We're coming in strong with the occasional freebies we always bang on about. Every bar on this list is handing out a free spritz on arrival today to mark the end of summer (cries in 31-degree heat). Here’s how to spend your final weekend of the season.

The Headlines

• Aussie clothes shops are unmatched, but that often comes at a cost. As a saving grace, Bayse, known for its stunning basics, is running a pop-up in Prahran all weekend (41-43 Clifton Street), with jeans going for $50 instead of the usual $200. If your autumn wardrobe needs a refresh, now’s your chance to do it for less—thank us later.

• For those after a wholesome weekend, allow us to suggest replacing your usual pub crawl with a new Melbourne café crawl—rolls off the tongue. Here's a handy list of the latest arrivals to keep your brunch game strong. Whether you’re after a classic avo toast, something a little fancy, or just a really good coffee, it has you covered. Toby's Cafe is next on our list, review incoming soon.

• Love it or hate it, there is a Harry Potter exhibition coming to Melbourne. This interactive experience will display props and costumes from the films, as well as recreations of famous scenes. The global roadshow is making its way to Melbourne in April, and tickets are on sale from next week to book your slot. It could attract an interesting crowd, but could also be your only chance to ever hop on a floating broomstick.

Where to Eat and Drink

Blossom Rooftop Bar at the top of the Pullman Hotel on Swanston Street is celebrating turning 2 this month! They're hosting celebrations all February long with 2-for-1 on their ‘special spritz’ – cheers to that. Blossom Bar is the highest bar in Melbourne, serving up wood-fired pizzas, local wines and beers. With its 14-storey high al fresco dining area offering unbeatable views of the city, it's hard to resist the photo opportunity. Plus, happy hour from 4-6pm weekdays makes it the ideal place for an after-work drink ($10 wines and beers).

Where to Live

Out with one Brit, and potentially in with another—this share house in Thornbury is after a third girl to re-complete the trio from April once their current housemate moves back to London. With a Woolies on your doorstep and being just tucked away from Thornbury high street, it's a nicely located little townhouse. It even comes complete with two and a half bathrooms, so you might even get half a toilet to yourself.

Core selling point: Cute courtyard with some very sparse fairy lights.

Where to Work

If you want to live out your bridal dreams but that shiny ring is feeling a long way away, listen up. Lola Varma is on the lookout for a showroom assistant to join their Fitzroy team. The role is all about helping brides find the dress, keeping the showroom running smoothly, and making sure every customer leaves feeling special (with the most expensive gown on order). It’s a casual position (2-3 days a week), with commission on sales—so if you’ve got the gift of the gab, that East Coast savings pot might start filling up quite quickly.

Where to Go on Friday

Abbotsford fave Dr Morse is turning 12, and naturally, they’re making a full weekend of it. Expect a stacked DJ lineup, extended happy hours, and $12 margaritas to keep things going. It's also set to celebrate the new arrival of Bistro Disco, a New York-style Italian eatery in the very heart of the leafy dance venue. The new motto is "drink, dinner, dance" and who can argue with that?

Where to Go on Saturday

There really does seem to be a festival happening for every eventuality at the moment, and this weekend is no different. The Wine and Cheese Festival is taking place in Port Melbourne this Saturday, where $60 gets you 3.5 hours of tastings, masterclasses, live music, and a goody bag. No better way to spend your Saturday than celebrating the local wine and cheese producers with all the wine-drunk mums of Melbourne. After all that cheese, we'd suggest avoiding the toilets at this one.

Where to Go on Sunday

Saturday brought us the iconic combo of wine and cheese, and Sunday is bringing a lesser-known but distinctly more Aussie combo of schooner and scoops. Molly Rose Brewery in Collingwood has teamed up with Kariton, known for serving up their unique scoops inspired by Filipino flavours. This one-off collab is taking place at the brewery, where you can try out their take on a beer float with curated combos like berry sour beer with purple yam gelato on offer.

Enjoying the Melbourne 417?