It’s officially the start of Autumn, my favourite season!
Coming up is the Labour Day long weekend in March (Saturday 7 March to Monday 9 March) plus probably the last of the hot weather. Other key dates include:
- Clean Up Australia Day Sunday 2 March;
- Cultural Diversity Week Monday 17 March to Sunday 23 March;
- Harmony Week Monday 17 March to Sunday 23 March; and
- National Ride2School Day Friday 20 March.
This post is updated regularly so check back in to see what’s on in Melbourne today, and this weekend as well as what’s happening for the whole month.
What’s on in March – our Top Picks
CBD & DOCKLANDS
• Polly Woodside Pirate Day at Polly Woodside (15 March, 10:30am–2:30pm)
All aboard for a swashbuckling day of pirate fun on this historic tall ship. Expect themed activities, games and hands-on maritime adventures that little pirates will love. A brilliant interactive day out on the waterfront. Tickets $5–$43.
• Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan at Capitol Theatre (21 March, 6:00pm–8:00pm)
A magical retelling of Peter Pan featuring illuminated costumes and glowing stage effects. This visually stunning ballet is perfect for older kids ready for a special theatre night in the city. Tickets $49–$74.
• Flavours of Autumn Festival at Queen Victoria Market (21 March, 9:00am–4:00pm)
Part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, this one-day celebration is packed with seasonal produce and street food favourites. Expect live entertainment and plenty of tasty bites for foodies big and small.
NORTH MELBOURNE
• Regional Farmers Market at Abbotsford Convent (14 March, 9:00am–2:00pm)
A relaxed Saturday market filled with fresh regional produce, baked goods and handmade treats. Kids can roam the beautiful convent grounds while you stock up on local goodies. Entry $2.
• Foodie Fare – Fitzroy Street (15 March, 9:00am–1:00pm)
This lively community market brings fresh fruit and veg, bread, jams and more to the street. Kids will love the glitter tattoos, roaming entertainer and giant inflatable penguin.
• LuliePalooza – Victoria Park (21 March, 11.30am-9.00pm)
Melbourne’s wildest rock ‘n’ roll block party is back and bigger than ever.
SOUTH MELBOURNE & BAYSIDE
• Seasons in the Glade – Autumn at Gasworks Arts Park (14 March, 5:00pm–9:00pm)
Gasworks’ new quarterly celebration transforms the precinct into a twilight festival of live music, light shows, art markets, food trucks and kids’ workshops. Bring a picnic rug and settle in for a magical autumn evening.
• Urinetown: The Musical at Gasworks Arts Park (19 March, 7:30pm–10:00pm)
A hilarious, slightly cheeky musical satire that older kids and teens will enjoy. Big laughs, catchy tunes and a clever storyline make this a fun family theatre night. Tickets $49.95–$59.95.
• SPOT at Bunjil Place Theatre (27 – 28 March, 10.00am & 12.00pm)
Eric Hill’s beloved puppy comes to life on stage with puppetry, songs, and puzzles for children from 18 months and up, and their adults.
EAST MELBOURNE
• Dogs Day Out – Celebrate Maroondah (22 March, 10:00am–1:00pm)
A tail-wagging family day featuring pet vendors, demonstrations, kids’ activities and food trucks. It’s free, relaxed and ideal for animal-loving families.
• Teeny Tiny Stevies – Brain Fart Tour 2026 at Drum Theatre (15 March, 10:30am–11:30am)
ABC Kids favourites bring their award-winning, parent-friendly kids music to the stage. Expect laughs for adults, singalongs for kids and a genuinely feel-good concert experience. Tickets $35.
REGIONAL DAY TRIPS
• Ballarat Begonia Festival at Ballarat Botanical Gardens (7 March, 10:00am–5:00pm)
A colourful day trip packed with giant floral displays, family entertainment, market stalls and kids’ activities. It’s free and set in the stunning surrounds of the gardens.
• Scoresby Steamfest 2026 (7–9 March, 10:00am–4:00pm)
Well worth the drive for families who love trains and history. Expect whistles, working engines and hands-on displays across the long weekend.
Find more Events in March
Free water play areas in Melbourne
Melbourne’s best beaches for kids
Tips for visiting Moomba
