Looking for the best things to do in Melbourne this weekend? From blockbuster food festivals and pop-up markets to immersive art shows, live music gigs and family-friendly events, the city is heaving with must-see happenings.
Whether you’re craving hidden laneway bars, buzzy inner-north restaurants, big-ticket cultural exhibitions or free outdoor activities, our Urban List guide to what’s on in Melbourne is packed with the city’s hottest events, openings and experiences.
Keep scrolling for the tastiest eats, coolest activities and can’t-miss events lighting up Melbourne right now.
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Wondering what's on in Melbourne? Here are Urban List's picks for the best things to do in Melbourne this week, this month and beyond:
Wherefore Art Thou, Melbourne? Nadine Garner Brings Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet To Life With Live Choir
Image: Romeo + Juliet | Website
Prepare to be swept up in a whirlwind of star-crossed passion and powerhouse anthems. For its Melbourne debut, Sony Music Australia’s immersive live experience of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliethas found its perfect narrator: acclaimed Melbourne-born performer Nadine Garner.
For five days only, The Astor Theatre in St Kilda will be transformed into a multisensory Verona. As the iconic 1996 film plays, Garner will guide the audience through the tragedy, framed by a live band and choir performing the film’s legendary soundtrack, including ‘Kissing You’ and ‘Everybody’s Free’.
With multiple shows already sold out, this is a fiercely hot ticket. Beyond a screening, it’s a fully atmospheric event, promising to be one of the most unforgettable and immersive theatrical experiences this spring.
Where: The Astor Theatre, St Kilda
When: 23-28 September
Tickets: Limited availability via Ticketek.
Glow Get It: CherryHill's Blossom Festival Is Getting A Magical Night-Time Makeover
Image: CherryHill Orchards | Supplied
Spring nights in the Yarra Valley are about to get a fun upgrade as the enchanting Blossom by Light returns to CherryHill Orchards. From September, witness the breathtaking transformation of blooming cherry trees into a vibrant spectacle of light and colour after dark, with tons to do for the pups and tots.
Created by the experts behind Lightscape, this immersive experience features stunning light installations, crackling fire pits for marshmallow roasting, and delicious offerings from food trucks like Woking Amazing and Wildfire Pizzeria. Sip local wines from Balgownie Estate while wandering the illuminated orchard, a truly captivating experience for families and couples alike.
For the ideal spring getaway, pair your evening with an overnight stay and sunrise hot-air balloon flight. Don’t miss this special way to celebrate the season.
Where: Various Locations
When: From September 2025
Step Inside Four Ecosystems At Melbourne Museum's Epic New Immersive Gallery
Image: Our Wonderous Planet | Supplied
Discover how deeply we’re connected to the natural world at Our Wondrous Planet, the largest permanent gallery ever built at Melbourne Museum. This groundbreaking, multi-sensory experience spans 1,800 square metres, immersing you in four vital ecosystems: reef, rainforest, ice and soil.
Soar through a lush canopy, trigger a coral spawning under a full moon and feel the squelch of earthworms beneath your feet. It’s an awe-inspiring journey designed to ignite wonder at life’s incredible improbability. The experience goes deeper, exploring our shared ‘tree of life’ and connection to Country through a First Peoples-led space, before challenging visitors to make a difference in a collaborative future-focused zone.
Join in, this is a powerful, visceral call to protect our interconnected planet.
THE DETAILS
Where: 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
When: From 20 September 2025
Price: $18 for Adults, $12 for Seniors, Free For Children
Go Beneath The Mask For A Music & Fashion Fusion Ahead Of MFW
Image: Arts Centre Melbourne | Supplied
Arts Centre Melbourne invites you Beneath The Mask for Melbourne Fashion Week. They’re throwing a mashup party of music and fashion by creatives of colour on October 25. This extravaganza takes inspo from the Congolese Sapeur movement (“Sape”), a counter-culture fusion of fashion, culture and resistance.
Creative duo Moz and Urlik Mageza have a lineup of emerging music artists from Melbourne’s underground scene, including Congolese-Australian singer Ketsia and “Melbourne’s Lauryn Hill”, Missnancy as well as DJs to carry the party. But of course, it’s fashion week. Not only is there a showcase of pieces by Remuse Designs, Antiek East and Misplaced.au, spanning from Afro-futurism to streetwear, but all performers will be decked out in the designs. It’s more than an arty party, it’s an immersion of elegance, flamboyance and creativity (with drinks at the Amcor Lounge). Dress up, show up, make a statement.
Melbourne Is Getting Its First-Ever Burrata Festival & We're Already Clearing Our Calendars
Image: That's Amore Cheese | Supplied
Clear your diary, cheese fiends.
Australia’s leading artisan cheese producer That’s Amore Cheese is throwing the nation’s very first Burrata Festival—a one-night celebration of the silky, seductive centrepiece that is burrata.
Taking over the rooftop car park at South Melbourne Market, the festival promises creamy indulgence with burrata-filled bites, live music, cooking demonstrations, drinks and cheesy surprises galore. From the traditional to the unexpected, you’ll experience burrata like never before, courtesy of some of Melbourne’s favourite food and drink vendors.
Expect a stellar lineup of local food heroes putting their own spin on the beloved cheese, including Lasagna Lab, UGO Burrata Bar, Cannoleria, Farmer’s Daughters, Pistachio Papi, Zita’s and La Manna. Think grilled, fried, truffled—even burrata for dessert.
To keep spirits high there’ll be live Italian music, a DJ and roving entertainment, while the Lambretta Bar pours spritzes, wine by Vino Bambino and craft beer from Stomping Ground. Two exclusive Wine Selector masterclasses (limited to 40 tickets) will pair wine and cheese, and the Smeg Kitchen will host four live cooking demonstrations with guest chefs like Alejandro Saravia (Farmer’s Daughters) and Luca and Marco (the studs from Supernorma).
THE DETAILS
Where: Rooftop Carpark, South Melbourne Market, 322–326 Coventry Street, South Melbourne
When: Thursday 30 October 2025, 5–9pm
Price: $15-$20, plus VIP events from $100 and up
DinoFest Returns Promising A Roaring Good Time At Werribee Park Mansion This School Holidays
Image: DinoFest | Supplied
Returning to Werribee Park Mansion for its third year, DinoFest is the place to be this spring, to get the kids out in the fresh air—and get a break from watching reruns of Bluey.
Get in and see DinoFest 13-14 September before the crowds at their preview weekend and celebrate school holidays. The display will be open from 20 September to 5 October, with a final hurrah on the 11th and 12th, so you can be sure to not miss out on any part of the action.
With life-size walking dinosaurs that all attendees can admire, and even play with (if you’re not chicken), there’s no experience quite like it on offer. To go ahead rain or shine (save for heavy winds), there’s no reason not to head down to Werribee Park Mansion for the chance to travel back in time—like, WAY back in time.
Oktoberfest In The Gardens… In Melbourne!
Image: Oktoberfest | Supplied Words: Olivia Tiralosi
G’day Melbourne! Or should we say Guten Tag? For Oktoberfest in the Gardens is welcomed back in October for its third year running!
From 1-9pm on 18 October you can drown yourself in beers, ciders and wine and eat your way through Germany in the Catani Gardens of St Kilda West, right off Fitzroy Street.
With 65,000 people expected across the seven events over Australia, tickets are not something you want to miss when they release 30 July on Moshtix.
“In 2025, we’re taking Oktoberfest in the Gardens to the next level, [it] promises to be the most unforgettable year yet,” Oktoberfest in the Gardens [creator], Ross Drennan says.
Recognised as one of the top five Oktoberfest events in the world by Conde Nast Traveller, (bougie) this one of a kind festival, filled with food stalls, thrill rides, an eclectic mix of entertainment, and enough beer to flood Munich is not something you want to miss.
Feel, Play, Explore—The Museum of Desire is Calling
Image: Museum of Desire | Supplied
Ever wanted a museum visit to leave you blushing, breathless or just downright tempted? Melbourne’s Museum of Desire is about to make all your aesthetic and erotic dreams come true. This immersive playground of art and intimacy invites you to step into a world where curiosity is currency and touching (some things) is very much encouraged.
From interactive installations that let you orchestrate moans with a laser-controlled instrument to a photo booth where your hands and lips do all the work, this is not your standard “look, don’t touch” exhibition. Expect neon-lit seduction, queer art and experiences designed to make you think, laugh and maybe question why we ever made sex taboo in the first place.
With over 25 spaces to explore, whether you’re here for a date night, a friend adventure or just to see what all the moaning—I mean, buzz—is about, the Museum of Desire guarantees an unforgettable time.
THE DETAILS
When: Until October 2025, Check website for hours
Where: 92 Rupert St, Collingwood VIC 3066
How: Grab a ticket here (18+)
Main image credit: Melbourne CBD | Visit Victoria
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.
Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.
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