Career Fairs, Couture, and Heavy Metal: What's On in Melbourne Today

Career Connections and Networking

Today, Thursday, 19 March 2026, the spotlight is firmly on professional growth and networking. The Big Meet Melbourne is currently taking over the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM. This massive career fair is a prime opportunity for students and recent graduates to connect with over 100 leading employers. Additionally, the CSA Industry Night 2026, hosted by the Construction Students Association at the University of Melbourne, offers a specialized networking evening for students to meet with top firms from the building and infrastructure sectors.

Blockbuster Exhibitions and Arts

Art and fashion enthusiasts have several major destinations to choose from today. NGV International is hosting the acclaimed Westwood | Kawakubo exhibition, which features over 140 designs exploring the radical legacies of fashion icons Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo. Also on display at the NGV is Women Photographers 1900–1975: A Legacy of Light, a ticketed event showcasing the groundbreaking impact of female photographers across the early 20th century. For those in the Southbank precinct, the Arts Centre Melbourne is running guided tours of Hamer Hall and hosting the DIVA exhibition at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts.

Dramatic Stages and Live Performance

The local theater scene is buzzing with several high-profile productions. The Melbourne Theatre Company is presenting West Gate at the Southbank Theatre’s Sumner stage, a poignant production exploring local history. Nearby at the Lawler, the intimate play Do Not Pass Go continues its season. For those seeking live music with a bit more volume, Born of Osiris and Signs of the Swarm are set to perform a high-energy metal set at Max Watt's Melbourne tonight. Fans of musical theater can also catch The Book of Mormon, which continues its successful run in the city.

Local Markets and Community Events

If you are looking for a more relaxed pace, the iconic Queen Victoria Market is open for its regular Thursday trade, offering a wide array of fresh produce, specialty coffee, and artisanal goods. For a mid-day moment of zen, St Michael’s Church on Collins Street is hosting a Free Organ Recital from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM. University students can also participate in community wellness activities, such as the Graduate Student Association's Weekly In-Person Yoga at 2:00 PM or the Art Class with Nila at 5:30 PM, both held in the 1888 Building at the University of Melbourne.