What’s On In Melbourne This Week, This Month And Beyond
Lizzie Scorer
Contributor | Urban List, Sydney, NSW
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
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Looking for what's on in Melbourne in March 2026? From blockbuster food festivals and pop-up markets to immersive art shows, live music gigs and family-friendly events, Melbourne is heaving with must-see happenings.
Here are Urban List's picks for the best things to do in Melbourne this week, all of March and further into 2026.
- March 2026 Food Events And Markets
- March 2026 Art, Culture And Exhibitions
- March 2026 Music, Theatre And Film Events
- What's On In Melbourne Later In 2026
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March 2026 Food Events And Markets
Free Coffees In Artist-Designed Cups
St Ali in South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Melbourne CBD | Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 March, 7.30am–10am or until sold out
Image credit: Urban List | Mary David
Feeling like your ducks have been out of row recently? It's probably time to weave more mindfulness into your mornings. Thanks to Audible, this month you can grab a free coffee on the house at St Ali in South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Melbourne CBD on Collins Street.
The crew have collaborated with three incredible artists to create six limited-edition takeaway coffee cup designs inspired by Audible’s wellbeing audiobook titles, perfect for switching off while you sip.
Listen to Atomic Habits by James Clear, The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins or Messy Love by Jay Shetty while slurping down your free iced latte in designed cups by creative studio Struthless, artist and author Celeste Mountjoy, and Torres Strait illustrator Tori-Jay Mordey, respectively.
Swing by on Tuesday 24 or Wednesday 25 March, from 7.30am to 10am, to get your complimentary caffeine fix and check out Audible’s collection below.
Revamp Sustainable Fashion Market Returns
Prahran Market | From Friday 27th March
Image: Revamp Market | Supplied
Revamp Fashion Weekends are BACK. After a huge launch in 2025, the sustainable fashion markets are returning for a residency at the iconic Prahran Market. What’s better than stylish pieces that also happen to be guilt free?
Three markets dates are locked in for 27 March, 24 April and 29 May. The mezzanine precinct will feature vintage, preloved, and one-of-a-kind pieces to deck out your autumn wardrobe. And to keep you entertained, don’t miss the live DJ, food trucks, and bar. Whether you choose a relaxed Sunday reset or an upbeat Friday night of shopping, there’s something for everyone at Revamp at Prahran Market.
Oh, and entry is free for shoppers! If you want to host a stall, prices start at just $85.
BOOK Here
That’s Amore Ricotta Festival
66 Latitude Blvd, Thomastown | Sunday 29 March, 10am–4pm
Image credit: That's Amore | Supplied
For the sixth year running, award-winning Aussie cheesemakers That’s Amore are opening their headquarters in Thomastown to celebrate all things cheese.
It’s Australia’s only ricotta-dedicated festival, and will have something for guests of all ages (and with over 5,000 attendees anticipated, you know that means real variety). From live music and an artisan marketplace to chef-led masterclasses hosted by radio foodie Cameron Smith, prepare for a full-day celebration.
Of course, cheese is the main event. Don’t miss out on the Ricotta Calda (hot, fresh ricotta served just like they do in Sicily!), and make your way through stalls featuring everything from panini, arancini and lasagne to tiramisu, cannoli and pistachio desserts.
March 2026 Art, Culture, Exhibitions And More
World-Famous Bubble Planet Set To Float into Melbourne This April
62 Dawson St, Brunswick | From April 1st
Image credit: Bubble Planet | Supplied
Lift your spirits: Bubble Planet is floating into Brunswick on 1 April. Just in time for the Easter school holidays, it’s sure to be a fever dream of colour and play for all ages.
Bubble Planet has already mesmerised more than ten cities around the world—from London to Los Angeles, and New York to Milan—where it’s drawn over five million visitors. How does it work? Well, guests move through a spherical universe via multiple rooms, each featuring surreal, dream-like landscapes and everything from giant inflatables to floating soapy bubbles. Explore the Giant Bubble Dome, where you can relax on huge inflatable clouds while watching meditative animations above, and the continuous illusions of the Infinity Room.
There are 11 rooms to discover at Bubble Planet (hosted at Fever Melbourne). Visitors of all ages will love the colourful combination of technology, creativity, and the senses in this floor-to-ceiling sensory experience.
Punk Denim & Cocktails: Hilton's Westwood X Kawakubo Riot
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street, 18 Little Queen Street, Melbourne CBD | Sunday 7 December, 2025—Sunday 19 April, 2026
Image Credit: Hilton Honors | Supplied
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street is cranking up the punk-glam to toast the NGV’s Westwood x Kawakubo—a riotous clash of Vivienne Westwood’s tartan anarchy and Rei Kawakubo’s avant-garde deconstruction.
Right in the lobby, three fierce RMIT student designs forged from reclaimed Levi’s denim (Georgia Brookes trio’s dramatic dress, Kemin Li’s edgy skirt-top combo and Ruichen Liu’s bold skirt-jacket ensemble) strut their sustainable swagger, fresh off the NGV Gala red carpet and on show through April 19.
Level up your stay with the Westwood x Kawakubo Stay Package with a luxury room overnight, breakfast for two and exclusive NGV tickets, kicking off at $320. Sip your way through Luci’s subversive cocktail menu, like the punk-rebel Island In The Sun (vodka-rum-tequila bomb with cherry cola fizz, $23), 21st Century Remedy (bourbon-mint twist on a Mint Julep, $23) or citrus-spiked Smooth Sailing ($23). Or pick up some paint-and-sip kits ($35) and riverside picnic boxes ($55, packed with charcuterie and sparkling) for an impromptu date.
400,000+ Balloons Take Over MCEC: Melbourne’s Newest Immersive Wonderland
MCEC, Convention Centre Place, South Wharf | From 4 January 2026, daily, 9am–8pm
Image Credit: Balloon Story | Website
Balloon Story is landing at MCEC this summer, bringing a larger-than-life balloon wonderland to Melbourne. The immersive experience—which has already pulled big crowds in New York—transforms over 400,000 balloons into a colourful, walk-through universe for all ages.
Across the exhibition, you’ll find everything from massive balloon creatures to interactive spaces that invite you to explore, touch and engage, blurring the line between art installation and playground. Allow around 60–90 minutes to make your way through the space.
Tickets are $44.90 for adults, $34.90 for children aged 3-12 and free for kids under three.
DIVA: A Dazzling Homage To The Icons Who Changed the Stage Forever
Australian Museum of Performing Arts, Hamer Hall | Until Sunday 26 April, 2026
Image Credit: DIVA | Supplied
Melburnians, strike a pose—the DIVA exhibition is hitting the Australian Museum of Performing Arts, and it’s as brilliant and unapologetically fabulous as its namesake stars. The Australian-exclusive showcase, presented in partnership with London’s acclaimed Victoria and Albert Museum, celebrates the artistry, attitude and evolution of the diva from opera’s golden goddesses to today’s pop powerhouses.
Be dazzled by more than 250 rare and glittering artefacts, including haute couture gowns by Bob Mackie and Dior, stage costumes dripping in sequins, and personal items once owned by icons like Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga and Rihanna. You’ll find operatic greats like Dame Nellie Melba and Joan Sutherland sharing the spotlight with rock rebels and boundary-breakers across generations.
Australia’s own trailblazers get their due too—from Kylie and Olivia to Marcia Hines and Amy Taylor—all celebrated for their fearless, era-defining energy. Complete with an immersive soundscape from award-winning designer Gareth Fry, DIVA is a love letter to the performers who’ve turned self-expression into spectacle. Tickets start at $15 via Arts Centre Melbourne.
Feel, Play, Explore—The Museum of Desire is Calling
92 Rupert Street, Collingwood | Ongoing
Image: Museum of Desire | Supplied
Ever wanted a museum visit to leave you blushing, breathless or just downright tempted? Melbourne’s Museum of Desire is about to make all your aesthetic and erotic dreams come true. This immersive playground of art and intimacy invites you to step into a world where curiosity is currency and touching (some things) is very much encouraged.
From interactive installations that let you orchestrate moans with a laser-controlled instrument to a photo booth where your hands and lips do all the work, this is not your standard “look, don’t touch” exhibition. Expect neon-lit seduction, queer art and experiences designed to make you think, laugh and maybe question why we ever made sex taboo in the first place.
With over 25 spaces to explore, whether you’re here for a date night, a friend adventure or just to see what all the moaning—I mean, buzz—is about, the Museum of Desire guarantees an unforgettable time. Tickets are 18+ and $38 per adult.
March 2026 Music, Theatre And Film Events
Jackalope's Outdoor Cinema Returns
166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North | All through March
Image credit: Jackalope Hotel | Supplied
Jackalope Cinema Presented By Lexus is back for a second year. Running through all of March 2026, the incredible cinema under the stars is showing everything from Breakfast At Tiffany's to Romeo And Juliet, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning and La La Land. Watch on an outdoor screen over the pool with vineyards in the distance, and snack on fresh (bottomless) popcorn and ice cream. What could be better?
Melbourne Women In Film Festival
ACMI & Federation Square, Melbourne | March 19th–23rd
Image credit: Melbourne Women In Film Festival | Supplied
The Melbourne Women in Film Festival is celebrating its 10th year with a stellar program that champions women and gender-diverse filmmakers from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific.
The MWFF Opening Night Gala will kick off with the raucously funny Lesbian Space Princess, a story of identity and empowerment from Australian directors Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese.
Amongst a huge lineup of feature-length and short films, we can’t wait to catch the special 4K restoration screening of Jane Campion’s debut feature film, Sweetie (1989), which shattered the conventions of Australian cinema and boldly showcased female voices.
Check out the full lineup here.
Vera Blue and Melbourne Symphony Orchestre Reunite For One Night Only
Hamer Hall | Saturday 11 July
Image credit: Supplied
Gather all your Lady Powers, because Vera Blue is joining forces with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for one night only.
With impressive new arrangements from Alex Turley, who’s worked with everyone from Rüfüs Du Sol to G Flip, it’s sure to be an unmissable collision of scale and intimacy; exactly what we love about our Aussie songstress.
Vera Blue’s set will be taken to a whole new dimension with the strings, brass, and woodwinds of the MSO; we can only imagine how goosebump-inducing ‘Hold’ will be with an accompanying orchestra. Chills.
The best part? Alongside her well-loved songs, Vera will be unveiling some brand-new material, so you don’t want to miss this.
Summer's Hottest Secret: CBD Live Music Pop-Ups Every Weekend
Various Locations | Ongoing
Image Credit: Melbourne Vibes | Supplied
Melbourne’s turning up the volume this summer with Melbourne Vibes, a new series of free pop-up gigs hitting the CBD every weekend through December and January. Powered by ALWAYS LIVE, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest live music event, these secret sets are transforming laneways, squares and city corners into spontaneous concert spots.
So far, the lineup’s been unreal—Jimmy Barnes, Cut Copy, Kate Ceberano, Briggs, Miss Kaninna, Mallrat and Bliss n Eso have all dropped surprise performances, and the crowd energy has been pure summer euphoria. You never know who’ll show up next—and that’s exactly the point.
Each weekend, a fresh slate of unannounced gigs lands across the city, revealed only hours before via ALWAYS LIVE’s socials. So keep your ears open and chase the sound—Melbourne Vibes is making the streets pulse with live music once again.
Dogs Are Welcome At Moonlight Cinema This Summer
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne CBD | Until Sunday 5 April
Image: Moonlight Cinema X Lyka | Supplied
Moonlight Cinemas across the country are opening up the gates for furry friends to come sit and watch the big screen from Wednesday, 3 December.
Running ‘til 5 April 2026, the cinema will be set up in Royal Botanic Gardens. With offerings across all major cities, excluding Perth, it sounds like it’s gonna be a summer of tail wagging. Watching a film with your dog always increases the magic of the moment—especially when you're under the stars.
Dogs running around could make for a pretty engaging movie night, especially with the paired snacks that are provided at the door, courtesy of Lyka, the gourmet dog food meals on wheels service. You could be eating popcorn while your best friend chews down a Turkey Dental Jerky treat from a specialised goodie bag. Good boy.
Things sound like they could get interesting with that many dogs running around—but we’re here for the plot.
What's On In Melbourne Later In 2026
Billie Jean King Cup: Australia vs Great Britain
John Cain Arena, Melbourne | Saturday 10th to Sunday 11th April
Image credit: Billlie Jean King Cup | Supplied
To keep the summery tennis vibes going, the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge is returning to Melbourne for the first time in 15 years.
For the uninitiated, the BJK Cup was started in 1963, and is the world’s premier women’s team tennis competition. Nineteen-year-old Maya Joint—Australia’s No. 1 woman—will lead the team, and line up alongside BJK Cup stalwart Storm Hunter.
Set on a weekend without any scheduled AFL matches in Melbourne, we reckon there’s no excuse not to get down to John Cain Arena to support our world-class women’s players as they line up against Great Britain.
NGV Set To Dazzle With Upcoming Cartier Exhibition
National Gallery Of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne | Friday 12 June–Sunday 4 October
Image: NGV / Cartier Exhibition | Supplied
Don your petticoat and collect your monocle for this dazzling new exhibition featuring all things sparkly from tiaras to necklaces and timepieces. Cartier is gearing up to grace Melbourne with a never-before-seen exhibit of their finest jewels from June to October in 2026 at The National Gallery of Victoria.
The collection will include the house’s signature ‘Garland style’ tiara, worn by the one and only Rihanna (royalty in her own right) in 2016. And for all the crows out there, worry not, for plenty of other shiny bits that have graced the very heads of Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Margaret, and The Duchess of Windsor will be present.
Cartier currently boasts a whopping 3,500 pieces in a growing collection, and with 300 of those jewels set to visit Melbourne, in a panoply of gems, the exclusive display is one of a kind.
“This exhibition is set to be a brilliant addition to our arts and cultural calendar, providing tourists and locals alike a unique opportunity to see treasures never before seen in Australia,” Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks says.
Main image credit: St Kilda Festival | SWAY Digital Agency
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