Several people seated in the Planetarium gazing up at a colourful form
Photograph: Eugene Hyland
Photograph: Eugene Hyland

The best things to do in Melbourne this weekend

We've got you covered for the coolest things to do in Melbourne this Friday to Sunday

Leah Glynn
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It's the weekend, baby! You made it! To celebrate, we've gathered all the hottest festivals, shows, exhibitions and openings in one place – you're welcome. 

It's the last weekend of the Australian Open, but there is still SO much tennis action happening on and off-court. Make sure to work your way through our dining guide featuring all the tastiest things to eat or head to AO Live to see performances by the Veronicas, Sofi Tukker, Reneé Rapp and Peggy Gou.

If you really want to splash out on the ultimate tennis experience, the W Melbourne is offering an exclusive Grey Goose room package until February 1 that includes a branded tote, two sports towels, two caps, two general admission tickets to the AO and seats on the Goose Shuttle to and from Melbourne Park. You can also enjoy all the matches live on the Wet Deck complete with snacks and a Grey Goose Lemon Ace in hand – book here.

First week back at school has the kids driving you up the wall? Take them to Balloon Story – a colourful new exhibition that's comprised of more than 500,000 balloons, creating a super playful fantasy land.

Also happening this weekend is the Dome Under Film Festival at the Melbourne Planetarium – nine screenings will be shown on the dome ceiling, which stretches an impressive 16 metres and features a state-of-the-art surround sound system, creating a VR-like experience. 

And remember, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best barsrestaurantsmuseums,parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.  

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.

The fun doesn't stop on Monday! These are the best things to do in Melbourne this week.

The best things to do in Melbourne this weekend

  • Film
  • Film festivals
  • Spotswood
  • Recommended
Hold onto your eyeballs – Scienceworks is hosting the latest edition of its captivating Dome Under Film Festival (DUFF) this summer. For the sixth consecutive year, the festival will showcase new release full-dome films from around the world. The program spans three days, from January 30 until February 1. Wondering what on earth a 'full-dome film' is? It’s a film that’s been specifically made to be screened on a Planetarium’s huge domed ceiling. The dome stretches an impressive 16 metres with a state-of-the-art surround sound system, creating a VR-like experience. Now you know!  The 2026 edition of DUFF will feature nine curated sessions across three days, with each film being screened once only. For instance, the Astronomy session will feature three films on astrophysics and understanding our universe, while the Astronomy for Families session will include mountain, sea and river constellations in the Colombian skies. From mind-bending space science to pure childhood delight, the program travels far and wide. Astronomy fans can dive into Unseen Earth, exploring how space technology is transforming our understanding of our planet, or look ahead with One Step Beyond, charting humanity’s path to Mars. Younger visitors aren’t forgotten, with a screening of Hermy’s Secret Full-Moon Hideout perfect for the kids. Tickets are $20 per session for adults, $17 for concession, $12 for children, $15 for member adults and $10 for member children. Find out more and get tickets here. ...
  • Things to do
  • Fairs and festivals
  • St Kilda
  • Recommended
Some of the most fun you can have at Midsumma Festival is the joyful Pride March in St Kilda, followed by an afternoon of partying at Catani Gardens. This year, the march will take place on Sunday, February 1.  The festivities kick off at 10.30am, with thousands of people expected to be in attendance for the one-kilometre trek down Fitzroy Street. Whether you identify as queer or you're a queer ally, the Pride March is a wonderful act of solidarity towards LGBTQIA+ and gender diverse people all over the world who live without the respect, rights and dignity they deserve. As it wraps up, those watching are invited to jump on the tail end of the parade and follow the procession into Catani Gardens for free entertainment, DJs, performers and a diverse range of food options to suit all tastes. As is tradition, the parade will begin with the roaring engines of the Dykes on Bikes, Rainbow Riders Victoria and Melbourne Motorcycle Tourers, with the rest of the marchers led by the Rainbow Mob contingent. An accessible viewing area is available at tram stop 134 (there will be no trams running through there during the march), with marshals on site to ensure views of the parade remain clear at all times.  For more information, visit the Midsumma Festival website. Want more? Here's our guide to the best things to see at Midsumma this year.
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  • Film
  • Outdoor cinema
  • Melbourne
  • Recommended
It's officially that time of year again when the Moonlight Cinema returns to Melbourne for the summer. There's just something special about snuggling into a bean bag and catching a film under the stars in the Royal Botanic Gardens – with an ice cream or a wine in hand, of course.  Australia's favourite outdoor cinema has dropped its summer screening schedule, with tons of  blockbusters, nostalgic favourites and comedies on the program. January highlights include new releases like 'Wicked: For Good', 'The Housemaid' and 'Anaconda' alongside beloved classics as voted by the public in the People’s Program – think 'The Parent Trap' and 'Shrek'. Those looking to splurge can opt for Singapore Airlines' Gold Grass that comes with prime viewing, express entry and food and drinks delivered to your seat. Anothere cool option is the Connoisseur Lounge ticket that includes a bean bed plus a yum Connoisseur ice cream. And did you know the Moonlight Cinema is pooch friendly? For the first time ever you'll also be able to order a doggie bag meal from the food menu thanks to Lyka. Doggy date night, anyone? Screenings kick off at sundown, so bring your picnic rug, your snacks and your friends. Tickets are now available via the website. Want more fun in the sun? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne this December.
  • Things to do
  • South Wharf
Fresh from a record-breaking New York season that turned the Park Avenue Armory into a 30,000-square-foot fantasy universe, this joy-fuelled, art-meets-play exhibition has arrived in Melbourne.Popping up at the MCEC at Melbourne’s South Wharf, Balloon Story is a fully immersive journey through time and imagination, where every room is built at cinematic scale using hundreds of thousands of biodegradable balloons. You’ll wander from prehistoric jungles and dinosaur-filled landscapes to ancient civilisations, underwater worlds and cosmic cities, all sculpted entirely from air and colour. For the Australian season, expect all-new local content too, with balloon-built tributes to some of our most iconic buildings, places and stories. Hailed overseas as “the most joyful exhibition of the year”, Balloon Story is designed to delight. It’s hugely photogenic and clearly engineered by people who take balloons very, very seriously (we’re talking an international team of creative directors, balloon engineers and immersive design pros). Keen? The team suggests that visitors allow around 60 to 90 minutes to explore the whole experience – though don’t be surprised if the kids hang around for longer trying to get the perfect shot. With no age restrictions and free entry for kids under three, it’s an easy win for families and friends tasked with looking after the little ones for a day.The exhibition is open from 9am to 8pm, Monday through Sunday, with adult tickets from  $44.90, and kids...
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  • Things to do
  • Fairs and festivals
  • Ashburton
  • Recommended
Midsumma Festival, one of Melbourne’s most loved LGBTQIA+ celebrations, returns in 2026 with an electric three-week-long party from January 18 to February 8. Expect more than 250 events spanning art, theatre, music, comedy, film and fun, showcasing dazzling local and international queer talent. With vibrant festival hubs across Melbourne and greater Victoria, it’s an inclusive celebration of creativity and community. Some of the highlights of the 2026 program include the international hit play Afterglow at Chapel Off Chapel; Australian Open at Theatre Works; the smash-hit cabaret He's Every Woman; Drag Storytime for Adults with Narelda Jacobs and Karina Natt at the State Library Victoria; and plenty heaps more. But it all kicks off when the free Midsumma Carnival opens the festival on Sunday, January 18, at Alexandra Gardens. This free celebration showcases LGBTQIA+ talent across multiple stages, alongside community and business stalls, pop-up bars and food zones. Expect a packed day of performances, plus the much-loved Dog Show and Lip Sync Limelight. As the sun sets, the carnival transforms into a high-energy dance party with DJs and drag queens. The signature Midsumma Pride March will take place on Sunday, February 1, and will see thousands of marchers and onlookers gather in St Kilda in support of LGBTIQA+ communities. The parade will kick off at 10.30am and run through Fitzroy Street and Catani Gardens, with some cool after-parties, of course.  For the last night of...
  • Things to do
  • Melbourne
Get ready to dive into the hottest season of the year at Le Splash – the swanky, Euro-inspired pool bar at Le Méridien Melbourne. Formerly only open to the five-star hotel's guests, for the second year running Le Splash will welcome the public onto its stunning rooftop for a swim this summer.  With a 28-degree heated pool, sun-soaked lounge deck and 360-degree views of the prettiest corner of the CBD, Le Méridien offers a perfectly elevated swimming experience that'll have you feeling like you've been transported to a swish hotel on the Côte d'Azur.  The Le Splash Pool Passes are available from Monday to Thursday all summer long, and you'll be able to choose between either a morning or sunset pass, with both options giving you hours of swimming, sunning and lounging time. They cost $85 per person.  The morning sesh is for early birds who like a slower start. Open from 8am to noon, you get full pool access, a free scoop of Le Méridien's famous gelato and a beverage of your choosing. The sunset pass is for those who like the idea of swimming above the city from 6pm to 9pm. The soundtrack will become more vibey, rosé and Champagne will be poured and golden hour pics will be a focal point. Also included is a complimentary gelato scoop and drink.  But that's not all! On Friday and Saturday nights, you can get involved in a bougie sunset dinner and drinks at the Le Splash rooftop bar. The service runs from 5-9pm, and includes the option to dine on a...
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  • Musicals
  • Melbourne
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Once upon a December night in Melbourne, the polished production of Anastasia finally made its long-awaited Australian premiere at the Regent Theatre. As a fan of the 20th Century Fox Animation film of the same name, I was excited to see this seminal work from my childhood come to life on the grandest of stages. A sweeping tale of adventure, romance and finding your way back home, Anastasia feels destined to deliver theatrical magic. And in many ways it does – the costuming, particularly the opulent ball gowns and Russian court-style ‘fits, are gorgeous. The songs, catchy in the film, are given real oomph with the backing of a ten-strong orchestra. And the charming cast is undeniably talented. But – spoiler alert! – this is not a wholly faithful adaptation, with the most notable change being the erasure of the deliciously wicked Rasputin (justice for the criminally underrated banger ‘In the Dark of the Night’). Here, he’s been replaced by Gleb (Joshua Robson) a Bolshevik general who develops conflicted feelings for our titular heroine, but doesn’t quite incite the same fear as the original, supernaturally-gifted animated villain. What’s the premise of Anastasia? Offering a romanticised take on Russia’s last imperial dynasty, the Romanovs (heavy on the romanticised part – this is by no means a historically accurate take on the infamously unpopular family), Anastasia follows the story of Anya, a young street sweeper with a convenient case of amnesia. With rumours swirling...
  • Music
  • Music festivals
  • Melbourne
Ready to make a racket? AO Live (formerly Finals Festival) is taking over the Australian Open this summer with its biggest line-up yet.  The five-night musical and entertainment extravaganza will take place at John Cain Arena from January 28 to February 1, and will feature a world-class roster of global artists and DJs for some off-court action.  Curated by Untitled Group, it kicks off with Australian rapper and singer The Kid Laroi on January 28, followed by the indie rock quartet from Perth Spacey Jane (January 29), our favourite twins The Veronicas with Sofi Tukker (January 30), US musician and actress Reneé Rapp (January 31) and Korean-born DJ Peggy Gou (February 1) who will close out the men's singles final. Phew, this could be our fave line-up yet! Tickets start at $99 and includes Australian Open Ground Pass access for the date of your show, so you can enjoy the action on court and on stage. For more info, visit the website.  Love this city? Here are some bucket-list things to do in Melbourne that you need to tick off now. 
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  • Things to do
  • Fairs and festivals
  • Melbourne
  • Recommended
It's that time of year again when thousands of tennis fans will flock to Melbourne Park to watch the top seeds battle it out in the fierce summer heat. This January, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, Madison Keys, Iga Swiatek and Alex de Minaur are just some of the many stars who have confirmed they'll be on court.  Yes, the Australian Open continues to attract the world's best tennis players and their fans to the first Grand Slam of the year. Opening week takes places from January 12-17, while the main draw is played over two weeks from January 18 onwards, culminating in the women's singles final on January 31 and the men's singles final on February 1. For the first time ever, the Australian Open will host an opening ceremony on January 17, the night before the main draw begins. And we'll have none other than tennis legend and six-time winner, Roger Federer, to headline this special event. He'll be joined by Andre Agassi and Aussie legends Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt in a unique ‘Battle of the World No 1s’. And even if you don’t make it into Rod Laver Arena, there will be live entertainment, giant screens, excellent drinking and dining options, and pop-up activations to enjoy all around Melbourne Park. AO Live will also return, with global artists like The Kid Laroi, The Presets, Spacey Jane, The Veronicas, Sofi Tukker, Reneé Rapp and Peggy Gou ready to entertain the crowds.  Day and night sessions are available, and adult ground pass tickets start...
  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Melbourne
From late-night espressos and crème caramels at Pellegrini’s to Rumi's signature Persian meatballs, Melbourne’s food culture is often celebrated at the table – but the labour behind it stays largely out of sight. Order Up: A City Fed by Many Cultures shifts the focus to the back of house, using the restaurant docket to tell a broader story about Melbourne’s culinary history as a living record of successive waves of migration and cross-cultural exchange. This immersive exhibition at the Immigration Museum centres on thousands of handwritten, food-stained order dockets suspended throughout the gallery, each pulled from the kitchens of 33 landmark Melbourne restaurants spanning cuisines and generations. Small and easily discarded, these scraps of paper have been collected to form a fluttering archive of service – capturing moments of pressure and human connection in a city whose food scene is inseparable from its stories of migration. As you move through Order Up, a layered soundscape and projected film will surround you: orders being called, cutlery clattering, extractor fans humming, languages overlapping. Audio excerpts from chefs, owners and staff reflect on journeys to Melbourne, overnight shifts, family recipes and the strange intimacy of feeding strangers night after night. The restaurants represented range from long-standing institutions to newer cult favourites, including France-Soir, Abla’s, Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, Supper Inn, The Horn, Rumi and Pastuso. A...

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