Quick Summary – Melbourne Weekend Highlights (Aug 29–31, 2025)
| Subject | Highlights This Weekend |
|---|---|
| Film & Culture | Melbourne International Film Festival (final screenings), ACMI exhibits |
| Art & Installations | Einder kinetic light show, Now or Never festival installations |
| Markets & Food | Queen Victoria Winter Night Market (final week), Rose Street Artists’ Market |
| Music & Theatre | Melbourne Theatre Company shows, live gigs in Fitzroy & Collingwood |
| Family & Outdoors | Melbourne Zoo, Royal Botanic Gardens, Scienceworks Museum |
| Free Activities | Hosier Lane street art, Open House tours, State Library Victoria |
| Wellness & Offbeat | Cold-water swims at Port Phillip Bay, scavenger hunts in the CBD |
What is the weather forecast for this weekend in Melbourne?
The Melbourne weather forecast for the weekend of August 29–31, 2025 is:
- Friday (29 Aug): Mostly cloudy, windy, with light showers mainly in the morning. High 13 °C, Low 5 °C.
- Saturday (30 Aug): Breezy with a few morning showers, partly sunny later, then cloudy. High 13 °C, Low 8 °C.
- Sunday (31 Aug): Mostly cloudy but slightly warmer. High 16 °C, Low 6 °C.
This means indoor events and covered venues are best for Friday and Saturday mornings, while Sunday is more suitable for outdoor exploring.
What are the best things to do in Melbourne this weekend?
The best things to do in Melbourne this weekend include attending MIFF’s closing screenings, exploring Now or Never festival installations, visiting the Queen Victoria Market Winter Night Market, seeing Melbourne Theatre Company shows, and enjoying family-friendly attractions like the Zoo and Scienceworks.
Rain and wind make indoor activities smart choices Friday and Saturday, while Sunday is ideal for outdoor markets, laneways, and gardens.
Which festivals and cultural events are happening?
- Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF): Final screenings across CBD venues including ACMI, Forum Theatre, and Hoyts Melbourne Central.
- Now or Never Festival: Free immersive light and sound installations across the city, running until 31 August.
- Einder at Melbourne Town Hall: A 20-metre-long kinetic light and sound display, free to enter and perfect for a rainy day.
What theatre and live performances are on this weekend?
- Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) is presenting:
- Kimberly Akimbo
- The Removalists
- Mother Play
- Much Ado About Nothing
- Live gigs and nightlife: Fitzroy’s Smith Street and Collingwood offer rooftop bars, indie gigs, and late-night music venues.
What family-friendly activities are available?
Family-friendly activities this weekend include:
- Melbourne Zoo – best reserved for Sunday when skies are drier.
- Royal Botanic Gardens – pleasant for a Sunday stroll or picnic.
- Scienceworks Museum – ideal for rainy Friday and Saturday mornings.
- Scavenger hunts in the CBD – better for Saturday afternoon or Sunday when showers ease.
What markets and food experiences are on this weekend?
- Queen Victoria Winter Night Market: Final week, open until August 27. Stick to covered food stalls if showers hit.
- Rose Street Artists’ Market (Fitzroy): Best for Sunday browsing with improving weather.
- Laneway dining: Dumplings in Chinatown, brunch in Fitzroy, or rooftop bars in the CBD.
What free activities can you do this weekend?
- Hosier Lane – free street art viewing, recommended for Sunday when it is less wet.
- Open House Melbourne – public building tours, most indoors, good for Friday and Saturday.
- State Library Victoria – explore the La Trobe Reading Room, exhibitions, and heritage galleries.
- Southbank – enjoy buskers and riverside views on Sunday afternoon.
What wellness or offbeat activities are unique to Melbourne this weekend?
- Cold-water swims at Port Phillip Bay – invigorating but best avoided during windy, rainy spells. Sunday morning is the safest option.
- Laneway scavenger hunts – adaptable to drizzle with an umbrella, ideal for Saturday afternoon or Sunday.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary (Weather-Smart Plan)
Friday Evening (Aug 29)
- Stay indoors: catch a MIFF screening or book tickets for an MTC play.
- Alternative: ACMI or IMAX Melbourne for blockbuster screenings.
Saturday Morning (Aug 30)
- Rain likely, so head to Scienceworks or the Melbourne Museum.
- Families can enjoy indoor workshops or kids’ exhibits.
Saturday Afternoon & Evening
- If showers ease, explore the Queen Vic Market Winter Night Market.
- Otherwise, enjoy indoor galleries, Einder at Town Hall, or a laneway café crawl.
Sunday (Aug 31)
- Weather improves – perfect for Melbourne Zoo, Botanic Gardens, or a laneway scavenger hunt.
- Wrap up the weekend with a relaxed meal in Fitzroy or Collingwood.
FAQs
What is the main event in Melbourne this weekend?
The main event this weekend is the closing screenings of the Melbourne International Film Festival.
What activities are best if it rains?
Indoor activities like MIFF films, MTC shows, ACMI, and Scienceworks are best during rainy spells.
What free events are happening this weekend?
Free activities include Hosier Lane street art, Now or Never festival installations, and Open House tours.
Is MIFF still running this weekend?
Yes
Is Einder free to enter?
Yes
Is the Zoo better on Sunday?
Yes
Is the Queen Vic Night Market still open?
Yes, until Aug 27
Melbourne Sunday Markets
If markets are on your radar this Sunday, you will find plenty beyond the Queen Victoria Market and Rose Street Artists’ Market.
Iconic favourites like the St Kilda Esplanade Market and the Camberwell Sunday Market make Sundays a true shopping day in Melbourne.
For a full guide to the city’s weekend stalls, browse our list of Sunday markets in Melbourne to plan your visit.