What's on across Melbourne's eastern suburbs in May
Events include celebrations of chestnuts, Japanese culture and cars with character.
Matthew Sims
April 30, 2026
Here’s a list of some of the best events across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in May.
Did we miss anything? Let us know by reaching out via [email protected].
Melbourne Writers Festival
Running from May 7 to 10, there are plenty of events highlighting both up-and-coming and renowned writers.
Tickets are selling fast, so jump online to secure a seat.
When: Thursday May 7 to Sunday May 10
Where: Various locations
Kalorama Chestnut Festival
For more than 40 years, the Kalorama Chestnut Festival has seen families from across the Dandenong Ranges pick chestnuts to bring along to roast and eat.
About 60 stalls will include information displays from community groups, as well as local traders offering produce, food options, coffee, homemade jewellery, clothing, handmade toys and arts and crafts gifts.
Funds raised will contribute to the ongoing management of Mount Dandenong Preschool and Mount Dandenong Primary School.
When: Sunday May 3, 10am-4pm
Where: Kalorama Memorial Reserve, 1190-1196 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Kalorama
Cost: Free
Healesville Festival
Rufous Whistler and Joshua Batten will be among the performers.
This two-day event will include music acts, guitar-making workshops, group singing classes, and spans throughout the main part of town.
Singer-songwriters Tessa Devine and Rufous Whistler will be the headline act at The Memo from 6.30 to 10.30pm on Saturday night.
On Sunday, free family entertainment will be available at Queens Park for Mother’s Day.
When: Saturday May 9, 10am-10.30pm and Sunday May 10, 10am-5pm
Where: Various locations (Saturday) and Queens Park, 36 Don Road, Healesville (Sunday)
Cost: Free except for headline show – $38
Lehmo – Camper Van Go
Hot off a run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Australian comedian Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann is bringing his new show Camper Van Go to Bayswater.
Telling the story of a nightmare holiday, Lehmo will be lampooning a range of topics, including marriage, parenting, dogs and the Titanic.
When: Friday May 22, 7.30pm
When: Knox Community Arts Centre, 790 Mountain Highway, Bayswater
Cost: $35
Japan Festival
Co-organised by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Melbourne, the Japanese Society of Melbourne, and the Japan Club of Victoria, this year marks the 24th year of this celebration of the connection between Japanese and Australian cultures.
The event will include a range of live performances, including traditional Japanese drumming, dance and martial arts and a karaoke show.
Or if you want to show off your own skills, prizes are available for the best cosplay costumes, kimonos and examples of a Japanese postcard art known as Etagami.
When: Sunday May 24, 10am-5pm
Where: Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
Cost: $5
Unmarked Melbourne
More than 200 cars will be on show, including classics, collectibles and racing vehicles.
Automotive and lifestyle stalls will also be setting up to offer their wares or advice.
When: Saturday May 30, 3-9pm and Sunday May 31, 3-9pm
Where: Event Central at Caribbean Park,1280 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby
Cost: Early bird tickets available for $32.24 per day
Rotary Club of Rowville-Lysterfield’s Makers and Bakers Market
Check out handcrafted bric-a-brac , gifts, yummy treats and freshly baked goods under one roof at the Rotary Club of Rowville-Lysterfield’s indoor market.
When: Sunday May 3, 9am-2pm
Where: Rowville Community Centre, 40 Fulham Road, Rowville
Cost: Gold coin at entry