Melbourne is a city that never runs out of ways to surprise you, from buzzing laneways to live music around every corner. Whether you’re touching down for the first time or you’ve called this city home for years, there’s always something new to discover.
We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best Melbourne has to offer this February, with 10 must-see events. Plus, check out the 3 events we think are worth a tram trip!
Looking for more events across Australia? Every month, we compile our What’s On page, filled with regional events and experiences to discover. Never miss a festival, theatre production or community celebration again!
Top events in Melbourne this month
Will you be going to a festival, celebrating at a community event or exploring the hidden gems that Melbourne is known for? Here’s our top 10 events we think you’ll love to partake in this February:
| Event | Location | Date and time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afro-Caribbean Carnival | Swanston Street Forecourt | February 21 | Come ready to boogie at this giant day-to-night dance party. |
| Chinese Lunar New Year Festival | Little Bourke St and Russell St | February 22 | Toast the incoming Year of the Horse with cultural performances and a dragon parade. |
| Holi Festival Melbourne | Ron Barassi Senior Park West | February 28 – March 1 | 2 days of culture, food and lots of colour! |
| Antipodes Festival | Lonsdale St | February 28 – March 1 | Indulge in Greek community celebrations with a street party! |
| Secret Life of Birds guided walk | Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne | Until February 28 | Spot water birds nesting, and listen and watch coots, spinebills and swans. |
| Trans-Tasman Ice Hockey Challenge | O’Brien Icehouse | March 13 – 15 | Watch the New Zealand Ice Blacks and Aussie Mighty Roos battle it out on the ice. |
| Moomba Festival | Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr | March 5 – 9 | Don’t miss out on the community parade, or the hilarious Birdman Rally. |
| Brunswick Music Festival | Brunswick | March 1 – 8 | Listen to cool new indie artists and dance your heart out! |
| Moonlight Cinema | Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne | Until April 5 | Watch new releases, Oscar nominees and family favourites on the big screen outdoors. |
1. Secret Life of Birds guided walk
When: Until February 28
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne are filled with incredible birdlife. On this guided walk around Ornamental Lake, you’ll be able to learn about Melburnian birdlife, and spot coots, cormorants, spinebills, swans and much more! Learn about waterbird nesting and the different bird calls you can hear.
2. Afro-Caribbean Carnival
When: February 21
Where: Swanston Street Forecourt
Dive into Afro-Caribbean culture with a day-to-night dance party! With mouthwatering traditional dishes from Afro-Caribbean and African cuisines ready for you to taste, a rolling list of DJs and artists, and lots of space for dancing, you’ll be set for a day (and night) of fun. This free event is open to all ages, and is definitely one you’ll have to wear comfortable shoes to.
3. Moonlight Cinema
When: Until April 5
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Moonlight Cinema is a favourite in all the major cities around Australia. The start of 2026 is cracking for Melburnians who love a good blockbuster. From fan-favourites like The Hunger Games to Oscar-nominated movies like Marty Supreme, there’s a showing for every kind of movie buff.
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