What’s on in Melbourne in March 2024

March in Melbourne means welcoming autumn, with the leaves changing colour and delicious, crisp mornings.

March is a great month to visit Melbourne, with several blockbuster events underway.

Here’s a curated selection of the must-dos happening this month!

Melbourne weather in March

The average temperature in Melbourne in March is between 15°C and 24°C during the day.

There’s usually little rain, with just a moderate 49mm falling last March throughout the entire month.

Check the forecast online, and read my full guide to autumn in Melbourne.

Public holidays in Melbourne in March

We have just one public holiday in March in Victoria, which is March 11 for Labour Day.

Major events and festivals in March

Check back regularly throughout the month – I’ll keep this page updated as I hunt down more events!

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

Foodie heaven. Grab a seat at the World’s Longest Lunch or World’s Longest Brunch, or a ticket to one of the hottest food parties.

Melbourne Fashion Festival

The PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival brings runways, exhibitions, workshops, film screenings and expert discussions over 2 weeks.

Moomba

Moomba is Australia’s largest community festival, with a street parade, fireworks, water sports and live performances, set on the banks of the Yarra River.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Australia’s best comedy festival returns, with laughs aplenty. Acts include international and Australian performers such as Arj Barker, Ed Byrne, Jason Leong and Melanie Bracewell.

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

The best landscape and floral talent from Australia and around the world descend on Melbourne to show off the most beautiful of floral and garden displays.

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.

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.

Chicago the Musical

The longest-running musical on Broadway is headed to Melbourne – come and enjoy all that jazz.

The Rocky Horror Show

The story of squeaky-clean sweethearts Brad and Janet has been so popular in Melbourne that it’s returned!

Grease the Musical

Grease is the word! One of the world’s most iconic movies has hit the big stage.

Much Ado About Nothing

This entertaining adaptation of the Shakespeare play is packed with 90s pop and rock music.

Groundhog Day the Musical

The award-winning musical is coming to Melbourne only as it makes its Australian premiere.

The Australian Ballet: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Christopher Wheeldon’s extravagant Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland returns to take audiences back down the rabbit hole.

Cirque du Soleil: Luzia

Luzia showcases the magic of Cirque due Soleil with breathtaking acrobatic stunts and striking artistry.

Melbourne Magic Show

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

The Vaudeville Revue: Cabaret, Comedy and Burlesque

An unforgettable show filled with cabaret, circus acts, burlesque and comedy – one for adults only.

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.

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.

Nocturnal: Worlds Apart

Ever wanted to explore a museum after hours? See what Melbourne Museum looks like in the dark as you wander through the galleries and listen to fascinating talks.

PHOTO 2024: International Festival of Photography

Explore 100 free exhibitions and outdoor artworks across Melbourne during this photography festival.

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.

NGV Triennial

This blockbuster exhibition will take over all floors of the NGV, featuring the works of more than 100 artists and designers.

(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.

BBC Earth Experience

Experience an unforgettable journey through the natural world, narrated by David Attenborough. 

Rain Room

Walk through a room of rain without getting wet? This immersive art installation is beautifully done.

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.

Planetarium Nights

Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. March’s events include Phantom of the Universe (a search for dark matter) and Pink Floyd Dark Side Of The Moon (a tribute to the band’s iconic album).

Monopoly Dreams

Immerse yourself in giant Monopoly sets, win prizes and – most importantly – stay out of jail!

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.

Sporting and outdoor events in Melbourne in March

Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix

Feel your heart race and the rumbles thunder through your body as world’s best racers arrive in Melbourne.

Punting on the Lake

Glide between the bays and islands of the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Ornamental Lake on a guided boat cruise.

Moonlight Cinema

Catch a flick under the stars in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens.

Sunset Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo

Dusk is when wild animals are their most active, and you can catch all the action on a Werribee Open Range Zoo Sunset Safari.

Food and community festivals

The Prosecco Festival

Sip Prosecco all day long at this one-day festival that celebrates the bubbly delight.

Summer Night Market at QVM

This is your last chance to experience the Queen Vic Market’s Summer Night Markets. Every Wednesday night until 13 March, enjoy an extravaganza of delicious food, entertainment and locally made goods.

Turkish Pazar Festival

Queen Vic Market turns into a Turkish street bazaar, with a family-friendly celebration of food, music, dance and culture.

Australian Chinese International Cultural and Arts Festival Dance Competition

Learn about Chinese dance as dance groups perform in this competition at Fed Square.

JATRA – Nepalese Music Festival

Learn about Nepalese culture – and taste plenty of food! – at this colourful musical festival.

Holi Festival

A kaleidoscope of colours will fill the air – and cover people! – as Holi Festival celebrate unity in diversity and bring communities together.

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