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. 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
Feel the Force at a LEGO Star Wars exhibition in Melbourne Museum
Supplied/Source: Museums Victoria
Fly to a galaxy far, far away and feel amazed by LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition. Marvel at towering structures, awesome starships and your favourite characters, then join in on the fun with your own builds. LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition will open at Melbourne Museum on May the Fourth.
See what’s on at YIRRAMBOI festival
Source: Supplied
Celebrate First Nations art and culture at YIRRAMBOI. The festival this year will explore Legacy, Joy, Reclamation and Akin, with over 400 First Nations creatives across 180 performances and over 40 venues. The festival is on from May 1 to 11. See the program here.
Celebrate Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival
Head to Golden Square and check out the wonderful Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival. Look forward to an animated mural projection, multicultural performances, mindfulness spaces and more. The festival will run from Friday May 2 to Sunday May 4.
Have fun at the Sri Lankan Festival
Head to Queen Victoria Market and celebrate at the Sri Lankan Festival. Look forward to authentic food, as well as traditional dance, music and interactive workshops. The festival will take place on Sunday May 4 from 9am to 4pm. See more here.
Have a magical time at Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Feel like you’ve Apparated from Melbourne to Hogwarts at Harry Potter: The Exhibition. See authentic props and set pieces from the films, and go on your own magical journey. Conjure your own Patronus, test your Quidditch skills and more! Find it at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre. Get your tickets here.
Experience Middle-earth like never before with The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale
Supplied/Credit: Liz Lauren
Created under licence from Middle-earth Enterprises, you’ll follow Frodo and other beloved Tolkien characters on their quest to destroy the evil One Ring. The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is now playing at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne.
Find pre-loved treasures at Round She Goes
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A retro market dedicated to pre-loved fashion and accessories is coming to Melbourne. At Round She Goes, you’ll find over 50 stalls, showcasing a range of designer clothing, handmade jewellery, retro accessories and quality knick-knacks. You can find it at Coburg Town Hall on Sunday May 4, from 10am to 3pm. More info here.
Feel amazed by Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett
The renowned Bernie Dieter has brought her sensational Club Kabarett to Meat Market in North Melbourne. Inspired by the burgeoning Weimar kabarett scene in 1920s Berlin, this show features a band of misfits, accompanied by Bernie’s vocals. Look forward to contortionists, sword swallowers, firebreathers and aerialists. Check it out from Tuesday to Sunday, from now until May 11. Learn more here.
Stay up for Sleepless Festival in Footscray
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Melbourne’s inner west will light up with art, music, performances and immersive installations this weekend at Sleepless Festival. This event will showcase the celebrate the rich culture and talent of Footscray and the western suburbs. Check it out from May 2 to 18. See more here.
Celebrate the weird and wonderful at Fantastic Film Festival
Head to Lido Cinemas or Thornbury Picture House and get your fix on cult and arthouse cinema. Fantastic Film Festival Australia will run from April 24 to May 16. 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. Get your tickets here.
Feel mesmerised by the Van Gogh exhibition at THE LUME
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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.
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.
Unearth the past at the Australian Heritage Festival
Editorial credit: jax10289 / Shutterstock.com
The annual Australian Heritage Festival is back in Victoria. Explore over 250 free and ticketed events around Melbourne and Victoria, taking over libraries, boats, trains, museums and more. Check out walking tours, workshops, exhibitions and more. The festival is on from April 18 to May 18. Learn more here.
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.
Head to 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.
Enter a scandalous world at the Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical Party
Celebrate the cult classic film, Cruel Intentions, at this decadent event. This high-energy experience features theatrical performances that unfold around you. Sing along to ’90s anthems, sip on bespoke cocktails and feel a part of the Manhattan elite. Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical Party is now playing at the Alex Theatre in St Kilda. Get your tickets here.
Experience the rocking Jesus Christ Superstar musical
Supplied/Credit: Juliet Taylor
Holy moly! The celebrated rock musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, is here in Melbourne. This award-winning production by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber is set against some extraordinary events in the final weeks of the life of Jesus Christ, seen through the eyes of Judas. Find it at the Princess Theatre.
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.
Explore the Gluten Free Lifestyle Show
Head to Moonee Valley Racecourse and check out the Gluten Free Lifestyle Show. See cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs, discover gluten free goodies from local exhibitors and find plenty to eat in the market hall. This event will take place on Saturday May 3 and Sunday May 4. Learn more here.
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.
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.
Take a drive to the Rocky Road Festival
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Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie are dedicating the month to an old favourite — Rocky Road. There’s 31 flavours on offer, plus tasting sessions and more treats at the Rocky Road Festival.
Dig in to The Great Trentham Spudfest
Supplied/Image: Brian Young
Drive 90 minutes away from Melbourne to the tiny town of Trentham and have a feast at The Great Trentham Spudfest. Have a spudtacular time with carby delights, foodie trails, fun activities and more. Check it out on Saturday May 3 and Sunday May 4.
See an exclusive Frida Kahlo exhibition in Bendigo
Frida Kahlo in blue satin blouse, 1939, photograph by Nickolas Muray © Nickolas Muray Photo Archives
See artworks and objects by Frida Kahlo that have never been seen before in Australia. These works will come straight from Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico. Frida Kahlo: In her own image will be on display at Bendigo Art Gallery from now until Sunday July 13.
Feel dazzled by the Bright Autumn Festival
Escape to the High Country this autumn and visit the vibrant town of Bright for their annual autumn festival. In this ten day celebration, you’ll feel amazed by the rich colours of the autumn leaves. While you’re there, discover autumn produce from the valleys of the High Country, beautiful works of art and more. The Bright Autumn Festival will run from Friday April 25 to Sunday May 4.
Sip your way through the Grampians Grape Escape
Head to Halls Gap for a weekend of food, wine and music. Explore over 90 stalls, take part in masterclasses, see cooking demonstrations and more. The Grampians Grape Escape will run from Friday May 2 to Sunday May 4. See more here.
See the spectacular Trail of Lights in Mildura
Travel out to Mildura and wander among 12,500 twinkling ‘firefly lights’ on Lock Island. The spectacular Trail of Lights art installation has been designed by renowned artist, Bruce Munro.