Don't miss in Melbourne
Art
Margaret Preston: A Retrospective
On until Sun 31 Jan
Music
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
On until Sun 25 Oct
Art
ROME: Empire, Power, People
6 dates · next Fri 16 Oct
Music
MUDHONEY (USA)
Fri 16 Oct · 7:00pm–11:30pm
Sport
Melbourne v Richmond - 2026 NAB AFLW Season 11
Fri 16 Oct · 7:15pm–11:15pm
Food
Italian Festa & Expo
Sat 17 Oct – Sun 18 Oct · Sat 11am–10:30pm, Sun 11am–8:30pm
Free this weekend in Melbourne
Today 14
TODAY
ROME: Empire, Power, People
6 dates · next Fri 16 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.
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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.
- 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
Marvel Stadium Tour
9 dates · next Fri 16 Oct
Ticketed event at Marvel Stadium. Details and tickets on the organiser's page.
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Ticketed event at Marvel Stadium. Details and tickets on the organiser's page.
- 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
Briefs: The Works
4 dates · next Fri 16 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
- Fri 16 Oct 2026
- Sat 17 Oct 2026
- Sat 17 Oct 2026
- Sun 18 Oct 2026
TODAY
The Shark Is Broken
9 dates · next Fri 16 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 .
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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 .
- 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
MUDHONEY (USA)
Fri 16 Oct · 7:00pm–11:30pm
Seminal Seattle four-piece Mudhoney return to Australia this October to play a bunch of club shows and headline 4ZZZ FM’s “Zed 51” Festival. The grunge pioneers also add a handful of New Zealand dates for the first time in over a decade.
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Seminal Seattle four-piece Mudhoney return to Australia this October to play a bunch of club shows and headline 4ZZZ FM’s “Zed 51” Festival. The grunge pioneers also add a handful of New Zealand dates for the first time in over a decade.
TODAY
Sonny Fodera
Fri 16 Oct · 7:00pm–11:00pm
Ticketed event at PICA (Port Melbourne Industrial Centre for the Arts). 18+.
Details
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Ticketed event at PICA (Port Melbourne Industrial Centre for the Arts). 18+.
TODAY
Midge Ure Catalogue - The Hits Tour
Fri 16 Oct · 7:00pm–11:00pm
Ticketed event at Palais Theatre. Details and tickets on the organiser's page.
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Ticketed event at Palais Theatre. Details and tickets on the organiser's page.
TODAY
Soen
Fri 16 Oct · 7:00pm–11:00pm
In the world of prog metal, few bands are spoken of in such hushed tones and reverence as SOEN. Renowned for their cinematic soundscapes, intricate musicianship, and emotionally charged and intense performances; they have carved out a distinctive space in the music world.
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In the world of prog metal, few bands are spoken of in such hushed tones and reverence as SOEN. Renowned for their cinematic soundscapes, intricate musicianship, and emotionally charged and intense performances; they have carved out a distinctive space in the music world.
On for a while 2
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.
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Ticketed NGV retrospective of modernist painter Margaret Preston at the Ian Potter Centre, Fed Square. Closes 31 January.
UNTIL 25 OCT
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
On until Sun 25 Oct
Ten days of jazz in concert halls, clubs and Fed Square. Free outdoor sets and film screenings at Fed Square on the opening weekend.
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Ten days of jazz in concert halls, clubs and Fed Square. Free outdoor sets and film screenings at Fed Square on the opening weekend.
This weekend 20
TOMORROW
Free
Italian Festa & Expo
Sat 17 Oct – Sun 18 Oct · Sat 11am–10:30pm, Sun 11am–8:30pm
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.
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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.
TOMORROW
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.
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A weekend of mango demos, free tastings and kids' activities at Prahran Market.
TOMORROW
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.
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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.
TOMORROW
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.
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Free weekend of 15+ donut makers under cover in the Queen Victoria Market sheds, with coffee and entertainment.
TOMORROW
Carlton v Western Bulldogs - 2026 NAB AFLW Season 11
Sat 17 Oct · 3:05pm–7:05pm
Ticketed event at IKON Park. All ages.
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Ticketed event at IKON Park. All ages.
TOMORROW
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
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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
TOMORROW
NO CIGAR - Aussie Tour
Sat 17 Oct · 6:30pm–10:00pm
NO CIGAR are bringing their brand of ‘semi rock’ to Australia this spring, with thirteen lively shows on the cards for their biggest run in Australia to date.
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NO CIGAR are bringing their brand of ‘semi rock’ to Australia this spring, with thirteen lively shows on the cards for their biggest run in Australia to date.
TOMORROW
THE REFLEX - 80s NEW WAVE
Sat 17 Oct – Sun 18 Oct
Step back into the electric atmosphere of the 1980s as The Reflex 80s New Wave Tribute presents Hungry Like the 80s, bringing the ultimate retro party to Brunswick Ballroom.
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Step back into the electric atmosphere of the 1980s as The Reflex 80s New Wave Tribute presents Hungry Like the 80s, bringing the ultimate retro party to Brunswick Ballroom.
Next 7 days 18
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.
MON 19 OCT
La Dispute
2 dates · next Mon 19 Oct
Australian headline tour, which will be hitting our shores October 2026. La Dispute will be promoting their latest album No One Was Driving The Car, released in September of 2025 via Epitaph Records.
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Australian headline tour, which will be hitting our shores October 2026. La Dispute will be promoting their latest album No One Was Driving The Car, released in September of 2025 via Epitaph Records.
- Mon 19 Oct 2026
- Tue 20 Oct 2026
TUE 20 OCT
GIPSY KINGS by Diego Baliardo
Tue 20 Oct – Wed 21 Oct
Ticketed event at Palais Theatre. Doors 7pm.
Details
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Ticketed event at Palais Theatre. Doors 7pm.
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
WHISPERS (TH) IN MELBOURNE
Wed 21 Oct · 7:00pm–10:30pm
Hailing from Bangkok, Thailand, WHISPERS have become one of the most formidable names in hardcore. Their signature sound blends metallic hardcore, crushing riffs and punishing breakdowns - taking them from Southeast Asia’s underground to stages around the world. Shows are Standing unless clearly stated.
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Hailing from Bangkok, Thailand, WHISPERS have become one of the most formidable names in hardcore. Their signature sound blends metallic hardcore, crushing riffs and punishing breakdowns - taking them from Southeast Asia’s underground to stages around the world. Shows are Standing unless clearly stated.
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
WED 21 OCT
Don McLean
Wed 21 Oct · 7:30pm–11:30pm
Ticketed event at Palais Theatre. Doors 6:30pm.
Details
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Ticketed event at Palais Theatre. Doors 6:30pm.
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.
Later 23
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
Free
Jazz Festival at Prahran Market
Sat 24 Oct – Sun 25 Oct · 11am–3pm daily
Free live jazz, soul and R&B from local artists in Market Square, 11am to 3pm both days.
Details
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Free live jazz, soul and R&B from local artists in Market Square, 11am to 3pm both days.
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
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.
Questions
What's free in Melbourne this weekend?
Free this weekend (16–18 Oct): Italian Festa & Expo (17–18 Oct), Mango Party at Prahran Market (17–18 Oct) and Melbourne Donut Festival (17–18 Oct).
- Italian Festa & Expo 17–18 Oct
- Mango Party at Prahran Market 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), The Shark Is Broken at Athenaeum Theatre One (7:00pm), MUDHONEY (USA) at The Thornbury Theatre (7:00pm), Sonny Fodera at PICA (Port Melbourne Industrial Centre for the Arts) (7:00pm) and Midge Ure Catalogue - The Hits Tour at Palais Theatre (7:00pm).
- Briefs: The Works 7:00pm
- The Shark Is Broken 7:00pm
- MUDHONEY (USA) 7:00pm
- Sonny Fodera 7:00pm
- Midge Ure Catalogue - The Hits Tour 7:00pm
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 MUDHONEY (USA) (Fri 16 Oct). 36 events in all, listed on this page.
- Briefs: The Works Fri 16 Oct
- The Shark Is Broken Fri 16 Oct
- MUDHONEY (USA) Fri 16 Oct
See these on a map, where you are.
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