Things to do in Melbourne in March

In London it's the Chelsea Flower Show and in Canberra it's Floriade. In Melbourne, the event that gets plant enthusiasts and floral fanatics excited is the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. This spectacular celebration of all things horticulture is once again taking over the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens for five days of world-class landscape designs, breathtaking floral displays, educational talks and family friendly workshops. This year's event is set to be bigger and bolder than ever, and is running from March 26 to 30. There'll be seemingly endless garden displays with dazzling designs, main stage discussions with industry experts and plenty of backyard inspo. Plus, a massive immersive installation under the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building will delight and dazzle visitors, with bioluminescent blooms and Monet-inspired reflective displays.  The beloved Show Garden installations competition will feature some of the world's best landscape designers vying for the winner's title. Then follow the scent of fresh blooms into the Royal Exhibition Building as it transforms into the Great Hall of Flowers thanks to some of Victoria’s leading floral designers, including a new aerial flower display exhibition. Plus, there'll be an entertainment precinct in the forecourt, with food trucks and DJs, with new elevated food experiences.  Gardens by Twilight will return with an expanded program on on March 27 and 29, to give city dwellers the...

Are you ready to laugh so hard it hurts? One of the largest comedy festivals in the world, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) returns next month with a program that promises to be as entertaining as it is expansive.  Since being launched in 1987 by Barry Humphries and Peter Cook, the festival has since grown to become Australia's largest cultural ticketed event offering both family entertainment and show-stopping adult performances. After Montreal's Just for Laughs and the Edinburgh Fringe, MICF is the third-largest comedy festival in the world and attracts the crème de la crème of comedians from across Australia and around the globe.  In 2025, you can expect a mammoth line-up of international performers such as Ruby Wax (UK/US), Amy Gledhill (UK), Jin Hao Li (Singapore/UK), Ahir Shah (UK), Melanie Bracewell (NZ), Anirban Dasgupta (India), Schalk Bezuidenhout (South Africa) and more.  As for local acts, you can see the likes of Bron Lewis, Claire Hooper, Geraldine Hickey, Gillian Cosgriff, He Huang, Jenny Tian, John Safran, Lous Wall, Nazeem Hussain, Zoë Coombs Marr and so many more. Much-loved annual events such as the 35th Annual Great Debate and Upfront return, alongside the Raw Comedy competition, Deadly Funny and Class Clowns. The new Asian Allstars Gala will return for a second edition, showcasing extroadinary talent from Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore and more. Running from March 26-April 20 2025, the program is chock-full of stand-up comedy,...

Merri-bek dwellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to musical talent, never more than during the annual Brunswick Music Festival, when international and local acts come together for a celebration of great music. This year, you can look forward to nine jam-packed days, featuring more than 40 gigs across the suburb and surrounds. Everything kicks off with the famous Sydney Road Street Party on Sunday, March 2. This mammoth, free one-day festival takes over Brunswick’s main road (which happens to be the longest continuous shopping strip in the southern hemisphere). Last year, the party caused absolute scenes on social media when multiple dance parties randomly erupted. So, who knows what will unfold at this year's edition. Over two huge nights at Gilpin Park, expect to see the powerhouse First Nations rapper that is Miss Kaninna co-headlining with Kenyan singer-songwriter and rapper Elsy Wameyo on March 7. Dream team, if you ask us. Then on March 8, hip-hop royalty Bahamadia hailing from the United States. What an honour to catch this legend in the Northern 'burbs.  For some free entertainment you can't go wrong with Bulleke-bek Journey, a day of live music across some of Brunswick's most beloved venues like Beast, the Lomond, Rubix, Stay Gold and the Moldy Fig. From bass-heavy beats to punk, hardcore, bluegrass, alt-country and New Orleans jazz, there is a rich variety of sounds to explore. For the first time, Brunswick Uniting Church will also be hosting an unexpected...

The music and magic of Disney has been shaping childhood memories for generations. This March, you can relive all the nostalgia of Disney’s  timeless film scores – including songs from Hercules, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Frozen and more – with the full backing of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and an all-star cast of musical performers at Disney in Concert: Live at Arts Centre Melbourne. Following sold-out performances of Disney 100 in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth last year, this much-loved concert event returns Down Under, this time bringing the magic of four special shows to Melbourne.  “We will never forget the audience reaction when the iconic Disney castle appeared on the big screen at our premiere performance,” says vocalist and artistic director Amy Manford. “It warmed our hearts and we always look forward to recreating the magic of that moment. It is such an honour to be able to produce and perform in this concert, and to finally bring the magic of Disney in Concert to Melbourne is the icing on the cake.” Manford (who is best known globally for her performance as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera, both in Australia and London’s West End) is joined onstage by vocalists Christine Allado (Hamilton, In The Heights), Joshua Robson (The Phantom of the Opera), Nick Afoa (Miss Saigon, Rent) and Ruva Ngwenya (Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, The Lion King, We Will Rock You). Under the baton of acclaimed conductor Jessica Gethin, bangers like ‘Let It Go’,...

It's officially that time of year again when the Moonlight Cinema returns to Melbourne for the summer. There's just something special about snuggling into a bean bag and catching a film under the stars in the Royal Botanic Gardens – with an ice cream or wine in hand, of course.  Australia's favourite outdoor cinema has dropped its summer screening schedule, with blockbusters, nostalgic favourites and comedies on the program. Highlights include Gladiator II, The Substance, Better Man, A Complete Unknown and Wicked (and yes, there's even a sing-along session). Starting from February 11 to coincide with Valentine's Day, there will be a string of romcoms that are guaranteed to warm your heart. Grab your beloved or your bestie and catch everything from classics like Notting Hill and The Notebook to new releases We Live in Time and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.  Those looking to splurge can opt for either the Platinum Experience, which includes a deluxe double bean bed (including a blanket you can take home!) for two with waiter service or the Singapore Airlines Gold Grass, with a prime position in front of the screen and an exclusive menu of delicious treats. The Official Aperol Spritz Bar is also returning, so you can sip on that iconic orange cocktail all summer long. Screenings kick off at sundown and even your pooch is welcome. Tickets are now available via the website. Want more fun in the sun? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne this December.

Australia's largest free festival is back this Labour Day weekend, and it's the perfect opportunity to make the most of Melbourne's still-warm March weather. From March 6 to 10, enjoy a jam-packed and mostly free program of family-friendly fun, including events like dance workshops, skate competitions, face painting and so much more.  Across the whole five epic days of festivities, stacked program of events will include the much-loved Moomba Parade; the hilarious Birdman Rally, where competitors hurtle themselves over the Yarra River in homemade flying devices; the Moomba Masters water sports competition; the Moomba Carnival; the Moomba Skate Park Program; and a variety of entertainers, performers, play zones, feature films and food and drinks experiences, plus so much more. There are more than 30 thrilling carnival rides this year, including one that launches riders 60 metres into the air. Plus, more than 60 performers and entertainers will keep the good vibes going all weeend. Top it all off with nightly fireworks across the Melbourne skyline and you've got yourself one helluva party.  To find out more, visit the Moomba website.  Planning out your weekend? Here's our guide to things to do over the Labour Day long weekend.

Dive into the discography of Fleetwood Mac and Country legends at a new pair of concerts that will transform Melbourne Town Hall into a starry, softly lit wonderland. The glowing, UK-based Concerts by Candlelight tour is bringing its top musicians and West End singers Down Under in March 2025.  Following a run of sell-out shows across the UK, Concerts by Candlelight will present two sparkling nights of nostalgia and anthemic tunes in Melbourne – one celebrating the music of Country legends and the other showcasing all things Fleetwood Mac. The two concerts will reimagine the greatest hits of its featured artists with a talented cast of West End singers and an energetic rock band, paying homage to their most famous songs. Pour yourself a cup of ambition and head down to Country by Candlelight from 7:30pm on Wednesday, March 12. The experience is sure to heal any achy breaky hearts with so many hits from artists including Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Shania Twain, Chris Stapleton and more.  The day before on Tuesday, March 11, the candles will begin to blaze at the same hour, except this time the songs of Fleetwood Mac will be in the spotlight for a concert straight from your dreams. This landslide evening will pack in hits including ‘Don’t Stop’, ‘The Chain’ and ‘Little Lies’, just to name a few. Tickets for both concerts are on sale now for between $90 and $150.  Nab tickets for Country by Candlelight here, or grab some for Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight here.

From the story’s origins hundreds of years ago, to its transformation into the classic 1991 Disney film, Beauty and the Beast really is a tale as old as time. In its musical form, the production hasn’t been seen in Melbourne since the ’90s, when Hugh Jackman famously performed as Gaston in his first professional role. Fast forward three decades and we’re once again seeing a Melbourne stage transformed into the provincial town and Baroque castle we know so well. Only this time round, the lavish set design is augmented with cleverly integrated digital screens. It’s just one of several updates that ensure this reimagined production of the beloved fairytale keeps up with the times. From the moment the curtain rises, it’s clear this is a large-scale musical with all the belles, whistles and big bucks. Visual splendour is the MO here – think kaleidoscopic costumes, gasp-inducing illusions and spectacular lighting – and it’s easy to see why this show broke box office records at Brisbane’s QPAC.  However, all that Disney investment would be useless without the gifted cast. Shubshri Kandiah exudes whimsy-with-a-backbone as bookworm Belle, charming us with her sweet songs and sassy moments – though the folks in her provincial town just don’t get it.  Brendan Xavier’s beast is alternately ferocious and boyish. His startled squeals and hair-twirling moments help make Belle’s dramatic change in feelings a touch more believable. Both leads shine in their solo numbers, with Xavier’s ‘If...

The younger sister festival to December's much-loved Meredith Music Festival, Golden Plains is also held at the Supernatural Amphitheatre in Meredith. You can expect no commercial sponsors, free range camping, BYO, and a 'No Dickhead' policy over two days and two nights.  The full line-up for 2025 is absolutely stacked with in-demand international artists as well as local favourites. The headliners for this year are revered singer-songwriter PJ Harvey and breakout post-punk Irish band Fontaines DC. Across the three day program, they'll be joined by 2ManyDJs (otherwise known as Soulwax), rising popstar Magdalena Bay, beloved Aussie Thelma Plum, Sofia Kourtesis, Hermanos Gutiérrez, dance music royalty Robin S and heaps more. You can see the full-line-up in all its glory here.  Golden Plains will run over the long weekend of March 8-10, 2025. To find out more about the festival, head to the website.  Want to know what other festivals are happening soon? Check out our guide to the best music festivals happening in or around Melbourne.

Are you sick of salad? Maybe you’d like to kill kale? Perhaps you hunger for something with a little more meat on its bones? Well, hunger no more! Meatstock lands in Bendigo on March 14 and 15 to satisfy all your carnivorous cravings, and it's bringing along an unmissable program of rocking music, wild attractions and nail-biting competitions this year.  "If an offset smoker and an electric guitar had a baby, it would be Meatstock," is how the festival describes itself. Sounds legit.  Some of the best pitmasters in the barbecue biz will be serving up food throughout the weekend including Get Smoked, Hoy Pinoy, Carolina Smoke, Phat Boyz BBQ, Black Iron Smokers, Hangry Wolf BBQ and more, with plenty of drinks stalls to wash it all down. Entertainment will come by way of many local artists and bands playing on the main stage, including Lane Pittman, Chase Rice, Oliver Anthony, Redferrine, Bella Mackenzie, Piper Rodrigues, Dakota East and Taylor Moss. You can head over to the expo portion of the event to pick up everything from barbecue rubs, cooking appliances, barbecues, hot sauces and heaps more, but don't stop there. Whether to spectate or take part, you're also encouraged to hit up the competitive eating zones where pale-faced attendees will be showing off their bottomless bellies when it comes to throwing down sozzie sizzles, burgs or red-hot hot wings.  The Professional Bull Riding will also be back this year, where cowboys (and cowgirls, of course) will be challenged...