What’s on in Melbourne in November (Updated for 2023)

November has arrived, and it’s time for another exciting month in Melbourne. As we transition from October, we’re greeted with (hopefully!) fewer rainy days and a diverse range of events and activities.

Melbourne’s November agenda offers something for everyone, whether you call this city home or you’re just passing through. With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors more and experience what makes Melbourne so special.

In this article, I’ll guide you through some of the highlights you won’t want to miss this November. From art exhibitions to food festivals, live performances to sporting events, Melbourne is buzzing with opportunities for you to make the most of the month ahead.

Here’s a curated selection of the must-dos happening this November in the city.

Melbourne weather in November

The weather in Melbourne during November starts to take on a more summery feel. Average temperatures typically range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

While it’s not unusual to encounter a few showers here and there, the month is generally drier, which means more outdoor activities. It’s the perfect time to bask in Melbourne’s parks and gardens or take in the scenic beauty of the city without worrying too much about unexpected rain (yeah, but we still have four seasons in a day, of course…).

So, as the calendar flips to November, you can anticipate milder temperatures and more stable weather, making it the perfect time to explore all that Melbourne has to offer.

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

Public holidays in Melbourne in November

The only city in the world that has a public holiday for a horse race! On 7 November, Melbourne gets a public holiday for the Melbourne Cup.

Major events and festivals in November

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

Melbourne Queer Film Festival

The annual film festival showcases contemporary queer cinema from Australia and overseas.

Melbourne Cup Carnival

Get frocked or suited up for this world-famous horse-racing carnival – “the race that stops a nation.”

Theatre, film and music

Mamma Mia! The Musical

The world-famous musical is heading in Melbourne – book tickets for a great night out for all ages.

ALWAYS LIVE

ALWAYS LIVE is back, with 17 days of live music, with gigs held across the whole state.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Clearly a fan favourite, because this musical spectacular has returned to Melbourne!

Hour of the Wolf

An immersive performance that plays out around you, follow the characters like a choose your own adventure to see the story from each of their perspectives.

Elvis: A Musical Revolution

Seen the movie? Now come see the music live.

Miss Saigon

The epic and tragic love story is in Melbourne, with a cast of 42 performers.

River Riffs

Melbourne’s only free floating music festival. There’ll be tribute bands, candelight concerts, Melbourne’s best buskers, food trucks and bars.

Manifesto

Nine dancers. Nine drummers. Nine drum kits. All combining to create a powerful performance.

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

This Melbourne Theatre Company performance follows Billie Holiday – who was nicknamed Lady Day – as she prepares for her final performance.

BBC Earth Experience

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

Museums and art

(This is) Air

This year’s NGV Architecture Commission, (This is) Air uses air as a building material. The sphere structure will morph and change throughout the day.

Photography: Real and Imagined

This new exhibit examines photography from two perspectives: as documentation of real events and as a creative storytelling mechanism.

Amy Before Frank

Photographer Charles Moriarty shares a selection of images he took of soul powerhouse Amy Winehouse before her first album “Frank” was released – and before she became famous.

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.

RELICS: A New World Rises

This playful LEGO exhibition comes from previous winners of LEGOMasters and tells a story set in a future long after humanity’s reign, where LEGO® minifigures have risen from the debris.

Connection at The Lume

The Lume – the incredibly immersive art experience – welcomes a stunning First Nations exhibition called Connection.

Rain Room

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

The Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition

A showcase of photographs taken by Princess Diana’s “favourite” royal photographer.

The Friends Experience

Recreate your favourite Friends scenes at this fun new exhibit, which includes sets such as Monica’s kitchen.

Planetarium Nights

Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience.

Nocturnal: Museum After Dark

Ever wanted to visit Melbourne Museum after dark? Now’s your chance – and it’s adults only!

Liam Young: Planetary Redesign

This thought-provoking – and visually stunning – exhibition by filmmaker Liam Young proposes some radical solutions to climate change.

Gandel Gondwana Garden

Gondwana – the huge supercontinent that formed a mere 500 million years ago and connected Australia to much of the Southern Hemisphere – is brought to life in a new exhibition at Melbourne Museum.

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 November

Downtown Dumpling Market

Gorge on dumplings from all over the world at this open-air, hawker-style foodie fest.

Day of the Dead Celebration

Head to the Queen Vic Market to celebrate “Dia de los Muertos” and enjoy Mexican food and entertainment.

Community events, festivals, shows and shopping

Victorian Festival of Diwali

Celebrate Diwali at Fed Square with dance performances, live music, henna workshops and lots of delicious Indian food.

Ritmo Latino

This one-day festival will have you salsa-ing while enjoying Latin American food and culture. Adults-only.

Dia de los Muertos @ Fed Square

The Mexican Social and Cultural Association of Victoria is putting on this event to celebrate Day of the Dead. There’ll be hundreds of people dressed in Catrina clothing walking from the State Library at 5pm to The Atrium in Fed Square.

Sexpo

Australia’s longest-running adults-only event is back in Melbourne to empower you in a safe and inclusive environment.

Polish Festival @ Fed Square

Learn about and celebrate Polish culture at this annual festival at Fed Square, Australia’s largest Polish event. There’ll be lots of dancing and food.

African Music and Cultural Festival

Live music, drum workshops, street food, short films and spoken-word performances – all showcasing various cultures from across the African continent.

Summer Night Market

It’s almost summer and that means the return of Queen Vic Market’s Summer Night Market!

Lankan Fest 2023

Dive into the world of Sri Lankan culture and experience traditional dance, music and song, along with amazing food.

Melbourne Italian Festa 2023

Celebrate all things Italian! That means food, wine and live music.

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