Jazz Ballets and Digital Worlds: What's On in Melbourne Today

Cinema, Gaming, and Jazz Ballets: Your Melbourne Guide for Monday, March 23

As the autumn air begins to settle over the city, Melbourne’s cultural calendar remains as vibrant as ever. Whether you are a fan of independent cinema, a gaming enthusiast, or a lover of the performing arts, Monday, March 23, 2026, offers a diverse array of experiences to explore across the CBD and beyond.

Catch the Closing Day of the Women in Film Festival

Today marks the final opportunity to attend the 10th annual Melbourne Women in Film Festival at ACMI in Federation Square. This milestone edition has spent the last few days showcasing the incredible work of women and gender-diverse filmmakers from across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. If you haven't yet experienced this year’s program, today is your last chance to catch final screenings and participate in industry discussions that celebrate storytelling from a fresh perspective.

Level Up at ACMI’s Game Worlds

While you are at Federation Square, don't miss the chance to dive into the digital realm at the Game Worlds exhibition. This playable exhibition is in its final week, set to conclude on March 29. It offers an immersive journey through the history and future of gaming, featuring massive titles like Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and Final Fantasy XIV Online. It is a communal, interactive experience that invites visitors to pick up a controller and rediscover the magic of arcade and online worlds.

A Jazz-Age Spectacle at Her Majesty’s Theatre

For those seeking theatrical glamour, the stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre is currently hosting The Great Gatsby: A Jazz Ballet Odyssey. This production is a stunning fusion of ballet, tap, and jazz dance, reimagining F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel for the stage. With its high-energy choreography and evocative score, it is one of the most talked-about theatrical events of the autumn season.

Art and Autumn Blooms

Art lovers should head to NGV Australia at Federation Square for Top Arts 2026. This free exhibition showcases the exceptional creativity of Victoria’s emerging young artists, featuring works by VCE students that explore themes of identity and contemporary life. If you prefer the outdoors, today is a perfect time for a day trip to the Dandenong Ranges for the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers. Running daily through April, the fields are currently carpeted with vibrant sunflowers, salvias, and dahlias, offering a spectacular natural display for those looking to escape the city buzz.

A Gastronomic Celebration

Finally, the city-wide Melbourne Food and Wine Festival continues today with various pop-up events and curated dining experiences. As one of the premier dates on the culinary calendar, it offers a smorgasbord of flavors across Melbourne’s famous laneway restaurants and bars, making it the perfect way to wrap up your Monday evening.