What's On This Weekend in Melbourne

There's no other place that compares to Melbourne in May. There's a new activity, event or pop-up appearing everywhere you look throughout the city and its surrounds, making it a month of endless fun. 

It all calls for a good dose of inner city arts and culture come the weekend, followed by wining and dining at the best CBD restaurants.

These are just some of the many ways to take advantage of what's on this weekend in Melbourne, from wickedly good theatre performances to a stop in at Green Cup - with a side of half-priced FinerRings jewellery! 

Rocco's on Tour

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary rendezvous unlike any other as Rocco’s, the beloved northside foodie destination, embarks on a southside tour.

This Sunday, head over to Toorak Cellars in Armadale to indulge in Rocco’s iconic meatball sub. You might like to sink your teeth into their equally luscious melanzane parmigiana focaccia as well. 

Priced at $24.00 and $21.00 respectively, these mouthwatering creations are sure to tantalise your taste buds. Don't miss this chance to savour the flavours of Rocco's in a two-day-only affair that promises to be a love affair of note for Melbourne's foodies.

Sitchu Tip: They'll also be making their way to The Alps in Prahran the following Sunday.

Sunday May 19th - Toorak Cellars, 18 Beatty Avenue, Armadale; from 12.00pm until sold out

Sunday May 26th - The Alps, 64 Commercial Road, Prahran; from 12.00pm until sold out

Green Cup x FinerRings Pop-Up Shop

Don't miss this chance to treat yourself to great food and stylish jewelry at Green Cup's pop-up event this weekend in Melbourne.

This Saturday marks a special occasion at Green Cup's Hawksburn Village location. Visitors can indulge in their delicious menu of smoothies, acai bowls, and toasties while also enjoying an exclusive (and shiny) offer from FinerRings.

With any purchase from the menu (excluding the snack/drink fridge offering), patrons will have the opportunity to receive a half-price FinerRings Sparked Bracelet. It's valued at $130 but available for just $65!

These stunning bracelets will be crafted on the spot, offering a unique and affordable accessory for attendees.

Saturday May 18th, 9.00am to 2.00pm

Hawksburn Village, 540B Malvern Road, Prahran

Sando Pop-Up - Da Paolo's Pizza Alla Panna

A pizza sandwich? You read that correctly. On Sunday, Kit Lucazi will be serving up Italian-style sandiwhces using his 'pizza alla palla' dough at Bahama Gold. This dough is wetter, lighter and fluffier than his signature style, making it the perfect dough to make the most Italian sandwich you could possibly think of. There are plenty of options on the menu, including mortadella and giardiniera spread, anchovies with dressed leaves, mayo and fermented chilli, a herb frittata with garlic mayo, lettuce and red onion, and more! You may even find yourself coming back for more, they're that good.

Sunday 5th May, 11.00am to 2.00pm

135 Lygon Street, Brunswick East

South African Film Festival

The South African Film Festival  will be running across the duration of May, and promises not to disappoint. Bringing the finest of contemporary South African cinema to Melburnians in theatres across the city. Both new and old films will be showcased, spanning across three decades of filmmaking.

2nd May to 30th May

Visit website for full programme and details

Various locations across Melbourne 

Honey Bones Arts Club

An open space for the community to explore art-making, expression and self-inquiry, the Honey Bones Art Club is one of our top picks of things to do in Melbourne this month. These group art sessions are held every Saturday morning, hosted by Honey Bones Gallery and Arts Therapist, Donika Fazliu. You're invited to explore a prompt/theme, like a self-portrait, with no set instructions as to how to interpret the theme. From there it's a 2 hour art-making class, that allows individuals to fully immerse in the interpretation and expression of the prompt.

After each piece has been crafted, artworks are displayed and conversations are initiated around the art-making process, people's individual experiences and what has been gained through the experience. It's a prime time for self-reflection and the simple pleasure of putting paint to paper. 

An inclusive space, all are welcome to participate, regardless of artistic skill. 

$10 per person

Saturdays

Book here

46 Trafford Street, Brunswick

Cirque du Soleil: Lucia

Cirque du Soleil is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Australia with its critically acclaimed and jaw-dropping production, Luzia.

Grand visual surprises and incredible acrobatic performances will all be on show. It does a beautiful job of bringing to the stage multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico, and plays with both tradition and modernity to create something that's unmissable viewing.

Get set for a vibrant journey through the wonders, playfulness and striking artistry of the world. This performance is not to be missed this month in Melbourne. 

Until May 26th

Book tickets here

Under the Big Top, Flemington Racecourse

Chicago The Musical

The longest-running musical on Broadway, this scorching hot masterpiece is coming to Melbourne this month. It would be a crime to miss it! 

Book tickets here

Until 2nd June

Her Majesty's Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

My Country: Country Road + NGV First Nations

The Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions is a national, biennial mentorship and exhibition program where emerging Australian First Nations artists and designers are paired with one of eight esteemed industry mentors.

Together, they've created ambitious new works, responding to the exhibition theme of My Country.

It's a groundbreaking showcase, and a beautiful representation of diverse practices, from textiles to large-scale paintings and innovative installations. These works celebrate Indigenous Australian heritage and artistic talent. 

Free event 

Until 4th August, 10.00am to 5.00pm daily

Ian Potter Centre, Level 3 at Fed Square

LUME Melbourne - Leonardo Da Vinci

The LUME is known for putting on captivating exhibitions that celebrate the world's greatest artists - and their latest digital art gallery is doing exactly that. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Geniuswill take over The LUME from the 16th of March, mesmerising audiences as his most famous and lesser known works are projected across the open space, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

WICKED the Musical

If you haven't experienced the beautiful story and impressive musicality of WICKED the Musical, here is your chance, Melbourne! 

This Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent.

When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”

Book here

Until June 30th

Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne

WICKED High Tea

Speaking of WICKED,  The Westin has put a perfectly wicked twist on their traditional high tea in partnership with WICKED The Musical. Their WICKED High Tea is the perfect pre-performance treat, especially if you're going to see an afternoon show. There is the perfect mix of savoury and sweet, all vividly green, just like Elphaba. 

“Creating this menu has been a lot of fun and the friendship between WICKED’s main characters, Elphaba and Glinda, has been the inspiration to bring it to life...I’ve paired ingredients that share a camaraderie and complement each other when served together, yet hold its own distinct characteristics and identities, just like the main lead," said Executive Chef, Apoorva Kunte.

From 2nd March

205 Collins Street, Melbourne

Getting out of town this long weekend? Check out our guide to the best travel destinations near Melbourne, or stick around for some of Melbourne's best new restaurants, bars and cafes.