28 Fun Things To Do in Melbourne at Night

Looking for fun things to do in Melbourne at night? You’ve come to the right place! Here are my recommendations for how to spend an evening in our awesome city.

Melbourne doesn’t shut down when the sun sets – it simply shifts into a different mood. As evening falls, the city’s laneways glow under streetlight, rooftop bars fill with chatter and the Yarra shimmers under twinkling lights.

If you’re looking for ways to spend an evening in Melbourne, there’s plenty to keep you out late – from sipping cocktails with skyline views to catching a show or exploring the city’s creative corners after dark.

As a Melbourne local who’s spent countless evenings exploring this city, I’ve rounded up my favourite ways to experience Melbourne at night.

What to do in Melbourne at night

Here’s my guide to the best activities in Melbourne – whether you’re looking for something for adults to do or ways to find the kids active until bedtime.

Be mesmerised at a Candlelight Concert

If you’ve never been to one of the stunning Candlelight Concerts by events company Fever, it’s time to change that.

These dazzling performances are held in cities around the world – and if you’re visiting Melbourne and looking for things to do at night, this should be top of the list.

These concerts are absolutely mesmerising. Venues across the city are transformed into luminous spaces filled with music and soft candlelight. Musicians – sometimes accompanied by dancers or vocalists – captivate the audience with their performance.

The Candlelight Concerts feature a diverse range of musical and dance performances. There’s everything from tributes to artists and bands like Taylor Swift, Metallica and Fleetwood Mac (told ya it was diverse!) to ballet performances like Swan Lake to concerts featuring themed movie soundtracks.

Check out the full list of Melbourne Candelight Concerts online here.

Take in the views at the Melbourne Skydeck 

There’s no better place to see Melbourne all lit up than from the Melbourne Skydeck. 

Located on the 88^th floor of the Eureka Tower, the Skydeck offers stunning views of Melbourne at night. While the views are awesome during the day, it’s at nighttime that you’ll be wowed.

While Eureka Tower may no longer be Melbourne’s tallest building, this is the highest viewing point in the city.

If you’re really brave, take your turn on the “Edge”. Edge your way out into the glass cube where you can take in unobstructed, 360-degree views of the city. It hangs 300 metres above street level so you can see straight through the floor to the ground. Eeek!

On safer ground is the Voyager Theatre. Here you’ll find virtual reality pod chairs where you can experience the best of Melbourne’s festivals, laneways, sporting events and scenery – experience the rush of Luna Park’s rollercoaster or the roar of the crowds at the MCG. By all accounts, it’s incredibly immersive and realistic!

Insider tip: If you want the best night views without the crowds, come during the week. Aim to arrive well before sunset to stake your spot!

Book tickets here.

See a show

Melbourne gets all the best shows that come to Australia (as well as the amazing local productions), so it’s well worth timing your trip here with a blockbuster play or musical.

The most famous theatres in Melbourne are the Princess Theatre, which is where huge shows like Harry Potter have played. Or try the Athenaeum Theatre, the oldest in the city offering everything from comedy acts to Shakespeare. 

Her Majesty’s Theatre is another popular choice, with dance performances and musicals. The Regent Theatre is the place for blockbuster shows coming to Melbourne.

For more experimental productions, try the Malthouse Theatre, with its focus on cultural and artistic diversity, La Mama, an independent theatre in Carlton, or Union House for edgy student productions.

Shows rotate in and and out regularly, so check each theatre’s website for the latest program.

Laugh until your belly hurts 

Laughing is good for your mental, emotional, and physical health – and it’s never been more important. So, for the good of your health, make sure that you include a comedy show or two when you’re planning your night in Melbourne! 

While Melbourne is home to Australia’s largest comedy festival (running March to April each year), you can catch great acts year-round.

Comedy venues in Melbourne include Comedy at Spleen (Monday nights), for new and old talent, or Local Laughs also on Monday nights, located in a European-inspired tavern in St Kilda East. 

Every Tuesday night, Lido Comedy rolls out the brightest comedic talent (and in a lovely location in the jazz room of the cinema). Comedy at the Coopers Inn is also a great place to spend a Friday night. 

Love improv? Check out The Big Hoo-Haa on Saturday nights. I’m always in awe of comedians who can do improv – and these guys are incredible. The guys here even run 6-week improv courses to build up your confidence and skills!

Scare yourself at the Old Melbourne Gaol

If you’re travelling with young kids, this probably isn’t the best choice of late-night Melbourne activities. But if your travelling companions are a little older and braver, then this is a spooky but interesting way to spend a couple of hours. 

The Old Melbourne Gaol was built in the mid-1800s and closed in 1929. In that time, it housed not only dangerous criminals but also the mentally ill and homeless.

Inmates who died here would make for very unhappy ghosts.

And that’s before you add in the 133 prisoners who were hanged there for their crimes. 

It’s considered one of the most haunted places in Melbourne. And once you’re inside, you’ll feel it, trust me! Even if you don’t spot a ghost or hear something strange, there’s something odd about this place that’ll send chills tingling up your spine.

The gaol offers a few different tours, so have a look at what’s on and prepare to be freaked out.

Catch a movie 

If you’re really struggling to find things to do at night in Melbourne (although, really – have you read this whole list?!), then why not fall back on an old favourite? Melbourne has plenty of cinemas that show everything from the latest blockbusters to obscure arthouse releases, so you really can take your pick. 

Check out the Astor Theatre for classic movies and double features in Art Deco surroundings. Or try the Palace Westgarth, considered one of the most beautiful cinemas in the city. 

I love Cinema Nova in Carlton – it’s great if you even want to see a movie solo, as I’ve done a few times.

The ACMI is a good choice for foreign films and documentaries, and for blockbusters and arthouse films, try the Palace Cinema Como for the latest films with a touch of luxury. 

Of course, there are plenty of Village Cinemas dotted all around the city – perfect if you want the Gold Class experience.

Gorge at the Queen Vic Market night markets

The Queen Victoria Market first opened in 1878, and locals have been visiting for food, trinkets and socialising ever since. It’s spread over two city blocks and offers everything from fresh produce to food trucks and clothing. 

If you’re in Melbourne on a Wednesday night, I recommend visiting the Queen Vic Market for their seasonal night markets.

I love the summer and winter night markets, which are filled with food trucks, bars, live music and activities – as well as shopping opps.

Almost every single weekend, there’s also street food markets and other celebrations, usually themed to celebrate a country’s culture.

No matter the time of year, you can guarantee that there’ll be a LOT of food – usually from all around the world – as well as live music and entertainment.

Take in sunset at St Kilda Beach

While I don’t recommend ocean swimming as one of the Melbourne attractions to try at night, watching the sun setting over St Kilda Beach is a stunning way to cap off a day exploring Melbourne. 

I love grabbing some fish and chips from one of the local shops and enjoying them right there on the beach.

No matter the time of year – even in winter – there are always people wandering along the foreshore so it’s a great spot for people watching.

Say hi to the Little Penguins

Stick around St Kilda and get yourself in position before sunset for an added bonus.

St Kilda Pier is home to a colony of more than 1,000 Little Penguins who come back to nest just after the sunset. Watching them waddle to their nests has to be one of the cutest things to do in Melbourne at night for free. (Check out my guide to free things to do in Melbourne for more budget-friendly activities.)

The pier has just reopened after a huge remodelling and you now need to book tickets (they’re free!) to see the nightly penguin parade. Book well in advance, however – this is one popular show.

Sing your heart out

If your idea of a great night out involves a drink in one hand and a microphone in the other, then plan your next night out in Melbourne with a round of karaoke. No matter your song of choice, you’ll find plenty of karaoke bars around Melbourne – some even serve up food as well.

I LOVE a good karaoke night! (My song of choice? Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody.)

Here are some of the most fun karaoke bars in Melbourne:

• Heroes Bar
• KBOX Karaoke
• Juke’s – at Holey Moley Crown so you can combine two activities in one night
• Partyworld Karaoke
• Yum Sing House

Take the kids to Luna Park

Need to keep the kids occupied for a few hours? Then take them to Luna Park. With everything from dodgem cars to carnival games and carousels, this is the oldest continuously running theme park in the country. 

During the spring and summer months, Luna Park is open until 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights, so it’ll keep the kids happy until way past their bedtime. 

Check out more things to do with kids in Melbourne.

Check out a few Melbourne bars

You can’t talk about Melbourne nightlife without including our bar scene. Melbourne has a lot of them, some on rooftops and in hidden alleyways, others tucked away in historic buildings.

If you want to have a drink with friends at some of the coolest places in the city, here are a few options: 

• StoryVille – for a drink in fairy tale surroundings
• Caretakers Cottage – recently voted one of the best bars in the WORLD
• Heartbreaker – grungy dive bar with quality drinks and good bar food, along with fun events like drag bingo
• Berlin Bar – where you have to choose which side of the wall you want to be on (east or west?)
• Murmur Piano Bar – when you want a classy place
• One of the city’s hidden bars like Beneath Driver Lane (and sister bar Baby Driver) or the unmarked Above Board in Collingwood
• Little Lon – gin distillery in a historic building

This list, of course, barely touches the breadth of what we have to offer here in Melbourne, but they’re starting points for a good night out!

Take a dinner cruise on the Yarra River

Taking a cruise along the river is one of the best things to do in Melbourne at night – it’s beautiful to see the city sparkling from the water. The lights reflect off the river and you’ll cruise past people also having an awesome night out.

There are several different cruise companies offering evening meals on the water. Some are buffets, some are multi-course menus, some include drinks and some don’t.

Melbourne River Cruises is one of the best in the business, with a four-course dinner and free-flowing drinks. Book tickets online.

Watch a movie under the stars 

If you were born before technology exploded, then you probably remember the wonder and excitement of drive-in theatres. There’s just something special about watching a movie under the stars that even Gold Class can’t match. 

Here’s where to go in Melbourne city at night for an outdoor cinema experience: 

• Moonlight Cinema – in the beautiful Botanic Gardens
• Federation Square – outdoor movies during the warmer months (and free!)
• The Lunar Drive-In in Dandenong for one of the few, year-round outdoor cinemas still operating in Melbourne
• Classic Rooftop Cinema – on top of Rooftop Bar in the city (also a great bar)
• Cameo Outdoor Cinema – out in lovely Belgrave, this cinema is also pup-friendly

Just remember that most of the cinemas aren’t open in the colder months, and understandably so – it’s just too hard to focus on the movies when you’re shivering! 

Stroll Southbank Promenade

Close to the city centre, Southbank Promenade extends along the Yarra River and is a popular night-time destination. The views are beautiful and there are tonnes of restaurants and bars where you can stop in for a meal or a drink.

There are also the famous Gas Brigades, the towers that shoot fireballs into the night sky every night. They’re loud and you can feel the heat from them. I always jump a mile if I’m walking down here and not expecting them!

Southbank is also home to Crown Casino, which has heaps of restaurants, bars and Melbourne night activities like mini golf and 10-pin bowling to keep you entertained all night long.

Catch an AFL match

One of the best things to do in Melbourne at night if you’re here at the right time is to watch an AFL match. 

While I’m not a footy fan, even I can’t help but get caught up in the spirit of being among the cheering (and jeering) crowds.

If it’s your first time at a footy match, chat to the people nearby and someone will be bound to help explain the rules.

AFL games are played at a few stadiums around Melbourne, but try to time your visit with a game at the MCG, one of the city’s most iconic sporting venues. The footy season runs between March and September.

Take a moonlight kayak ride

If you enjoy seeing a city from the water but want a more personal experience, then take a sunset kayak tour along the Yarra River.

These tours leave from the Docklands at sunset and include a stop for fish and chips along the way. Book tickets online.

This is something I haven’t yet tried and am planning to do this summer in Melbourne!

Play Holey Moley Golf 

Remember playing mini golf as a kid? Holey Moley has taken that to a new level with unique holes and scenes that bring back the best (and worst) of the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Battle your friends at holes the feature scenes from The Simpsons and horror movies and aim to get a hole in one using a miniature Ferris wheel.

There’s a full-service bar and snacks to round out the night.

With several locations throughout the city, it’s a little bit crazy and a lot of fun for kids of all ages (although under-18s aren’t allowed in after 5pm). 

I’ve visited the Holey Moley CBD location and I will admit it is pretty small. We kept bumping into each other and other patrons, which made us feel a little rushed. I think the Crown Melbourne Holey Moley is bigger.

Listen to live music 

Melbourne is famous for its live music. Every night, music venues and pubs showcase the best the city has to offer as well as up and coming talent.

So, if you want to see some old favourites or discover new talent, here’s where to go: 

• The Tote, The Curtin or the Corner Hotel – classic Melbourne music venues that play every kind of genre you can think of
• The Forum for big-name bands from Australia and overseas
• The Jazzlab or the Paris Cat Jazz Club for the best jazz in the city 
• The Prince Bandroom at the Price of Wales Hotel for local and international acts 
• The Retreat Hotel for blues on weeknights and headliners on the weekend
• Bars all along Johnston and Brunswick streets for Latin, rock, jazz and indie music on any night of the week

Hang out in a museum after hours

As the “capital of culture”, Melbourne is home to some world-class museums and galleries.

And every now and then some of the best museums open their doors after hours.

While NGV International may be Australia’s oldest gallery, it doesn’t mean that it’s operating in the past. In fact, this gallery is always up to date with incredible exhibitions – and very hip after-hours events. Depending on the season, on Friday nights the NGV opens its doors and welcomes visitors with DJs, live music, drinks and dining. Check out NGV Friday Nights.

On Friday nights throughout the year, Scienceworks also welcomes night visitors. The Planetarium Nights are adults-only and a great night out if you’re constantly astounded by the stars, planets and such science-y subjects. The exhibits and films at Planetarium Nights change each month, but what you can always expect is a mind-blowing learning experience – plus a bar.

And on the second Thursday of each month, go behind the scenes for adults-only events at Melbourne Museum. Check out the exhibits, listen to themed talks, and test out an array of local food and drinks at Nocturnal: Museum After Dark.

Learn about Melbourne’s ghostly past

Melbourne is apparently haunted by many, many ghosts. Whether you believe or not, joining a spooky ghost tour is a great way to learn some fascinating stories about Melbourne’s previous inhabitants – and maybe squeal a few times.

I joined a tour a few months ago and despite the mix of sceptics and believers, we all had such an interesting time, with a few shivers and laughs along the way.

Some of the best ghost tours in Melbourne are:

• Hidden Bars and Creepy Tales Tour in Melbourne – for those who’ll need a drink to settle their nerves on their ghost tour!
• Old Melbourne Ghost Tour – this is the tour I took, with a guide who has a history of speaking with ghosts – some even follow her home!
• Pentridge Prison H Division at Night – take a tour of what was Melbourne’s most notorious prison
• Ghost of Old Williamstown Tour in Melbourne – head to Williamstown to learn about the spirits that haunt this part of Melbourne
• Altona Homestead Ghost Tour in Victoria – this homestead has a reputation for hauntings and has been the centre of paranormal investigations… eek!

Get your (ice) skates on

No matter your skill level, a night out on the ice can be a lot of fun. Glide around and show off, or fall, get up and fall over again! 

Go ice skating at O’Brien Icehouse near the Docklands for a family-friendly venue that’s safe for all ability levels.

This venue has two rinks and is open 364 days a year. It’s also open late most nights, until 10pm or 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

Have some fun at the Hijinx Hotel

One of Melbourne’s newest after-dark offerings, the Hijinx Hotel at Chadstone isn’t a hotel – it’s an immersive, quirky entertainment centre. This fun place is open all day but comes alive as the sun sets, with a mix of games, food and drinks.

Grab some friends and try the “Challenge rooms”, where you’ll work together to complete challenges and earn points before moving on to the next room.

Not with a group? Then try your luck at the arcade games, bowling or mini golf.

There’s also plenty of food, with burgers and pizzas to complement the cocktail and beer and wine menu.

Be amazed by some magic

I’ve always been amazed by magicians but I had no idea we had a great magic show in Melbourne! Running every Friday night (and select Saturdays), magic happens just inches from your eyes at Impossible Occurrences.

Host Luke Hocking is a local modern-day magician who fuses illusion and mind reading into a theatrical magic experience.

Audiences are small with only 50 people each show. There are dinner and show packages if you want to make a night of it.

I reckon even deep-seated sceptics would turn into believers after watching his magic show!

Get crafty (with drink in hand)

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Looking for something completely different to do at nighttime in Melbourne? Why not try a class where you’ll make something to take home.

BYO booze to one of Melbourne’s and paint and sip classes. It’s exactly as it says on the label: you learn to paint while sipping some adult beverages. I’ve done this on a hen’s night and it was really fun (and our model was naked…). At Pinot & Picasso you don’t have to know anything about art to join in and have a good time.

Beats and booze more your thing? At Drip Splash you’ll learn to paint Biggie, Tupac and Lauryn Hill while bopping along to their music.

Haus of Dizzy is an Indigenous-owned jewellery company that does “sip and bling” events. Under the watchful eye of Wiradjuri designer Kristy Dickinson, you’ll learn how to make earrings or bracelets.

Wanna get your Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore on? Then try a Slow Clay Wheel Taster pottery class. Suitable for beginners, classes are held in Collingwood so you can hit up the nearby bars and restaurants afterwards.

Stay overnight with some lions

One of the more unique things to do in Melbourne is camp overnight at Melbourne Zoo.

I’ve done this (although it was years ago) and it’s very cool to hear the animals roaring and chattering during the night!

The Roar ‘n’ Snore Overnight Camp includes tent accommodation – you need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. It runs throughout the year except in June, July and August – for obvious reasons. No one wants to be roughing it in the cold Melbourne winter!

Play Mario Kart while sipping cocktails

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Have some good old-fashioned fun at one of the many arcades and game houses around Melbourne.

At Ballers Clubhouse, you’ve got ping pong, darts and shuffleboard to keep you going all night. There are venues in the CBD and in Carlton.

If arcade games are more your thing, then Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is the place to go. Win some prizes on the arcade games or try laser tag or the dodgem cars. Or play arcade games under the neon lights at B. Lucky & Sons.

Out in Preston, The Keys is a retro bowling alley with arcade games, a beer garden and pizzas for the coolest night out with friends.

Grab a late-night snack

Peckish as you head home or back to your hotel after an awesome night out in Melbourne? Don’t fret, there are some great late-night eats. Here are the places to go in Melbourne for that final meal before bed.

Supper Inn is a classic hospo after-work spot. My husband’s chef friends used to bring home Chinese food from here and it’s delicious no matter the time of day.

Grab a slice of pizza from Pizza Pizza Pizza – you can’t miss the neon sign down Meyers Place. Butchers Diner has burgers, sandwiches and fried chicken to mop up any excess alcohol, or slurp a huge bowl of ramen from Musashi Izakaya.

Wrap up: What to do in Melbourne at night

Melbourne’s nightlife is vibrant and eclectic, with something for everyone, regardless of your age and what time you have to go to bed.

From enjoying the city’s skyline at the top of the Melbourne Skydeck to laughing until your belly hurts at a comedy show to savouring our bars and restaurants, you won’t be bored here at night.

Things to do in Melbourne at night: FAQs

Is Melbourne safe at night for tourists?

Melbourne is generally safe for tourists at night. Like any major city, exercise basic precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas and being aware of your surroundings. The central areas are generally safe for a night out.

What time do most Melbourne nightlife venues close?

Most bars and nightclubs in Melbourne close between 1am and 3am, while some venues may operate until dawn on weekends. However, there are late-night eateries and 24-hour diners.

What are some family-friendly activities in Melbourne at night?

Families can enjoy nighttime strolls along Southbank Promenade, visit the Queen Victoria Market night markets (seasonal) or take a dinner cruise on the Yarra River. St Kilda Beach is great for families, with sunset views and the chance to spot penguins.

So, what’s on your list of fun things to do in Melbourne at night when you visit?

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Featured image by Roberto Seba