With fluctuating and temperamental weather, it’s been an interesting summer to date. Here’s to hoping for clear skies, beautiful days and balmy nights to enjoy February’s events and festivities. Step into the Chinese Year of the Snake with celebrations all around Australia, take in the sounds of talented musical artists at national Laneway Festival, spend Valentine’s Day with the special people in your life atop at a Rooftop BBQ banquet or under a starry sky at an outdoor cinema, or rub shoulders with Australia’s elite at ‘The Polo Club,’ held on picturesque lawns. As always, we’ve rounded up the best events across Australia to keep you entertained all month long.
By Sangeeta Kocharekar
What: Chinese New Year
“Known as Spring Festival” in China, Chinese New Year is the most important of traditional Chinese holidays. Celebrate this year’s Year of the Snake with festival events all across Australia, including lunar feasts, festival launches, and dragon boat races.
Where: Celebrated all across Australia
When: February 10th
More info: www.chinesenewyear.com.au
What: Tropfest Australia
This year’s main screening of short film festival Tropfest, held in Sydney’s The Domain, but screened in Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Wollongong, and Surfers Paradise, will take place on Sunday, February 17th. The free event features live music and entertainment, red carpet arrivals, food and beverage stands, and most importantly, the film screenings followed by an awards ceremony.
Where: Various venues
When: February 17th
More info: www.tropfest.com/au
What: St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival With stops in Singapore, Auckland, and all major Australian cities, Laneway Festival will feature major artists Flume, Alpine, The Rubens, Of Monsters and Men, and Chet Faker. Take a break from the music with a shop around at the markets stalls.
Where: Sydney College of the Arts, Sydney
When: February 2nd
More info: www.lanewayfestival.com.au
What: Maketi Ples 2013 Third annual Maketi Ples, an exhibition showcasing contemporary art from the Pacific region, will feature a diverse range of art, including ceramics, textiles, basketry, weaving, woodwork and carving. Exhibition entry is free and all art items will be for sale.
Where: Global Gallery, Paddington
When: February 21st – March 10th
More info: www.maketiples.com
What: March Into Merivale
Sydney’s top hospitality group Merivale opens its venue doors for a one-of-a-kind food and wine festival. With events ranging from “Wood-Fired Pizza Masterclass” to “Cheers to Chocolate,” there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Where: Merivale venues, Sydney CBD
When: February 5th – March 28th
More info: www.merivale.com.au
What: Sweethearts Rooftop BBQ One of Keystone Group’s newest venues Sweethearts Rooftop BBQ will be a safe haven for single gals on Valentine’s Day. For a mere $35, enjoy an arrival cocktail and pickings from a banquet menu, as the sun sets.
Where: Sweethearts BBQ, Potts Point
When: February 14th
More info: www.sweetheartsbbq.com.au
What: Werribee Polo 2013
An offset and more relaxed alternative to the Spring Racing Carnival, the ‘Polo Club’ will be held on the lawns of picturesque Werribee Park Mansion. An all-inclusive ticket includes food and beverages, DJs, entertainment, and the chance to rub shoulders with celebrities.
Where: Werribee Park Mansion, Werribee
When: February 23rd
More info: www.thepoloclub.tv
What: Of Monsters and Men
Icelandic six-piece, indie-folk-pop group will headline a show to lucky Sydney and Melbourne audiences. Their debut album, released in April, has reached the ARIA Top 50 and iTunes Top 20 album charts.
Where: Palace Theatre, Melbourne
When: February 5th
More info: premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=OFMONSTE13#.UQcVk-jJiGR
What: St Kilda Festival
A festival celebration of Australian music, local community, and the St Kilda Foreshore, this nine-day event is one Australia’s oldest of its kind. Activities and events include concerts, extreme sports, dance classes, comedy shows, family fun, and fascinating work-shops, all hosted by the local community groups.
Where: St Kilda precint
When: February 2nd – 10th
More info: www.stkildafestival.com.au
What: Black Caviar Lightning Stakes
Originally named simply “Lightning Stakes”, the race was renamed to honour champion sprinter Black Caviar. The first sprinting race of the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival attracts some of the fastest horses in the world.
Where: Flemington Racecourse, Flemington
When: February 16th
More info: www.flemington.com.au
What: 3-hour Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise
Spoil your Valentine with a 3-hour intimate dinner menu and premium drink selection as your cruise ship passes along Melbourne’s city skyline.
Where: Melbourne River Cruises, Southbank
When: February 14th
More info: www.melbcruises.clicktix.com.au
What: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
Enjoy romantic movie classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring iconic Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard, under a starry sky at outdoor Moonlight Cinema at Brisbane Powerhouse.
Where: Opel Moonlight Cinema, Brisbane
When: February 14th
More info: www.moonlight.com.au/brisbane
What: Fortitude Valley Markets
Also known as the Valley Markets or the Brunswick Street Markets, these weekend markets stalls offer vintage and new fashion, unique jewellery, fun gifts, plants, and local art. Grab a bite from one of the many ethnic food stalls as you kick back to local musicians.
Where: Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
When: Saturdays and Sundays
More info: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on/venue/valley-malls-events/index.htm
What: ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show
A rather large affair with 150 attractions, 5000 animals, 450 trade displays and 1500 competitors, the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show will entertain and educate the entire family. Staged since 1927, the Show centres around agriculture but has evolved and broadened to feature a variety of entertainment and educational facilities.
Where: Exhibition Park, Canberra
When: February 22nd – 24th
More info: www.rncas.org.au/showwebsite/site/index.php
What: Valentine’s Day Degustation at Sage
Choose from cosy indoor dining or spend the evening outdoors on the patio courtyard on Valentine’s Day at Canberra’s award-winning restaurant Sage. The day’s special degustation menu is $150 or $225 with matched wine and is open for lunch or dinner.
Where: Sage Dining Rooms, Canberra
When: February 14th
More info: www.sagerestaurant.net.au
What: Glenegl Slam Festival
Youth culture brand SLAM combines fashion, music, health and wellbeing for a day of amateur beach volleyball. Emerging DJs and local bands take the stage for a fun-filled event.
Where: Glenegl
When: February 11th
More info: www.slamfestival.com.au
What: Valentine’s Day Dinner at The Promenade Restaurant
Against the beautiful backdrop of Glenegl beach, spoil your loved one with a six-course degustation dinner.
Where: The Promenade Restaurant, Glenegl
When: February 14th – 17th
More info: www.stamford.com.au
What: Valentine’s Day at Wolf Lane
Spend a romantic Valentine’s Day at Wolf Lane with your special someone. Gognac & Chocolates package for $15 per person, or take it a notch up with the ‘Happily Ever After’ Platter, which includes 2 glasses Moet & Chandon Champagne for $50.
Where: Wolf Lane, Perth
When: February 14th
More info: www.valentinesday.com.au/perth/wolf-lane.html
