Ask Millie

Melbourne / This week

What's on
24–30 September

Worth leaving the house for.

This week you can start with a long council walk through Aboriginal Melbourne, catch the Australian Chamber Orchestra performing Mozart on Saturday, then finish the afternoon with the HCV Annual Lecture on protest and democracy. It’s a tight, thoughtful Saturday that mixes walking, music and politics without fluff.

Sort my week Save this guide

Updated 27 September 2026 · Next update 30 September · Archived edition

If you only remember three things

View all picks
A stand-up comedy room under warm lights
What’s on

HCV Annual Lecture: Direct Action, Protest and Democracy

Policy and protests meet in a lecture that matters this week — people who study and do activism will both show up.

Book a seat.

A family strolling through the Royal Botanic Gardens
Free

Aboriginal Melbourne walk

A self-guided 3.9km route from the council that forces you to notice country in the city.

Wear flat shoes.

A family strolling through the Royal Botanic Gardens
Free

Classic Icons and Architecture walk

A 5.3km council route that lines up Melbourne’s familiar façades and explains them plainly.

Good for photos.

If Saturday were mine…

I'd do this.

Saturday 26 Sep: Classical, Walk, Protest Talk

  1. 10:00amAboriginal Melbourne walkA family strolling through the Royal Botanic Gardens3.9km, bring sensible shoes and a map.
  2. 12:30pmAustralian Chamber Orchestra: Mozart’s Last SymphoniesA stand-up comedy room under warm lightsArrive early for best seats and acoustics.
  3. 3:00pmHCV Annual Lecture: Direct Action, Protest and DemocracyRiverside tables at sunset by the YarraExpect a serious, evidence-led discussion; take notes.

Walk Melbourne, hear Mozart, then a sharp lecture on direct action.

Before you leave home

The stuff you'll be annoyed nobody told you.

  • Most ticketed events recommend booking in advance; council walks are self-guided and free.
  • Check transport times — Southbank and the State Library are an easy tram apart but give yourself 30 minutes between shows.

The week, properly

The good stuff, with a reason.

Friends at a rooftop table with the city lights behind

If you want a proper night out

See all 8
  • Ben Lee and Georgia MaqThu 24 Sep · Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank · See listingTwo generations of songwriting on the same bill — expect hooky, honest pop.
  • Sam Wallman: Why Comics Pack a PunchThu 24 Sep · Victorian Archives Centre and Gallery, North Melbourne · See listingIllustrated reportage explained by one of the best cartoon journalists working now.
  • Dementia-Friendly Open Studio at NGVThu 24 Sep · The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Melbourne · See listingAn accessible creative session designed for people living with dementia and their carers.
  • Escape from the Underworld: Holiday ProgramThu 24 Sep · Story Studios Australia, Carlton · See listingA hands-on holiday program for kids with a mythic twist.
  • Smoke and MirrorsThu 24 Sep · Piccolo Teatro Magic Theatre Melbourne, Melbourne · See listingMagic theatre that leans into wonder and theatrical trickery.
A family strolling through the Royal Botanic Gardens

If you're spending nothing

  • Aboriginal Melbourne walkFree3.9km, self-guided, from the council's own set.
  • Classic Icons and Architecture walkFree5.3km, self-guided, from the council's own set.

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 PlanSorted

PlanSorted Melbourne, seen by locals.

This page, shorter and more personal, in your inbox on Wednesday mornings.