Hello Reader,

Exciting news for your diaries — the Victorian Seniors Festival event calendar has just launched, with thousands of events happening right across the state throughout October. Even better, Victorian Seniors Card holders get nine days of free public transport, from 3 to 11 October, covering metro Melbourne, V/Line trains and coaches, and regional buses — the perfect excuse to explore somewhere new.

We're putting together three guides to help you make the most of it: our pick of the best events across metro Melbourne, a guide to combining a regional day trip or getaway with festival fun, and a rundown of the best deals for Seniors Card holders throughout the month. Keep an eye out — we'll bring you all the detail in a dedicated Seniors Festival email on Monday.

In the meantime, we'd love for you to join us in person. We're hosting our own Seniors Month celebration — a relaxed morning Parks & Gardens Cruise along the Yarra with Melbourne River Cruises, complete with tea, coffee and guided commentary. It's the perfect chance to meet fellow readers and take in Melbourne's parks and gardens from the water.

When: Monday 19 October 2026, departing 10am (arrive by 9.45am)
​Where: Melbourne River Cruises, Berth 2, Southbank Promenade
​Cost: $32.80 for Seniors Card holders

​Book your spot here — we'd love to see you on board.

Warmly,
The Seniors in Melbourne team

P.S. — You'll find our full festival hub, with all our guides and picks in one place, here. If you'd rather browse the entire official program yourself, it's all listed on the Victorian Seniors Festival calendar too (fair warning, it's a bit clunky to navigate!). And if you prefer flicking through a paper copy, keep an eye out for printed festival booklets at libraries and supermarkets this week. If you're having trouble finding something or just want a hand, I'm always happy to help you track down the right event — just drop me a line and I'll do my best investigating.

Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​Walk with New Friends​ Angie swapped solo strolls for group walks and hasn't looked back. See what she discovered about Melbourne's walking club scene. Read more

“ As a solo, I began researching walking clubs. The benefit of a club or group is the walk always goes ahead (unsafe weather aside). You’ll have a leader who will share their knowledge and expertise, and more is shared from the other walkers. Google, Facebook and the comprehensive list shared below gave me a vast number of clubs. I now follow several clubs and regularly enjoy walks within this wonderful community. ​Read more here.​ — Angie

PARTNER CONTENT ​Go Behind the Scenes at the MCG​ Experience two exclusive Keepers’ Collections Tours this September. Discover America’s mark on the hallowed turf (8 & 9 Sep) or step through 100+ years of AFL History (23 & 24 Sep). Guided by the Australian Sports Museum’s Collection team. Tickets $135. Book your spot here

​When Experience Takes Centre Stage​ A new Melbourne film festival is putting mature talent in the spotlight, with short films exploring stories and experiences that don’t always reach the screen. Read Kaye's piece

​Spring Blooms in the Ranges​ More than a million tulips, live music and garden paths make this annual spring outing a lovely way to enjoy the Dandenong Ranges. Plan your visit

​A Feast Without Gluten​ Melbourne’s Gluten-Free Expo brings together food, tastings, expert advice and community, offering plenty to explore for those living gluten-free or supporting someone who is. See the details

PARTNER CONTENT ​Jazz Nights, Up Close​ The Jazz Room presents a rich and heartfelt tribute to Marvin Gaye, one of the most iconic voices in soul music. Grab a drink, settle in, and relive his greatest hits as a brilliant live band brings them to life. Brunswick Ballroom. Tickets from $45 Reserve your spot

​A Bushland Wildlife Escape​ A relaxed walk through bushland brings visitors close to Australian wildlife, with bird shows, animal talks and plenty of places to pause along the way. Discover more

Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3

• ​Tips for Attending the Royal Melbourne Show 2026​
• ​Sidney Myer Music Bowl: tips and access ​
• ​16 Saturday Markets Melbourne: The Best Weekend Markets to Explore​

Community Giveback

This quarter, Seniors in Melbourne has partnered with Travellers Aid to support the team helping Victorians travel with confidence every day. Find out more →​

Enter our Weekly Giveaway

​Win a Premium Double Pass to Dusklit​ Enjoy Mozart, Mendelssohn and a moving new work in an evening of beautiful live music. Enter now for your chance to experience this special Melbourne Chamber Orchestra performance. ENTER NOW

​Win a Double Pass to the Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair​ Be inspired by beautiful quilts, textile art and creative projects at this much-loved Melbourne event. Enter now for your chance to browse, learn and find ideas for your next creation. ENTER NOW

Congrats to last week's giveaway winners! Lee B. won a double pass to the Margaret Preston exhibition at NGV and Julie D. won an Organic Facial from Daylily Beauty.

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​Rome: Empire, Power, People – Melbourne Museum (until 25 Oct 2026). This major Melbourne-exclusive exhibition brings ancient Rome to life through more than 150 original artefacts—including statues, mosaics and jewellery—exploring the Empire’s power, culture and everyday life through immersive displays and storytelling. Tickets from $38. Read Kathy's review here. Book tickets.​
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• ​Elemental Resonance: Multi-Sensory Solo Harp Experience (4 & 5 Sep 2026). Journey through earth, air, fire and water in this immersive solo harp performance by Sydney-based harpist and composer Paul Nicolaou. Presented at the atmospheric Norla Dome, Mission to Seafarers, the all-Australian program invites audiences to experience the music through sight, sound, touch and smell. Tickets from $25. Book Friday night here. Or book Saturday night here.​
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• Ending soon: Taste & Temptation – The Johnston Collection (until 27 Sep 2026). Step inside the historic Fairhall house museum for a guided tour exploring the lavish dining traditions of 18th-century Europe, with exquisite decorative arts, rare treasures and elegant afternoon tea served on Wedgwood china. Tickets from $30. Read Terrie’s review here.​
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• ​Celebration in the Gardens (19 Sep 2026). Celebrate a century of Maranoa Botanic Gardens with guided walks, talks, children's activities and more in this special community event. Free entry.​
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• ​One Enchanted Evening Mystery Book Night (27 Oct 2026). Enjoy a special evening celebrating books, storytelling and the magic of live author events at Mary Martin Books. Tickets include a mystery book, a cosy venue, a glass of wine, and a moderated author session with signing. Tickets $50.​
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• ​Morning Melodies: Silvie Paladino (14 Sep 2026). Acclaimed musical theatre star Silvie Paladino celebrates her remarkable career with an uplifting performance of Broadway favourites and personal stories. Part of the popular Morning Melodies daytime concert series. Tickets $35.​
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• ​Behind The Veil: NICA's Second Year Ensemble (15–19 Sep 2026). Enter a kooky circus world where perfection is manufactured, productivity is worshipped and individuality is treated as a dangerous defect. NICA’s second-year ensemble combines breathtaking physical feats with dark satire as performers challenge a perfectly engineered existence and reclaim their freedom. Tickets $25.​
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• ​FUSE Festival (5–13 Sep 2026). Darebin comes alive with contemporary art, music, films, exhibitions, workshops and community events across streets, parks, theatres and galleries.​
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