In case you’ve forgotten what it means to actually live life, we’re here to remind you that going out and doing things is back in full swing.

Sure, we’ve spoken about freedom day countless times but now that the borders have officially opened to Melbourne we took it upon ourselves to scour the internet and find the best things to do in both Sydney and Melbourne.

From art galleries to pop-up bars and free events, keep scrolling for some unmissable experiences this month.

WHAT TO DO IN SYDNEY

Kicking off this Sunday 31st October, Seltzer brand FELLR will be popping up in the Royal Botanic Gardens with DJ’s Bobby Vibe Positive and Bria from 3pm till 7pm. Attendees can pre-order their picnic to enjoy on the grass while watching the sunset over the harbour.

Victoria Lodge, Mrs Macquarie’s Road Sydney, Pre-Order Picnic here

Korean-owned burger restaurant, Burger Patch is currently offering an in-store Squid Game promotion! Featuring special menu items such as the Player 067 Maxim Coffee Thickshake and the Player 001 Korean Lunchbox Loaded Fries. They’ll be bringing all your favourite Korean-inspired flavours, games and most memorable moments in the show to Sydney until 5th November.

More info here

TEDxSydney is returning to the Sydney Opera House featuring insightful talks from some of the country’s biggest thinkers. The line-up includes Australian Of The Year Grace Tame, Entrepreneur George Peppou, Indigenous leader Shelley Reys, Charlton Hill and Justin Shave from Uncanny Valley, Ecologist Tracey Roger and human rights activist Sara Saleh.

When: 26th November, more info here

An outdoor Flower Wreath & Candle Ring Making Class with a Picnic is perfect for beginners and those who want to enjoy the great company of food, friends, flowers and sunshine! Enjoy the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House while enjoying on your picnic charcuterie box.

More info here

A Britney Spears inspired brunch on 28th November is being held at World Square. The brunch will celebrate the iconic singer with trivia, lip-syncs and dance-offs. Each ticket includes a meal and mimosa, for those who want a little extra, there’s an option to upgrade to bottomless mimosas.

Buy tickets here

Celebrate Remembrance Day on 11th November with a Teddy Bear’s picnic from Legacy Sydney and The Cooks Larder. Pay your respects and help donate to the cause to help veterans keep their memories alive while spending time with your loved ones.

Donate here & Shop here

Join Honkas’ to discover the world of mixology through a Cocktail Making Class with a Feast. This 45-minute cocktail making class will teach you some of the best mixology tips and flavour combinations plus discover the secret ingredients to making a Lychee Martini and Honkas’ signature cocktail, the Popo Trio.

Book here

WHAT TO DO IN MELBOURNE

Saint Laurent on Collins Street will be holding a denim shopping experience, where the store will be taken over featuring a wide selection of products from the latest women’s and men’s Denim collection including ready-to-wear, leather goods, shoes, sunglasses and jewellery.

When: November 11th to 21st, more info here

Melbourne Fashion Week is back with a packed program of runways, pop up experiences, industry talks, workshops, exhibitions and more. Showcasing the creative works of local designers, artists, stylists and more. Designers to look forward to this year include Maticevski, Scanlan Theodore, Viktoria & Woods, Lee Mathews and Arnsdorf.

When: 15th – 21st November, more info here

Australia’s most inclusive and accessible event, Ability Fest will be happening on 27th November. Founded by Australian wheelchair athlete Dylan Alcott, the festival will take place at Melbourne’s Alexandra Gardens and will have wheelchair-accessible platforms, Auslan translators, plenty of quiet zones and entertainment such as Peking Duk, Illy and lots more.

More info here

Sing your heart out to the best of ABBA with A Mamma Mia Inspired Musical Brunch. Floaty whites, dungarees and fancy dress are highly encouraged, ticket includes a two-hour immersive experience, brunch and a drink!

Buy tickets here

The Exchange Hotel will set up its pop-up beach club at Port Melbourne beach starting November 6 running until January 30. Featuring live entertainment, beachside cabanas, pilates classes and bottomless brunches. This is a dog friendly and free event.

More info here

ACMI will be reopening their exhibition ‘Disney: The Magic of Animation’ on October 30 running until January 23, 2022. Featuring over 500 original artworks that date from the 1920s to the present day and a special screening of the upcoming Disney film Encanto on December 4, followed by a live Q and A session with Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, Jennifer Lee.

More info here

The Winter Wonderland-themed UGG Express Room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne has now been extended until the end of December.  Guests booking the ‘White Christmas’ experience will be able to enjoy a one-night stay in the winter-themed room decorated with comfy sheepskin rugs, a pair of fluffy ugg slippers and be able to snuggle up with a cup of hot chocolate and winter-inspired snacks.

Book here

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) will officially reopen on 3rd November. On display upon re-opening, there will be the extended seasons of the world-premiere exhibitions Maree Clarke: Ancestral Memories, Big Weather and Naomi Hobson’s newly acquired painting and photographic series at NGV Australia and Camille Henrot: Is Today Tomorrow.

More info here