What’s On in Melbourne – April 2023

Get yourself organised in April with a huge roundup of events happening in Melbourne and surrounds this month.

Also coming up in April are the Autumn school Holidays (Friday 7 April – Sunday 23 April) and Easter (Friday 7 April to Monday 10 April) Because of the huge number of events happening during these two periods, you'll find separate posts for Autumn school holiday events and activities in Melbourne CBD plus Easter events in Melbourne and surrounds.

The rest of the month still offers fantastic family fun – so check out the best events below!

This post is updated regularly, so check back in to see what’s on in Melbourne today, this weekend as well as what’s happening for the whole month. 

Melbourne Events April

What's on in Melbourne CBD / Docklands

• ARCO Jnr (Fri 1 Apr) – award-winning show about living with autism, or, in Finbar the fish’s case, living in water. The show takes a heartfelt look at the life and struggles of a young man trying to make connections with the people and world around him.
• Obang (Sun 2 Apr) – a performative installation space designed for babies 6 to 18 months and their carers. Enjoy a joyful, interactive experience featuring puppetry, story-telling & free play in an immersive environment.
• Warner Bros. Discovery presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony (Fri 28 Apr – Sat 29 Apr) – Experience more than a dozen iconic Looney Tunes cartoons on the big screen while the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra plays their original scores live.
• MPavilion (Until Thu 6 Apr) – free events including talks, workshops, performances, family-friendly experiences, community projects and installations, and more.
• Julian Opie: Studio for Kids (Until Mon 10 Apr) – NGV Kids presents an interactive exhibition for children and families developed in collaboration with Julian Opie, one of Britain’s leading contemporary artists.
• Freestyle Kings Live Show (Until – Sat 15 Apr) – a world-class line up of all-star champion athletes who will bring their dynamic, jaw-dropping, action-packed production to capital cities across Australia.
• Punting on the Lake (Until Wed 31 May) – Settle back in an elegant wooden punt to enjoy a unique view of one of the world’s finest gardens as a professional guide tells you about its history and wildlife.

• Aboriginal Heritage Walk (Until Thu 29 Jun) – Journey into Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, with a First Peoples guide.
• Seek and Find Nature Cards (Until Fri 30 Jun) – Set your young ones on an adventure exploring nature with Seek and Find Nature Cards to be used at Melbourne Gardens or download the cards and explore your neighbourhood.
• The LUME (until Thu 30 Jun) – Immerse yourself in the work of Monet and Friends at Australia's digital art gallery.
• Imaginaria (until Sun 9 Jul) – Fully interactive bespoke sounds, scents and lights activate in response to your movement as you walk, slide and glide through the dreamlike landscapes. Walk into a giant inflatable bubble, navigate a futuristic light maze or jump into a cosmic abyss. Imaginaria review
• The Explorer – Melbourne Gardens (Until Thu 31 Aug) Discover the beauty of this inner-city oasis and enjoy live commentary in the comfort of an open-air minibus.
• Arts Centre Sunday Market (Sundays until 31 Dec) – find unique, quirky and handmade items at the stalls. There are always some yummy treats too!
• Sonica Botanica: Stories and Sounds from the Gardens (Until 31 Dec 2023) – Weaving together interviews, field recordings and a musical score, this evocative listening experience responds to collectors’ passions, botanical knowledge, favourite memories, childhood impressions, historical anecdotes and cultural viewpoints

• Melbourne Book Market (Saturdays & Sundays) – a curated collection of more than 5,000 new and pre-loved titles selected and presented by 15 of Melbourne’s most experienced booksellers.
• Docklands Community Market (2nd & 4th Sunday of each month) – Grab your early morning coffee, enjoy a lovely stroll & support your local producers at this lovely market.
• The District Makers Market (Last Sunday of every month) – enjoy entertainment and shop fine arts, crafts, jewellery, and artisan goods.

• Into the Music – Composition Workshop 2023 (Mon – Fri) – Participants in Into the Music – Composition Workshop will explore technology and techniques used to create the music they hear every day.
• Shrine Kids (Daily) – The Shrine of Remembrance is the National War Memorial of Victoria and it makes for an educational (and sobering) outing for families. 
• The Story of the Moving Image (ongoing) – Journey through the past, present and future of the moving image through interactive experiences, digital innovation and captivating stories. Story of the Moving Image ACMI Review.
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (ongoing) – see the award-winning production of the sequel to the Harry Potter series playing exclusively in Melbourne. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Review

What's on in Melbourne North / North-East

• Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (Wed 29 Mar – Sun 2 Apr) – See the best landscape and floral talent from Australia and around the world alongside an extensive array of garden retail products.
• The (Very) Big Laugh Out Loud (Wed 29 Mar – Sun 23 Apr) – World-class street performers and the best physical and musical comedy in da biz.
• Little Explorer Wednesdays (Wednesdays until 5 Apr) – each week where your minis will explore their creativity through a variety of fun (and free!) kids' craft activities.

• Carlton Street Eats (Thursdays until 25 May) – Bring a picnic rug and enjoy the expansive lawn area while you enjoy your choice of sweet and savoury foods, freshly squeezed juice, beer, wine, gelati, wood-fired pizza or French patisserie.
• Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs (Daily) – An immersive voyage into a lost world, where visitors will explore the landscapes of the Cretaceous and get to know the creatures that thrived there.
• Heide Gallery Kids (Fridays) – Join Art Therapist Tanis Douglas, who supports pre-school children and their carers to gain confidence observing artworks in a small group.
• Diamond Valley Railway (Sundays) – miniature railway with a playground next door. Diamond Valley Railway Review

What's on in Melbourne South / South-East / Bayside

• Emergent 2022: Graduate Showcase (Sat 18 Mar – Sun 9 Apr) – Immerse yourself in the future of art and design from our local region.
• Drift Arts Festival (Fri 21 Apr – Sun 30 Apr) – is a new, annual festival of art, music, and celebration across the Mornington Peninsula that offers exciting new opportunities to explore the region.
• Teddy Bears’ Picnic Book Reading (Tue 18 Apr) – Meet the author and hear the story in the gardens of Rippon Lea Estate.
• Space Jam: Family Slam (Daily until 23 April) – Family Slam is a fun and active basketball play, video gaming and skills testing event experience for all ages coming to The Glen Shopping Centre
• Jurassic Creatures (until 23 April) – a realistic animatronics exhibition like no other, will capture the imagination of children and parents alike with over 30 Dinosaurs and spectacular activities that immerse you in a prehistoric time.
• Skyline Attractions (Until Thu 25 Apr) – Take in the breathtaking views of the St Kilda foreshore and pier at the KIIS Eye Ferris Wheel which makes its debut this Summer!

• Busy Bodies (Mondays until 2 Apr) – Join in each Monday during the school term from 10 am – 1 pm to play, learn, cook and so much more during these FREE activity sessions for preschool-aged children outside Micheli on Level 4.
• Stories and Songs in the Square (Mondays and Wednesdays) – Stories help children to discover the world around them. Nurture your child’s early literacy skills by joining in to read aloud stories and sing action songs and rhymes.
• Bentleigh Sunday Market (Sundays) – plants, clothing, cosmetics, jewellery, books, videos, tools, antiques, crafts, pre-loved goods, and more! Every Sunday. 
• Mornington Railway (Sundays) – Climb aboard the Mornington Railway steam train for a fun-filled outing.

• Camberwell Sunday Market (Every Sunday) – secondhand retro, vintage, antique, fashion and collectible goods you just can't find anywhere else
• National Steam Centre (Every Saturday and Sunday) – The museum engines are fired up and can be seen running on the last Sunday of each month except December.
• Gasworks Farmers’ Market (Third Saturday of every month until Fri 15 Dec) – On Saturdays soak up the vibrant atmosphere and sample the very best of local Victorian produce, directly from Victorian farmers and specialty makers.
• Lilydale Rotary Craft Produce Market (First Sunday of the Month) – craft stalls, food, and fresh produce on the first Sunday of the month.
• Bumblebee Kids Baby Market Berwick (Sun 30 Apr) – pre-loved, handmade, and new goods.

What's on in Melbourne East

• Mural Making with Baby Guerilla (Sat 1 Apr) – Learn how to design and create a public mural with street artist Baby Guerrilla.
• Bumblebee Kids Baby Market Ringwood (Sun 2 Apr) – pre-loved, handmade, and new goods.
• Busy Bodies (Mon 3 Apr) – play, learn, cook and so much more in this FREE activity session for preschool aged children.
• Moonlight Movie Night (Thu 6 Apr) – Tote your bean bag, your picnic blanket or your low-rider chairs and settle in for some open-air cinema 
• Pop-Up Food Relief Markets (Wed 19 Apr) – a food relief market for those in need of assistance with food and essentials.
• Dandenong Ranges Open Studios (Sat 29 Apr – Sun 30 Apr) – An exciting annual weekend event that promotes the work of local artists and gives you the opportunity to have a sneak peek into the private world of our artists' working studio environments

• Kabloom (Sat 25 Mar – Tue 25 Apr) – Come and enjoy our flower fields bursting with a sea of colour with over a million flowers. A wonderful day out with all the family. Kabloom Review
• Blue Lotus Water Garden (Until Mon 10 Apr) – explore gardens with lakes, ponds and lagoons and fairy gardens. Blue Lotus Water Garden Review
• Belgrave Big Dreams Market (2nd Sunday of the Month) – discover original and bespoke design pieces, some of the yummiest and freshest produce the area has to offer, live music, a bouncy castle and face painting for the kids.
• Box Hill Miniature Railway (3rd Sunday of the Month) – Ride this wonderful Miniature Railway, the track winds through the picturesque surrounds of Elgar Park. Box Hill Miniature Railway Review
• Mooroolbark Miniature Railway (Runs 4th Sunday each month) – miniature rail running every 4th Sunday.

• Heide Art Babies (Tuesdays) – 30 minutes of sensory play in the gallery, looking, thinking and talking about art. Heide Art Babies Review.
• Yarra Valley Railway (Sundays) – take a trip on the historic Walker RM22 Railmotor from Healesville to Tunnel Hill. Yarra Valley Railway review
• Auburn Kids Sunday Funday (Sundays) – Let the kids roam with the barnyard animals at the FREE petting zoo while you enjoy a Sunday roast! What could be better?
• Bounce Playdates (Weekdays During Term Time) – Extended toddler sessions offer little adrenaline hunters time to explore and play, while parents can choose to join in, or watch on from nearby.
• Spirits of the Sky (Daily) – See the natural behaviours of a variety of native birds which may include the Wedge-tailed Eagle, Black-breasted Buzzard, Barking Owl, magnificent parrots and more.

What's on in Melbourne West

• Mr Stink (Sat 1 Apr) – David Walliams’ award-winning book comes to life on stage for children 6+… and their adults!
• Family High Tea Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie (Sat 1 Apr) – Enjoy a fun, family-friendly high tea served at private tables in their Pod Cafe. 
• Toddler Clay Club (Sat 1 Apr) – In this class, Artist Kari Lee McInneny-McRae shares simple clay-making skills for both bubs and their carers.
• Enterprize One Hour Day Sails (Sat 8 Apr, Sat 22 Apr & Sun 23 Apr) – sail from five locations in Port Phillip Bay and occasionally in other ports along the southeastern coast of Australia.
• Taste and Create Rocky Road Workshop Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie (Sat 15 Apr & Sat 22 Apr) – craft your very own Rocky Road creation choosing from over 50 exotic ingredients
• Meet me in Tarneit: Music in the Park (Sat 22 Apr) – Following her success on Australia’s Got Talent, listen to Sienna Katelyn perform at Meet me in Tarneit!

• Makers & Shakers Market (Sat 22 Apr – Sun 23 Apr) – Enjoy a curated lineup of 100 handmade stalls, including homewares, slow fashion, food and drink.
• Junior Chefs (Sat 22 Apr – Sun 23 Apr) – Calling all budding chefs! Join us in the kitchen each month to learn, make and taste a new delicious recipe!
• Toddler Jam (Thursdays – Fridays until 6 Apr) – Our tutor Razz, a long-time member of the FCAC community, is highly skilled in getting toddlers active and learning through play, with a mixture of percussion, singing, and dancing.
• Musical Minds Workshop (Mondays until 3 April) – learn the fundamentals of music together in a fun & educational environment. Sing songs, play various instruments, move to music & learn how actions & Auslan can help in song memory retention & learning.
• Mini & Me (Thur 13, Sun 16 & Wed 26 Apr) – Make memories for you and your little ones with a range of monthly fun and educational activities for children under 5.
• Eynesbury Market (Sun 23 Apr) – monthly community market in Eynesbury
• Toddler and Kids Art Classes with The Fun in Art (Thursdays) – ‘The Fun In Art’ provides art classes for toddlers and kids where they're more about the fun of creation and less about the outcome of the artwork.
• Fulldome Flicks (Saturdays in March and April) – A spellbinding cinema experience for the whole family is returning to the Melbourne Planetarium this autumn.

• Creative Art with Little Art Big Art (1st Saturday of every month until 1 Jul) – Join Rachael from Little Art Big Art for FREE monthly family-friendly, hands-on art sessions.
• Bulla Railway (3rd Sunday of each month) – Ride the dinosaur trail on the miniature railway. Bulla Railway Review.
• Yarraville Village Farmers Market (3rd Saturday of Each Month) – enjoy a wonderful, relaxed community environment and sample the freshest products direct from the farmers and producers as you shop in the open.
• Altona Miniature Railway (3rd Sunday of the month) – between 10 am and 3 pm, ride this wonderful Miniature Railway. Altona Miniature Railway review.
• Grazeland (Fridays – Sundays) – huge dining precinct with city views and 50 stalls to choose from. Read the Grazeland Review

• Essendon Traffic School (Saturdays) – Essendon Traffic School is a mini road set up for kids aged two to ten years, complete with road signs, railway bells and traffic lights. Essendon Traffic School review.
• Sunday Funday Station Hotel (Sundays) – Every Sunday, The Station Hotel prepares an animal farm and other entertaining activities to keep the little ones busy while you sit back and relax. Station Hotel Review
• Illuminate (ongoing) – a brand new exhibition exploring the science behind the fastest traveller in the universe – light. Ignite the senses and learn through hands-on interactive play. What is light, what can we do with it, and how do we see?
• Rampfest (ongoing) – Camps are suitable for skateboarders, scooters & BMX riders aged from 7-14.

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