Head to the city to enjoy a stunning line-up of musical acts, harness tools for happier ageing and dance to live bands this Victorian Seniors Festival.
Older people play a deeply important role in our community. We deliver healthy ageing programs and support services for older people year-round, and the festival is a great opportunity to celebrate.
Here’s how to get involved with the events we sponsor in the first week of October. Bring your friends and family, and don’t forget public transport will be free for Seniors Card holders.
1. Celebration Day, Federation Square | Sunday 2 October
Watch a packed program of live music including the Silver Grove Big Band, the Makepisi South African acapella choir and the Dave Arden Band on the big stage. Bring your dancing shoes for the 50s and 60s classics and line dancing. From midday until 7pm. Learn more about Celebration Day.
2. Festival Hub, The Edge at Federation Square | Monday 3 to Friday 7 October
Drop by for entertainment, refreshments and activities all week. On Monday, we’ll share live music, dancing and proven ways to maintain a sense of purpose and possibility as you age from Nurse Next Door Home Care Services. From 10am to 4pm. Learn more about the Festival Hub.
3. Big Band Dance, Melbourne Town Hall | Monday 3 October
Come dancing at this spectacular venue while a big band of 12 local musicians lets loose. This free event will be set up without tables for maximum dancing room, with excellent views from the gallery seating. Doors open at 11.30am, event runs from 12pm to 4pm. Bookings are essential. Learn more about the Big Band Dance.
4. Grand Organ Concert, Melbourne Town Hall | Tuesday 4 October
There’s nothing like the sound of the Grand Organ at Town Hall. Hear Jennifer Chou play beloved classics including Finlandia by Jean Sibelius, Peer Gynt Suite by Edvard Grieg and excerpts from The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens, as well as music by Cesar Franck and Australian composer Robert Ampt. Learn more about the Grand Organ Concert.
5. Ageism Awareness Day online event | Friday 7 October
Join us online to listen to a panel discussion with special guests including Ita Buttrose AC, OBE. Lauded for her service to the community through leadership in the media, arts and health sectors, Ita is a former Australian of the Year. Register now for this event, which is presented by EveryAGE Counts.
Working together to end ageism
We’ve signed up to EveryAGE Counts – a campaign designed to help end ageism, shift social norms and positively influence the way Australia thinks about ageing and older people. Pledge your support at EveryAGE Counts.
Ageism Awareness Day falls within the Victorian Seniors Festival on Friday 7 October. This year’s theme is ‘Ageism: End it’, focusing on ways we can act together to end ageism.
We’re lighting up Melbourne Town Hall in green on Ageism Awareness Day to symbolise our commitment to this important cause.
More Victorian Seniors Festival events
The festival includes a huge range of free cultural, social, recreational and active-living events for people over the age of 60. There are exciting events happening across the State throughout October.
Browse the full program of Victorian Seniors Festival events.
Support for older people
We offer healthy ageing programs and support services year-round, including home and community care, meal options, neighbourhood events and opportunities to build social connections.
To find out what’s coming up, you can view our events calendar and sign up to our Healthy Ageing newsletter.
For more information about programs and care, visit For older people, phone 03 9658 9190 or email healthyageing@melbourne.vic.gov.au
To read first-hand stories about the unique life experiences and diversity of older Melburnians, download the Years of Our Lives book.
