What’s On in Melbourne – April 2024

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. 

THE ART OF THE BRICK

Featured Event

With a global audience of 10+ million and earning spot on CNN’s “must-see” list, The Art of the Brick arrives in Melbourne! This immersive LEGO® exhibit by Nathan Sawaya promises an unforgettable experience. Explore original collections, over 100 sculptures created from 1 million+ bricks, a LEGO® safari, dynamic installations, 360° projections, and much more!

Highlights:

• Explore the new version of the popular LEGO® sculpture exhibition
• Dive into Nathan Sawaya’s colorful world with moving sculptures, bright lights, cool videos, and awesome sound
• See famous animals made of LEGO and watch them on a big screen
• Find 7 lifelike human sculptures in every color of the rainbow
• Check out more than 250 moving LEGO® skulls with cool lights and sounds
• Have fun and learn, suitable for guests of all ages

The Art of the Brick Immersive Experience, Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032 (Entrance via Gate 5 on Langs Road)

Prices starting at $31.90 for adults and $22.90 for children. Kids under 4 enter for FREE!

Until Sunday 30 June 2024

Melbourne Events April

What’s on in Melbourne CBD / Docklands

• Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature (Thu 23 Nov – Sun 14 Apr ) – See the world from a new perspective. A hypnotic, immersive experience that explores the rhythm that cultivates and connects all life – breath.
• BBC Earth Experience (Mon 1 Jan – Sun 28 Apr) – The BBC Earth Experience at the MCEC is an all-ages interactive journey through the seven continents powered by state-of-the-art technology never before seen in Australia.
• Exhibition: Wild City At ArtPlay (Sat 20 Jan – Sun 16 Jun) – Come and visit a mini city landscape that has been transformed into a wild, thriving, green metropolis – where humans and animals share their habitat.
• Punting on the Lake (Fri 1 Sep – Fri 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.
• Leonardo Da Vinci (Sat 16 Mar – Sun 16 Jun) – Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius promises to be THE LUME Melbourne’s most ambitious, immersive and breathtaking experience yet.

• Stellar Nights (Mon 8 + Mon 22 Apr) – Embark on a captivating journey through time and space with our guided tours at the Melbourne Observatory.
• Cirque du Soleil (Sun 24 Mar – Sun 5 May) – Cirque du Soleil is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Australia with critically acclaimed and jaw-dropping production LUZIA, opening in Melbourne on 24th March 2024.
• Monopoly Dreams (Thu 28 Mar – Fri 29 Mar) – Embark on a nostalgic journey and reignite family fun with MONOPOLY DREAMS. Gather your crew for a classic board game experience like never before.
• I’m a Refugee… Get Me Out Of Here! (Tue 9 Apr – Sun 21 Apr) – Hailing from Ethiopia via New Zealand, Melbourne’s freshest comedy voice brings a critical and fresh view to Australia’s comedy scene.
• Australasian Quilt Convention (Thu 11 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Australia’s premier quilting event is back! Experience a magnificent quilt show, all the latest fabrics, patterns and machines and an amazing lineup of classes!
• The Pet Show (Sat 13 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Back by popular demand, Australia’s First National Pet Show is returning to Melbourne promising to be bigger and better than ever before.
• Bluey 28 Minute Special Screening (Sun 14 Apr) – Enjoy the 28-minute Bluey special with your family and furry friends (dogs welcome!) and catch the most anticipated wedding of the year!

• My Cousin Vlad – DIS/DAT (Sat 20 Apr) – My Cousin Vlad debuts at his first ever Melbourne International Comedy Festival with his Festival show DIS/DAT.
• The Vegan Market (Sun 28 Apr) – The Vegan Market is back with an epic lineup at Fed Square this April! Bring the whole family with kids activities, product tastings, fun creative workshops to unleash your creative self.
• The NBA Exhibition (Various dates from Wed 3 Apr – Sun 2 Jun) – The NBA’s first and only global touring exhibition takes you on a journey through the lifestyle, culture, and rich history of the NBA with rare items on display, unique activities and much more.

• Sonica Botanica: Stories and Sounds from the Gardens (Tue 31 Dec) – 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
• Seek and Find Nature Cards (Until Tue 31 Dec 2024) – 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 Explorer – Melbourne Gardens (Until Tue 31 Dec 2024) – Discover the beauty of this inner-city oasis and enjoy live commentary in the comfort of an open-air minibus.
• Sonica Botanica: Stories and Sounds from the Gardens (Until Tue 31 Dec 2024) – 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
• Arts Centre Sunday Market (Until Sat 31 Dec) – find unique, quirky and handmade items at the stalls. There are always some yummy treats too!
• Aboriginal Heritage Walk (Until Tue 31 Dec 2024) – Journey into Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a significant cultural site for the local Kulin Nation, with a First Peoples guide.

• 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.
• Shrine Kids (ongoing) – 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. Read the Story of the Moving Image ACMI Review.

• SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium (Ongoing) – See some of the world’s most incredible animals, including penguins, a 6-metre-long crocodile and thousands of tropical fish, plus the newly reopened oceanarium.
• Night on the Reef (ongoing) – A kaleidoscope of tropical fish, sharks, rays, and turtles captivating the beauty and diversity of the world’s coral reefs.
• Into the Music – Composition Workshop 2024 (ongoing) – Participants in Into the Music – Composition Workshop will explore technology and techniques used to create the music they hear every day.

• Play Group & Soft Play (Fridays) – Play with your child and make community connections in a safe and fun indoor environment at Soft Play.
• Kids Passport Queen Victoria Market (Ongoing) – Collect your passport, then journey around the Market collecting stamps from our friendly traders, before making your way to the Queen Victoria Market Visitor Hub to claim your prize.

What’s on in Melbourne North / North-East

• IT’S ‘GAMEON’ AT TIMEZONE WITH $20 BONUS VOUCHER (Mon 13 Mar – Tue 30 Apr) – Until April 30, Timezone is giving guests $20 bonus credit. To claim the bonus credit, download the Timezone Fun App and enter the code GAMEON.
• The Listies Make Some Noise! (Fri 12 Apr – Sun 14 Apr) – Join the award winning Listies as the maestros of mirth, Rich and Matt,belt out a bunch of songs with the LOLs turned up to 11!
• Heide Gallery Kids (Fri 19 Apr & Fri 26 Apr) – Join Art Therapist Tanis Douglas, who supports pre-school children and their carers to gain confidence observing artworks in a small group
• Eid Community Celebration (Sat 20 Apr) – Join us for a vibrant community celebration in honor of Eid, with cultural performances, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages.
• Marnong Estate Petting Zoo X Second Chance Rescue (Sun 21 Apr) – Marnong Estate presents petting zoo with Second Chance Rescue. Donations support animal rescue. Enjoy interactive experiences, feed animals, and support a meaningful cause.
• Guide Dogs Victoria ‘Pup-up’ Cafe (Wed 24 Apr) – Guests will be given an exclusive opportunity to cuddle up next to real-life Labrador puppies while they sip on their morning cappuccino.
• Ballarat Marathon (Sat 27 Apr – Sun 28 Apr) – Brand-new world class running festival – The Ballarat Marathon – lands in one of Victoria’s largest regional cities in April.
• ACF20 Community Open Day (Sat 27 Apr) – Free event celebrating 20 years of vibrant activity at Abbotsford Convent.

• Diamond Valley Railway (Sundays) – miniature railway with a playground next door. Read the Diamond Valley Railway Review
• Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs (ongoing) – 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.
• Dinosaur Walk (Ongoing) – Check out the real dinosaur bones at Melbourne Museum’s permanent exhibition featuring ten dinosaur skeletons, three pterosaurs, and other select megafauna artefacts such as huge teeth!
• Sensory Tray Session (Mondays + Tuesdays) – Pour, scoop, splash, and more at these sensory tray sessions!

• Keeper Kids Melbourne Zoo (Ongoing) – Educator-led daily activities that promote learning through storytelling, craft, and play at Keeper Kids Melbourne Zoo.
• Mini Twitchers Heide (Ongoing) – Be a twitcher for a day and spot some beautiful birds in the Heide Sculpture park! Use a map to locate each area where the twelve painted birds are hidden in trees in the sculpture park.
• Gandel Gondwana Garden (Ongoing) – Explore Victoria’s ancient landscapes and learn about creatures that once walked this land, from dinosaurs and megafauna to the ancestors of today’s iconic Australian species.
• Tiny Tours (Fridays) – A 45-minute tour created for early year audiences that will invite them to wonder, discover and be amazed.

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

• Metartworld (Thu 7 Mar- Sat 4 Apr) – Get ready to be blown away by the mesmerizing metal art wonders of Metartworld! Be amazed as you step inside a massive 2,500-square-meter space filled with incredible, one-of-a-kind statues crafted from recycled materials and scrap metal.
• Possum Magic (Fri 5 Apr – Sun 7 Apr) – Possum Magic, a magical live show for 3-8 year-olds, features magic, puppetry, and music, enchanting 170,000 audiences in Australia. Playing at alexander Theatre 5 – 7 April.
• Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience (Sat 6 Apr – Sun 19 May) – Don’t miss Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience! Walk into the depths of an illuminated forest and discover magical creatures and iconic Wizarding World moments. Get tickets!
• Melbourne Pedalthon 2024 (Sun 21 Apr) – Have fun and raise money to help fight below-the-belt cancers and ride with us on our closed circuit away from the cars and potholes.
• Trust Makers’ Market (Sun 21 Apr) – Shop lovingly handmade art and design on the sprawling lawns of Rippon Lea Estate.
• Wall to Wall (Fri 26 Apr – Sun 28 Apr) – Renowned street artists will adorn buildings with large-scale, colourful murals across the weekend & Saturday’s block party will include DJs, food trucks, tastings and more art.
• HOLIDAY INN x LEGO MASTERS ‘INNSPIRATION WORKSHOP’ (Sat 27 Apr) – Get ready to unleash your creativity at the HOLIDAY INN x LEGO MASTERS ‘INNSPIRATION WORKSHOP’ – it’s going to be a brick-tastic time!
• Bumblebee Kids Baby Market Berwick (Sun 28 Apr) – pre-loved, handmade, and new goods.

• Skyline Attractions (Until Sun 12 May) – Take in the breathtaking views of the St Kilda foreshore and pier at the KIIS Eye Ferris Wheel which makes its debut this Summer!
• Gasworks Farmers’ Market (Until Sat 21 Dec 2024) – On Saturdays soak up the vibrant atmosphere and sample the very best of local Victorian produce, directly from Victorian farmers and specialty makers.
• Little Play Squad Legoland (Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays) – An interactive parent-child Play & Learn session based on LEGO® DUPLO®. Read the  DUPLO Farm Adventure Review.
• Prahran Market Mini Marketeers (Tuesdays) – Enjoy free, guided activities teaching toddlers the fundamentals of eating well and putting the ‘yum’ in healthy food choices
• Nature Play (Tuesdays during school term) – Come along to Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve for Nature Play, an outdoor, child-led playgroup session facilitated by a qualified ranger.
• 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.
• The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne (Wednesday – Sunday) – A dedicated, fully fenced space for families featuring plants, water, structures, and pathways that reflect Melbourne’s changing seasons.

• 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) – A visit to the National Steam Centre will delight a wide audience from the pre-schooler obsessed with Thomas and train rides, to train enthusiasts of any age!
• Lilydale Rotary Craft Produce Market (First Sunday of the Month) – craft stalls, food, and fresh produce on the first Sunday of the month.

• LEGO Friends (Ongoing) – Visit LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne to meet your new Friends, receive fun show bags, join in a scavenger hunt activity and more!
• Afternoons of Awesome at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre (Mon 26 Feb – Fri 6 Dec) – Young builders can blast out of the classroom into a world of creativity, hop on electrifying rides, and set off on epic afternoon LEGO adventure!
• Little Lunies at Luna Park (Ongoing) – Discover a fantastic world of rides, attractions, and games to suit Little and Big Lunies! There’s something for everyone from old favorites like The Great Scenic Railway, Ghost Train, & Carousel to the big thrill rides like the Power Surge, Sky Rider, Twin Dragon, and more!
• WIIILD Wednesdays, Gumbuya World (Ongoing) – Dive into Wildlife Wanderers, the trail of free-roaming wildlife, savor two interactive shows, and hop on junior rides! Get up close with exotic animals, connect with nature, and enjoy exciting entertainment every week!
• Young At Art (Tuesdays) – With the guidance of an experienced early childhood educator, participants work on a different hands-on creative activity every week, using materials from the take-home art materials box supplied each session.

What’s on in Melbourne East

• Kabloom Flower Festival (Sat 23 Mar – Sun 21 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 Read the. Kabloom Review
• Dandenong Ranges Open Studios (Sat 13 Apr, Sun 14 Apr, Sat 20 Apr, & Sun 21 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
• Bumblebee Kids Baby Market Ringwood (Sun 28 Apr) – pre-loved, handmade, and new goods.

• Blue Lotus Water Garden (Until Mon 1 Apr) – explore gardens with lakes, ponds and lagoons and fairy gardens. Read the 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. Read the 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 Read the Heide Art Babies Review.
• Yarra Valley Railway (Sundays) – take a trip on the historic Walker RM22 Railmotor from Healesville to Tunnel Hill. Read the 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.

• ECOSS Valley Market (Fridays) – Experience the vibrant Valley Markets, connecting local growers, artisans, and musicians in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
• Spirits of the Sky (Ongoing) – 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.
• Eastland (Ongoing) – Sign up for the free mini & me kids club at Eastland (for kids 4 and under) and receive exclusive offers, invites to free events, and $5 valet parking! FREE.
• 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.
• Kids Mornings (Wednesdays) – A fun, free activity every week at Westfield Knox!

What’s on in Melbourne West

• 2024 Get Active! Expo Launch (Sun 17 Mar – Sun 14 Apr) – Enjoy an interactive kids’ corner and activities from Western Bulldogs, Melbourne Victory, Cricket Victoria and Reclink Australia.
• Steve McCurry. ICONS: An Extraordinary Photography Exhibition (Wed 27 Mar – Sat 20 Apr) – Steve McCurry. ICONS is an extraordinary exhibition in Melbourne showcasing the work of Steve McCurry
• The Gruffalo at Kryal Castle (Fri 29 Mar – Sun 21 Apr) – Join Kryal Castle these Easter school holidays on an adventure to find the Gruffalo to celebrate 25 years of the beloved children’s tale!
• Mural Making with Baby Guerilla (Sat 1 Apr) – Learn how to design and create a public mural with street artist Baby Guerrilla.

• Footscray Community Arts’ Toddler Clay Club (Sat 1 Apr) – In this class, Artist OPAL shares simple clay-making skills for both bubs and their carers at Footscray Community Arts.
• Possum Magic (Fri 12 Apr – Sat 13 Apr) – Possum Magic, a magical live show for 3-8 year-olds, features magic, puppetry, and music, enchanting 170,000 audiences in Australia. Playing at Geelong Arts Centre, 12 – 13 April
• Supercheap Auto Racing team launch at Grazeland (Fri 12 Apr) – Supercheap Auto are super excited to launch the 2024 Wildcard season and livery in a thrilling display of motorsport excitement at Melbourne’s foodie hotspot, Grazeland.
• Taste and Create Rocky Road Workshop Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie (Sat 13 Apr) – craft your very own Rocky Road creation choosing from over 50 exotic ingredients
• Family High Tea Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie (Sat 20 Apr) – Enjoy a fun, family-friendly high tea served at private tables in their Pod Cafe. 
• Yarraville Village Farmers Market (Sat 20 Apr) – enjoy a wonderful, relaxed community environment and sample the freshest products direct from the farmers and producers as you shop in the open.

• Incy Wincy Babies (Fri 26 Apr) – Barking Spider Creative artist guides carers with their babies through a visual art experience at the Gallery.
• Western Edge Presents – Open Stage: Muses (Sat 27 Apr) – Join in at The Annex for an evening of conscious R&B, hip-hop, and poetry produced by Nomad222 and hosted by spoken word poet Akwal Magek.
• Eynesbury Market (Sun 28 Apr) – monthly community market in Eynesbury.
• Fulldome Flicks (Saturdays) – A spellbinding cinema experience for the whole family is returning to the Melbourne Planetarium this autumn.
• Toddler Art (Wednesdays during term) – Join mother and artist Kate Golding as she leads you and your kids to collaborate playfully and make art together.
• Toddler Jam  (Thursdays & Fridays) – All about getting toddlers active and learning through play, with a mixture of percussion, singing, and dancing.

• Bulla Railway (3rd Sunday of each month) – Ride the dinosaur trail on the miniature railway. Read the Bulla Railway Review.
• Art in the garden (Last Friday of the month) – It’s a combination of nature play, sensory play, process art, and playgroup. Run by ‘The Fun In Art’.
• Altona Miniature Railway (3rd Sunday of the month) – between 10 am and 3 pm, ride this wonderful Miniature Railway. Read the Altona Miniature Railway review.
• Grazeland (Fridays – Sundays) – huge dining precinct with city views and 50 stalls to choose from. Free face painting, live music, jungle climbing equipment and more. 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. Read the 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. Read the Station Hotel Review
• Enterprize One Hour Day Sails (ongoing) – sail from five locations in Port Phillip Bay and occasionally in other ports along the southeastern coast of Australia.
• Werribee Open Range Zoo (Ongoing) – Stroll through the Zoo spotting lions, hippos, cheetahs, monkeys, gorillas and more, catch the safari bus tour or explore the Ranger Kids indoor play space and Village Kids outdoor playground.
• Air Playground (Ongoing) – Air Playground has launched at Scienceworks. Levitate objects, engineer paper planes, & learn the physics of airflow.

• Melbourne Planetarium (Ongoing) – Sit back and enjoy the wonder of the stars regardless of the time of day – or the weather!
• Ground Up: Building Big Ideas, Together (Ongoing) – An exhibition for babies to five-year-olds where curiosity is rewarded around each bend with surprising and intriguing sights, sounds and touch sensations.
• Playnastics (Wednesdays + Thursdays) – Casual open play sessions using a selection of Preschool Gymnastics equipment and resources, as well as puzzles, blocks and more. ​Read our review here.
• The Music Playground (Various days available) –  Explore joy and connection through music-making with others. With singing, instrument exploration, musical games, rhymes and lullabies, children will grow their musical potential, by following the natural process of language acquisition.

• Toddler and Kids Art Classes (Various dates) – 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.
• Art in the garden (Last Friday of the month) – It’s a combination of nature play, sensory play, process art, and playgroup. Run by ‘The Fun In Art’.
• AquaPlay Group (Tues, Wed, & Thursdays) – A 30-minute casual swim class for infants 3-18 months old. Learn water safety in a fun, social, safe, and relaxed environment.
• Clocktower Centre Children’s Space (Ongoing) – Parents and carers can sit back and relax with a coffee and a snack from the Clocktower Café while the kids explore the space, watch the trams go by or listen to their favourite book with the interactive Storytime Pod.

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