What’s On This Weekend in Melbourne: Our Melbourne Editor’s Top Picks

I absolutely love romanticising my life (just a little)—and crafting the perfect autumn weekend is the best way to do just that. With golden afternoons and just the right amount of chill in the air, the city and its surrounds are brimming with excitement. From street art festivals and warehouse sale madness to free Pilates classes and road trip-worthy beer festivals, there’s an endless lineup of things to do.

If you’re wondering what’s on in Melbourne this weekend, you’re in luck—I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for gallery-hopping, comedy shows, or scoring free drinks at a parklet party, the city is packed with energy, creativity, and the perfect excuse to get out and explore.

Explore the Makers and Shakers Market

Get ready for perfect weekend in Melbourne vibes at The Makers and Shakers Market, returning bigger than ever to Melbourne’s iconic Royal Exhibition Building. With over 175 stalls showcasing 100% Aussie-made fashion, homewares, and food, this is the ultimate spot for weekend shopping and creativity. Dive into workshops, sample artisanal bites like Rocco’s meatball sub and Sebby’s gooey scrolls, and check out the first-ever Mini Makers & Shakers Market for kids. It’s a celebration of all things local and fun!

Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm

$5

Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens

Reset with Saturday Stroll by Club Sup

If you’re in need of a reset, Club Sup’s Saturday Stroll is calling your name. Join 10 strangers for a relaxed walk and talk, coffee in hand, through the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s the perfect way to ease into your weekend and make the most of those few precious hours. The vibe? Chill, social, and effortless. There’s a waitlist this weekend, so here’s hoping the next one’s the one.

Don’t miss your chance to get out, breathe, and connect with a new crew.

Saturdays, 8 to 9:30am

$22

Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

Lock in a Night of Laughs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

The Melbourne Comedy Festival is off to a cracking start, and with over 400 shows to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice. The first weekend is your chance to dive headfirst into the laughs—so gather your mates, grab your tickets, and get ready for a weekend packed with punchlines and plenty of belly laughs. After the show, keep the good vibes going with a post-cackle cocktail at one of Melbourne’s best bars. Trust us, it’s the perfect recipe for a weekend well-spent!

Book your tickets here

Orlo’s Parklet Party: Free Wine, Bites, and Good Vibes This Sunday in Collingwood

Finish off your weekend in style at Orlo’s Parklet Party—back and better than ever! This Sunday, Orlo’s transformed outdoor space is the place to be, with free-flowing wine, delicious bites by Head Chef Matteo Tine, and that signature Mediterranean warmth. Whether you’re a Collingwood local or just passing through, it’s the perfect spot to chill, snack, sip, and mingle. Plus, pups are totally welcome, so bring your four-legged friend along for the fun. Free snacks and wine, good vibes, and great company—it doesn’t get much better than that.

Free entry

Sunday 6th April, 3pm to 5pm

44 Oxford Street, Collingwood

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

POLKA DOTS & BEATS: NGV Friday Nights with Yayoi Kusama

Step into a kaleidoscopic world of polka dots, pumpkins, and immersive art at NGV Friday Nights, exclusively after-hours. Explore the largest Yayoi Kusama exhibition ever staged in Australia, featuring infinity mirror rooms and vibrant installations, while DJs spin beats and drinks flow. Tickets give you unlimited entry to the exhibition from 6 to 10pm—book in advance to secure your spot!

Fridays until 18th April, 6pm to 10pm

$45 per person

Book here

NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Southbank

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.

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

4 April 2025

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.