February is usually the shortest month of the year, but this time, it’s a leap year! That gives you one extra day for summer adventures. Check out some cool festivals, get all loved up for Valentine’s Day and soak in the sun before the season is over. There’s heaps of things to do in Melbourne this February, so scroll through this list if you need some ideas.
1. Show your pride at Midsumma Festival
Midsumma Festival is here, and there’s lots to do in Melbourne this February. See performances, check out exhibitions, attend workshops and more. Highlights include the Midsumma Pride March in St Kilda on February 4, and the iconic Victoria’s Pride street party to end the festival on February 11. See the program here.
2. Celebrate Lunar New Year
Welcome the Year of the Dragon with plenty of fun and festivities around Melbourne. See lion dances, festive installations and more. See what’s happening here.
3. Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Go on a date, eat some chocolate, send flowers and enjoy the day in a way that’s perfect for you and your loved one. See all of our recommendations here and find somewhere nice to eat here.
4. Get dressed up for the Melbourne Fashion Festival
The Melbourne Fashion Festival is back with over 100 events. Check out the runways, explore exhibitions, listen to talks and more. The festival will run from February 24 to March 9. See more here.
5. Feel mesmerised by a free Candlelight concert in Fed Square
Listen to live music under the stars, along with the gentle twinkle of candlelight, at three free events in Fed Square. Back by popular demand, the free Candlelight concerts will feature exciting Australian artists. Bring a picnic blanket and hear original songs from ARIA Award-winning Budjerah on February 15. Join Reuben Kaye for a night of cabaret on February 22. And finally, listen to Triple J Unearthed High winner JACOTÉNE for original songs and covers on February 29.
6. See the Dome Under Film Festival at Melbourne Planetarium
Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks is throwing their annual Dome Under Film Festival. Back for its fourth year, this festival showcases a selection of fulldome format films handpicked from around the world. Check it out from Saturday February 3 to Sunday February 4.
7. Have a spectacular time at Moulin Rouge! The Musical!
After a sold-out premiere season, Moulin Rouge! The Musical! is now playing in Melbourne. Celebrate truth, beauty, freedom and love at the Regent Theatre before it goes on February 4.
8. Stay out late with Nocturnal at Melbourne Museum
The electrifying, after-hours event, Nocturnal, is returning to Melbourne Museum for a special night as part of Midsumma Festival. Listen to DJs, play drag bingo, enjoy late-night access to exhibitions and more on Thursday February 8.
9. Voyage through history with the Titanic exhibition at Melbourne Museum
The most extensive Titanic exhibition in the world now showing in Melbourne. Feel transported back to 1912, and see over 200 artefacts recovered from the wreck site. In this experience, you’ll discover recreated ship interiors, including the Grand Staircase, First Class Parlour Suite and Verandah Café, combined with real objects rescued from the depths of the ocean. TITANIC: The Artefact Exhibition will dock at Melbourne Museum from now until April 14.
10. Do the time warp at The Rocky Horror Show
Due to massive demand, cult classic musical The Rocky Horror Show is back in Melbourne this February. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a ‘virgin’, you’ll have fun when Frank N Further, The Narrator, Brad, Janet and more come to town. See it at the Athenaeum Theatre from February 9.
11. Have a poo-fect day out at Unko Museum
Japan’s surprise sensation, Unko Museum, has taken over 360 Bourke St, Melbourne. Unko Museum is the only international touring museum dedicated to poop, but don’t hold your nose – the focus here is all about kawaii exhibits and photo-friendly moments, making it a fun and family-friendly day out. Get your tickets to Unko Museum here.
12. Watch movies under the stars at Moonlight Cinema
Enjoy the summer nights by watching festive favourites and new releases at Moonlight Cinema. Find it on the lush Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens.
13. See Shakespeare Under the Stars
Shakespeare Under The Stars is coming back to Royal Botanic Gardens with a production of the enchanting, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sprawl out on Southern Cross Lawn and enjoy the show from December 16 to February 11.
14. Embrace the warmer nights at the Summer Night Market
The iconic Summer Night market is back in Queen Vic Market. Sip on cocktails, feast on delicious food, browse through stalls, enjoy live entertainment and more. It runs on Wednesday nights, from now until March 15. Learn more here.
15. See the first Ube Festival at Queen Vic Market
Celebrate all things ube, and feast on a range of Filipino flavours. On top of the delicious food, there will be plenty of music, performances, and even a multicultural parade. The Ube Festival is free to attend, and will take place on Sunday February 11 from 10am to 8pm.
16. Take part in the National Sustainability Festival
The National Sustainability Festival is celebrating their 25th year this February. Lasting all month long, this environmental movement aims to increase the amount of people living sustainably, and to address the global climate and biodiversity emergencies. See more here.
17. See the Super Bowl from inside a floating dome
Step inside the first ever floating dome on the Yarra River, and watch all the action of the Super Bowl in an immersive, 360-degree setting. Sit back, relax on a beanbag, and see every touchdown and tackle in the game. As you watch, enjoy bottomless drinks and delicious American-themed snacks. You’ll find this floatimg dome at The Wharf Hotel on Monday February 12. Doors open from 8am.
18. Explore the tremendous NGV Triennial
NGV Triennial is back in Melbourne for its third iteration. This incredible exhibition has taken over all floors of NGV International, showcasing works by 120 artists, designers and collectives from 30 countries, including Yoko Ono, David Shrigley and fashion label Schiaparelli. Get ready for painting, sculpture, robotics, fashion, multimedia and interactive art installations, and marvel at over 25 world-premiere projects commissioned by the NGV.
19. Admire the inflatable installation (This is) Air at NGV
Wander into NGV Garden, and see an inflatable sphere that literally breathes during the day. This outdoor installation, (This is) Air, was developed by Nic Brunsdon in collaboration with ENESS, and is the Architecture Commission for 2023. When the structure is fully inflated, it stands over 14 metres tall. The sphere is free to visit, from now until June.
20. Walk with the dinosaurs at Dinos Alive
Travel back millions of years and explore the world of the dinosaurs. Life-sized animated replicas of more than 80 dinosaurs have filled a Melbourne venue, and aside from being jaw-droppingly impressive, Dinos Alive will teach you a few things about the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. Entry tickets are available here.
21. Go on a Sunset Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo
Hop on a safari bus and witness some of the world’s most majestic animals roam about the Savannah at dusk. Immerse yourself in this stunning natural adventure on Saturdays from now until March 9, from 5:30pm to 9pm.
22. Swim over to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
After a $9 million renovation, the Oceanarium at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is complete, and there’s a brand new exhibit to go along with it. Check out Night on the Reef, and explore the nocturnal life under the sea, with colourful creatures, a bioluminescent beach and more.
23. See Taylor Swift and let your wildest dreams come true
After plenty of anticipation and a frenzied rush to get tickets, Taylor Swift is finally coming to Melbourne. If you were lucky enough to nab a spot at the concert, you can see her perform at the MCG on February 16, 17 and 18.
24. Join the party in Fed Square at the Afro-Caribbean Carnival
Feel the rhythm of the vibrant Afro-Caribbean Carnival. Coming to Fed Square for the first time, this party will feature local and international acts. Embrace the spirit and make your own headpiece at a workshop, or dress up for the chance to be crowd King or Queen of Carnival. Find delicious food, like Brazilian BBQ, on Swanston Street. The event will run from 5pm to 11pm on Saturday February 17. See more here.
25. Feel mesmerised by Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature
Visit ACMI and see digital artworks on an awe-inspiring scale. The exhibition, Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature, will stay in town until April 14, 2024.
26. Have a blast at St Kilda Festival
Groove to live music, be amazed by street performers and try delicious food at St Kilda Festival on February 17 and 18.
27. See an outdoor movie with The Sunset Cinema
28. Immerse yourself in the mesmerising Rain Room
After a sell-out season in 2021, the interactive installation, Rain Room, is here in Melbourne. This immersive experience merges art, technology and nature together, in a 100 square metre space of continuous rainfall. The rain responds to your presence and movement, which gives you the feeling of being in a fierce rainstorm, without having to get wet. Find it in St Kilda.
29. Tantalise your taste buds at Dining in the Dark
Embark on a gastronomic adventure while blindfolded at Dining in the Dark. Taking place at Gingerboy, you’ll choose between vegan, seafood or meat options and feast on a three-course meal. Try it on select Wednesdays and Thursdays this month. Get your tickets here.
30. See the timeless musical RENT
Walk through the vibrant streets of New York City’s East Village and celebrate life, love and the human spirit with this Pulitzer Prize-winning show. Hear songs like “Seasons of Love,” ”Take Me or Leave Me” and “La Vie Bohème” come to life on stage. RENT will play at the State Theatre in Arts Centre Melbourne from February 17 to March 7.
31. Have heaps of fun at Northcote Rise Festival
After a 13-year hiatus, Northcote Rise Festival is coming back to High Street. Over 300 entertainers and 70 local artists will perform on the main stage or on four mini-stages. When you’re not listening to music, grab a bite to eat from local traders, see the petting zoo and have fun with family-friendly activities. The festival will take place on Sunday February 18. See more here.
32. Have some topsy-turvy fun at House Down Under
Flip your world on its head at House Down Under. See an inverted house that looks like it dropped straight from the sky in Docklands. When you enter, you’ll walk on ceilings and explore heaps of upside down rooms.
33. Unleash your creativity at Chaos Lab
From the Control Room to the Science Lab, the Mirror Maze to the Ball Pit, Chaos Lab is a fun experience for all kids who want to play, explore and create. Group bookings are also available, making it handy for things like birthday parties. Find it at The District Docklands. Tickets are on sale now.
34. Check out MPavilion
MPavilion is back! Enjoy cultural events, talks, performances, installations and more. MPavilion will run until March 28. See the full program here.
35. Have a royally good time at the Princess Diana: Accredited Access exhibition
Go on a visual journey through Princess Diana’s life with countless photographs, and listen to royal photographers tell the story behind these famous images. You’ll find this exhibition at Tea House in Southbank. Get your tickets here.
36. Check out the Best Biggest IMAX Film Festival
Love a good movie? IMAX is showcasing their ginormous screen and surround sound system with the Best Biggest IMAX Film Festival. Highlights include a re-release of Oppenheimer, as well as other beloved films like The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Dark Knight trilogy. The festival will run until February 25.
37. Feel amazed by Melbourne Art Fair
Back for its 17th edition, Melbourne Art Fair will feature over 100 artists and over 50 exciting events. Look forward to large-scale installations, performances, video works and more. Find it at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 22 to 25.
38. Voyage around the world in the immersive BBC Earth Experience
Take a 360-degree audio-visual journey through the seven continents of the world, with narration from the iconic Sir David Attenborough. This technological marvel will use footage from the BBC Studios Natural History television series, Seven Worlds, One Planet. Melbourne is the second city in the world to host this incredible experience. The BBC Earth Experience is now open at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
39. Dance your way to Antipodes Festival
Celebrate Greek culture at this colossal festival on the historic Lonsdale Street Greek Precinct. There’s going to be entertainment from performers and artists, as well as children’s activities, workshops, market stalls and delicious food and drink. Antipodes Festival will take place on Saturday February 24 and Sunday February 25.
40. Feel swept away with free concerts from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Pack up a picnic and prepare yourself for the perfect symphonic soirée. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is coming back with their free concerts at Sidney Myer Music Bowl this February. Feel swept away by the music of Puccini, celebrate young Australian talent, and finish with a summer serenade of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and more. The concerts will take place on February 21, 24 and 28.
41. Go for a swim at WET Sunday Sessions
Head to W Melbourne and check out their wonderful Sunday Sessions on the WET deck pool. Spend your Sundays lazing by the gorgeous pool, sipping on cocktails, listening to DJs and admiring the gorgeous Melbourne skyline. These poolside parties are running on Sundays from 12pm to 3pm, from now until March 3.
42. Feel swept away by Live at Toorak
Head to the stunning synagogue in Toorak and experience the enchantment of moonlit Paris with pianist Konstantin Shamray. Listen to pieces from Debussy, Ravel and more. Live at Toorak: Midnight in Paris will take place on Wednesday February 28 at 7pm. Get your tickets here.
43. Spend those summer nights at Grease the Musical
An electrifying new production of Grease is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Listen to all your favourite songs, like Greased Lightnin’, You’re The One That I Want, Hopelessly Devoted to You and more. It’s playing in Melbourne from now until March 10.
44. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert
The candlelit performances have taken place at venues like The Athenaeum and The Astor Theatre as well as at The Timber Yard, the Meat Market and Fed Square. With more venues being added to the growing list, there’s a Candlelight concert around every corner.
Candlelight concerts in February include Valentines specials with swoon worthy love songs, the music of Tchaikovsky with ballet performances, tributes to Taylor Swift and more. See what’s coming up here.
45. Watch Groundhog Day the Musical
See the hilarious 1993 film, Groundhog Day, brought to life on stage at the Princess Theatre. With music and lyrics from Tim Minchin, you’ll watch weatherman Phil Connors live the same day over and over again. Groundhog Day The Musical is playing in Melbourne for a limited season.
46. Check out the Starry Sky exhibition at Met Art World
Visit Met Art World in Port Melbourne and feel transported to another world, with their immersive Starry Sky exhibition. Journey through mazes, enter a digital tunnel, see plenty of twinkling lights and more. Get your tickets here.
47. Pass go and discover Monopoly Dreams
Australia’s first Monopoly-themed attraction is here in Melbourne. Immerse yourself and wander around Monopoly City and Mr. Monopoly’s Mansion. Find Monopoly Dreams at Melbourne Central.
48. Go on a romantic getaway
February is the month of love, and if you’re looking for something to do, take a drive out of Melbourne and enter a world of your own by staying somewhere nice on Airbnb.
49. See one of Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkins at Pt. Leo Estate
Drive down to Mornington Peninsula and visit Pt. Leo Estate. Take a stroll through the sculpture park, and see their newest addition, a pumpkin created by famous Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
50. Cool down at this magical Ice Cream Festival
Discover dozens of new and interesting ice cream flavours over 12 glorious days. There will also be plenty of ice cream-inspired desserts and drinks to try. Check out the Ice Cream Festival at the chocolateries in the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and on the Great Ocean Road, from February 7 to 18.
51. Explore Blue Lotus Water Garden
Spanning over 14 acres, Blue Lotus Water Garden contains over 40 different ponds, lakes and water features. Here, you’ll find the biggest display of lotus and waterlily flowers in the Southern Hemisphere. This dreamy garden is open until April 14.
52. Go on a Garden Spritz Picnic at the Chandon Yarra Valley Estate
As the weather gets warmer, you’re invited to relax and soak in the sunshine in the stunning grounds of the Chandon Yarra Valley Estate. Treat yourself to a Garden Spritz Picnic, and enjoy locally-sourced and house-made bites, while sipping on a refreshing spritz. See more here.
53. Pick your own sunflowers from this sunflower field
Brighten up your summer by picking your own sunflowers. Drive out to Dunnstown, not too far from Ballarat, and wander along the golden fields. Pick Your Own Sunflowers is reopening when the flowers bloom this summer, from mid-February to March. This is a weather-dependent activity, so keep an eye on their website for opening dates.
54. Visit Lorne Theatre for their pop-up summer season
One of regional Victoria’s oldest cinemas, Lorne Theatre, has reopened for a pop-up summer season. Look forward to summer flicks by the sea, as this heritage-listed theatre will play a blend of contemporary and classic films from now until the Easter period.
55. Spend the last month of summer in the great outdoors
Soak in the sunshine and take in the stunning natural sights of Victoria. Take a road trip, explore national parks and see unique locations around the state. See the wonders of the Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles on a day trip, or admire Phillip Island from above on a helicopter flight. Feeling hungry? Go on a mystery picnic date in Melbourne or the Yarra Valley.