Melbourne

What's On 22–28 May 2026

22–28 May 2026Updated 23 May 2026· Next update: 28 May

Reconciliation Week kicks off mid-week — Melbourne got an early start Friday with thousands walking from Federation Square to the MCG with Michael Long. The Big Design Market wraps up Sunday at the Royal Exhibition Building, ACMI just opened its best show in years, and free public transport runs until May 31. Go.

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Week at a glance

Lead pick

Big Design Market, Royal Exhibition Building

250 independent Australian makers under one heritage roof — the best reason to leave the house this Sunday.

Top pick

The Vinyl Factory: Reverb — ACMI

A large-scale ACMI exhibition tracing how vinyl and music shaped global art, fashion and social movements — immersive and free.

Food & drink

Death & Co Melbourne — CBD

NYC's legendary cocktail bar opened its first Melbourne outpost — intimate speakeasy feel, expert drinks, proper food menu.

Free option

Free public transport — all of Victoria until 31 May

Trains, trams, buses — free across Victoria until May 31. Tap on with Myki or just board. Use it this weekend.

Lead Pick

Big Design Market, Royal Exhibition Building

250 independent Australian makers under one heritage roof — the best reason to leave the house this Sunday.

The Big Design Market runs until Sunday 24 May at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton. Ceramics, jewellery, fashion, homewares, food and wine — all from Australian independent designers selling direct. Carlton is 10 minutes from the CBD by tram (Route 96 or City Circle, both free until May 31). Doors close Sunday afternoon; check the website for exact times. No booking needed.

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Worth Knowing Before You Plan

Free public transport across Victoria runs until Sunday 31 May — trains, trams and regional coaches included. Reconciliation Week begins Wednesday 27 May through 3 June; expect extra foot traffic around Federation Square and the MCG precinct.

What's On

The Vinyl Factory: Reverb — ACMI
From Fri 22 May, ongoing·Free

A large-scale ACMI exhibition tracing how vinyl and music shaped global art, fashion and social movements — immersive and free.

Big Design Market — Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton
Fri 22 – Sun 24 May·Entry from $5

250+ independent Australian designers selling direct: ceramics, jewellery, fashion, homewares, food and wine.

Western Bulldogs v Melbourne (Narrm) — Marvel Stadium
Sun 24 May, 3:15pm·From $28

Reconciliation Round footy at Marvel: the Bulldogs host Melbourne in a game with extra meaning this week.

St Kilda v Hawthorn — Marvel Stadium
Thu 28 May, 7:30pm·From $28

Thursday night footy under the roof — a good excuse to wrap up the work week at Docklands.

Next Wave Festival — Various venues, inner Melbourne
From Wed 27 May·Various

Melbourne's festival of new art, music and performance kicks off across the inner city — check the program for what's on your doorstep.

Food & Deals

New opening
Death & Co Melbourne — CBD

NYC's legendary cocktail bar opened its first Melbourne outpost — intimate speakeasy feel, expert drinks, proper food menu.

New opening
Harriot — CBD

From the team behind Tipo 00 and Osteria Ilaria: a polished French-ish bistro already impossible to get into without a booking.

New opening
Mott 32 — Southbank

One of Hong Kong's most acclaimed Chinese restaurants lands in Southbank — upscale Cantonese with serious pedigree.

New opening
Saadi — Punch Lane, CBD

Heritage Indian flavours from chef couple Saavni Krishnan and Sriram Aditya Suresh, with prime seasonal produce front and centre.

Free This Week

Free
Free public transport — all of Victoria until 31 May

Trains, trams, buses — free across Victoria until May 31. Tap on with Myki or just board. Use it this weekend.

Free
The Vinyl Factory: Reverb — ACMI, Federation Square

ACMI's major new exhibition on vinyl, music and cultural movements is free entry — a proper afternoon right in the CBD.

Free
Reconciliation Week events — citywide from Wed 27 May

Free talks, cultural performances and community events across Melbourne — check the City of Melbourne events calendar.

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