Southside Father's Day guide

Still looking for things to do do on Father's Day? Get some ideas from our list below. 

Special events

1th Annual Acland Street Father’s Day Car And Bike Show

10 am to 6 pm,  Acland Street, St Kilda

Once a year, car and motor bike lovers converge on Acland Street, St Kilda, for the Annual Acland Street Father’s Day Car and Bike Show. Explore a showcase of classic cars, hot rods and street machines and bikes in this hugely popular free festival. Stay for free entertainment, face painting, carnival rides, giveaways, live music and more. 

Fathers and Dog's Day Out at Rippon Lea Estate

10 am to 5 pm, Rippon Lea Estate, Ripponlea

Once a year, Rippon Lea Estate opens its grounds to dog owners and their fur babies—and it’s happening on Father's Day!  Explore their beautiful gardens, bring a picnic, and take part in heaps of paw-some activities in their Fathers and Dogs Day Out including doggy market stalls, a dog and owner look-alike contest, dad and dog photos, a sausage sizzle, open house at Rippon Lea Mansion (humans only) and more.

The St Kilda Esplanade Market

10 am to 4 pm, Upper Esplanade, St Kilda 

Make dad's day with a unique find from the iconic St Kilda Esplanade Market. With an idyllic beachside location, it's a beacon for visitors and locals alike. 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. 

Dog-friendly jazz sessions at Rosies Bar, Elwood

Is your dad a music lover? Swing by on Father's Day for  free live jazz sessions at Rosie's Bar, the new dog-friendly beer garden tucked away behind Johnny's Coffee Roasters at 157 Ormond Road. This leafy, festoon-lit hangout has a laid-back vibe, serving up vinyl tunes and classic drinks every weekend. Warm up with a hot buttered rum or a whisky toddy. Or, work your way through their compact cocktail list, featuring four classics and four house specials that change monthly. With a selection of high quality, easy-drinking wines and a beer focus on staples and local heroes,  there's something for everyone. 

Brunching, southside style

There's nothing more important to Melbournians than brunch and that first coffee hit in the morning. Read our Must-try brunch guide to St Kilda and Southside and seek out the best places to treat your dad this Sunday. 

Dining out 

Whether it's classic pub dining or upmarket bistro fare, your dad is spoiled for options this Father's Day, 

Stokehouse, St Kilda

Book for an exclusive Father's Day menu, featuring four courses including speciality dishes alongside Stokehouse signatures. $185 per person.

Father's Day Roast at The Espy, St Kilda

Spoil Dad with a classic Sunday roast in the Espy Main Bar.  Choose between Prime Rib Beef or Rotisserie Porchetta, including all the trimmings. Vegetarian and vegan options also available. Bookings from lunch to dinner. 

Cost: $35 per person, or $45 with dessert. 

Father's Day BBQ at Lizzie's Lane Laneway Bar, Albert Park

Treat dad to a grill-iant Father's Day BBQ at Lizzie's Lane Laneway Bar, located at Pullman & Mercure Melbourne Albert Park!  Be treated to BBQ buffet and carvery and 2.5 hour beverage package between 12.30 and 3 pm. Make time for a post-lunch stroll around Albert Park Lake - it's just across the road. 

Cost: $99 per person (adults), $49 (teens 13 to 18), $29 (kids 6 to 12) and kids under 6 eat for free. 

Father's Day Roast at Jekyll & Hyde 

Treat Dad to a Fathers Day roast this weekend at Jekyll & Hyde. Choose from beer, pork, lamb or vegetarian options, with all the trimmings and unlimited gravy. Stay on for the festivities at the Acland Street Father’s Day Car and Bike Show.

Cost: $30 for a Dad sized portion (with a free sticky toffee pudding thrown in for their special day!) and $15 for the kids sized meal

More Father's Day specials:

Lady Peacock Cocktail Bar, St Kilda: Father's Day happy hour. $10 house wine and bubbles, and $18 selected cocktails. 3 to 7pm, Sunday

Ugo Burrata Bar, South Melbourne Market: Melbourne's favourite burrata spot, Ugo Burrata Bar has teamed up with Lasagna Lab, to bring you an Italian classic with a twist - a drool-worthy Braised Lamb Lasagna topped with Burrata! It's just on this weekend - including Father's Day - until sold out.