Seniors Festival 2026
Connect. Create. Celebrate.
October is a special time to celebrate the older members of our community. This year's Victorian Seniors Festival theme is Connect. Create. Celebrate. and we have packed this month with free and low-cost events designed just for you.
Whether you want to learn a new skill, enjoy live music, share a story or simply meet new friends, there is something for everyone.
Festival events
Click on each event name below to find out more about it.
Bolder exhibition launch
Merri-bek says no to ageism. Come and view our exhibition showcasing the stories and photos of 12 inspiring older residents, marking the launch of Stage 2 of our Bolder Ageism Awareness photography and storytelling campaign.
Date: Thursday 1 October 2026
Time: 10 am – 12 pm
Location: Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell Street, Coburg
Cost: Free
Register
Elvis Tribute Concert
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to rock!
Join us for a fantastic live Elvis tribute performance.
Tap your feet, share a laugh, and enjoy great company with
friends old and new.
Date: Wednesday 14 October 2026
Time: 10 am – 12 pm
Location: Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell Street, Coburg
Cost: Free
Register
The Pillars of Healthy Ageing
Join Sara Murdock, Australia's 2025 Pharmacist of the Year, for a practical "Beyond the Pharmacy" session on the key steps to staying active, independent and thriving as you age.
Date: Tuesday 6 October 2026
Time: 10 am – 11:30 pm
Location: Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell Street, Coburg
Cost: Free
Register
Age Well Information Sessions
Planning for your future: Information to help you age well. Join our friendly, relaxed sessions to explore practical ways to stay healthy, active, and connected in your community. Three sessions across Merri-bek.
Date and locations:
- Wednesday 7 October 2026, Glenroy Community Hub
- Thursday 22 October 2026, Brunswick Town Hall Atrium
- Monday 26 October 2026, Fawkner Library
Time: 10 am – 12 pm
Cost: Free
Register
Public Transport Safety Sessions & Guided Train Trip
Come along to one of our safety sessions and travel together as a group with Victoria Police and Protective Services Officers.
We'll meet at the station, share safety tips, and then hop on a train together for a short, guided round trip from Coburg to Brunswick, or from Glenroy to Broadmeadows.
Session 1: Friday 9 October 2026, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, meet at Coburg Station, next to the Customer Service Window.
Session 2: Monday 19 October 2026, 10:00 am – 11:30 am, meet at Glenroy Station, next to the Customer Service Window (bring your Myki card).
Cost: Free
Register
Active Ageing Gardening Presentation
Keep your garden thriving. Discover clever tips to make
gardening fun and easy.
The friendly team from Blue Bee Garden Design will share simple, clever ideas to keep gardening fun and easy, such as low-maintenance plants, easy-grip tools, and smart ways to plan your garden so it does the hard work for you.
Date: Tuesday 6 October 2026
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Coburg Library
Cost: Free
No booking is needed, just walk in and join us!
Come and Try Walking Football (Soccer)
Fancy a kick-about with no running, no pressure, and lots of laughs? Walking football is a gentle, fun version of soccer that's perfect for staying active at your own pace. It doesn't matter if you've never played before or haven't played in years; everyone is welcome.
Date: Thursday 15 October 2026
Time: 9:30 am
Location: Brunswick Stadium, 6 Gardiner Street, Brunswick
Cost: Free
Contact: Call Walter on 0411 118 144.
Money Milestones
Merri-bek says no to ageism. Come and view our exhibition showcasing the stories and photos of 12 inspiring older residents, marking the launch of Stage 2 of our Bolder Ageism Awareness photography and storytelling campaign.
Date: Tuesday 20 October 2026
Time: 10: 30 am – 12 pm
Location: Glenroy Library
Cost: Free
Register
Group Fitness (Exercise Class)
Want to feel stronger, steadier, and full of energy?
These weekly group fitness classes are the perfect place to start. Enjoy a lively mix of easy aerobic moves, seated and standing exercises, fun Bollywood dance steps, stretching, and gentle strength training.
Date: Wednesdays and Fridays
Time: 9:15am – 10:15am
Location: Glenroy Neighbourhood House, 5B Cromwell St, Glenroy
Cost: $8 per class with a concession card
Contact: (03) 9304 3910
Register
Basic Mending: Darning Workshop
Got a favourite jumper with a hole? Don't throw it away, mend it!
Join sustainability educator Anna The Urban Nanna for a hands-on workshop. Learn the satisfying skill of darning to repair holes in your favourite fabrics.
Date: Tuesday 6 October 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Glenroy Hub
Cost: Free
Register
Native Bush Medicine & Smudge Stick Workshop
Spend a special morning learning with First Nations knowledge keepers from Wild Blak Arts.
Discover the amazing healing plants that have cared for people and Country for thousands of years, and make your very own healing balm and native smudge stick to take home.
Date: Friday 23 October 2026
Time: 11 am – 1 pm
Location: Balam Balam Place, 15 Phoenix St, Brunswick
Cost: Free
Register
Pride Across the North
Step out and celebrate with us at Pride Across the North!
This is a welcoming day out for older LGBTIQA+ community members across Melbourne’s north.
Together, we’ll visit the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda for a guided tour full of history, stories, and pride.
Date: Monday 5 October 2026
Time: 11:30 am -12:30 pm
Location: Victorian Pride Centre, 79-81 Fitzroy St, St Kilda
Cost: Free
Register
Chess Social Group for Adults
Love a good game of chess, or just want to learn the ropes in a welcoming space?
Join Sussex Neighbourhood House’s weekly Chess Social Group for a relaxed morning of games, good conversation, and great company.
Date: Mondays
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Sussex Neighbourhood House, 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale
Cost: Free. No booking required. Just drop in
Contact: (03) 9354 2210 | enquiries@sussexnh.org.au
Chatty Cafe
Looking for a warm welcome and a friendly chat?
Drop into the Chatty Cafe for a morning of great conversation and social connection over a lovely cuppa.
Whether you want to share a story, meet new people, or simply enjoy the company of others in a safe and welcoming space, there is a seat waiting for you.
Date: Fridays
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Sussex Neighbourhood House, 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale
Cost: Free. No booking required. Just drop in
Contact: (03) 9354 2210 | enquiries@sussexnh.org.au
Pascoe Vale Makers, Menders Basketry Group
Do you like being creative and care about the environment?
Join our weekly club! It’s a fun group for people who love making things, fixing old items, and weaving baskets.
Share your skills, get advice from experienced makers, and enjoy great company.
Date: Mondays
Time: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Location: Sussex Neighbourhood House, 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale
Cost: Gold coin donation
No booking required. Just drop in
Contact: (03) 9354 2210 | enquiries@sussexnh.org.au
Book Club
Love a good read and great conversation? Join our Book Club to discuss fascinating themes, share ideas, and connect with fellow literary lovers. Merri-bek Libraries provides the books, so all you need to bring is yourself and your thoughts.
Date: Third Monday of each month
Time: 1 am – 3 pm
Location: Sussex Neighbourhood House, 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale
Cost: Gold coin donation
No booking required. Just drop in
Contact: (03) 9354 2210 | enquiries@sussexnh.org.au
Craft Circle
Love to knit, crochet, or quilt? Join our friendly weekly Craft Circle.
It is a relaxed, welcoming space for all ages and skill levels to connect, create, and share a few laughs.
Date: Mondays
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Sussex Neighbourhood House, 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale
Cost: Gold coin donation
No booking required. Just drop in
Contact: (03) 9354 2210 | enquiries@sussexnh.org.au
'Pieceful' Puzzle Club
Calling all puzzle lovers! Come for the puzzles and stay for the wonderful community. Whether you prefer to unwind with casual puzzling at your own pace, test your skills in a speed run, team up for a giant group puzzle, there is something for everyone.
You can even swap your finished puzzles for brand-new challenges.
Date & Time:
10 am – 1 pm, Saturday 17 October
10 am – 1 pm, Saturday 21 November
10 am – 1 pm, Saturday 19 December
Location: Sussex Neighbourhood House, 7 Prospect St, Pascoe Vale
Cost: Gold coin donation.
No booking required. Just drop in
Contact: (03) 9354 2210 | enquiries@sussexnh.org.au
Come and join the fun!
Come along on your own, bring a friend, or try something completely new. Every event is a chance to connect with your community, create something meaningful, and celebrate everything you bring to Merri-bek.
Prefer to read the whole program in one place?
Download the Seniors Festival 2026 booklet for all the event details, dates and contacts in one handy guide.
Download the Seniors Festival 2026 booklet (PDF 7Mb)
If you need help booking, need information in your language, or need transport advice, we are here to help.
Contact
Merri-bek City Council
Phone: 9240 2414
Email: seniorsfestival@merri-bek.vic.gov.au