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2026 festival
The Victorian Seniors Festival celebrated older people across the state, with thousands of free and low-cost events throughout October.
More than 4,000 events took place across Victoria, bringing the theme of the festival – Connect, create, celebrate - to life.
Victorian Seniors Card holders made the most of 9 days of free public transport to join in festival events across the state.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the festival, attended an event or helped bring the program to life.
The 2026 Victorian Seniors Festival officially launched with Celebration Day at Federation Square on Saturday 3 October. Featuring hours of free entertainment and activities for older people, their friends and families. Highlights included Tai Chi, learn to play chess and an interactive ukelele performance.
The Big Band Dance returned to Melbourne Town Hall, bringing more than 1,100 people together to enjoy an afternoon of music and dancing.
Older people enjoyed a week of free film screenings at ACMI Seniors Film Festival. Celebrating the work of acclaimed actor Emma Thompson.
The Country Concert series returned to regional Victoria. With more than 30 free and low-cost concerts bringing live music to communities across the state.
Voices of the World closed out the festival bringing people together at St Kilda Town Hall as the finale. The audience enjoyed an afternoon of singing and entertainment, before closing out the event in harmony.
Thank you to all local councils, the community groups, event organisers and volunteers who helped make the 2026 Victorian Seniors Festival a success.
2026 festival highlights
Victorian Senior of the Year Awards
The annual Victorian Senior of the Year Awards are a feature of the festival. These awards acknowledge older Victorians who volunteer. Sixteen older Victorians were recognised at the 2026 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
The awards ceremony took place at Government House on Tuesday 20 October 2026. For more information visit the awards page.
Translated information
Translated information about the Victorian Seniors Festival is available in 16 languages on the translations webpage.
Reviewed 02 November 2026