Ten Specific Things To Do in Melbourne Tonight – Your Ultimate Wednesday Night Guide!
Melbourne’s Wednesday nights are buzzing with incredible options, from world-class theatre to vibrant night markets and exceptional dining. Whether you’re a local looking for midweek excitement or a visitor wanting to experience the city’s legendary nightlife, tonight offers something special for every taste! Here’s your definitive guide to the best activities happening right now. 🌟
From the magical Winter Night Market at Queen Vic to award-winning cocktails in hidden speakeasies, tonight promises unforgettable experiences across the city. Let’s dive into the top ten must-do activities that will make your Wednesday night absolutely spectacular!
🎭 1. Annie The Musical at Princess Theatre – Broadway Magic in Melbourne!
Time: Evening Performance (7:30 PM or 8:00 PM) | Venue: Princess Theatre, 163 Spring Street | Tickets: From $67-$150
The Experience: Tonight’s performance of Annie features the incredible Anthony Warlow as “Daddy” Warbucks and Debora Krizak as the notorious Miss Hannigan. You’ll be swept away by the iconic songs “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” and “Tomorrow” in this beloved musical that’s capturing hearts across Melbourne.
Why It’s Perfect Tonight: This is one of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time, now playing at Melbourne’s most spectacular landmark theatre. The Princess Theatre’s grand architecture adds to the magic, making every performance feel like a special occasion.
Perfect for: Musical theatre lovers, families, date nights
Cost: $67-$150 depending on seating
Duration: 2.5 hours with intermission
Best features: World-class performers, iconic songs, stunning venue
Booking tip: Available through Ticketek or Princess Theatre Box Office
🌟 2. Queen Victoria Winter Night Market – Winter Wonderland in the City!
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Venue: Queen Victoria Market, Corner Elizabeth & Therry Streets | Tickets: Free entry
The Experience: The iconic market sheds transform into a cozy winter haven with over 45 international food traders, warming drinks, live music, and roving performers. From mulled wine to global street food, silent disco parties to artisan shopping – it’s Melbourne’s favorite midweek winter tradition.
Why It’s Special Tonight: This year features exciting new stallholders alongside beloved returning favorites, creating fresh experiences even for regular visitors. The atmosphere is electric with open fires, fairy lights, and the buzz of Melbourne’s food-loving community.
Perfect for: Food lovers, families, friends catching up, winter enthusiasts
Cost: Free entry, food from $8-20 per dish
Duration: 2-5 hours depending on your appetite
Best features: Global cuisines, mulled wine, live entertainment, shopping
Pro tip: Arrive close to 5pm to avoid queues and find street parking
🎵 3. Live Music: The Whispers at Bendigo Hotel – Collingwood’s Music Scene!
Time: Evening | Venue: Bendigo Hotel, Collingwood | Tickets: Check venue for pricing
The Experience: The Whispers bring their unique sound to one of Collingwood’s most beloved music venues. The intimate setting creates an authentic connection between artist and audience, capturing the essence of Melbourne’s thriving live music culture.
Why It’s Perfect for Tonight: Collingwood’s music scene is legendary, and the Bendigo Hotel provides that perfect neighborhood pub atmosphere where great music happens organically. It’s the kind of authentic Melbourne experience you can’t find in guidebooks.
Perfect for: Music lovers, local culture enthusiasts, intimate night out
Cost: Typically $15-25 for live music
Duration: 2-3 hours
Best features: Intimate venue, authentic atmosphere, quality sound
Local tip: Great pubs and bars nearby for venue hopping
🍸 4. Cocktails at The Everleigh – 1920s Glamour in Fitzroy!
Time: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Venue: Level 1/150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy | Tickets: No cover charge
The Experience: Step into this award-winning speakeasy where every cocktail is crafted to perfection. From the Jitterbug (gin, elderflower, Aperol, lime) to the Shanghai (Jamaican rum, pomegranate, lemon, anise), each drink tells a story of the golden era of cocktails.
Why It’s Melbourne’s Best: The Everleigh has been recognized globally for its commitment to classic cocktail culture. The venue’s chesterfield armchairs, mounted deer heads, and marble finishes create an atmosphere of understated luxury that’s become legendary in Melbourne’s cocktail scene.
Perfect for: Cocktail enthusiasts, sophisticated night out, impressing visitors
Cost: $28 per cocktail
Duration: 2-4 hours
Best features: Award-winning cocktails, 1920s atmosphere, expert bartenders
Insider tip: The best seats are at the bar to watch the craft in action
🥃 5. Whisky & Beer at Boilermaker House – Over 700 Whiskies!
Time: Open until 12:00 AM | Venue: 211 La Trobe Street | Tickets: No cover charge
The Experience: This temple to whisky and craft beer houses an astonishing collection of over 700 whiskies alongside rotating craft beers on tap. Try their signature Boilermaker Sour – a complex blend of Basil Hayden Whiskey, coconut, caramelised pineapple, IPA, passionfruit, lemon, whites, and bitters.
What Makes It Special: The venue perfectly pairs premium spirits with carefully curated food – featuring 20+ cured meats and artisan cheeses, all expertly matched to complement their drink offerings. It’s whisky appreciation elevated to an art form.
Perfect for: Whisky lovers, craft beer enthusiasts, sophisticated dining
Cost: Cocktails $20-35, food $15-45
Duration: 2-4 hours
Best features: Massive whisky collection, craft beer selection, expert pairings
Experience tip: Ask staff for recommendations based on your taste preferences
🎪 6. Prohibition-Era Cocktails at Eau de Vie – Hidden Speakeasy Magic!
Time: Wednesday-Saturday evenings | Venue: Malthouse Lane (hidden entrance) | Tickets: No cover charge
The Experience: Find the heavy, unmarked door in tiny Malthouse Lane and step into Melbourne’s original speakeasy. Expert bartenders create theatrical cocktails with flair and flame, smoke and mirrors – it’s the golden age of bartending brought to life with liquid nitrogen and serious skill.
Why It’s Legendary: Beyond the main bar lies the secret Whisky Room, hidden behind a bookcase where rare and exclusive whiskies live. This is where Melbourne’s hidden bar culture began, and it remains the gold standard for speakeasy experiences.
Perfect for: Adventure seekers, cocktail connoisseurs, special occasions
Cost: $25-40 per cocktail
Duration: 2-4 hours
Best features: Theatrical bartending, secret rooms, rare spirits
Secret tip: Ask about access to the hidden Whisky Room
🥘 7. Dinner at Chin Chin – Southeast Asian Fire!
Time: Dinner service | Venue: 125 Flinders Lane, CBD | Tickets: No reservation needed
The Experience: This fiery Southeast Asian diner has had Melburnians queuing since 2011 for good reason. The energy is always high, service remains fast and efficient, and the modern Australian take on Southeast Asian flavors continues to set the standard for contemporary Asian dining.
Why It’s Still Essential: In a city obsessed with food trends, Chin Chin has maintained its edge for over a decade by consistently delivering that perfect sweet spot between authentic flavors, innovative presentation, and that unmistakable Melbourne dining energy.
Perfect for: Food adventurers, group dining, authentic Melbourne experience
Cost: $25-45 per person
Duration: 1-2 hours
Best features: Signature dishes, bustling atmosphere, no-fuss excellence
Dining tip: Expect to queue but it moves quickly
🍜 8. Fine Dining at Flower Drum – 40+ Years of Excellence!
Time: Dinner service | Venue: 17 Market Lane, CBD | Tickets: Bookings essential
The Experience: This Melbourne culinary institution has been perfecting Cantonese fine dining for over four decades. Delicate flavors and seasonal produce shine in signature dishes like their legendary Peking duck and aromatic baked crab, with options from their secret chef’s menu for those in the know.
Why It’s Legendary: Flower Drum represents the pinnacle of Melbourne’s dining heritage – a restaurant that has maintained impeccable standards through decades of change. Their chef’s signature banquet at $225 (wine matching $75) offers an unforgettable culinary journey.
Perfect for: Special occasions, fine dining lovers, culinary pilgrimage
Cost: $100-250 per person depending on selection
Duration: 2-3 hours
Best features: Legendary Peking duck, impeccable service, historic significance
Essential tip: Bookings are absolutely essential
😂 9. Comedy at The Comic’s Lounge – Melbourne’s Comedy Institution!
Time: Evening shows | Venue: North Melbourne | Tickets: From $35
The Experience: Melbourne’s biggest and best comedy club hosts stars from around Australia and the world in shows running about 2.5 hours. This is where comedy legends like Dave Hughes, Carl Barron, and Kitty Flanagan have honed their craft and where you’ll discover tomorrow’s stars tonight.
Why It’s Melbourne’s Best: As the longest-running and most popular comedy club in the city, The Comic’s Lounge has built its reputation on consistently delivering quality laughs. The intimate setting means every seat gives you a front-row experience with Australia’s funniest performers.
Perfect for: Comedy lovers, group nights out, midweek entertainment
Cost: $35-65 (dinner packages available)
Duration: 2.5 hours with intervals
Best features: Top-tier comedians, intimate venue, dinner options
Comedy tip: Dinner packages offer great value and ensure good seating
🎨 10. NGV French Impressionism Exhibition – World-Class Art Experience!
Time: Until late (check current hours) | Venue: National Gallery of Victoria | Tickets: Timed entry tickets
The Experience: Over 100 French Impressionist masterpieces by Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edouard Manet, and others – including works never before seen in Australia. A highlight is the incredible display of 16 Monet canvases painted over 30 years.
Why It’s Unmissable: This partnership with Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts brings world-class impressionist works to Melbourne in a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition. The collection represents some of the most beloved and valuable artworks ever created, now accessible right in our city.
Perfect for: Art lovers, cultural experiences, quiet contemplation
Cost: $28-35 for adults
Duration: 1-3 hours depending on interest
Best features: Never-before-seen works, comprehensive collection, world-class curation
Visit tip: Book timed entry tickets in advance
Perfect Wednesday Combinations for Today
Cultural Evening: Start with the NGV French Impressionism exhibition (late afternoon), followed by dinner at Flower Drum, then cocktails at The Everleigh.
Food & Market Adventure: Begin at Queen Victoria Winter Night Market (5pm), experience the atmosphere and food, then move to Chin Chin for late dinner, finishing with drinks at Eau de Vie.
Entertainment Extravaganza: Catch Annie at Princess Theatre, grab a quick bite at the Winter Night Market, then end with comedy at The Comic’s Lounge.
Today’s Event Planning Tips
Transportation: Most venues are within the Free Tram Zone. Trams 19, 57, and 59 service Queen Victoria Market directly. Princess Theatre is walking distance from Melbourne Central Station.
Weather: It’s winter, so dress warmly for outdoor activities like the Winter Night Market. Indoor venues are well-heated.
Budget: Free options include the Winter Night Market entry and window shopping. Mid-range dining ranges $25-45 per person. Premium experiences like fine dining and theatre range $65-250 per person.
Making the Most of Today’s Events
Photo Opportunities: The Winter Night Market offers magical lighting for photos, while The Everleigh’s 1920s decor creates perfect vintage shots. The Princess Theatre’s grand facade is iconic Melbourne.
Cultural Education: Tonight offers chances to experience Melbourne’s theatre heritage, cocktail culture, food scene, and art world all in one evening.
Memory Making: Whether it’s singing along to Annie, discovering a new favorite cocktail, or being moved by impressionist masterpieces, tonight’s options create lasting Melbourne memories.
Perfect Wednesday Success in Melbourne!
Melbourne’s Wednesday nights prove that midweek entertainment can be just as spectacular as weekends. From world-class theatre to hidden speakeasies, vibrant markets to fine dining institutions, tonight offers experiences that capture everything we love about this incredible city.
Don’t let another Wednesday pass without experiencing Melbourne’s magic – pick your adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime!
All information current as of July 30, 2025. Check individual venues for any last-minute changes to times or availability. Bookings recommended for restaurants and theatre shows.
