Newsletter: What's On Melbourne | 11 - 17 August 2026

What's On Melbourne Newsletter Tuesday 11th August 2026 - Monday 17th August 2026 Featured This Week Escape This | Opening Weekend High Cheese at The Westin Melbourne Hot Chocolate Festival Magic Show: Impossible Occurrences Melbourne International Film Festival PBR Australia Monster Energy Tour Pentridge Makers Market Reset: FedSquare Sustainability Festival Science at Melbourne Festival Starstruck: An Immersive Experience The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph Merbein Trust Makers' Market - Rippon Lea Victorian Miniature Railway Free Every Week Stay safe - Be kind - Be Melbourne 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 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 A celebration of the vanilla slice held on the Murray River each August The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph Saturday 15th August 2026 @ Merbein Our big day includes plenty of vanilla slices to eat sold by a multitude of bakeries. Try and compare vanilla slices plus lots of other delicious things to get your mouth around both sweet and savoury. It's the perfect place to spend a Saturday lunch! Read More.. 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 Victoria's BIGGEST Miniature Railway Victorian Miniature Railway Every Sunday @ Harcourt 2.7km track located on an undulating 65-acre site boasting mature trees views of Mount Alexander creek frontage and a view of the active Melbourne to Bendigo regional train line on the boundary of the property. Read More.. Tickets: $5 per person 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 Every ride is an all-or-nothing contest where skill, courage and determination are tested over eight unforgettable seconds. PBR Australia Monster Energy Tour Saturday 15th August 2026 - Saturday 15th August 2026 @ John Cain Arena Australia's toughest bull riders and rankest bulls together for one explosive night of world-class sporting entertainment. Read More.. Book Now Australia's most immersive experiences have arrived in Melbourne Escape This | Opening Weekend Saturday 15th August 2026 - Sunday 16th August 2026 @ Escape This Join Melbourne's largest escape room centre on it's Opening Weekend with extra challenges, prizes and giveaways What's Playing Magic University: Wizarding Adventure Pirates: Swashbuckling Adventure Possession: Paranormal Horror Zombie Apocalypse: Edge of Extinction Read More.. Book Now 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 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 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 ONGOING 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 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.. 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 $1,299+ Save $120, Spend $1,999+ 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 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 KEEP READING.. Heads Up.. Afloat Melbourne: Floating Bar on the Yarra River AGRA Annual Exhibition American Psycho | The Musical Christine Anu Dog Lovers Festival High School Musical Illusionist - Anthony Street Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence Maniax - Axe Throwing Melbourne Italian Festa & Expo National Communication Museum: Permanent Galleries One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest Pentridge Makers Market Reed Gift Fairs Steakhouse Lunch Trust Makers' Market Victorian State Election Free Electricity Every Day from October See More.. Weekend Markets Check out these weekend markets Bass 847 Market Bass Market Bohemian Bulla Market Boneo Community Market Bright Markets | Make it. Bake it. Grow it. Cheeky Monkey Market | Caroline Springs Cheeky Monkey Market | Clayton Coronet Bay Market Creswick Market Darley / Bacchus Marsh Market Drouin Craft and Produce Market Healesville Community Market Kensington Market Lions Club Merbein Market Little Birdie Market Malmsbury Farmers & Artist Market Millgrove Market Moama Market Montrose Community Craft Market On The Lawn Market - Newhaven Park Orchards Market Pearcedale Market Pentridge Makers Market Rail Trail Community Market - Leongatha Rushworth Market - Art & Crafts Sale Producers Market ScullyBug Markets | Seaford Seaford Handmade Market Stay Soft Night Markets - Collingwood Talbot Farmers' & Town Hall Market Tooradin Market Treasures & Tastes @ Surrey Hills Trust Makers' Market - Rippon Lea Wantirna Farmers' & Makers Market Warragul Arts & Makers Market Williamstown Craft Market Wyndham Makers and Farmers' Market Yarck Country Market Yarraville Village Craft Market Younghusband Rose Street Market View every market open this Weekend Newsletter Central What's On Melbourne Newsletter | #1025 Straight to your inbox every Tuesday Read Online Subscribe Archive Previous Week Last Year