Hello Reader,

There's a real festival buzz building across Melbourne, and we've been busy putting together guides to help you make the most of them — each one packed with reader tips and our top picks so you know exactly where to start.

First up, Melbourne Rare Book Week runs 23 July to 1 August, with talks, tours and exhibitions across the city's libraries and heritage collections — most of it free, and the hero event needs no ticket at all. Read our guide here.​

Right in the middle of that, Open House Melbourne throws open the doors of over 180 buildings from 24 to 26 July — your chance to step inside spaces that are usually off-limits the rest of the year. Full guide here.​

Then in August, Now or Never takes over the city from 19 to 30 August with a citywide mix of light installations, live music and thought-provoking performance art.

Come spring, Melbourne Fringe Festival runs 29 September to 18 October, bringing hundreds of bold, boundary-pushing shows to venues across town — many events are still to be announced, so we'll keep you posted.

And rounding out the season, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival returns 16 to 25 October, marking its 29th year with performances from jazz royalty in some of our favourite seated venues. Tickets now on sale.

Have a read and start planning your season.

Is there a festival on your radar that we haven't covered yet? We'd love to hear about it — drop us a line or pop it in the comments, and we'll add it to our list.

Enjoy your week,
Amy

Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​Cartier Dazzles at NGV​ Our own Angie stepped inside the glittering Cartier exhibition at NGV — and she's sharing exactly what she thought, plus a few handy visiting tips. See what she thought

“ If you’ve ever wanted to stand inches away from the jewels that once adorned royalty, aristocrats and maharajahs, of Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Margaret, this exhibition is unmissable. ​Read more here.​ — Angie

PARTNER CONTENT ​45 Musicians, One Big Sound​ From brass to percussion, the Royal Australian Navy Band brings a program made for all ages to Mooroolbark this November. Saturday 7 November Adult tickets $16 and bring a child along free! Secure your tickets

​Where to Eat Near the Station​ Looking for a great meal before or after your journey? Discover top cafés and restaurants just a short walk from Spencer Street. Find a restaurant

PARTNER CONTENT ​Raclette, Chocolate & Live Music​ One of our favourite winter outings is back in Williamstown. Great for a solo wander or bringing the grandkids along — here's what to expect. See the details

​Browse Local Finds​ Wander riverside stalls filled with handmade gifts, local art and delicious treats while soaking up Melbourne’s vibrant atmosphere. Visit the market

​Find Melbourne’s Best Musicals​ From blockbuster productions to timeless favourites, discover the top musicals lighting up Melbourne’s theatre scene. Book your night out

Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3

• ​17 Saturday Markets Melbourne: The Best Weekend Markets to Explore​
• ​Finding Italy in Melbourne: Lygon Street and beyond​
• ​Victorian Seniors Card Explained: How to Apply and Make the Most of It​

Enter our Weekly Giveaway

​Win a Double Pass to Echoes of Broadway​ Celebrate the magic of Broadway’s Golden Age with an uplifting afternoon of timeless musical favourites performed by the VCA’s talented graduating students. ENTER NOW

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​Radiant, Melbourne Recital Centre (31 Jul 2026). Australian Contemporary Opera Company launches the Mietta Foundation Song Series with an inspiring program of contemporary Australian art songs by leading composers and poets. Performed by acclaimed singers, pianist Coady Green and the Partridge String Quartet, this intimate concert celebrates the richness and creativity of Australian vocal music.​
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• ​Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive VR Experience (until Sep 2026). Embark on an extraordinary virtual reality journey through the universe, exploring distant galaxies, exploding stars and black holes using breathtaking imagery from the Smithsonian, NASA’s Hubble and James Webb telescopes. This immersive experience brings the wonders of space to life for all ages.
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• ​Truffle Treasures Trail (Jun – Aug 2026). Follow this delicious self-guided trail through Queen Victoria Market to discover fresh Australian truffles, gourmet cheeses, handmade pasta, artisan produce and indulgent truffle-inspired dishes from some of the market’s favourite traders.
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• ​Requiem in Power (RIP) (until 24 Oct 2026). This thought-provoking exhibition by Gabrielle Skye Nehrybecki and Olive Guardiani explores the connections between ecology, memory and mortality through sculpture inspired by the La Trobe Solar Farm and Preston Cemetery, reflecting on environmental loss and human rituals. Bundoora Homestead Art Centre. Free entry.​
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• ​Leaps and Bounds Music Festival (16 – 26 Jul 2026). Celebrate Melbourne’s vibrant live music scene with ten days of performances, gigs and special events across iconic venues in Fitzroy, Collingwood, Richmond and beyond. Showcasing homegrown talent and emerging artists, the festival offers everything from intimate concerts to late-night music experiences.
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• ​The Life & Times of Flinders Lane: 1.5-hour Walking Tour (Thurs 2 pm – 3.30 pm). Flinders Lane has lived many lives — and its story is written into the buildings, laneways and corners that most people hurry past. Tickets $40. Book here.​

​seniorsinmelbourne.com.au​

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