What’s On In Melbourne This Week, This Month And Beyond
Lizzie Scorer
Contributor | Urban List, Sydney, NSW
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
.png?format=auto,compress&w=728 728w)
Looking for what's on in Melbourne in February 2026? From blockbuster food festivals and pop-up markets to immersive art shows, live music gigs and family-friendly events, Melbourne is heaving with must-see happenings.
Here are Urban List's picks for the best things to do in Melbourne this week, all of February and further into 2026.
- February 2026 Food Events And Markets
- February 2026 Art, Culture And Exhibitions
- February 2026 Music, Theatre And Film Events
- What's On In Melbourne Later In 2026
Never miss a new opening or upcoming event in Melbourne again—get us in your inbox here.
February 2026 Food Events And Markets
Hit The Australian Open To Try Shake Shack
Melbourne Park, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne CBD | Until Sunday 1 February
Image credit: Shake Shack | Instagram
Bringing three weeks of world-class tennis, buzzy courtside energy and plenty of off-court distractions, the Australian Open takes over Melbourne Park from Monday 12 January.
Between showdowns, refuel at cult American burger chain Shake Shack—a long-awaited Australian debut. For the first time on local soil, the crew are slinging their signature burgers, crinkle-cut fries and special one-off shakes: Honey Macadamia, and Choc Fudge Cookies and Cream. Even if you’re only half-watching the tennis, the food alone is worth the trip.
Game, Set, Spritz At Beverly's Rooftop Racquet Club
Level 24/627 Chapel Street, South Yarra | Until Sunday 1 February
Image Credit: Beverly's | Supplied
With the Australian Open turning Melbourne into a baseline-to-baseline buzz, Beverly's spiking the vibe with its pop-up Racquet Club, a daily rooftop racket-rattler running through Sunday, 1 February.
Lead off with Doubles, such as the Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Épernay fizz crashing alongside a Southern fried lobster roll wirh crisp brioche and Tobikko mayo. Then Paraluman: Don Julio Reposado, Chambord, blackberry, lime, saline, agave—a purple baseline banger with Wagyu slider, jalapeño jack cheese and dill pickles. Or ace the Siesta, which is a Don Julio Reposado, Campari, grapefruit, lime, sugarcane—bittersweet tiebreaker paired to scallop tostada, apple yuzu dressing and garnished with basil.
It's less a meal, more a match-point party 10 minutes' drive from Rod Laver Arena chaos, or one cheeky tram hop from South Yarra station to Richmond. Serve yourself sunset stunners and AO afterglow but remember; this set's selling out faster than a fifth-set comeback.
Toorak Cellars BBQ Summer Series
18 Beatty Avenue, Armadale | Every Sunday from 1 February to 15 March, 1pm–5pm
Image credit: Toorak Cellars | Jana Langhorst
Raking in 15 years of neighbourhood love, Toorak Cellars is celebrating with a BBQ Summer Series for seven Sundays straight from 1 February.
In a huge win for foodies, there’ll be paired chef takeovers every week from Melbourne’s best, like Rinas’ Danny Natoli and Adrian Li on 8 February, Pipis Kiosk’s Jordan Clay and Royal Oak Hotel’s Scotty Stevenson on 22 February, and Carnation Canteen’s Audrey Shaw and Gum Wines’ George McCullough on 8 March, to name a few.
The Aussie backyard-style barbecue coincides with Toorak Cellars rebrand, sporting a fresh exterior, a new sundrenched front terrace and a totally revamped menu. Walk-ins are welcome, but bookings are recommended.
Lunar New Year Bites
Various locations | Tuesday 17 February–Tuesday 3 March
Image credit: Spice Temple | Instagram
From delicious yum cha to themed high teas and festive banquets, we've rounded up the best spots to eat your way through and celebrate the Lunar New Year in Melbourne.
This year, the LNY dates fall between Tuesday 17 Feb and Tuesday 3 March, giving you 15 days to fully indulge.
2026 marks the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac calendar, bringing confidence, self-belief and new opportunities to the forefront—an energy we can definitely get behind.
Sofitel X Anastasia Musical Sips and Snacks
Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne | Until Friday 20 February
Image credit: Sofitel Melbourne On Collins | Instagram
Sofitel Melbourne On Collins is getting theatrical, serving up ANASTASIA-inspired sips and snacks to match the Broadway magic.
Inspired by Anastasia’s journey from St Petersburg to Paris, the tableside dessert layers French lavender mousse, raspberry, pistachio and chocolate, finished with lavender snow. Pair it with the Champagne Pommery cocktail, crowned with whipped cream, and you’ll tap straight into the musical’s elegance and old-world romance.
Available for a limited time, you’ll find these goodies at The Atrium on 35 Bar and No35 Restaurant—perfect for pre-show bubbles or a post-theatre sweet fix.
Feel like staying longer? The Anastasia Package treats you to a luxe overnight stay in a Superior King Room, A-Reserve tickets to the show and a breakfast buffet for two.
Pipis North Pop Up
274 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy | Until Saturday 28 February
Image credit: Pipis North | Jana Langhorst
Albert Park seafood icon, Pipis Kiosk, is heading north of the river for a one-month-only pop-up. Housed inside the former Alta Trattoria spot on Brunswick Street, Pipis North brings co-owners Tom Hunter’s and Jordan Clay’s snacky tapas plates and standout drinks to Fitzroy for a limited time.
The buzzy joint’s cult-favourite clam flatbread is on the cards, alongside salt and pepper squid, spanner crab mini crumpets and a sharing seafood tower. A trio of martinis ties it together, with cocktails, wine, beer, cider, and non-alc beverages on the menu too.
There’s also a Half Shucked Happy Hour daily from 4pm to 6pm with $4 oysters, $16 Melbourne Bitter long necks and $50 half bottles of seafood-friendly white wines like Chablis, Riesling and Pinot Gris.
Rooftop Racquet Club At QT
QT Melbourne Rooftop, 133 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD | Fridays to Sundays until 2 March
Image credit: QT Hotels | Supplied
QT’s Rooftop Racquet Club is swinging into Melbourne for Grand Slam season, serving up one helluva weekend sunset session until 2 March. Expect Altos Tequila cocktails like icy elderflower and coconut margs and pink grapefruit palomas, open-play pickleball, limited-edition merch and golden-hour DJ sets from Friday to Sunday.
On the food front, snack on popcorn prawns, al pastor pork tostadas and oysters dressed with Altos Tequila, coriander and lime mignonette. Plus, there’s a doubles deal: purchase two palomas and any dish to score an exclusive Rooftop Racquet Club cap.
Summer Night Market
Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Melbourne CBD | Wednesdays until 11 March, 5pm–10pm
Image credit: Queen Victoria Market | Instagram
Delish food under Melbourne’s twinkling skyline? Sign us up. Queen Victoria Market is transforming into a Summer Night Market every Wednesday until 11 March. There’s global street food, yum cocktails, artisan goodies, live music, roving performers and more to get your midweek pumping. Plus, it’s completely free entry.
February 2026 Art, Culture And Exhibitions
Bioderma Photoderm Future Care Hub
State Library Forecourt, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD | Thursday 29 January to Sunday 31 January, 10am—2pm
Brush up on your sun safety this summer with the skincare legends at Bioderma. To celebrate the launch of their new Photoderm suncare range, the brand is popping up outside the State Library with free samples, Mango Glow smoothies and a gumball machine slinging prizes from full-size products all the way through to designer sunnies. Visitors can also have their faces scanned with UV cameras to assess their SPF coverage—an eye-opening insight into the importance of daily application and reapplication as part of long-term skincare habits.
Loving: 4,000 Snaps of Forbidden Romance
Level 1, 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD | Thursday 14 January to 22 February
Image Credit: Loving | Website
Loving: Photographs of Men in Love 1850s-1950s opens a hidden chapter of queer history, pulling from Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell’s staggering archive of over 4,000 intimate photos that started with one love-filled snapshot found in Dallas back in the '90s.
These black-and-white gems freeze tender, everyday moments between men—hands clasped, arms wrapped tight, cheeks pressed close—snapped in an era when same-sex love was illegal, taboo or forced underground, yet shone through anyway with raw, undeniable resilience.
Today, the free exhibition stands as both haunting remembrance and fierce celebration, a mirror showing how far we've come while urging younger generations to grip tight to hard-won freedoms, all underscoring love's timeless power as the bedrock of dignity no matter who you are. Brought to you by the European Union and City of Melbourne—perfect timing to reflect ahead of Midsumma's full swing.
Rooftop Pilates: Sunrise Sessions At Cleo
Cleo, Level 12, 130 Russel Street, Melbourne CBD | Saturdays from 17 January to 28 February, 8am–10am
Image credit: Cleo | Supplied
Rise and shine on Saturdays with Sunrise Sessions at Cleo, HYDE Melbourne Place's Eastern Mediterranean rooftop terrace located 12 levels high in the sky.
Led by Peaches Pilates, the 8am–10am sessions are all about morning movement and mindfulness, starting with 45 minutes of mat Pilates followed by 15 minutes of guided meditation while wearing a brightening SONNA LED face mask.
After the class wraps, indulge in Cleo's nourishing brekkie menu of avo toast or a classic breakfast plate with soft-boiled eggs, pickles, hummus, marinated feta and za’atar manoush—included in the $79 ticket price.
Midsumma Festival
Various locations across Melbourne | Sunday 18 January–Sunday 8 February
Image credit: Midsumma Festival | Website
Midsumma Festival is an LGBTQIA+ festival lighting up Melbourne over three weeks, bringing the community together with inclusive activations, creative performances, expressive art and colourful events throughout the second half of January.
Feb highlights include the iconic Pride March that kicks off on Sunday 1 February at 10.30am along Fitzroy Street before rolling into a full afternoon of festivities at Catani Gardens in St Kilda, and the Victoria’s Pride Street Party on Sunday 8 February—a free block party stretching across Smith and Gertrude streets, with multiple music stages, pop-up stalls and heaps of market food to fuel the fun. There’s a whole lineup of events to get around.
Object Merchant’s Grand Annual Returns To Melbourne
Meat Market, 3 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne | Friday 20 February
Image credit: Object Merchant | Supplied
Melbourne’s favourite anti-fast-fashion market is back for 2026, with Object Merchant’s Grand Annual taking over the Meat Market on Friday 20 February.
Founded by Bella Redman-Brown and Lauren Hart McKinnon, this immersive design fair brings together the best of independent fashion, art, performance and music — all with a strong focus on sustainability, ethical production and creative integrity. It’s a curated space for those who want to shop consciously while discovering genuinely interesting work from local designers, artists and makers.
Expect a full sensory experience on the night, with food trucks, drinks and live performances designed to keep you wandering, sipping and soaking it all in long after you’ve found your new favourite label.
Punk Denim & Cocktails: Hilton's Westwood X Kawakubo Riot
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street, 18 Little Queen Street, Melbourne CBD | Sunday 7 December, 2025—Sunday 19 April, 2026
Image Credit: Hilton Honors | Supplied
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street is cranking up the punk-glam to toast the NGV’s Westwood x Kawakubo—a riotous clash of Vivienne Westwood’s tartan anarchy and Rei Kawakubo’s avant-garde deconstruction.
Right in the lobby, three fierce RMIT student designs forged from reclaimed Levi’s denim (Georgia Brookes trio’s dramatic dress, Kemin Li’s edgy skirt-top combo and Ruichen Liu’s bold skirt-jacket ensemble) strut their sustainable swagger, fresh off the NGV Gala red carpet and on show through April 19.
Level up your stay with the Westwood x Kawakubo Stay Package with a luxury room overnight, breakfast for two and exclusive NGV tickets, kicking off at $320. Sip your way through Luci’s subversive cocktail menu, like the punk-rebel Island In The Sun (vodka-rum-tequila bomb with cherry cola fizz, $23), 21st Century Remedy (bourbon-mint twist on a Mint Julep, $23) or citrus-spiked Smooth Sailing ($23). Or pick up some paint-and-sip kits ($35) and riverside picnic boxes ($55, packed with charcuterie and sparkling) for an impromptu date.
400,000+ Balloons Take Over MCEC: Melbourne’s Newest Immersive Wonderland
MCEC, Convention Centre Place, South Wharf | From 4 January 2026, daily, 9am–8pm
Image Credit: Balloon Story | Website
Balloon Story is landing at MCEC this summer, bringing a larger-than-life balloon wonderland to Melbourne. The immersive experience—which has already pulled big crowds in New York—transforms over 400,000 balloons into a colourful, walk-through universe for all ages.
Across the exhibition, you’ll find everything from massive balloon creatures to interactive spaces that invite you to explore, touch and engage, blurring the line between art installation and playground. Allow around 60–90 minutes to make your way through the space.
Tickets are $44.90 for adults, $34.90 for children aged 3-12 and free for kids under three.
DIVA: A Dazzling Homage To The Icons Who Changed the Stage Forever
Australian Museum of Performing Arts, Hamer Hall | Until Sunday 26 April, 2026
Image Credit: DIVA | Supplied
Melburnians, strike a pose—the DIVA exhibition is hitting the Australian Museum of Performing Arts, and it’s as brilliant and unapologetically fabulous as its namesake stars. The Australian-exclusive showcase, presented in partnership with London’s acclaimed Victoria and Albert Museum, celebrates the artistry, attitude and evolution of the diva from opera’s golden goddesses to today’s pop powerhouses.
Be dazzled by more than 250 rare and glittering artefacts, including haute couture gowns by Bob Mackie and Dior, stage costumes dripping in sequins, and personal items once owned by icons like Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga and Rihanna. You’ll find operatic greats like Dame Nellie Melba and Joan Sutherland sharing the spotlight with rock rebels and boundary-breakers across generations.
Australia’s own trailblazers get their due too—from Kylie and Olivia to Marcia Hines and Amy Taylor—all celebrated for their fearless, era-defining energy. Complete with an immersive soundscape from award-winning designer Gareth Fry, DIVA is a love letter to the performers who’ve turned self-expression into spectacle. Tickets start at $15 via Arts Centre Melbourne.
Feel, Play, Explore—The Museum of Desire is Calling
92 Rupert Street, Collingwood | Ongoing
Image: Museum of Desire | Supplied
Ever wanted a museum visit to leave you blushing, breathless or just downright tempted? Melbourne’s Museum of Desire is about to make all your aesthetic and erotic dreams come true. This immersive playground of art and intimacy invites you to step into a world where curiosity is currency and touching (some things) is very much encouraged.
From interactive installations that let you orchestrate moans with a laser-controlled instrument to a photo booth where your hands and lips do all the work, this is not your standard “look, don’t touch” exhibition. Expect neon-lit seduction, queer art and experiences designed to make you think, laugh and maybe question why we ever made sex taboo in the first place.
With over 25 spaces to explore, whether you’re here for a date night, a friend adventure or just to see what all the moaning—I mean, buzz—is about, the Museum of Desire guarantees an unforgettable time. Tickets are 18+ and $38 per adult.
February 2026 Music, Theatre And Film Events
Open Air At The Square Free Summer Program
Federation Square, Melbourne CBD | Monday 2 February–Saturday 28 February
Image credit: Fed Square | Facebook
Cinema under the stars, twilight markets, dance battles and a month-long music lineup are coming to Melbourne CBD as part of Open Air at the Square.
The huge, free summer program kicks off from 2 Feb and there's plenty on to get around. Catch three nights of Candlelight Concerts headlined by THE Tina Arena, exciting performances from local and global talent, open-air cinema screenings featuring silent films with live scores and satire-themed movies, a massive Indonesian festival on Valentine's Day (14 Feb) and day-to-night party for the Afro Caribbean Carnival.
Aakash Odedra’s Bulbul: Dance of Divine Longing
Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne CBD | Tuesday 3–Saturday 7 February
Image Credit: Songs Of The Bulbul | Website
Songs of the Bulbul weaves fleeting birdsong with Kathak's fierce grace, as award-winning UK dancer Aakash Odedra channels an ancient Sufi myth of a caged bulbul yearning for spiritual freedom.
Trapped and facing its final moments, the bird's sorrow melts into serenity, its last song the sweetest—a profound metaphor spun through Odedra's seamless fusion of Kathak's powerful physicality, Sufi poetry, classical Indian music and orchestral swells that pull you into a transformative dialogue beyond body and soul.
This hypnotic performance lands a timeless gut-punch: do we stay chained to the material world like that longing bird, or break free toward divine unity? Perfect for anyone chasing art that hits deep, blending raw athleticism with spiritual lift—don't miss Odedra lighting up the stage with movement that vanishes like birdsong, only in the now.
St Kilda Festival
St Kilda Foreshore and surrounds | Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February
Image credit: St Kilda Festival | Website
Back for its 45th year, an all-Australian music festival is taking over St Kilda for two days of live tunes.
Kicking off with a jam-packed lineup of First Nations artists on Saturday 14 Feb, St Kilda Festival welcomes 2025 ARIA Award winner BARKAA, alongside rock band Selve, Noongar electropop artist Boox Kid and more, concluding with a sunset ceremony called Kummargii Yulendji Gadabah (meaning together we rise up with knowledge).
Sunday 15 Feb continues with more live music, dance performances, fun workshops, carnival rides, and market stalls. The Main Stage will be headlined by multiple ARIA Award winner Jessica Mauboy, pub rock legends Mental As Anything, and dance music duo Sneaky Sound System.
Up-and-coming Melbourne musicians will also take to the stage for the chance to win $5,000 cash and a spot in the 2027 lineup.
Summer's Hottest Secret: CBD Live Music Pop-Ups Every Weekend
Various Locations | Ongoing
Image Credit: Melbourne Vibes | Supplied
Melbourne’s turning up the volume this summer with Melbourne Vibes, a new series of free pop-up gigs hitting the CBD every weekend through December and January. Powered by ALWAYS LIVE, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest live music event, these secret sets are transforming laneways, squares and city corners into spontaneous concert spots.
So far, the lineup’s been unreal—Jimmy Barnes, Cut Copy, Kate Ceberano, Briggs, Miss Kaninna, Mallrat and Bliss n Eso have all dropped surprise performances, and the crowd energy has been pure summer euphoria. You never know who’ll show up next—and that’s exactly the point.
Each weekend, a fresh slate of unannounced gigs lands across the city, revealed only hours before via ALWAYS LIVE’s socials. So keep your ears open and chase the sound—Melbourne Vibes is making the streets pulse with live music once again.
Dogs Are Welcome At Moonlight Cinema This Summer
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne CBD | Until Sunday 5 April
Image: Moonlight Cinema X Lyka | Supplied
Moonlight Cinemas across the country are opening up the gates for furry friends to come sit and watch the big screen from Wednesday, 3 December.
Running ‘til 5 April 2026, the cinema will be set up in Royal Botanic Gardens. With offerings across all major cities, excluding Perth, it sounds like it’s gonna be a summer of tail wagging. Watching a film with your dog always increases the magic of the moment—especially when you're under the stars.
Dogs running around could make for a pretty engaging movie night, especially with the paired snacks that are provided at the door, courtesy of Lyka, the gourmet dog food meals on wheels service. You could be eating popcorn while your best friend chews down a Turkey Dental Jerky treat from a specialised goodie bag. Good boy.
Things sound like they could get interesting with that many dogs running around—but we’re here for the plot.
What's On In Melbourne Later In 2026
NGV Set To Dazzle With Their Upcoming Cartier Exhibition
National Gallery Of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne | Friday 12 June–Sunday 4 October
Image: NGV / Cartier Exhibition | Supplied
Don your petticoat and collect your monocle for this dazzling new exhibition featuring all things sparkly from tiaras to necklaces and timepieces. Cartier is gearing up to grace Melbourne with a never-before-seen exhibit of their finest jewels from June to October in 2026 at The National Gallery of Victoria.
The collection will include the house’s signature ‘Garland style’ tiara, worn by the one and only Rihanna (royalty in her own right) in 2016. And for all the crows out there, worry not, for plenty of other shiny bits that have graced the very heads of Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Margaret, and The Duchess of Windsor will be present.
Cartier currently boasts a whopping 3,500 pieces in a growing collection, and with 300 of those jewels set to visit Melbourne, in a panoply of gems, the exclusive display is one of a kind.
“This exhibition is set to be a brilliant addition to our arts and cultural calendar, providing tourists and locals alike a unique opportunity to see treasures never before seen in Australia,” Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks says.
Main image credit: St Kilda Festival | SWAY Digital Agency
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.
Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.
Keen for more of Melboune's best?
The 10 Best Restaurants In Melbourne For 2026
The Best Things To Do In Melbourne This Weekend
