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

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 1 October, which means 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 average between 14 and 26 degrees (57 to 78 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

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

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 the USA, Italy, Chile and Brazil.

Melbourne Fashion Week

Fashionistas take over the city, with some of Australia’s best designers showing off their creations.

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 1 October!

Halloween activities

Luna Dark

Luna Dark 2023: Behind The Screams will show you a side to Luna Park you never knew existed. There are spooky night events and kid-friendly day activities.

Who’s Haunting Heide?

Join Heide Museum’s head gardener for a twilight talk to learn about the spookier aspects of the museum’s history. (Check out more ghost tours in Melbourne!)

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.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert

May The Force be with the MSO as it performs The Empire Strikes Back in Concert. The classic film will play on the big screen accompanied by the MSO performing the score live.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

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

Death of a Salesman

One of the world’s most well-known plays comes to Melbourne, starring Anthony LaPaglia.

Eighty-Six Festival

This brand-new music festival – named after the 86 tram route which runs along High St between Northcote and Preston – will feature both local and international music acts.

Manifesto

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

BBC Earth Experience

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

Trent Dalton Live

One of my personal favourite authors, Trent Dalton, will discuss his newest book, Lola in the Mirror.

Italian Film Festival

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

Sky Symphony

This dazzling show – which uses photography of the sky – combines light, sound and laser with a sky-inspired symphony played by Orchestra Victoria.

Museums and art

Wurrdha Marra

Meaning “many mobs” in the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung language, Wurrdha Marra is a new permanent gallery opening in the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. The space will share the work of First Nations artists.

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.

The Friends Experience

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

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.

Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi

Curated by Paris’s Musée d’Orsay, see the works of the great French painter Pierre Bonnard at NGV as part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces.

NGV Friday Nights

Music, eating and drinking plus late-night exclusive access to the Pierre Bonnard exhibition = a perfect night out.

Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature

Melbourne Museum is bringing fantastic beasts and creatures to wonder at.

Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion

Marilyn Monroe. Geena Davis. Halle Berry. Margot Robbie. Michelle Yeoh. These – and more – screen goddesses are recognised in a new exhibition at ACMI.

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 October

Oktoberfest

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

Europa Night Market

Enjoy your favourite European street eats at Queen Vic Market. There’s traditional foods from central and Eastern Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, the Mediterranean and beyond.

International Hawker Festival

Enjoy Malaysian satay, Portguese tarts, African BBQ, Japanese ramen, Colombian street food and Polynesian food at this two-day eating extravaganza.

Festival Indonesia

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

Mushroom Festival

From enoki to oyster, this is a mushroom-lover’s delight!

Arriba Melbourne Mexican Festival

Enjoy fabulous Mexican cuisine and entertainment – and the chance to have your face painted in the manner of the Day of the Dead.

Community events, festivals, shows and shopping

Mid-Autumn Lion and Dragon Dance Festival

Chinatown will come alive with Chinese Lion Dancing, Dragon Dance and kung fu performances.

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.

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