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. Feast on dishes from MasterChef alumni at Crown
Crown and MasterChef have teamed up to create Alumni, a restaurant that will showcase the delicious dishes of MasterChef Australia alumni cooks. This pop-up restaurant will have rotating chefs, with each alumni taking over the venue for three weeks. At the moment, you can sample a curated menu from Kishwar Chowdhury. Her residency will run from May 16 to June 2. More info here.
2. Visit a vintage market at EziStreat
EziStreat has teamed up with 91 Vintage to host a delightful mini night market this weekend. Pop by and browse through a curated collection of stylish vintage clothes, shoes and accessories. Then, find something tasty to eat or drink around the food hall. The market will run from 3pm to 9pm on Saturday May 18. Entry is $5 plus booking fee. Learn more here.
3. Treat yourself to free dessert from Dessertopia
Dessertopia in South Melbourne is giving away 300 free desserts to honour the digital release of Kung Fu Panda 4. There’s two treats to choose from, and the giveaway will kick off from 10:30am on Saturday May 18. Remember to say ‘Skadoosh’ while ordering to claim your freebie.
4. Take a spin on a Ferris wheel
Stroll over to Polly Woodside Park in South Wharf, and ride on the 35-metre-tall Ferris wheel. Gaze at the city skyline and the Yarra River, then explore the surrounding Skyline Precinct for mini-golf and delicious food and drink. The Giant Ferris Wheel will run from now until September 22.
5. Try heart-shaped croissants at Agathé Patisserie
Satisfy your sweet tooth and head to Agathé Patisserie for some adorable, heart-shaped croissants filled with chocolate spread from Bonne Maman. These treats are available in the South Melbourne location from May 10 until May 19, as well as in the Royal Arcade location on May 11 and 12. For each purchase, you’ll also receive a free jar of Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread.
6. Go on Melbourne’s Bloody Long Walk
Go for a 35km scenic walk through Melbourne to raise funds and awareness to support those affected by mitochondrial disease. The Bloody Long Walk in Melbourne will kick off at 7am on Sunday May 19. Participants will start at Yarra Bend Park in Fairfield, continue through the Melbourne Parklands, along the Yarra past Docklands and Southbank, and then on to Port Phillip Bay, finishing at St Kilda Beach. Learn more here.
7. Uncover the mystery of The Grinning Man
The cult production of The Grinning Man is now showing at the Alex Theatre in St Kilda. Based on the novel, The Man Who Laughs by Victor Hugo, this award-winning musical will take you to the freakshow at Trafalgar Square. Who is Grinpayne and how did he get his hideous smile? Learn the secrets of his past and the truth of his disfigurement in this gothic horror, filled with magic, mayhem, romance and pitch-black humour. The show will play in Melbourne until May 19. Learn more here.
8. 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.
9. Stay up for Sleepless Festival in Footscray
Melbourne’s inner west will light up with art, music, performances and installations this May 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 4 to 19.
10. Feel razzle dazzled by Chicago
The longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history is coming to Melbourne this March. Chicago, the multi-award winning musical, will soon paint the town with murder, greed, corruption and all that jazz. Check it out at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
11. Embrace your inner fairy with this event by Daisy Soirée
Forget your everyday troubles and enter a world inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Dress up in themed outfits, nibble delicious treats and make paper crowns. This enchanting evening will take place on Saturday May 18, from 7pm to 10pm.
12. Have a spectacular time with Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is back to Melbourne with another round of awe-inspiring acrobatic acts. This time, they’re whisking us away to an imaginary Mexico. In this surreal world between dreams and reality, you’ll see a tapestry of vibrant locations as a traveller meets a variety of mystifying characters. The show, LUZIA, is also the first touring production by Cirque du Soleil that artistically incorporates water into the acrobatic performance. See it in Melbourne from March 24 to May 19.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Feel a sense of Joy at the Immigration Museum
Seven Victorian-based artists are sharing what joy means to them with a variety of delightful rooms at the Immigration Museum. Journey back in time to a 90s video store, cuddle up with a gigantic soft toy rabbit and more. The Joy exhibition is now open for you to explore, and will stay in town until August 29, 2025.
16. 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.
17. Check out the work of Steve McCurry in the ICONS exhibition
Steve McCurry is an established contemporary photographer whose work has been featured on the front cover of National Geographic and has won countless international awards. He is probably most famous for his iconic photograph “Afghan Girl” which has become one of the most recognisable images in history. Now, in this new exhibition you will be able to see over 100 of his photographs from all around the world, each one telling a unique and powerful story. Find the ICONS exhibition at Seaworks in Williamstown. Get your tickets here.
18. Sink your teeth into an iconic sub at Rocco’s On Tour
Rocco’s Bologna Discoteca is crossing the river to some southside wine bars in Rocco’s on Tour. Try their famous Meatball Sub or their Melanzane (Eggplant) Parmiagiana Focaccia. They’re popping up in Toorak Wine Cellars on Sunday May 19, from 12pm until sold out.
19. Check out South Side Festival
Head down to Frankston this May for heaps of installations, performances, art and more at South Side Festival. This festival will run from May 10 to 19. See the full program here.
20. Get cosy at the Pasta Bambino pop-up
Bouvier Bar in Brunswick East is embracing the colder weather with winter pop-up, Pasta Bambino. Tuck into some classic pasta dishes for under $22, and warm up with wine and cocktails. See more here.
21. Have a poo-fect day out at Unko Museum
Japan’s surprise sensation, Unko Museum, has taken over 360 Bourke St, Melbourne. Unko Museum is the only international touring museum dedicated to poop, but don’t hold your nose – the focus here is all about kawaii exhibits and photo-friendly moments, making it a fun and family-friendly day out. Get your tickets to Unko Museum here.
22. Have a magical time at Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Embark on a spellbinding walk through the forest and come face-to-face with magical creatures and scenes from the Harry Potter universe. The Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience is now open at The Briars in Mount Martha. Get your tickets here.
23. 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.
24. Step back in time for the Ballarat Heritage Festival
Head to Ballarat for ten days of unique experiences, live performances, steam train rides and much more. The Ballarat Heritage Festival will run from May 17 to 26.
25. See the beauty of the Great Ocean Road at this running festival
Take in gorgeous seaside views from Lorne to Apollo Bay at the Great Ocean Road Running Festival. On top of the running, there’s also heaps of fun activities and entertainment to discover, including live music and a kite festival. This running festival will take place on Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19. More info here.