Staying in Melbourne over the long weekend? Find out what's happening in St Kilda and Southside from free events and affordable dining deals to exhibitions, attractions, live gigs, and more.

Free and cheap 

Sky Disco at Republica

Start the long weekend with drinks, beachside views and the perfect blend of classic house and disco at Republica's Sky Disco Long Weekend Special. The line-up includes include Joys Soul (live) and DJs Journey Man, Mark Pellegrini, and Sgt. Slick. Entry is free, make sure you reserve your ticket online as it's likely to book out.

Thursday 25 January from 6 pm at Republica, 10 - 18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda

Rooftop Salsa

Always wanted to try latin dancing? There's free salsa and bachata classes on Friday nights at The Albion in South Melbourne. Stick around for social dancing, then head to the rooftop at 10.30 pm for the weekly Oye Latino dance party with DJs playing a mix of reggaeton, salsa, bachata, guaracha and Latin party tunes until late. 

Doors open from 8 pm and entry is free. Rooftop opens 10.30 pm.  Fridays at The Albion, 172 York Street, South Melbourne

Linden Postcard Show and Sunday pop-up bar

Linden New Art’s Postcards Show is one of Melbourn's longest running inclusive arts events. With a famous 'open door' policy that offers a platform for everyone from emerging artists to established names to exhibit, this year's exhibition is the biggest yet, featuring over 1,000 works on display. Explore new artworks across multiple mediums, including 2D, sculptures, video art and audio. On Sundays, there's a pop-up whiskey bar in the front courtyard for cocktails and live DJs in partnership with The Gospel Whiskey. There's also a program of family workshops. 

Linden New Art Postcards Show runs until 11 February, 2024. Entry is free. Sundays Sessions Summer pop-up runs 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm every Sunday until 11 February. 

St Kilda Esplanade Market 

The St Kilda Esplanade Market draws visitors and Melburnians alike to its idyllic beachside location along the St Kilda Esplanade. Running every Sunday throughout the year, for 53 years, this iconic makers market offers handmade art and design by some of the most talented creatives. Coffee and food trucks with flavors from around the world are on hand and don’t forget your fur babies. This is one of Melbourne’s best pet-friendly markets with puppuccinos and accessories to satisfy your pooch.

Every Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, The Esplanade, St Kilda

Read our guide to the best markets in St Kilda and Southside.  

KIIS Eye Ferris Wheel

Take in breath-taking views of St Kilda Foreshore from above on the KIIS Eye Ferris Wheel. Open daily from 10 am to 9.30 pm at Catani Gardens until 28 April, repeat visits are recommended to catch the sunset and sparkling lights of Melbourne after dark. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. A 30 per cent discount off these prices applies for City of Port Phillip residents, upon presentation of photo ID.

The KIIS EYe is open 10 am to 9.30 pm daily, Catani Gardens, Beaconsfield Parade, St Kilda. Opening hours may vary due to weather, check the Skyline Facebook and  Instagram for most recent updates.

Find more free and cheap things to do in St Kilda and Southside. 

Dining deals

Don't feel like cooking? Even on a long weekend, there's plenty of cheap dining deals and happy hours on offer in the south. On Thursday evening, head to Prince Alfred Hotel in Port Melbourne, for $20 parmas between 6 and 9pm. There's also $15 pizzas at the Grosvenor (pictured) on the same night. Bring the family for their half price kids menu ($7.50) between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm. It's available weekdays and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Over at Milk the Cow, the ultimate cheese happy hour awaits. Celebrating 10 years on Fitzroy Street, the popular St Kilda fromagerie has a $10 tasting menu between 3 and 6 pm on Thursday and Friday. Choose from cheeseboards, bitterballen, burrata and stracciatella, and drinks including Agrumi Spritz cocktails, boutique wine and beer on tap. 

Read our guide to the best new bars, restaurants and cafes in St kilda and Southside. 

Tours

St Kilda Ferry sunset penguin cruise

Meet St Kilda's adorable little penguins up close on St Kilda Ferry's new Sunset Penguin Cruise. Depart from St Kilda Pier and cruise past the marina to witness the sunset over Port Phillip Bay and clear views of the city skyline. Then venture out to the St Kilda breakwater, where the  1400-strong colony resides. As dusk sets in, the boat moves nearer to the rock wall, offering a chance for closer look at the penguins by torchlight.  

Tours running Thursday 25 January to Sunday 28 January, departing at sunset from St Kilda Pier. Check website for specific departure times. 

Silent Disco Abba Walking Tour

Love 70s and 80s music? Don't miss the Abba-themed Silent Disco Walking Tour in St Kilda on Saturday 27 January.  Grab your headphones and follow your host as Kilda's iconic sights tranform into one big dance floor. The playlist is 80 per cent ABBA plus of smattering of other classics from the era. Hosted by Disko Duk Duk from the Guru Dudu team.

The Silent Disco Abba Walking Tour departs from O'Donnell Gardens, St Kilda, at 7 pm on Saturday 27 January.

Theatre, live music and more

Midsumma

Melbourne's annual LGBTQIA+ festival, Midsumma, kicks off its opening weekend with a heap of St Kilda and Southside events. Unleash your dance moves at the Proud Mary rooftop disco on the Victorian Pride Centre or venture to Hot Summer Nights! at Gasworks for a bold adults-only circus cabaret. Over at Theatreworks, join Willing and a full stage band for On the uncertainty of signs, a tale of love, life and unexpected romance hiding in your DMs. 

Read more about what's on at Midsumma. 

Live music

From late night laneway bars and iconic band rooms to heritage-listed concert halls, St Kilda is a beacon for music fans. Over the long weekend, there's a packed program at George Lane Bar with gigs from Irish songwriter David Keenan,  Sarah McLeod and Melbourne roots legends Benny & theFlybyniters. Meanwhile 80s rock icons take over the The Prince Bandroom, with live shows from James Reyne and Rose Tattoo. Read our guide to the best live music venues in St Kilda and Southside. 

Rain Room

Its the last chance to catch International art sensation Rain Room at Jackalope Pavilion, which closes on 31 January. Be surrounded by (but completely protected from) an intense rainstorm that responds to your presence and movement in this mesmerising, immersive experience. 

Until 31 January, 2024, Jackalope Pavilion, Corner Jackson and Acland Streets, St Kilda