Events

Come From Away

@ National
Friday 11 October
-
Saturday 26 October

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

7,000 Stranded Passengers. One Small Town. A Remarkable True Story.
CLOC Musical Theatre is thrilled to present the Australian Non-Professional Premiere Production.

The show that has captured hearts world-wide shares the ‘other story’ of 9/11 following the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world grounded and cared for by a small Newfoundland community, who took these ‘come from aways’ into their homes and their lives.

Some weekend matinees

$62/$57

National, 20 Carlisle Street

Hyacinth

@ Theatre Works
Tuesday 15 October
-
Saturday 19 October
@ 7:00 pm

Greek Mythology tells of Hyacinthus – a beautiful Spartan Prince – who garners the loving attention of both Zephyrus and Apollo.

Godly jealousy tears the young boy apart.
Hyacinth sits on the 86 tram.
A businessman notices his hair and his cologne.
His boyfriend is tied to their bedframe at home.
A smile with stubble around it.
Godly jealousy tears the young boy apart.

From the creative team behind ‘PORNOGRAPHILLIP’, ‘Pinocchio’, ‘5 STARS’, and ‘Sexy Dead Schoolboys’, comes a new gay travesty.

Sat 19 Oct also 4 pm

$30/$25

Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street

Eucalyptus

@ Palais
Wednesday 16 October
-
Saturday 19 October
@ 7:30 pm

Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

Stories in the trees
Weave them out of bark and leaves

Eucalyptus is a new opera by Jonathan Mills, based on Murray Bail’s beloved novel. It is part Australian fairy tale, part sonorous evocation of the Australian bush.

Renowned Australian playwright Michael Gow directs this co-production for Victorian Opera, Opera Australia and the Perth and Brisbane Festivals, with designs by Simone Romaniuk. Desiree Frahn and Simon Meadows create the roles of Ellen and Holland, with Orchestra Victoria and the Victorian Opera Chorus conducted by Tahu Matheson.

$39

Palais, Lower Esplanade

A Figure in the Yellow Wallpaper

@ Theatre Works (Explosives Factory)
Wednesday 16 October
-
Sunday 20 October

An electrifying supernatural exploration of a contemporary relationship.

Wed 16 Oct – 9.30 pm
Thu 17 Oct – 9.30 pm
Fri 18 Oct – 5.00 pm and 9.30 pm
Sat 19 Oct — 9.30 pm
Sun 20 Oct – 8.00 pm

Explosives Factory is accessed via a flight of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.

$30/$25

Theatre Works (Explosives Factory), 67 Inkerman St

Dancing in INFINITE Worlds

@ Theatre Works (Explosives Factory)
Wednesday 16 October
-
Sunday 20 October

Experience a celebration of identity through dance, storytelling & humour.

A solo intercultural dance theatre work, developed through a PhD research. It is a celebration of identity, discarding labels imposed by culture & society, emphasizing connection.

Dance and oral storytelling is weaved together, traversing stories of lived experience in India, Nigeria, Australia and Pakistan. It is an uplifting & joyous show, with a feminist lens of redefining meaning.

Wed 16 Oct – 8 pm
Thu 17 Oct – 8 pm
Fri 18 Oct – 8 pm
Sat 19 Oct – 5 pm
Sat 19 Oct – 8 pm
Sun 20 Oct – 6:30 pm

Explosives Factory is accessed via a flight of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.

$30/$25

Theatre Works (Explosives Factory), 67 Inkerman St

M.I.A.

@ Theatre Works (Explosives Factory)
Wednesday 16 October
-
Sunday 20 October

Step into a glittering world where a wild lesbian love story unfolds with sequins, sass, and soul.

M.I.A. (Missing in Action) entails a story of two best friends who are so in love but are horrified to admit it. But this is not the typical cliche love story.

Let’s add some camp and make it feel like a psychedelic trip. This chaotic, fun, original play explores identity, Queerness and coming to terms with falling in love with a best friend.

Sun 20 Oct 5 pm and 9.30 pm

Explosives Factory is accessed via a flight of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.

$30/$25

Theatre Works (Explosives Factory), 67 Inkerman St

First Hand Experiences. Second Hand Stories

@ Alta Forma
Wednesday 16 October
-
Saturday 2 November

First Hand Experiences. Second Hand Stories is a collaborative project between artists Ella Badu and Lilah Benetti.

First Hand Experiences. Second Hand Stories, is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of identity and memory within the African Australian diaspora.

Opening event: Thursday 17 October, 6-8pm

Free

Alta Forma, Suite G07/620, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Wed–Fri 11:00–3:00; Sat 12:00–3:00

Climate Cafe

@ EcoCentre
Thursday 17 October
@ 6:30 pm

A free, small group gathering place where supportive connections are made through sharing our feelings about the climate crisis – feelings that may not be so safe or welcomed to share elsewhere.

Hosted by Carol-Ann Allen, a local climate-engaged group facilitator trained and experienced in offering community Climate Cafes.

Free

EcoCentre, EcoCentre @ Cora Graves, 38 Blessington St.

Chasing Abbey (IRE)

@ Prince Bandroom
Friday 18 October
@ 7:30 pm

Chasing Abbey has taken the global music scene by storm with their unique blend of pop, hip-hop, and dance.

With The Band She and Tim Scanlon & Mana Okubo

$80

Prince Bandroom, 29 Fitzroy Street

Macca For Cath – Beatles Show

@ George Lane
Friday 18 October
@ 7:00 pm

A show for Beatles nerds.

George Lane, 1 George Lane

Taxiride Imaginate 25th Anniversary Show

@ Memo
Friday 18 October
@ 7:00 pm

Taxiride look forward to playing the entire album plus a few rare tracks and greatest hits.

Written in Melbourne and recorded in Los Angeles, Taxiride’s first album Imaginate debuted at Number 1 on the Australian charts and achieved Double Platinum status.

$45/40/30+bf Online

Memo, 88 Acland Street

Planting with Pride: A Rainbow Family Garden Day

@ Victorian Pride Centre
Saturday 19 October
@ 10:00 am

This fun-filled, family-friendly event celebrates Children’s Week with a special focus on environmental stewardship, community connection, and inclusivity.

Hosted by the fabulous Frock Hudson, the event encourages children (ages 0-12) and their families to learn about caring for the environment through hands-on gardening activities.

Please RSVP

Free

Victorian Pride Centre, 79-81 Fitzroy Street | Monday to Friday – 9am to 6pm | Saturday & Sunday – 10am to 6pm

Nicky Del Rey’s Misadventures (Album Launch)

@ George Lane
Saturday 19 October
@ 7:00 pm

Nicky Del Rey’s Misadventures will launch their forthcoming album.

George Lane, 1 George Lane

D.C. Cross (George Lane Matinee Sessions)

@ George Lane
Saturday 19 October
@ 2:30 pm

Darren D.C Cross – Instrumental Ecstatic Folk Guitarist seated listening experience number two.

Darren will play a carefully curated 2 set shows drawing from his five solo D.C Cross albums, shining a light on the Terabithian (2020) and his most recent album “Glookies Guit” (2024), both critically acclaimed records and released on his own No Drums Records.

George Lane, 1 George Lane

The Dusty Springfield Show

@ Memo
Saturday 19 October
@ 7:00 pm

Wendy Stapleton presents the outstanding tribute to the songs and career of Dusty Springfield, Britain’s greatest female pop singer.

$55/50/40+bf Online

Memo, 88 Acland Street

Shake

@ St Kilda Sports Club
Sunday 20 October
@ 5:00 pm

Free

St Kilda Sports Club, 66 Fitzroy St

A Couple of Cupples

@ Memo
Sunday 20 October
@ 3:00 pm

Peter and Jimmy Cupples are teaming up for a one-off show backed by the fabulous King Canyon.

It will be known as “A Family Reunion”

$55/45/35+bf Online

Memo, 88 Acland Street

‘Bourne Local Sunday Market

@ Elwood Park
Sunday 20 October
@ 9:30 pm

Elwood foreshore Sunday Market is back for it’s 5th season.

Artisan stalls, live local music, family activities, ride ponies, yoga class, and delicious gourmet food — all set against a beautiful picnic backdrop.

Also Nov 17, Dec 15, Mar 16
🕘 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Free

Elwood Park, Point Ormond Road, Elwood

The Dire Straits Experience

@ Palais
Tuesday 22 October
@ 7:00 pm

From sold out arena performances across Europe, and after 6 years since their last visit, the celebrated and critically acclaimed Dire Straits Experience is returning to Australia.

“Assembled by Brothers In Arms and On Every Street veteran Chris White and prodigious singer-guitarist Terence Reis, this world class ensemble reignites the greatest hits from Mark Knopfler’s platinum catalogue with the breathtaking skill and showmanship of the original 120-million-selling stadium phenomenon.”

$89

Palais, Lower Esplanade

Beachkeepers! Blue Wren Habitat Conservation

@ Elwood Foreshore Reserve
Wednesday 23 October
@ 1:00 pm

Help protect and restore critical habitat for the Blue Wren through weeding, propagating, planting, and habitat observation activities with the EcoCentre.

Participate in hands-on activities such as removing invasive weeds, propagating native plants, and planting them to improve the habitat quality for the Blue Wren and other local wildlife.

Free

Elwood Foreshore Reserve,

All The Things We’ve Done

@ Theatre Works
Wednesday 23 October
-
Saturday 2 November
@ 7:30 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

All the things we’ve done is a show that punches you in the gut, and holds you tenderly. We live in a world where too many people feel alone, in their embarrassment and their shame eats away at them. All the things we’ve done diffuses those feelings, providing exposure therapy for the awkward.

Stemming from interviews with friends, friends-of-friends and near strangers, All the things we’ve done is an interactive hodge-podge of embarrassing tales. It’s the stories people told us after they had shared their most embarrassing moments, grasping for something someone else had done that was worse. It’s our own trauma in clown garb. We hope that it provides catharsis for all the times you farted in public.

$35/$20

Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street

Passenger – All the Lights

@ Palais
Wednesday 23 October
@ 8:00 pm

Acclaimed multi award winning and platinum-selling singer/songwriter Mike Rosenberg aka Passenger celebrates a decade since the release of his seminal album All The Little Lights with the All The Little Lights Anniversary Tour.

Sold out

$sold out

Palais, Lower Esplanade

The Barbarian Ship Feat. The Green Mist

@ George Lane
Wednesday 23 October
@ 7:00 pm

A weekly concert celebrating the development of The Barbarian Ship.

George Lane, 1 George Lane

Hugo Race & Michelangelo Russo

@ George Lane
Thursday 24 October
@ 7:00 pm

Hugo Race (Dirtmusic, Fatalists, ex-Bad Seeds) and Michelangelo Russo (True Spirit), fuse rock, blues, ambient and electronic sounds on their raw, compelling new album “100 Years”.

George Lane, 1 George Lane

AKC Art Auction

@ Memo
Thursday 24 October
@ 7:00 pm

Over the last 30 years, the Artists for Kids Culture (AKC) Auction has become an iconic fundraiser, bringing together the work of prominent Australian artists and raising funds to make a direct, positive impact on the lives of children experiencing hardship.

The event will be MC’d by Dylan Lewis with special musical guests including recent AKC recipients

$165/$70

Memo, 88 Acland Street

Artists for Kids Culture – Art Auction 2024

@ Memo
Thursday 24 October
@ 7:00 pm

Over the last 30 years, the Artists for Kids Culture (AKC) Auction has become an iconic fundraiser, bringing together the work of prominent Australian artists and raising funds to make a direct, positive impact on the lives of children experiencing hardship.

MC’d by Dylan Lewis, w/ guests Kutcha Edwards, Comedian Meg Jager + recent AKC recipients

$165/70/55+bf

Memo, 88 Acland Street

Fabels

@ George Lane
Friday 25 October
@ 7:00 pm

Fabels are a two piece band that play original, experimental, progressive, dreamscape music with dynamic arrangements. Their performance is often coloured by projections which enhance the intensity and melody of their unique sound.

George Lane, 1 George Lane

Garden Workshop #3 local plant knowledge sharing

@ EcoCentre
Friday 25 October
@ 10:00 am

A workshop about the original plants from the area, with respected Cultural Educator Dean Stewart (‘Once As it Was’ posters, LostLandsFound Flowering Grasslands project, and Aboriginal Tours and Education Melbourne).

With a light lunch prepared utilising some locally-harvested edible plants.

Free

EcoCentre, EcoCentre @ Cora Graves, 38 Blessington St.

Comedy Gold with Sammy J

@ National
Friday 25 October
@ 7:30 pm

Laughter and live entertainment in the heart of St Kilda monthly at The National’s intimate black box theatre with cabaret tables and general admission seating.

$20+

National, 20 Carlisle Street

The Beatnik Preachers

@ Memo
Friday 25 October
@ 7:00 pm

The Beatnik Preachers have a blend of Jazz, Hip-Hop and Beat Poetry.

In the Ember Lounge

$35/25+bf Online

Memo, 88 Acland Street

Fiona Maynard, Jimmy Lowdown, Stefanie Duzel & Jeremy Beggs

@ Memo
Saturday 26 October
@ 7:00 pm

Fiona Maynard, with her soulful vocals and captivating storytelling, will have you hooked from the first note. Jimmy Lowdown brings his signature blend of blues and roots, delivering raw, heartfelt performances that never fail to move the crowd.

Joining them, Stefanie Duzel will enchant with her mesmerising voice and powerful lyrics, while Jeremy Beggs completes the lineup with his masterful musicianship and unique sound.

$35/25+bf Online

Memo, 88 Acland Street

COUNTRY CLUB: Southside launch

@ Prince Bandroom
Saturday 26 October
@ 7:00 pm

Country Club Boot Scootin’ is heading south of the river!
Come and learn the moves with Gail and Glenn and then put them into action at the mini- hoedown.

Class: 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Mini-Hoedown & Party: 9:00 – 10:00 PM

$25

Prince Bandroom, 29 Fitzroy Street

Kim Wilde

@ Palais
Saturday 26 October
@ 8:00 pm

1980’s UK pop icon.

The French consider her the “Brigitte Bardot of Rock”

$89+

Palais, Lower Esplanade

Fiona Lee Maynard single launch: “In Our Skin”

@ Memo
Saturday 26 October
@ 8:00 pm

Fiona Lee Maynard is launching her new single at The Ember Lounge accompanied by Jimmy Lowdown.

With special Guests Stefanie Duzel & Jeremy Beggs.

Ember Lounge format

$35/$30

Memo, 88 Acland Street

C.J. Lee (George Lane Matinee Sessions)

@ George Lane
Saturday 26 October
@ 2:30 pm

Christopher John ( C.J.) Lee is an Australian blues and roots songwriter, singer, guitarist, banjo picker, harmonica player, and bass drum kicker. Often, all at once.

George Lane, 1 George Lane

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Soundtrack LIVE

@ Memo
Sunday 27 October
@ 3:00 pm

What better way to celebrate Halloween than with The Rocky Horror Picture Show Original Soundtrack Live!

“With a Kick Arse Band and a who is who of Melbourne artists”

$50/45/40+bf Online

Memo, 88 Acland Street

Your Name Means Dream

@ Red Stitch
Sunday 27 October
-
Sunday 24 November

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Enter the draw to win a double pass. Email with subject line “Dream” before Wednesday 23 October

Aislin is getting older in a world that is becoming increasingly unfamiliar to her. Her caregiver Stacy is perfectly toned, ageless, and utterly in control. She’s also a robot. Well Aislin suffers the inevitable indignities of being human, Stacy wonders what she’s missing out on.

Oscar nominee and Obie winning writer Jose Rivera (The Motorcycle Diaries) examines how we live, die, inform our sense of self in a world where the line between humanity and machine is blurring by the second.

Wed – 6.30 pm
Thur – Sat 7.30 pm
Sun – 6.30 pm
Sat Matinee 16 Nov – 2pm

$68/$28

Red Stitch, Rear 2 Chapel Street (opposite the Astor)

The Peptides

@ St Kilda Sports Club
Sunday 27 October
@ 5:00 pm

Direct from St Kilda

Free

St Kilda Sports Club, 66 Fitzroy St

Dance Force Tour

@ National
Sunday 27 October
@ 6:00 pm

Showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of their elite pre-professional students.

$74

National, 20 Carlisle Street

Van Walker (Album Launch)

@ George Lane
Sunday 27 October
@ 12:00 pm

Van Walker launches his new album Healing Descent with support by Joel Silbersher.

Selling fast

George Lane, 1 George Lane

Pat Powell & His Band – Funky Soul Sounds

@ George Lane
Tuesday 29 October
@ 7:00 pm

“Pat Powell is one of Australia’s most accomplished vocal talents. He’ll be collaborating with some of Melbourne’s finest for an evening of mesmerising funk, soulful jazz and dancehall rhythms!”

George Lane, 1 George Lane

Sweet Pea

@ Theatre Works (Explosives Factory)
Wednesday 30 October
-
Saturday 9 November
@ 7:30 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Sweet Pea is a slow burn into an explosion of emotion. Taking place at a funeral for one of their own, a group of old friends reunite for the first time in almost six years. A lot has changed, but have any of them grown up?

The audience is a fly on the wall as the space gradually transforms from a traditional funeral into one decorated with colourful chaos and surrealism. We watch as the characters give in to their grief, and are forced to face their complicated history.

ACCESSIBILITY: Explosives Factory is accessed via a flight of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.

Sweet Pea includes heavy themes including regular mention of death, mention of miscarriage, mention of abortion, depiction of substance abuse and addiction, display of grief, display of panic, and speculation about death that refers to suicide.

$35/$20

Theatre Works (Explosives Factory), 67 Inkerman St

Road Dogs In The Round

@ George Lane
Thursday 31 October
@ 7:00 pm

a one-of-a-kind musical experience as Kerryn Fields hosts an unforgettable night featuring special guests Freya Josephine Hollick and D.C Maxwell.

George Lane, 1 George Lane

Superstars Live – Jon Stevens & Kate Ceberano

@ Palais
Thursday 31 October
@ 7:30 pm

Superstars Live – Jon Stevens & Kate Ceberano

All their hits from Jesus Christ Superstar and more.

32 years after the unrivalled success of the 1992 Australian production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ original cast members Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano are together again sharing the stage for a night of spine-tingling hits from the smash hit musical that made them household names.

$99+

Palais, Lower Esplanade

The Nutcracker – Matinee show only

@ National
Saturday 2 November
@ 12:00 pm

The Australian National Youth Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is a delightful and affordable way to entertain the family, experience the charm of this much-loved cherished ballet.

An Australia first debut performance by international star of the Mariinsky Ballet Oleg Ignatev as the Nutcracker Prince & Cavalier.

$137?$77

National, 20 Carlisle Street

Midnight Carousel

@ Theatre Works
Wednesday 6 November
-
Wednesday 16 October
@ 7:30 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Midnight Carousel is a haunting new work that delves into the balance of love and ambition — a surreal journey through time and memory.

Amy, a young reporter struggling to find purpose, interviews Ron, an astronomer consumed by his life’s work. As Ron talks, his past is personified by the brilliant twelve strong ensemble, where the stars became catalysts for his greatest desires and deepest regrets.

Through stunning imagery and poetic storytelling, Midnight Carousel explores the boundaries between passion and obsession, where the complexities of love, dedication, and human connection are intertwined and pushed to their breaking points.

Mature themes, Emotional Content, Depiction of Death, Strong Language, Flashing Lights, Themes of memory loss, poor mental health, psychological distress, family trauma, existential dread, death, grief and loss

$35/$20

Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street

An Evening of Music and Memory with Danielle & Alma

@ Jewish Museum
Thursday 7 November
@ 6:30 pm

Danielle Brustman and Alma Zygier  share the stories that have shaped their creative journeys. Set against the backdrop of Danielle’s enchanting exhibition, I could have danced all night, the evening promises to be a whimsical exploration of family, culture, and the memories that inspire these artists.

Through tales of grandmothers, music, and art, Danielle and Alma bring you into their world, where past and present intertwine. Alma will also delight us with musical performances, accompanied by Willy Zygier, adding an intimate touch to the night.

Ticket includes a glass of wine on arrival.

Part of the JMA Artist on Artist series

$30/$27

Jewish Museum, 26 Alma Rd; Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm Sunday 10 am – 5 pm

Old Friends Sing Sondheim

@ National
Saturday 16 November

Mark Trevorrow, the creator of Aussie comedy icon Bob Downe, is returning to Melbourne to sing as himself – along with his Old Friends Rupert Noffs and Bev Kennedy.

Showcasing Stephen Sondheim’s unparalleled musical theatre songbook. Expect stories, spontaneous humour and a profound appreciation for Sondheim‘s musical and lyrical brilliance – all with a queer bent!

Two shows only: 3 pm + 6 pm

$39/$35

National, 20 Carlisle Street