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Whether it's Dolly Parton hitting the Comedy Theatre stage bootstraps and rhinestones in tow, or the awaited return of Lightscape’s epic winter trail, Melbourne’s serving up another weekend of top-tier happenings.
Comedy lovers can catch a second round of laughs at Replay Festival, or see Casey Donovan shine in the Tony Award-winning Kimberly Akimbo, whilst K-pop stans can soak up STAYC at Festival Hall.
Fashion lovers, you're going to want to get amongst the steals on offer at The Finders Keepers market, while your not-so shopping-savvy significant other warms up in Collingwood’s luxe Sense of Self bathhouse. And if you’re craving a little nature fix? The Den of Nargun trail is your best bet.
Here’s everything that’s on in Melbourne this weekend, Friday 12 July to Sunday 14 July.
A Dolly Parton Musical Is Hitting Melbourne With Hits, Heart, And A Whole Lot Of Sass
Image: Supplied | Ticketeck
Get ready to channel your inner rhinestone cowboy because Here You Come Again is landing in Melbourne for one glitter-dusted night only. Set during lockdown, this feel-good musical sees a down-and-out superfan receive an unexpected visit from Dolly Parton herself—well, sort of. Expect 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, and more, wrapped in a story that’s equal parts heart and hilarity. Whether you're a lifelong Dolly lover or just here for the vibes, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
A Tony-Winning Musical About A Teen With A Rare Aging Condition Hits Melbourne Theatre Company
Southbank Theatre, The Sumner, Southbank Boulevard, now playing until Saturday 17 August
Fresh from Broadway and making its Aussie debut, Kimberly Akimbo is the offbeat, big-hearted musical shaking up the Melbourne Theatre Company stage. Starring powerhouse Casey Donovan, it follows a wise-beyond-her-years teen navigating the chaos of high school, first crushes, and a rare rapid-aging condition. It’s quirky, a good laugh, and surprisingly moving, with a score that'll stick with you long after curtain call. If you like your musicals with a side of weird and wonderful, this is your winter theatre fix.
Melbourne’s Dreamiest Night Walk Is Back To Light Up Your Winter Evenings
Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue, nightly from 5:30 pm, now until Sunday 4 August
Image: Supplied | Lightscape
Lightscape has officially returned—and it's bigger, brighter, and even more magical than you remember. The beloved winter light trail has transformed the Royal Botanic Gardens into a glowing wonderland of colour, sound, and larger-than-life installations. Expect luminous tunnels, flickering fields of light, and dreamy soundscapes as you wind your way through the gardens under the stars. Whether you’re on a date, out with the fam, or flying solo, this after-dark experience is a must. Be sure to book ahead, because this one always sells out.
This Comedy Fest Encore Is Bringing Back The Big Hitters
Comedy Republic, Bourke Street, running all of July
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival may be over, but the laughs live on. Replay Festival is taking over Comedy Republic for the entire month, bringing back a handpicked lineup of 2025’s most iconic stand-up sets. It’s your second chance to catch the best acts, viral moments, and cult faves—minus the ticket panic. Think of it as comedy’s greatest hits, on demand.
K-Pop Queens STAYC Are Taking Over Festival Hall This Saturday
Festival Hall, Dudley Street, Saturday 12 July, doors from 6pm
Image: STAYC | Supplied
STAYC girls, it’s about to go down. Yup, one of K-pop’s fastest-rising girl groups is landing in Melbourne for one night only—and yes, it’s going to be chaos in the best way possible. Expect flawless choreography, big vocals, and fan chants echoing off the walls of Festival Hall. If you’re not already STAYC-obsessed, prepare to be converted.
Soak, Sip And Celebrate NAIDOC Week At Peninsula Hot Springs
Peninsula Hot Springs, Springs Lane, Fingal, Friday 11 July, from 9am
Peninsula Hot Springs, Springs Lane, Fingal, Friday 11 July, from 9am
This Friday, Peninsula Hot Springs transforms into a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture for NAIDOC Week. Start your day with a brew from the Blak Fig Coffee Caravan, supporting First Nations hospitality training. Engage in complimentary mindfulness, art, and sound healing sessions that honor the theme The Next Generation: Strength, Vitality and Legacy. As the sun sets, enjoy a soulful performance by acclaimed singer-songwriter Dan Sultan on the Amphitheatre stage. It's a day of reflection, connection, and rejuvenation in the serene embrace of the hot springs.
Melbourne’s Favourite Indie Design Market Is Back This Weekend
Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton, Friday 12 – Sunday 14 July
Image: Supplied | Finders Keepers Market
The Finders Keepers Design Market returns for another epic round, bringing over 250 stalls of homewares, fashion, art, ceramics, and covetable slow-made pieces to the Royal Exhibition Building. It’s a haven for depop-girlies, design lovers, and a goldmine for gifting and of course, a weekend treat yourself moment.
Queen Vic Market’s Winter Night Wonderland Is Serving Mulled Wine & Street Eats
Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Wednesday nights through winter
Every Wednesday night throughout July, Queen Vic Market transforms into Melbourne’s ultimate winter warm-up. Expect crackling fire pits, global street food, live tunes, and all the mulled wine your mittens can hold. It’s an after-hours vibe you don’t want to miss. Plus, it’s perfect for a cosy date night.
The Den of Nargun Is The Tranquil Winter Walk You Didn’t Know You Needed
Mitchell River National Park, East Gippsland, accessible year-round
Trade the city chaos for ancient forests, misty creeks, and a little mythological magic. The Den of Nargun Circuit Walk is an underrated winter escape steeped in Gunaikurnai lore. It’s peaceful, lush, and the perfect excuse to throw on your boots and go bush for the day.
This Luxe Collingwood Bathhouse Is The Steamy Winter Retreat Of Your Dreams
Sense of Self, Cambridge Street, Collingwood, open daily
When Melbourne’s chill sets in, this is where you go to thaw out in style. Sense of Self in Collingwood is all about slow wellness—with a dreamy mineral bath, hot and cold therapy, and plush lounges that practically beg you to stay all day. You’ll leave lighter, warmer, and stoked with the knowledge that you have this Sunday you are better than everyone else.
Melbourne’s Festival Of Fire And Light Is Back To Warm Up Your Winter
If you're planning on cosying up and leaving home only for the most impressive events this winter you're in luck, because Firelight Festival is set to return bigger and brighter than ever.
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