Nobody does it like Melbourne: events capital to shine this ‘mad March’

Fashion, footy, racing, concerts, theatre shows. air shows and more – dozens of world-class events are set to supercharge Melbourne and Victoria this month. SEE WHAT’S ON

With a calendar packed full of world-class festivities, mad March is back to defend Melbourne’s title as the nation’s events capital.

The action-packed month begins with the Melbourne Fashion Festival, showcasing pieces from Australia’s leading and emerging designers until March 8.

Looking for more action? The NRL’s opening round comes to AAMI Park on March 9, with the Melbourne Storm set to face Parramatta in a blockbuster Sunday opener.

Melbourne Storm’s Marion Seve can’t wait, with the centre saying: “When fans turn up and give us that energy to run out on the field, it’s a big boost for the boys”.

While Queensland and NSW may have swindled us out of hosting the AFL’s Opening Round, Melbourne young gun Koltyn Tholstrup said the Demons “can’t wait to put on a show in round one,” when they go up against the Giants at the MCG.

Pulling out all the stops: The personalities behind Victoria’s biggest events prove there’s something on offer for everyone. Picture: David Caird.

“We can’t wait to be back out there on the ‘G running around knowing we have such a great supporter base behind us,” he added.

Melbourne will then be plunged into Formula One fever when the Australian Grand Prix returns to Albert Park from March 13-16. For the first time, it will be complemented by a free Fan Festival at Melbourne Park Oval from March 12-16, featuring a big-screen broadcast of the main race and Q&A sessions with F1 stars.

The GP will also see V8 Supercars go head to head in the SuperSprint.

Team Shell V-Power driver Tony D’Alberto says “excitement is high” going into the race, adding: “It’s great on TV but it’s even more special when it’s up close and personal.”

2025’s Mad March ambassadors at RAAF Base Point Cook. Picture: David Caird.

To round out the month, pilots at the Avalon Air Show will put on a breathtaking display of death-defying stunts at Point Cook air base between March 28-30.

RAAF pilot David Bernard – who will perform spectacular aerobatic manoeuvres in sync with six other air force Roulettes – says families can look forward to “lots of really cool, faster aircraft as well as some slower, more graceful ones as well”.

“There are a lot of things for the kids to do, you can meet the pilots and see the machines up close,” he added.

Air force roulettes and Formula One cars will take centre stage during March. Picture: David Caird

The Melbourne Flower and Garden Show is also promising a stunning way to end the month, with curator Elizabeth Richie hinting at “a hands-on experience” with something for every member of the family.

Lovers of the arts should also book tickets for the Australian Ballet’s production of Carmen – a “seductive tale of betrayal and obsession” playing from March 7-18. Blockbuster NGV exhibition Yayoi Kusama and Disney musical Beauty and the Beast will also run throughout March and into April.

The Autumn Carnival will also continue across the entirety of the month, headlined by Flemington Racing Spectacular events Super Saturday on March 8 and Australian Cup Day on March 29. The former features a double-header of Group 1 races: the All-Star Mile and Yulong Newmarket Handicap.

Tourism minister Steve Dimopoulos said: “Victoria is an incredible place to be all year round but March really brings the magic.

“Not only do these events put our state on the global stage but they have significant economic benefits – filling our hotels, restaurants and attractions, and backing local businesses and jobs right across the state.”

MAD MARCH

Melbourne Fashion Festival: until March 8.

Beauty and the Beast the Musical, Her Majesty’s Theatre: until April 20.

Yayoi Kusama, NGV: until April 21.

Notre Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition, Immigration Museum: until April 27.

Concerts at Melbourne Park: Billie Eilish (Rod Laver Arena, March 4-8), Dua Lipa (RLA, March 17, 19, 20, 22 and 23), Nelly (John Cain, March 27), Cody Johnson (RLA, March 27), Human Nature (Margaret Court, March 29).

NBL finals, including Melbourne United v Perth Wildcats playoffs game, John Cain Arena: March 4

WNBL Grand Final including Bendigo Spirit v Townsville Fire game 1, Red Energy Arena Bendigo: March 5

Nocturnal, Melbourne Museum: March 6.

Moomba, inner Melbourne, March 6-10.

Australian Ballet’s Carmen, Regent Theatre: March 7-18.

Super Saturday featuring the All-Star Mile, Flemington Racecourse: March 8.

NRL, Melbourne Storm round 1 match v Eels, AAMI Park: March 9.

Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park: March 12-16 (including F1 Melbourne Fan Festival at Melbourne Park Oval and Melbourne SuperSprint).

AFL round 1: March 13-16.

Victorian Owners and Breeders Raceday, Caulfield Racecourse: March 15.

Yarra Valley Cup Day, Yarra Valley Racecourse: March 16.

NRL, grand final rematch, Storm v Panthers, AAMI Park: March 20.

William Reid Stakes Day, Moonee Valley Racecourse: March 22.

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens: March 26-30.

Avalon Australian International Airshow, Avalon Airport: March 28-30.

Australian Cup Day, Flemington Racecourse: March 29.

A-Leagues seasons continue throughout March.

Originally published as Nobody does it like Melbourne: events capital to shine this ‘mad March’