Hello April! We’re now well into the year, and marching our way through autumn.
April in Melbourne is a great month to visit – although with the school holidays and Easter weekend, it’s a busy time to come to the city.
It’s also my birthday month – so happy birthday to me!
Here’s a curated selection of the must-dos happening this month!
This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
Melbourne weather in April
The average temperature in Melbourne in April is between 12°C and 21°C during the day, although in April last year we hit a high of 28°C on a couple of days, so it can get pretty warm.
There’s usually little rain, with just a moderate 73mm falling last April throughout the entire month.
Check the upcoming Melbourne weather forecast online, and read my full guide to autumn in Melbourne.
Public holidays in Melbourne in April
April is a great month for public holidays in Melbourne – we have two this year!
The Easter weekend brings Easter Monday (April 1) so we’ll all have a nice long weekend. School holidays continue, which run from March 29 to April 14.
April 25 is Anzac Day, the day we commemorate the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers.
Major events and festivals in April
Check back regularly throughout the month – I’ll keep this page updated as I hunt down more events!
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Australia’s best comedy festival continues, with laughs aplenty. Acts include international and Australian performers such as Arj Barker, Ed Byrne, Jason Leong and Melanie Bracewell.
Dates: Until 21 April
Where: Various venues
Cost: Prices vary
More info: Website
Theatre, film and music
Candelight Concert Series with Fever
Fever brings their stunning candlelit concerts to venues across Melbourne. There’s everything from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake to tributes to Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin.
Dates: Various dates in April
Where: Various venues
Cost: From $27
More info: Website
WICKED the Musical
Long before Dorothy arrived in the Land of Oz, there were two young witches: Elphaba, whose skin is green, and Glinda, who is blonde and beautiful. See how one became good and one became wicked.
Dates: Throughout April
Where: Regent Theatre
Cost: From $79
More info: Website
Chicago the Musical
The longest-running musical on Broadway is headed to Melbourne – come and enjoy all that jazz.
Dates: Throughout April
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Cost: From $69.90
More info: Website
Groundhog Day the Musical
The award-winning musical is coming to Melbourne only as it makes its Australian premiere.
Dates: Until 20 April
Where: Princess Theatre
Cost: From $56
More info: Website
Cirque du Soleil: Luzia
Luzia showcases the magic of Cirque due Soleil with breathtaking acrobatic stunts and striking artistry.
Dates: Throughout April
Where: Flemington Racecourse
Cost: From $80
More info: Website
Melbourne Magic Show
Have your mind blown by the magic and illusion of Master Magician Luke Hocking.
Dates: Throughout April
Where: Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Cost: From $35
More info: Website
Museums and art
Steve McCurry. ICONS: An Extraordinary Photography Exhibition
See the most famous works of photography legend Steve McCurry, including “Afghan Girl”, the photo of Sharbat Gula that captivated the world.
Dates: Until 20 April
Where: Seaworks Williamstown
Cost: From $29
More info: Website
Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius
The Lume’s newest immersive exhibition celebrates the life and art of of Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci.
Dates: Throughout April
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: From $44.90
More info: Website
Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition
More than 200 artefacts from the Titanic are used to tell the stories of those involved in that fateful night more than 100 years ago.
Dates: Until 21 April
Where: Melbourne Museum
Cost: Adults $32.50 (includes museum entry)
More info: Website
NGV Triennial
This blockbuster exhibition will take over all floors of the NGV, featuring the works of more than 100 artists and designers.
Dates: Until 7 April
Where: NGV International
Cost: Free
More info: Website
(This is) Air
This year’s NGV Architecture Commission and part of the NGV Triennial, (This is) Air uses air as a building material. The sphere structure will morph and change throughout the day.
Dates: Until 7 April
Where: NGV International
Cost: Free
More info: Website
BBC Earth Experience
Experience an unforgettable journey through the natural world, narrated by David Attenborough.
Dates: Throughout April
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: Tickets from $24.90
More info: Website
Rain Room
Walk through a room of rain without getting wet? This immersive art installation is beautifully done.
Dates: Until 14 April
Where: Jackalope Pavilion, St Kilda
Cost: Adults $29
More info: Website
Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature
Featuring five large-scale digital works, this new ACMI exhibit explores the majesty of the natural world – from droplets of water to cells of the human body to black holes.
Dates: Until 14 April
Where: ACMI
Cost: Tickets from $10
More info: Website
Planetarium Nights
Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. April’s events include Big Astronomy (a virtual visit to three observatories in the remote regions of Chile) and 22.7°C (electronic music producer Molécule captures the sounds of Greenland).
Dates: Friday nights throughout April
Where: Scienceworks
Cost: Tickets from $25
More info: Website
Monopoly Dreams
Immerse yourself in giant Monopoly sets, win prizes and – most importantly – stay out of jail!
Dates: Throughout April
Where: Melbourne Central
Cost: From $38.50
More info: Website
Experience the Dome Promenade
One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings is opening a hidden part that hasn’t been open to the public in 100 years.
Dates: Throughout April
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: From $29
More info: Museums Victoria website
Food events in April
Little Food Festival
Australia’s first and only food festival for kids, this educational festival teaches kids how to understand the world around them and about good food.
Dates: 10-11 April
Where: Fed Square
Cost: Free
Website: Website
Eid
To mark the end of Ramadan, immerse yourself in the diverse cultures, arts and foods from Africa, the Middle East, the Subcontinent, Turkey, Bosnia, and South East Asia.
Dates: 13 & 14 April
Where: Queen Vic Market
Cost: Free
More info: Website
Sporting and outdoor events in Melbourne in April
Run the Tan
Take on the famous Tan’s 3.8km track at this event to encourage and celebrate healthy, active lifestyles.
Dates: 21 April
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens
Cost: From $45
More info: Website
DreamHack
The global digital gaming festival will take over Melbourne Park, with a program featuring professional and amateur esports competitions and lots of cosplay competitions.
Dates: 26-28 April
Where: Melbourne Park
Cost: From $45
More info: Website
Punting on the Lake
Glide between the bays and islands of the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Ornamental Lake on a guided boat cruise.
Dates: Daily throughout April
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens
Cost: From $75 (for up to 3 adults)
More info: Website
Community events and festivals
Anzac Day Dawn Service
On 25 April every year, we remember those who fought and sacrificed their lives for Australia and New Zealand in wars across the world.
Dates: 25 April
Where: Shrine of Remembrance
Cost: Free
More info: Shrine of Remembrance website
Ko na Mauri Mebourne!
Celebrate the unique traditions of the I-Kiribati community in Victoria, with rhythmic dance, music and songs.
Dates: 14 April
Where: Fed Square
Cost: Free
Website: Website
Sri Lankan Festival
Celebrate the culture, heritage and arts of Sri Lanka – and taste delicious foods like kottu, hoppers, curries and sweets.
Dates: 28 April
Where: Queen Victoria Market
Cost: Free
Website: Website
What are you most excited to see and do in April in Melbourne?
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Best Melbourne resources
- Check out my Melbourne travel guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Melbourne
- Look for flights to Melbourne on Skyscanner.
- Book accommodation on Booking.com or Expedia for your Melbourne trip. The Ovolo Laneways Hotel is a good choice in the CBD.
- You won’t really need a car in Melbourne, but if you do want to get out of the city, then rent a car through DiscoverCars.
- Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Pocket Melbourne to help plan your trip.