What's On This Weekend in Melbourne: Our Melbourne Editor's Top Picks
Looking for things to do in Melbourne this weekend? We've got you covered.
We adore romanticising our lives a little—and there’s nowhere quite like Melbourne in spring to do just that. The city and its surrounds come alive with a buzz of new activities, events, and pop-ups at every turn, transforming this season into one of endless enjoyment.
If you're looking for things to do in Melbourne this weekend, look no further—our guide has something for everyone, from dining in hidden gems to immersive theatre experiences.
TURN UP THE HEAT: Latin Day Festival at Preston Market
Get ready to spice up your Sunday as Preston Market’s Latin Day Festival makes a vibrant comeback this weekend in Melbourne. From 10am to 3pm, the market will transform into a Latin American fiesta with lively samba dancers, a mariachi band, and salsa performances setting the scene. Explore pop-up stalls dishing up Latin flavours like Brazilian BBQ, Colombian cheese bread, churros, and pastelitos, with refreshing brews by Tallboy & Moose and gin from Gindu.
Kids can enjoy face painting and piñata smashing from 11am to 2pm. Entry is free, so come ready to dance, dine, and celebrate!
Sunday, 10am to 3pm
Free entry
Preston Market, 30A The Centreway, Preston
RETRO VIBES: Visit the new Hotel Paradiso in Frankston
Say goodbye to city stress and hello to Frankston’s newest slice of paradise, Hotel Paradiso! Serving Miami vibes with an Aussie twist, this bar is the spot for epic nights out. Get ready to feast on their signature Neapolitan-style pizzas, sip on their killer cocktails, and explore endless beer taps for the brew-loving crowd. Think mirror balls, disco-house DJ sets, and live music filling the air on the regular.
Hotel Paradiso is the weekend getaway you didn’t know you needed—see you there, Frankston.
Keep tabs on their socials for event updates
Open Thursday through Sunday
10 Kookaburra Street, Frankston
SIP & GROOVE: Calypso Wine Party at Abbotsford Convent
This Saturday, soak up Calypso’s spring edition party at Abbotsford Convent with three hours of natural wines from top Aussie producers like Minim and Limus, plus French and Italian picks from importers Campbell Burton and Giorgio De Maria.
Pair your pours with Mediterranean bites, and when the tastings end at 4pm, dance the night away with DJ sets by Asha Franco, Ali Currey, and more until 10!
Saturday 16th November, 1pm to 10pm
$69
Book tickets here
Abbotsford Convent
CELEBRATE QUEER CINEMA: Melbourne Queer Film Festival
Get ready to dive into the fabulous world of queer film with MQFF, Australia’s longest-running queer film festival! This November, they’re bringing 140+ must-watch features, shorts, and documentaries to the big screen, curating a colourful, intersectional showcase for all. Alongside the films, enjoy vibrant public programs, panels, and parties where you can connect, celebrate, and show love for the community. Whether you're a cinephile or just here for the vibes, MQFF is your go-to for a truly iconic weekend in Melbourne.
Until 24th November
See the program here
Multiple locations and cinemas across the city
UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY: Life Drawing at Hope Street Radio with Lani Mitchell
Join the whimsical world of Lani Mitchell this November at Hope Street Radio for a delightful series of life drawing sessions every Sunday at 1pm. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned artists, Lani creates a welcoming and calm atmosphere where you can explore your creativity without pressure.
All drawing materials are provided, so all you need to bring is your imagination! Each session runs until 3pm, allowing plenty of time to capture the magic of the moment. And to keep the vibes flowing, enjoy a DJ set following the drawing—transforming your Sunday into a joyful artistic escape!
Sundays, 1 to 3pm
Book here
Hope Street Radio, 35 Johnston Street, Collingwood
ABSOLUTELY PURRFECT: Cats & Dogs Exhibition at NGV
A pawfect new exhibition is opening at the NGV this November! Cats & Dogs explores the cultural, historical and artistic impact of our beloved cats and dogs over time and across different cultures. The exhibition features over 250 works, with pieces by artists such as Rembrandt and Pierre Bonnard to Atong Atem, Alison Lester and Jeff Koons.
Fun, accessible and perfect for all ages, this exhibition is guaranteed to give you the warm and fuzzies.
From 1st November until 20th July 2025
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
BRUNCH IN STYLE: La Bella Vita at Bar Carolina
Get ready for a taste of glamour at Bar Carolina in South Yarra with the launch of La Bella Vita, where sumptuous Italian brunch meets late-night recovery.
Every Saturday and Sunday before 2pm, indulge in their rich spaghetti carbonara for just $20. This delectable dish pairs perfectly with a classic Garibaldi—an iconic cocktail combining bittersweet Campari with freshly squeezed orange juice—available for $14.
Whether you’re treating yourself to a weekend indulgence or seeking a remedy for last night’s festivities, La Bella Vita is the ultimate brunch experience you won’t want to miss!
Saturdays and Sundays, before 2pm
44 Toorak Road, South Yarra
EWE BEAUTY: MECCA X NGV Women Commission
This weekend in Melbourne, check out the National Gallery of Victoria's latest jaw-dropping installation: a three-metre-tall lamb made from hundreds of kilograms of discarded European wool!
Created by Dutch designer Christien Meindertsma for the MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission, the piece repurposes wool from over 2000 sheep, highlighting sustainability and wool's potential in eco-friendly design.
Sitchu Tip: Don't miss the accompanying Wobot chair, showcasing wool’s versatility. It’s the perfect way to appreciate art, design, and innovation all in one—and a fun stop to add to your weekend ventures.
Until February 2025
Level 2, NGV International
GET YOUR SCOOP: The Piccolina Gelato Project - Audrey Allard
Holy Sugar’s Audrey Allard is stealing the show this week at The Piccolina Gelato Project with three irresistibly quirky gelato flavors, available from November 14-21! Known for her dreamy cakes, Allard’s creations are as fun as they are delicious.
Try her “Nerds” gelato: think creamy vanilla blended with strawberry and Nerd grape jam, topped with a zingy strawberry sherbet. Or dive into the potato cake gelato—a buttery rosemary gelato with potato brioche croutons! Finally, don’t miss “Last Minute Ingredients”—a buttermilk gelato layered with homemade Oreo cookies and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Find these limited scoops at Piccolina locations across the city...but only for a week, so don’t miss out!
November 14th to November 21st
Multiple locations around the city
SEE A SHOW: Tina Turner: The Musical
Get ready to feel the energy of rock and roll royalty! Tina Turner: The Musical has arrived in Melbourne, telling the extraordinary life story of the queen herself, Tina Turner. With over 20 of her iconic hits like “Simply the Best,” “River Deep – Mountain High,” and “Proud Mary,” this must-see production transforms the Princess Theatre into a pulsating tribute to her unstoppable career. Don't miss the chance to witness Tina's rise to stardom and her groundbreaking legacy, all in one electrifying show.
Princess Theatre, Melbourne
SEE THE WORLD THROUGH A NEW LENS: Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition
Step into the whimsical world of Wes Anderson with Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition, a celebration of travel, photography, and artistic wonder. Featuring over 200 carefully curated photographs from all corners of the globe, this exhibition captures the stunning symmetry, bold colour palettes, and quirky charm that fans of the director adore.
With 10 beautifully themed areas, you'll be immersed in Anderson-esque moments, each evoking a sense of adventure and visual delight. Perfect for travel lovers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone enchanted by Wes Anderson’s aesthetic, this exhibition is an absolute must-see.
Level 1, 360 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Getting out of town this long weekend? Check out our guide to the best travel destinations near Melbourne, or stick around for some of Melbourne's best new restaurants, bars and cafes.
