I love summer in Melbourne. There’s always so many fun things on.
This summer I have vowed to be organised and eat, drink, see and do all of the things this awesome city has to offer. And so… here is my list of 10 fun things to do in Melbourne this summer.
The Summer Night Market is back on at the Queen Victoria Market. I look forward to this every single year. There is plenty of delicious street food, free live music, and market stalls for crafts and other goodies. The perfect mid-week catch up with friends, and plenty of food to try out.
Where: Queen Victoria Market
When: Wednesdays, 5–10pm until 8th March 2017
When the weather is hot you don’t want to be in a stuffy indoor cinema. You want to be outside with some yummy food and a few bevvies. A perfect date night or girls night out option, and plenty of movies to choose from.
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens
When: 8th December 2016 – 2nd April 2017
The ultimate summertime outdoor music event, celebrating French culture, food, drink and music. Catch the bus in to Werribee Mansion (you can book this with your ticket), take a picnic blanket, and esky full of yummy treats. Then head to the bar at the event and pop open a bottle of french bubbly or rose and dance your Sunday away. This is quickly becoming a yearly tradition of mine.
Where: Werribee Park
When: Sunday 15th January 2017
It’s been a while since I’ve been to the tennis. I actually use to work at the Australian Open every year when I was younger. Such a fun way to spend the day, or even the week if you’re lucky, or loaded enough. But if you can’t get to the main games, don’t fret. There’s affordable general admission tickets too starting at $40 for a Ground Pass. Don’t forget to slip slop slap out there!
Where: Rod Laver, Margaret Court and Hisense Arenas
When: 16th-29th January 2017
This is one I’m super excited about. From my understanding this is the first year of Shimmerlands. Presented by Shadow Electric and The University of Melbourne , it is a two-month-long festival of outdoor cinema, music, and alfresco dining. Events will be running during day and night hours, and you can check out the calendar here
Where: The University of Melbourne, Parkville
When: January & Feb 2017
I love Friday Nights at NGV, where they open exhibitions to the public after hours. There is also weekly live performances by international and Australian acts in the Great Hall, DJ sets in the NGV Garden, as well as access to food and bars. Great way to start the weekend!
Where: NGV
When: Fridays 6pm
Viktor & Rolf – until 26th February 2017
David Hockney – until 13th March 2017
I’ve never attended Zoo twillights but have always wanted to. This year will be the year.
Zoo Twilights is all about live music against wildlife extinction! There are plenty of awesome local and international musicians playing on selected nights and the super enticing part is that guests can also explore the Zoo at dusk prior to the shows! Can’t wait to do this!
Where: Melbourne Zoo
When: 27th January – 11th March 2017
Aaaaah, the festival of my youth… When I lived near St Kilda in my teens and twenties not a year would go by where I would not visit St Kilda Festival. It’s been running for 36 years now and it’s pretty clear to see why.
Not only is it FREE, but there is always an incredible line up at the music stage as well as great food an entertainment all around, and just steps away from St Kilda beach.
Where: St Kilda
When: 12th February 2017
From dusk ‘til dawn, on 18th February, White Night will take place in Melbourne’s CBD.
The night seems to be getting bigger and better each year with, local, national and international artists, celebrating creativity in abundance. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the city in a different light, and take part in all of the installations, exhibitions, street performances, and interactive events on offer.
Where: Melbourne CBD
When: 18th February 2017
Once the home of Melbourne couple, John and Sunday Reed, and many other famous Australian artists, Heide Museum of Modern Art, is one of my favourite spots in Melbourne. It is just twenty minutes from the CBD but when you visit you feel like you are miles away.
There are three galleries which you can visit displaying both paid and free exhibitions, stunning architecture and fifteen acres of gardens and sculpture park to explore.
You can bring your own picnic and sit amongst the nature, or if you prefer a sit down meal visit Heide Cafe with serves breakfast and lunch.
Definitely worth checking out the Heide website, as they often have tours and workshops which you can also partake in.
Where: Heide Museum of Modern Art
When: Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm
What will you guys be doing in Melbourne this summer? Any recommendations? Please let me know in the comments below!
Useful info..Thanks for sharing.
Such a handy post! I used to live in Melbourne but haven’t been back for a visit for a few years so this will be really handy when I return next month 🙂 Thank you!
Oh wonderful! Hope you get to enjoy some of the awesome events the city has to offer 🙂