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, as well as Friday night. 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!
Here’s what’s on in Melbourne this weekend
Don’t miss a free performance from Amyl and the Sniffers
Swing by Fed Square on Friday November 14 for a free and exhilarating performance from Amyl and the Sniffers and support act Public Figures. The rock band will take over Fed Square in celebration of AC/DC’s POWER UP tour. The night will kick off at 7:30pm and end at 9:30pm.
Celebrate Polish culture at this festival in Fed Square
Enjoy a taste of Poland in the heart of Melbourne. Have fun with traditional dancing, delicious pierogi, music and more. The Polish Festival will take place on Sunday November 16. See more here.
Take a look at the Myer Christmas Windows
Wander over to Bourke Street Mall and celebrate 70 years of this enchanting holiday tradition. This year, the six windows are decked out in LEGO. The Myer Christmas Windows is open daily from now until January 11.
Dance over to Queen Victoria Market for live music and DJ sets
Queen Victoria Market is celebrating some of the world’s biggest touring artists with Market Rocks, a free concert warm-up series. Taking place each weekend in November, you can look forward to live performances and DJ sets inspired by your favourite artists. The festivities will run from 9am to 4pm each day.
Watch something at the Melbourne Queer Film Festival
Australia’s oldest and largest celebration of queer cinema is back in town. Take part in the annual Melbourne Queer Film Festival and see over 140 feature films, shorts and documentaries. The festival is on from November 13 to 23. Learn more here.
Head to Crown Riverwalk for Lankan Fest
Experience the best of Sri Lanka at Lankan Fest. Look forward to Sri Lankan food, music, crafts and more when this festival takes over the Crown Riverwalk on Sunday November 16. It will run from 10am till 8pm. See more here.
Check out a new, fun-filled circus theatre show based on the Wizard Of Oz
A brand-new circus-theatre show inspired by The Wizard of Oz is now playing in Melbourne for a strictly limited season, and it’s perfect for all ages. Oz: The Cirque Experience reimagines the classic story with world-class circus artists, aerial stunts, illusions, humour and a high-energy original soundtrack that will take you “beyond the rainbow” into a vivid, modern Oz. Expect dazzling spectacle, toe-tapping numbers and a playful twist on Dorothy’s battle against the Witch and the Wizard. Tickets are on sale now and vanishing faster than a house in a twister — with optional themed high tea and cocktail experiences to make a full event of it.
Experience the magic at Harry Potter: The Exhibition
If you Hogwarts letter never arrived, you’ll want to visit Harry Potter: The Exhibition, which boasts a goblin’s hoard of props and pieces from the films, amongst other attractions. Guests can enjoy interactive moments such as casting your own Patronus, and there’s even the chance to try your hand at Quidditch. You’ll find it at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick.
Grab your controller at ACMI’s Game Worlds exhibition
It’s worth checking out ACMI’s latest exhibition, which looks like a proper showstopper. Game Worlds dives headfirst into the world of video games spanning the past 50 years, and will feature playable moments from a range of games, as well as hardware, collectibles, and prototypes. Whether you’re a cosy Stardew Valley gamer, a Minecraft whizz, a World of Warcraft fanatic, or a sadistic Sims player (you know who you are…), you’ll find it all here. Game over for boredom!
Dare to try a frightful Darkfield experience
Step into a shipping container at Arts Centre Melbourne, and feel swept away on an immersive audio journey. Darkfield is back in town with a new experience. In Invisible, you’ll be guided by The Invisible Man as he teaches you how to disappear, and the consequences. Otherwise, try discover two worlds, to realities and two outcomes to your journey on the popular Flight experience. Learn more about it here.
Float over to Prahran Square for some bubbly fun
Pop over to Prahran Square and explore a series of massive bubble installations in the Ephemeral Collection from November 10 to 23. Then, have fun in the evening with live performances from The Bubble Emporium, surrounded by 20,000 bubbles per minute. The shows will run from November 12 to 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, making it a daring date night or an eye-opening day out with pals. Feeling curious?
Try to escape Prison Island
Challenge yourself and your teammates to escape Prison Island. Instead of breaking out from a single room, you’ll take on a series of tasks in multiple cells and race against the clock. Find it at The District Docklands.
Go for a float on a new sauna boat
Tasmania may be getting an AFL team, but seemingly in exchange for exporting Victoria’s game to Hobart, we’ve got something of Tassie’s in return: a custom built sauna boat, which is open in the Docklands on weekends only. We’ll take some of that relaxation, thanks!
Check out the reimagined Tasma Terrace
The historic Tasma Terrace has a fresh new gallery, shop and heritage library for you to explore. Swing by to see garments from the National Trust’s Costume Collection at their inaugural exhibition, from now until December 13.
Have a wine-derful night out at this Innocent Bystander party
Innocent Bystander are throwing a warehouse party in the city. Head to 524 Flinders for a night of wine tastings and burgers, as well as a glam station, tattoo artists, a tarot card reader, a drag performer and more. It’s all happening from 5pm to 10pm on Saturday November 15. Learn more here.
See rare objects from the Galloway Hoard at Melbourne Museum
See one of the most significant Viking Age discoveries ever found from the United Kingdom, right here in Melbourne. Found in southwest Scotland in 2014, the Galloway Hoard was buried around AD 900 during a time of upheaval in the region. This treasure trove of jewellery and unique objects offers a fascinating insight into this period of time. Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard will be on display at Melbourne Museum from now until Monday January 26.
Explore Our Wondrous Planet at Melbourne Museum
Explore our planet’s incredible range of natural environments, from polar ice flats to colourful reefs, at the multisensory gallery, Our Wonderous Planet. See over 800 animals from the museum collection, learn about interconnected ecosystems and hear stories from First Peoples around the world. This permanent gallery is now open at Melbourne Museum. See more here.
Have a stellar time at the Star Wars Galactic Café
Transport your taste buds to a galaxy far, far away at the Star Wars Galactic Café in Melbourne Museum. This stellar cafe is a first for Star Wars fans in Australia. Dine aboard a Corellian Star Cruiser, and find plenty of dishes and drinks inspired by the franchise.
Feel captivated by The Talented Mr. Ripley
In this thrilling stage adaptation, you’ll watch as the infamous Tom Ripley targets and models himself after the wealthy Dickie Greenleaf. The Talented Mr. Ripley will play at Arts Centre Melbourne from October 28 to November 23. Learn more here.
Set sail on Titanic: A Voyage Through Time
Experience the tragedy of the Titanic like never before with this virtual reality experience. Dive to the wreck site, then journey back in time to explore iconic spaces around the ship, such as the Grand Staircase. Along the way, you’ll meet characters based on real passengers and crew members.
Make a new FRIEND in this cool robot exhibition
Robots of all shapes and sizes have come to Melbourne for the new exhibition, FRIEND, at the National Communication Museum. As you move through the space, you’ll encounter cuddly cushions with wagging tails, an old robot that plays music, little robots that need help and more. This exhibition is on from now until April 26.
Don’t miss the Street Feast at Dandenong Market
Head to the Southern Carpark at Dandenong Market and find plenty of delicious flavours at Street Feast. Treat yourself to Polish dumplings, fried pasta, loaded pitas, souvlaki and more. Listen to a live DJ set, then find fresh produce and unique gifts from their regular traders. It’s all happening from 10am to 3pm on Saturday November 15.
Have a sublime time at the Malibu Barbie Cafe
Come on, Barbie, let’s go party! Live out all of your Barbie dreams at this themed cafe in Chadstone. Find themed-dishes, cocktails, photo moments and even a roller rink at the Malibu Barbie Cafe in the Social Quarter.
Test and thrill all five senses with tickets to SENSAS
At SENSAS, you’ll tackle the “Sensory Labs”, ranging from pitch-black challenges to ultra-colourful workshops. Each activity is crafted to awaken your senses and immerse you in a playful, interactive environment guided by the Master of Senses. You and your friends (in groups between 4-60 people) will find yourselves bonding over tactile and creative games designed to surprise and delight.
Have fun at this Cherry Picking Festival
CherryHill Orchards are throwing a delightful Cherry Picking Festival. Wander through rows of trees in either Wandin East or Coldstream, eat as many cherries as you like straight from the tree, and pack some cherries to take home. Have a picnic while you’re there, sample some cherry ice cream and treat yourself to some refreshing drinks. The cherry picking will start in Coldstream on November 7, and in Wandin East on November 24. Learn more here.
Sip your way through Budburst Wine Festival
Head to the Macedon Ranges and visit local wineries at Budburst Wine Festival. Discover over 20 winemakers and enjoy tastings, curated food menus and more. The festival will take place on Saturday November 15 and Sunday November 16.