Despite being the shortest month of the year, February has a lot of events and special days packed into it. Check out some cool festivals, get all loved up for Valentine’s Day and soak in the sun before summer is over. There’s heaps of things to do in Melbourne this February, so scroll through this list if you need some ideas.
1. Solve the mystery at The Mousetrap
The world’s longest-running play is coming to Melbourne. See Agatha Christie’s legendary show, The Mousetrap, at the Comedy Theatre from February 17. More info here.
2. 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. Listen to the best of Queer Icons on February 9, an enchanting Valentine’s Day performance and finally, a show from Jarryd James on February 16. Read more 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.
4. See tick, tick… Boom! live on stage
This autobiographical musical by Johnathan Larson, the composer of Rent, is a love letter to theatre and New York City. See it with your own eyes when it comes to Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre, from February 1 to 12. More info here.
5. Have fun at Midsumma Festival
This fabulous summer festival is stacked with over 200 events for you to try. Don’t miss major events like Victoria’s Pride Street Party, as well as performances, parties and more. Midsumma is on now, and will run until February 12. Check out the program here.
6. 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.
7. Go back in Time with this Rone exhibition in Flinders Street Station
Step into the mysterious third floor and ballroom of Flinders Street Station, and discover a forgotten era of Melbourne. Explore 11 large-scale installations, meticulously placed around the heritage-listed space. This exhibition will run until Sunday April 23, 2023.
8. Savour 144 different flavours at this magical Ice Cream Festival
Discover 12 new interesting flavours over 12 glorious days. Check it out at the chocolateries in the Yarra Valley, Mornington and Great Ocean Road, from February 8 to 19.
9. Party it up at St Kilda Festival
Groove to live music, be amazed by street performers and try delicious food at this wonderful festival on February 18 and 19.
10. Catch a movie at Sunset Cinema
This outdoor cinema experience is back for summer. This February, head to St Kilda Botanical Gardens for their range of blockbuster flicks. See the program here.
11. Listen to music at Live at the Bowl
Soak in the summer sunshine with live music and events at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. This February, listen to free MSO concerts, electric beats and more. See the program here.
12. Enjoy a throwback with Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical
Back for an encore season, you’ll enter the manipulative world of Manhattan and sing along to the best tunes of the 90s. Cruel Intentions is taking over Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from February 16. More info here.
13. See the Alexander McQueen exhibition at NGV
Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos Muse is the first major Australian exhibition to explore his thought-provoking work, sources of inspiration and creative process. This exhibition showcases over 120 garments and accessories, alongside over 80 works of art. The Alexander McQueen exhibition is now on at NGV International, and will run until April 16, 2023
14. Stay late at NGV Friday Nights
Browse the McQueen exhibition in the evening, then listen to live DJs, visit pop-up bars and try some English-inspired dining. This event will run from 6-10pm on Friday Nights, from now until April 14.
15. Wander through this vivid reimagining of The Parthenon at NGV
See this gorgeous installation, complete with colourful artworks from local creators, in the Grollo Equiset Garden at NGV for free.
16. Grab free noodle bowls from Bowltiful
Bowltiful is opening their new and largest store on 249 Swanston Street at 12pm on Saturday February 18. And to celebrate, they’re giving away free noodle bowls to the first 249 customers from 12pm over the course of three days.
17. Check out MPavilion
MPavilion is back in Melbourne for another incredible season. Enjoy cultural events, talks, performances, installations and more. See their full program here.
18. Feel mesmerised by the work of Monet and more at The Lume
Go on a journey across France in this multisensory experience, with vibrant projections and sounds immersing you in the world of French Impressionism. Take a picture on Monet’s Bridge over a Pond, dance with Degas’ ballerinas, plunge yourself into a world of waterlilies, and much, much more.
19. Have fun with the Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival in Docklands
Head over to Victoria Harbour in Docklands for the Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival. Watch the dragon boats race their way down the harbour and cheer on the paddlers. While you’re there, check out some cultural performances, lion dances, family activities and food trucks. This festival will take place on Sunday February 19. Learn more here.
20. Step inside the terrifying Darkfield shipping containers
Put on some headphones and lose yourself in the darkness of one of four thrilling experiences. You’ll find Darkfield in the heart of Chinatown, from now until February 5.
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 a bit of nature every Saturday this month.
22. Enjoy a Summer of Play at Melbourne Museum
Head to the Plaza at Melbourne Museum and play on the illuminated swings and see-saw. Play games, eat ice cream, and stay out late for DJ sets and more on Friday and Saturday nights.
23. Explore the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building
For the first time in 100 years, the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building is open to the public. Head up there and see it for yourself, and take in gorgeous views of the Melbourne skyline.
24. Stay out late with Nocturnal x Midsumma 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, enjoy late-night access to exhibitions and more on Friday February 10.
25. Fall in love with Romeo and Juliet under the stars
Watch Shakespeare’s timeless and tragic tale of romance unfold before your eyes at the Royal Botanic Gardens, from February 10 to March 11.
26. See a movie under the stars at Moonlight Cinema
Enjoy a mix of new releases and romantic favourites under the stars at Royal Botanic Gardens.
27. Play an Among Us-style game near Queen Vic Market
Immerse yourself in a space-themed adventure at Saboteurs. Round up your crew, complete tasks inside the converted shipping containers, and keep an eye out for the imposter. Saboteurs is open daily from 8am to 10pm at Testing Grounds.
28. Enjoy Summer Sunday Sessions at Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters
Spend sunny Sundays sipping on bottomless cocktails from Four Pillars Gin, alongside a seven-course seasonal sharing menu and fabulous DJ tunes on the Terrace Bar at Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters. This weekend event will continue until March 26.
29. Relax at Moon Dog’s pop-up, Summer Paradiso
Head to Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt and relax at Summer Paradiso, a pop-up from Moon Dog Brewery. Sip on a cold drink or two, feast on smoky barbeque and listen to some good tunes. This pop-up will stay in town until April.
30. Have a practically perfect time at the Mary Poppins musical
Everyone’s favourite nanny is has flown into Melbourne. See Mary Poppins, Bert and more beloved characters come to life in this spectacular stage adaptation by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
31. Solve a murder mystery at Labassa Mansion
Roam the rooms of this opulent mansion and search for clues to solve a murder. Get your tickets here.
32. Keep your spirits high with this decadent gin high tea
Enjoy gourmet bites and gin-infused treats, as well as drinks from Hendrick’s Gin. This indulgent high tea is available at The Waiting Room in Crown on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from now until Sunday March 26.
33. Fall in love with The Phantom of the Opera
This legendary musical is now captivating hearts around Melbourne. See it for yourself at Arts Centre Melbourne.
34. Find something wonderful at this craft fair in Queen Vic Market
At CRFT*WRK, you’ll discover locally-made goods from independent creators at Queen Vic Market. Find art, ceramics, jewellery, homewares and more. This festival will run on Saturday February 25 from 9am to 4pm.
35. 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. Find it at The District Docklands. Tickets are on sale now.
36. Sip your way through Juniperlooza
Australia’s first gin festival is coming back to Melbourne. Head to The Boatbuilders Yard and celebrate all things gin with cocktails and DJs. Check it out on February 11 and 12. More info here.
37. Embrace the warmer nights at the Summer Night Market
The iconic Summer Night Market is back at Queen Vic Market. Sip on cocktails, go market browsing, and try food from over 125 stalls, shops and bars. It runs on Wednesday nights, from now until March 15.
38. Experience an unforgettable night at Le Diner en Blanc
Dress up in white and enjoy a chic picnic at a secret location in Melbourne on February 18.
39. Be whisked away to Hogwarts with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The magical story of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been reimagined as a one-part play. See a whole new generation of young wizards take the stage, with fascinating illusions, a heartfelt story and more. Return to Hogwarts at the Princess Theatre.
40. Watch Melbourne Theatre Company’s Prima Facie
This original Australian production captivated the West End and will soon captivate audiences in Broadway. See this searing indictment of a legal system that fails women right here in Melbourne, from February 8 to March 25. Learn more here.
41. Have an incredible time at Fed Live
Fed Square is pumping through summer with a series of free gigs. This month, see electro-pop artist Vera Blue headline the night on February 18. See the full schedule here.
42. Embrace a Hot Gin Summer on the Rooftop at QT
QT Melbourne has joined forces with Four Pillars Gin to serve up a range of refreshing cocktails and sorbet made from traditional gin and tonics. Head to QT Melbourne every weekend from 12pm to 4pm, from now until February 26.
43. Explore Australia’s first low and zero-alcohol drinks festival
Discover the best in booze-free beverages from artisan producers, distillers and brewers around Australia and New Zealand. Picolo will take place in The Timber Yard on Saturday February 11.
44. Check out the National Sustainable Living Festival
This festival aims to increase the amount of people living sustainably, and to address the global climate and biodiversity emergencies. The festival will last all month long, and is packed with both virtual and in-person events. See more here.
45. See a pop-tacular performance of & Juliet
See Shakespeare get a remix with some of the most beloved pop anthems in upcoming, Olivier-Award-winning musical, & Juliet. After premiering on London’s West End in 2019, and playing in Toronto, this critically-acclaimed show is having its Australian premiere, right here in Melbourne. See & Juliet at the Regent Theatre from February 26. See more here.
46. Have a blooming good time at Blue Lotus Water Garden
Escape to Blue Lotus Water Garden, and delight your senses with dreamy water lilies, lotus flowers, scenic trails and calm lakes. This garden paradise is open from now until April 10.
47. Get crafty at the Ballarat Beer Festival
Expect over 150 brews, live music and more at this festival on February 18. See more here.
48. Bring some mints and check out the Meeniyan Garlic Festival
Add a bit of flavour to your life and check out this annual garlic festival in Gippsland. This event celebrates the high-quality garlic and produce from the region, with plenty of food, wine, music arts and crafts. The festival will take place on Saturday February 18.
49. Have a sensational time at the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival
Celebrate the bounty of the sea by travelling down the Great Ocean Road for the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival. Feast on a curated selection of Victorian seafood, listen to live music, enjoy demonstrations, talks and more. The festival will take place on Saturday February 18.
50. Pick your own sunflowers at 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 the end of February to March. This is a weather-dependent activity, so keep an eye on their website for opening dates.