This week, KFC launched the Australian-exclusive fried chicken bánh mì, and it's had quite a reaction. We must admit, it's a bold choice with the amount of unreal authentic bánh mì's available in Aus, but we'll give them a chance and see how they get on. Here is what's happening in Melbourne over the weekend, and there are plenty of better options than KFC's new launch on offer.

The Headlines

• Melbourne's fave cookie shop, Cookie Box, is opening its fourth location this weekend in Fitzroy. To mark the opening, they are giving away 300 free classic cookies to the first customers at the door on Saturday and Sunday. The bakers are known for their inventive flavours, including a recent collab with the man of the moment, Pistachio Papi. The Fitzroy location will see two new and exclusive varieties: the tiramisu cookie and the almond croissant cookie—phwoar is all we have to say.

• Fed Square really keeps the events coming, and following the summer free concert schedule, the winter plans have been announced. The square will transform into a French alpine village from May, and the star of the show—cheese fondue. You'll be able to book a '"chalet" for you and five mates for a wintery dining experience crafted by French chefs in Melbourne, and it's already booking up.

• Book clubs don't have to just be for middle-aged women, there are many cool and social book clubs in Melbourne catering to every type of reader. One book club pairs reading with a tasty plate of pasta, another for expats catching up over a glass of wine, and another combining book chat with a bit of yoga flow—and that's just naming a few. Take a look at the full list and the details of how to join yourself up.

Where to Go on Friday

This weekend sees the annual Melbourne Gin Festival return to the Timber Yard in Port Melbourne. RSA marshals, look away—ticket holders get access to unlimited gin samples from over 50 Aussie craft distillers. The event includes live music, food trucks, and plenty of freebies. Tickets are $50 if you book four together, so grab a few friends and get tipsy alongside the mums of Melbourne.

Where to Go on Saturday

Australia's biggest celebration of drinking and dining kicks off today, with ten day of markets, masterclasses, special dinners, and parties to mark the annual Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. There's a mix of free and paid events to celebrate the tastiest food, wine, and beer. The sheer amount of events can't be covered here—the full programme is definitely worth a look to see if anything tickles your tastebuds.

Where to Go on Sunday

Upstate is already a favourite among Melbourne’s many Pilates studios, and this weekend they’re stepping it up. Their Open House event runs Saturday and Sunday, meaning every single class is free. Most sessions are full, but get yourself on the waitlist for the inevitable dropouts. If you manage to bag a spot, you can sign up for a heavily discounted membership—perfect justification for another three pairs of grippy socks.

Where to Eat and Drink

Treat yourself to cheap drinks and $1 dumplings at Maeve Fox in Richmond as a reward for making it to Friday. It's a stylish cocktail bar on Church Street, complete with the classic exposed brick and dark wood. They don’t skimp on Friday happy hour, with half-price wines, beers, and house spirits from 5–9 pm. As for the all-important dumpling selection, the roast duck and prawn & chive fillings are standouts—delicious.

Where to Live

This Fitzroy flat looks perfect for hibernating in over winter before coming back to life when spring hits. Both the room and lounge look like cosy spots to get comfy and waste a few hours doomscrolling. There's even a gorgeous freestanding bath—if you'd brave it in a share house. The ideal candidate loves a coffee walk, a hike, and the Northside food and drink scene—it’s hard to argue with that.

Core selling point: obsessed with the boucle sofa.

Where to Work

South Melbourne Market’s Italian feature, Pizzateca Lupa, is on the lookout for front-of-house supervisors, waitstaff, baristas, and bartenders to join the team. You’ll be chatting with customers more than tossing pizzas, but surely that’s a skill you can pick up on the quiet days. If you have to spend your days working somewhere, it might as well be down at the best market in Melbourne.

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