What's On This Weekend in Melbourne

There's no other place that compares to Melbourne in April. There's a new activity, event or pop-up appearing everywhere you look throughout the city and its surrounds, making it a month of endless fun. 

It all calls for a good dose of inner city arts and culture, followed by wining and dining at the best CBD restaurants.

We recommend hitting the road this weekend, for an array of out-of-town events that including a writers festival, an autumn festival and a seafood festival. 

Here are just some of the many ways to take advantage of what's on this weekend in Melbourne. 

10,000 Free PBJ Maxibons x Hugos Deli Sandwich Collab

Following the triumphant relaunch of Maxibon Peanut Jams with Butter [PBJ Bon] last month after thousands of Aussies petitioned on social media for its return, the good folks at Maxibon are granting another tasty wish this weekend in Melbourne. 

Bon-fans, prepare yourselves for FREE flavour-bombs all weekend long, as the good folks at Maxibon are giving away 10,000 PBJ Bons in an ultimate collab set to bring two sandwich legends together. That's right, Maxibon will partner with Hugo’s Deli as Richmond's cult sandwich joint is transformed into a delicious sea of nutty, jammy flavours. 

Taking Aussies on a flavour-packed sandwich journey, Maxibon’s makeover of Hugo’s Deli will highlight the glorious depths of one the most iconic flavour duos ever, peanut butter and jam, via a bespoke menu for the weekend. 

Featuring PBJ Bons for free (of course), the menu will also offer a limited-edition new Hugo’s sandwich, appropriately called the PBJ Sanga, featuring southern fried chicken, buttery peanut butter, and cherry and pepper berry glaze. Signature Hugo’s Deli coffees will also be served for those who’d like the caffeine hit.

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th April

From 10.00am to 5.00pm both days (while stocks last)

Hugo's Deli, 119 Swan Street, Richmond

Masses Bagels Pop-Up at the New Ultra Culture Kiosk

This Saturday, swing over to Brunswick to see the gorgeous new space that is Ultra Culture's new home - with a side of Melbourne's favourite bagels, of course. As Melbourne's premier fermented hot sauce experts, expect lots of funky ferments and flavours alongside a mass of Masses bagels - with super fun digs to boot (note the spectacular Ruth O'Leary mural on full display). 

3a Talbot Street, Brunswick 

Sorrento Writers Festival 

We're really looking forward to this one. Tickets are still available for the Sorrento Writers Festival, set to take place on Anzac Day long weekend. 

Returning to the Mornington Peninsula for its second year, it's bringing together a vast and diverse program that celebrates Australia's finest writers, academics and community leaders.

Think 100+ events across 10 unique venues (in particular the Intercontinental Sorrento) in both Sorrento and Portsea. Expect to hear from 150 talented wordsmiths including the likes of Miles Franklin Award winners Alex Miller, Anna Funder and Amanda Lohrey, as well as Kate Grenville, Magda Szubanski, Christos Tsiolkas, Julia Baird and Nam Le. 

View the program and purchase tickets/book into sessions here

Thursday April 25th to Sunday April 28th 

Multiple locations around Sorrento and Portsea

Wild Harvest Seafood Festival

The annual Wild Harvest Seafood Festival is here again, set to celebrate the connection the Mallacoota community has, and has always had, to the ocean. 

It's a unique opportunity for you to uncover the bountiful secrets of the sea - from abalone to sea urchins, oysters to Banded Morwong and everything in between.

Some of the highlights include the illuminated Lantern Parade, a lake cruise aboard the M.V. Loch-Ard in Mallacoota inlet, a seafood market on the Saturday brimming with food vans, craft stalls, live music - and all the freshest seafood you could poke a stick at - a seafood and sunset cruise, paella picnic, and a bush foods walk with Budawang Elder, Noel Butler. 

Friday April 26th to Sunday April 28th

Free and ticketed events available; see the program here

Mallacoota, East Gippsland, Victoria

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. 

$10 per person

Saturdays

Book here

46 Trafford Street, Brunswick

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

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 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.

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 June 30th

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.

From 2nd March

205 Collins Street, Melbourne

Immerse Yourself in the BBC Earth Experience

Want an awe-inspiring and educational experience this weekend? Head to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and immerse yourself in the new BBC Earth Experience, narrated by David Attenborough. This is a 360 degree visual journey, as 5000 minutes of raw footage cut down into a 70 minute show projects across various projectors placed strategically throughout the space. Lay back on a beanbag and listen to the surround sound provided by 142 individually programmed speakers - making you feel as though you're really there. Explore the world's creatures as you travel all over the globe, from Africa to Europe, Asia to Australia. After the show's over, head to the interactive part of the exhibition wherein you'll round up schools of fish and conquer your fears of creepy crawlies.

Everyday until April 28th

Buy your tickets here

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Place, South Wharf, 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.