Mad March continues with a packed calendar of events

Melbourne Town Hall lights up during the Comedy Festival. Photo Credit: Visit Victoria

Throughout March, the state is bursting with a packed calendar of events.

March is truly one of the busiest months on the events calendar in Victoria. Regional festivals showcase the best of our country towns, while international cultural and sporting events return to the city.

Here’s our list of some of the best things to do and see this month:

Birrarangga Film Festival

Location: Melbourne

When: 23-28 March

A celebration of diverse First Peoples stories from Australia and across the globe. Check out the film program, get along to a panel or talk to hear directly from the talented filmmakers and creatives working behind the scenes.

Website: https://www.birrarangga.world/

Castlemaine State Festival

Location: Castlemaine

When: 23 March – 9 April

Catch 17 days of art, culture, and good times under the late-summer skies in central Victoria. New works from local artists sit side-by-side with the very best from around Australia and the world. This is your chance to explore the region through creativity of all types.

Website: https://castlemainefestival.com.au/

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

People eating a banquet at a large dining table outdoorsLocation: Melbourne

When: 24 March – 2 April

A celebration of what Melbourne does best - food, drink and getting together with our communities to enjoy it. Featuring over 100 events city-wide, broaden your horizons – and your palate – at one of the many lunches, brunches, workshops, classes and unique experiences.

Website: https://melbournefoodandwine.com.au

AbilityFest

When: 25 March

Location: Birrarung Marr, Melbourne

Australia’s first all accessible music festival and one of the leading inclusive events in the country, AbilityFest incorporates more accessibility features so everyone can enjoy the universal love of live music. This year’s line-up features the Hilltop Hoods, Alex Lahey, DZ Deathrays, Meg Mac and plenty more. The not-for-profit event raises funds to help young Australians living with a disability fulfill their potential.

Website: https://www.abilityfest.com.au

Clunes Booktown Festival

People looking at booksLocation: Clunes

When: 25 – 26 March

A two-day festival full of author and artist talks, workshops and live entertainment for the whole family. Discover the outdoor book bazaar with over 100 stallholders and immerse yourself in the historic township. Surrounding the talks, workshops and book signings will be live entertainment, street performers, and locally produced food and beverages.

Website: https://www.clunesbooktown.com.au/

Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix

Location: Albert Park, Melbourne

When: 30 March – 2 April

Strap yourself in for a four-day motorsport extravaganza featuring the world’s best Formula 1 drivers. Watch teams battle it out on the Albert Park circuit, reaching speeds of up 300 km/h. Off-track highlights include live music, meeting racing stars on the Melbourne Walk and world-class hospitality experiences.

Website: https://www.grandprix.com.au/

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Melbourne Town Hall lit up at nightLocation: Melbourne CBD

When: 29 March – 23 April

One of the three largest comedy festivals in the world, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival offers a huge program of stand-up comedy, cabaret, theatre, street performance, film, television, radio and visual arts. The festival aims to discover, develop and showcase great talent to both entertain and inspire its broad audience.

Website: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2023