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 2026.
Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus
When: 19 September – 31 October
Where: Hofbräuhaus, Melbourne CBD
Entry: Non-ticketed event, but bookings are recommended.
Get ready to embrace your inner Bavarian spirit – Oktoberfest returns to Hofbräuhaus for its 58th 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: 29 September – 18 October
Where: Various venues
Entry: Ticket prices range from free to $75+
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 are always first on the Fringe agenda.
Have your student card handy for some excellent concession tickets and keep an eye out for sales - you can get some serious discounts. Check out the full lineup here
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 fitted 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.
Colours of Asia Festival 2026
When: 13 – 15 and 20 – 22 November
Where: Alexandra Gardens
Entry: Free
Get ready for a huge celebration of Asian food, culture and entertainment when Colours of Asia Festival takes over Alexandra Gardens for two weekends this spring.
Presented by Asia Oasis, the festival will bring together more than 35 food vendors serving over 200 dishes, alongside a packed entertainment program featuring more than 50 performing groups. Expect everything from street food favourites to live cultural performances, all set against the backdrop of Melbourne’s riverside gardens.
Gather your friends, arrive hungry and make an afternoon or evening of exploring the flavours and cultures on offer.
RESET: A Festival for Grounding and Growing
When: 5 September – 17 October
Where: Fed Square
Entry: Free
Spring is the perfect excuse to get outdoors, and RESET: A Festival for Grounding and Growing brings a packed program of free activities to Fed Square throughout September and October.
With a focus on sustainability, creativity and connecting with nature, the festival includes everything from outdoor cinema and workshops to community events and hands-on activities. You can learn how to repair and upcycle old clothes, join a community clean-up or simply drop by and see what’s happening.
Best of all, events across the program are free, making this an easy addition to your spring plans when you're trying to stick to a student budget.
Image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
