The 7 Best Things To Do In Melbourne This February

Rebecca Russo is a freelance writer, editor, community radio dabbler,…

Sure, it’s the shortest month of the year, but February in Melbourne sure packs a punch. From inaugural footy matches to beer yoga, there’s something for everyone this month in Melbs.

[listicle]

Fancy a flick on the grass of the ‘G?

Melbourne’s practically bursting at the seams with excellent outdoor cinema options (I’m looking at you Rooftop Cinema and Shimmerlands) but this one surely takes the spectacle cake. Following the success of its inaugural event last year, Cinema at the ‘G is back at it for another round. Punters can grace the hallowed turf of the MCG and catch a flick underneath Melbourne’s shimmering night sky. For two nights only – Friday February 24 and Saturday February 25 – the ‘G will be screening Lion and Sully for the masses. Tickets are $30 – info here.

Photo: MCG

Opa!

Sample the food, learn the culture and embrace everything there is to know about being Greek at the annual Lonsdale Street Festival this Feb. This summer’s event marks the 30th anniversary of this famed street festival, so make your way down to “Little Greece” to join in the fun. There’ll be three stages of live entertainment, carnival rides and live demonstrations from the city’s best Greek chefs. The two-day festival is set to feature around 60 food, drink and craft stalls – so better skip breakfast just to make it worth it. Head down on Saturday February 25 and Sunday February 26. Info here.

Row, row, row your dinghie

The Yarra River Inflatable Regatta is back for another year of floating fun on Melbourne’s mightiest river, the Yarra. Returning on February 11, the Inflatable Regatta sees a horde of floating dinghies making their way down the city’s infamous river. The festivities kick off at Hawthorn Rowing Club, where punters will travel two kilometres down-river, experiencing an entirely different side of the Yarra. Tickets are $60 for a single boat and $110 for a double, and include your approved floating vessel, which you can keep if you want. All details are here.

Photo: Inflatable Regatta/Facebook

Take your Sunday sesh to the NGV

If your Friday nights are often full and you’re lacking the time to head over to the NGV for their excellent Friday Night series, then the NGV has your back. Settle in for a Sunday sesh in one of our country’s greatest gallery spaces, complete with chilled out tunes, pop-up bars and ample food. The NGV Summer Sundays series will feature the likes of Gabriella Cohen, Ali Barter, Emma Russack and Camp Cope, who will help sooth those Sunday blues and get you ready and rearing for the week ahead. More info here.

Footy’s finally here

Head down to Ikon Park in Parkville on February 3 to catch the first ever game of the inaugural NAB AFL Women’s Competition. The game will see all-time rivals Carlton and Collingwood facing off for victory – and if the All Stars match back in September is anything to go by, this will be some much-watch footy. The event is free to attend (free!) so come on down and show your support. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

You Can Spend The Day With A Rescue Puppy On This Tropical Island Full Of Dogs

Photo: AFL Women’s/Facebook

Your best Valentine’s Day yet

Nothing says amore like spending Valentine’s Day under the stars at the Planetarium. This year, star-crossed lovers from around town are invited to partake in an evening studying the great abyss and uncovering the mysteries and mythologies written in the stars. This special 18+ event will include a complimentary glass of vino and cheese on arrival, a screening of the Planetarium’s latest full-dome production Capturing the Cosmos, an exclusive live dome presentation of Melbourne’s night sky and even some outdoor stargazing using telescopes. Tickets are selling fast so book here.

Beer + yoga = your new obsession

You’ve no doubt heard the news: beer yoga is everyone’s new bizarre fitness trend. And now, it’s hit Melbourne. A quick explainer: in Beer Yoga, traditional yoga poses have been adapted to allow for a drink to be held in one hand. It mixes the physical, mental and spiritual challenges of the ancient Indian practice of yoga with drinking. Some of the poses include ‘beer salutation’, ‘beer balancing’ and the ‘beer bench’. To get amongst the fun, Bier Yoga is where to do it. You can book them to come to you for anything from hens parties, bucks parties and corporate events, or hit up Bier Yoga every Wednesday at 6pm at The Village – Arbor Bar on St Kilda Road. Bottoms up!