The weekend is here, and Melbourne is filled with cool and interesting things to keep you occupied. There’s plenty of fun things to do, food to try and shows to see. Here are some of our top recommendations on where to go, what to eat and what to look forward to this weekend in Melbourne and beyond.
1. Celebrate Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival
Head to Fed Square and check out the wonderful Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival. Look forward to fireworks, multicultural performances, meditative spaces and more. The festival will run from Friday May 3 to Sunday May 5.
2. Dance over to We Call It Flamenco
Find a touch of Andalusia in The Capitol Theatre at the unique show, We Call It Flamenco. Watch professional dancers showcase the passion of flamenco along with live music. See it on Friday May 3. Get your tickets here.
3. Take a spin on a Ferris wheel
Stroll over to Polly Woodside Park in South Wharf, and ride on the 35-metre-tall Ferris wheel. Gaze at the city skyline and the Yarra River, then explore the surrounding Skyline Precinct for mini-golf and delicious food and drink. The Giant Ferris Wheel will run from now until September 22.
4. Find pre-loved treasures at Round She Goes
A retro market dedicated to pre-loved fashion and accessories is coming to Melbourne this weekend. At Round She Goes, you’ll find 60 stalls, showcasing a range of designer clothing, handmade jewellery, retro accessories and quality knick-knacks. The best part? Prices start at just $10! You can find it at Coburg Town Hall on Sunday May 5, from 10am to 3pm.
5. Feel drawn to the Melbourne International Animation Festival
Celebrate storytelling at the Melbourne International Animation Festival. Back for its 24th edition, there’s 29 curated screenings to look forward to, featuring over 170 films from Australia and overseas. It’s on from Sunday May 5 to Sunday May 12 at the Treasury Theatre. Learn more here.
6. Uncover the mystery of The Grinning Man
The cult production of The Grinning Man is now showing at the Alex Theatre in St Kilda. Based on the novel, The Man Who Laughs by Victor Hugo, this award-winning musical will take you to the freakshow at Trafalgar Square. Who is Grinpayne and how did he get his hideous smile? Learn the secrets of his past and the truth of his disfigurement in this gothic horror, filled with magic, mayhem, romance and pitch-black humour. The show will play in Melbourne until May 19. Learn more here.
7. Have a brilliant time at The Art of the Brick
The Art of the Brick is here in Melbourne! This immersive experience has over 100 sculptures made from over 1 million LEGO® bricks, as well as moving sculptures, cool projections and more. Check it out at Melbourne Showgrounds. Get your tickets here.
8. Stay up for Sleepless Festival in Footscray
Melbourne’s inner west will light up with art, music, performances and installations this May at Sleepless Festival. This event will showcase the celebrate the rich culture and talent of Footscray and the western suburbs. Check it out from May 4 to 19.
9. Feel razzle dazzled by Chicago
The longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history is coming to Melbourne this March. Chicago, the multi-award winning musical, will soon paint the town with murder, greed, corruption and all that jazz. Check it out at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
10. Have a spectacular time with Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is back to Melbourne with another round of awe-inspiring acrobatic acts. This time, they’re whisking us away to an imaginary Mexico. In this surreal world between dreams and reality, you’ll see a tapestry of vibrant locations as a traveller meets a variety of mystifying characters. The show, LUZIA, is also the first touring production by Cirque du Soleil that artistically incorporates water into the acrobatic performance. See it in Melbourne from March 24 to May 19.
11. Marvel at the work of Leonardo da Vinci at The LUME
Take a journey back in time, and explore the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Step into the 3,000m², and watch some of the worlds most famous artworks come to life, like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is now open at The LUME.
12. Celebrate May the 4th
May the 4th, or Star Wars Day, is this weekend! And there’s a few ways for you to get into the spirit of things. Village Cinemas will have back-to-back screenings of both the original trilogy and the prequel trilogy on May 4 and 5.
Legoland Discovery Centre in Chadstone is encouraging dress-ups, and will hold a special night for adult fans from 6pm to 9pm on Saturday.
At Westfield Doncaster, you’ll also find two Star Wars battle scenes, created in LEGO by famous Brickman Ryan McNaught. These two builds will be on display in the Centre Court outside of Myer from May 1 to 6.
13. Bounce over to The NBA Exhibition
Get your head in the game at The NBA Exhibition. Explore over 20 themed sections, see cool memorabilia, play arcade basketball games, check out the VR zone and more. This fun experience is now open at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.
14. Celebrate the weird and wonderful at Fantastic Film Festival
Head to Lido Cinemas get your fix on cult and arthouse cinema. This year, there’s 24 movies and 14 short films for you to discover. Fantastic Film Festival Australia will run from April 18 to May 9 at Lido Cinemas. Learn more here.
15. Feel a sense of Joy at the Immigration Museum
Seven Victorian-based artists are sharing what joy means to them with a variety of delightful rooms at the Immigration Museum. Journey back in time to a 90s video store, cuddle up with a gigantic soft toy rabbit and more. The Joy exhibition is now open for you to explore, and will stay in town until August 29, 2025.
16. Feel spellbound by Wicked
The gravity-defying musical, Wicked, is dancing through life and playing at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne this weekend. Almost 20 years after its premiere on Broadway, this popular musical has won over 100 major awards, including the Grammy Award, the Olivier Award and three Tony Awards.
17. Check out the work of Steve McCurry in the ICONS exhibition
Steve McCurry is an established contemporary photographer whose work has been featured on the front cover of National Geographic and has won countless international awards. He is probably most famous for his iconic photograph “Afghan Girl” which has become one of the most recognisable images in history. Now, in this new exhibition you will be able to see over 100 of his photographs from all around the world, each one telling a unique and powerful story. Find the ICONS exhibition at Seaworks in Williamstown. Get your tickets here.
18. Feel enchanted by A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Bell Shakespeare are taking over the Arts Centre with their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Check it out in Fairfax Studio from April 25 to May 11. Learn more here.
19. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Welcome to Thornbury
Welcome to Thornbury is throwing a fiesta this weekend. Feast on tacos from Maria’s Taqueria, sip on Mexican drinks and cocktails, and party with plenty of live music. It’s all happening on May 4 and 5. See more here.
20. Watch the play, RBG: Of Many, One
After a sold-out encore season at the Sydney Opera House, RBG: Of Many, One is playing at Arts Centre Melbourne. This one-woman play honours the life of Ruth Bader-Ginsberg, an American trailblazer and Justice of the Supreme Court. Check it out from April 25 to May 12. Learn more here.
21. Get cosy at the Pasta Bambino pop-up
Bouvier Bar in Brunswick East is embracing the colder weather with winter pop-up, Pasta Bambino. Tuck into some classic pasta dishes for under $22, and warm up with wine and cocktails. See more here.
22. Swim over to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Visit SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium this weekend, and check out their renovated Oceanarium, and exhibit, Night on the Reef.
23. Sip on Margaritas at Ghost Donkey
Ghost Donkey at Crown is serving up a Millionaire’s Margarita for the whole month of May. This drink, made with Tequila Herradura Selección Suprema, comes with a ceramic mug for you to keep. They will also celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a live mariachi band, from 7:30pm to 8:30pm on Saturday, and in 45 minute slots at 7pm and 9pm on Sunday. See more here.
24. Pass go and discover Monopoly Dreams
Australia’s first Monopoly-themed attraction is now open at Melbourne Central. Immerse yourself and wander around Monopoly City and Mr. Monopoly’s Mansion. Complete challenges, check out a 4D cinema and more!
25. Have a poo-fect day out at Unko Museum
Japan’s surprise sensation, Unko Museum, has taken over 360 Bourke St, Melbourne. Unko Museum is the only international touring museum dedicated to poop, but don’t hold your nose – the focus here is all about kawaii exhibits and photo-friendly moments, making it a fun and family-friendly day out. Get your tickets to Unko Museum here.
26. Have a magical time at Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Embark on a spellbinding walk through the forest and come face-to-face with magical creatures and scenes from the Harry Potter universe. The Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience is now open at The Briars in Mount Martha. Get your tickets here.
27. Take a drive to the Rocky Road Festival
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Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie are dedicating the month to an old favourite — Rocky Road. There’s 31 flavours on offer, plus tasting sessions and more treats at the Rocky Road Festival.
28. Dig in to The Great Trentham Spudfest
Drive 90 minutes away from Melbourne to the tiny town of Trentham and have a feast at The Great Trentham Spudfest. This community festival in the Great Dividing Range is back for its 16th iteration, and will showcase the best offerings and products from the region. You’ll have a spudtacular time with plenty of food, local potato growers, music, artisans, activities and more. Check it out on Saturday May 4 and Sunday May 5.
29. Drive out and see the Bright Autumn Festival
Head out of Melbourne this weekend and visit the vibrant town of Bright for their annual autumn festival. Feel amazed by the rich colours of the autumn leaves. While you’re there, discover autumn produce from the valleys of the High Country, beautiful works of art and more. The Bright Autumn Festival will run from Friday April 26 to Sunday May 5.
30. Sip your way through the Grampians Grape Escape
Head to Halls Gap for a weekend of food, wine and music. Explore up to 100 stalls, take part in masterclasses, see cooking demonstrations and more. Grampians Grape Escape will run from Friday May 3 to Sunday May 5. See more here.