What's On in Melbourne This Spring
Spring has sprung in Melbourne, and that means festival season is about to blossom. From the Royal Melbourne Show to the Melbourne Fringe Festival, as well as international tours and cultural events, there is much to do throughout September, October and November in Melbourne.
September
FASHION | Melbourne Fashion Week
Formerly known as Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, the 23rd annual Melbourne Fashion Week features an industry-led program of more than 150 events, including premium runway experiences showcasing local and national brands, independent labels and emerging designers. MFW will also present pop-up events, workshops and exhibitions.
Various locations
ENTERTAINMENT | Melbourne Fringe Festival
Celebrating cultural democracy and independent artistic expression, the 2017 Melbourne Fringe Festival features 440 events across 164 venues ranging from lounge rooms to theatres. From live art to participatory conversations, children’s events and performances, the festival has something for everyone.
Various locations
FILM | Lavazza Italian Film Festival
Immerse yourself in la dolce vita at the 17th annual Lavazza Italian Film Festival. See 28 films across three weeks beginning with Italian Golden Globe-winning Let Yourself Go! The festival will conclude with Roberto Benigni Oscar-winning classic Life Is Beautiful.
FESTIVAL | Royal Melbourne Show
Experience 11 days of agricultural amusement at the beloved Royal Melbourne Show at the Melbourne Showgrounds. See blue ribbon competitions and world-class entertainment, explore the pavilions, brave the amusement rides and choose between the 375 show bags on offer this year.
October
FESTIVAL | Melbourne Festival
Innovative and unique, this year’s Melbourne Festival boasts 65 events across 17 days encompassing music, theatre, dance, visual arts and multimedia. Don’t miss the Australian exclusive A 24-Decade History of Popular Music by the remarkable New York performance artist Taylor Mac. Other highlights include Tree of Codes, A Requiem for Cambodia: Bangsokol, The Magnetic Fields and more.
Various locations
SCIENCE | Bill Nye
Don’t miss Bill Nye ‘The Science Guy’ on his first Australian tour this October. After more than 30 years in the biz, the scientist and television presenter is bringing his live show to Melbourne, following the success of his Netflix series, Bill Nye Saves The World. Through footage, photos and experiments, Nye will enlighten audiences and answer questions.
Hamer Hall, Melbourne
FESTIVAL | Oktoberfest
Revel in Bavarian culture at this year’s Oktoberfest. Held on the St Kilda foreshore the festival includes a stein power lifting competition, a silent disco, amusement rides, plenty of pretzels, German beer and of course live music from Shannon Noll. Don’t forget your costume.
St Kilda Foreshore, St Kilda
FITNESS | Medibank Melbourne Marathon Festival
Register for the 2017 Medibank Melbourne Marathon Festival and celebrate 40 years of running. Race in the full marathon and half marathon, challenge yourself in the 10 kilometre run and ASICS 5.7 kilometre fun run or participate in the ASICS three kilometre walk.
November
THEATRE | Toruk – The First Flight
Enter the world of Pandora in Cirque du Soleil Toruk – The First Flight. Inspired by James’s Cameron Avatar, the show is narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller” and features large-scale puppetry and awe-inspiring stagecraft to tell the mythical tale of Toruk.
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
SPORT | Melbourne Cup
Dress up, place a bet and witness the prestigious Emirates Melbourne Cup. Run at 3 p.m. on the first Tuesday in November; the race that stops a nation is the ‘richest two-mile handicap’ thoroughbred horse race in the world, open to horse’s 3 years old and over. Melbourne Cup is also renowned for Myer’s Fashions on the Field.
Flemington Racecourse, Flemington
HEALTH | Mind, Body and Spirit Festival
Restore your wellbeing at the Mind, Body, Spirit Festival. The free biannual event encompasses seminars and workshops led by over 60 guest speakers as well as guided meditation sessions, psychic readings, performances and Soul Kitchen Stage cooking demonstrations. There will also be 200 exhibitors.
Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre, Melbourne
MUSIC | Lorde
Following the release of her critically acclaimed second studio album Melodrama, New Zealand sensation Lorde will bring her riveting live show to Melbourne. Featuring the hits Royals, Tennis Court, Green Light and Perfect Places, the Australia Dance concert is sure to bewitch fans.