Things to do in Melbourne this week

Live music is officially back, baby! And to celebrate, Jim Beam is bringing its world-renowned Welcome Sessions back to Australia with three one-of-a-kind, intimate gigs that are set to thrill and unite Aussie music devotees. Local sensations The Veronicas, Client Liaison and Flight Facilities star in Jim Beam’s 2022 Australian Welcome Sessions, with fans invited to come along and see their favourite artists in a uniquely intimate setting, enjoy a delicious drink, soak up the good vibes and praise the power of live music.

One of Melbourne’s best rooftops is taking the cinema to the sky, with the Rooftop at QT showing 90s cult classics every Tuesday night in August. Catch the likes of Fight Club, 10 Things I Hate About You and a special ‘viewers choice’ screening while you lounge under the stars with a QT cocktail, complimentary gourmet popcorn and exclusive snacks. 

Remember when you were a kid and you’d lie awake in bed, staring up at the ceiling, trying to figure out if it was possible to lick your elbow? Yep, we feel ya. When you’re young, you have so many huge questions that need answering, but in a way that’s not scary, overwhelming or confusing. Well, that’s exactly what Creation Creation is all about. Based on interviews with members of the community aged eight to 102, this weird and wacky production explores life’s biggest mysteries – you know, important stuff like: how did we get here? What’s inside black holes? And (most importantly) are aliens real?

After the success of Suzie Miller’s first play Prima Facie, starring Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer, Miller has brought yet another quality play to life – this time, inspired by the bold and complex character of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. Anna K follows the story of a top-rated television journalist, mother and wife, Anna, as her successful career comes face-to-face with the wrath of the media and the savage public. 

In the southwestern corner of South Dakota is Pine Ridge, one of America’s largest Native American reservations — and one of its most impoverished. Here, the per capita income is less than $8,000 and the poverty rate sits squarely above 50 per cent. It’s a stark and challenging environment, and it’s also where directors Riley Keough (Zola, American Honey) and Gina Gammell have set their gritty coming-of-age film, War Pony. 

Kewpie Fitzroy has your Friday night drinks in August sorted, with free entry, cheap drink specials and bottomless pizza to keep you going all night long. With a weekly DJ lineup including the likes of Boogs, Casual Connection (WA) and Spacey Space vs Sunshine, there’s a tune for everyone covering everything from disco-house to funk.

For a staggering 180 million years, the Daintree Rainforest has peacefully presided over large swaths of land in far north Queensland. It's the oldest tropical rainforest on the planet, and has been deemed the second-most irreplaceable world heritage site in the world. Unfortunately, as with most of Earth's natural wonders, climate change is casting a devastating and long-lasting shadow over its future. To help you visualise the looming threat of climate change and the power we as individuals have, a world-first durational VR installation is arriving in Melbourne direct from Sundance and SXSW. 

Just whose bright idea was it to lock children in a room for 12 years and treat them all exactly the same, no matter their individual talents, interests and needs? And what happens to kids who are not suited to that style of education, or particularly good at the narrow range of subjects taught in that way? Jude Perl has some answers to those questions (an advisor to the King of Prussia, in order to build compliant and efficient soldiers to fight Napoleon; and nothing good).

Following the success of running Australia’s longest-running Gin Market, The Craft and Co are back with another tantalising event. This time, it’s dedicated to dark spirits. The Dark Spirits Festival will showcase some of Australia’s best artisanal dark spirits producers over a dinner feast and market held from Thursday, August 18 to Sunday, August 21.

In any other situation, the absurdity of a ten-year-old standing in the school playground haggling over the phone to secure baby items from a perplexed Gumtree contact, unseen and unconvinced at the other end of the line, would play as broad comedy. But in Slovenian-Australian filmmaker Sara Kern’s beautifully realised feature debut Moja Vesna, this moment, alongside many others, will rip out your heart and dance on the sorry fragments.

If you've got a raging sweet tooth and a desperate need for a holiday, we're about to give you the best news you've heard all day. For a limited time, the DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne on Flinders Street has transformed its two-story loft room into a candied wonderland for a Sugar High Staycation package. 

If you loved Looking For Alibrandi in Melbourne recently, Laurinda is your next hot ticket. The stage adaption of Alice Pung’s novel of the same name, about the trials and tribulations of being a Vietnamese Australian teenager growing up in Melbourne, is a warm and funny look at being caught between cultures. Laurinda follows 15-year-old Lucy Lam, who wins a scholarship to a prestigious private school. When she's thrust into the world of high school politics and power – wielded by a trio of girls called The Cabinet – she has to choose between fitting in or being herself.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is returning for its 13th year and spicing things up with more exciting and accessible screenings and events than ever. Showing an impressive 100 films in 25 languages across eight days, the festival is bringing a number of internationally award-winning films to the city, including Cannes Jury Prize Winner Joyland, which explores a family struggling with gender, identity, love and individuality under patriarchal strain. 

Melbourne International Film Festival has been kicking around since 1952, making it one of the oldest continuously running film festivals in the world, alongside Cannes and Berlin. It's not only one of the oldest film festivals in Australia, but it's also one of the most popular – and this year, it's turning 70. To celebrate, MIFF returns to cinemas once again in 2022, after Melbourne was treated to an online edition due to Covid, with a huge lineup of 257 feature films, 102 shorts and 12 XR works.

In a quiet gallery of the State Library of Victoria sits a fascinating new exhibition that investigates the historical importance of crafted and handmade items – from mapping the stars in a way no one has ever seen before, to the undergarment makers who sent their wares to the stars, and First Nations artists who craft their contemporary artworks with a close connection to traditional methods.

The nicest kids in town will be here from August 2022 when the original Tony Award-winning Broadway production of Hairspray opens at the Regent Theatre. Long-admired director Jack O’Brien (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots) will lead a Broadway creative team, with stage and screen performer Shane Jacobson starring as beloved housewife Edna Turnblad, a role he has dreamed of performing for a long time.

Quick Fix at Half Six is a series of four, hour-long performances by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The shows kick off at 6.30pm and there is no interval – ideal for city workers keen to avoid the peak hour commute or people who don’t want to be out late on a weeknight.

Town Hall Gallery at Hawthorn Arts Centre hosts an important new exploration of our rich natural diversity through art this August and September, with a free exhibition that emphasises the urgent need for climate action. Above The Canopy dives into the long, storied history of nature represented in art, with works from artists including Sarah Hendy, Janet Laurence, Michael McHugh, Rebecca Mayo, Catherine Nelson, Grant Stevens and Judy Watson.

Viral comedy trio, Sooshi Mango, are returning to stages next month – no joke. Playing a series of Aussie venues this August and September, hilarious trio Joe Salanitri, Carlo Salanitri and Andrew Manfre are firing up for an exciting victory lap. After wrapping up their hugely successful Off The Boat tour, the troupe have added new tour dates in Melbourne, Gippsland and Ballarat, as well as Brisbane, Sydney, Wollongong, Adelaide and Perth due to huge demand.

Whether you're after Korean barbecue with endless high-quality cuts or a seafood bar with oysters, lobster and sashimi, we've rounded up the best spots where you can go back for seconds, thirds and fourths with no judgement.

Aussies are experts when it comes to the beach, but not so much when it comes to hitting the slopes. So if you've never skied or snowboarded before, and you're not quite sure where to start, consider this your complete guide to looking like an expert from day one. Should you snowboard or ski? How do you buy and use your lift passes? Where should you stay – on the mountain or at the base? We've got all the tips, tricks and hacks, so get your lecture pad out and settle in for Skiing 101.

Opening from July 22, Tyama: A Deeper Sense of Knowing welcomes visitors to discover six unique digital environments that reimagine our connection to the physical world and redefine the typical museum experience. Dive into an immersive experience like no other, exploring vibrant, 360-degree multimedia projections, interactive light and soundscapes, and objects from the Museum’s collection.

Switzerland-based 'artivist' Dan Acher is bringing his entrancing work 'Northern Lights' to Lake Daylesford this winter, delivering a light installation reminiscent of the Aurora Borealis – the colourful natural lights that dance over the far northern hemisphere at night. Borealis on the Lake combines a tranquil soundtrack with colourful, moving light beams in a blend of technology and art that aims to create a sense of community by bringing together people from all walks of life. 

Melbourne has no shortage of escape rooms, but if you're after the horror variety, Lost has three rooms that are sure to scare your socks off. As you descend the stairs into the dimly lit basement, faint screams from other hopeful escapees echo off the walls, serving as the first clue that you're in for one hell of a ride. The rooms are rated based on difficulty, level of physical activity involved and fear factor. We did Survivor, which is considered the least terrifying of the bunch, but that's not saying much. 

Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows offering unbeatable views of either the city, Port Philip Bay or the Yarra Valley. And if you're up early enough, you might be treated to a sunrise-painted sky full of Global Ballooning's hot air balloons. All 396 spacious guest rooms have been updated with warm, earthy-toned carpets and paints and chic, walnut-wood furnishings like writing desks, bed frames and coffee tables. The result is modern amenities that still offer the grand, old-world charm that's usually only found at heritage hotels like the Westin, which has a nearly century-long pedigree.

Now, a favourite dumplings joint can be a contentious topic. So to help you decide – or make a list to try them all – we have composed a list of Melbourne's most popular Chinese offerings so you can get your fix of these parcels of joy.

There are 160 wineries to try in the region, from tiny mum-and-pop operations to giant foreign-owned behemoths. Don't know where to start? These are our favourite wineries in the Yarra Valley right now. And if you can't find a deso, book yourself in for one of these guided tours. 

Camping is meant to be the most affordable holiday, but it's easy to get bogged down by campsite fees. If you're happy to forego extra amenities, there are heaps of free campsites that you can take advantage of across Victoria. Soak up ocean views at beachside campsites, wake up on Victoria's largest coastal island or marvel at deciduous forests and tall gum trees. 

Trying to make after-dark plans with friends that don't involve buying multiple $20 cocktails? We've got good news: here in Melbourne, there are heaps of alcohol-free activities to partake in once the sun goes down. And if you do want to imbibe, many of these venues have fully stocked bars. 

A Lune croissant is a work of art. Feather-light layers of pastry (with just the right amount of crunch, flake and butteriness) are created with near mathematical precision in a climate-controlled space that is more akin to a laboratory than a bakery. The ridiculously popular Fitzroy warehouse-croissanterie (and its CBD outpost) has a new menu for the month of July – and you won’t want to miss out. 

The Bellarine Peninsula is the lesser-known western cousin of the Mornington Peninsula, but it offers the same calibre of drinking, dining and gorgeous beaches. And while both are around the same distance by car from the Melbourne CBD (around an hour and a half), one thing that sets the Bellarine apart is its accessibility by ferry. Not sure what to do when you get there? To ensure you have a great holiday, we've rounded up our top picks for where to eat, drink and stay and play in the region. 

While we're used to celebrating Christmas over barbecues and beers while donning Hawaiian shirts and summer dresses, it's tough not to feel FOMO from the wintery festivities of our mates in the Northern Hemisphere. And while Melbourne rarely gets snow — if light dustings even count — we'll be damned if that stops us from trying to recreate our very own white Christmas in July. Round up your mates, minus the Scrooges, and hit up these snow-covered markets and historic towns and decadent Christmas feasts.

We've all got fond childhood memories of visiting the local playground, and luckily Melbourne is chock-full of some really great ones. Across the city and its suburbs, there are plenty of sites for kids to run amok, with everything from swings to sandpits on offer. Many of these playgrounds also offer picnic tables and barbecues, so you can pack a picnic or fire up the grill and spend the whole arvo soaking up some sunshine. 

School's out for winter from June 25 to July 10, so if you don't want bored kids on your hands, it's time to start planning. We've put together a list of the best family-friendly things to do right now, catering to a range of price points and ages. There are a few that you can do from the living room, too. 

Celebrated English-Australian artist Bruce Munro is presenting his first-ever museum exhibition at Heide this winter. From Sunrise Road features both indoor and outdoor interactive installations that show off Munro's adept skill in working with light.

For anyone still under the illusion that space is boring, a new immersive exhibition is ready to prove that there’s nothing dull about space exploration. Presented by Fever, this dazzling light show will transport you on a planet-hopping odyssey through our solar system, including visiting Mars, Venus, Pluto and Jupiter, with your feet still firmly on the ground.

Party like the Mad Hatter and enjoy two hours of bottomless aromatic gin and tonics and sparkling wine or beer, matched with a selection of sweet and savoury bites including Apollo Bay lobster mornay doughnuts, French onion soup toasties and Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin tarts with meringue.

The NGV is bringing more than 80 of Picasso's works to Melbourne, organised into 12 thematic sections – and yes, Cubism is more than ably represented – along with an exciting Friday night music program.

If you didn't see the previous iteration of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Melbourne (set over a bottom-breaking epic two nights), then the return of one of the most hyped plays on the roster is sure to grab your attention this time around – particularly considering it has been condensed down into a one-night production.

This year, more than 35 of Melbourne's best street food traders, including returning favourites and Market first-timers, will be serving up delicious winter menus. Expect decadent burnt Basque and Biscoff cheesecakes from M&G Caiafa, all manner of tacos from the Happy Mexican, roasted local chestnuts from the Apple Corner, falafel platters from the Black Sheep, wood-fired pizza from 400 Gradi and pasta tossed in cheese wheels from That's Amore Cheese. 

Keen on eating and drinking outside this winter, but less keen on the bone-chilling cold? Thanks to four venues across Melbourne, you can book in for your own private winter wonderland in the form of cosy winter igloo gardens. Enter your igloo, settle into the cosy chairs draped with blankets and furry pillows and prepare to warm yourself up from the inside with delicious food and beverage packages. 

If you thought building things out of cardboard was a relic of your childhood, think again; Australian independent craft brewery Bridge Road Brewers has created the grown-up hideaway fort of your dreams. Aptly named A Bar Made of Cardboard, it's a pop-up bar where everything aside from the beer taps, fridges and dishwasher is made with recycled cardboard. 

Whether you are on babysitting duty for the school holidays or are a keen ocean explorer, the new Dive into the Deep exhibit at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, offers a unique and informative day out for adults and children alike. For the first time at the Melbourne Aquarium, the Dive into the Deep exhibit sees a 14 metre long, immersive digital projection, taking guests on an explorative examination through the depths of the ocean, and through the stages of time.

The exhibition at the Ian Potter Centre (NGV Australia) features 68 prints created in the last four years as part of the Australian Print Workshop Artist Fellowship program. Piccinini, Cope, Gladwell and Maguire are already renowned for their work in other mediums, but the fellowship aimed to expand their practice into printmaking.

The Jewish Museum of Australia is presenting works from one of the world's most risqué fashion photographers in Helmut Newton: In Focus, a definitive exploration of the work of German-born, and one-time Melbourne-based photographer Helmut Newton. Once dubbed the 'king of kink', Helmut Newton was once one of the 20th century's most provocative and prolific fashion photographers.

The Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street opened its doors to guests in March 2021, having taken over the old Italian Romanesque bones of Melbourne's heritage-listed Equity Chambers. The boutique hotel is a gorgeous blend of old and new, with lofty ceilings, old barrister's offices laden with gold detailing and dark natural wood panelling that's reminiscent of the State Library. Stepping inside is like going back in time, and in celebration of the hotel's one-year anniversary, you're invited to experience the lavish Celebrations Stay Package.

You don't have to travel to Canberra to check out some of the brilliant portraits held by the National Portrait Gallery, as the NGV Ian Potter Centre has collaborated with the famed museum to bring some of the finest examples of the artform to Melbourne.

Are you a glow getter? Or just need to take some time out from your busy schedule? Tick both boxes with these luxurious skin treatments delivered by the city's best practitioners. 

Fancy yourself a bit of a general knowledge whiz? Put your brains to the test at these pub trivia nights, where questions on anything from film to sport are supplemented by cool beers and food specials.

The NGV will celebrate the stories and perspectives of our queer communities in a landmark new exhibition set to open in 2022. Queer is the most comprehensive Australian survey of art relating to queer themes to date, with more than 300 works pulled from the NGV collection to be exhibited across five galleries at the NGV International. 

Round one of the 2022 AFL season kicks off on March 16, with Melbourne games taking place at the MCG and Marvel Stadium.

Aussie bowling alley and all-around funhouse Strike has released its newest collab – a project to turn humble bowling balls and shoes into a thing of art. From Tuesday, February 21, players can get their hands on specially designed attire by Australian artist Steen Jones. For $25, players can opt to upgrade to the High Rollers pack, which includes a custom design bowling ball, bowling shoes and High Rollers socks to keep. You also score a free stein of Furphy, express check-in and a High Rollers sticker pack.

After a long week, sometimes all you want is a bit of peace and quiet. Escape your busy day-to-day life and enter a dream-like state of weightlessness at one of these floatation tanks around Melbourne. You'll enter an alien-like pod filled with warm water and Epsom salt where you can float and let the worries of the day melt away.

It's the best fun you can have standing up, and this town boasts a plethora of places to do it. 

Victoria, you've heard of pink lakes and pink cliffs, but this might be Melbourne's first pink pond. This December, the NGV unveils a pink pond in the Grollo Equiset Garden (the gallery's sculpture garden). Unsurprisingly, the pond is inspired by Australia's pink salt lakes but also draws from the original architectural designs for the NGV International.

Dust off those hiking boots, pack that scroggin, fill your Camelbak and get ready to explore some of the most gorgeous hikes within an easy drive of Melbourne. Regional Victoria is brimming with picturesque walks great for getting your heart pumping, including temperate rainforest wonders and seaside spectacles. 

Whether your muscles beg a meltdown or your complexion cries ‘makeover’, Melbourne’s best day spas will leave you feeling soft, warm and radiant. Read through for local day spas and day spas worth driving to in Victoria.

You'll find luxury hotels, budget hotels and boutique hotels in this list, so you can unpack, unwind and enjoy your stay in Melbourne. 

The best thing about the great outdoors is that it’s for everyone to enjoy – whether you’re an experienced caravanner, a glamper or a fresh-faced camper. The most important thing to remember though is this is a shared space you’re setting your tent down in, not your own backyard.