Valentines Day. You either love it or hate it, right? Either way, some of us may be sick of the usual dinner and movie combo that is obligatory on V-Day. Forget the dozen red roses and 3-course degustation, we just want to have a fun day with our loved one/s without feeling bad that we don’t have any shiny new gifts to brag about on Instagram.
Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the top 5 (singles-friendly) things to do on Valentines Day in Melbourne this year.
OUTDOOR CINEMAS
We can’t help but notice that Melbourne’s outdoor cinema game is getting stronger every year, with newbies popping up every time summer rolls round. The pop-up Moonlight Cinema at the Royal Botanic Gardens is showing the classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s on V-day, while Rooftop Cinema at Rooftop Bar is showing Crazy, Stupid, Love for all those Ryan Gosling fans. For those less into romance and more into action, Coburg Drive-In is showing American Sniper, as well as hosting a Food Truck Festival. Bring a picnic and enjoy a flick with a group of mates or your special someone.
Various session times/prices, check individual cinema websites for details.
FOOD SOCIAL COOKOFF
One for the singles is the Foodsocial Cookoff, a night run by Foodsocial that is dedicated to creating connections between people through the love of food. Participants are treated to a glass of champagne upon arrival and a professional cooking demonstration, before being divided up into teams to compete in a mini-cookoff. A judging panel will decide the winners before everyone sits down to enjoy their meal and mingle. Time to get your Masterchef on!
Foodsocial Cookoff, 6pm-8.30pm, $59/head
LOVE LOCKS
For those wanting to support a good cause this Valentines Day, the National Heart foundation is inviting Melbournians to show their love for someone special and donate much needed funds to the foundation. Visit their Hub of Love at Queensbridge Square in Southbank and for just $10 you can buy a heart-shaped Love Lock to dedicate to someone special and lock onto their heart installation. They’re also holding a few fun events in the days leading up to February 14th, including free dance classes and live music. Share the love online too using the hashtag #lockinthelove.
Lock In The Love, 11am-10pm, $10/love lock
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
What better day of the year than Valentine’s Day to enjoy an evening under the starts watching a William Shakespeare play? Performed in the Royal Botanic Garden, the Australian Shakespeare Company is performing ‘As You Like It’ on V-Day this year. Spectators can even bring in their own food and drink (did someone say champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries?), or enjoy the goodies sold at the Shakespeare Hub pop-up bar. So round up a group of friends or a loved one, pack a picnic and treat them to a night of Shakespeare in the park.
‘As You Like It’, 8pm-11pn, starting at $65/head.
AWKWARD PORTRAITS
One of our personal favourite Valentine’s Day activities in Melbourne this year, Awkward Portraits, is taking place at Melbourne Central. Couples, singles and cynics alike are invited to dress up in daggy costumes and pose with ridiculous props to create their own personalised awkward portrait. Shoppers can purchase a hardcopy of their portrait for $10 or share it online via the Melbourne Central Facebook page for free. We can’t wait to get cheesy and smile for the camera!
Melbourne Central Awkward Portraits, 1-7pm, $10/hardcopy
So whether you’re single or coupled-up, don’t despair. There is something for everyone in Melbourne this Valentines Day.
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