A Greek Feast and Jazz Ballet: What's On in Melbourne Today

World’s Longest Lunch and First Nations Art: Melbourne’s Friday Highlights

Melbourne is buzzing this Friday, March 20, 2026, as the city plays host to major culinary festivals, world-premiere theatre, and significant art openings. Whether you are looking for a gourmet experience in the park or an afternoon exploring Indigenous stories at the gallery, today's schedule offers a rich tapestry of local culture across the CBD and beyond.

Epicurean Delights at Kings Domain

The headline event for food lovers today is the World’s Longest Lunch, which officially kicks off the 2026 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. This year, the event transforms Kings Domain with a vibrant theme: "Greece is the Word." Over 1,500 diners will enjoy a three-course menu designed by culinary stars Ella Mittas and the teams from CBD hit Kafeneion and Yarraville’s Tzaki. It is a celebration of Melbourne’s deep-rooted Greek heritage, served at a massive table stretching through the greenery of Linlithgow Avenue. The festival continues through the end of the month, but today marks the grand opening of the city's premier food event.

Art and Culture: New Openings

For those seeking artistic inspiration, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) unveils "FUTURE COUNTRY" today. This is the second iteration of the NGV First Nations Commissions, featuring eight emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and designers. Located on Level 3 of NGV International, the exhibition explores themes of ancestral memory and future-making through weaving, sculpture, and moving images. Entry is free, making it an ideal stop for a Friday culture fix.

In addition to the new commission, the "Top Arts 2026" exhibition is currently showing at the NGV, highlighting the exceptional creativity of VCE students from across Victoria. It is a fantastic opportunity to see the work of the next generation of artists in a quiet gallery setting before the weekend crowds arrive.

Theatre and Film Around the City

The stage is equally alive tonight. At Her Majesty’s Theatre, audiences can witness "The Great Gatsby: A Jazz Ballet Odyssey." This world-premiere production brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic to life through a stunning fusion of ballet, tap, and jazz. Meanwhile, at the Regent Theatre, The Australian Ballet continues its season of "Flora," a performance noted for its intricate costume design and botanical themes.

Cinema enthusiasts should head to ACMI at Federation Square for the Melbourne Women in Film Festival. Today’s program celebrates the festival's 10th anniversary with a curated selection of screenings and panel discussions highlighting female and non-binary filmmakers from across Australia and the South Pacific.

Local Markets and Community Meetups

If you prefer a more casual Friday, several of Melbourne’s iconic markets and community events are running today:

• Dandenong Market: Open until 4:00 PM for fresh seasonal produce and authentic street food.
• Camberwell Fresh Food Market: Open until 7:00 PM, perfect for grabbing gourmet deli items for the weekend.
• Melbourne Ageing Well Expo: Taking place today at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), this event offers workshops and resources for the city's senior community.
• Concert: Mandopop legend Jeff Chang performs his "Continuum" World Tour tonight at Margaret Court Arena starting at 7:30 PM.