Check Out These 5 Arts Events in Melbourne

100 free photography exhibitions. A runway showcasing new garments from emerging designers. Hypnotic large-scale screen works that reconnect us with our role in the cycle of life. This autumn, Melbourne’s arts scene is filled with activity. Here are 5 events to quench your creative thirst.

PHOTO 24: International Festival of Photography (1-24 Mar)

Award-winning photography festival, PHOTO 24, is back this March, with a stacked program of visionary artists. This year’s instalment celebrates three photography icons: Nan Goldin (USA), Malick Sidibe (Mali) and Rennie Ellis (Australia), and features over 150 contemporary photographers and artists from Australia and around the world.

Immerse yourself in one (or several) of the 100 free exhibitions and outdoor artworks across seven Festival Precincts in Melbourne. Plus, don’t miss Queer PHOTO, a collaboration between Midsumma and PHOTO 24, that is highlighting artworks from LGBTQIA+ artists at select venues and streets in the West.

LCI Melbourne Graduate Fashion and Costume Runway, Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival (2 Mar)

LCI Melbourne's Fashion and Costume Design Graduate Runway, presented as part of PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival was a resounding success. The collections showcased the final year works from LCI Melbourne fashion design graduates. Spotlighted were extraordinary garments and experimentation techniques that put sustainability and ethics at the core; this show was not to be missed.

Attendees had the option to either join the matinee show (12.30pm – 3.00pm) and enjoy a panel discussion with LCI Melbourne graduates who shared their processes, or participate in the evening runway (6.00pm – 9.30pm), featuring catering, a bar, and DJ.

Brunswick Music Festival (3 Mar-11 Mar)

Brunswick is gearing up for its annual music takeover, with the Brunswick Music Festival right around the corner. 60 gigs will take place across 30 venues in the inner north, including The Retreat, Bergy Seltzer, Brunswick Ballroom and Howler.

Indie rock group, Yothu Yindi, best known for 1991 protest song Treaty, will headline the 2024 festival, with a performance on March 5 at Estonian House. Other programming highlights include Zambian psych-rock band Witch (March 7), punk/post-punk acts Gut

Health, Vanessa Worm (NZ), Sneaks (USA) and Frenzee (Greece), plus DJ sets from Lori and DJ Daddy (all on March 9).

Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature (Ends Sun 14 April)

Step into a world of awe at ACMI with its interactive exhibition: Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature. This world premiere exhibition spotlights four major digital artworks, as well as works on paper from London-based collective Marshmallow Laser Feast. Together, the works invite viewers to reflect on – and reconnect with – their role in our shared ecosystem.

Showcasing artworks executive produced by the late Edward R. Pressman and filmmaker Terrence Malick; and collaborations featuring narration by executive producer Cate Blanchett; poetry by Daisy Lafarge; and music by Jon Hopkins, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Meredith Monk, Howard Skempton and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, this exhibition is not to be missed.

Joy (1 Mar-29 Aug 2025)

Premiering at the Immigration Museum this March is Joy, an exhibition exploring the power and meaning of joy through 7 commissioned installations by 7 leading Victorian-based creatives. From the carefree years of childhood to a celebration of belonging, Joy captures all hues of this might and transformative emotion.

See the vibrant, interactive joy generator from ‘future positive’ fashion designer Nixi Killick; the colourful, celebratory runway from queer artist Spencer Harrison; and the grand neon mural from Afghanistan-Australian visual artist and poet Elyas Alavi and Sher Ali. Joy – like the emotion – is one to embrace.

What else is going on at LCI Melbourne?

Creative inspiration is always around the corner at LCI Melbourne. Curious as to what’s on the forecast for the rest of the year? Join our mailing list to stay up to date with other events and workshops on the horizon at LCI Melbourne.