The weekend is here, and the city is waiting. We’ve picked out our top things to do in Melbourne this weekend, including everything you’ve got to see, eat, drink, and do to squeeze every last drop of fun out of Saturday and Sunday — and even Friday night, too! We update our weekend guide to Melbourne every week, so bookmark this page and check back for a never-ending supply of inspiration of the best things to do in Melbourne this weekend. Let’s dive in…
1. Check out the action at the Australian Open
The Australian Open is back from now until January 26. Watch some of the world’s biggest tennis stars in thrilling matches, then enjoy food, music and more.
2. See the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV
Nearly 200 works by Yayoi Kusama have taken over NGV, for Australia’s largest ever Kusama retrospective. See iconic pieces from the celebrated Japanese artist’s eight-decade career, as well as never-before-seen works. Find out more here.
3. Feel mesmerised by the Van Gogh exhibition at THE LUME
THE LUME Melbourne has brought back their dreamy Van Gogh exhibition. For its return season, you can expect familiar spaces like the bright Sunflower Room, as well as the world premiere of a shared virtual reality experience, Finding Vincent.
4. Crack the code at 123Boom!
Looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure that will test your wits, teamwork, and problem-solving skills? Look no further. Melbourne has just welcomed exhilarating new experience 123Boom!, the ultimate immersive challenge that will have you racing against the clock to diffuse a “bomb” and save the day. This high-stakes mission combines immersive storytelling, mind-bending puzzles, and plenty of edge-of-your-seat excitement — and it’s open on Little Collins Street right now. Find out more and get your tickets here.
5. Have a blast at the Vida Latin Summer Festival
Celebrate Latin American culture over one fantastic weekend at Vida Melbourne Latin Festival. Find it at Tom’s Block in Kings Domain Gardens, where you’ll dance to exciting music, savour delicious food, try fun workshops and more. The best part? General admission is completely free! Check it out from January 10 to 12. More info here.
6. Light up the night (or day) with a game of glow-in-the-dark tennis
The Aussie summer of tennis is now in full swing, and to celebrate, Ballers Clubhouse has just unveiled a glow-in-the-dark tennis court. It’s one of a range of new neon-hued experiences at the CBD hangout — there’s also a neon ball pit and ping pong arena. Find out more here.
7. Immerse yourself in a sensory experience at SENSAS
Round up some friends and tackle some fun challenges at SENSAS. Test all five of your senses in some wacky experiences. This playful space is now open. Get your tickets here.
8. See a film at the Best Biggest IMAX Film Festival
IMAX Melbourne is bringing back their Best Biggest IMAX Film Festival (BBIFF) this weekend. Look forward to a range of films that showcase the giant screen and surround sound. Highlights include a Christopher Nolan retrospective, a 3D double feature of James Cameron’s Avatar, a double feature of Dune and more. The festival kicks off on January 11. Learn more here.
9. Explore the world of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
A massive family-friendly exhibition dedicated to everyone’s favourite crime-fighting, sewer-dwelling reptiles has landed in Melbourne. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Heroes in a Half Shell Exhibition is now showing at The District Docklands, and invites you to follow the evolution of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, from their comic book origins to their place in pop culture today across five distinct galleries. Find out more here.
10. Head to Footscray for the East Meets West Lunar New Year Festival
Welcome the Year of the Snake with lion and dragon dances, tasty food, market stalls, traditional and contemporary performances and activities for the kids. There will also be a fireworks display at 9pm. The Lunar New Year Festival will take place in Footscray on Sunday January 12 from 11am to 9pm. More info here.
11. Strap yourself in for a thrilling Darkfield experience
Step into a shipping container, lose yourself in the darkness and challenge your grip on reality in the immersive Darkfield experiences. Try their most popular experiences, SÉANCE and FLIGHT, at the Forecourt of Arts Centre Melbourne. Find out more here.
12. Cast a vote for your favourite Australian craft beer
This week is your last chance to vote in the GABS Hottest 100 Aussie Craft Beers. Now in its 17th year, GABS is one of the biggest polls of its kind in the world, and a perfect way to give a shout out to your favourite local brewer. Last year’s list saw nearly 60,000 beer lovers cast a vote, with Mountain Culture Beer Co’s Status Quo Pale Ale coming out on top. Who will take out the crown this year? Make sure your say counts by voting here.
13. Embark on a Sunset Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo’s incredible sunset sessions are back for another year. Hop on a safari bus and witness some of the world’s most majestic animals roam about the savannah, all backdropped by a stunning sunset. Immerse yourself in this natural adventure at on Saturdays from now until February 8— find out more here.
14. See Shakespeare Under the Stars
Shakespeare Under The Stars is coming back to Royal Botanic Gardens with a production of The Merry Wives of Windsor. Sprawl out on Southern Cross Lawn and enjoy the show from December 21 to January 25.
15. 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.
16. Feel the sparks at the Museum of Desire
At the Museum of Desire, you’ll find over 20 sensory-rich experiences that explore desire and pleasure. Feeling curious? Get your tickets here.
17. Beat the heat at one of Melbourne’s best ice cream spots
It’s undeniably ice cream weather in Melbourne right now, and our city is home to some excellent spots for a refreshing scoop or two. Find our pick of the best ice cream and gelato shops in Melbourne here.
18. See a free street art exhibition with over 100 works
Head to the corner of Hosier Lane and marvel at incredible works of art in The Outsiders Melbourne exhibition. Taken from the Sandrew Collection, the impressive exhibition includes a room dedicated to Banksy, as well as pieces from Rone and more. It’s on until May 25.
19. Watch movies under the stars at Moonlight Cinema
Enjoy the summer nights by watching festive favourites and new releases at Moonlight Cinema. Find it on the lush Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens — find out more here.
20. 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 open in Melbourne, and it’s ideal for parties, team buildings, or just a grand night out with friends. Get your tickets here.
21. Explore the Antopia exhibition at Melbourne Museum
Shrink down to the size of an ant and experience a day in the colony at Antopia. This interactive exhibition will feature projections, immersive spaces and more to help you learn about the secrets of ants. Find it at Melbourne Museum until March 10.
22. See the Notre-Dame cathedral without flying to Paris
Embark on a journey through the cathedral at Notre-Dame de Paris, the Augmented Exhibition. With the help of an augmented reality tablet, you’ll journey through the cathedral’s 850-year-history. Catch at the Immigration Museum until April 27.
23. Feel the Force at The Fans Strike Back exhibition
If you love Star Wars, then this exhibition is for you. Fly to a galaxy far, far away, and see over 600 items collected by fans, for fans. See sculptures, life-size figures, costumes and more! The Fan Strikes Back exhibition is now open at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.
24. Wander through this free installation at NGV
Explore a house within a house at the 2024 NGV Architecture Commission, Home Truth. Designed by architecture studio Breathe, this installation invites you to reflect on how small-scale architecture can encourage more sustainable living environments. It’s free to visit, and will stay in town until April 27.
25. Have a pawsome time at this huge Cats & Dogs exhibition
Explore our love for Cats & Dogs at a wholesome new exhibition, which features over 250 works of art and design from both contemporary and historical artists. It’s on now at Fed Square’s Ian Potter Centre – head here for more details.
26. 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 at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.
27. Sing along at a magical Melbourne musical
Get ready to sing praises to the smash-hit musical scene that Melbourne offers. There are plenty of ongoing shows to enjoy; here are some of the ones we’re loving right now!
🙏 Sister Act, at the Regent Theatre until January 26, 2025
🩵 Dear Evan Hansen, at the Playhouse at Arts Centre Melbourne until February 16, 2025
🎤 TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, at the Princess Theatre until March 2, 2025
🌹 Beauty and the Beast, at Her Majesty’s Theatre until April, 2025
28. Feel the magic at this sultry stage show
Fire up the group chat and book your spot for an unforgettable night out with Australia’s top-rated male revue, Magic Men. This electrifying two-hour show features some of Melbourne’s hottest hunks, known for their incredible moves and equally impressive physiques. If you’re in the mood for a heart-pounding night out that promises pure entertainment, this is the weekend event for you. Find out more — and book your tickets — here.
29. See what’s happening at MPavilion
MPavilion is back in Melbourne, along with some viral grey gelato that’s been making waves on social media. Enjoy cultural events, talks, music and more until March 22. See the full program here.
30. Check out all the happenings at ACMI
Explore how futures are imagined across film, videogames and screen-based art in The Future & Other Fictions at ACMI. Then, have a gander at the development behind the beloved Untitled Goose Game at the free exhibition, Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition. Whatever delights are on offer here, ACMI remains one of our very favourite things to do in Melbourne on a weekend.
31. Take a moment for yourself at this luxe new bathhouse
Bathhouses are having a moment in Melbourne right now, and a Surf Coast newcomer is rivalling some of those in the big smoke in terms of luxe factor. Located in the heart of Torquay, About Time is a 1000-square-metre indoor-outdoor space that features hot and cold magnesium pools, saunas, treatment rooms and more. Find out more here.
32. Explore Blue Lotus Water Garden
Spanning over 14 acres, Blue Lotus Water Garden contains over 40 different ponds, lakes and water features. Here, you’ll find the biggest display of lotus and waterlily flowers in the Australia. This garden is open until April 21.
33. Spend a day at the Portarlington Mussel Festival
Whisk yourself away to the coast this weekend for the Portarlington Mussel Festival. On top of the famous seafood, there will be market stalls, wine tastings, exhibitions, cooking demonstrations and entertainment. It’s all happening on Saturday, January 11.