February is the shortest month of the year, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting! Make each day count by soaking in the sunshine, having fun at festivals, exploring free events and more. There’s heaps of things to do in Melbourne this February, so scroll through this list if you need some ideas.
Here’s what’s on in Melbourne this February
1. Embark on an immersive art journey through Van Gogh’s masterpieces
Returning to THE LUME Melbourne for another limited season, the immersive VAN GOGH experience offers visitors an even more magical, multi-sensory adventure with Finding Vincent VR, a groundbreaking shared virtual reality experience. As you explore the space, you’ll rediscover his most iconic masterpieces, brought to life with soundscapes and interactive elements. You can even indulge in an unforgettable dining experience in Cafe Terrace 1888, inspired by Van Gogh’s Cafe Terrace at Night. And be sure to unleash your creativity in the Artist Studio, where you can enjoy guided tutorials and learn more about Van Gogh’s unique techniques.
2. Try all the amazing things at Midsumma Festival
Midsumma Festival is coming back to Melbourne for another fabulous summer. Major events like Midsumma Carnival and Midsumma Pride March will make a return, and there will also be plenty of cool shows, parties, exhibitions and events for you to check out. It’s all happening from Sunday January 19 to Sunday February 9. You can find more info here.
3. Feel immersed in the Dome Under Film Festival
Head over to Melbourne Planetarium and watch films projected across a 16-metre domed ceiling at the Dome Under Film Festival. This festival will run from January 31 to February 2. More info here.
4. See the whimsical Accidentally Wes Anderson exhibition
An exhibition inspired by the colour and symmetry of Wes Anderson films is now open in Melbourne. See over 200 curated photos from around the world, explored themed areas and have fun with interactive sets. Find Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition at 360 Bourke Street from now until February 2. Get your tickets here.
5. Catch all the action at Summer Jam
Australia’s biggest summer basketball festival returns to St Kilda this February. Head to Peanut Farm Reserve from February 7–9 for three days of hoops, beats, eats and a whole lot more. Find out more about Summer Jam 2025 here.
6. Take part in the National Sustainability Festival
The National Sustainability Festival is a month-long event that aims to increase the amount of people living sustainably. Head outside for nature walks, take part in food swaps, learn about harvesting, take part in workshops and more. It’s happening all around Melbourne from February 1 to 28. More info here.
7. 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 artists. Bring a picnic blanket and hear original songs from Soli on February 4. Listen to rock legend Ross Wilson and his band The Peaceniks on February 5. And finally, spend Waitangi Day with Maori artist Teeks on February 6.
8. Look out for more Candlelight concerts
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 a Valentine’s Day special, a tribute to Amy Winehouse and more. See what’s on here.
9. See Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert
Go on an adventure with Indiana Jones, while listening to John Williams’ iconic score performed live by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The concert will take place at The Plenary in Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday February 1. See more here.
10. Celebrate Lunar New Year
Welcome the Year of the Snake with plenty of fun and festivities around Melbourne. See lion dances, festive installations and more. See what’s happening here.
11. Have a blast at St Kilda Festival
Groove to live music, explore market stalls, take part in activities and try delicious food at St Kilda Festival on February 15 and 16.
12. 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. The concerts will take place on February 5, 15 and 22.
13. Embark 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 at Werribee Open Range Zoo on Saturdays from now until February 8, from 5:30pm to 9pm.
14. Embrace the warmer nights at the Summer Night Market
The iconic Summer Night market is back in Queen Victoria 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 12.
15. Stay out late with Nocturnal at Melbourne Museum
The electrifying, after-hours event, Nocturnal, is returning to Melbourne Museum. Taking place the night before Valentine’s Day, you can meet new people in a speed dating event, take part in a silent disco, dedicate love songs, enjoy late-night access to exhibitions and more on Thursday February 13. See more here.
16. Explore the Antopia exhibition at Melbourne Museum
Shrink down to the size of an ant and experience a day in the colony at Antopia. This interactive exhibition will feature projections, immersive spaces and more to help you learn about the secrets of ants. Find it at Melbourne Museum from now until March 10. Learn more here.
17. Join the party in Fed Square at the Afro-Caribbean Carnival
Feel the rhythm of the vibrant Afro-Caribbean Carnival. Listen to live music, dance along with costumed carnival lovers, feast on delicious food and more. It’s all happening from 4pm to 11pm on Saturday February 15. See more here.
18. Enjoy the outdoor cinema at Fed Square
Spend your summer evenings watching movies for free at Fed Square’s outdoor cinema. Look forward to Hollywood blockbusters, Bruce Lee classics, westerns, sci-fi and more. The screenings will run until March 25. See the program here.
19. Immerse yourself in a sensory experience at SENSAS
Round up some friends and tackle some fun challenges at SENSAS. Test all five of your senses in some wacky experiences. This playful space is now open. Get your tickets here.
20. Watch the award-winning Dear Evan Hansen before it leaves
The Tony Award-winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen, will play in Melbourne this December. Follow the story of a socially anxious high schooler, who is thrust into the spotlight when he unintentionally invents an important role for himself in the centre of a tragedy. See it at the Playhouse in Arts Centre Melbourne from now until February 16. More info here.
21. Fly over to Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition at ACMI
Have a gander at the development behind the beloved Untitled Goose Game at this free, world premiere exhibition at ACMI. Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition will run from now until February 16, 2025, so this month is your last chance to see it.
22. Join a thrilling immersive arcade game experience at 123Boom!
You’ll be on the edge of your seat throughout your time at 123Boom!, an immersive puzzle adventure where you and your team are tasked with diffusing a ‘bomb’ to save the day. To do so, you’ll require teamwork, skill, and problem-solving, all racing against the clock as the story advances and the seconds tick down. It’s open now, and you can find your tickets here.
23. See Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None
Ten strangers are lured to a mansion on an island, when a storm cuts them off from the mainland. And one by one, things take a deadly turn, and their reason for being on the island becomes horribly clear. Strap yourself in for a stage production of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Based on her best-selling crime novel of all time, you’ll be on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds. See it at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne from February 16.
24. See the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV
Nearly 200 works by Yayoi Kusama are on display NGV. This is the largest Kusama exhibition in Australia. See iconic pieces from her eight-decade career, as well as never-before-seen works like a new infinity mirror room.
25. Party at NGV Friday Nights
The popular NGV Friday Nights are back this summer in support of the aforementioned Yayoi Kusama exhibition. Taking place every Friday night until April 18, you can expect a massive line-up of pop-up performances, music residencies, food, and plenty of drinks.
26. Feel the sparks at the Museum of Desire
At the Museum of Desire, you’ll find over 20 sensory-rich experiences that explore desire and pleasure. Feeling curious? Get your tickets here.
27. See what’s happening at ASIA TOPA
After a five-year hiatus, the triennial festival of Asia-Pacific contemporary performance, Asia TOPA, is coming back to Melbourne. Find installations, events, performances, a pop-up nightclub and more. Asia TOPA will run from February 20 to March 10.
28. Play the ‘Among Us’-style game, Saboteurs
Head to The District Docklands and go on a space adventure at Saboteurs. Play with your friends inside converted shipping containers, complete tasks, and eject any suspicious imposters. Get your tickets here.
29. Feel amazed by Melbourne Art Fair
See the work of over 100 artists and 70 leading galleries at Melbourne Art Fair. Look forward to large-scale installations, video works, commissions, workshops and more. Find it at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 20 to 23. See more here.
30. Sip your way through the Prosecco Festival
The Prosecco Festival is returning to Abbotsford Convent for its 8th year. There’s over 50 types of prosecco to try, as well as craft-beer, wine, Italian food and more. Check it out on Saturday February 22. More info here.
31. Lock in plans to check out Alcotraz
In this interactive experience, you’ll smuggle liquor into prison and receive up to four personalised cocktails. Alcotraz is now open in Melbourne. Get your tickets here.
32. Have plenty of fun at Antipodes Festival
Celebrate Greek culture at this colossal festival on the historic Lonsdale Street Greek Precinct. Look forward to plenty of delicious food, live entertainment, a book fair, a silent disco and more. Antipodes Festival will take place on Saturday February 22 and Sunday February 23. See more here.
33. Walk among the dinosaurs at Jurassic World: The Exhibition
Journey through the iconic Jurassic World gates and come face-to-face with roaring dinosaurs from the legendary movie franchise. Encounter a brachiosaurus, velociraptors, a Tyrannosaurus Rex and more. Check it out at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.
34. Get dressed up for the Melbourne Fashion Festival
The Melbourne Fashion Festival is back with over 80 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.
35. Watch some silent cinema with live film scores
Returning to Fed Square for its third year, you can watch classic films for free on the main screen, accompanied by live music. Silent Cinema with Live Scores will run from February 25 to 27. See more here.
36. Listen to live music at Palace Foreshore
Head to Palace Foreshore in St Kilda for an incredible line-up of outdoor gigs. Check it out from Thursday February 27 to Sunday March 16.
37. See Macbeth in the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Scottish Play is coming to the Royal Botanic Gardens this February. Join Shakespeare Under The Stars for a night of power, dark magic, manipulation and more. See Macbeth on Southern Cross Lawn from January 31 to February 28.
38. 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.
39. Feel the Force at The Fans Strike Back exhibition
If you love Star Wars, then this exhibition is for you. Fly to a galaxy far, far away, and see over 600 items collected by fans, for fans. See sculptures, life-size figures, costumes and more! The Fan Strikes Back exhibition is now open at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.
40. See a free street art exhibition with over 100 works
Head to the corner of Hosier Lane and marvel at incredible works of art in The Outsiders Melbourne exhibition. Taken from the Sandrew Collection, you can expect a room dedicated to Banksy, as well as pieces from Rone and more. It will run from now until May 25.
41. Cool off at this rooftop infinity pool
Spend the warm summer days lounging on the rooftop of Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands. Book a day pass and swim in the infinity pool on select weekdays, and unwind with cocktails and bites. Back by popular demand, the pool is open from now until March 31.
42. 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 Australia. This dreamy garden will stay open until April 21.
43. Cool down at this magical Ice Cream Festival
Discover dozens of new and interesting ice cream flavours, as well as ice cream-inspired desserts and drinks. Check out the Ice Cream Festival at the chocolateries in the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and on the Great Ocean Road, from February 12 to 23.
44. 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 late February to March. This is a weather-dependent activity, so keep an eye on their website for opening dates.
45. Go camping
From December 1 to June 30, camping will be free in every national park and state forest in Victoria. Not sure where to go first? See our recommendations here.