There's something magical about October in Victoria, where communities come alive with laughter, music, and discovery.
For over four decades, one festival has been a highlight for older Victorians, creating moments of joy and connection.
This year, the Victorian Seniors Festival promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever.
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns for its 43rd year in October 2025, running from 1-31 October with thousands of free and low-cost events under the theme: 'Connect, Create, Celebrate.' Victorian Seniors Card holders will be treated to eight days of completely free public transport from Sunday 5 October to Sunday 12 October, covering trams, trains, and buses across the state, making regional trips of $50 or more suddenly free.
'Connect, Create, Celebrate—and invites older Victorians to come together, discover new interests, and celebrate.'
Events will span a huge range of interests and mobility levels, from traditional activities to surprisingly modern experiences.
Port Phillip alone will host almost 50 events over two weeks, showing how councils, community organisations, and cultural partners will work together to bring celebrations directly to local neighbourhoods.
Walking football will provide a low-impact version of soccer where players will walk instead of run, while laughter yoga and stand-up comedy will deliver smiles and entertainment for all.
Family history sessions encourages participants to bring meaningful items for discussion over tea and biscuits, while market experiences will include guided tastings, live music, and local history explorations.
High tea events combined sweet and savoury treats with live entertainment and raffles, offering a perfect blend of indulgence and social connection.
Federation Square will become the heart of the festival with Celebration Day on 5 October from 12-7pm, coinciding with the start of free transport week.
The ACMI Seniors Film Festival will run from 6-12 October at ACMI, offering curated cinema for older audiences.
The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards will recognise outstanding contributions, while special events will include Melbourne Town Hall dances, country concert tours, and LGBTIQA+ celebrations.
Essential dates for your calendar
1-31 October 2025: Full festival month with thousands of events statewide
5-12 October 2025: Free public transport for Victorian Seniors Card holders
5 October 2025: Federation Square Celebration Day (12-7pm)
6-12 October 2025: ACMI Seniors Film Festival at Federation Square
Festival guides will be available online, at Coles, libraries, and some community organisations and councils while stocks lasts, helping participants plan their month and discover new events.
While primarily for Victorians aged 60 and over, many events welcomes all ages, making it easy to bring family or friends along.
The festival will definitely spark ongoing connections, encouraging new hobbies, friendships, and local group involvement beyond October.
Many businesses will also offer Seniors Card discounts during the festival, extending the benefits even further.
Getting more information
For festival details: Visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival or contact COTA Wise information service on 1300 135 090 or [email protected]
For non-English information: Translated materials are available through the festival website
For general enquiries: Contact [email protected] or 03 8850 6164
What This Means For You
The 43rd Victorian Seniors Festival will run from 1-31 October 2025, offering thousands of free and low-cost events across the state.
Victorian Seniors Card holders will enjoy eight days of free public transport from 5-12 October, making it easier than ever to explore the festivities.
Festival highlights include walking football, laughter yoga, stand-up comedy, high tea, market tastings, and family history sessions, catering to a wide range of interests and mobility levels.
Federation Square will become the heart of the celebrations with Celebration Day on 5 October, while the ACMI Seniors Film Festival will run from 6-12 October, providing curated cinema experiences for older audiences.
This festival will open the door for seniors to reconnect with old passions, try new activities, and enjoy social experiences that could lead to lasting friendships, all while making travel across the state simple and accessible.
If you’re curious about how communities are finding creative ways to overcome transport challenges, there’s an inspiring story worth exploring.
South Gippsland has implemented unique solutions to ensure people can still access local events, appointments, and social activities despite limited public transport.
It’s a real-life example of how innovative approaches can make participation in local programs easier and more accessible.
Read more: South Gippsland finds its own solutions to public transport 'deserts'
Victorian Seniors Festival | Seniors online — Overview of the Victorian Seniors Festival as a major state-wide event running from 1-31 October each year.
[URL='https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival[/URL']https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival[/URL]
Victorian Seniors Festival 2025 — Details the 43rd year of the festival in October 2025, highlighting a month-long program full of free or low-cost events.
[URL='https://cotavic.org.au/our-programs/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL']https://cotavic.org.au/our-programs/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL]
Victorian Seniors Festival | Seniors online — Information on eight days of free public transport for Victorian Seniors Card holders from 5 to 12 October 2025.
[URL='https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival[/URL']https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival[/URL]
Victorian Seniors Festival 2025: Everything you Need to Know—Seniors in Melbourne — Explains that Victorian Seniors Card holders receive a full week of free public transport during the festival.
[URL='https://seniorsinmelbourne.com.au/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL']https://seniorsinmelbourne.com.au/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL]
Victorian Seniors Festival 2025—Seniors in Melbourne — Notes that the festival offers thousands of events for the 60+ community throughout October 2025.
[URL='https://seniorsinmelbourne.com.au/whats-on/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL']https://seniorsinmelbourne.com.au/whats-on/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL]
Seniors Festival 2025—City of Port Phillip — Highlights almost 50 events across the Port Phillip municipality over two weeks.
[URL='https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/people-and-community/seniors/seniors-festival[/URL']https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/people-and-community/seniors/seniors-festival[/URL]
Seniors Festival 2025—City of Port Phillip — Describes walking football as a low-impact, modified version of soccer ideal for seniors.
[URL='https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/people-and-community/seniors/seniors-festival[/URL']https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/people-and-community/seniors/seniors-festival[/URL]
Seniors Festival 2025—City of Port Phillip — Details laughter yoga sessions followed by stand-up comedy during the festival.
[URL='https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/people-and-community/seniors/seniors-festival[/URL']https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/people-and-community/seniors/seniors-festival[/URL]
Seniors Festival 2025—City of Port Phillip — Family history events where participants bring significant items for discussion over tea and biscuits.
[URL='https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/people-and-community/seniors/seniors-festival[/URL']https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/people-and-community/seniors/seniors-festival[/URL]
Victorian Seniors Festival 2025: Everything you Need to Know—Seniors in Melbourne — Describes market experiences with guided tastings, live music, local history, and sweet treats.
[URL='https://seniorsinmelbourne.com.au/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL']https://seniorsinmelbourne.com.au/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL]
Victorian Seniors Festival 2025: Everything you Need to Know—Seniors in Melbourne — High tea events featuring sweet and savoury treats, live entertainment, and raffles.
[URL='https://seniorsinmelbourne.com.au/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL']https://seniorsinmelbourne.com.au/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL]
Victorian Seniors Festival 2025 - CotA Victoria — Federation Square becomes festival central with Celebration Day on 5 October 2025.
[URL='https://cotavic.org.au/our-programs/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL']https://cotavic.org.au/our-programs/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL]
Victorian Seniors Festival | Seniors online — #ACMI Seniors Film Festival runs from 6-12 October at Federation Square for older audiences.
[URL='https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival[/URL']https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival[/URL]
Victorian Seniors Festival | Seniors online — Online event calendar and print guide showcase thousands of festival events across the state.
[URL='https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival[/URL']https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival[/URL]
Victorian Seniors Festival 2025—Seniors in Melbourne — Festival primarily for seniors aged 60+, but many events welcome all ages.
[URL='https://seniorsinmelbourne.com.au/whats-on/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL']https://seniorsinmelbourne.com.au/whats-on/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL]
Victorian Seniors Festival 2025—Seniors in Melbourne — Many businesses and event organisers offer special discounts to Seniors Card holders during October.
[URL='https://seniorsinmelbourne.com.au/whats-on/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL']https://seniorsinmelbourne.com.au/whats-on/victorian-seniors-festival/[/URL]
What kind of festival event would you be most excited to attend—creative workshops, social gatherings, or adventures on free public transport?
Seniors Discount Club
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