Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring Melbourne this Sunday—whether you’re into vibrant culture, interactive art, game nights, or scenic city views. From free cultural festivals to cutting-edge gaming competitions, Sunday 22 June offers something spectacular for everyone!
1. 🌍 African Festival Melbourne
🕙 When & Where: Sunday, 22 June, 10 am–4 pm @ Queen Victoria Market (Sheds C & D)
Prepare to be transported to the heart of Africa without leaving Melbourne! This incredible cultural celebration returns for its 5th year, bringing together Melbourne’s vibrant African community for a day of pure joy.
What Makes It Special:
• Free Entry – Perfect for families and culture enthusiasts
• Live Entertainment – Traditional drumming, dance performances, and live music from across the continent
• Authentic Cuisine – Mouth-watering dishes from Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Mali, and more
• Interactive Workshops – Learn African drumming, watch artisan demonstrations, and join cultural storytelling sessions
• Kids Activities – Face painting, drumming lessons, and cultural education perfect for young minds
Pro Tip: The festival features master drummer Mady Keita from Mali offering free drumming workshops throughout the day. Don’t miss the M.A.D. Dance Crew performances and the vibrant Mauritian Cultural Band!
Getting There: Tram 55, 56, 57, or 59 to Queen Victoria Market. Free weekend parking available nearby.
2. ⏱️ Speedrun Weekend @ ACMI
⏱️ Sessions Today: From 1:30 pm @ Swinburne Studio, ACMI (Fed Square)
Witness gaming history in the making as Australia’s fastest speedrunners compete to break records in front of a live audience! This isn’t your typical gaming event—it’s edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
Today’s Gaming Lineup:
• Spyro: Year of the Dragon – Epic race between Dactyly vs Fady180 (100 Egg challenge, 1-hour time limit)
• Super Sami Roll – SNC_Sector7G tackling the any% Sami category (50-minute limit)
• Super Monkey Ball – Barhunga taking on Master difficulty (20-minute sprint)
• Super Metroid – JRP attempting the GT Classic run (45-minute challenge)
Why Speedrunning is Mesmerizing:
Speedrunning is the art of completing videogames as fast as possible, often using incredible skill, precise timing, and knowledge of game glitches. These competitors have spent thousands of hours perfecting their craft.
Event Details:
• Tickets: $15 (Full), $12 (Concession), $10 (ACMI Members)
• Duration: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
• Presented by: ACMI in partnership with AusSpeedruns
• Live Streaming: Available for those who can’t attend in person
Getting There: Flinders Street Station (2-minute walk to Federation Square). ACMI is fully accessible.
3. 🌙 Heffernan Lane Night Market
🌙 Time: 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Sundays @ Heffernan Lane, Chinatown
As the sun sets, one of Melbourne’s most atmospheric night markets comes alive in the heart of Chinatown. This weekly Sunday tradition transforms a charming laneway into a bustling hub of Asian street food culture.
Market Highlights:
• Authentic Street Food – Discover hawker-style dishes from across Asia: dumplings, ramen, bao buns, Korean BBQ, and Vietnamese phở
• Local Artisans – Browse handcrafted goods, vintage finds, and unique Melbourne-made products
• Intimate Atmosphere – The narrow laneway setting creates a cozy, community feel unlike larger markets
• Perfect Winter Vibes – Warm food and hot drinks ideal for Melbourne’s cooler evenings
• Cultural Experience – Immerse yourself in Melbourne’s rich multicultural dining scene
Insider Tips:
• Arrive early (around 6 PM) for the best food selection
• Bring cash – many vendors prefer cash payments
• The laneway gets busy, so be prepared for a lively, bustling atmosphere
• Perfect for date nights or catching up with friends
Getting There: Any tram to Bourke Street or Collins Street, then walk to Chinatown. Multiple parking options nearby.
4. 🏢 Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade Tour
🕒 Tour Times: Multiple slots @ Melbourne Museum foyer → climb the historic Dome
Escape the ordinary and gain exclusive access to one of Melbourne’s most spectacular viewpoints. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed building offers a rare opportunity to see the city from an entirely new perspective.
The Experience:
• Historic Significance – Built for the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition, this is the world’s oldest remaining exhibition building
• 360° City Views – Panoramic vistas across Melbourne’s skyline, Carlton Gardens, and beyond
• Architectural Marvel – Climb inside the magnificent dome that’s normally off-limits to the public
• Guided Commentary – Learn about Melbourne’s exhibition history and architectural heritage
• Photo Opportunities – Capture Instagram-worthy shots of Melbourne from this unique vantage point
Tour Details:
• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
• Group Size: Limited numbers for intimate experience
• Fitness Level: Involves climbing stairs – moderate fitness required
• Age Restrictions: Children must be 8+ and accompanied by adults
• Booking Essential – Tours regularly sell out
Why It’s Special: This is one of the few ways to see Melbourne from a historic perspective that most locals have never experienced. The Royal Exhibition Building is Melbourne’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.
Getting There: Tram 86, 96 to Melbourne Museum. Paid parking available at Melbourne Museum.
5. 🌀 “The Door in Question” – XR Immersive Experience
🌀 When & Where: Sessions all day @ Metro West Shopping Centre, Footscray (extended until 29 June)
Step into the future of storytelling with this mind-bending fusion of virtual reality, live performance, and interactive theatre. This isn’t just entertainment—it’s a journey into the unknown.
What Makes It Extraordinary:
• Cutting-Edge Technology – Blends VR headsets with real-world physical spaces and live actors
• Immersive Narrative – Explore abandoned spaces and surreal environments in a deeply personal journey
• Interactive Elements – Your choices influence the experience – no two visits are identical
• Critically Acclaimed – Featured in The Guardian and praised for pushing artistic boundaries
• Limited Run – Extended until 29 June due to popular demand
The Experience Journey:
Participants are guided through a series of mysterious doors, each leading to different virtual and physical environments. The 60-minute experience combines elements of escape rooms, virtual reality gaming, and experimental theatre.
Practical Information:
• Duration: 60 minutes per session
• Group Size: Small groups for personalized experience
• Age Recommendation: 16+ (contains mature themes)
• Accessibility: Check with organizers for specific requirements
• Advance Booking Required – Sessions fill up quickly
Why Critics Love It: The Guardian called it “a stirring meditation on memory, space, and human connection” while ArtHub praised its “innovative use of technology to create genuine emotional impact.”
Getting There: Train to Footscray Station (5-minute walk). Free parking available at Metro West Shopping Centre.
🔍 Which Should You Go To?
🎵 Love music, culture & people-watching? → African Festival Melbourne
Perfect for families, culture enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to experience Melbourne’s incredible diversity. Free entry makes this accessible to everyone.
🎮 Geek culture & gaming thrills? → Speedrun Weekend at ACMI
Ideal for gamers, esports fans, or anyone curious about competitive gaming culture. Witness incredible skill and maybe discover a new hobby!
🍜 Craving something tasty and atmospheric? → Heffernan Lane Night Market
Great for foodies, date nights, or anyone wanting to explore Melbourne’s famous laneway culture with an Asian street food twist.
🏗️ Into history and panoramic views? → Royal Exhibition Building Dome Tour
Perfect for architecture lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting a unique perspective on Melbourne that most people never see.
🌌 Want something mind-bending & immersive? → The Door in Question
Ideal for art lovers, tech enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a truly unique and transformative experience that pushes creative boundaries.
✅ Make Your Sunday Unforgettable
Melbourne’s Sunday event scene offers incredible diversity—from free cultural celebrations to cutting-edge immersive experiences. Whether you’re seeking community connection, artistic inspiration, or simply a great meal, today’s lineup has something to spark your curiosity.
Quick Planning Tips:
• Transport: Most events are accessible by public transport
• Weather: Check forecasts and dress accordingly for outdoor events
• Timing: You could easily combine the African Festival (morning) with Speedrun Weekend (afternoon) and finish at Heffernan Lane (evening)
• Bookings: Dome Tours and The Door in Question require advance booking
Ready to explore? Melbourne’s cultural calendar never disappoints, and Sunday 22 June is shaping up to be particularly special. Pick your adventure and dive into everything this incredible city has to offer!
Event Links:
🌐 African Festival Melbourne
🌐 ACMI Speedrun Weekend
🌐 Melbourne Museum Dome Tours
🌐 The Door in Question
