What’s on in Melbourne in February 2026

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Article written by: Rebecca
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February in Melbourne is the last month of summer, with the long, hot days continuing.

The school holidays are over, crowds are thinning – but there are still plenty of events going on around the city. From festivals and live music to art exhibitions and outdoor activities, Melbourne is a hub of culture and entertainment all year round, and February is definitely no exception.

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

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

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. Last February was hotter than normal – the hottest day was a sweltering 39.3°C!

There’s usually little rain, although last February we had a higher than average rainfall of 45mm.

Check the forecast online or check out more summer in Melbourne details.

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, ending with a huge, festive Pride Parade.

Dates: Until 8 February 2026
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
More info: Midsumma Festival website

Chinese Lunar New Year

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon as Chinatown comes alive with traditional lion dances, music and food to celebrate Lunar New Year. It’s an event not to be missed.

Dates: TBA
Where: Chinatown
Cost: Free
More info: Website

Theatre, film and music

MJ The Musical

Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ the Musical goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of Michael Jackson.

Dates: Throughout February
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Cost: From $70
More info: Website

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival

The festival that began in Melbourne’s laneways gets better every year. Local and international acts are on the line-up, including Chappell Roan, Alex G and Lucy Dacus.

Dates: 13 February 2026
Where: Flemington Park
Cost: Tickets from $214.20
More info: Website

St Kilda Festival

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

Dates: 14-15 February 2026
Where: St Kilda Foreshore
Cost: Free
More info: Website

Sidney Myer Music Bowl free concert series

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra puts on a series of free concerts under the stars. These classical music concerts are popular, so get there early with your picnic blanket. Gates open at 5.30pm with entry on a first-in basis, and the concerts start at 7.30pm.

Dates: 10, 13 and 14 February 2026
Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Cost: Free
More info: Website

Moonlight Cinema

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

Dates: Throughout February
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens
Cost: From $26
More info: Website

Candelight Concert Series with Fever

Fever brings their stunning candlelit concerts to venues across Melbourne. There’s everything from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake to tributes to Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin.

Dates: Various dates in February
Where: Various venues
Cost: From $28
More info: Website

Black Light

In this theatre production, in a family home on the outskirts of Darwin, four Larrakia mothers find themselves stuck together, on the precipice of a drastically changing world.  

Dates: From 13 February 2026
Where: Malthouse Theatre
Cost: From $55
More info: Website

Melbourne Magic Show

Have your mind blown by the magic and illusion of Master Magician Luke Hocking.

Dates: Throughout February
Where: Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Cost: From $39.95
More info: Website

Museums and art

Westwood | Kawakubo

The NGV’s summer blockbuster exhibition pairs two global icons of the fashion world for the first time: British designer Vivienne Westwood and Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons.

Dates: Throughout February
Where: NGV
Cost: Tickets from $40
More info: Website

NGV Friday Nights

Music, eating and drinking plus late-night exclusive access to the NGV’s Westwood | Kawakubo exhibition.

Dates: Throughout February
Where: NGV
Cost: Tickets from $25
More info: Website

Women Photographers 1900-1975: A Legacy of Light

This fascinating exhibition celebrates the wide-ranging photographic practices of more than eighty women artists working between 1900 and 1975.

Dates: Throughout February
Where: NGV
Cost: Tickets from $40
More info: Website

DIVA

Celebrate legendary divas such as Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, Dame Nellie Melba, Grace Jones, Cher, Prince, Tina Turner, Elton John, Madonna, Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, P!nk, Bjork and Billie Eilish in this dazzling exhibition.

Dates: Throughout February
Where: Arts Centre Melbourne
Cost: Tickets from $28
More info: Website

Game Worlds

Game Worlds features more than 30 video games from the 1970s to today – and you can play many of them!

Dates: Until 8 February
Where: ACMI
Cost: Tickets from $30
More info: Website

Planetarium Nights

Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. February’s events to be announced.

Dates: Friday nights throughout February
Where: Scienceworks
Cost: Tickets from $25
More info: Website

Experience the Dome Promenade

One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings has opened a hidden part that hasn’t been accessible to the public for 100 years.

Dates: Various dates in February
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: From $29 for adults
More info: Website

Community and outdoor events in Melbourne in February

Open Air at the Square

Fed Square puts on a range of outdoor events, from films to candlelight concerts and live music – all for free.

Dates: TBA
Where: Fed Square
Cost: Free
More info: Website

Summer Night Market at QVM

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

Dates: Wednesday nights throughout February
Where: Queen Victoria Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Website

Food and drink events

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.

Dates: Anytime throughout February – but great on Valentine’s Day!
Where: Follow your clues to find the first location!
Cost: From $160 for two people
More info: AmazingCo Mystery Picnic Melbourne

The Prosecco Festival

Sip Prosecco all day long at this one-day festival that celebrates the bubbly delight.

Dates: 28 February 2026
Where: Abbotsford Convent
Cost: From $69.67
More info: Website

Community festivals and events

Holi Festival

A kaleidoscope of colours will fill the air – and cover people! – as Holi Festival celebrate unity in diversity and bring communities together.

Dates: 28 February-1 March 2026
Where: Ron Barassi Senior Park West, Docklands
Cost: Free
More info: Website

Afro-Caribbean Carnival

A free celebration of Afro-Caribbean music, food, costume and sound-system culture, with performances from international guests.

Dates: TBA
Where: Fed Square
Cost: Free
More info: Website

Antipodes Lonsdale Street Greek Festival

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

Dates: 28 February-1 March 2026
Where: Lonsdale Street Greek Precinct
Cost: Free
More info: Website

National Sustainability 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.

Dates: TBA
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
More info: Website

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

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About THE AUTHOR

I’m Rebecca, a Melbourne local excited to show you the best of Melbourne. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. After living abroad for 8 years, I’m back home in Melbourne, rediscovering this city that I love and have missed. My aim is to help you find the best things to do in Melbourne.

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