Crown Melbourne summer program launches new dining, music and pop-ups
Crown Melbourne has unveiled its largest seasonal program to date, rolling out a summer schedule of new dining venues, brand collaborations and experience-led pop-ups across the Riverwalk and broader resort precinct from 1st February 2026.
The program introduces multiple venue launches alongside live entertainment, music-led activations and outdoor daytime experiences. In addition, Crown Melbourne confirmed appearances and performances linked to high-profile international and Australian talent across the season.
Public figures connected to the summer program include The Veronicas twins, Aryna Sabalenka, Casper Ruud and The NERVO Twins. Their involvement spans music, entertainment and promotional appearances across multiple Crown Melbourne locations.
Leading the seasonal rollout is Layal, a new dining venue positioned on the Riverwalk. The venue draws inspiration from Middle Eastern flavours and centres on shared dining formats. Moreover, the menu structure focuses on mezze-style dishes alongside spice-driven cocktails, designed for afternoon through late-night service in a riverfront setting.
Located nearby, Otoya adds a music-focused concept to the Riverwalk precinct. The Japanese-inspired vinyl and yakitori bar blends curated vinyl DJ sets with charcoal-grilled yakitori offerings. As a result, the venue integrates food service with listening-room style music programming influenced by Tokyo nightlife culture.
Live entertainment and daytime activations anchor the Riverwalk
Night-time programming continues at Lumia Rouge with the launch of Road to Palm Springs. The activation transforms the venue and terrace into a festival-style environment supported by DJ-led programming. Notably, The NERVO Twins headline the music schedule, while the activation also includes a ticket giveaway linked to the Coachella festival.
Meanwhile, Piper’s Playhouse introduces a cabaret-led format presented in partnership with Piper-Heidsieck. The venue delivers live jazz, burlesque, drag and circus performances within an intimate indoor setting. Later in the evening, the space transitions into a piano bar and late-night salon format.
Daytime activity expands through the introduction of the Crown Racquet Club on the Riverwalk. The pop-up features padel courts positioned along the Yarra River. Additionally, the experience combines social sport with DJs, coffee service, cocktails and a clubhouse-style environment aimed at daytime visitation.
Outdoor dining also forms a key part of the seasonal program. Crown Melbourne has expanded alfresco seating across several Riverwalk venues, including Bistro Guillaume, Ging Thai and Nobu. Consequently, these venues will operate extended outdoor dining options throughout the summer period, supported by seasonal menus and drinks offerings.
Crown Melbourne CEO Ed Domingo said the “‘Summer at Crown’ activities across the integrated resort offer unique experiences from day to night for every guest.”
The summer program spans dining, live performance, music, sport and outdoor leisure, reinforcing Crown Melbourne’s focus on multi-format experiences across its riverfront precinct during the warmer months.
