What's On in Melbourne: Your Ultimate May Guide

Autumn is officially in full swing, but no matter the forecast, our beloved city is still abuzz with a fantastic rotation of new openings, events, festivals and exhibitions. 

From stunning theatre productions to art exhibitions, The Sorrento Writer's Festival and markets galore, as well as exceptional dining offerings. Need we say more? 

With all that in mind, get ready to have an extra pep in your step as you explore the wonderful array of things to do in Melbourne this month. 

Bonnie and Neil's Samples and Seconds Sale

Pencil this into your weekend calendar and spread the word to family and friends - Bonnie and Neil's mid-year Melbourne samples and seconds sale is back.

Discover a treasure trove of unseen samples and top-notch seconds! From cosy cushions to stylish tableware, plush bedding to luxurious bath mats, and everything in between, this is a shopping experience that has your cute interiors vision board covered.

And with Mother's Day approaching, it's also the perfect opportunity to snag mum some unique gifts. So why not treat yourself or drop a hint to your loved ones? Let the shopping spree begin!

Saturday 4th May, 9.00am to 4.00pm

Sunday 5th May, 10.00am to 2.00pm

141 Gipps Street, Abbotsford 

Score a Free Messina Gelato on Mates Day

Grab your mates and head straight to Messina on the 8th of May for a free scoop of their new limited-edition flavour in collaboration with Snapchat, "Oh Snap!". The flavour is inspired by the classic dessert Aussie's all know and love, vanilla slice, and is vanilla custard gelato layered with passion fruit puree and crunchy caramelised puff pastry pieces - it's a match made in heaven!

From 12.00pm, head to your closest Messina store and show them the Snapchat app for your free scoop.

8th May, from 12.00pm

Various locations across Melbourne, see website for details

Nutella x Lavazza 'Perfect Match'

What's your morning coffee without a delicious biscuit to munch on alongside it? Incomplete. That's why Nutella and Lavazza have teamed up to deliver the 'Perfect Match': Nutella biscuits and Lavazza Espresso Barista coffee. And trust us when we say the gooey Nutella, crunchy biscuit, and warm, rich coffee is the best combination you could imagine. Simply spend $15 or more on Nutella Biscuits and Lavazza products at participating Woolworths stores between the 24th of April and 14th May, and you can go in the running to win one of 250 Woolworths vouchers!

Keep your receipt and enter here

Africa Fashion at the NGV

The NGV is always filled to the brim with fun and exciting exhibitions, and this latest one is no exception. Africa Fashion features an incredible collection of designs and designers from over 20 countries, all borrowed from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. This exhibition has almost 200 works, ranging from ready-to-wear fashion all the way to bespoke and couture pieces. Celebrating the creativity and innovation of African fashion from the mid-twentieth century to today, this exhibition is an explosion of colour, texture and patterns, and the perfect thing to go and see if you're a fashion enthusiast.

31st May to 6th October

180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

South African Film Festival

The South African Film Festival will be running across the duration of May, and promises not to disappoint. Bringing the finest of contemporary South African cinema to Melburnians in theatres across the city. Both new and old films will be showcased, spanning across three decades of filmmaking.

2nd May to 30th May

Visit website for full programme and details

Various locations across Melbourne

Art of the Brick

Got any LEGO fans in the family? The you need to take them to this awe-inspiring exhibition, Art of the Brick. Returning to Melbourne at the Showgrounds from the 14th of Spril, this immersive exhibition explores how LEGO can be used to create all sorts of masterpieces. This may be one of the most unique art shows you ever attend, in the best way possible.

From 14th April

Buy tickets here

Epsom Road, Ascot Vale

Top Arts

The ever-popular Top Arts is celebrating its 30th year in 2024 - and it's set to feature the works of forty-five talented VCE students/artists. 

This exhibition has always gone above and beyond, providing a platform to celebrate the most exceptional work from students who completed the new VCE study designs of Art Making and Exhibiting and Art Creative Practice in the year previous.

The art on show were chosen for their strong conceptual development, imagination, individuality, and technical excellence across a diverse array of mediums and interests. From this multi-faceted display, themes such as perception and chaos, space and repetition emerge.

Top Arts promises a fascinating survey of the curious and creative spirit of young local artists.

Free entry

Until 14th July, 10.00am to 5.00pm daily

The Ian Potter Centre at Fed Square, Melbourne CBD

Cirque du Soleil: Lucia

Cirque du Soleil is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Australia with its critically acclaimed and jaw-dropping production, Luzia.

Grand visual surprises and incredible acrobatic performances will all be on show. It does a beautiful job of bringing to the stage multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico, and plays with both tradition and modernity to create something that's unmissable viewing.

Get set for a vibrant journey through the wonders, playfulness and striking artistry of the world. This performance is not to be missed this month in Melbourne. 

Until May 26th

Book tickets here

Under the Big Top, Flemington Racecourse

Chicago The Musical

The longest-running musical on Broadway, this scorching hot masterpiece is coming to Melbourne this month. It would be a crime to miss it! 

Book tickets here

Until 2nd June

Her Majesty's Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

WICKED the Musical

If you haven't experienced the beautiful story and impressive musicality of WICKED the Musical, here is your chance, Melbourne! 

This Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent.

When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”

Book here

Until 30th June

Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne

LUME Melbourne - Leonardo Da Vinci

The LUME is known for putting on captivating exhibitions that celebrate the world's greatest artists - and their latest digital art gallery is doing exactly that. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Geniuswill take over The LUME from the 16th of March, mesmerising audiences as his most famous and lesser known works are projected across the open space, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

Nocturnal: Museum After Dark

Step into a world of wonder at Nocturnal, an after-hours Melbourne Museum experience that's adults-only. 

On the second Thursday night of every month, catch up with friends and uncover the secrets and mysteries behind some of the world's most fascinating exhibits. There'll be tours, talks, trivia, live music, and drop-in bingo. Be sure to sip on a cocktail or two and grab a bite to eat at one of the pop-up food stalls. 

It all sounds pretty fun, right? Ben Stiller would be proud!

Thursday 9th May, 6.00pm to 9.00pm

$35.00

Book here

11 Nicholson Street, Carlton

Check out 'Joy,' the New Exhibition at the Immigration Museum

There are seven new installations at the Immigration Museum for its new exhibition: Joy. Comissioned from seven leading creatives in Victoria, these exhibit takes viewers on an emotive journey to discover the true power and meaning of joy. This uplifting display includes a replica 1990s video store by Callum Preston, evoking a wave of nostalgia for those who grew up in the '90s and early 2000s. And if you can't make it in March, don't worry, because this exhibition isn't going anywhere, anytime soon, and is sticking around until early 2025.

Tickets $15

Get your ticket here

400 Flinders Street, Melbourne

Sofar Sounds

Global music community Sofar Sounds creates space where music matters. It brings artists and audiences together through unique live music experiences in surprising spaces. 

There are four upcoming gigs in May to keep an eye out for, so be sure to regularly check their website for any new or upcoming events.

Tickets from $40 per person

Find out more here

Multiple locations around the city

Honey Bones Arts Club

An open space for the community to explore art-making, expression and self-inquiry, the Honey Bones Art Club is one of our top picks of things to do in Melbourne this month. These group art sessions are held every Saturday morning, hosted by Honey Bones Gallery and Arts Therapist, Donika Fazliu. You're invited to explore a prompt/theme, like a self-portrait, with no set instructions as to how to interpret the theme. From there it's a 2 hour art-making class, that allows individuals to fully immerse in the interpretation and expression of the prompt.

After each piece has been crafted, artworks are displayed and conversations are initiated around the art-making process, people's individual experiences and what has been gained through the experience. It's a prime time for self-reflection and the simple pleasure of putting paint to paper. 

An inclusive space, all are welcome to participate, regardless of artistic skill. 

From 18th May

$10 per person, book here

46 Trafford Street, Brunswick

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa Comes to Australia

Nobu is a restaurant loved by foodies and Japanese enthusiasts worldwide, and the mastermind behind it all is coming to Australia. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will be visiting his restaurants at Crown Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, and you get the chance to meet him and attend one of his masterclasses! Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will be hosting three events across three days, including a sushi masterclass and Mother's Day lunch. They are as follows:

Friday 10th May: Evergreen Cocktail Event, featuring caviar, oysters, sushi stations, roving canapes, DJ entertainment and a meet and greet with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa 

Saturday 11th May: Sushi Masterclass, featuring an interactive demonstration from Chef Nobu, followed by a four-course lunch with paired beverages

Sunday 12th May: Mother's Day Lunch at Evergreen, featuring a four-course sharing menu, champagne and a welcome cocktail, plus a meet and greet with Chef Nobu.

Friday 10th May to Sunday 12th May

See website for more details

Alumni - a MasterChef x Crown Restaurant

Crown have opened another restaurant, but it's only for a limited time - and trust us when we say you won't want to miss out on this new and exciting venture. Alumni is a collaboration between MasterChef and Crown, which will showcase dishes from the cast of MasterChef Australia's 16th season. The roster will rotate every three weeks, and it kicks off with Kishwar Chowdhury before moving onto Callum Hann, Khanh Ong, and then a surprise fourth MasterChef Australia cook to be announced at the end of June. Each chef is showcasing refined cuisine from their cultural background, with reservations for Kishwar Chowdhury’s Bangladeshi and regional Indian menu now available.

From 16th May

Book here

8 Whiteman Street, Southbank

WICKED High Tea

Speaking of WICKED,  The Westin has put a perfectly wicked twist on their traditional high tea in partnership with WICKED The Musical. Their WICKED High Tea is the perfect pre-performance treat, especially if you're going to see an afternoon show. There is the perfect mix of savoury and sweet, all vividly green, just like Elphaba. 

“Creating this menu has been a lot of fun and the friendship between WICKED’s main characters, Elphaba and Glinda, has been the inspiration to bring it to life...I’ve paired ingredients that share a camaraderie and complement each other when served together, yet hold its own distinct characteristics and identities, just like the main lead," said Executive Chef, Apoorva Kunte.

Until 30th June

205 Collins Street, Melbourne

Noosa Eat & Drink Festival

Noosa Eat & Drink Festival is back for another year and this is your reminder to plan a long weekend, stat. The beloved coastal town will host 75+ events over four days with a lineup that’ll grumble your tummy. Over 80 local, international and Australian foodie-focused brands will take over the festival village with events like gourmet pop-ups, chef demonstrations, beach parties (complete with tunes) and interactive masterclasses on offer.

For those keen to immerse themselves even deeper, many of Noosa’s top-tier restaurants will be holding events across the four days. There will also be a swathe of events taking place on Noosa Main Beach from sundowners to brunch. The iconic long lunch event sold out in a matter of minutes but there are plenty of other highly anticipated events available to book via the full schedule here. Just don’t sleep on it! 

Tickets are on sale now here

Thursday, May 30th to Sunday 2nd June 

Bahama Gold x Da Paolo Pizza Residency

This pizza pop-up is serving up a slice of serious vibes - and it's the ultimate date idea for you to try this month.

Settle in at this buzzing little bar and bottle shop and order yourself a Negroni to start - it's the right level of bitter, in our humble opinion. You'll also have a hard (but wonderful) time choosing from the mammoth wine list, with everything from orange wine from Macedon to supple Italian Sangiovese. 

Whatever you decide, it's hard to beat a wine and pizza combo - and the pizzas being slung out by the Da Paolo team are some of the best in Melbourne right now. They're all charred-to-perfection, with playful toppings to match. Go for the zucchini with stracchino, capers, and a marjoram and mint sauce; stay for their special XO pizza, with pickled pineapple and fresh onion. 

You'll love watching the pizza chef's prepare and sling out each pizza with absolute ease from behind the bar, with the Bahama Gold bartenders easing in and out around them like a dance they've done a thousand times before. The smooth records spinning will also have you bopping along as you savour every sip and bite, and the affable staff and warm retro fit-out will have you feeling welcome. 

Until June

Monday, Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, 5.00pm to 10.00pm

135 Lygon Street, Brunswick East 

Pay a Visit to Heide Museum of Modern Art & Heide Kitchen 

The Mulberry Group's (Hazel, Dessous) latest breakfast and lunch dining destination can be found at the Heide Museum of Modern Art in Bulleen. Launched late last year, Heide Kitchen's fare is simple but elegantly executed, and features produce grown from Heide's two kitchen gardens, as well Common Ground Project. It's been breathing new life into the former Heide Cafe space, with visitors eager to taste this garden-to-table philosophy inspired by Heide's sustainably minded founders, Sunday Reed and John Reed. 

Sitchu Tip: Grab a takeaway coffee from the coffee cart and purchase a picnic basket, so you can relax within the surrounding gardens and sculpture park.  

Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10.00am - 4.00pm

7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen

Late Nights at Yugen

Every Friday and Saturday night, Yugen Dining is set to presents Late Nights at Yugen. Guests can enjoy tunes all night long from some of Melbourne’s finest DJs with a March line-up that includes Lucas James, Edd Fischer, Kelvin Dana, Sam Roney, Deane Barnes, Leah Marie, Greg Sara and more. Take a seat at the bar and sip on one of Yugen’s signature cocktails, like the Ume Negroni and indulge in the late night supper menu, featuring an array of snacks to satiate all your nighttime cravings. Think Pacific oysters with ginger and yuzu, barbecue char siu pork steamed buns, and grilled prawns in potato rolls with Sichuan yuzu mayonnaise and herbs. 

Whether you are capping the night off or just getting started, Late Nights At Yugen will have you kicking off the weekend in style.

Book here

Walk-ins always welcome

605 Chapel Street, South Yarra 

Michael Hill Global Flagship Store Opening

Say goodbye to the traditional eggplant purple that filled every Michael Hill store, and hello to their brand-spanking-new design. Michael Hill has opened their very first global flagship store in Australia's Fashion Capital, Chadstone, and it looks like a breath of fresh air. Spacious, light and filled to the brim with jaw-dropping jewellery, this store is worth paying a visit on your next shopping trip. Browse through the aisles of jewellery perfect for everyday, before walking through an archway filled with men's and women's watches and other elegant pieces, before being struck by diamonds galore in their engagement and diamond destination. This section is filled with gems that will make your eyes pop out of their sockets, including a one-million dollar pair of earrings and diamond encrusted necklace. This flagship Michael Hill is a whole experience in itself.

G098/1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone

Round She Goes Market

Calling all fashion lovers! The Round She Goes Market is coming to Coburg on the first weekend of May. The market is completely indoors, so you can shop until you drop no matter whether there's rain, hail or shine. There will be pre-loved and vintage pieces galore from 60 stalls of both professional collectors and wardrobe clear-outs, all hand-picked by the Round She Goes team. This market only happens three times a year in Melbourne, so make sure you don't miss out.

Sunday 5th May

$4 entry

90 Bell Street, Coburg

Regional Farmers Monthly Market at Abbotsford Convent 

The Abbotsford Convent has got a new monthly farmers market, with more than 45 stalls of organic fruit and vegetables, locally sourced dairy, homemade desserts and more on offer. After the Convent's beloved weekend farmers market closed down in December last year, its beyond exciting to have a vibrant and community-minded space to return to market once more. Embrace the spring sunshine and stroll through the bustling stalls, with highlights include Spring Creek Organics, Heathmont Honey, the fresh kefir and vintage cheddar at Blue Bay Cheese, and the delightful desserts at Pudding Nana. Bread and butter pudding, anyone? 

$2.00 entry

8.00am to 2.00pm

Second Saturday of every month

Bright Autumn Festival

Mark your calendars - the charms of the Bright Autumn Festival are back to steal your hear! Expect a vibrant celebration of Victoria's Alpine High Country held across ten days, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn colors and locally sourced produce.

Don't miss the Gala on May 6th, featuring a bustling market, live music, and a dazzling grand parade. Other festival highlights include the Wandi Nut Festival, held on April 29th, the Bright Art Gallery's Autumn Exhibition, and the many enchanting open gardens on display. 

Experience the essence of autumn in the valleys of Victoria's Alpine High Country at this unmissable event! 

Friday 26th April to Sunday 5th May 

Bright and Surrounds, Victoria 

Ballarat Heritage Festival

The Ballarat Heritage Festival returns this May to celebrate the city’s rich heritage, unique stories and vibrant community. Spanning over a week, there will be plenty of crafts, exhibitions, shows and entertainment for both locals and tourists to enjoy. It's the perfect festival for the entire family!

Friday 17th May to Sunday 26th May

Various locations across Ballarat, see program for details

NGV Friday Nights

NGV Friday Nights will return for the winter months in Melbourne. Go to the beloved art gallery after hours to meander through the Pharaoh exhibition, enjoy a diverse line-up of DJS and performances, Middle Eastern-inspired eats and a range of drinks. 

Each Friday night at the NGV will be unique, and all will certainly be a night to remember. Miss Cairo, the queen of Caberet, will bring a unique presence to the Great Hall with performances each week. There will be original compositions from eight-time ARIA winner, Joseph Tawadros, seamlessly blending Western and Arabic musical styles together. It's all so busy and exciting, we've almost forgotten to mention the incredible collection of ancient Egyptian art and culture.

Every Friday from 14th June

NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Rhapsody at Rydges

INtroducing a three-night caberet extravaganza! Rydges Melbourne has partnered with Mike Snell Entertainment to create Rhapsody at Rydges, an exclusive three-night cabaret and dining experience that's bound to impress. Dine as you watch world-class performances from three artists: Mike Snell, Stephen Mahy and Sarah C. You'll be transported to another world, one filled with glitz and glam, as you clap along during this exclusive, indulgent show.

6th June to 8th June, doors open from 6.30pm,

Tickets from $129, book here

186 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Looking for more fun things to do in Melbourne this summer? We have plenty to keep you entertained. From Melbourne's best new restaurants and bars to friendly pubs, cafés and late-night cocktail haunts, here's all you need for an epic weekend in the city.