Melbourne festivals and events season is upon us, so pick your poison and buy your tickets!
Party season is in full swing and we’re busy stocking up on cheap tents, eskys, sunscreen and blow-up matresses that are sure to pop a few hours into that three-day camping festival. This month’s offerings are diverse: country jams, vegan eats, metal masters, techno thumpers and everything in between.
If your weekends are still looking suspiciously free, look no further – here are our top picks for Melbourne festivals and events this November.
Read about the best festivals in Melbourne all year long here.
Ridin’ Hearts
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- Caribbean Gardens
- 2 November
Shine your boots and put on your finest cowboy hat, because Ridin’ Hearts is back! At Melbourne’s Caribbean Gardens, you’ll see huge artists like Riley Green, Cooper Alan, Josh Ross and more country faves.
Aura Music and Arts Festival
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- Our Friends Farm
- November 2 to 4
This three-day event brings together a mix of jam, funk, rock, jazz and livetronica performances, along with interactive workshops and activities.
RMIT 100 Years Film Festival
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- The Capitol
- November 4
To celebrate the centenary of The Capitol, RMIT is hosting the 100 Years Film Festival. Featuring all-time classics like The Wizard of Oz, Superman, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and more.
TISM & Friends Mini Festival
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- Sidney Myer Music Bowl
- November 9
To celebrate the release of their recent album Death To Art, anonymous alt-rock band TISM are bringing their buddies Eskimo Joe, Machine Gun Fellatio, Ben Lee and The Mavis’s along for a mini-festival at Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Monolith Festival
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- PICA
- November 9
Monolith Festival is here with a stacked lineup, featuring New York prog rock icons Coheed And Cambria, as well as Periphery and more. On top of the stellar live music, there will be workshops, markets, panels and DJs.
SummerSalt
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- Torquay Common
- November 10
SummerSalt returns to Torquay in November 2024 with a day of sun-soaked fun and live music, headlined by Hozier, marking his first Australian performance since 2019. He’ll be joined by Angie McMahon, Joy Oladokun, and more special guests yet to be announced.
Melbourne Queer Film Festival
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- Various locations
- November 14 to 24
Melbourne Queer Film Festival is an independent film festival dedicated to screening LGBTQIA+ stories and making their voices heard. Founded in 1991, it returns this November to bring you the latest and greatest in queer cinema.
Mind, Body, Spirit Festival
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- MCEC
- November 15 to 17
From 15-17 November, the Mind, Body and Spirit Festival will take over the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with over 220 exhibitors, free seminars and performances, psychic readings and market stalls.
African Music and Cultural Festival
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- Fed Square
- November 15 to 17
This three-day celebration will see over 35 African countries represented through music, food, fashion, film, dance, art and culture. Set right in the heart of Melbourne in the iconic Fed Square, the rhythm and sounds will be heard throughout the city.
One Electric Day
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- Werribee Park
- November 17
One of Victoria’s favourite one-day festivals is back! Noiseworks, Birds of Tokyo and Wolfmother will headline this impressive lineup at the beautiful Werribee Park.
Queenscliff Music Festival
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- Princess Park, Queenscliff Foreshore
- November 22 to 24
Queenscliff Music Festival is back, with sets from Kasey Chambers, Michael Franti & Spearhead and even Dorothy the Dinosaur with The Wiggles Soundsystem. Set against the lovely coastal backdrop of Queenscliff, there’s sure to be a little something for everyone at this family-friendly festival.
Arriba Melbourne Mexican Festival
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- Tom’s Block, Kings Domain
- November 22 to 24
Enjoy Mexican food, drinks, and entertainment as you celebrate Mexican heritage and culture right here in Melbourne.
Always Live
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- Various locations
- November 22 to December 8
Always Live is back again with 17 massive days of live music across Victoria. This year, they’re bringing out massive artists like The Offspring, who are playing a one-off show at Melbourne’s Forum, plus many other artists and events.
A3 Festival
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- Lardner Park
- November 29 to December 2
This three-day electronic music and arts festival is sure to be an experience like no other. With over 50 musical artists plus an impressive lineup of visual artists, it’s a unique event that welcomes artistic expression and cross-cultural collaboration.
Williamstown Heritage Beer and Cider Festival
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- Seaworks Williamstown
- November 30
Showcasing over 20 independent breweries and cideries, the Williamstown Beer and Cider Fest promises a stack of entertainment for all ages, with free activities for kids.