The Weekender: June 30 – July 2

Oz Comic-Con 2017
Saturday, July 1 – Sunday, July 2 | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf)

Happy #Friyay!! It feels super weird not going to a con this weekend so taking it back to #ozcomiccon #melbourne ✨ 📸 by @houngt #xmen #xmencosplay #marvel #marvelwomen #marvelcosplay #marvelcomics #sexy #women #cosplay #cosplayers #storm #phoenix #darkphoenix #emmafrost #rogue #comic #comiccosplay #xmendaysoffuturepast #xmenapocalypse #photography #squad

A post shared by AlexBambi (@alexbambi) on Jun 23, 2016 at 11:12pm PDT

If you’re crazy about pop culture, Oz Comic-Co this coming weekend will make you feel like you’re in paradise. As one of the largest annual pop culture parties hosted in Melbourne, Oz Comic-Con this year again brings you into the nerdy world of comics, gaming, anime and more!

Expect to see cosplayers from all your favourite fandoms, retailers selling all kinds of geeky paraphernalia, workshops for model building and Q&As plus guest meetings with pop culture icons like Alyson Hannigan and Jason Momoa!

So don’t be afraid to put on a costume, head to convention halls, make new friends and scream for what you love!

Tickets are required for the event, and prices vary from $17.50 to $67. Online booking is available.

For more information on the event, visit the official Oz Comic-Con website here.

River Rink in Fed Square
Saturday, July 1 – 23 |Federation Square (Corner of Swanston St & Flinders St)

Ice skating in Melbourne, River Rink at Federation Square. #ilovemelbourne #Melbourne #winter #iceskating #winterdownunder #winterinmelbourne #riverrink #riverrinkatfedsquare #whattodoinmelbourne

A post shared by Dor Ota (@eat.melbourne) on Jun 18, 2016 at 6:14am PDT

With winter comes the cold and what better way to revel in the cold than by visiting the River Rink at Fed Square.

Suitable for all ages, this event invites visitors to ice skate with friends and family. Food and beverages including hot chocolate and mulled wine are offered near the rink, so feel free to warm your stomach while appreciating the watery scenery of the Yarra River.

Skating sessions begin every hour, and each one lasts 45 minutes. Participants are expected to wear enough warm clothing before coming to the rink. A 70cm high skating aid can also be hired from the Box Office.

The event is ticketed. Full price tickets are $24.50, while concessions are $22. No booking is required.

For more information, check the official website.

Docklands Firelight Festival
Friday, June 30 – Sunday, July 2 | New Quay Harbour, Docklands

Image by: Scott Cresswell via Flickr

For a bright night out, Docklands is the place to be for fireworks galore as Docklands Firelight Festival aims to light up the night sky.

Hosted by City of Melbourne, the three-day winter celebration includes food, art, music, a warm fire and other traditions of the winter solstice.

The festival will begin at 5.00pm every night, and no tickets are required.

For more information about the festival, check the What’s on Melbourne Facebook website.

The Thread Den July Market
Sunday, July 2 (10.00am – 4.00pm) | The Atrium, Federation Square (Corner of Swanston St & Flinders St)

A post shared by the Thread Den market (@thethreaddenmarket) on Jun 26, 2017 at 4:34pm PDT

While you’re at Fed Square, pop by the Atrium this weekend and visit The Thread Den July Market, a design market with the latest crafts and designs from Melbourne’s makers.

With more than 65 highly skilled creators from Melbourne’s local independent design scene, products that will be showcased include clothing, food, ceramic ware and more!

Entry is free but do bring some extra cash if you intend to buy a few new things for you and your home.

For more information on The Thread Den July Market, visit the market’s official website.