Autumn in Melbourne is a whole mood. The heat eases, the city turns golden, and the events calendar kicks into high gear. Food, art, sport, culture—whatever your vibe, this season has something for you. The only question is: where do you start?
For the foodies
Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
Forget moderation—this is the time to indulge. Melbourne Food & Wine Festival returns with a next-level lineup of culinary events, pop-ups, and long-table feasts. Think big-name chefs, bold flavours, and one-off dining experiences you’ll talk about for years.
📅 March 15–24
📍 Various locations
For the culture lovers
Yayoi Kusama at NGV
Polka dots, pumpkins, and an infinity room? Say less. The NGV is hosting the biggest Kusama exhibition Australia has ever seen—spanning 180 works across eight decades. A must for art lovers (and anyone looking to elevate their Instagram game).
📅 Until April 21
📍 NGV International
Asia TOPA
This city-wide festival is a deep dive into the boldest, most boundary-pushing performance and art from across the Asia-Pacific. Expect everything from theatre to live music, dance, and multimedia works.
📅 Until March 10
📍 Various venues
Molto Bello: Icons of Modern Italian Design
Design buffs, take note—Heide Museum is celebrating the golden age of Italian design. From sleek mid-century furniture to radical Memphis Group pieces, this exhibition is pure style inspiration.
📅 Until March 23
📍 Heide Museum of Modern Art
For the garden lovers
Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
Step into a world of floral artistry and cutting-edge landscape design at the southern hemisphere’s biggest garden festival. Think immersive displays, show-stopping floral installations, and expert talks from Australia’s top garden designers. Whether you’re looking for backyard inspiration or just want to soak up the scent of fresh blooms, this one’s a feast for the senses.
📅 March 26–30
📍 Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens
For the sports fanatics
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
That unmistakable roar of an F1 engine? It’s back. The world’s best drivers take over Albert Park for four days of high-speed action, celebrity spotting, and pure adrenaline.
📅 March 13–16
📍 Albert Park
AFL season opener
Footy is back. The AFL season kicks off in March, and there’s no better way to experience Melbourne than under the lights at the ‘G, surrounded by 100,000 passionate fans.
📅 Various dates from March
📍 MCG & Marvel Stadium
For the night owls
Moonlight Cinema
There’s something magic about watching a film under the stars, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Pack a picnic, grab a beanbag, and settle in for an evening of cult classics and new releases before the weather cools down.
📅 Until March 30
📍 Royal Botanic Gardens
For the laugh seekers
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
The city transforms into a giant comedy club for four glorious weeks. From global stand-up superstars to up-and-coming talent, there’s a laugh-out-loud moment waiting around every corner.
📅 March 26–April 25
📍 Various venues
For the community connections
Local school fetes & festivals
Autumn in Melbourne also means school fete season—those perfect weekends of rides, cake stalls, second-hand treasures, and community spirit. Whether you're after a sausage sizzle, a silent auction steal, or just a great day out with the kids, check your local school’s program for dates and details.
📅 Various weekends throughout autumn
📍 Your local school or community centre
Regional Farmers Market at Abbotsford Convent
Fresh produce, artisan goodies, and that unbeatable community vibe—this monthly market is a firm favourite for a reason. Fill your tote with seasonal fruit and veg, locally made condiments, and baked goods worth getting up early for.
📅 Monthly | 9 am–2 pm
📍 Abbotsford Convent
Melbourne in autumn? It’s a full sensory experience. Whether you’re eating your way through the city, taking in world-class art, or feeling the buzz of a live event, this season is all about making memories.
If you’re thinking about making a move this autumn, now is a great time to connect with your local Nelson Alexander agent. With expert insights and deep community connections, they’ll help you find the right place to call home.
