Hello Reader,

There’s a little extra sparkle at the Arts Centre this month. The Ian Potter State Theatre has officially reopened, six months ahead of schedule, after its first major refurbishment since 1984. We were lucky enough to join some of the heartwarming celebrations over the weekend, and it was a joy to see that grand golden curtain, with its hand-painted wildflowers and lyrebird’s tail, once again welcoming a crowd.

The Arts Centre tour was wonderful, and if you’ve never been behind the scenes, read our guide to the Arts Centre Melbourne Tours for a peek beneath the spire. We also loved the new ENCORE exhibition at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts, which you can read about here. And the one-off free performance they hosted was spectacular. Were you lucky enough to be there?

There’s a wonderful line-up coming up at the refreshed theatre, including The Nutcracker (24 - 31 Oct) and My Fair Lady (14 Nov - 17 Jan), so it’s a lovely time to plan an outing. If you’re new to the precinct, our Arts Centre Melbourne guide will help you find your way around.

I’d love to hear if you were there on the weekend.

Warmly,
Amy

P.S. Fancy a little mystery? We’ve teamed up with Mary Martin Bookshop for One Enchanted Evening on Tuesday 27 October. You’ll be whisked off to a cosy location near Queen Vic Market, where a mystery book and a glass of wine await, then meet the author behind it. Book your spot here.

Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​Meet the Original Chatbot​ Step back to 1966 with Eliza, a thought-provoking play about the scientist behind the first psychotherapy chatbot and the questions his invention raised. Read the story

“ It’s fascinating to realise that today’s international conversations about the ethics and the guidelines surrounding artificial intelligence began 1966 with Professor Joseph Weizenbaum a German – American scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). ​Read more here.​ — Kaye

PARTNER CONTENT ​Seniors Go *FREE at Gumbuya World Theme Park!​ Visit the all-in-one family destination for ALL ages with thrills, wildlife and water park. Available from 7 – 30 Oct 2026. *T&Cs apply Book your FREE tickets

​Book Your Spot on Our River Cruise Outing​ Join the Seniors in Melbourne community for a relaxed Yarra River cruise, with city views, guided commentary, tea, coffee and plenty of time to mingle. Monday 19 October, tickets $32.80 each. LAST CHANCE TO BOOK

​Find Your Perfect High Tea​ From grand hotel settings to garden escapes and playful suburban spots, this guide rounds up Melbourne high teas for every occasion and taste. Here's our list

​A Peaceful Lake Escape​ Take a gentle 30-minute guided punt through the Royal Botanic Gardens, with wildlife, water lilies and city views creating a wonderfully relaxing outing. See the ride

PARTNER CONTENT ​Your Favourite Music In A New Light​ From Queen and ABBA to classical favourites, Candlelight Concerts put a fresh spin on familiar music in some of Melbourne’s most atmospheric venues. Browse Upcoming Concerts

​Visiting The Archibalds​ The Archibald Prize 2026 is in Shepparton until 1 November, and Alli says it’s worth the two-hour trip from Melbourne. Read Allison's review

Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3

• ​Best Deals During October for the Victorian Seniors Festival 2026​
• ​The Magic of Dimboola, Australia: Pink Lake, Art, Food & Small-Town Charm​
• ​A Practical Guide to Melbourne’s New Metro Tunnel Stations​

Enter our Weekly Giveaway

​Win a Double Pass to A Little Glamour​ Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful duets, classic songs and warm musical storytelling from acclaimed voices Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Georgia Wilkinson. Enter for your chance to experience this joyful Morning Melodies concert at Hamer Hall. ENTER NOW

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​All Right, Vegemite! – A Very Australian Celebration (25 Oct 2026). Celebrate Vegemite’s 103rd birthday with illustrator and animator Peter Viska, who will share stories from his career and the much-loved All Right, Vegemite! children’s books. Enjoy original artwork, Australian nostalgia, book signings and light refreshments, with Peter also donating limited-edition signed prints to support the volunteer-run museum. Tickets $25.​
  ​
• ​Odyssey Literary Festival 2026 (23 Oct 2026). This student-led literary festival from RMIT’s Professional Writing and Editing program brings established and emerging writers together for panel discussions and salon events celebrating the people behind the literary world, with a focus on RMIT alumni, staff and students. Tickets $15.
  ​
• ​Under The Clocks: Premium City Walking Tour (Fridays, 10 am - 1 pm). Join us for a guided tour of Melbourne's laneways, meet new friends and savour revelations about the city you thought you knew. 3-hour walking tour, including coffee or tea mid-way. Tickets $60. Book here. Read Kathy's review.​
  ​
• ​I Am Woman – Bold, Brassy and Iconic (26 Oct 2026). Cabaret artists Amelia Ryan and Libby O’Donovan OAM celebrate the legendary women who shaped 1960s Australian music — Helen Reddy, Judith Durham, Olivia Newton-John and others. Expect laughs, stories and iconic songs. Book tickets from $35 here.​
  ​
• ​CIRCUS FIRE Spectacular (15 – 18 Oct 2026). Watch internationally awarded ZAP Circus bring fire, acrobatics, dazzling special effects and sharp comedy to Prahran Square for four spectacular nights. This high-energy 45-minute show promises plenty of thrills, laughs and jaw-dropping stunts. Prahran Square, Prahran. Free entry.
  ​
• ​Making Modern Melbourne (until 31 Dec 2026). This free exhibition traces Melbourne’s transformation from the early 20th century to today, exploring major events including the World Wars, the Great Depression, postwar migration and the rise of multiculturalism. It features historic photographs and modern reimaginings that show how the city has evolved over time. Free entry.​
  ​
• ​Melbourne Skydeck (1 – 31 Oct 2026). Take your Melbourne adventure to new heights! At Melbourne Skydeck, Seniors Card holders enjoy an exclusive offer of $25 General Admission with a free tea or coffee to enjoy from the Skydeck. Available for walk-ins during October only; no pre-booking required. Read about Chris’ thrilling experience on The Edge here. Find out more here.​

​seniorsinmelbourne.com.au​

​Instagram | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Linked In​

Did someone forward you this email? Sign up for free here and receive it in your inbox each week.

Our newsletters sometimes contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase.