![A view of the Melbourne skyline on a sunny weekend morning.](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretmelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/13232650/things-to-do-in-melbourne-this-weekend-1024x768.jpg)
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. Explore the city at Open House Melbourne
Rediscover the spaces around town this weekend at Open House Melbourne. Go on building tours, explore heritage spaces, listen to talks and more. Check it out on Saturday July 27 and Sunday July 28. Learn more here.
2. Watch the Olympics at Fed Square
Fed Square is the official live site for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Catch all of the live action, replays and highlights each day of the Games on the big screen. The Olympics start on Friday July 26 and run until Sunday August 11.
3. 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 festival will run on Saturday July 27 from 9am to 4pm. See more here.
4. See the mighty T. Rex at Melbourne Museum
Victoria the T. Rex is one of the largest and most complete fossils in the world. She’s also the first real T. rex to ever be shown in Victoria. Check out the dinosaur at Melbourne Museum from now until October 20.
5. Wander through twinkling light installations at Lightscape
The gorgeous, after-dark experience, Lightscape, is now on at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Wander through the green heart of Melbourne with a reimagined new trail that stretches across 2.2 kilometres. As you journey along the path, you’ll discover new shimmering installations, laser gardens, spectacular lights and more. Lightscape will illuminate Melbourne during the winter nights from now until Sunday August 4.
6. Celebrate Christmas in July at Welcome to Thornbury
Welcome to Thornbury is celebrating Christmas in July with plenty of soups and winter warmers. Heat up at the hot toddy bar, explore a craft market, meet Santa and more. Check it out from Friday July 26 to Sunday July 28. Learn more here.
7. Join the festa at LaManna
LaManna in Essendon Fields is unveiling its complete look this weekend, and to celebrate, they’ve got a whole weekend of giveaways, entertainment and discounts to look forward to. 200 pizzas will be given away on both days from their new pizza and schiaciatta bar. There’s also face painting, balloon twisting, lasagne discounts and the chance to win a $5000 LaManna voucher. On Sunday, the Fiat Car Club will also be there from 10am to 2pm. Check it out on Saturday July 27 and Sunday July 28. More info here.
8. 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.
9. Bounce over to The NBA Exhibition
Get your head in the game at The NBA Exhibition. Explore over 20 themed sections, see cool memorabilia, play arcade basketball games, check out the VR zone and more. This fun experience is now open at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.
10. Immerse yourself at Dreamskape
Head to The District Docklands and discover the wonders of Dreamskape. This augmented reality entertainment complex features plenty of games, activities and immersive experiences.
11. Meet UFC fighter Jack Jenkins at Crown
Crown is hosting a watch party for UFC 304 at The Pub and Sports Bar. Watch the fight on Sunday, and meet UFC fighter Jack Jenkins, who will participate in a Q&A and do a few giveaways. Learn more here.
12. Watch A Streetcar Named Desire at Arts Centre Melbourne
Journey to 1940s New Orleans with this classic play, A Streetcar Named Desire. Find this production by Melbourne Theatre Company at the Playhouse in Arts Centre Melbourne from July 9 to August 17.
13. 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.
14. Journey through history with the Pharaoh exhibition at NGV
6 October 2024 at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Sean Fennessy
Explore three thousand years of ancient Egyptian art and culture at the NGV Winter Masterpieces exhibition, Pharaoh. See over 500 treasures, including monumental sculpture, architecture, jewellery, coffins and more. Many of these works are on display in Australia for the first time. The exhibition is now on and will stay until October 6.
15. Find glow in the dark desserts at Dessertopia by 196below
Dessertopia by 196below has brought glow in the dark desserts to South Melbourne. This special event, known as Neon Nights, features glowing desserts inspired by anime, as well as luminous gelato and neon drinks. Check it out from now until Sunday September 29.
16. Take part in the intoxicating winter soiree, When Night Comes
![actor in fur clock for When Night Comes theatre production](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretmelbourne.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/16163031/When-Night-Comes_Credit-Anna-Kucera_2250x1266-1024x576.jpg)
Broad Encounters is back in Melbourne with another round of immersive theatre. Get ready for When Night Comes, a multisensory performance for small groups only. This intimate production mixes theatre and cocktails to create an alluring new experience. It will take over an intimate section of The Austral Theatre in Collingwood from June 11 to August 24.
17. Celebrate World Rum Day with a cocktail
Select bars around Melbourne are slinging free Diplomático rum cocktails in celebration of World Rum Day on July 13. For the whole month of July, you can claim a drink from venues like The George on Collins, Good Heavens Rooftop, Magic Mountain Saloon and more. Learn more here.
18. See curious characters at the Beings exhibition in ACMI
Meet and play with an assortment of curious characters born from code at the world premiere ACMI exhibition, Beings. Created by the international art and design collective, Universal Everything, this exhibition features 13 artworks made with ever-evolving algorithms. Move, dance and play with these creatures on screen, and enjoy a different experience each time. The Beings exhibition open at ACMI from now until September 29.
19. 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.
20. See the sensational Sunset Boulevard
Feel transported to the Golden Age of Hollywood with the Tony Award-winning masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard. Based on the 1950 film of the same name, this revival now playing at the Princess Theatre.
21. Warm up with this special collab between UGO Burrata Bar and Parco Ramen
UGO Burrata Bar and Parco Ramen have teamed up to create a special dish for a limited time only. Slurp your way through the Ise-Ebi Burrata Ramen, a warm lobster soup with noodles, porchetta, spring onion, sesame seeds and burrata. It’s available on July 27 and 28 at UGO Burrata Bar in South Melbourne and Parco Ramen in Collingwood and Moonee Ponds.
22. Have a brilliant time at The Art of the Brick
The Art of the Brick is here in Melbourne! This immersive experience has over 100 sculptures made from over 1 million LEGO® bricks, as well as moving sculptures, cool projections and more. Check it out at Melbourne Showgrounds. Get your tickets here.
23. 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.
24. Find some winter magic at foodie paradise Grazeland
Rug up and celebrate winter every weekend at Grazeland, the paradise for foodies in Melbourne’s west. Frolic in the snow, warm up with mulled wine by the fire, admire gorgeous neon lights and more. Grazeland will transform into a winter wonderland every weekend, from Friday June 28 until Sunday July 28.
25. Feel spellbound by Wicked
The gravity-defying musical, Wicked, is dancing through life and playing at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne this weekend. Almost 20 years after its premiere on Broadway, this popular musical has won over 100 major awards, including the Grammy Award, the Olivier Award and three Tony Awards.
26. Sip cocktails in the snow on Rooftop at QT
Rooftop at QT is bringing the magic of winter to the sky, with a dreamy new Snow Globe experience. At this rooftop bar, you’ll feel delighted by falling snowflakes, theatrical cocktails and a winter-inspired menu. The Snow Globe on Rooftop at QT will run from now until Sunday September 2. There will be hourly snow shows running from 5pm to late, from Thursday to Sunday.
27. Find the finest wines and winter produce at Fireside Yarra Valley
Fireside is returning to the Yarra Valley for its sixth year. At this 16-day winter festival, you’ll celebrate the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the region, with culinary experiences, a twilight market and more. Warm up by the fire from Friday July 12 to Sunday July 28. See what’s on here.
28. See the Murray River illuminated with the beauty of Moama Lights
The dazzling nocturnal event, Moama Lights, will light up the Murray again this weekend. Drive out to Echuca, pop across the river to its twin town Moama in NSW, and admire this spectacular event. Moama’s Horseshoe Lagoon will come alive with a sound and light trail. There will also be ice-skating, food trucks and more wonderful things to see and do. Moama Lights will return from Friday July 5 to Sunday July 28.