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. See what’s happening at Fed Square
On Saturday February 3, there will be a free concert at Fed Square. Listen to powerful opera singers hit high notes alongside a live orchestra. The BMW Opera for All concert will run from 4pm to 5pm.
This week, Fed Square is also teaming up with Midsumma to host some exciting events. See Rocketman on the big screen on Friday night, then check out workshops, panel discussions and more on Saturday. See the schedule here.
Sing along to ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ and sip on themed cocktails at this Saltburn party. It’s all happening at Ballers Clubhouse on Saturday February 3.
3. Listen to The Lion King in Concert
It’s hard to believe, but The Lion King is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. To celebrate, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will perform all of the favourite songs you know and love, live to screen. The Lion King in Concert will take place at The Plenary on Saturday February 3. See more here.
4. Show your pride at Midsumma Festival
Midsumma Festival is here, and there’s lots to do in Melbourne this weekend. See performances, check out exhibitions, attend workshops and more. The festival is on from now until February 11. See the program here.
Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks is throwing their annual Dome Under Film Festival. Back for its fourth year, this festival showcases a selection of fulldome format films handpicked from around the world. Check it out from Saturday February 3 to Sunday February 4.
6. Take part in the National Sustainability Festival
The National Sustainability Festival is celebrating their 25th year this February. Lasting all month long, this environmental movement aims to increase the amount of people living sustainably, and to address the global climate and biodiversity emergencies. See more here.
See the hilarious 1993 film, Groundhog Day, brought to life on stage at the Princess Theatre. With music and lyrics from Tim Minchin, you’ll watch weatherman Phil Connors live the same day over and over again. Groundhog Day The Musical is playing in Melbourne for a limited season.
8. 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 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.
Love a good movie? IMAX is showcasing their ginormous screen and surround sound system with the Best Biggest IMAX Film Festival. Highlights include a re-release of Oppenheimer, as well as other beloved films like The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Dark Knight trilogy. The festival will run until February 25.
After a sold-out premiere season, Moulin Rouge! The Musical! is now playing Melbourne for its final run of Australian shows. Celebrate truth, beauty, freedom and love at the Regent Theatre. The musical must leave on Sunday February 4, so this is your last chance to see it!
The Lume is celebrating First Peoples art and music with their immersive exhibition, Connection. Feel amazed by swirling projections around the 3,000 square metre gallery space, and check out a display of original art. Over 110 visual and musical artists are featured, making Connection the largest representation of First Peoples art and culture ever assembled. This exhibition must end on February 4, and on the final night of the exhibition, there will be a live performance by Alice Skye.
An electrifying new production of Grease is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Listen to all your favourite songs, like Greased Lightnin’, You’re The One That I Want, Hopelessly Devoted to You and more. It’s playing in Melbourne from now until March 10.
Ever wanted to get up close to a dinosaur? Dinos Alive is the new exhibition in Melbourne that’s letting you do just that. Explore the world of the giants who walked the Earth millions of years ago, with life-sized animatronic replicas of more than 80 dinosaurs, a unique virtual aquarium, VR and interactive experiences and more. Aside from being jaw-droppingly impressive, Dinos Alive will also teach you a few things about the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. Get your tickets here.
Visit SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium this weekend, and check out their newly renovated Oceanarium, and new exhibit, Night on the Reef.
15. Embark on a Sunset Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo
Hop on a safari bus and witness some of the world’s most majestic animals roam about the savannah at dusk. This year, you’ll admire some truly adorable animals, including young giraffes and zebra foals. Sunset Safari is running on Saturdays from January 13 to March 9, from 5:30pm to 9pm.
Swing by the exciting foodie destination, Melbourne Street Eatz, this weekend. The festival features over 12 food trucks, as well as cocktails and entertainment. Find it just outside Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, from now until February 25.
17. Travel around the world in the immersive BBC Earth Experience
Take a 360-degree audio-visual journey through the seven continents of the world, with narration from the iconic Sir David Attenborough. This technological marvel will use footage from the BBC Studios Natural History television series, Seven Worlds, One Planet. Melbourne is the second city in the world to host this incredible experience. Find the BBC Earth Experience at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre this weekend.
The most extensive Titanic exhibition in the world is now showing in Melbourne. Feel transported back to 1912, and see over 200 artefacts recovered from the wreck site. In this experience, you’ll discover recreated ship interiors, including the Grand Staircase, First Class Parlour Suite and Verandah Café, combined with real objects rescued from the depths of the ocean. Find TITANIC: The Artefact Exhibition at Melbourne Museum from now until April 14.
19. Explore the tremendous NGV Triennial
NGV Triennial is back in Melbourne for its third iteration. This incredible exhibition will take over all floors of NGV International, showcasing works by 100 artists, designers and collectives from 30 countries, including Yoko Ono, David Shrigley and fashion label Schiaparelli. Get ready for painting, sculpture, robotics, fashion, multimedia and interactive art installations, and marvel at over 25 world-premiere projects commissioned by the NGV.
Head to the NGV Garden and feel amazed by the 2023 Architecture Commission, (This is) Air by Nic Brunsdon. This inflatable sphere draws attention to the action of breathing air, and shifts and morphs throughout the day as it “inhales” and “exhales”. It’s free to see, and will stay in town until June 16. Learn more here.
Go on a visual journey through Princess Diana’s life with countless photographs, and listen to royal photographers tell the story behind these famous images. You’ll find this exhibition at Tea House in Southbank. Get your tickets here.
Visit ACMI and gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and our place within it at the world premiere exhibition, Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature. See five major digital artworks on an awe-inspiring scale, and look forward to immersive and interactive moments. This exhibition is on from now until April 14.
Shakespeare Under The Stars is coming back to Royal Botanic Gardens with a production of the enchanting, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sprawl out on Southern Cross Lawn and enjoy the show from December 16 to February 11.
24. Watch movies under the stars at Moonlight Cinema
Enjoy the summer nights by watching familiar favourites and new releases at Moonlight Cinema. Find it on the lush Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens this weekend.
25. Have some topsy-turvy fun at House Down Under
Flip your world on its head at the District Docklands. See an inverted house that looks like it dropped straight from the sky. When you enter, you’ll walk on ceilings and explore heaps of upside down rooms. House Down Under is now open.
26. Unleash your creativity at Chaos Lab
From the Control Room to the Science Lab, the Mirror Maze to the Ball Pit, Chaos Lab is a fun experience for all kids who want to play, explore and create. Find it at The District Docklands. Tickets are on sale now.
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!
28. Immerse yourself in the mesmerising Rain Room
After a sell-out season in 2021, the interactive installation, Rain Room, is now showing in St Kilda. This immersive experience merges art, technology and nature together, in a 100 square metre space of continuous rainfall. The rain responds to your presence and movement, which gives you the feeling of being in a fierce rainstorm, without having to get wet. Ideal for a summer’s weekend if you need a break from the heat!
29. Listen to Sunday Sets on the Lawn at Marnong Estate
Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon this summer relaxing on the lawn at Marnong Estate. From 2pm to 5pm, the musicians at Hey Jack will perform acoustic versions of your favourite songs. Grab a picnic blanket, take in the view, and treat yourself to hot menu items or cool salads from their Italian street kitchen, Caffe Vista. You can also grab a grazing box from their Cellar Door. Learn more here.
Escape to Blue Lotus Water Garden, and delight your senses with dreamy water lilies, lotus flowers, scenic trails and calm lakes. Really, it’s like stepping into a Monet painting. This garden paradise is open from now until April 14.
Source: secretmelbourne.com
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
