Thousands gathered at Federation Square as the Victorian Seniors Festival began its month-long celebration of older Victorians, with music, dance, exhibitions and community events filling venues across the state.
Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt joined festivalgoers at Celebration Day, officially launching the 2025 Festival and turning the precinct into a lively hub of performances and activities.
The launch featured seven hours of free entertainment across three stages, with everything from tai chi and line dancing to workshops and classic 60s tunes. The Chinese Senior Citizens Club of Manningham performed with a 60-strong dance group, while the Australian Women’s Choir filled The Edge Theatre. Musician AJ Leonard led a ukulele workshop that ended with a mass singalong, bringing hundreds together through rhythm and melody.
The main stage crowd moved to the sound of Groove Dimension, a 10-piece band reviving hits from Earth, Wind & Fire, KC & The Sunshine Band and The Jacksons. Local artists and performers added to the day’s colour, creating a sense of connection and energy that set the tone for the rest of the month.
Throughout October, more than 2,000 free and low-cost events are being held across Victoria’s 79 municipalities. Country Concerts are taking live shows to regional towns including Bendigo, Wodonga, Castlemaine, Sale and Horsham, while Melbourne’s venues will host dances, exhibitions, sporting activities and film screenings.
The festival’s multicultural and First Nations focus will include a Diwali celebration in Hawthorn, a Seniors Yarn at Gateway Island and a food-themed gathering in St Albans.
Seniors Card holders can enjoy eight days of free public transport from 5 to 12 October, with access to metropolitan services, V/Line trains and coaches, and selected regional bus routes beyond the myki zone. The offer aims to make it easier for older Victorians to meet friends, explore events and take part in the month’s activities.
Minister Stitt said the festival is about recognising the contribution older Victorians make to the community. “We are proud to deliver this Festival as a month-long celebration of the valuable contributions senior Victorians make to our state,” she said.
She encouraged participants to make full use of the travel offer and wide program. “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,” she said.
More information and event listings can be found here.
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