What's On This Weekend in Melbourne
Looking for things to do in Melbourne this weekend? We've got you covered.
We love to romanticise our lives a little—and to us, there’s nowhere quite like Melbourne in winter. The city and its surrounds are buzzing with new activities, events, and pop-ups at every turn, making it a season of endless fun. Yes it's mightily cold, but rolling out the door dressed in all your woollies is more than worth the reward.
This vibrant atmosphere calls for a good dose of inner-city food, wine, arts, and culture over the weekend. Enjoy wining and dining at the best CBD restaurants, then explore cosy gallery hops or unique events and festivals.
These are just a few of the many ways to make the most of what’s on this weekend in Melbourne.
The Little Food Market
This weekend, The Little Food Market at the iconic Royal Exhibition Building promises an unforgettable experience of exquisite flavours, connecting like-minded food lovers to the artistry behind every delectable bite.
The Little Food Market brings together tastemakers and designers from all corners of the country, offering a unique opportunity to discover and purchase premium products under one roof.
Throughout the three-day event, enjoy a feast of artisanal honey, organic cheeses, award-winning olive oil, wine, preserves, chilli oils, craft beer, boutique spirits, and drool-worthy sweet treats.
A selection of amazing chefs will be on hand to create a feasting experience, allowing you to savour every bite while sipping delicious drinks from Australian producers.
Visitors can also wander over to The Stage, hosted by Melbourne food icons Dani Valent and Hilary McNevin, for a series of free demonstrations, wine matching, and tastings—a total foodie heaven.
Shop for food, drink, and design creations to elevate your dinner party game on every level. Enjoy this extraordinary celebration of flavour, passion, and creativity!
Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July, 11.00am to 9.00pm, 10.00am to 7.00pm and 10.00am to 5.00pm
Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne/Naarm
Beauty & The Beast
Disney's stunning new production of Beauty and the Beast the Musical has arrived in Melbourne, promising a feast for the eyes, heart, and soul.
This timeless tale is reimagined on stage in a breathtaking production that will captivate audiences like never before. The original creative team reunites to bring this enchanting musical to life, featuring all the spellbinding songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, including "Belle," "Gaston," "Human Again," and "Be Our Guest."
A much-loved classic, this tale as old as time will enchant a new generation, filling hearts with magic and wonder.
Book here
Her Majesty's Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Lightscape
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Lightscape at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens this weekend. This spectacular after-dark experience transforms the gardens into a dazzling landscape of light and colour. Wander through illuminated trails, marvel at stunning light displays, and enjoy the magical atmosphere created by cutting-edge light technology.
It's the perfect activity for families, couples, and friends, bringing a touch of wonder and beauty to your weekend plans.
Wednesday to Sunday
Until 4th August
Book tickets here
Royal Botanic Gardens, via Observatory Gate near the Visitor Centre on Birdwood Avenue
Pharaoh: Winter Masterpieces at NGV
This weekend, don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in ancient Egyptian magnificence at the NGV's "Pharaoh" exhibition. This landmark showcase features over 500 remarkable artifacts, including monumental sculptures, exquisite jewelry, papyri, coffins, and a rich array of funerary objects, celebrating three thousand years of Egyptian art and culture.
The exhibition is divided into seven thematic sections that explore the multifaceted roles of the pharaohs, from high priests and military leaders to heads of administration and royal families. It's NGV's blockbuster Winter Masterpieces experience and you need to see it to believe it.
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
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
My Country: Country Road + NGV First Nations
The Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions is a national, biennial mentorship and exhibition program where emerging Australian First Nations artists and designers are paired with one of eight esteemed industry mentors.
Together, they've created ambitious new works, responding to the exhibition theme of My Country.
It's a groundbreaking showcase, and a beautiful representation of diverse practices, from textiles to large-scale paintings and innovative installations. These works celebrate Indigenous Australian heritage and artistic talent.
Free event
Until 4th August, 10.00am to 5.00pm daily
Ian Potter Centre, Level 3 at Fed Square
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 Genius will 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.
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 August 25th
Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne
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.
205 Collins 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.
