Moomba Magic and Symphony Stars: Melbourne’s Autumn Season Begins Today

A Spectacular Start to Mad March

Welcome to Thursday, 5 March 2026. Today marks the official start of Melbourne’s iconic 'Mad March' calendar, with some of the year’s most anticipated festivals and cultural events launching simultaneously. From the banks of the Yarra River to the prestigious stages of Southbank, the city is vibrating with energy as we welcome the autumn season.

Moomba Festival Opening Night

Australia’s largest free community festival, Moomba, bursts into life this afternoon at Birrarung Marr and Alexandra Gardens. Starting at 4:00 PM today, the carnival precinct opens its gates for five days of family-friendly fun. For those looking to get the best value, Thursday is a standout day for thrill-seekers; the festival is offering a limited-edition 'Thursday Ride Pass' for $50, which provides four hours of unlimited rides from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food trucks along the river and roaming entertainment as the sun sets.

MSO 2026 Season Opening Gala

For lovers of fine music, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra officially opens its 2026 season tonight at Hamer Hall. This 7:30 PM gala performance is led by Chief Conductor Jaime Martín and features world-renowned pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. The program is a masterclass in variety, including the cinematic grandeur of John Williams’ Star Wars Suite, Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, and the powerful rhythms of Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances. It is a sophisticated way to toast the beginning of the city's major classical music season.

Live Music and Theater

• The Streets at St Kilda: British icon Mike Skinner brings The Streets to the Palace Foreshore in St Kilda tonight. In a rare treat for fans, Skinner is performing the landmark album 'A Grand Don’t Come For Free' in its entirety. Doors open at 6:00 PM for what promises to be a cinematic journey through UK garage and hip-hop.
• The Book of Mormon: The hit Broadway musical continues its successful run at the Princess Theatre. Tonight’s performance offers another chance to see the satirical masterpiece that has become a staple of Melbourne’s East End Theatre District.

Exhibitions and Cultural Highlights

• Westwood | Kawakubo at NGV: Fashion enthusiasts should head to NGV International to witness the 'Westwood | Kawakubo' exhibition. This major retrospective pairs the radical designs of Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, exploring how they redefined contemporary fashion.
• LEGO Curiosity Exhibition: Launching today, the 'Curiosity - Building Breakthroughs in LEGO Bricks' exhibition offers an interactive look at innovation through the lens of the world’s most famous building blocks.
• Midday Organ Recital: For a peaceful break from the city bustle, St Michael’s Church on Collins Street hosts its weekly free organ recital from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

Community Markets

The historic Queen Victoria Market is open today from 6:00 AM, offering the best of local Victorian produce and artisan goods. It is a perfect spot to soak in the local atmosphere before the evening’s festivities begin at Birrarung Marr.