The Best Things To Do Around Australia This February
Pencilling in your social calendar for February?
From world-class musicals and festivals to some of the country’s top sporting events, there’s lots happening around Australia this February.
Adelaide
Espresso Martini Festival
Espresso martinis have become a bit of a national obsession of late. If you’re feeling thirsty for a cheeky cocktail or two, Adelaide is the place to be this February.
The Espresso Martini Festival is the city’s very first festival dedicated to the delicious drink, and will showcase some of the best bars and bartenders South Australia has to offer. Local bars are invited to take part in the Adelaide’s Best Espresso Martini Challenge, judged by local experts, as well as a public vote for the People’s Choice Award.
There will be masterclasses to test your bartending skills, incredible food and a sweet line-up of local bands and musicians, too.
Tickets start at $25 and can be booked online.
Where: Rymill Park, East Terrace, Adelaide
When: Friday, February 2, to Saturday, February 3, 2018
St Jerome’s Laneway Festival
One of the biggest festivals of the year, St Jerome’s Laneway Festival is all about headlining new and well-loved musicians.
Since its inception back in 2004, the festival has been continually seeking out what’s hot, and never fails to bring bangers to unique settings, for all music lovers to enjoy.
With headlining acts like Billie Ellish, Amy Shark, Client Liaison and Father John Misty, it’s safe to say the Adelaide leg is set to go off.
Tickets start at $145 and can be booked online.
Where: Hart’s Mill, Port Adelaide
When: Friday, February 2, 2018
Adelaide Fringe
Now in its 57th year, Adelaide Fringe has become the Southern Hemisphere’s largest — and Australia’s biggest ticket-selling — open access arts festival.
It completely takes over the city, surrounding suburbs and even a few regional areas of South Australia for 31 exciting days of art. Including cabaret, comedy, circus and physical theatre, dance, film, theatre, puppetry, music, visual art, magic, digital and interactive and design.
A lot of performances are ticketed, so to have a look at what’s on and book yourself a seat via the website.
Where: Venues across Adelaide
When: Friday, February 16, to Sunday, March 18, 2018
Brisbane
Disney’s Aladdin: The Musical
From the producers of The Lion King and Marry Poppins, magical fairytale Aladdin has come to life on stage. And after a seven-year Broadway run, it’s heading to Brisbane.
Aladdin: The Musical will feature all the songs from the original 1992 Academy Award-winning film.
Tickets start at $60 and can be booked online.
Where: Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane
When: Saturday, February 25, to Sunday, May 6, 2018
Canberra
National Multicultural Festival
The 2018 National Multicultural Festival in Canberra brings communities together to celebrate difference, share traditions and see performances from all parts of the world.
You can expect live dancing, music, performance art and an overwhelming number of food stalls. There will be street parties, local, national and international artists, and more.
You won’t want to miss it.
Where: Various venues across Canberra
When: Friday, February 16, to Sunday, February 18, 2018
Darwin
Deadly 60 Down Under
Steve Backshall, the star of the hit TV show Deadly 60, is returning to Australia with his brand new stage show in February.
Backshall will appear on stage with some of Australia’s deadliest animals. You might want to pack your snake-bite kit.
Tickets start at $40 and can be booked online.
Where: Darwin Convention Centre, 10 Stokes Hill Road, Darwin
When: Saturday, February 3, 2018
Hobart
Hobart Beerfest
Having already made its mark on Launceston, Fremantle and Melbourne, Beerfest is heading to Hobart for the second time in February.
Take a wander along the wharf and taste your way through 200 local, national and international craft beers, ciders and Tasmanian premium spirits. Local brewers will be on site to answer any questions you may have and to help find you the beer that perfectly matches your tastebuds.
Expect live entertainment, including a stellar line-up of local artists and even live comedy shows.
Where: Salamanca Wharf, Hobart
When: Saturday, February 17, 2018
Gillette T20 International: Australia Vs England
Be part of one of summer’s biggest cricket matches, when Australia take on England in the second match of the T20 INTL tri-series — the only international match set at Hobart’s Blundstone Arena this season.
Fans can expect a riveting contest, with athletes delivering big hits, big wickets and big finishes. As well as the on-field entertainment, cricket fanatics can enjoy the full sporting experience with music, fireworks and an unmatched atmosphere.
Tickets start at $10 and can be booked online.
Where: Blundstone Arena, 15 Derwent Street, Hobart
When: Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Melbourne
AFL Women’s Competition
Don’t miss the 2018 NAB AFL Women’s Competition, when some of the countries best athletes battle it out at Melbourne’s Ikon Park.
See the best talent across eight legendary AFL teams – Adelaide Crows, Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, GWS Giants, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs. Entry is free, so bring your mates, some snacks and settle in for some top footy.
Where: Ikon Park, 400 Royal Parade, Carlton North
When: Friday, February 2, to Saturday, March 24, 2018
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical
After winning a slew of international awards, the spectacular stage production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical returns to the Regent Theatre for its 10th anniversary celebration tour.
The iconic hit musical is more glitter-filled than ever, featuring more than 200 headdresses and 500 award-winning costumes.
As you’d expect, it’s going to be fabulous. Tickets start at $50 and can be booked online.
Where: Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne
When: Wednesday, February 21, to Sunday, April 15, 2018
St Kilda Festival
The St Kilda Festival is a free annual summer event, showcasing Australian artists and talents against the spectacular beauty of the St Kilda foreshore.
Each year, the festival attracts more that 400,000 people, with the streets of the city closed off to make room for more than 10 music stages, hosting some of Australia’s hottest artists.
There’s lots on, too, from food trucks to live wrestling.
When: Saturday, February 3, to Sunday, February 11, 2018
Where: St Kilda, Victoria
Perth
Doggie Dinner Movie Night
Maylands Sports and Recreational Centre is hosting a Doggie Dinner Movie Night while raising money for the Shenton Park Dog Shelter.
The entire event is being organised by a local 11-year-old girl, Alythea, who’s passion and love for dogs is so pure it hurts. Alythea volunteers at Greyhounds Adoptions and has already personally raised over $500 for the Shenton Park Shelter by tin-shaking. We’re not crying, you are.
On the night there will be market stalls, doggy mocktails, an attempt to break the world record for the Largest Dog-Grooming Session, free dog spaghetti with your movie purchase, and a screening of Lady and the Tramp, obviously.
Adult tickets start at $15, and can be booked online.
Where: Maylands Sports and Recreational Centre, 50 Clarkson Road, Maylands
When: 5:30pm to 10om, Saturday, February 3, 2018
Hot Dub Wine Machine
Last year, life of the party Hot Dub Time Machine invited a bunch of choice Aussie artists for a spin around the nations wineries — and, this year, they’re set to do it all over again.
The star-studded lineup includes acts like Sneaky Sound System, Touch Sensitive, The Kite String Tangle, Adelaide dance-floor king Luke Million and more.
They’ll be hitting up six wineries around the country, and will touch down in Perth this February.
Tickets start at $45 and can be booked online.
Where: Oakover Grounds 14 Yukich Close, Middle Swan
When: Saturday, February 17, 2018
Sydney
Singapore x Australia Virtual Dinner Party
Foodies, listen up. This February, the Singapore Tourism Board is hosting an intimate and fun virtual dinner party, pairing guests from both countries via an immersive technology set-up, while they feast on a multi-course menu designed by celebrity chefs.
Think of it as the perfect way to eat delicious food and meet new friends, despite the 6300km distance. Register here before February 13 for your chance to attend.
Where: Shangri-La Hotel, 176 Cumberland Street, Sydney
When: Thursday, February 22, 2018
Sunday Sundown
When Sunday Sundown first launched back in 2016, it had a vision to bring music back to the forefront of Sydney’s enviable summer, providing an exciting platform to showcase awesome local talent. And it’s done just that.
Every Sunday until February 25, you can head down to the Coogee Pavillion Rooftop bar to listen to some sweet tunes with your mates. Australian indie-pop duo Client Liaison will be hitting the decks and spinning some bangers throughout the month too.
Entry to Sunday Sundown sessions at Coogee Rooftop is free.
Where: Coogee Pavilion 169 Dolphin Street, Coogee
When: Every Sunday until February 25, 2018
Carriageworks Night Market
For one night only, the Night Markets at Carriageworks in Eveleigh will showcase locally-sourced produce and Australian ingredients prepared by some of Australia’s best chefs, with the entire event curated by acclaimed Aussie chef Kylie Kwong.
The night will feature more than 60 food, beverage and produce stalls, all of which will promote uniquely Australian ingredients, alongside cooking demonstrations from some of the country’s leading chefs and indigenous food specialists.
Tickets are $10 each, and can be purchased online.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
When: 5pm to 10pmm, Friday, February 9, 2018
(Lead image: St Kilda Festival)
