Things to Do in Melbourne

Tanuki Sake at Arlechin

A craft sake brewery is taking over the Grossi family's laneway bar for three weekends of Japanese rice wine plus matching snacks.

Arlechin, Melbourne

Book Tickets

Free Passata-Making Masterclass

Italian restaurant Tipico will teach you the fine art – for free – at Prahran Market.

Book Tickets

Uptown

The top end of Bourke Street has become a 24/7 outdoor art gallery, with 26 artists transforming vacant shopfronts and store windows.

Free Beef Buns at Maha Bar

Make a booking at Shane Delia’s newly reopened Collingwood spot this month, get one of these harissa-y braised beef buns for free.

Maha Bar, Collingwood

Book Tickets

At this new cuisine-crossing pop-up, Southeast Asian dishes get the Italian treatment. Think burrata with nasi lemak condiments, egg noodles with ’nduja XO, and roasted bone marrow with onion rendang.

Book Tickets

2nd Dec 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

Deliveroo Beach Delivery

Scored a primo spot on the sand but got hunger pangs? Don't budge – Deliveroo will bring your order to your towel.

11th Dec 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

Jimmy Brings $2 Delivery

Summer sessions, sorted. The Australia-wide booze-delivery service is toasting the end of 2020 with slashed delivery fees, all summer long.

23rd Nov 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

Share by KAWS at Pt Leo Estate

The cult New York-based artist recently flooded the NGV with his cartoonish, exuberant works. But you can now see one of his latest in an outdoor gallery by the sea.

15th Jan – 28th Feb 2021

Tonka x NGV pop-up at NGV Garden Restaurant

This exclusive modern Indian dining experience has been extended.

NGV Triennial, Southbank

2nd Feb – 28th Feb 2021

Everleigh-After

A multi-sensory drinking and dining experience inside a purpose-built projection cube, from the duo behind Bar Margaux, Heartbreaker and the Everleigh.

Book Tickets

28th Feb 2021

Sunday Social Club

Abbotsford tavern Lulie is hosting live jazz and $45 bottomless booze every Sunday in February.

Lulie, Abbotsford

Book Tickets

31st Oct 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

Lakeside at Carousel

The Half Acre team is popping up with picnic rugs and striped umbrellas on the lawns by Albert Park Lake. Expect meze platters with chicken shawarma and falafel; hot jam doughnuts; and Espresso Martinis and Margaritas. Plus, you can even hire your own bartender.

26th Feb – 28th Feb 2021

The Australian Ballet’s Summertime at the Ballet

The celebrated company returns with an arena spectacular.

Book Tickets

15th Feb – 28th Feb 2021

Readings Sale

The beloved independent book retailer has reopened its State Library shop, and to celebrate it's slashing prices on all books for two weeks.

12th Nov 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

QT Secret Rooftop Garden Bar

There's a Four Pillars bar hiding on a CBD rooftop – and it's sticking around all summer. Find the leafy oasis via a laneway, staff elevator and back-of-house doorway.

QT Melbourne, Melbourne

9th Dec 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

Melbourne Music Week – Extended

The annual city-wide celebration will reach across three months of summer with an all-local line-up.

Book Tickets

28th Feb 2021

Ricotta Festival

That’s Amore is getting hyper-specific with this celebration of the fluffy, whey-based cheese. Expect gnocchi, caponata, cannoli, Italian wines and more.

That’s Amore Cheese, Thomastown

Book Tickets

6th Feb – 28th Feb 2021

Pick Your Own Sunflowers

This sprawling property is blooming with bright sunflowers – and you can take your pick this weekend. Book your spot now.

Book Tickets

5th Nov 2020 – 1st Mar 2021

Nico's Sandwich Deli Fitzroy Pop-Up

Open for just one day pre-lockdown, city spot Nico's Sandwich Deli has to moved to the inner-north for a five-month pop-up.

4th Mar 2021

+39 Pizzeria x That’s Amore

Cheesy dishes star in this four-course degustation, featuring focaccia, fondue, pizza and more.

+39 Pizzeria and Antipasteria, Melbourne

Book Tickets

18th Feb – 7th Mar 2021

Photo 2021: International Festival of Photography

The photography of more than 120 artists will be on display across 65 cultural institutions, galleries and outdoor spaces, including 500 metres of Metro Tunnel hoarding covered in new work from international photogs. And it's all free.

7th Mar 2021

Opa Bota at Heide Summer Festival

Authentic contemporary Balkan brass music comes to Heide this summer.

Book Tickets

8th Mar 2021

Patricia Piccinini's Skywhales: Every Heart Sings

The contemporary visual artist first debuted the flying monolith Skywhale eight years ago. Now she's unveiled a second hot air balloon creature, and both will grace Canberra's skies together.

9th Mar 2021

Beci and Raph’s Feast for Freedom

Artist Beci Orpin and food-truck king Raph Rashid are coming together for a special family-style fundraising dinner, with South Asian dishes and drinks by Blackhearts & Sparrows.

Book Tickets

18th Feb – 10th Mar 2021

Love & Neon: The Cinema of Wong Kar Wai

See all of the influential director’s films on ACMI’s newly reopened big screen, in specially restored 4K resolution.

ACMI, Melbourne

Book Tickets

5th Mar – 11th Mar 2021

Melbourne Australian-Chinese Film Festival

The inaugural film festival showcases nine features from China, including critically acclaimed dramas and box office hits.

Book Tickets

13th Mar 2021

Napoleone Cider Festival

Local craft cider made with Australian-grown fruit is the star at this full-day garden party in the Yarra Valley.

Napoleone Cider Orchard Bar, Coldstream

Book Tickets

5th Dec 2020 – 14th Mar 2021

Unlimited Free Hummus and Tahini Samples

This summer, local business Tahini Neri is hitting two different Melbourne parks every weekend to dish out free samples.

5th Mar – 14th Mar 2021

Brunswick Music Festival

Melbourne's longest running inner-city music festival is back for 10 jam-packed days of live shows.

14th Feb – 14th Mar 2021

Lune Croissanterie Hot Suburbs Delivery

If you live more than five kilometres from the Fitzroy croissanterie, you can now order classic croissants and pains au chocolat; limited-edition, online-only pastries; and more. But you’ll have to get lucky with the suburb picks.

Lune Croissanterie, Fitzroy

1st Feb – 14th Mar 2021

Future Food System

In this 87-square-metre home and urban farm in the middle of the CBD, two of the country’s best chefs are living and cooking only what they grow. And you can get a taste of the experience at an intimate 14-person lunch or dinner.

Book Tickets

19th Jan – 14th Mar 2021

Come From Away

The smash-hit Broadway musical is based on the remarkable true story of a tiny-but-mighty town off the east coast of Canada that embraced thousands of stranded passengers on September 11.

Book Tickets

19th Jan – 14th Mar 2021

Peroni Aperitivo Experience at Garden State Hotel

Settle into a long afternoon with a charcuterie board flanked by the classic Italian beer.

Garden State Hotel, Melbourne

5th Dec 2020 – 15th Mar 2021

Overlapping Magisteria at ACCA

Five ambitious installations explore the cross-sections of nature and science, among other would-be exclusive domains, in surprisingly different and nuanced ways.

Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Southbank

15th Mar 2021

SOLD OUT: Jollibog

A trio of Melbourne's most promising Filipino chefs and restaurateur are coming together for a night of childhood favourites, updated.

Chibog, West Footscray

16th Mar – 17th Mar 2021

Conveniently Tokyo

In Japan's capital city, even a convenience store snack is sure to be a good feed. In homage, Tokyo Tina is souping up 7-Eleven and Lawson classics for two nights.

Tokyo Tina, Windsor

Book Tickets

20th Mar 2021

Return of the Untitled Day Party

The prolific festival organiser is storming back into action next March, with an epic dance party – featuring all-Aussie acts – at Coburg Velodrome.

Book Tickets

11th Mar – 20th Mar 2021

Melbourne Fashion Festival

Australia's longest-running consumer fashion event returns for its 25th year, with runways, a shopping takeover, panel discussions and curated food and drink experiences.

Book Tickets

4th Dec 2020 – 21st Mar 2021

The Exchange Pop-Up Beach Club

Hit the sand at Port Melbourne this summer for $2 oysters, $6 Aperol Spritzes and beers, and bottomless brunch.

8th Jan – 21st Mar 2021

Live at the Bowl

A massive season of open-air performances (with private decks for small groups) is coming to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl this summer. On the stacked line-up: Missy Higgins, Birds of Tokyo with the MSO, Hannah Gadsby and more.

Book Tickets

20th Jan – 21st Mar 2021

Me and UooUoo: The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail

The Royal Children’s Hospital is celebrating its 150th anniversary with an art trail showcasing work by emerging and established Melbourne artists.

22nd Feb – 25th Mar 2021

Aperitivo Hour at Prince Dining Room

$8 drinks on weekday afternoons.

Prince Dining Room, St Kilda

4th Feb – 25th Mar 2021

Topless Cinema

The annual Rooftop Cinema looks different this year: for one thing, there's no rooftop. But the show goes on, at MPavilion's repurposed Parkade carpark. Catch cult classics, French New Wave pioneers, recent dramas and more – all for free.

Book Tickets

11th Feb – 27th Mar 2021

Trash Magic: Alchemy of the Found Object

The found-object exhibition is hiding in a historic subway arcade, which may be demolished later this year.

4th Feb – 27th Mar 2021

Pimpisa Tinpalit: Silence #1.5

Contemporary art gallery Grau Projekt is reopening with a solo show by the sculptor and installation artist, plus tea meditations in a contemplative hut.

Grau Projekt, Clifton Hill

Book Tickets

26th Mar – 27th Mar 2021

Sizzlefest

Prahran Market’s annual celebration of all things barbequed, grilled and smoked.

27th Mar 2021

Mess at the Bowl

Homegrown electronic music takes centre stage at this diverse showcase, which ranges from producers and sound artists to a full synth orchestra.

Book Tickets

10th Dec 2020 – 28th Mar 2021

Pasta, Pizza and Cocktails at St Ali

The popular roasters are saluting Italian classics (and world-class drinks) this summer.

St Ali, South Melbourne

20th Feb – 28th Mar 2021

Melbourne Book Market

Thousands of new and pre-loved books, plus records, CDs and collectables.

28th Mar 2021

The Beer Run

Five kilometres, five breweries, five beers – hit the ground running.

Book Tickets

21st Jan – 28th Mar 2021

Peroni Aperitivo Experience at Pétanque Social

Pair your afternoon with a Bistro Guillaume charcuterie board and an Italian beer, right alongside the Yarra.

19th Dec 2020 – 28th Mar 2021

Garden Grazing at Domaine Chandon

Escape to the Yarra Valley for a sunny picnic with sparkling wine, cocktails and a grazing-style picnic box packed with local produce.

Book Tickets

18th Feb – 28th Mar 2021

50 Per Cent Off Your Bill for TheFork Festival

Six weeks of dining at dozens of Melbourne bars, cafes and restaurants – but you only pay half the food bill.

10th Feb – 28th Mar 2021

Feast for Freedom

Put on a spread for your mates and raise money for people seeking asylum. Learn to whip up some smokey baba ganoush, green falafel, baklava, kothu roti and a new dessert by Darren Purchese.

19th Mar – 28th Mar 2021

Spookhouse

Step inside a rickety fairground ghost train – at a secret location – for a spooky, labyrinthine exhibition by street artist Mysterious Al.

Book Tickets

13th Jan – 28th Mar 2021

Peroni Aperitivo Experience at The Osborne

Take your sweet time sharing seafood tacos, watermelon salad and Italian beer with friends at one of South Yarra’s most popular rooftops.

12th Mar – 31st Mar 2021

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival: March Edition

Next-level convenience-store eats at Tokyo Tina, family-style clam bakes at Belles Hot Chicken, Lune-croissant bread-and-butter pudding at a new 1000-person brunch and more.

Book Tickets

5th Dec 2020 – 31st Mar 2021

Rain Room at Jackalope Pavilion

After a sell-out 2019 season, the immersive art hit is reopening in December. And Broadsheet readers get first dibs.

Rain Room at Jackalope Pavilion, St Kilda

Book Tickets

1st Mar – 31st Mar 2021

Laps for Life

Jump in the water this March, swim for a cause and raise funds (plus awareness) for mental health and suicide prevention among the youth.

16th Nov 2020 – 31st Mar 2021

Becoming You: An Incomplete Guide at the Immigration Museum

Go back in time through rooms of enquiry with a host of extraordinary guides.

Book Tickets

1st Nov 2020 – 31st Mar 2021

Moonlight Cinema

The outdoor cinema will pop up in idyllic inner-city spots in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide from November.

18th Feb – 4th Apr 2021

Melbourne Street Eatz

A rotating selection of food trucks are parking along the Yarra River each week, with drinks from pop-up bars, live music, garden games and more.

Book Tickets

5th Feb – 4th Apr 2021

Four Pillars High Seas

Classic high tea gets a nautical makeover with tiered stands of seafood and gin-infused toppings.

Book Tickets

1st Feb – 4th Apr 2021

Peroni Aperitivo Experience at Pure South

Enjoy an afternoon of classic Italian beers paired with aperitivo specials that are perfect for sharing.

Pure South, Southbank

8th Jan – 5th Apr 2021

MPavilion

The free architecture and design pop-up has moved into an old CBD carpark with a program of music, insightful talks and workshops, including yoga and circus days for kids.

10th Feb – 6th Apr 2021

The Piccolina Gelato Project: Eight Chefs in Eight Weeks

Eight of Victoria's top chefs are collaborating with Piccolina on three bespoke flavours each, available for seven days only. First up: jasmine tea custard and Hong Kong milk tea gelato from Lee Ho Fook's Victor Liong. And later: flavours from Embla's Dave Verheul, Shannon Martinez, Tom Sarafian and more. Each shop will remain scooping throughout Melbourne's five-day lockdown.

16th Apr 2021

Synthony

The Sidney Myer Music Bowl is turning into an outdoor nightclub with this orchestra and DJ mashup concert celebrating three decades of dance music.

Book Tickets

19th Dec 2020 – 18th Apr 2021

Moja Moja Life: Misaki Kawai for Kids

The Japanese artist has transformed the ground floor of the NGV into a playground of larger-than-life fluffy friends.

NGV Triennial, Southbank

24th Mar – 18th Apr 2021

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2021

All the big events – including The Gala and the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow – are back, with heaps of local talent alongside international acts.

Book Tickets

14th Feb – 18th Apr 2021

Daylesford Longhouse Cooking Classes

Learn how to improvise pasta, cook flaky roti with aromatic curry, take care of sourdough starter and more in a self-sufficient, 110-metre-long greenhouse on a windy hilltop farm.

Book Tickets

19th Dec 2020 – 18th Apr 2021

NGV Triennial

A soaring, mirrored sculpture of a Roman goddess by Jeff Koons; a chapel-like structure in the garden by renowned French artist JR; and a gallery wrapped in fruit-covered wallpaper. They’re just three of the 86 projects by more than 100 artists and designers.

NGV International, Southbank

Book Tickets

6th Feb – 24th Apr 2021

Shaun Gladwell: Homo Suburbiensis

One of Australia's great contemporary artists is debuting new works, continuing his long exploration of mobility and fluctuation.

Anna Schwartz Gallery, Melbourne

21st Nov 2020 – 30th Apr 2021

Archie Rose Virtual Gin Tasting

The award-winning Sydney distillery is delivering a series of at-home spirits experiences, just in time for Christmas.

Book Tickets

31st Jan – 30th Apr 2021

30 Per Cent Off Off-Peak Public Transport

Commuting in the quieter periods? Public Transport Victoria wants to help you save on travel.

3rd Dec 2020 – 1st May 2021

Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears Exhibition

Marvel at intricate dresses and costumes from the 1920s period drama, then solve an interactive murder mystery yourself.

Book Tickets

3rd Feb – 1st May 2021

Tom Sarafian Residency at Little Andorra

Bar Saracen's former head chef is bringing some of the eatery's best loved dishes (including the spanner crab and prawn hummus) to a Carlton North pop-up for three months.

Little Andorra, Carlton North

Book Tickets

27th Feb – 16th May 2021

Rone in Geelong

The first comprehensive solo survey of the celebrated street artist’s career is being exhibited in his hometown.

Book Tickets

6th Mar – 29th May 2021

Xe54 at The Bottom End

After closing last year, Southbank’s electronic haven is being resurrected at a multi-level CBD venue (with a 24-hour licence).

The Bottom End, Melbourne

12th Dec 2020 – 30th May 2021

Gung at Melbourne Museum

History and heritage intertwine in the work of award-winning artist Kelly Koumalatsos, who merges traditional possum skin cloak-making with western screenprinting techniques.

Book Tickets

21st Feb – 30th May 2021

Bottomless Vegan Curry Nights at Horn Please

On Sundays, get all-you-can-eat vegan curries and rice for just 25 bucks at this Fitzroy North spot.

Horn Please, Fitzroy North

Book Tickets

10th Nov 2020 – 31st May 2021

West Side Place Artcade

A vacant CBD retail arcade has been transformed into an immersive public art gallery with works by Rone, Adnate, Reko Rennie and more.

23rd Feb 2019 – 25th Aug 2021

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The spectacularly magical stage play picks up 19 years after the last book ends, and has returned to the Princess Theatre after a nearly year-long hiatus.

Book Tickets

1st Jun – 31st Aug 2021

Postponed: Lightscape

See the Royal Botanic Gardens in a whole new light at this month-long winter walk.

Book Tickets

16th Oct 2021

Grapevine Gathering

A wine and music pairing set at a Yarra Valley winery, featuring performances by Peking Duk, Jungle Giants, San Cisco, The Veronicas, Vera Blue and more.

Book Tickets

23rd Oct 2021

Sold Out: Pitch Black

Pitch Music & Arts Festival is back in 2021 – but not as you know it. This giant, multi-level scaffold structure is popping up in Melbourne for a one-day-only, open-air dance party.

Book Tickets

4th Dec 2021

Duke Street Block Party 2021

The second instalment of this Abbotsford block party has just been rescheduled for 2021 – and one of the original international headliners is on board.

Book Tickets

18th Feb – 19th Dec 2021

Mirka at the Jewish Museum of Australia

The exhibition goes beyond the artist’s paintings, highlighting never-shown works, historical mementos and drawings that’ll immerse you in the Melbourne icon’s world of art, food and famous friends. Plus, a soundscape that uses Mirka’s own voice will guide you through the space.

Book Tickets

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26th Feb – 27th Feb 2021

Tanuki Sake at Arlechin

Arlechin, Melbourne

27th Feb 2021

Free Passata-Making Masterclass

15th Dec 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

Uptown

2nd Feb – 28th Feb 2021

Free Beef Buns at Maha Bar

Maha Bar, Collingwood

5th Dec 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

Summer Exp by Sunda

2nd Dec 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

Deliveroo Beach Delivery

11th Dec 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

Jimmy Brings $2 Delivery

23rd Nov 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

Share by KAWS at Pt Leo Estate

15th Jan – 28th Feb 2021

Tonka x NGV pop-up at NGV Garden Restaurant

NGV Triennial, Southbank

2nd Feb – 28th Feb 2021

Everleigh-After

28th Feb 2021

Sunday Social Club

Lulie, Abbotsford

31st Oct 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

Lakeside at Carousel

26th Feb – 28th Feb 2021

The Australian Ballet’s Summertime at the Ballet

15th Feb – 28th Feb 2021

Readings Sale

12th Nov 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

QT Secret Rooftop Garden Bar

QT Melbourne, Melbourne

9th Dec 2020 – 28th Feb 2021

Melbourne Music Week – Extended

28th Feb 2021

Ricotta Festival

That’s Amore Cheese, Thomastown

6th Feb – 28th Feb 2021

Pick Your Own Sunflowers

5th Nov 2020 – 1st Mar 2021

Nico's Sandwich Deli Fitzroy Pop-Up

4th Mar 2021

+39 Pizzeria x That’s Amore

+39 Pizzeria and Antipasteria, Melbourne

18th Feb – 7th Mar 2021

Photo 2021: International Festival of Photography

7th Mar 2021

Opa Bota at Heide Summer Festival

8th Mar 2021

Patricia Piccinini's Skywhales: Every Heart Sings

9th Mar 2021

Beci and Raph’s Feast for Freedom

18th Feb – 10th Mar 2021

Love & Neon: The Cinema of Wong Kar Wai

ACMI, Melbourne

5th Mar – 11th Mar 2021

Melbourne Australian-Chinese Film Festival

13th Mar 2021

Napoleone Cider Festival

Napoleone Cider Orchard Bar, Coldstream

5th Dec 2020 – 14th Mar 2021

Unlimited Free Hummus and Tahini Samples

5th Mar – 14th Mar 2021

Brunswick Music Festival

14th Feb – 14th Mar 2021

Lune Croissanterie Hot Suburbs Delivery

Lune Croissanterie, Fitzroy

1st Feb – 14th Mar 2021

Future Food System

19th Jan – 14th Mar 2021

Come From Away

19th Jan – 14th Mar 2021

Peroni Aperitivo Experience at Garden State Hotel

Garden State Hotel, Melbourne

5th Dec 2020 – 15th Mar 2021

Overlapping Magisteria at ACCA