Newsletter: What's On Melbourne | 18 - 24 August 2026

What's On Melbourne Newsletter Tuesday 18th August 2026 - Monday 24th August 2026 Featured This Week A Beautiful Noise | The Neil Diamond Musical Daffodil Day Death of a Salesman Hot Chocolate Festival Magic Show: Impossible Occurrences Melbourne Cheese Wine and Spirits Festival Melbourne Home Show Melbourne International Film Festival National 4x4 Outdoors Show Now Or Never Festival Pretty Woman: The Musical Reset: FedSquare Sustainability Festival River of Light Cruise Science at Melbourne Festival SIX the Musical Smithsonian Starstruck Vinnies Wedding Pop-Up Free Every Week Stay safe - Be kind - Be Melbourne See Melbourne's Now or Never festival the way it was meant to be seen, from the water with Melbourne River Cruises River of Light Cruise - Dates: 20-23 August and 27-30 August 2026 | Sailing from @ Southbank Promenade This 20-minute after-dark cruise glides past the festival's biggest riverfront moments, from Birrarung Marr's laser display to the mist-filled spectacle at Evan Walker Bridge and projections lighting up Hamer Hall, all set against the city skyline. Read More.. Book Now A celebration of scientific knowledge innovation and progress Science at Melbourne Festival 11th - 20th August 2026 @ The University of Melbourne From public lectures and expert-led masterclasses to lab experiences games and activities the festival has something for everyone. Read More.. Science at Melbourne Festival events Mind-blowing magic right before your eyes - Dinner & Show Impossible Occurrences Magic Show Every Friday night witness magic miracles up close with award-winning magician Luke Hocking at Melbourne's #1 magic & illusion show at the 5 Star Marriott Hotel. Read More.. Book Now THIS WEEK Renovation Ideas, Experts and Free Entry Melbourne Home Show Friday 21st August 2026 - Sunday 23rd August 2026 @ Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre The Melbourne Home Show returns bringing home improvement products, renovation specialists, design advice and practical ideas together under one roof. Entry is free, with more than 150 exhibitors, expert seminars, show specials and dedicated features for interiors and gardens. Read More.. Book Now (free) Indulge in a celebration of regional wines, cheeses, and spirits as we showcase the best local producers Melbourne Cheese Wine and Spirits Festival Saturday 22nd August 2026 @ Seaworks - Williamstown Immerse yourself in a world of flavour and discover Victoria's rich diversity of artisanal products. Don't miss this opportunity to savour the finest selections in a picturesque, indoor waterfront setting. Read More.. Book Now Top brands, must-have products, at-show deals, big personalities, and a mix of entertainment and education National 4x4 Outdoors Show Friday 21st August 2026 - Sunday 23rd August 2026 @ Melbourne Showgrounds Over three massive days, thousands of products will be on display from the industry's leading outdoor adventure and lifestyle brands - It's your chance to explore off-road camper trailers, caravans and tents, new model 4WDs and aftermarket accessories, camping gear, and so much more! Read More.. Book Now This huge city-wide festival celebrates art, ideas, sound and technology Now Or Never Festival 2026 Friday 28th August 2026 - Sunday 30th August 2026 @ Explore an epic program of boundary-pushing performances, mind-blowing installations, free interactive experiences and heaps more. An exploration of potential futures through a carefully curated program of pioneering audio and visual art, performance, visionary thinkers, digital culture, and commissioned work. River of Light Cruise Read More.. Explore Program Join thousands of Australians spreading their Flower Power to fund life-saving cancer research Daffodil Day Daffodil Day Appeal - Thursday 20th August 2026 Daffodil Day is Cancer Council's most iconic and much-loved annual campaign that raises life-saving funds for world-class cancer research. It's a time of hope; where we come together to show our support for the 145,000 Australians diagnosed with cancer each year. Read More.. daffodilday.com.au ONGOING MIFF 2026 brings more than 275 films to Melbourne for 18 days of world-class cinema Melbourne International Film Festival 6th - 23rd August 2026 @ Melbourne regional Victoria and online The Melbourne International Film Festival returns for its 74th edition presenting feature films documentaries shorts and immersive experiences. Read More.. Browse Program Mornington Peninsula Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley Chocolateries are back for their annual (month-long) festival dedicated to hot chocolate Hot Chocolate Festival 1st - 31st August 2026 31 limited-edition hot chocolate flavours will be available to try featuring sweet and indulgent treats like torched creme brulee boozy truffles melting chocolate emoji discs and so much more! Read More.. Learn More A Three-Tiered Journey Reimagined Through Cheese High Cheese at The Westin Melbourne 26 May - 17 October 2026 @ Allegro Restaurant Executive Chef Apoorva Kunte unveils a bold new menu inspired by the elemental themes of Fire & Water where heat spice cooling textures and luxurious creaminess come together in a dramatic progression of flavour. Read More.. Book Now Step Into Space with Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience STARSTRUCK Daily until 30th September 2026 @ 206 Bourke Street This immersive Melbourne experience blends cutting-edge technology authentic science and cinematic storytelling to bring the wonders of the universe vividly to life. Read More.. Book: Fever RESET returns to Fed Square with a free program exploring practical creative ways to live more sustainably Reset: FedSquare Sustainability Festival 1st August 2026 - 17th October 2026 @ Fed Square The family-friendly sustainability festival brings together workshops conversations screenings and participatory activities. Read More.. See Program Step into a world where imagination takes centre stage as the NGV Children's Gallery into an interactive theatrical playground filled with storytelling creativity and performance. Ragnar Kjartansson: Children's Gallery Until 4th October 2026 @ Free at NGV International Inspired by the grand theatrical feasts of the Middle Ages and the lavish celebrations of Europe's Rococo courts Ragnar Kjartansson has created a unique exhibition that invites children and families to become part of the performance. Read More.. SNOW | LIGHTS | FIRE | ICE Adventure Park's Winter Glow Until 29th August 2026 @ Adventure Park | Geelong With snow theme park rides dazzling light installations fire twirling and ice sculpting displays there's something the whole family will love. Read More.. Book Now Discover 4000+ years of storytelling at World of the Book World of the Book Daily & Free @ State Library of Victoria Returning for its 21st year *World of the Book* is Australia's longest-running and most celebrated exhibition dedicated to books and the history of writing. Featuring more than 400 rare remarkable and historically significant treasures from the State Collection the exhibition spans almost four millennia with many items on public display for the very first time. Read More.. Brings together some of Cartier's most iconic pieces Cartier | Melbourne Winter Masterpieces Until 4th October 2026 @ NGV International A landmark exhibition featuring more than 300 extraordinary objects - from precious jewels and historic gemstones to iconic watches and clocks - that trace the evolution of Cartier's enduring legacy in art design and craftsmanship. Read More.. NGV Friday Nights Book Now 50 Objects. 50 Years. One Collection. ENCORE! Until 11th October 2026 @ Australian Museum of Performing Arts Some of the most recognisable pieces in Australian entertainment history are about to step back into the spotlight with Arts Centre Melbourne unveiling a major new exhibition celebrating five decades of the Australian Performing Arts Collection. Read More.. Book Now Melbourne's favourite winter ritual has returned to Queen Victoria Market Winter Night Market Wednesday's until 26 August 2026 @ Queen Victoria Market Warm up with a rotating line-up of global street food winter comfort eats and hot drinks. Feast on raclette-loaded sandwiches loaded baked potatoes crispy soft shell crab burgers and fried pasta cups. Then cosy up with a mulled wine campfire cocktails hot chocolates and sweet winter treats by the fire. Read More.. Takes you back 450 years ago to the ancient Inca Empire in stunning virtual reality Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City Wed-Mon until 30th September 2026 @ 206 Bourke Street Five years in the making this groundbreaking recreation by the world's top 3D modelling specialists lets you explore this Seventh Wonder like never before! Read More.. Book: Fever View ancient Roman artifacts and learn about their daily life ROME: Empire Power People Daily until 25th October 2026 @ Melbourne Museum Featuring original statues mosaics frescoes jewellery and everyday objects from the humblest to the most sumptuous this Melbourne-exclusive exhibition is a vibrant exploration of Rome's political cultural and social life. Read More.. Book Now: Tiqets An immersive experience surrounded by bubbles Bubble Planet Daily until 31 August 2026 @ Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre - Brunswick Step into a planet beyond your imagination with VR technology themed rooms fantastical landscapes and even the biggest ball pit you have ever seen. Read More.. Book Now Embark on an extraordinary exploration of the human body Body Worlds | The Anatomy of Happiness Daily until 30th August 2026 @ The District Docklands Embark on a fascinating journey through anatomy and physiology witnessing the impact of disease through stunning full-body plastinates intricate organs and revealing transparent slices. Read More.. Book: Fever PERFORMING ARTS Death of a Salesman returns to Melbourne with Anthony LaPaglia Death of a Salesman 11 - 23 August 2026 @ Her Majesty's Theatre Directed by acclaimed Australian theatre-maker Neil Armfield and starring Anthony LaPaglia, the celebrated production brings one of the greatest dramas ever written back to the stage. Read More.. ticketek.com.au A Beautiful Noise explores the ambition personal struggles and creative drive behind one of popular music's most recognisable careers A Beautiful Noise | The Neil Diamond Musical 5th August 2026 - 6th September 2026 @ Princess Theatre The musical traces Diamond's path from a Brooklyn childhood to international fame with Broadway star Will Swenson leading the Australian production as the younger Neil Diamond. Reviews: Absolutely fabulous! You don't have to be a Neil Diamiond fan to love this show. Read More.. Book Now The global phenomenon SIX the Musical returns with its award-winning blend of history pop music and spectacular live performances SIX the Musical Until 23rd August 2026 @ Comedy Theatre Following worldwide success SIX the Musical returns to Melbourne transforming one of history's most famous royal stories into a dazzling pop concert packed with powerhouse vocals infectious songs and unforgettable performances. Read More.. Book Now Head to Hollywood with the dazzling stage adaptation of one of the most beloved rom-coms of all time - Pretty Woman Pretty Woman: The Musical Until 30th August 2026 @ Regent Theatre Bursting with glamour charm and all the iconic moments you know and love this joyous musical hit is playing at the Regent Theatre Read More.. Book Now Shows & Musicals Check out the rest of the shows plays and musicals playing now and coming soon to Melbourne in our spanking new Theatre Guide. Theatre Guide.. COMING SOON Live musical experience by candlelight Candlelight Concerts Melbourne's most quietly beautiful night out is a Candlelight Concert by Fever. Our Picks Ed Sheeran & Coldplay - Bendigo The Best Of Hans Zimmer - Bendigo Tribute To QUEEN vs ABBA Tribute To Taylor Swift Vivaldi Four Seasons See ALL Candlelight Concerts in Melbourne One of Australia's most beloved films makes its long-awaited journey to the stage in a brand-new theatrical production filled with heart humour and the unforgettable charm of the Kerrigan family. The Castle (the play) 23rd March 2027 - 18th April 2027 @ Her Majesty's Theatre Based on the iconic Australian comedy The Castle follows Darryl Kerrigan and his family as they take on an unlikely fight to protect the home they love. Packed with laugh-out-loud moments memorable characters and the enduring spirit of the Aussie battler the stage adaptation celebrates family community and the timeless pursuit of "serenity". Read More.. Tickets Onsale Now Back by Popular Demand Dracula: Ballet at its Darkest 10th September 2026 - 25th October 2026 @ Princess Theatre Following a sold-out season in London and a record-breaking tour across Australia and New Zealand in 2025 the critically acclaimed ballet Dracula: Ballet at its Darkest returns to Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre. Read More.. Ticketek.com.au We're excited to announce the Bundle & Save campaign Fantastic Furniture | Bundle & Save 14 July to 24 August 2026 @ Fantastic Furniture Fantastic Furniture is proud to be Australia's best value furniture and bedding retailer. Spend $499+ Save $50 Spend $1299+ Save $120 Spend $1999+ Save $250 www.fantasticfurniture.com.au Sponsored Partner Return Cruise to Williamstown Melbourne to Williamstown Cruise Hop on board this two hour cruise that ventures out into Port Phillip Bay to Williamstown. Departing from Southbank Promenade you will gently meander down the Yarra River passing by a number of city highlights including Crown Casino Westgate Bridge Exhibition Centre and Polly Woodside. After approximately 45 to 60 minutes of travelling you'll arrive in the charming and historic town of Williamstown. View this early colonial settlement from the water characterised by buzzing restaurants cafes and galleries amongst picturesque gardens. Stay for lunch. Then sit back and relax as your captain takes you back to Southbank a great opportunity to witness the stunning Melbourne skyline. Read More.. Official Tickets: RedBalloon KEEP READING.. Heads Up.. Barbie The Movie: In Concert Daffodil Day Returns to Rialto Dead Funny Club Duets: Jackie & Jeremy - The Crooners Geraldine Quinn: Campervan - An Ozploitation Horror Musical Johnnie Walker B-Side Sessions At Ghost - The Espy La Ronde: A Lavish Cocktail of Circus Cabaret & Comedy National Institute of Circus Arts: Behind the Veil Pavlov's Dog The Australian Shakespeare Company: Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies The Lion King Three Acclaimed Chefs and a Japanese Artist Unite for an Immersive Dining Experience at NGV See More.. Weekend Markets Check out these weekend markets Avoca Riverside Market Bayside Farmers' Market - Sandringham Bayswater Makers' Market Benalla Farmers' Market Bentleigh Farmers' Market Bumble Bee Baby & Children's Market | Aspendale Castlemaine Artists' Market - Twilight Dromana Community Market Gembrook Market Heathmont Farmers' Market Howitt Park Market - Bairnsdale Kinglake Produce & Artisan Market Lancefield & District Farmers' Market Lardner Park Craft & Food Market Little Beauty Market - Frankston Little Beauty Market - Frankston | Season Launch Little Treasures Market @ Lancefield Mansfield Farmers' Market Mount Eliza Farmers' Market Myrtleford Farmers' Market Nagambie Farmers' Market @ Tahbilk Nunawading Market Paynesville Farmers' & Makers' Market Slow Food Farmers' Market - Spotswood Tootgarook Community Market Traralgon Farmers' Market Urban Market | Eynesbury Market Urban Market | Mickleham Market Vinnies Wedding Pop-Up Yarragon Craft & Produce Market Yarrawonga Farmers & Craft Market View every market open this Weekend Newsletter Central What's On Melbourne Newsletter | #1026 Straight to your inbox every Tuesday Read Online Subscribe Archive Previous Week Last Year