Overview
Whether you grew up collecting bricks or you're just in it for the nostalgia, there's no denying the icon status of LEGO®. Add Star Wars into the mix, and you've got one of the most wholesome and exciting pop culture events on the calendar for all ages. Landing at Melbourne Museum from (fittingly) May 4, LEGO® Star Wars: The Exhibition features a huge collection of life-sized models and is a must-see for anyone who still gets excited by lightsabers, stormtroopers and playing with LEGO®.
But the exhibition is just the beginning. If you're heading to Melbourne for it, the fun continues once you leave. Just a few light years (minutes) away, there are after-hours museum visits, wild ice cream flavours and cult-status sandwiches. Below, we map out your cheat sheet for the ultimate night out.
Grab a Legendary Meatball Sub from Roccos
Start your post-exhibition feast by crossing the road and wandering down Gertrude Street to Rocco's Bologna Discoteca. This spot has reached cult status for its meatball sub, a saucy, cheesy, handheld, messy, and glorious masterpiece. It's open until 11pm on weekends, so settle in, pair your sub with a negroni, and you've got one of the most satisfying meals around.
Rebecca Newman
Hang with the Locals at Marion Wine Bar
Further along Gertrude Street, Marion Wine Bar is the perfect place to pause and watch the world go by. The treasured neighbourhood wine bar takes inspiration from across the world, while maintaining a distinct Melbourne vibe. Known for its seasonal menu and extensive wine list, stop in for a glass and a few small plates to debrief after a day of LEGO® Star Wars overload.
Feast at Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks
Over in Collingwood, Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks is slinging gooey, over-the-top sandwiches that feel like they belong in a Star Wars cantina. There are no small bites here. This is where you come when you're hungry for a feed. It's open late, walk-ins only, and exactly the no-fuss vibe you need to keep the night rolling.
Visit the Museum After Dark
While the LEGO® Star Wars exhibition might unleash your inner kid, Nocturnal is strictly adults-only. Once a month, this is your chance to explore the Melbourne Museum exhibits after-dark and child free. Whether you're wandering dinosaur skeletons or enjoying the music, food and drinks on offer until 9pm, it's the ultimate nightcap to a day spent exploring the city.
Try a Wild Scoop at Fluffy Torpedo
If dessert is non-negotiable, Fluffy Torpedo in Carlton is serving up wacky ice cream flavours like Buttered Baguette, Popcorn, Maltesers and Pretzels, Pork Butter and Chilli Oil, and other creations that are sure to be remembered. Go late, try something wild, and remember – you'll never regret trying something once.
Josie Withers
Browse Books at Readings Carlton
Before calling it a night, wander over to Readings Carlton, a Melbourne institution that stays open until 9pm most nights. Inside, you'll find stacks upon stacks of graphic novels, art books, classics, and all the latest fiction you'd expect from one of the city's largest bookstores.
Whether you're here for the LEGO® Star Wars exhibition or just to soak up the Melbourne vibe, go all in and make a weekend out of it.
Head to visitmelbourne.com.au to discover more of what makes Melbourne every bit different.
Images courtesy of Melbourne. Every bit different.
By Jacque Kennedy