
Every Friday · next Fri 13 Nov
Free lantern gardens, Asian street food, music and dance in Alexandra Gardens, Friday to Sunday, 11am to 10pm.
Details
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Free lantern gardens, Asian street food, music and dance in Alexandra Gardens, Friday to Sunday, 11am to 10pm.
- Fri 13 Nov 2026
- Fri 20 Nov 2026
FRI 13 NOV
Burrata Festival Opening Night
Fri 13 Nov · 6:00pm–9:00pm
Ticketed Friday opening night of Prahran Market's Burrata Festival, with live mozzarella making, tastings and music.
Details
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Ticketed Friday opening night of Prahran Market's Burrata Festival, with live mozzarella making, tastings and music.
SAT 14 NOV
Free
Burrata Festival Weekend
Sat 14 Nov – Sun 15 Nov
Free weekend at Prahran Market with mozzarella-making demos, tastings and a Burrata Trail. Masterclasses booked separately.
Details
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Free weekend at Prahran Market with mozzarella-making demos, tastings and a Burrata Trail. Masterclasses booked separately.
SAT 14 NOV
Farmers Market at Abbotsford Convent
Every Saturday · next Sat 14 Nov
Monthly farmers market at Abbotsford Convent with 45+ Victorian growers and makers. $2 entry goes to the Convent.
Details
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Monthly farmers market at Abbotsford Convent with 45+ Victorian growers and makers. $2 entry goes to the Convent.
- Sat 14 Nov 2026
- Sat 12 Dec 2026
SUN 15 NOV
Free
Stock Up Vintage Market
Sun 15 Nov · 9:00am–4:00pm
A one-day vintage market in C Shed at Queen Victoria Market. Free entry.
Details
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A one-day vintage market in C Shed at Queen Victoria Market. Free entry.
FRI 20 NOV
Free
African Music and Cultural Festival
Fri 20 Nov – Sun 22 Nov
Free three days of African music, food, fashion and art at Fed Square, running into the evenings.
Details
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Free three days of African music, food, fashion and art at Fed Square, running into the evenings.
FRI 20 NOV
Lifelike at ACMI
Fri 20 Nov – Sun 18 Apr · 10am–5pm daily
ACMI exhibition on movie puppetry, with original puppets and concept art from films like Jurassic Park, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.
Details
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ACMI exhibition on movie puppetry, with original puppets and concept art from films like Jurassic Park, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.
SAT 21 NOV
Free
Cachivaches Latin Market
Sat 21 Nov – Sun 22 Nov · 9am–4pm daily
A Latin market weekend with music, food trucks and stalls in the C and D Sheds at Queen Victoria Market. Free entry.
Details
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A Latin market weekend with music, food trucks and stalls in the C and D Sheds at Queen Victoria Market. Free entry.
SAT 21 NOV
T20 International: Australia v England
Sat 21 Nov · 7:15pm–11:59pm
A night T20 between Australia and England at the MCG. A short, fast game that fits into an evening. Starts 7.15pm.
Details
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A night T20 between Australia and England at the MCG. A short, fast game that fits into an evening. Starts 7.15pm.
SAT 28 NOV
Barbie: The Exhibition
Sat 28 Nov – Sun 16 May · 9am–5pm daily
Touring exhibition at Melbourne Museum with 250+ rare dolls and accessories tracing Barbie's design history since 1959.
Details
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Touring exhibition at Melbourne Museum with 250+ rare dolls and accessories tracing Barbie's design history since 1959.
SAT 12 DEC
Free
Summer Solstice Herbalism Market
Sat 12 Dec · 9:00am–3:00pm
Market of handmade herbal products and local herbalists in the Abbotsford Convent Oratory. Free entry.
Details
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Market of handmade herbal products and local herbalists in the Abbotsford Convent Oratory. Free entry.
SUN 13 DEC
Free
NGV Triennial 2026
Sun 13 Dec – Sun 11 Apr · 10am–5pm daily
Free exhibition across all four levels of NGV International with 80+ contemporary art and design projects. Open daily.
Details
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Free exhibition across all four levels of NGV International with 80+ contemporary art and design projects. Open daily.
Questions
What's free in Melbourne this weekend?
Free this weekend (16–18 Oct): Mango Party at Prahran Market (17–18 Oct), Italian Festa & Expo (17–18 Oct) and Melbourne Donut Festival (17–18 Oct).
- Mango Party at Prahran Market 17–18 Oct
- Italian Festa & Expo 17–18 Oct
- Melbourne Donut Festival 17–18 Oct
What's on tonight in Melbourne?
Tonight in Melbourne: Briefs: The Works at Spiegel Haus Melbourne (7:00pm), Cosi Fan Tutte at Athenaeum Theatre Two (7:00pm), The Shark Is Broken at Athenaeum Theatre One (7:00pm), ROWENA WISE - Bad Things Feel Good* Album Tour with Hannah McKittrick Band + Ullah (solo) at Howler (7:30pm) and Carl Barron: Just Wondering Why at Palais Theatre (8:00pm).
What's on in Melbourne this weekend?
This weekend (16–18 Oct) in Melbourne: Briefs: The Works (Fri 16 Oct), The Shark Is Broken (Fri 16 Oct) and Sonny Fodera (Fri 16 Oct). 36 events in all, listed on this page.
- Briefs: The Works Fri 16 Oct
- The Shark Is Broken Fri 16 Oct
- Sonny Fodera Fri 16 Oct
See these on a map, where you are.
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