Laughter, Luxury, and Local Markets: Your Melbourne Guide for Thursday, 2 April 2026

The 40th Anniversary Comedy Festival Takes Center Stage

The city is buzzing today as the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival continues its landmark 40th-anniversary season. With over 3,500 comedians descending upon the CBD, today is an ideal time to catch some of the biggest names in the industry. Highlights for this evening include the opening night of Celia Pacquola’s highly anticipated new show at the Melbourne Town Hall precinct, starting at 8:50 PM. Fans of sharp wit can also catch Kitty Flanagan and the legendary duo Lano & Woodley, who are performing throughout the week. From the backstage bars of iconic local pubs to the grand stages of the Princess Theatre, there is a show for every comedic taste happening right now.

Exhibitions and Art Tours

For those seeking a cultural afternoon, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is hosting several world-class exhibitions. The blockbuster show "Westwood | Kawakubo" remains a must-see at NGV International, celebrating the radical legacies of fashion icons Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo. If you prefer a guided experience, the "Best of NGV International" tour departs today at 2:30 PM. This hour-long session led by expert storytellers uncovers the hidden histories behind some of the gallery’s most famous treasures. Additionally, over at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, the "Women Photographers 1900–1975" exhibition offers a stunning look at the evolution of the medium through a female lens.

Easter Markets and Family Fun

With the holiday season approaching, several community markets are hosting special events today. The South Melbourne Market is holding its annual Easter Egg Hunt, a favorite for local families. For those in the CBD, the Queen Victoria Market is running its "Easter Family Fun" program, featuring a visit from the Easter Bunny and interactive activities for children. If you are near the northern suburbs, the East Brunswick Village is hosting an Easter Twilight Market this evening, offering locally made crafts and fresh seasonal produce in a festive community atmosphere.

Live Music and Cinema Under the Stars

The evening entertainment continues with iconic rock at the Forum Melbourne, where The Black Crowes take to the stage for the first of two sold-out nights. Their blues-rock energy is perfectly suited to the ornate surroundings of the Forum’s Moorish interior. Alternatively, for a more relaxed evening, the Moonlight Cinema at the Royal Botanic Gardens is nearing the end of its 30th-anniversary summer season. It is a perfect night to pack a picnic and enjoy a blockbuster film under the stars before the season concludes this weekend.