What’s on in Melbourne in October 2026

October puts us in the final quarter of the year, with (hopefully) warmer weather and continued beautiful blooms around the city.

And, of course, there are plenty of events and activities to keep you entertained in Melbourne in October! From fashion to jazz to creative festivals to Oktoberfest to Halloween, October is a great month to visit the city.

And don’t forget that daylight saving time begins on 4 October, which means the beginning of more daylight to enjoy the best of Melbourne activities.

Here’s a curated selection of the must-dos happening this October in Melbourne.

Melbourne weather in October

It’s warming up a little! October sees temperatures range anywhere from 14 and 31 degrees (57 to 88 Fahrenheit), with an average of 20.5 (69 Fahrenheit).

October often experiences the highest rainfall of the year – and last year was no exception, so we can probably expect a few days of rain this year.

Check the upcoming Melbourne weather forecast online, and read my full guide to spring in Melbourne.

Public holidays in Melbourne in October

No public holidays in Melbourne until November, I’m afraid!

Major events and festivals in October

Melbourne Fringe Festival

Melbourne’s most democratic arts festival is back on this year, with a program that features everything from dance to theatre to experimental performances.

Melbourne International Jazz Festival

Treat yourself to the smooth sounds of jazz, with acts from Australia and New Zealand, as well as performers from as far away as USA, Italy, Chile and Brazil.

Melbourne Fashion Week

Fashionistas take over the city, with some of Australia’s best designers showing off their creations. If you can’t get to a show, check out the Fashion Capsules, small displays of some of the country’s most incredible designers, which are dotted around the CBD.

Melbourne Royal Show

There’ll be the usual fun to be had: games, rides, livestock shows, cooking demonstrations and, of course, sheds full of showbags. The final day is 5 October!

Halloween activities

It’s Halloween this month, which means plenty of spooky activities. Make sure you book one of the ghost tours in Melbourne – expect a fright!

Luna Dark

Luna Dark: Carnivale of Screams will show you a side to Luna Park you never knew existed. There are spooky night events and kid-friendly day activities.

Halloween at the Museum

Head to Melbourne Museum for both family-friendly activities and adults-only events.

Darkfield

Returning just in time for Halloween is Darkfield – step inside a shipping container in COMPLETE darkness and experience the immersive The Invisible Man or Flight (or grab a deal and do both!).

Halloween in Hell Division: Pentridge Prison Tours

For one night only, Pentridge Prison’s notorious H-Division – known by inmates as Hell Division – opens its doors for a chilling Halloween experience. 

Halloween at Old Melbourne Gaol

For one night only, the Old Melbourne Gaol and Old City Watch House will be transformed into a mischievous playground of costumes, candy and curious characters.

Halloween at Labassa Mansion

A family-friendly Halloween experience. One of Melbourne’s most magnificent historic homes, Labassa’s French Renaissance-style interiors are the perfect backdrop for a night filled with costumes, games and memories to treasure.

What Was That!

A night of immersive theatre at the iconic Werribee Park Mansion. Butler Mr Duncan and head maid Maggie take visitors from room to room through the house – with some scary surprises!

Theatre, film and music

Koreaboo

Hannah had her trip all planned out. Travel to Korea. Visit her birth mother. Spend a golden summer creating precious memories. But when she arrives in Seoul reality hits hard. Her Umma works in a convenience store day and night, barely taking a break. She seems more interested in stacking shelves and re-arranging the garden gnome display than connecting with her long-lost Australian daughter. 

Songs from the Canyon

Step into the golden age of Laurel Canyon music scene. From Joni Mitchell to The Beach Boys, revisit classics like ‘California Dreamin’, ‘God Only Knows’, ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ and many more.

Candelight Concert Series with Fever

Fever brings their stunning candlelit concerts to venues across Melbourne. There’s everything from the Best of Frank Sinatra and Fleetwood Mac to tributes to Queen and Beyonce.

Melbourne Magic Show

Have your mind blown by the magic and illusion of Master Magician Luke Hocking.

Italian Film Festival

Escape to Italy through film with the St Ali Italian Film Festival at Cinema Nova.

Museums and art

ENCORE! 50 Objects. 50 Years. One Collection

Explore treasures from across Australia’s performing arts history – including Kylie’s legendary gold hot pants, costumes worn by Olivia Newton-John and Hugh Jackman, and Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst’s drum kit.

Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: Cartier

This year’s Winter Masterpieces brings the elegance of CARTIER to Melbourne’s NGV. There are almost 400 dazzling jewels and gems from the house of Cartier’s collection.

NGV Friday Nights

Experience the CARTIER exhibition after dark at NGV with weekly curated experiences featuring live music residencies, pop-up performances and activations, alongside drinks, dining and unlimited entry to the CARTIER exhibition.

Melbourne Sculpture Biennale

Contemporary forms of sculptural storytelling are set against the lush gardens and grand architecture of Billilla Mansion.

ROME: Empire, Power, People

Featuring original statues, mosaics, frescoes, jewellery and everyday objects from the humblest to the most sumptuous, this exhibition explores Rome’s political, cultural and social life.

NGV Friday Nights

Music, eating and drinking plus late-night exclusive access to the NGV.

Planetarium Nights

Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. October’s events to be announced.

Experience the Dome Promenade

One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings has opened a hidden part that hasn’t been accessible to the public for 100 years.

Food and drink events in October

Oktoberfest

Can’t make it to Germany this year? No worries! Join the hordes for Melbourne’s version of Oktoberfest.

Festival Indonesia

Explore the culinary and cultural delights of one of our closest neighbours.

Community events, festivals, shows and shopping

Melbourne Italian Festa & Expo

Italian food, cocktails, music and dancing – what more could you want in a weekend?

Diwali

The colourful Diwali festival will be celebrated across a number of events in Melbourne.

Tesselaar Tulip Festival

Surround yourself with an explosion of colour at this annual tulip festival. 

Dog Lovers Show

Get your dog fix at this annual show, which includes the opportunity to meet dogs awaiting adoption.

Melbourne International Boat Show

Fishing, cruising, ski, wake boarding, pontoon, sailing, jet ski, bike boats – and seafood cooking demonstrations.

Melbourne International Games Week

Gamers can see and play the latest in digital games – everything from testing out your Mario Kart skills to learning about the importance of audio.

The Finders Keepers

Find gorgeous jewellery, fashion and art at this must-visit market.

RESET

A free festival of family-friendly events, art installations and hands-on workshops, encouraging visitors to reconnect with nature, explore creative approaches to sustainability and discover practical ways to live a greener life.

What are you most excited to see and do in October in Melbourne?