What's on across Melbourne's eastern suburbs in May
Keen to get out of the house, but not sure what to check out? Events coming up include stand-up sets and a night run.
Matthew Sims
April 29, 2025
Keen for something to do over May to keep warm or embrace the cooler weather? Here’s a list of some of the best events across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in May.
Maroondah Night Run
Keen to get moving despite the colder nights? Join the crowds and take part in the five-kilometre Maroondah Night Run, which will be running through the fairways and greens at Ringwood Golf under the glowing lights.
Runners and walkers of all ages and athletic abilities are welcome to join, with all participants set to receive a finisher’s ribbon and refreshments on the night.
When: Friday May 2, 6pm
Where: Ringwood Golf, 352 Canterbury Road, Ringwood
Cost: $27
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
Haven’t had the chance to check out your favourite comic at their Melbourne shows this year? Luckily, there are two Roadshow performances hitting the eastern suburbs. First cab off the rank is the Karralyka Centre in Ringwood with host Sam Taunton, Bron Lewis, Con Coutis, Janty Blair and Nick Schuller.
Limited tickets are available for the Bayswater show at the Knox Community Arts Centre, which will include host Fadzri Rashid, Brett Blake, Bron Lewis, Josh Glanc and Robyn Reynolds from the UK.
When: Friday, May 2 at the Karralyka Centre in Ringwood and Wednesday May 7 at the Knox Community Arts Centre
Cost: $42 in Bayswater, $57 in Ringwood
Life Drawing with Rachael Hammond
Wanting to improve your life drawing skills, but don’t have a model to capture? Illustrator, graphic designer and artist Rachael Hammond will be sharing her skills in charcoal at a special life drawing class at Wyreena, with artists of all skill levels welcome.
When: Saturday May 3, 10am to noon
Where: Wyreena Community Arts Centre, 13-23 Hull Road, Croydon
Cost: $55
Forest Hill Chase Market
Located on Level 3 of Forest Hill Chase near Hoyts Cinemas, the market will include repurposed items, clothing, jewellery, handmade knick-knacks, home décor, outdoor furnishings, delicious treats, seasonal plantings.
When: Sunday May 4, 11am to 3pm
Where: Level 3, Forest Hill Chase, 270 Canterbury Rd, Forest Hill
Cost: Free
Sustainable House Day
Interested in knowing more about how to make your house more sustainable, but want to see how to do it in person first? Check out open homes which have made the switch as part of Sustainable House Day.
Or if you can’t get out of the house, there are also video tours available.
When: Sunday May 4
Where: Open homes and online
Cost: $9.50
Whitehorse Farmers’ Market
Whitehorse Farmers’ Market has been run by Whitehorse Rotary Group every month since 2006. Enjoy the wide range of fruit, vegetables and meats, as well as bread, cakes, pasta, eggs, chutneys and olive oils. You can also grab a bacon and egg sandwich and a freshly brewed coffee.
When: Sunday May 11, 8am to 1pm
Where: Nunawading Civic Centre, 379-399 Maroondah Highway, Nunawading
Cost: Free
Volunteer for Knox Expo
Have you always wanted to volunteer in the area, but never known where to start? Then check out the Volunteer for Knox expo coming up in May.
Forty not-for-profit organisation stallholders will be explaining what volunteer roles are available and what would suit you best, including Knox mayor Lisa Cooper, Radio Eastern FM 98.1, a community mural, Knox Community Chess Enthusiasts, SES Knox Unit and Knox Knitters.
When: Friday May 16, 1pm to 5pm
Where: Knox Council Civic Centre, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South
Cost: Free
Japan Festival, Box Hill
Explore the area around the Box Hill Town Hall’s front yard for free or pay a small fee to enter the hall and check out a range of cultural activities including Wadaiko, Japanese dance, martial arts, Japanese music and Karaoke.
Stalls include sushi, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakitori, Japanese sweets, tea, Japanese toys, ceramics, books, sake, craft and kimonos.
When: Sunday May 25, 10am to 5pm
Where: Box Hill Town Hall
Cost: Ages 12 and above: $5
Ages 6-11 and Seniors Card holders: $3
Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week is a chance for local communities to connect with the broader history and communities across Australia. This year’s theme is “Bridging Now to Next”, encouraging all Australians to look ahead with hope while also allowing past lessons to guide us.
Local events include an exhibition from Wiradjuri artist Stacey Payten at the Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery launching on Thursday 29 May with a special free event running from 6pm to 8pm. Titled “Gugubarra” or “Kookaburra” in Wiradjuri language, the exhibition pays tribute to her late grandmother, who told her family that she would come back as a gugubarra and laugh.
When: Tuesday May 27 to Tuesday June 3
Where: Multiple locations
“The Waiting Room” - Born in a Taxi
Keen for a bit of performance art without having to trek to the CBD? Look no further than Born in a Taxi’s “The Waiting Room”, a unique interactive art piece that involves the audience in its creation.
With no stage, the performers become a part of the audience and welcomes people to participate in play.
When: Friday May 30, 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Where: Knox Community Arts Centre, Bayswater
Cost: $35
