The Victorian Seniors Festival is an event to honour seniors in Victoria, held in October every year at various locations around the Melbourne CBD and around the state. This week-long festival includes various events, activities and entertainment for all seniors.
The Victorian Department of Health & Human Services organised the festival to encourage seniors to participate in and enjoy a wide range of activities, all generally free or low-cost.
Victorian Seniors Festival Week 2023, Dates & Program Schedule
City of Melbourne is proud to be supporting the Victorian Seniors Festival 2023. Take advantage of free public transport for all seniors card holders from 1 to 8 October across metropolitan and regional areas, and participate in a wide range of activities on offer throughout the week.
The festival starts on 1 October, which coincides with the International Day of the Older Person. This year’s festival theme is Learn, Love, Live, with plenty of opportunities to be part of the fun.
The Victorian Government, through the Seniors, Carers and Elder Abuse Reform branch in the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, coordinates the Festival and works closely with all 79 local councils. The Festival also works with community and cultural organisations and commercial partners to coordinate and promote activities and events for senior Victorians in their local area.
This annual festival returns on 1 October 2023 and features:
- live and local events across the state, delivered by local councils, community groups and clubs
- eight days of free public transport for Victorian Seniors Card holders from 1 to 8 October 2023
- Return of flagship events held in Melbourne’s CBD and regional Victoria, including:
- Celebration Day at Federation Square on Sunday, 1 October, 1pm – 7pm
- This event will launch the festival with a 6-hour line-up of free entertainment and activities for older Victorians
- Town Hall Dances at Melbourne Town Hall on Monday, 2 October, from 12pm and Hawthorn Town Hall on Friday, 6 October, from 8pm
- ACMI Seniors Film Festival at the Australian Centre of the Moving Image from 2 – 8 October
- Country Tour delivering live entertainment across regional towns in October
- Aged Care Tour, taking the festival’s magic, music and fun to aged care residents across Victoria throughout September and October.
Free and low-cost events and activities will be presented across Victoria, including concerts, dances, theatre shows, celebratory morning teas, tours, a host of indoor and outdoor recreation activities.
Popular musicians and bands also come here to perform and entertain guests. Show off your younger side and dance to some of yesteryear’s great tunes, participate in many activities and participate in various workshops held during the festival, or why not catch one of the classic films. You can enjoy many interactive activities; such as dancing, aerobics, strength training and tai chi.
The Festival also includes the annual Victorian Senior of the Year Awards. These awards recognise and celebrate the talents, achievements and contributions of older Victorians to their community. Running for over 20 years, these Awards acknowledge older Victorians who volunteer to assist, support and encourage others.
Not just contained in the city, events can also be found all over Victoria with local councils and community groups running hundreds of other fabulous events.
2023 Country Tour
Country councils are running picnics, Come-and-try fiestas, concerts, talks and information sessions. Contact your local council to find out what events are happening in your area.
Could you verify Gumbuya Park special for seniors week
Hi Rosemary,
Based on the program that was released for 2018, the special for Gumbuya World is entry to the park and a wildlife walkabout tour that is conducted by experienced park rangers – for the price of $14 (which is excellent value since the regular senior’s price is $43, and what is included below).
The Package includes:
– Entry to Gumbuya World
– One hour behind-the-scenes walking tour of the Wildlife Trail with a professional Ranger
– Complimentary Senior Admission voucher to visit again
– Devonshire Tea House baked scones served with double cream and Yarra Valley strawberry jam
Please see the page numbered 83 on the guide, or you can also see more detail at https://gumbuya.com.au/.
It does mention that bookings are essential by calling 5624 9888, or emailing [email protected].
Thanks
Michael
Could you please confirm that the event being held at the Capital in Bendigo on the 8/10/18 is free. Talking with the Capital they are saying it is $8.00
Hi Noel,
Looking at the official program, it does in fact state that the event on October 10 at the Capital Theatre in Bendigo is free.
Whilst, the Capital Theatre website at https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/arts-culture-theatres/whats-on mentions the tickets are $8 each.
With the fact the date and times match, I am more inclined to believe the Capital Theatre in that the event will be paid.
Thanks
Michael
Is the Melbourne Zoo participating in the Seniors Festival this year & if they are, what will the dates be?
Hi Irene,
No information is available as yet. However the Seniors Festival runs between 7 October to 14 October 2018, so any competitions/offers will be scheduled between these dates.
Check back with us and I will update the page with new information as it comes to hand.
Best regards,
Jess
Are there any updates for the zoo in seniors week? Irene
Hi Irene,
I have checked the official Victorian Seniors Festival and also the Melbourne Zoo websites and i can’t find any new information.
It’s noted that there is a deadline of 7 September 2018 for any places that wish to participate in the festival, so i don’t think there will be much information until this date has passed and things are confirmed.
Thanks
Michael
Any update for the Melbourne Zoo yet? Irene
Hi Irene,
I have just searched through the 2018 festival program that has been released online, and i couldn’t find the zoo mentioned once. Additionally, i have checked the Melbourne Zoo website and can’t see anything there either.
So unless they are still yet to lodge their application by the 7 September 2018 deadline, it doesn’t look like they are participating.
You’d think an organisation of that size would have everything sorted out, so i don’t think it’s likely.
Thanks
Michael
When is seniors week in 2018
Thank you
Alice
Hi Alice,
Dates are not yet confirmed, but PTV has announced free public transport between 7-14 October 2018, so I assume it will align with these dates.
Best regards,
Jess