25 Awesome Things To Do This Weekend In Melbourne

The weekend is here, and Melbourne is filled with cool and interesting things to keep you occupied. There’s fun activities to discover, 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. Feel dazzled by the Melbourne Christmas Festival

The city is alive with Christmas cheer! See a massive Christmas tree in Fed Square, admire projections on Flinders Street Station, have fun with some festive installations and much more, from now until Christmas Eve.

2. 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.

3. Check out Colours of Malaysia at Queen Vic Market

At this two day celebration, you’ll discover traditional food, music, dance and more. It’ll take place on Saturday December 3 and Sunday December 4, from 9am to 4pm.

See more here.

4. Rush over to the chaotic Red Bull Billy Cart Race

At this free event, you’ll watch teams race their handmade carts down Lansdowne Street. On the day, there will also be food and drink, fun games to play and live music to enjoy. This event will take place on  Saturday December 3.

More info here.

5. Pivot your way to Friends! The Musical Parody

Could this BE more exciting? The hilarious Friends! The Musical Parody is playing at the Athenaeum Theatre from now until December 17.

6. Frolic in Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland

Follow the sound of sleigh bells to Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland, a new Christmas event at Burnley Oval. This exciting Christmas paradise will feature multiple themed zones, activities, skating, food and more. Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland will ring in the festive season from Friday November 25 to Saturday December 24.

7. Relax at Moon Dog’s pop-up, Summer Paradiso

Head to Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt, and relax at Summer Paradiso, a new pop-up from Moon Dog Brewery. Sip on a cold drink or two, feast on smoky barbeque and listen to some good tunes. Summer Paradiso opens at 6pm on Friday December 2.

8. Go back in Time with this Rone exhibition at Flinders Street Station

Step into the mysterious third floor and ballroom of Flinders Street Station, and discover a forgotten era of Melbourne this weekend. Explore 11 large-scale installations, meticulously placed around the heritage-listed space. This exhibition will run until Sunday April 23, 2023.

9. Check out the pop-up Bar Botanique

Feel transported to the vibrant city of New Orleans at this new outdoor pop-up bar. Located on the forecourt of Southbank Theatre, home to Melbourne Theatre Company, Bar Botanique will make you feel like you’re in the iconic French Quarter, with Southern-style cocktails and delicious bites. This pop-up is on from now until March 2023.

10. See a 3D LEGO Santa billboard at Bourke St Mall

When you’re at Bourke Street Mall, don’t forget to look up! There’s a massive, 3D LEGO billboard of Santa delivering presents for you to admire. This festive display is on until Sunday December 4.

11. See the Myer Christmas Windows

Take part in a Melbourne tradition this weekend and celebrate 100 years of Disney. There’s plenty of gorgeous windows that will take you right back to your childhood. From Peter Pan to The Lion King, watch some of The Walt Disney Company’s favourite characters come to life as part of the 67th year of the Myer Christmas Windows.

12. Fall in love with The Phantom of the Opera

This legendary musical has finally come to Melbourne. See it for yourself at Arts Centre Melbourne this weekend.

13. 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.

14. Get into the holiday spirit by watching A Christmas Carol

Five time Tony Award winner and West End sensation, A Christmas Carol, is now showing at the Comedy Theatre. This heart-warming production stars David Wenham as Scrooge, and play from now until Christmas Eve.

15. 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.

16. Explore The Big Design Market

Head to the Royal Exhibition Building and get your Christmas shopping down at this massive market. There’s over 270 exhibitors selling homewares, ceramics, fashion, jewellery and more. The Big Design Market will run from December 2 to 4.

17. Enjoy some Not-So-Silent cinema at Fed Square

Check out the Main Stage at Fed Square for Not-So-Silent Cinema, a free program of silent films accompanied by live performances from local and international musicians. These scores are newly composed and restaged pieces. There will be free ice cream available at each screening, while stocks last. These screenings will run from December 2 to 4.

More info here.

18. Check out cool exhibitions at Melbourne Museum

Explore Melbourne Museum and their huge range of exhibitions this weekend. Play with LEGO and check out models in Bricktionary. Feel connected to the natural world at Tyama. Discover the exhibition, Naadohbii: To Draw Water. And admire dazzling gems in their Pink Diamonds exhibition.

19. 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.

20. Grab a drink at this bar from BrewDog inside Pentridge Prison

This unique venue is the new go-to destination for craft beer lovers. Lounge in the sprawling beer garden, relax inside the two-storey building, indulge in tasty snacks and of course, try a whole range of beers, from lagers to stouts. Find it inside Pentridge Prison.

21. Feel dazzled by Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

This feel-good musical is premiering at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne this November, direct from the West End. See it from November 13 onwards.

22. Check out the Japanese Film Festival

This festival showcases the latest and greatest in Japanese cinema. Find spectacular Japanese films at the Kino Cinemas or at ACMI from November 30 to December 4.

23. Enjoy Aperitiki at Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca

Head to Vince’s Bar, upstairs of Rocco’s on Gertrude Street, and escape the heat with a tropical drink or two at Aperitiki. There’s seven bespoke cocktails to try throughout summer, alongside a soundtrack of surf rock and Italian disco. It all starts on December 3, and will be available every Friday and Saturday from 4pm to late, and every Sunday from 3pm to 8pm.

24. Feel dazzled by the stunning Christmas lights festival in Adventure Park

Bask in the glow of 3 million lights, and wander down enchanting trails and glittering bridges in this 50-acre wonderland. On top of the glistening lights, there’s plenty of Christmas activities and entertainment for the family, as well as new rides and live performances. The festival will open initially on November 18 and 19, before running for the Christmas season from November 25 onwards.

25. Have fun at this Cherry Picking Festival

CherryHill Orchards are throwing a fun Cherry Picking Festival. Wander through their rows of trees in either Wandin East or Coldstream, and pick some plump cherries to take home. During the festival, there will also be food trucks, box sales, drinks and cherry ice cream to try.