What’s on in Melbourne in February [Updated for 2023]

February in Melbourne is the last month of summer, with long, hot days continuing. Even though the school holidays are over, there are still plenty of events going on around the city.

The return to school also means fewer crowds, which is great for exploring the city.

Here’s a curated selection of some of the coolest must-dos happening this month!

Melbourne weather in February

The average temperature in Melbourne in February is between 19°C and 35°C during the day, with overnight temperatures between 11°C and 20°C.

There’s usually little rain, with just 6.8mm falling last February throughout the entire month.

Check the forecast online.

Pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the hot sun!

Public holidays in Melbourne in February

Booooo, there are no public holidays in February in Melbourne or Victoria 🙁

Major events and festivals in February

Check back regularly throughout the month – I’ll keep this page updated as I hunt down more events!

Midsumma Festival

Melbourne’s premier LGBTQI+ festival runs over 23 days, ending with a massive Pride Street Party on 12 February. Pride March is held on 5 February.

Theatre, film and music

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival

The festival that began in Melbourne’s laneways is back after a huge hiatus due to Covid. Local and international acts are on the line-up, including Haim, Phoebe Bridgers and Mallrat.

Jameson House of Rounds at Laneway Festival

Irish whiskey brand Jameson is bringing a “whiskey sanctuary” to Laneway Festival this year, with light projections and DJ sets.

St Kilda Festival

Join this free celebration of Australian music, summer and St Kilda.

Sidney Myer Music Bowl free concert series

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra puts on a series of free concerts under the stars. These are very popular, so get there early with your picnic blanket! Gates open at 4.30pm with entry on a first-in basis, and the concerts start at 7.30pm.

Candelight Concert Series with Fever

Fever brings their stunning candlelit concerts to Fed Square – and all for free!

Thursday Nights at Malthouse Outdoor Stage

Head to the Malthouse Theatre’s outdoor stage on Thursday nights for DJ sets, food and drinks.

Mary Poppins

It’s going to be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious in Melbourne with the arrival of everyone’s favourite nanny!

& Juliet

Shakespeare gets a remix with some of your favourite pop anthems from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, The Weeknd and Kelly Clarkson.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The cut-down version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is now playing in one (still long!) session.

Cosentino’s The Decennium Tour

Master magician Cosentino is back with a dazzling 90-minute show full of his greatest death-defying escapes and mind-boggling illusions.

Museums and art

Rone

If you’ve never been in Flinders Street Station’s abandoned upstairs wing, now’s your chance, with Melbourne street artist Rone bringing his incredible art to this secret area.

Temple of Boom

Created by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang and an “evocative reimagining of The Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens”, the Temple of Boom is the NGV Architecture Commission for 2022.

Experience the Dome Promenade

One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings is opening a hidden part that hasn’t been open to the public in 100 years.

Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse

The NGV is the place to be to see the works of one of the world’s most influential and innovative fashion designers.

Monet & Friends at The Lume

Monet & Friends immerses visitors in French Impressionism at this digital gallery, which is enhanced with sound and aromas, creating a true sensory experience.

Thor: Love and Thunder at ACMI

Catch the incredible costumes and props worn by the all-star cast of Taika Waititi’s blockbuster Thor: Love and Thunder.

Sporting and outdoor events in Melbourne in February

Moonlight Cinema

Catch a flick under the stars in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens.

Summer Night Market at QVM

Queen Vic Market’s Summer Night Markets are back every Wednesday night from 23 November to 15 March, bringing an extravaganza of delicious food, entertainment and locally made goods.

Sunset Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo

Dusk is when wild animals are their most active, and you can catch all the action on a Werribee Open Range Zoo Sunset Safari.

Dragon Boat Festival

Watch from the shore as dragon boats race along the Yarra River.

Food events

Hendrick’s High Tea

Gin and desserts unite at this special Hendrick’s High Tea at The Waiting Room at Crown Melbourne.

Valentine’s Day mystery picnic

Grab your loved one for a Mystery Picnic. You’ll receive clues that will lead you to shops around Melbourne to pick up your picnic treats, then enjoy them together in one of Melbourne’s parks.

Community festivals

Antipodes Lonsdale Street Greek Festival

Join in on Melbourne’s biggest Greek street party, with music, activities and of course plenty of feasting.

National Sustainable Living Festival

The largest and longest-running sustainability-themed event in Australia, the festival aims to inspire and provide solutions to the sustainability and climate challenges we currently face.

What are you most excited to see and do in February in Melbourne?