What’s On: The Best Things To Do In Melbourne This Weekend To Escape The Spring Rain
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
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.
We want you to be the first in the know. Join Urban List Insiders, we’ll shoot you all Melbourne’s best things to eat, drink and do every week.
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:
Vietjet's Melbourne Vibing Festival Brings Free Vietnam Flights And Docklands Feasts This Saturday
Image Credit: Vietjet | Supplied
Say xin chào to summer vibes—Vietjet is turning up the heat at Docklands this weekend with Melbourne Vibing, a free full-day cultural festival powered by the City of Melbourne and expecting over 3,000 attendees in one of the city's most diverse neighbourhoods.
On Saturday 13 December, Ron Barassi Senior Park transforms into a colourful hub of live stage performances, roaming entertainers and hands-on art workshops. There will be live spoken word, cultural demos and community chats, along with a local makers’ marketplace and a global food precinct—all channeling that signature Melbourne creativity.
Vietjet, with its expanding routes from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Ho Chi Minh City (plus onward Asia-Pacific spots), is hooking up festival-goers with a lucky draw for free round-trip flights to Vietnam, 20% off select fares, plus merch and giveaways all day.
Beyond the fun, it’s got heart—supporting Destiny Rescue Australia in protecting kids from human trafficking.
Catch Melbourne Vibing on Saturday 13 December at Ron Barassi Senior Park, Docklands, rom 11am to 9pm. The event is free and open to all ages.
The World’s Oldest Children’s Bookshop Has A New Home In Brunswick East
Image Credit: The Little Bookroom | Website
A big win for little readers: The Little Bookroom has opened in East Brunswick Village! Founded in 1960 in Melbourne’s Metropole Arcade, this specialist spot is dedicated to children’s books, storytelling and imagination—welcoming all young bookworms from babies to teens.
You’ll find everything on these shelves, from early learning publications and pretty picture books to collected fairy tales, hardcover classics, iconic series we grew up with (Narnia and Nancy Drew, anyone?), fresh YA novels and more.
Despite moving locations a few times, The Little Bookroom has remained open and trading for 65 years (and still features bookshelves from the original shop!). Its new home in the heart of East Brunswick Village places it within a lively hub of shops, dining and entertainment—where parents can grab a wine, catch a movie or let kids roam in the local brewpub. It’s not tucked away in suburban nothingness, which is a welcome relief for millennial parents who still want to enjoy the good things with their little ones.
Beyond books, the shop entertains and educates with author and illustrator events—including book launches—plus workshops, storytime sessions and school programs.
The newly-reopened Little Bookroom is located at 8 Village Avenue, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Popcorn With The Pooches? Dogs Are Welcome To Moonlight Cinema This Summer & There's Snacks To Match!
Image: Moonlight Cinema X Lyka | Supplied
Moonlight Cinemas across the country are opening up the gates for furry friends to come sit and watch the big screen from Wednesday, 3 December.
Running ‘til 5 April 2026, the cinema will be set up in Royal Botanic Gardens. With offerings across all major cities excluding Perth, it sounds like it’s gonna be a summer of tail wagging. Watching a film with your dog always increases the magic of the moment—especially when you're under the stars.
Dogs running around could make for a pretty engaging movie night, especially with the paired snacks that are provided at the door, courtesy of Lyka, the gourmet dog food meals on wheels service. You could be eating popcorn while your best friend chews down a Turkey Dental Jerky treat from a specialised goodie bag. Good boy.
Things sound like they could get interesting with that many dogs running around—but we’re here for the plot.
NGV Set To Dazzle With Their Upcoming Cartier Exhibition
Image: NGV / Cartier Exhibition | Supplied
Don your petticoat and collect your monocle for this dazzling new exhibition featuring all things sparkly from tiaras to necklaces and timepieces.
Cartier is gearing up to grace Melbourne with a never-before-seen exhibit of their finest jewels from June to October in 2026 at The National Gallery of Victoria.
The collection will include the house’s signature ‘Garland style’ tiara, worn by the one and only Rihanna (royalty in her own right) in 2016.
And for all the crows out there, worry not, for plenty of other shiny bits that have graced the very heads of Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Margaret, and The Duchess of Windsor will be present.
Cartier currently boasts a whopping 3,500 pieces in a growing collection, and with 300 of those jewels set to visit Melbourne, in a panoply of gems, the exclusive display is one of a kind.
“This exhibition is set to be a brilliant addition to our arts and cultural calendar, providing tourists and locals alike a unique opportunity to see treasures never before seen in Australia,” Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks says.
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 January 2026, Check website for hours
Where: 92 Rupert St, Collingwood VIC 3066
How: Grab a ticket here (18+)
Main image credit: NGV | Supplied
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.
Keen for more of Melboune's best?
The 10 Best Restaurants In Melbourne Right Now
Melbourne’s Best Bars For A Boozy Good Time In 2025
