Be inspired by a range of creative events taking place throughout Creative October.
Spring has sprung and so has an action-packed season for creative events with a festival or event on offer each and every day this month. So, get ready to find your creative state this Creative October – a month-long, state-wide celebration of art, creativity and culture – with these highlights covering free, regional, First Peoples and family-friendly events.
Melbourne Fringe Festival: Deadly Fringe, Melbourne
On now until 22 October
A fixture on the Fringe program since 2017, Deadly Fringe showcases and champions works by First Peoples artists.
This year there are nine shows on offer, including storytelling, a circus and a queer art-party celebrating First Peoples dancefloor culture.
For more information, visit: Melbourne Fringe.
Ballarat International Foto Biennale, Ballarat
On now until 22 October
The Ballarat International Foto Biennale showcases extraordinary photography, performances, talks and more.
An event that shines a light on the best local and international photographers and the stunning Ballarat township, the Biennale is spread across galleries, shops and laneways in Ballarat’s CBD and venues in surrounding areas.
For more information, visit: Ballarat International Foto Biennale.
Archibald Prize 2023 at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
Throughout October
A Victorian-exclusive, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery showcases the popular Archibald Prize 2023 with an extraordinary display of 57 portraits, featuring public figures and cultural identities from all walks of life.
For more information, visit: Archibald Prize 2023.
Wonder Festival at Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong
16 to 21 October
Designed for kids up to 12 years old, Wonder Festival includes performances from Indigenous dance theatre, Bangarra, a concert from local children’s entertainers, The Mik Maks, First Peoples dance workshops, a Tweens disco night, and more.
For more information, visit: Wonder Festival.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival: Second Line Street Party, Melbourne
Saturday 21 October
Melbourne International Jazz Festival brings music to the streets to kick off their 2023 program.
Channelling the wild and spontaneous all-in street parades seen during New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, New Orleans brass crew the Hot 8 Brass Band will set out from the Red Stair Amphitheatre in Southbank on their way to Federation Square, picking up revellers along the way and offering a unique and joyful experience that everyone can participate in.
Once the parade hits Federation Square, it will transform into a free outdoor concert with the Hot 8 Brass Band playing alongside Melbourne’s Horns of Leroy, followed by jazz and soul legends Thndo and Rita Satch.
For more information, visit: Second Line Street Party.
Melbourne Fashion Week: Celebrating First Peoples fashion, Melbourne
24 October
If fashion is more your cup of tea, amongst a bumper program of runways and events, you can enjoy a special high tea with First Peoples fashion brand Ngali, or catch the ganbu marra runway show celebrating emerging First Peoples fashion designers, both on 24 October.
For more information, visit: Ngali High Tea and ganbu marra runway.
The Eighty-Six festival: Super Saturday, Melbourne
28 October
The centrepiece of Melbourne’s hottest new music festival, The Eighty-Six, Super Saturday will be unlike anything ever seen in Melbourne’s inner north.
On Saturday 28 October venues all along the 86 tram line from Northcote to Reservoir will host almost 24 hours of free gigs.
Record stores, bowls clubs, restaurants and more will host more than 220 musicians and bands across Super Saturday, kicking off with family-friendly morning gigs and running throughout the day, and night.
What’s more, there will also be street parties, special events and the free Independent Music Exchange – an expo where some of Melbourne’s most beloved labels will host stalls offering limited edition vinyl, merchandise, artist signings and meet and greets – for all music lovers.
For more information, visit The Eighty-Six festival.
