The weekend is here, and Melbourne is filled with cool and interesting things to keep you occupied. There’s plenty of fun things to do, food to try and shows to see. Here are some of our top recommendations on where to go, what to eat and what to look forward to this weekend in Melbourne and beyond.
1. Enjoy the good vibes at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Melbourne will soon come alive with the sound of jazz. Get ready for over 109 performances and events across the city, from the streets of Melbourne to grander stages. The Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) will run from October 18 to 27.
2. Strut your way to Melbourne Fashion Week
Melbourne Fashion Week is coming back for its 30th year, and is set to transform the city with plenty of exciting experiences. Look forward to over 100 events and sessions, like runways, a fashion market and more. Melbourne Fashion Week is on from now until Sunday October 27.
3. Find something tasty at the Asia Oasis Street Food Festival
Wander over to Alexandra Gardens, and taste your way through nearly 200 different dishes at the Asia Oasis Street Food Festival by the Yarra. Check it out from Thursday October 24 to Sunday October 27.
4. Join the Children’s Garden 20th Birthday Celebration
The Children’s Garden in the Royal Botanic Gardens is turning 20! Bring the whole family for a free celebration, with an interactive performance from human-sized Bees, a giant Praying Mantis and Ladybug, and more. Check it out on October 26 and 27. See here for more.
5. Have a super good time at “Batman” – Live In Concert
See the 1989 Tim Burton film, accompanied by an orchestra playing the score live as the movie unfolds. “Batman” – Live In Concert will take over the Regent Theatre from Thursday October 24 to Saturday October 26.
6. Celebrate Diwali at Fed Square
Fed Square is lighting up for the Victorian Festival of Diwali on Saturday October 26. Look forward to cultural performances, live music, workshops, delicious food, fireworks and more. See more here.
7. Celebrate at Melbourne Diwali
Marvel Stadium will light up with cultural performances, festival stalls, activities and more at Melbourne Divali. The festivities will take place on Saturday October 26 from 3pm to 10pm. More info here.
8. Find something wonderful at this craft fair in Queen Vic Market
At CRFT*WRK, you’ll discover locally-made goods from independent creators at Queen Vic Market. Find art, ceramics, jewellery, homewares and more. This market will run on October 26 from 9am to 4pm. See more here.
9. See something at the 100 Years Film Festival
The Capitol is turning 100, and to celebrate, RMIT is throwing a fantastic film festival. Enjoy classics like The Wizard of Oz, complete with a light show, as well as other great films like My Fair Lady, Sunset Boulevard, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and more. Tickets are just $10 plus booking fee. The 100 Years Film Festival is on from Sunday October 13 to Tuesday November 5. Learn more here.
10. See the whimsical Accidentally Wes Anderson exhibition
An exhibition inspired by the colour and symmetry of Wes Anderson films is now open in Melbourne. See over 200 curated photos from around the world, explored themed areas and have fun with interactive sets. Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition is open from Wednesdays to Sundays. Get your tickets here.
11. Check out Halloweek at Cinema Nova
Cinema Nova is gearing up for Halloween with their spooky Halloweek. Starting from October 27, you can watch some freaky films like Audition and Eyes Without A Face. See what’s playing here.
12. March at the Howl-O-Ween Paw Parade
Head to Port Melbourne on Sunday October 27, and let your costumed puppy strut their stuff in the Howl-O-Ween Paw Parade. Look at all of the scarily adorable pooches, then check out the market stalls. There will also be a Kids Zone with face painting and a trick or treat trail. This event will run from 9am to 1pm.
13. Have a pup-tacular time at the Melbourne Dog Lovers Festival
If you’re a dog lover, this might just be your idea of heaven. Meet and interact with heaps of dogs, listen to educational talks, check out the adoption zone, shop for pet goodies and more. The Melbourne Dog Lovers Festival will take place at Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday October 26 and Sunday October 27.
14. Whisk yourself away to the Cat Lovers Festival
Have a purr-fect time at the Cat Lovers Festival. Cuddle up with cats, learn more about them, find presents to spoil them with and more. The festival will take place at Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday October 26 and Sunday October 27.
15. Keep it kawaii at the Hello Kitty Cafe
Head to Chadstone and have fun at the Hello Kitty Cafe. This pop-up spot is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the beloved Sanrio character. On top of the delightful food and drink, there’s also a selection of limited-edition merchandise and an installation. The cafe is open daily from 10am to 9pm.
16. Watch a movie at the Greek Film Festival
Head to Palace Cinemas and celebrate the essence of Greek culture at the Greek Film Festival. The festival will run from October 15 to 27. See what’s playing here.
17. Walk among the dinosaurs at Jurassic World: The Exhibition
Journey through the iconic Jurassic World gates and come face-to-face with roaring dinosaurs from the legendary movie franchise. Encounter a brachiosaurus, velociraptors, a Tyrannosaurus Rex and more. Check it out at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.
18. See a free science fiction exhibition at Science Gallery Melbourne
In SCI-FI: Mythologies Transformed, you’ll encounter futuristic visions, dream worlds and more through a range of cool installations at Science Gallery Melbourne. It’s free to visit and open from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
19. Have the best time at TINA: the Tina Turner Musical
Celebrate the life and music of Tina Turner at TINA: The Tina Turner Musical. This spectacular show features over 20 of her iconic songs, including Simply the Best and What’s Love Got to Do with It. See it at the Princess Theatre.
20. Celebrate Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus
Hofbräuhaus is celebrating Oktoberfest with plenty of bier, food, live entertainment and games. Join in on the fun from September 21 to October 26.
21. Enjoy a meal from Le Petit Chef
At Le Petit Chef, your table is transformed into a screen, with entertaining performances from a virtual, tiny chef. As he tries to cook, he faces some amusing blunders, but thankfully, the kitchen staff in real life are there to assist before things get too out of hand. Check it out at The Langham Melbourne from Tuesday to Saturday at select times.
22. Experience a tale as old as time with Beauty and the Beast
Feel enchanted by the magical Beauty and the Beast musical. Watch in wonder as your favourite characters perform spectacular songs, like ‘Be Our Guest’, ‘Belle’, ‘Gaston’ and more. This production is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
23. Fly over to Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition at ACMI
Have a gander at the development behind the beloved Untitled Goose Game at this free, world premiere exhibition at ACMI. Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition will run from September 17 to February 16, 2025.
24. Check out this exciting Banksy exhibition
After successful runs in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Sydney, the Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” exhibition is now showing in Melbourne. This museum-quality exhibition features over 180 Banksy artworks as well as multiple installations. Find it at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.
25. Indulge in fine dining pastry at Lune Lab
Lune has launched their fine dining concept, Lune Lab. Head to their venue in Fitzroy and eat your way through a set menu, where Lune chefs challenge what’s possible with croissant pastry by creating experimental and seasonal dishes. This ticketed experience has a maximum of eight people per sitting. The season will take place on weekends from September 6 to November 24. More info here.
26. Lock in plans to check out Alcotraz
In this interactive experience, you’ll smuggle liquor into prison and receive up to four personalised cocktails. Alcotraz is now open in Melbourne. Get your tickets here.
27. Marvel at the work of Leonardo da Vinci at The LUME
Take a journey back in time, and explore the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Step into the 3,000m², and watch some of the worlds most famous artworks come to life, like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is now open at The LUME.
28. Take a drive to the Swiss Italian Festa
Take a day trip to Hepburn Springs and join them for their Swiss Italian Festa. This fabulous event celebrates the Swiss Italian migrants, who first came to the Hepburn Springs and Daylesford region in the 1850s. Check it out from Friday October 25 to Sunday October 27.