What’s on in Melbourne in October 2024

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Article written by: Rebecca
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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 6 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.

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 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.

Dates: 1-20 October
Where: Various venues
Cost: Ticket prices vary
More info: Website

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, Somalia and Mexico.

Dates: 18-27 October
Where: Various venues
Cost: Varies
More info: Website

Melbourne Fashion Week

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

Dates: 21-27 October
Where: Various venues
Cost: Tickets and event prices vary
More info: Website

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!

Dates: Until 6 October
Where: Melbourne Showgrounds
Cost: From $16
More info: Website

Halloween activities

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.

Dates: 25 October-2 November
Where: Luna Park
Cost: Tickets from $69.50
More info: Website

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!)

Dates: 31 October
Where: Heide Museum
Cost: Adults $30
More info: Website

Theatre, film and music

Tina: Tina Turner the Musical

The life of the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll on stage – with all the hits you know.

Dates: Throughout October
Where: Princess Theatre
Cost: From $56
More info: Website

Six

Returning to Melbourne, the six wives of Henry VIII tell their stories through music, rewriting 500 years of history.

Dates: Until 20 October
Where: Comedy Theatre
Cost: From $75
More info: Website

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.

Dates: Various dates in October
Where: Various venues
Cost: From $27
More info: Website

Beauty and the Beast

The much-loved classic tale comes to the stage in a spectacular performance.

Dates: Throughout October
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre
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 October
Where: Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Cost: From $39.95
More info: Website

Italian Film Festival

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

Dates: Until 17 October
Where: Cinema Nova
Cost: Tickets from $16.50
More info: Website

Museums and art

Jurassic World: The Exhibition

This immersive experience brings you face-to-face with life-sized dinosaurs. Walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates and prepare to be in awe as the ground-breaking movie franchise is brought to life.

Dates: Until 28 October
Where: Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre, 62 Dawson Street, Brunswick
Cost: From $59
More info: Website

The Art of Banksy: Without Limits

The Art of Banksy: Without Limits features more than 180 artworks, such as certified art, prints on different kinds of materials, photos, sculptures, installations, digital installations, murals and mapping shows.

Dates: Throughout October
Where: The District Docklands
Cost: From $41
More info: Website

Pharaoh

Presented in partnership with the British Museum, this NGV exhibition celebrates 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian art and culture.

Dates: Until 6 October
Where: NGV
Cost: From $38
More info: Website

NGV Friday Nights

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

Dates: Friday nights until 4 October
Where: NGV
Cost: From $40
More info: NGV website

Victoria the T. rex

Come meet Melbourne Museum’s newest visitor, Victoria the T. rex – a 12-metre-long, 3.6-metre-high, 66-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex fossil.

Dates: Until 20 October
Where: Melbourne Museum
Cost: From $18
More info: Website

Africa Fashion

More than 200 works will feature in the NGV’s Africa Fashion exhibit, which celebrates the creativity, ingenuity, and global impact of contemporary African fashions from the mid-twentieth century to the present day.

Dates: Until 6 October
Where: NGV
Cost: From $25
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 October
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: From $44.90
More info: Website

Planetarium Nights

Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. October’s events include Black Holes – Journey into the Unknown (narrated by Geoffrey Rush) and XYZZY (a psychedelic musical odyssey through a fictional world).

Dates: Friday nights throughout October
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 October
Where: Melbourne Central
Cost: From $38.50
More info: Website

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.

Dates: Various dates in October
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: From $29 for adults
More info: Museums Victoria website

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.

Dates: Until 26 October
Where: Hofbrauhaus Melbourne
More info: Website

Festival Indonesia

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

Dates: 6 October
Where: Argyle Square, Carlton
Cost: Free entry
More info: Website

Community events, festivals, shows and shopping

Tesselaar Tulip Festival

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

Dates: Until 13 October
Where: Silvan
Cost: Adults from $35
More info: Website

Dog Lovers Show

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

Dates: 26-27 October
Where: Melbourne Showgrounds
Cost: Adults $42.35
More info: Website

Melbourne International Boat Show

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

Dates: 17-20 October
Where: Docklands
Cost: Free entry
More info: Website

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.

Dates: 3-13 October
Where: Various venues
Cost: Ticket prices vary
More info: Website

The Finders Keepers

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

Dates: 11-13 October
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: Adults $6
More info: Website

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

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About THE AUTHOR

I’m Rebecca, a Melbourne local excited to show you the best of Melbourne. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. After living abroad for 8 years, I’m back home in Melbourne, rediscovering this city that I love and have missed. My aim is to help you find the best things to do in Melbourne.

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