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
Culture
Marvel Stadium Tour
9 dates · next Fri 16 Oct
Music
Soen
Fri 16 Oct · 7:00pm–11:00pm
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
Free this weekend in Melbourne
Today 14
TODAY
Marvel Stadium Tour
9 dates · next Fri 16 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.
- 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
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
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.
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
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.
Details
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Ticketed event at Palais Theatre. Details and tickets on the organiser's page.
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
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
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.
Details
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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 17
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Details
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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
Spike Fuck
Sat 17 Oct · 7:00pm–11:30pm
For ten years Melbourne’s Spike Fuck has existed more as a messy myth than an artist – sporadic works forever poised on the precipice of triumph, rumours of death or insanity and so on.
Details
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For ten years Melbourne’s Spike Fuck has existed more as a messy myth than an artist – sporadic works forever poised on the precipice of triumph, rumours of death or insanity and so on.
TOMORROW
Jay Chou "Carnival II" World Tour in Melbourne
Sat 17 Oct · 7:30pm–11:30pm
Jay Chou, the King of Mandopop, has shaped a new era in Chinese pop music since his debut in 2000 with his distinctive style and unforgettable songs. Gates 6pm.
Details
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Jay Chou, the King of Mandopop, has shaped a new era in Chinese pop music since his debut in 2000 with his distinctive style and unforgettable songs. Gates 6pm.
TOMORROW
CARL COX (UK) - Extended 3 Hour Techno Set
Sat 17 Oct – Sun 18 Oct
Melbourne is set for an unforgettable night of underground electronic music as global techno icon Carl Cox takes over Northcote Theatre on Saturday 17 October 2026 for an exclusive three-hour techno set. 18+, standing.
Details
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Melbourne is set for an unforgettable night of underground electronic music as global techno icon Carl Cox takes over Northcote Theatre on Saturday 17 October 2026 for an exclusive three-hour techno set. 18+, standing.
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: Soen at 170 Russell (7:00pm), Briefs: The Works at Spiegel Haus Melbourne (7:00pm), Sonny Fodera at PICA (Port Melbourne Industrial Centre for the Arts) (7:00pm), Midge Ure Catalogue - The Hits Tour at Palais Theatre (7:00pm) and MUDHONEY (USA) at The Thornbury Theatre (7:00pm).
- Soen 7:00pm
- Briefs: The Works 7:00pm
- Sonny Fodera 7:00pm
- Midge Ure Catalogue - The Hits Tour 7:00pm
- MUDHONEY (USA) 7:00pm
What's on in Melbourne this weekend?
This weekend (16–18 Oct) in Melbourne: Soen (Fri 16 Oct), Briefs: The Works (Fri 16 Oct) and Sonny Fodera (Fri 16 Oct). 36 events in all, listed on this page.
- Soen Fri 16 Oct
- Briefs: The Works Fri 16 Oct
- Sonny Fodera Fri 16 Oct
See these on a map, where you are.
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