What's On This Weekend in Melbourne: Our Melbourne Editor's Top Picks

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. 

HEAT WAVE: Sebastian's 6th Birthday and Summer Beach Bar Launch

Sebastian’s 6th birthday bash is where the ultimate weekend vibes are at! Join the fiesta with $2 oysters, $6 sangrias, and buckets of beer all weekend long. With live music from 1pm-4pm and a sunset DJ from 5pm-8pm, the party’s in full swing, best paired with Good Food Guide-listed seafood, steak, and seasonal produce cooked on the custom charcoal grill. This is the spot for a sun-soaked, flavour-packed weekend in Melbourne with your crew; don't miss it!

Saturday 23rd November, from midday onwards

FESTIVE POP-UP: Collingwood Christmas Market at Smith Street Studio

The coolest Christmas pop-up is here for the weekend - prepare to drop all the monies on some of the chicest gifts around! Featuring local lifestyle, fashion and beauty brands the likes of Ficifolia,  By Katia,  Night Babe, BRUXA, Elas Crochet, Studio Marlene, Minimum Studios and Smudge, you're bound to find something stunning and unique this weekend in Melbourne. 

Saturday November 23rd, 10am to 5pm

Smith Street Studio, 1/200 Smith Street, Collingwood; entrance through the rear via the laneway next to 77a Little Oxford Street

STEP INTO STYLE: E Nolan Exclusive Pop-Up in Collingwood

Melbourne's fashion enthusiasts can step into the world of E Nolan for the first time with an exclusive five-week pop-up boutique in Collingwood.

From 21st November to 22nd December, this ultra-stylish space will be open Thursday through Sunday, showcasing E Nolan’s sought-after ready-to-wear collection.

Highlights include refined shirting, the highly anticipated ‘perfect’ white t-shirt, the stunning L’Eclisse Pour E Nolan shoe collection, and elegant accessories. Visitors can shop thoughtful gifts under $150, with ready-to-wear and made-to-measure gift vouchers available.

Founder Emily Nolan will also be present, offering expert styling advice and a chance to experience her creative vision firsthand.

Thursday 21st November to Sunday 22nd December

Thursday & Friday, 10am to 5pm, Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Sunday, 12pm to 4pm

43 Derby Street, Collingwood

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

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 - Raymond Tan

Raya and Nimbo's Raymond Tan is finishing up The Piccolina Gelato Project series with three irresistibly quirky gelato flavors, available. Known for his beautiful desserts, Tan's creations are as fun as they are delicious.

Try the Pandan Iced Vovo or the Ube Custard Tart. Our eyes are on the dreamy Matcha Milkshake, infused with strawberry sherbet—perfect for the hot weather ahead!

These limited-edition treats are available at Piccolina locations across the city, but only for a week, so don’t miss out!

November 22nd to November 29th

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.