The night is still young – but what does this mean for all of us? For some, it could mean listening to your favourite jazz band that slowly lulls you into a musical reverie on a quiet Sunday night, whereas for others, a sunset picnic with their significant other is the ultimate no-brainer. Here’s The Modern Muse Magazine’s roundup for 12 activities that will make you feel alive after dark. Your new nighttime adventures have only just begun.
1. A Self Care Night In
After hours is the perfect time to slow down, switch off and indulge in a little self-care. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or getting ready for a night out, a few thoughtful rituals can make all the difference. We love Tweezerman’s Manicure Kit, which clips, files, buffs and shines for a beautifully groomed manicure from home. Our beauty editor also swears by Skin Control’s Glass Skin Facial Mask for that enviable, youthful glow. Infused with collagen to support a plump, smooth complexion, deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid and probiotics to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, it’s the perfect way to give your skin some well-deserved attention before the evening ahead – or as the final ritual before bed.
2. Late-Night Museum Openings
Looking for a night out that’s a little different? Mark your calendar for Thursday 1st October or 5th November, when Nocturnal: Museum After Dark returns to Melbourne Museum from 6pm to 9.30pm. This adults-only after-hours experience invites you to wander the galleries without the daytime crowds, enjoy live DJs, drinks and snacks, and discover exclusive talks and tours of the museum’s collections. Your ticket also includes access to the blockbuster Rome: Empire, Power, People exhibition, making it the perfect way to spend an evening immersed in culture, conversation and discovery.
3. Night Markets
The workday is over, your group chat has finally agreed on a plan, and nobody can decide what they’re in the mood to eat. Enter Grazeland. Open Friday to Sunday, Melbourne’s waterfront food precinct is made for after-hours catch-ups, where one person orders tacos, another grabs handmade pasta and someone inevitably comes back with dessert. Between live music, drinks and more than 50 food vendors, it’s the kind of place where dinner easily stretches into the rest of the evening.
4. Sunset Picnic
Melbourne boasts countless scenic lookout points, but our top pick is Point Ormond in Elwood for stunning bay and skyline views. Take it up a notch at Burkes Lookout in Dandenong Ranges for Insta-worthy panoramic mountain-to-city views. Trust us, this is worth your after hours.
5. Observatory Visit
Look up from the nightly doom scroll for a change! We love Stellar Nights and their guided tours at Melbourne Observatory. Presented by The Royal Botanic Gardens and The Astronomical Society Of Victoria, watch the cosmos converge above you as you dive into lunar landscapes, distant nebulae and planetary wonders. This could also be a great date night plan too!
6. Evening Pottery Classes
Looking for an after-hours hobby that lasts beyond a single evening? Spend your Thursday nights discovering the art of wheel throwing at Australian ceramicist Sarah Schembri’s Fitzroy studio. Running from 6pm to 8.30pm over six weeks, the Beginner Wheel Term Class welcomes complete beginners and those looking to refine their skills. You’ll learn to centre clay and create personalised ceramic pieces in a relaxed, supportive environment, with all clay, tools, firing and glazing included. It’s the perfect creative ritual to look forward to once the workday is done!
7. Attend A Bookstore Event
There’s no feeling like curling up with a good book. Hit up your favourite local bookstore – October is filled with authors in conversation, book signings and launches. Save the 14th of October at 6pm for the launch of Brooke Davis’s new novel, No One’s Looking at Readings Carlton. Books can be a beautiful way to bond, share thoughts and ideas and make new friends. You’ll never realise how your after hours time will fly!
8. Dessert Crawl
We know Melbourne is the unofficial food capital of Australia. Instead of the usual pub crawl, why happen upon undiscovered dessert gems? Hit up Kariton Sorbetes for Filipino-inspired gelato, including flavours like coconut and pandan gelato, layered between chiffon cake and coated with toasted rice flakes. We also love Sulbing, for their modern take on the traditional Korean dessert known as bingsu. Think strawberry shortcake with whipped cream and a giant Oreo flavour loaded with cookies, ice cream and thick chocolate sauce. The bonus? They’re open until 10pm every night.
9. Hotel Lobby Cocktails
Melbourne’s hotel bars and restaurants have upped their game these past few years. If you’re near Marvel Stadium, settle in for an evening alongside the Yarra at 1 Hotel Melbourne’s Crane Bar with a Mulled Negroni; a fusion of Forty Spotted Gin, Campari, red wine, tea, orange, and spices – perfect for winter. If you’re cruising along Southbank, go for a Queen Street at European-inspired Coupette Bistro & Bar, in the newly opened Hannah Street Hotel. The eclectic mix of tequila, kina, citrus kaffir lime leaf and verjuice will have you ordering one more within your first few sips.
10. Heels Classes
Ready to embrace your feminine energy after dark? L.A. Dance Classes offer beginner-friendly heels courses (in multiple locations) designed to help you build confidence, master sultry choreography and reconnect with your body through movement. Combining elements of jazz, hip hop, vogue and floorwork, these weekday evening classes are about far more than learning the steps – they’re about expressing yourself, letting go of the day and discovering a new side of yourself in a supportive, empowering environment.
11. Meet Someone New at a Bar
Single gals, this one’s for you. In a world where dating apps have become the default, We Met At A Bar is bringing the thrill of real-life flirting back. Packed with playful prompts, conversation starters and icebreakers, this pocket-sized card game encourages you to strike up conversations with someone new while you’re out for drinks, at a bar or exploring the city after dark. Looking for romance? Perhaps a confidence boost? Or maybe you’re simply looking for a memorable night out? Each card invites you to embrace a little spontaneity and step outside your comfort zone. After all, the best stories rarely begin with a swipe – they begin with a simple “hello.”
12. Live Jazz
Jazz holds a special place in Melbourne’s heart. If you’re in the CBD, settle into The Paris Cat Jazz Club for performances from some of the finest and most talented artists. Music is food for the soul, and the gentle rhythm of jazz is great to have as a conversation backdrop or as a focus for the evening. If you’re around Brunswick, head into The Jazz Lab for a quartet performance on a Thursday or Saturday as you sway into the later hours of the evening.Â
Read more of our Activity & Dining Recommendations here.
