This August we’ve handpicked eight of Melbourne’s best events that’ll have you partying with unicorns, scarfing down donuts at not one, but two donut events and waving goodbye to the winter chill with more waves than iconic Japanese artist, Hokusai. So whether you’re interested in Food & Drink, Art & Culture or Films, we’ve got you covered here at On The List.
Festivals
Unicorn Festival
DATE: AUGUST 3 – 4
For one weekend only, Melbourne Central’s Link Bridge will transform into a glittery unicorn wonderland. You can pick up Rainbow Croissants from Agathé Patisserie, Unicorn Donuts from Bistro Morgan, Unicorn Cake + Macaron Pops from JY Cake Designs and many more sweet treats! If that wasn’t enough, you can channel your inner unicorn with unicorn-inspired bags, sweaters and makeup brushes. Be sure to end the day with a makeover from CxM at the Unicorn Makeover and Glitter station. And don’t forget to take a cheeky selfie at the photo booth!
Donut & Beer Festival
DATE: AUGUST 19 – 20
Donut fanatics, this is your month. Melbourne is getting an entire festival dedicated to everyone’s favourite doughy and sugary treat. For one weekend only, this festival is bringing together an unlikely duo of donuts and beer and they’ve got the best this city’s got to offer. Munch on the likes of Doughnut Time, St. Gerry’s and Dandee Donuts as you sip on drinks from Manchuria Bar, Stomping Ground Brewery and Those Girls cider.
MIFF
DATE: AUGUST 3 – 20
Back for their 65th year, the Melbourne International Film Festival is taking over screens across the Melbourne CBD for two and a half weeks. This year they’re showcasing 357 Australian and international films across 5 cinemas. So no matter what your taste in flicks, they’ll be sure to have something for you. We also hear that they’ve crafted a very special MIFF cocktail –ask for a Grey Goose Le Fizz downstairs at the Forum.
Food & Drink
Donut Ice Cream Burgers
DATES: AUGUST 3 – 4
Dessert lovers and Insta-snappers, this is not a drill. Dessert Kitchen and Dessert Parlour are teaming up to create the prettiest donut ice cream burgers that’ll have everyone drooling over your feed. This one-off event will have you salivating over Matcha burgers and Chocolate Oreo burgers –complete with all the condiments you’ll ever need. We suggest ordering both.
Sweet Set Decadent Sundays
DATES: AUGUST 4, 11, 18 & 25
Grub Food Van is getting a pretty sweet upgrade. Every Sunday of the month, Sweet Set Decadent Sundays is bringing Melbourne’s best pastries and desserts to Fitzroy. This month you can expect Pierre Roelofs, Philippa Sibley, Luxbite, Citizen Cacao and Fig & Salt serving up exquisite and decadent high teas. We can’t wait to sink our teeth into this one!
Fargo & Co. Opening
DATES: AUGUST 18 & 25
Swan Street’s State Bank has reopened! –And this 1900s heritage building is boasting signature cocktails, sharing cocktails and a Sunday bottomless brunch. Snag a table on the opening weekend to be among the first to sip on endless Mimosas and Prosecco while enjoying a leisurely brunch courtesy of head chef, Dylan Evans. This is one brunch you can bank on.
Art & Culture
Melbourne Museum – Nocturnal
DATES: AUGUST 4
If you ever wanted to party in a museum, now’s your chance! Unlock the secrets of the iconic Melbourne Museum and enjoy a night of delicious bites, bespoke cocktails and international and local live music –all while being surrounded with dinosaurs.
NGV – Hokusai
DATES: AUGUST 1 – OCTOBER 15
In an Australian first, seven of Hokusai’s major series are on display at the NGV. Hokusai features 176 works by the Japanese artist including 5 works from the NGV’s personal collection. But be sure to get in quick! On Oct 15, these priceless works of art are flying back home to the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum and Matsumoto.
Looking for something to do in Melbourne this weekend? Here’s everything that made it On The List.
Written By:
Nadine is a freelance writer and PR girl. In her spare time, you’ll typically catch her reading a good book, hitting up Melbourne’s coolest restaurants and bars, or finding her next adrenaline rush. She also can’t say no to a good scoop of gelato or pizza slice. See what else she gets up to on her Instagram.
Featured Image c/o Fargo & Co.
