February, the month of Valentine’s Day and the confusing Leap Year, plays host to a slew of sporting, music, and art events around Australia. Whether it’s taking in an intense cricket match played by world champions, getting a first-hand look of real artefacts from the Harry Potter movie series or snuggling up to your special someone on Valentine’s Day, February is packed with things to do for all ages.
By Sangeeta Kocharekar, The Culture Vulture
Enjoy those summer rays because autumn is just around the corner!
Australia Wide
What: The Vow
This sappy love story (think “The Notebook”) arrives just in time for Valentine’s Day. After a newlywed wife wakes up from a coma with severe memory loss, her husband must fight to win her love again. Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum star in this romantic movie, sure to be a classic.
Where: theatres across Australia
When: Opens 9th February
More info: https://www.thevow.com.au/
NSW
What: Courtyard Sessions: Music Under the Trees
Spend your Friday nights unwinding with a wine and a BBQ at this free summer concert series featuring some of Australia’s best independent musicians.
Best of all, there’s something for every music fan – cabaret, jazz, electronic, pop, and psychedelic folk all take to the outdoor stage.
Where: Seymour Centre
When: Friday nights until 30th March
More info: https://sydney.edu.au/seymour/boxoffice/program_courtyardsessions.shtml
What: Harry Potter: The Exhibition
The only Australian stop on the exhibition’s tour, this is a must for every Harry Potter fan. Browse costumes, props and creatures from all eight films, toss a Quaffle in the Quidditch area, or take a tour of a recreation of Hagrid’s hut.
Where: Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo
When: Until 18th March
More info: https://www.powerhousemuseum.com/harrypotter
What: Commonwealth Bank Series Cricket Match Aus. vs India
Root for our world number one Australian team as they take on the World Cup champions India in this tenth game of the Commonwealth Bank series. The intense game will be a highlight of the series.
Where: Sydney Cricket Ground
When: 26th Feb
More info: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/ShowNE.aspx?sh=CRICODII12
What: Picasso
Spend a rainy day indoors browsing over 150 paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings created by Pablo Picasso at The Art Gallery of New South Wales. Seven decades and every phase of Picasso’s art are represented in this Australian first.
Where: Art Gallery of NSW
When: until 25th March
More Info: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/picasso/
VIC
What: Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival
This three day festival showcases some of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island’s finest films, visual art, music and markets. Make it a family affair at this free celebration of contemporary and traditional art.
Where: Federation Square
When: 10th – 12th Feb
More info: https://www.fedsquare.com/events/melbourne-indigenous-arts-festival/
What: Suzuki Night Market
Fight the midweek hump with this fine art and food market. After browsing locally made clothing, jewellery, prints and other cultural goods, sample some of the eclectic food options, such as African curries or honey dumplings.
Where: Queen Victoria Market
When: every Wednesday until 29th February
More info: https://www.qvm.com.au
What: A Chorus Line
No need to travel all the way to New York to see a Broadway show. Multi-award winner “A Chorus Line,” a musical that uses song, drama and choreography to tell the story of 17 dancers auditioning for the opportunity of a lifetime, comes to Melbourne this February
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne
When: From 4th February
More info: https://www.showbiz.com.au/performance-detail.aspx?pid=1273
What: St Kilda Festival
This nine-day festival features over 150 artists performing on seven stages and 40 participating venues. Crowds of all ages are invited to Victoria’s largest annual free community event.
Where: Various Melbourne locations
When: 4th February – 12th February
More info: https://www.stkildafestival.com.au/2012-s2/
QLD
What: Flight Centre Travel Expo
If you’re dreaming of a vacation getaway or a backpacking adventure, head to this free exhibition to discuss your travel options with an experienced travel consultant. With over 100 travel options under one roof, there is bound to be a travel option for you.
Where: Various venues around QLD
When: Various dates in February
More info: https://www.travelexpo.net.au
ACT
What: Canberra Adventure Race
Newbie beginners through to the experienced adventurer form teams of two to paddle, run and bike their way around a course. Competitors aged 8 to 80 years old take part in this adventure race, designed to motivate you to stay fit and active.
Where: Black Mountain Peninsula, ACT
When: 18th February
More info: https://www.blackheartevents.com.au/adventure-races/adventure-the-event
NT
What: Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the day World War II descended on Australian shores when the Japanese bombed the city of Darwin. The service, honoring the 243 people that lost their lives, starts at 9:30am.
Where: Cenotaph, The Esplanade, Darwin
When: 19th February
More info: https://www.frontlineaustralia.com.au/
SA
What: Slam Volleyball Tournament
The biggest beach volleyball festival in the southern hemisphere, SLAM features music, fashion, and fun in the sun. With sponsors like Corona Extra and Channel V, this volleyball competition is guaranteed to be a good time.
Where: Glenelg
When: 11th Feb
More info: https://www.slamfestival.com.au/glenelg.php
