Moomba Birdman Rally and Cultural Lantern Markets Today

Moomba Festival: Birdman Rally and Carnival Fun

Today marks one of the most anticipated days of the Moomba Festival 2026. The iconic Birdman Rally takes flight—or more accurately, takes a plunge—on the Yarra River starting at 11:00 AM. Watch as brave competitors leap from a platform in homemade flying machines to raise money for charity. Following the rally, the Moomba Carnival at Birrarung Marr remains open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, offering a wide array of rides, food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment. For those looking for live music, head to Palms Lawn for high-energy dance workshops and DJ sets throughout the afternoon, capped off by the nightly fireworks display at 9:30 PM.

Lantern Riveredge Festival Cultural Market

Experience a vibrant celebration of Chinese heritage at the Lantern Riveredge Festival, held at Docklands. Today is the final day of this two-day cultural market, which invites locals and visitors to explore traditional crafts, authentic street food, and community performances. The market is a fantastic meetup point for those interested in international culture and students looking to engage with local Chinese-Australian traditions in the scenic setting of the Victoria Harbour waterfront.

Newport Workshops Open Days

For history buffs and families alike, Steamrail Victoria is hosting its Newport Workshops Open Days this long weekend. This rare public opening allows visitors to go behind the scenes of Melbourne’s railway history. You can explore the vast maintenance workshops, see heritage steam and diesel locomotives up close, and witness the ongoing restoration of vintage carriages. It is a unique community event that offers a fascinating look at the engineering that built the city’s transport network.

Final Chance: ‘Face Everything’ at Heide Museum

Today is the final day to view the ‘Face Everything’ exhibition by celebrated Australian artist Nell at the Heide Museum of Modern Art. This site-responsive exhibition features over 85 works spanning the artist's 30-year career, including sculpture, photography, and painting. It is a perfect Sunday activity for art lovers to explore the historic Heide Modern house and its surrounding gardens before the exhibition officially closes this evening.

Cinema Under the Stars

Wrap up your Sunday evening with a relaxing film at the Moonlight Cinema, located in the Central Lawn of the Royal Botanic Gardens. With the mild March weather, it is an ideal time to pack a picnic and enjoy a screening in one of Melbourne’s most beautiful outdoor settings. Gates typically open in the early evening, allowing plenty of time to secure a spot on the grass before the movie starts at sunset.