Top 10 Things to Do in Melbourne this Weekend

Melbourne is alive with incredible events and activities this weekend! From the spectacular RISING festival to cozy winter markets, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top 10 experiences you shouldn’t miss this June weekend.

1. Experience RISING Festival’s Art & Performance Magic

RISING is a festival of new art, performance and music, in the heart of Naarm/Melbourne, taking place across twelve nights from June 4-15, with a red-hot program featuring 65 events, 327 artists and nine world premieres. The 2025 program will spill into laneways, arcades, underground basements and grand theatres, transforming Melbourne into an after-dark playground. Don’t miss Blockbuster – a vibrant celebration of South Asian culture featuring contemporary Pakistani music, an eye-catching Punjabi truck art installation and plenty of delicious street food at Fed Square on June 7.

Link: https://2025.rising.melbourne/

2. Warm Up at Queen Victoria Winter Night Market

From June 4 to August 27, the Winter Night Market is every Wednesday 5pm to 10pm, featuring cozy Wednesday evenings with live entertainment, open fires and feasting on goodies from global street food stalls, carts, trucks and festival bars. This year features beloved traders from previous years, as well as new and exciting additions including piping hot soup served in a bread roll by the Soup Factory, juicy smash burgers by Smashville and ginormous churro bowls of chocolate-drizzled vanilla ice cream.

Link: https://thenightmarket.com.au/

3. Catch Live Comedy at Basement Comedy Club

Basement Comedy Club is the hottest comedy club in Australia, ALWAYS bringing you the biggest names and best comedians in the country, performing every Friday and Saturday in the Melbourne CBD. Melbourne offers plenty of laughs, at stand up comedy shows and comedy clubs around town, with comedy clubs featuring the best local, interstate and international stand-up comedians. The club guarantees top quality entertainment for comedy lovers.

Link: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/689896

4. Enjoy Candlelight Concerts in Historic Venues

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Melbourne. This weekend features Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings and Candlelight: Best of Hans Zimmer and More at Collingwood Town Hall, with concerts performed under candlelights with live performers in the most emblematic locations.

Link: https://feverup.com/en/melbourne/candlelight

5. Explore Melbourne’s Live Music Scene

Melbourne currently has 658 upcoming live music events, with concerts featuring artists like Katy Perry at Rod Laver Arena, Inhaler at Forum Melbourne, and Kamasi Washington at Palais Theatre. Melbourne’s live music scene is legendary, with gigs every night of the week, covering rock, classical, jazz, dance, rock, hip hop and rap. Check out venues like The Night Cat, Northcote Social Club, and Max Watt’s for diverse musical experiences.

Link: https://www.songkick.com/metro-areas/26790-australia-melbourne

6. Discover Unique Shopping at Rose Street Artists’ Market

Perfect for post-brunch perusing, Rose Street Artists’ Market in Fitzroy features artworks, jewellery and clothing from local creatives, with this outdoor undercover monthly Sunday market offering craft, gifts, fashion and food. It’s an ideal spot to find unique Melbourne-made treasures while supporting local artists and makers.

Link: https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/melbourne/see-and-do/shopping-and-fashion/markets

7. Visit “Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf” at Flinders Street Station

Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf is set to open at Flinders Street Station’s ballroom on June 4, 2025, where this unique installation transforms the historic ballroom into a nine-hole mini-golf course, with each hole crafted by esteemed female artists. It’s described as “the art of mini-golf, for anyone who swings outside the lines.”

Link: https://2025.rising.melbourne/

8. Experience French Impressionism at NGV International

French Impressionism is a major exhibition developed by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria, running until October 5, 2025. This world-class exhibition features masterpieces from one of art’s most beloved movements, showcasing works that have never been seen together before in Australia.

Link: https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/melbourne/whats-on

9. Enjoy Netball Action at John Cain Arena

Round 10 netball matches are taking place at John Cain Arena this weekend, with games on Saturday June 14 at 5:00 pm and Sunday June 15 at 2:00 pm, with tickets starting from $30. It’s perfect for sports fans looking to catch some exciting netball action in Melbourne’s premier sporting precinct.

Link: https://www.melbournepark.com.au/events/

10. Explore Intimate Jazz Venues and Hidden Bars

Melbourne features intimate vinyl bars, iconic band rooms and live music bars open late, with dedicated live jazz venues where patrons can dine while watching performances. Follow the sound of a distant piano to discover one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets, with boutique bars and bandrooms offering late-night cocktails in train carriage booths. Perfect for a sophisticated night out exploring Melbourne’s renowned bar culture.

Link: https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/entertainment/concerts-and-gigs

Melbourne is buzzing this weekend—get out and enjoy the action! Whether you’re seeking art, music, food, or unique experiences, the city has something special waiting for you.