Before we kiss summer goodbye, we’ve round up the hottest 20 things to do for February in Melbourne. From a taco and tequila fiesta to an outdoor drive-through rooftop cinemas and everything in between, there’s something for everyone.
FOOD
Summer Night Markets
You aren’t a real Melburnian until you’ve crossed the QVM night market off your summer bucket list. It’s been around for just shy of two decades and this year there are over 60 global street food vendors to grab a bite from. Don’t forget to head to the PIMMs Garden to split a jug of PIMMs and a bowl of strawberries and cream for dessert!
Want a second serving? There’s also the Taco and Tequila Fiesta, Yak Ales Melbourne Barbeque Festival.
And if you want your meal with a side of culture, check out the Asia Pop Courtyard, Chinese New Year Festival and Lonsdale Street Greek Festival
Pickett’s Deli & Rotisserie
Pickett’s is the new kid on the QVM block serving up chooks, roast beef and deli charcuterie boards by day and transforming into a relaxed wine bar with incredible bites at night. But whatever you end up ordering, don’t forget to order a glass (or bottle!) of wine picked by Estelle by Scott Pickett sommelier James Dossen. Cheers!
Hint: Take your V-day date here for a casual and fun night. But be sure to make a booking!
ENTERTAINMENT
Shimmerlands
We’ve got the guys behind Shadow Electric to thank for this incredible two-month long line-up of outdoor film, music and dining. Head over to The University of Melbourne campus to listen to local and international bands and catch classic film and the latest flicks. We love La La Land and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Then grab a bite to eat at the Food Quarter where you can stuff yourself silly with SPQR pizza, Burn City Smokers BBQ, Pidapipo gelato and more!
Backlot Rooftop Drive In
This 1920’s summer entertainment is getting a 21st century twist. Fill up a car with your 4 closest friends and drive to the Backlot Rooftop Drive-in to watch all your favourite blockbuster films set against an unbeatable 360-degree view of Melbourne’s nightscape. No car? No problem. There’s also a seated area for walk-up patrons.
Other outdoor cinemas to check out are: Moonlight Cinema, QV Outdoor Cinema & Cinema at the G’
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
It’s the non-official soundtrack to summer. Before summer ends, catch one of three MSO shows this month at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. MSO is tackling the Russian greats, Romeo & Juliet and La Valse. The best part? It’s FREE. We couldn’t recommend this experience more!
Happy to hang out in other cool venues with a bit of a crowd? Head to Fed Square Live and Melbourne Zoo Twilights
ART & DESIGN
MPavillion
There’s two weeks left to check out this architectural beauty by Bijoy Jain in the centre of Melbourne’s Southbank Arts Precinct. What exactly is MPavillion? It’s a place of engagement, an event hub and a meeting of minds where you can join talks and workshops, watch performances and admire installations.
ArtVo
Taking up an immense 1,900 square meters and showcasing over 11 themed zones, ArtVo is Australia’s first immersive art gallery that’ll have you interacting with the work and literally putting yourself in the photograph #instaworthy.
You can also check out other cool art and light installations at this year’s White Night.
Part of this content was created in support of the City of Melbourne Summer Campaign.
Written By:
Nadine is a recent graduate of media communications and psychology from the University of Melbourne. 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 she gets up to on her Instagram.
