Melbourne during the mid-year is a time of hibernation. Luckily, spring has sprung, and the season of renewal is upon us. It’s time to revive those cancelled plans and head out into the sunshine.
Dive into our top picks list of the best spring activities in Melbourne in 2024.
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
When: 21 – 22 September
Where: Queen Victoria Market
Entry: Free
Despite what the name may suggest, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is definitely a Melbourne spring event. Also known as the Mooncake Festival, this is a Chinese celebration of the harvest and an occasion for friends and family to reunite.
From iconic mooncakes to an array of flavourful street food, this two-day festival is the ultimate affordable food adventure. With live music, performances and workshops on offer, this is one event not to be missed.
Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus
When: 21 September – 26 October
Where: Hofbräuhaus, Melbourne CBD
Entry: Free
Get ready to embrace your inner Bavarian spirit – Oktoberfest returns to Hofbräuhaus for its 56th year. Enjoy imported German beers, live music from a German band, exciting competitions, beer specials and authentic feasts. Don’t miss the legendary opening and closing parties in the heart of Chinatown.
Melbourne Fringe Festival
When: 1 – 20 October
Where: Various venues
Entry: Ticket prices range from free to $60
As the Melbourne spring temperatures rise, so do the independent artists of the Melbourne Fringe Festival. There are over 450 shows to explore this year at budget-friendly prices. From comedy and cabaret to dance, drag and DJ sets, mischief and mayhem is always first on the Fringe agenda.
Have your student card handy for some excellent concession tickets and keep an eye out for the 40-hour flash sale—you can get some serious discounts. Check out the full lineup here.
Friday Night Social: Student Edition
When: Friday 4 October
Where: Science Gallery Melbourne
Entry: Free
Science Gallery Melbourne at the University of Melbourne plays host to another edition of the Friday Night Social. It’s colourful, artistic and one of the best things to do for free. Be engrossed by a live music jam by the next generation of musicians and composers, short film screenings from animators and an interactive showcase of design and engineering. This is a great opportunity to socialise and make new friends in a space designed for and by students.
Book your ticket here to secure a spot.
Spend an afternoon at The Keys
When: Every day, see opening hours
Where: Preston
Entry: Prices vary, have a look here
Housed in a historic warehouse, The Keys is a re-imagined leisure space fit with a vintage bowling alley, beer garden, bistro and arcade. Grab your friends and book out a lane for a couple of hours or roll up on a Wednesday night and test your knowledge at trivia. It’s free to participate and there are some cool prizes to be won.
Asia Oasis Street Food Festival
When: 24 – 27 October
Where: Boathouse Drive, Alexandra Gardens
Entry: Free
Asia Oasis finally makes its launch in Melbourne with a lavish food festival down on the Yarra River. Immerse yourself amongst Bali-style huts and Vietnamese lanterns as you taste street food that doesn’t often find its way to restaurant menus.
There is currently a callout for volunteers—why not put your hand up and get involved? It could be a great opportunity to make some new pals or experience some insider perks.
Leonardo Da Vinci at The Lume
When: Every day from 10am, until 8 December
Where: The Lume, South Wharf
Entry: $29.90 for students
Calling all history buffs—you have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in Da Vinci’s world, featuring original pages from the Codex Atlanticus and an exact replica of the Mona Lisa. Head to The Lume to dive into 15th-century Italy and admire the pioneering inventions of one of history’s greatest geniuses.
Image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
