Things To Do In Melbourne In November

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November in 2020 - All hinges on the Victorian Government Covid 19 Restrictions. Family Getaways Melbourne will do its best to keep you informed and up to date.

So many unique things to do in Melbourne in the month of November. With the weather warming up and the sun shining brightly, it is time to venture out into the fresh air and enjoy the many activities in and around Melbourne.

Not only are there fun things to do in the city itself but you also must fit in a visit to the outer regions and discover annual colourful carnivals, delicious wine and food tastings, vintage car displays, glorious rose and flower festivals and so much more.

The state of Victoria has come alive with many major cities hosting fun days for all the family to enjoy.

In the month of November many of Melbourne's different cultures are celebrated. Their traditions, dances, costumes and delicious foods all come together in one happy celebration for all of us to enjoy.

With so much to see and do this November, what I have chosen to highlight are 15 top, annual and diverse activities suitable for you and your family to enjoy.

Clicking on each of the links here will take you to that section for more information.

What's on the Melbourne in November Calendar List? 

1 - Spring Racing Carnival - Melbourne in November Event

The exciting Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is an Australian Thoroughbred horse racing series held annually in Melbourne during October and November. It opens with Memsie Stakes Day at Caulfield and concluding with the Ballarat Cup Day at the end of November.

Part of this Carnival incorporates the Melbourne Cup Carnival with the world famous Melbourne Cup being held at Flemington racecourse. It is the richest "two-mile" handicap in the world, and one of the richest turf races. The event starts at 3pm on the first Tuesday in November and is known locally as "the race that stops a nation".

Melbourne Cup day is a public holiday for all working within metropolitan Melbourne and some parts of regional Victoria, but not for some country Victorian cities and towns which hold their own spring carnivals.

Part of the fun off the tracks is the 'Fashions On The Field', a major focus of the day, with substantial prizes awarded for the best-dressed man and woman. 

If you love flowers, especially roses, they are an important part of the week's racing at Flemington. The racecourse has around 12,000 roses within the racecourse.

Melbourne Racing Carnival Covid Update

horse and jockeySpring Racing Carnival incorporating the world famous Melbourne Cup

2 - Polish Festival - Federation Square - Melbourne in November Event

On Sunday, November 17, Federation Square is celebrating the food, culture and traditions of Poland.

From 10am to 5pm guests can watch traditional performances, enjoy Polish folklore, see craft demonstrations (Polish folk art features colourful painted eggs and intricate papercut works), art exhibitions, kids activities and lots of delightful Polish dishes like pierogi (Polish dumplings).

This is a FREE festival for all the family to enjoy. Easy to access using public transport.

Polish festival at Federation SquarePolish Festival at Federation Square, Melbourne - Australia

3 - Eureka Stair Climb - Melbourne City - Melbourne in November Event

2020 Event Cancelled

The Eureka Stair Climb, scheduled for Sunday, 15 November 2020, has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation and restrictions. We understand this must be disappointing for many climbers who were looking forward to this event, however, protecting the health and safety of event participants and volunteers as well as residents and staff of the Eureka Tower is our primary concern.

This fun Melbourne in November event, the Eureka Stair Climb, is a community challenge and fundraising event for The Fred Hollows Foundation. The organisation is committed to keeping alive Fred Hollows' dream of ending avoidable blindness by restoring sight to people in more than 25 countries around the world. 

The climb is held at the Eureka Tower in Southbank, Melbourne, where participants climb up 1,642 stairs to level 88 - Eureka Skydeck.

Suitable for all ability levels, from elite racers and emergency services workers to fitness fanatics or walkers. Anyone over 12 years of age is welcome to participate.

In 2019, a new Virtual Stair Climb event has been added so that people can participate in the event from anywhere in Australia at a time and place that suits them.

Click here for more information on the Eureka Stair Climb, held 17th November

Arial view of the Eureka Tower, Melbourne - AustraliaArial view of the Eureka Tower, Melbourne - Australia

4 - White Tower Festival - Queen Victoria Market - Melbourne in November Event

Celebrate all things Greek in Melbourne in November at the White Tower Festival held in Queen Street at the Queen Victoria Market.

Watch as Queen Street is transformed into a bustling Thessalonikian experience and marvel at traditional dance demonstrations, explore unique specialty wares, and indulge in authentic cuisines.

Thessalonia is Melbourne's Greek sister city.

The festival will be held this year on the November 24th

Covid 19 Update

Traditional Greek costumes at the White Tower FestivalTraditional Greek costumes at the White Tower Festival

5 - Summer Night Market - Queen Victoria Market- Melbourne in November Event

Melbourne’s original and favourite Night Market returns to Queen Victoria Market.

Explore a selection of over 100 street food and shopping stalls, sample the refreshing summer drinks and enjoy free live local entertainment. This is a great opportunity to share some fun with your friends and family. Make at least one attempt to visit the Summer Night Market this season.

Wednesday nights, 20 November - Wednesday 11 March, 5pm - 10pm (excluding Christmas Day & New Years Day)

2020 Covid 19 Update

6 - Cat Lovers Festival - Royal Exhibition Buildings - Melbourne in November Event

Now to be held in 2021 - Melbourne Cat Lovers Show, on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 May at the magnificent, world-heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton.

Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December

For all Cat lovers, this is a must. The Annual Cat Lovers Festival is held at the Royal Exhibition Buildings in Carlton this November.

Both levels will be used with a new outdoor zone featuring popular food trucks and cool Cat enclosures.

Focus of the Festival is to raise awareness for Cat rescue and adoption and to find as many loving and well-suited homes for Felines in need.

30 November and 1 December 2019
Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton
9 Nicholson Street, Carlton VIC, Australia, 3053

Click here for more information on the Cat Lovers Festival

cat posingCelebrate the Cat Lovers Festival at the Royal Exhibition Buildings, Melbourne -Australia

7 - Opera in the Bowl - Melbourne in November Event

This Melbourne in November event is held at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl under the stars, sit and relax and enjoy a selection of operatic arias, from William Tell and Carmen and so many more overtures. 

Hear opera's brightest stars perform the world's most famous tunes under the stars. The magnificent sound of Orchestra Victoria fills the night. 

You might like to dress up, although not necessary. Come straight from work or catch public transport into the city.

Sidney Myer Music Bowl is situated in Kings Domain on Linlithgow Avenue. Entry is via Gate 1, near the King George V Monument.

This is a FREE event for all the family and the perfect opportunity to introduce OPERA to the next generation.

It's a 15-minute walk from Flinders Street Station, across Princess Bridge over the Yarra River. Otherwise, get off at tram stop 17 on St Kilda Road and Grant Street (routes 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67 & 72).

There is limited pay and display parking around Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Arts Centre Melbourne has an undercover car park, with the entrance located on the corner of Sturt and Kavanagh Streets, Southbank. Visit artscentremelbourne.com.au for more information

Location

Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Alexandra Avenue
Melbourne VIC 3004

Dates and times

30/11/2019 Sat: 8pm – late
Gates open at 4pm

Listen to some of the opera hits you'll hear at Mazda Opera in the Bowl...

2020 - TBA!


Opera at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, AustraliaOpera at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, Australia

8 - Myer Christmas Windows - Melbourne City - Melbourne in November Event

Myer Christmas windows 2020 to go ahead.
This year’s theme will focus away from children’s books and will be “all about Melbourne.”
Click her for updates to The Myer Christmas Windows

Each year the Myers Store creates a Christmas themed window display open to the public to enjoy. The theme is always a closely guarded secret and the anticipation builds as the public waits for the opening day.

The six windows in the Bourke Street Mall are the culmination of 12,000 hours of work from start to finish, with 40 artisans working to bring the animation to life.

Don't miss your chance to see the Myer Christmas windows grand reveal on the evening of Friday 8 November.

The Myer Christmas Windows is a free exhibition and is open every day from 7am - 11pm.

Please Note that the queues are sometimes long but well worth the wait.

Dates and times

08/11/2019 to 05/01/2020

Location

Myer Melbourne
314-336 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

To give you an idea of what goes into making the Myers Christmas Window display each year, take a look at this example of what went into producing the 2015 Christmas windows based on the book 'Little Dog and the Christmas Wish'.



9 - Mind Body and Spirit Festival - Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre

This Melbourne in November event is Australia's largest health, well-being and natural therapies event, held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf.

There are over 200 exhibitors as well as as free inspirational seminars, psychic readings, body pampering, free stage performances, a free meditation session and taste some delicious health foods.

See, try and buy unique products and gifts including jewellery, cosmetics, music, books, giftware, clothing, crystals, educational courses, body treatments and more.

The Melbourne Festival brings you the very best in health, wellness and spiritual guidance.

Public transport is the best option with Southern Cross & Flinders Street train stations a few minutes walk away and a tram stop located on the Centre's door step.

The Melbourne Exhibition Centre car park is located under the venue and is accessed via Normanby Street.  

This is a FREE entry event.

Dates and times

22/11/2019 to 24/11/2019

Location

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
1 Convention Centre Place South Wharf VIC 3006

10 - Victoria State Rose Garden Festival - Werribee - Melbourne in November Event

2020 State Rose & Garden Show CANCELLED

Get lost among 5,000 blooming roses at the annual flower festival held on the grounds of the Werribee Mansion.

There you'll be able to explore 5,000+ floral displays that span almost three hectares, pick up tips and tricks from horticulturalists, head to live plant care demonstrations, browse the pop-up nursery stalls and go on guided tours which will be running across the whole weekend.

There will be plenty of food wine, beer, ciders and gin on offer, free tastings and sales.

The show will be held over Saturday and Sunday November 9 and 10.
Entry is free but you're welcome to make a gold coin donation to help support the volunteers at the Victoria State Rose Garden.


Opera at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, AustraliaOpera at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, Australia

11 - Seaside Street Food Festival - Frankston - Melbourne in November Event

Trucks from all over Melbourne come together in this one bayside location. The Seaside Street Food Festival allows you to sample some old favourites and try new tastes from across the city.  

The four-day festival will also include an outdoor cinema and live entertainment, including plenty of family-friendly activities to keep the kids entertained. 

Festivities begin on Thursday, October 31 and run through to Sunday, November 3.

Proudly sponsored by

The Frankston City Council Tourism Event Attraction Program. 

General admission into the food festival is $5 with kids under 12 free.

Location

Frankston Pier Promenade
510 Nepean Hwy
Frankston
Melbourne
3199

2020 MELBOURNE IN NOVEMBER EVENT- TBA

Street food at the Seafood Street Food festival in FrankstonStreet food at the Seafood Street Food festival in Frankston

12 - Queenscliff Music Festival - Melbourne in November Event

Queenscliff Music Festival celebrates a love for music with big-name musicians lining up to entertain the crowds. The festival artists include local, interstate and overseas artists.

The Festival is traditionally held on the last weekend in November every year.

The Festival is held in Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria. Throughout the town of Queenscliff, and the main festival arena is located in Princess & Lower Princess Parks Queenscliff.

All venues are undercover

There is a range of delicious food choices from our Festival food stalls on site and Queenscliff has some fantastic restaurants, takeaways and food outlets.

Click here for more information on the Queenscliff Music Festival and to purchase tickets for this event 

This year the festival will be held between the 22nd - 24th November

13 - Geelong Revival Motoring Festival - Melbourne in November Event

Geelong Revival 2020 Cancellation

After careful consideration, in consultation with stakeholders and the City of Greater Geelong, the Geelong Revival team have made the difficult decision to cancel the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival 2020, due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

Event Director Nicholas Heath said of the cancellation “It is clear that the ongoing COVID-19 crisis prevents large scale events like ours from occurring. We are extremely disappointed to be making this announcement but unfortunately there are far greater issues facing our community at this time.

We look forward to presenting the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival in 2021. We are sure that the community will be ready to get out and enjoy the event and Geelong’s spectacular waterfront when conditions permit.” Since 2012, the event has been held annually on the last weekend of November, quickly securing its place as one of regional Victoria’s largest events, as well as a household favourite amongst the Geelong community.

In 2017, The Geelong Revival Motoring Festival won the CAMS (Confederation of Australian Motorsports) Victorian Event of the Year followed by a Bronze award in the RACV Tourism Awards the following year. Geelong Revival are greatly appreciative of the unwavering support the event has received across the last eight years and will continue to provide updates on the 2021 event as they are available.

The Geelong Revival Motoring Festival is held on Geelong's picturesque waterfront, Friday 22 to Sunday 24 November.

Watch classic and exotic cars and motorcycles sprint down Ritchie Boulevard. The Sprint is Australia's second oldest motorsport event and has run on Geelong waterfront since 1956.

The Geelong waterfront will be covered with over 700 classic vehicles with over 300 vehicles joining in the Friday Night Cruise as the festival begins.

There ill be vintage caravans, the Vintage Fashion Awards, music, trade expo area, delicious food and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

14 - La Dolce Vita Festival - King Valley - Melbourne in November Event

It is with great regret that the Wines of the King Valley can now confirm that this year’s La Dolce Vita Festival, scheduled for November 21 + 22, has been cancelled.

Held over the third weekend of November each year

The winemaking families of the King Valley celebrate 'La Dolce Vita' held at different venues throughout the King Valley wine region. The region is famed for Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Arneis, Sangiovese and elegant cool climate wines.

Taste new releases and talk with the winemaker at cellar door. Authentic cuisine, lovingly prepared, will be on offer to add to the enjoyment.

Enjoy live music, roving entertainers, competitions, kids' activities, masterclasses and more, set against the stunning views of Victoria's High Country.



15 - Massive Murray Paddle - Melbourne in November Event

Due to the Victorian and NSW Government restrictions, the 2020 MMP has been cancelled.We look forward to seeing you in November 2021.

The Massive Murray Paddle is an amazing five-day paddling adventure that raises funds to assist local community driven programs.

This paddle is 404 kilometres over five days down the Mighty Murray River.

The event starts at Yarrawonga and finishes at Swan Hill, passing through beautiful towns like Cobram, Tocumwal, Echuca, Cohuna and Murrabit.

You can paddle a canoe, sea kayak, surf-ski, out rigger, stand up paddle board, surf boat, prone paddle board or any home-made paddle craft you have made in your shed.

Click here for more information on the Massive Murray Paddle

This year (2019) the event will be held between November 18th - 22nd

Paddles ready to take on the Mighty Murray Paddle MarathonPaddle the Mighty Murray River



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