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.
1. Check out the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
The iconic Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is back. Head to Fed Square and explore The Convenient Store, which is filled with Victorian food, then feast your way through their other events around Melbourne this weekend. The culinary festival is running from March 24 to April 2. See the program here.
2. Explore free art at Melbourne Now
Discover the work of over 200 Victorian artists and creatives at Melbourne Now. This free exhibition is on display at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Fed Square from March 24 to August 20.
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 March 25 from 9am to 4pm.
4. Have a fur-bulous time at The Pet Show
Australia’s first national Pet Show is coming to Melbourne. Whether you’ve got a furry friend, a scaly pal or you just like animals, you’ll be sure to have a great time. Listen to experts, interact with pets, find pawfect products and more at Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday March 25 and Sunday March 26.
5. Go sunflower picking
Pick Your Own Sunflowers is opening their gates this weekend. Drive to the sunflower field in Dunnstown, not too far from Ballarat, and pick your own blooms to take home. For now, the field will open to the public until March 26, unless they’ve been picked out. Keep an eye on their social media for updates.
6. Have a cheesy time the That’s Amore Ricotta Cheese Festival
Head to Thomastown for the third edition of the Ricotta Festival by that’s Amore Cheese. Expect plenty of food and drink pop-ups, a producer marketplace, entertainment and kids activities. This festival will take place on Sunday March 26, from 10am to 4pm. Learn more here.
7. Get LIT at Wyndham Park
Wander through magical landscapes, see a dazzling laser show, a rainbow sky canopy, interactive projections and more. This immersive experience will transform Wyndham Park over ten glimmering nights. It’s free to attend, and will run from 8pm to 11pm, from Friday March 17 to Sunday March 26.
8. Have a splashing good time with WET Sunday Sessions
Spend your Sundays lazing by the gorgeous pool in W Melbourne, sipping on cocktails and admiring the gorgeous Melbourne skyline. These poolside parties will take place every Sunday, and will run from 2pm to 6pm.
9. Frolic in the enchanting Tesselaar KaBloom Festival Of Flowers
Immerse yourself in fields of colourful flowers this autumn at the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers. Wander through 25 acres of gardens, and be greeted by over 3 million bright blooms. After admiring the vivid blossoms, stay a little longer and have fun with circus performers, a tractor train and more. Head out to the Dandenong Ranges, and see this festival from March 25 to April 25.
10. Have a practically perfect time at the Mary Poppins musical
Everyone’s favourite nanny is has flown into Melbourne. See Mary Poppins, Bert and more beloved characters come to life in this spectacular stage adaptation by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
11. Check out the Taste of Asia Festival
At this free event, you’ll celebrate the Asian community of Melbourne. Enjoy Asian street food and fusion bites, and have fun with dance performances, music and cultural activities. The Taste of Asia Festival will take place on Saturday March 25, from 11am to 9pm at Flagstaff Gardens.
12. Snack your way through this sushi train experience by Poh
Poh has created her first in-restaurant experience at QT Melbourne. Nibble your way through eight delicious dishes, and pair it with some whiskey cocktails. This slow-moving culinary train is available to book from now until the start of May.
13. See the pop-tacular Shakespearean musical, & Juliet
See Shakespeare get a remix with some of the most beloved pop anthems in upcoming, Olivier-Award-winning musical, & Juliet. After premiering on London’s West End in 2019, and playing in Toronto, this critically-acclaimed show is having its Australian premiere, right here in Melbourne. Find it at the Regent Theatre this month.
14. Watch a film 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.
15. See the best of contemporary French cinema at the Alliance Française French Film Festival
Be swept away by thrillers, dramas, comedy and more at the Alliance Française French Film Festival. Discover the best in contemporary French cinema in the 34th edition of this incredible film festival. It will run from March 8 to April 5. See the schedule for Melbourne here.
16. Unleash your creativity at Chaos Lab
From the Control Room to the Science Lab, the Mirror Maze to the Ball Pit, Chaos Lab is a fun experience for all kids who want to play, explore and create. It’s heading to The District Docklands from January 6 onwards. Tickets are on sale now.
17. Solve the mystery at The Mousetrap
The world’s longest-running play has come to Melbourne. See Agatha Christie’s legendary show, The Mousetrap, at the Comedy Theatre.
18. Check out MPavilion
MPavilion is here in Melbourne for another incredible season. Enjoy cultural events, talks, performances, installations and more. See their full program here.
19. See the Alexander McQueen exhibition at NGV
Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos Muse is the first major Australian exhibition to explore his thought-provoking work, sources of inspiration and creative process. It showcases over 120 garments and accessories, alongside over 80 works of art.
More info here.20. Wander through this vivid reimagining of The Parthenon at NGV
See this gorgeous installation, complete with colourful artworks from local creators, in the Grollo Equiset Garden at NGV for free.
21. Dive into Submerged at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Go on an immersive journey and see the wonder of underwater worlds in this multisensory digital exhibition. Start on a shimmering shoreline and dive below the depths into the bioluminescent unknown.
22. Enjoy a foodie festival at The Peninsula Picnic
At The Peninsula Picnic, you’ll savour all the perks of a foodie festival, with plenty of local food and wine, while listening to some talented Australian musicians. Enjoy the autumn breeze, pack a picnic rug, and drive down to Mornington Racecourse on Saturday March 25.
23. Feel amazed by Monet and Friends at The Lume
Go on a journey across France in this multisensory experience, with vibrant projections and sounds immersing you in the world of French Impressionism. Take a picture on Monet’s Bridge over a Pond, dance with Degas’ ballerinas, plunge yourself into a world of waterlilies, and much, much more.
24. Explore the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building
For the first time in 100 years, the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building will open to the public. Head up there and see it for yourself, and take in gorgeous views of the Melbourne skyline.
25. Enjoy Summer Sunday Sessions at Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters
Spend sunny Sundays sipping on bottomless cocktails from Four Pillars Gin, alongside a seven-course seasonal sharing menu and fabulous DJ tunes on the Terrace Bar at Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters. It will continue until March 26.
26. See Bernhardt/Hamlet at Southbank Theatre
Melbourne Theatre Company will take you on a comedic journey to Paris in 1899, when legendary actress Sarah Bernhardt is both famous and broke. She sets her sights on the role of Hamlet, scandalising society along the way. This show will run from now until April 15. See more here.
27. Keep your spirits high with this decadent gin high tea
Enjoy gourmet bites and gin-infused treats, as well as drinks from Hendrick’s Gin. This indulgent high tea is available at The Waiting Room in Crown on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from now until Sunday March 26.
28. Embrace the chaos at Hijinx Hotel
Round up your friends and check out the quirky Hijinx Hotel at Chadstone. In this immersive experience, you’ll enter different themed rooms and play challenges that will remind you of your childhood. After that, unwind with a cocktail or two.
29. Discover arts and culture at Darebin’s FUSE Festival
Streets, parks, venues, theatres, galleries and other public spaces around Darebin will be transformed into hubs of culture and creativity. Explore this multi-arts festival from March 11 to 26. See what’s happening here.
30. Check out Frame: A Biennale of Dance
This new festival is all about celebrating and connecting with dance across a wide range of cultures, forms and styles. It features classes, talks, performances and more. See it this weekend in Melbourne and the surrounding areas. Frame is on for the whole month of March.
31. Have a picnic at TarraWarra Estate
This picturesque venue in the Yarra Valley is serving premium picnic boxes on Saturdays and Sundays. It features a curated selection of delicious local produce. Pair it with a selection of Estate wines for the perfect day out.