Dayum, Melbourne! October is so chock-a-block with great events that it’s all we could do to narrow it down to 10. And then we had to throw in a couple of extra must-dos.
If you don’t have the best month on record, it’s not going to be our fault.
Melbourne Festival (6-23 October)
It’s the premiere cultural festival on Melbourne’s calendar, there’s something incredible to watch every day. Read our guide to the must-see shows.
Pirate Radio Boat Party (Sun. 16 October)
We love Culture Jam’s parties, and can’t think of anything better than a pirate dance party on the waves. Set sail for magical shores filled with booty (and other pirate puns).
Aotearoa Festival (Sun. 16 October)
Chur, it’s a New Zealand festival, bro! Head to the Immigration Museum. Get some kai in your puku, and enjoy the kapa haka. All Blacks jerseys definitely encouraged.
11th Annual Melbourne Zombie Shuffle (Sat. 22 October)
The largest zombie parade in the world — just another reason Melbourne’s the most (un)liveable city in the world. Either participate in or watch the 11th parade stagger through the CBD.
Oktoberfest in the Gardens (Sat. 22 October)
Get our your lederhosen and your dirndl and get ready to see how many steins of Bier you can drink. We love this event! Need more: head to Forester’s Oktoberfest on 8-9 October.
Junipalooza (22-23 October)
This is not to be confused with Juniperlooza (with an ‘er’) in November. Junipalooza (with an ‘a’) is direct from London, brought over by The Gin Queen. Gin lovers, gird your loins for two days of delights.
Melbourne Ukulele Festival (28-30 October)
What could be more Melbourne than a ukulele festival on High Street in Northcote? The weekend showcases the uke in beloved venues (like the Wesley Anne and Open Studio) with gigs and workshops.
The Lost Lands (28-30 October)
The two-day music and arts festival in Werribee Mansion has us besides ourselves with excitement. We’ve even made a guide to which musical acts you should see. (Hint: Architecture in Helsinki.)
Brewers Feast (28-29 October)
Victoria’s brand-new beer festival will feature all of your favourite craft breweries, plus food and music galore. It’s all happening at the Abbotsford Convent. We can’t think of a better weekend.
Midsummer Magic Baltic Festival (Sat. 29 October)
The Baltic and Nordic peoples know how to kick off the summer. Party with the Estonians, Latvians, Lithuanians, and Finns of Melbourne. This isn’t something you’ll forget in a hurry.
Urban Gathering (Sat. 29 October)
So you can’t make it to Rainbow. Or you’re in withdrawal. No worries: the annual Urban Gathering transforms CERES into an oasis of music and costumes. Celebrate Rainbow’s 20th anniversary in style.
Hatchet Halloween Interactive Horror Experience (Mon. 31 October)
This sounds like possibly the scariest way to celebrate Halloween we’ve ever heard. So it obviously has to be included here.
Think that’s enough for you? It’s not even close to how many other great events are coming up. Sign up for our VIP mailing list so you don’t miss out, and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more.
-Theresa and Team TPO
Co-founder of The Plus Ones, Theresa can’t believe how many cool events this October holds.
