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Subscribe What’s On This Long Weekend in Melbourne: Our Melbourne Editor’s Top Picks
Looking for things to do in Melbourne this long weekend? I've got you covered.
There’s something magical about a long weekend in Melbourne — the city hums with possibility, lit by neon, warmed by good food, and buzzing with creativity. Whether you’re staying local or venturing a little further afield, this King’s Birthday long weekend is your chance to romanticise your days to the fullest.
From the electric glow of RISING Festival to matcha-filled sober party pop-ups, design markets, live music, and family-friendly fun, the city is bursting with ways to make the most of your three-day escape.
So throw on a coat, grab a coffee, and let’s dive into what’s on this long weekend in Melbourne.
French Impressionism at NGV International
This winter, lose yourself in the luminous world of French Impressionism at NGV International. From June to October, over 100 breathtaking masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, illuminate the gallery, featuring Monet’s dreamy water lilies, Renoir’s vibrant dance scenes, and Degas’s intimate ballerinas. Wander through a rich tapestry of light, colour, and emotion, where nostalgia and innovation intertwine. It’s a sensory journey into the heart of 19th-century Paris — perfect for a weekend escape that stirs the soul and sharpens your artistic eye.
From Friday 6th June
NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
MELBOURNE AFTER DARK: RISING Melbourne 2025
Melbourne’s coolest winter festival is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more brilliant than ever. RISING 2025 is set to dazzle from 4th to 15th June, transforming the city with moonlit mini-golf curated by the likes of Miranda July, epic performances from Beth Gibbons and Japanese Breakfast, and immersive art installations that’ll stop you in your tracks.
From theatre to late-night DJs, it’s a cultural feast with something for every taste. Dress warm, grab a friend (or three), and get ready to experience Melbourne at its most creative, curious, and absolutely electric. Let the night lead you.
Multiple venues and locations around the city
THE DAY PARTY THAT’S REDEFINING THE CITY’S SOCIAL SCENE: MixandMatcha.AM
Welcome to MixandMatcha.AM — Melbourne’s freshest (and most fabulous) new party concept where caffeine meets club culture. Forget late nights and hangovers — this monthly sober day rave swaps cocktails for coffee, and martinis for matcha. Think high-energy DJ sets, velvet-smooth lattes, and non-alc elixirs served to a crowd of beautifully buzzing revellers.
Already a hit in LA and London, this joyful celebration of sober socialising next lands in Melbourne on June 8th. This is where wellness and wild fun finally collide.
Sunday June 8th
Location revealed via MixandMatcha.AM website and social media
FRIDAY NIGHTS AT FENTON FARMHOUSE: Pasta, Wine, and Vibes
Kickstart your weekend at Fenton Farmhouse’s Friday Nights, where the energy is high and the vibes are unbeatable. Every Friday from 5pm to 9pm, this Carlton hotspot serves up $2 oysters and welcomes BYO for your favourite Super Norma pasta dishes. With its farm-to-table ethos and a curated wine list, Fenton’s is the perfect place to unwind, indulge, and kick off the weekend in style. Good food, great company, and pure weekend energy await.
Fridays, 5pm to 9pm
158 Rathdowne Street, Carlton
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A FOODIE AFFAIR: Flavours of Japan
This June, skip the passport and indulge your wanderlust at A Foodie Affair: Flavours of Japan at South Melbourne Market (June 4–14). For $79, you’ll snack your way through ten-plus Japanese-inspired dishes — think torched salmon sashimi, eggplant katsu curry, hojicha croissants, and matcha gelato — crafted by local vendors just for this delicious adventure.
With a stamp card, curated foodie map, and a chic tote in hand, it’s basically Tokyo meets Melbourne. A dreamy, self-guided feast you don’t want to miss this long weekend in Melbourne.
June 4th to 14th
South Melbourne Market
ONE RING TO RULE THEM ALL: Lord of the Rings the Musical
Calling all hobbits, elves, and casual Shire-curious folks — Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale has landed at the Comedy Theatre, and it’s an epic you don’t want to miss. This dazzling stage spectacular takes Tolkien’s legendary saga and dials it up with jaw-dropping visuals, powerful performances, and a score so stirring it might just summon Gandalf himself.
Whether you’re fluent in Elvish or just here for the drama and a good singalong, prepare to be swept into Middle-earth — no passport (or hairy feet) required.
Secure tickets here
Until 8th June
GHOST WITH THE MOST, BABE: Beetlejuice the Musical
Get ready to say “It’s showtime!” because Beetlejuice the Musical has landed in Melbourne and it’s freakishly fabulous. Expect big laughs, bonkers visuals, and songs so catchy they’ll haunt your head (in the best way). This gloriously chaotic ride blends gothic charm with Broadway razzle-dazzle, serving up ghosts, gags and a whole lot of heart.
Lifelong fan or simply drawn to the stripes, sass and supernatural chaos — this gloriously oddball spectacle is your ticket to an unforgettable long weekend.
Secure tickets here
Until 31st August
Regent Theatre, Melbourne
GOTHIC HORROR ALERT: The Birds
Dive into the chilling world of The Birds at Malthouse Theatre this long weekend. This electrifying solo show, starring the incredible Paula Arundell, brings Daphne du Maurier’s classic gothic tale to life with a modern, spine-tingling twist. With immersive binaural sound and masterful direction by Matthew Lutton, you’ll feel the eerie tension seep into your bones.
Set against an Australian coastal backdrop, it’s a must-see haunting experience that’s equal parts beautiful and terrifying. Check it out before it’s gone on the 7th!
Until 7th June
Secure your tickets here
Malthouse Theatre, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
REGIONAL MOMENT: Woodend Winter Arts Festival
Celebrating its 20th year, the Woodend Winter Arts Festival transforms the charming Macedon village into a cultural sanctuary this King’s Birthday weekend, 6th to 9th June. Expect an exquisite blend of world-class music, captivating film, and inspiring talks, featuring international virtuosos like Anne Harvey-Nagl and Moroccan vocalist Lamiae Naki. Literary luminaries and thought leaders delve into timeless topics—from Jane Austen’s legacy to William Morris’s art. With cosy cafés, creative workshops, and intimate performances against a breathtaking winter backdrop, WWAF offers a refined, immersive escape for art lovers craving warmth and inspiration.
6th to 9th June
Woodend, Victoria
AUSTRALIA’S LONGEST-RUNNING SHORT FILM FEST: St Kilda Film Festival
Cinephiles, this one’s for you. Australia’s longest-running short film festival, St Kilda Film Festival, is back with over 150 bite-sized cinematic gems screening across iconic venues like the Astor and Palais. Expect everything from eerie gothic thrillers to moving docs, sharp comedies, and a standout First Nations program.
It’s the perfect excuse to dip into Melbourne’s creative soul this long weekend — grab a wine, settle into a velvet seat, and prepare to be wildly impressed.
Thursday 5th June to Sunday 15th June
St Kilda
MYTHOLOGICAL MAYHEM: Hadestown
Step into the underworld — stylishly. Hadestown is shaking the foundations of Her Majesty’s Theatre with its smoky, jazz-fuelled take on Greek mythology. This Tony Award-winning musical reimagines the love story of Orpheus and Eurydice with toe-tapping tunes, political bite, and all the drama of Mount Olympus’ group chat.
With Christine Anu as the magnetic Hermes and a cast that absolutely hits, it’s a soulful, sizzling ride to hell and back — and one of the hottest tickets in town right now.
Secure your tickets here
Her Majesty’s Theatre
What to do the Long Weekend in Melbourne: KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
PLANS FOR THE PLANET: Olaf Breuning for Kids at NGV
This winter, NGV International is turning art into adventure with Plans for the Planet: Olaf Breuning for Kids (June 6th to October 5th). Free and wildly fun, this interactive wonderland blends nature, art and sustainability with lava floors, immersive forests, and swipe-card surprises. Designed to spark joy and eco-conscious conversations, kids can draw, reflect, and even see their future visions projected on gallery walls.
It’s a tree-mendous way to spend a family day out — and did we mention, it’s free?
Free
Friday June 6th to Sunday October 5th
Ground Floor, NGV International
WANDS AT THE READY: Harry Potter™: The Exhibition
Grab your wands and broomsticks — Harry Potter™: The Exhibition has landed in Melbourne! Perfect for little witches, wizards, and big kids who still believe in magic, this immersive adventure brings Hogwarts to life with spellcasting, Quidditch fun, and a peek inside Hagrid’s Hut. See real costumes, brew potions, and explore enchanted spaces.
Whether you’re Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin, this magical experience is sure to delight the whole family.
Secure your tickets here
62 Dawson Street, Brunswick
MAY THE BRICKS BE WITH YOU: LEGO® Star Wars™ Exhibition
Get ready to blast off into a galaxy of fun at the LEGO® Star Wars™ Exhibition at Melbourne Museum! Perfect for little jedis and big kids (read: all ages) alike, this epic display features towering LEGO creations like a 4.5m AT-AT and an interactive droid hall. With hands-on build zones and mind-blowing models made from over 8 million bricks, it’s a must-visit for families craving adventure and creativity.
Secure your tickets here
Melbourne Museum
HISTORY LESSON: Hidden: Seven Children Saved
Discover Hidden: Seven Children Saved at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum this long weekend — a deeply moving, design-led exhibition tracing the true stories of seven children who survived the Holocaust in hiding before finding refuge in Australia. Equal parts immersive and illuminating, the award-winning experience invites reflection on resilience, humanity, and hope.
With beautifully realised scenography and interactive storytelling, this powerful exhibition proves that some of the most unforgettable journeys don’t require a plane ticket — just an open heart and curious mind.
Melbourne Holocaust Museum, 13 Selwyn Street, Elsternwick
A VOYAGE THROUGH TIME: Titanic Exhibition
Take the kids (aged 8+) on an unforgettable journey aboard the legendary Titanic — without ever leaving Melbourne. This immersive VR experience lets you walk the decks, meet fellow passengers, and dive 4,000 metres below the ocean’s surface to explore the wreck. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally rich adventure that blends history with cutting-edge tech.
Perfect for curious minds and budding historians, this is one time-travelling voyage you won’t want to miss!
Secure your tickets here
Level 1, 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Getting out of town this long weekend? Check out our guide to the best travel destinations near Melbourne, or stick around for some of Melbourne’s best new restaurants, bars and cafes.
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