It's 2025, and Melbourne's cultural grounds are firing on all burners with plenty of things to do. Festivals, cheap eats, and more are all ripe for the filling of that social calendar, and your stomach. The real question is how many of these can you fit into one week?
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:
Pints, Tunes and Wild Bites at High Country Hop
Image: The High Country Hop | Supplied
If your ideal weekend involves world-class craft beer, delicious eats and a music lineup that slaps, High Country Hop has you covered. This Beechworth festival is basically a beer lover’s fever dream, packed with top-tier brews, exclusive dining experiences and enough live music to keep your feet moving long after last call.
Think Spanish feasts, wild pies (literally), and a recovery lunch designed to bring you back to life. The soundtrack? A mix of electronic icons, garage-punk queens and future-soul vibes—plus an exclusive beer collab to wash it all down.
What more do you need?
Image: Malin x Runa | Supplied
For one night only, in what can only be described as a match made in culinary heaven, Malin Head Chef Clement Pilatre and Hopper Joint Head Chef Ronith Arlikatti are joining forces. They’re composing a six course dinner that flawlessly intertwines Indian and French cuisine.
Think duck cromesquis with truffle and mushroom, red tuna with mustard ice cream, and a cheese course showcasing ossau-iraty with jurancon sorbet and yellow peach cinnamon compote.
As if we weren’t already drooling, the optional wine pairing features carefully curated tipples made by Indian producers based in Australia.
The Details:
When: Monday 7 April
Where: 687 Rathdowne St Carlton North
Cost: $165pp
How: Book your seat here.
Dust Off Your Broom Stick Because The Wizarding World Is Coming To Brunswick
Image: Harry Potter Exhibition | Supplied
Calling all witches, wizards, and Muggles. This Harry Potter exhibition has been all around the world and now it’s making its way to Melbourne. Having been visited by 3.3 million Potterheads so far, it’s not surprising that the first few days of the Melbourne leg are already booking out.
This is a wildly interactive experience where you can brew potions and duel a Boggart in a Hogwarts classroom, cast your Patronus in the Forbidden Forest, visit the cupboard under the stairs, and get your hands on a frosty cold glass of Butterbeer.
The Details:
When: Friday 4 April - Monday 9 June
Where: Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre, Brunswick
Cost: From $36 for adults and $28 for kids
How: Book your spot here
Revs Up With Jack’s Rides & Jack’s Garage
Image: Jack's Garage | Supplied
This racing season, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is turbocharging Melbourne’s streets with two epic fan experiences: Jack’s Rides and Jack’s Garage. From 14–16 March, buckle up for Jack’s Rides, where you can hop into a luxury, racing-inspired sportscar for a complimentary thrill ride between The Espy in St Kilda and Crown Melbourne. With on-board headsets and a Jack Daniel’s cocktail to toast the ride, it’s the ultimate race-day warm-up.
For the first time, Jack’s Garage at The Espy (13–16 March) will transform into a race fan’s paradise, featuring McLaren F1 memorabilia, signature whiskey cocktails like the Last Lap Lemonade, and live music from acts like Durand Jones & The Indications, Nina Las Vegas, and Brad Cox.
Tickets for live gigs are on sale now, with proceeds supporting Support Act. Book your Jack’s Rides spot from 7 March—don’t miss this high-octane weekend!
The Details:
When: 14-16 March, various times
Where: Crown Melbourne, The Espy
Cost: See website
How: Book your spot here
Enjoy Post-Race-Day Drinks With Glenfiddich
Image: Glenfiddich / Supplied
Formula One fever has hit Melbourne, and if you're looking to enjoy a post-race-day drink, Glenfiddich and Aston Martin have partnered for the ultimate pit stop. From 13-16 March, the scenic rooftop of QT Melbourne, which will be transformed into Club 1959.
Taking its name from the year that the Aston Martin F1 team was first established, you'll be able to enjoy Glenfiddich's signature drop while local DJs such as Clara Yates, Bos Housen and Kayla Bruno will perform from 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday, while Emily Gurr will headline on Sunday.
Not only will Glenfiddich’s exclusive 1959 bottling be on display, but you'll also have the opportunity to get up close to genuine 2025 racing gear that's been worn by Fernando Alonso.
The Details:
When: 13-15 March, from 6pm to midnight daily
Where: QT Melbourne
How: More info here
Chase Fresh Connections With Club Sup
In the spirit of chasing more fresh connections in 2025, we've teamed up with Listerine to throw a series of intimate dinners. The best part? We've asked Sophie McIntyre, founder of the chic dinner party series Club Sup, to do it with us.
Heading to Earth Angels on Wednesday 12 March, expect a slew of delicious dishes across three courses, all curated by Club Sup. There'll be a refreshing cocktail on arrival, wine throughout the night, and conversation cards to keep the chat flowing.
THE DETAILS
When: 6:30pm, Wednesday 12 March
Where: Earth Angels, 225-229 Victoria St, West Melbourne
Cost: $105 per person
How: Get tickets and more info here.
Must-See Aussie Flick SPIT Hits Cinemas
Image: SPIT | SuppliedTHE DETAILS
Where: Select cinemas (see where here).
Find out more here.
Pair Modern Americana Eats With High-Octane Excitement
Marmont at Crown is revved up and ready this March, just in time for one of the fastest events on our calendar—the Formula One Grand Prix. Inspired by the sunny California coast, this new kid on the block on Crown Riverwalk is serving up live vinyl DJs, Marmont dry martinis aplenty, and fresh Americana-inspired dishes. Tuck into buttermilk fried chicken with pickled chilli and scallop tostadas to keep you fuelled all weekend long.
And that’s not all—we have it on good authority that the official afterparty is happening here on Friday and Saturday featuring a lineup of DJs, surprise headliners, scallop ceviche tostadas and Marmont skinny pink margs flowing late into the night.
THE DETAILS
When: Friday 14 March - Sunday 16 March, 7pm - 11pm
Where: Marmont at Crown Riverwalk
Cost: Free
How: Learn more here.
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: Wednesdays-Sundays, Check website for hours
Where: 92 Rupert St, Collingwood VIC 3066
How: Grab a ticket here (18+)
Step Into A Flowery Wonderland At KaBloom
Image: Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers | Supplied
Channel your inner fairy prince or princess as you step into a floral paradise at the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers, where over a million blooms will transform the Dandenong Ranges into a kaleidoscope of colour. Wander through five acres of flowers including sunflowers, salvias, marigolds, and dahlias that are arranged in intricate patterns.
You can even go for a spin on the KaBloom Ferris Wheel for a stunning bird’s-eye view of the flowers. But more than just a flower wonderland, you’ll find an extravaganza of amusements: lively acrobats, giant bubbles, fairy story tellers, train rides and a garden maze. Whether you’re looking for a school holiday adventure with the kids or want to take yourself on a sensory day out in nature, this is a delightful Autumn experience.
THE DETAILS
When: Saturday, 29 March to Sunday, 27 April
Where: 357 Monbulk Road, Silvan
Cost: From $24.50 for adults, free for children under 16
How: You can book tickets here.
Wander This Massive Immersive Lighting Experience in Weribee
Image: LIT | Supplied
Weribee is getting LIT this Autumn and it’s going to be one big treat for the eyeballs. This is an immersive, dream-like experience with a whole host of incredible light installations. Think fifty giant iridescent bubbles, a 27m glowing sculpture that’s representative of the Kaurna Peoples, towering Australian wildflowers and holographic projections. If you’re feeling gloomy about the end of daylight savings, this festival will make you glad the sun’s gone down early.
THE DETAILS
When: Saturday, 27 March to Sunday, 13 April 7pm - 11pm
Where: Wyndham Park, Werribee
Cost: Free
How: Learn more here.
Spend A Night At The Museum With None Of The Kids And All Of The Fun
Image Credit: Melbourne Museum After Dark | Tim Carrafa
If you’ve been waiting to live out all your Night at the Museum childhood fantasies, the time has come. Only this reality could be even better than your imagination.
Melbourne Museum is hosting Nocturnal, an adults only night every month from February to December. Think DJ sets, dinosaur-inspired drag bingo, comedian-hosted trivia and literally so much more.
Kicking off on Valentine’s Eve, (yes, it's a thing) the first event celebrates love in all its forms. Fall in love (platonic or romantic) at the speed dating, have a boogie at the silent disco and listen in on some thought-provoking discussions.
You probably won’t be chased through the museum by a playful tyrannosaurus skeleton called ‘Rexy’ but then again, who knows.
THE DETAILS
When: Various dates
Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Cost: Tickets from $20
How: See the stacked line-up and book your tickets here.
The World’s Most Unique Sensory Adventure Is Now Open In Melbourne
Image: SENSAS | Supplied
Are you ready for a sensory adventure unlike any other? SENSAS, the global sensation blending sensory deprivation and imagination has made its way from France to Melbourne and we are so ready.
So what is it? SENSAS takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions as you navigate six themed rooms, many cloaked in total darkness. From testing your memory in the Smell Lab, to twisting through laser beams in the pitch-black Sight Lab, to snapping reality-bending pics in the Anti-Gravity Room (providing a very cool selfie opp), every challenge is designed to surprise, delight, and push your limits.
Perfect for team-building days, family outings, or a unique catch-up with mates, SENSAS promises unforgettable moments and stacks of fun. Best of all, beyond collaborating with your crew you’ll also contribute to an important cause: every victory earns your team charms that transform into real donations for disability focused charities.
THE DETAILS:
When: Various times
Where: 6 Garden Street, South Yarra
Cost: From $55 per person
How: Bookings right here
Unlimited Surf Lessons At URBNSURF
Image credit: URBNSURF | Supplied
With the weather warming up, what better way to soak up the sunshine than to live out the surfer life you’ve always wanted without making the hike to Torquay. URBNSURF is Melbourne’s only man-made surf park pumping out some serious, ocean-like waves—and they have a hot deal available for beginners this summer.
It’s called an Unlimited Lessons Pass, and it gets you 99 surf in the bay sessions and complimentary wetsuit hire, eight beginner lessons, four progressive lessons and one cruiser or roller lesson, all valid within 30 days of purchase.. Sounds good? We think so too—go get it.
THE DETAILS
When: Bookable now
Where: URBNSURF Melbourne, 309 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine VIC 3043
Get an Unlimited Lessons pass here.
Holey Moley’s Funhouse
Image credit: Holey Moley | Zennieshia Butts
Get ready for a terrific time at Funhouse, the latest addition to the Holey Moley fam. Moving away from traditional putters and balls—this nine-hole adventure is all about interactive challenges like throwing games, memory tests, and putt-putt pong.
Think neon lights, disco balls, and vibrant booths setting the stage for you and your crew to battle it out for the greatest score while sipping on your fave drinks, of course. It’s probably the only place where crawling into a ball pit is socially acceptable too.
THE DETAILS
When: Open daily
Where: 590 Little Bourke Street, CBD Melbourne 3000 VIC AU
Purchase tickets over here.
Brace Yourself: 123BOOM! Is About To Explode Onto The Scene
Image: 123BOOM! | Supplied
Melbourne, it’s time to level up your entertainment game because 123BOOM! has officially landed. This adrenaline-pumping, in-real-life arcade experience combines high-stakes puzzles, mind-bending challenges, and a hit of nostalgia, all guaranteed to have you and your crew racing against the clock.
Perfect for squads of 4–8 players, 123BOOM! invites bold thrill-seekers to dive headfirst into six immersive rooms, each with its own unique twist. Blending the excitement of escape rooms, the drama of live theater, and the chaos of an arcade, it’s an epic adventure like no other.
Whether you’re dodging lasers, testing your aim in carnival-style games, or navigating a virtual lava world, every room delivers action-packed fun. And then comes the ultimate test: disarming a paint-filled bomb before it blows. With your squad’s pride (and a lot of paint) on the line, teamwork and quick thinking are your only ways to win.
THE DETAILS:
When: Various times
Where: 551 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Cost: Prices start from $43 per person
How: Bookings right here
Thrive In '25 With A Free Goodie Bag From T2
Image: Urban List | Supplied
To help you shake up your wellness routine in 2025, we've teamed up with T2 to give away free goodie bags at selected wellness spaces across Melbourne. Packed with a stack of different brews, you can bag yours at Inner Studio in Collingwood, The Head Spa by Hikari in Malvern, 1R in South Yarra, Upstate in Warranwood, and Love Athletica In Hawthorn East.
So whether you're starting your day with a hot Pilates flow or winding down with a sauna after work, you can take a little self-care home with you.
THE DETAILS:
When: 17 February - 2 March
Where: Various venues
For more information, head here.
Summer Just Got Bigger at Funfields Theme Park
Image: Funfields | Supplied
Nothing screams “summer vibes” louder than a day at Funfields Theme Park, and this year, they’re turning up the heat with two brand-spankin’ new attractions. Say g’day to the Cyber Drift bumper cars and the Lava Lagoon heated lazy river—the perfect mix of action and relaxation for your summer escape.
Get ready to level up your dodgem game with Cyber Drift, where classic bumper car fun meets a neon-soaked cyberpunk metropolis. If relaxation is more your speed, then the Lava Lagoon lazy river has your name on it. Float your way through tropical bliss right next to Volcano Beach, Victoria’s first outdoor heated wave pool. And for the ultimate summer chill, treat yourself to one of the luxe VIP cabanas—because you deserve it.
THE DETAILS:
When: 10am-6pm everyday
Where: 2365 Plenty Road, Whittlesea
Cost: From $49 per person
How: Grab a ticket here
Get Your Boogie On At Kingpin's Pixel Experience
Image credit: Pixel | Supplied
Kids and kids-at-heart listen up! After making the rounds on TikTok and in over 85 locations worldwide, this addictive sensation has finally landed in Melbourne. Heart-pounding, laughter-inducing grid tile game Pixel is an interactive test of agility and speed. Bust a move on the light up disco dance floor with multicoloured panels. You have to run and jump and spin and stomp to complete each level. Battle it out with four different games and try not to fall in the Pixel lava.
THE DETAILS
When: Various times
Where: Kingpin – 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
For more information, head here.
Collingwood Children's Farm
Image credit: Collingwood Children's Farm | Website
One for young and old, The Collingwood Children's Farm provides a perfect bucolic escape from the city, without really leaving the city. Take a walks through the community gardens, get some fresh air, and even meet the baby lambs.
THE DETAILS
When: Open seven days a week, 9:30am until 4:30pm
Where: 18 St Heller's Road, Abbotsford
For more information, click here.
Metartworld
Image credit: Fever Up | Supplied
Metartworld is stepping your typical art gallery dates up a notch with the romantic starry sky exhibition—one of many displayed in the epic 2 500 square metre exhibition that celebrates metal art. Bond over shared art interests and lose yourselves in a fantasy world of unique statues recycled from scrap metal and themed spaces from motorcycles and cars to anime and movies. With a plethora of exhibitions, stimulating art conversations are bound to take place.
THE DETAILS
When: Various times
Where: 155 Boundary Street, Port Melbourne
To find out more, click here.
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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