- Published:
- Sunday 5 October 2025 at 4:19 pm
The Victorian Seniors Festival has kicked off, with a month-long program of music, theatre, exhibitions and community activities celebrating older Victorians throughout October.
Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today joined thousands of festivalgoers at Federation Square for Celebration Day – officially launching this year’s Festival and transforming the precinct into a hub of culture and connection.
Celebration Day featured seven hours of free entertainment across three stages with activities ranging from calming tai chi and information stalls to lively line dancing and classic 60s hits.
Highlights included a 60-strong dance performance by the Chinese Senior Citizens Club of Manningham, the Australian Women’s Choir at The Edge Theatre, a ukulele workshop led by AJ Leonard and a mass ukulele performance.
The main stage came alive with 10-piece band Groove Dimension getting crowds dancing to hits from Earth, Wind & Fire, KC & The Sunshine Band and The Jacksons. Visitors also enjoyed hands-on workshops and dynamic performances from talented local artists.
Across Victoria, more than 2,000 free and low-cost events are taking place in all 79 municipalities throughout October.
The program includes over 20 Country Concerts bringing live entertainment to regional towns such as Bendigo, Wodonga, Castlemaine, Sale and Horsham. Melbourne hosts exhibitions, dances, sporting activities, film festivals, and more.
A variety of multicultural and First Nations events will also take place, including a Diwali celebration in Hawthorn, a Seniors Yarn at Gateway Island and a vibrant culinary adventure in St Albans.
Victorian Seniors Card holders can enjoy eight days of free public transport between 5-12 October, making it easier to explore the Victorian Seniors Festival.
Free travel is available across all metropolitan services, V/Line train and coach services, and selected regional bus routes outside the myki-enabled area.
To explore more Victorian Seniors Festival events, visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival-calendar.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt
“We are proud to deliver this Festival as a month-long celebration of the valuable contributions senior Victorians make to our state.”
“I encourage seniors everywhere to take advantage of the free travel to meet with friends, try something new and discover all that the Seniors’ Festival has to offer.”