Ask Millie

Melbourne / This week

What's on
22–28 October

Worth leaving the house for.

This week is compact but sharp: a major poet, a local composer, and two self-guided council walks that actually teach you something about the city. Pick a morning walk, then decide whether you want chamber music, poetry or a late-night show — Melbourne will not beg you to like it.

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Updated 22 October 2026 · Next update 28 October

If you only remember three things

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What’s on

aja monet

One of the most urgent voices in US poetry right now; her reading at Max Watts is worth prioritising if you want powerful, contemporary work delivered live.

Go early. Front row.

Free

Aboriginal Melbourne walk

A 4km self-guided council route that forces you to look past familiar landmarks and think about place differently — do it on a calm morning. About 2 hours.

Bring water and patience.

Free

Classic Icons and Architecture walk

A compact 4.3km route that actually explains why certain buildings look the way they do; good for anyone who walks past Flinders without thinking. About 2 hours.

Take photos. Compare notes.

If Saturday were mine…

I'd do this.

A flexible day in Melbourne

  1. MorningAboriginal Melbourne walkCheck the weather and route before leaving.
  2. LunchFind lunch near your walkCheck current opening hours and booking requirements.
  3. AfternoonKeep the afternoon flexibleChoose a listed event only after confirming its date and session time.

One walk, lunch nearby, and room to change your mind.

Before you leave home

The stuff you'll be annoyed nobody told you.

  • Events run across central venues — check session times and book in advance; council walks are self-guided and free.

The week, properly

The good stuff, with a reason.

Friends at a rooftop table with the city lights behind

Illustrative category image

If you want a proper night out

  • aja monetThu 22 Oct · Max Watts, Melbourne · See listingAja Monet at Max Watts — urgent, muscular poetry performed up close.
  • Misha PiatigorskyThu 22 Oct · Bird's Basement, Melbourne · See listingPiatigorsky brings intimate piano work to Bird's Basement — for serious listeners.
  • Josh Frydenberg in ConversationThu 22 Oct · The Wheeler Centre, Melbourne · See listingA political evening at The Wheeler Centre — expect direct questions and sharper answers.
See all 8
  • Château MerveillesThu 22 Oct · Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), South Wharf · See listingA theatrical party at MCEC — costume-forward and loud by design.
  • Science and the Arts SlamThu 22 Oct · Monash College City Campus, Docklands · See listingShort, clever presentations that force science and art into conversation — lively and thoughtful.
  • The Edit RunwayThu 22 Oct · Younghusband, Kensington · See listingA local fashion runway at Younghusband — expect street-smart design and edits that matter.
  • Sachém: Strangers AgainThu 22 Oct · Spiegel Haus Melbourne, Melbourne · See listingSpiegel Haus hosts immersive, theatrical pop — theatricality and atmosphere guaranteed.
  • Live at Toorak: Satu Vänskä Trio – The Boundless HeartThu 22 Oct · South Yarra · See listingChamber music in South Yarra — delicate strings for a late afternoon unwind.
A family strolling through the Royal Botanic Gardens

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If you're spending nothing

A short free list this week. Ask me and I will dig up the parks, walks and rooms near you that never make a list.

None of that your thing?

Tell me what you're in the mood for and I'll give you something better.

Chat with Millie

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