We’re well and truly fed up of feasting and festivities after the annual pig out holidays…NAAAAT. If you’re like us, and looking for the best things to do in Melbourne in January, look no further. From Melbourne’s restaurants putting on some fine spreads, to festivals and food events at the Australian Open, here’s what’s on in Melbourne for the rest of the month.
Pop Up KIT KAT Studio Extended
Melbourne Central in the CBD plays host to a DIY KIT KAT pop up. Chocaholics rejoice, similar to the make-your-own-Magnum, you can make your own eccentric and wacky—bust most importantly, delicious—chocolate wafer combinations at the Kit Kat Studio, Melbourne. The brand is celebrating it’s 80th birthday, and has put on a spread of 17 high-quality ingredients such as tart raspberry pieces, or caramelised meringue. It was originally set to close late Jan, but due to overwhelming popularity (and we mean lines around the corner, so get there early!) it’s pop-up presence has been extended until the 7th of Feb. Get crunching. http://www.melbournecentral.com.au/stores-services/kit-kat-studio
Australian Open Feastivities
As Melbourne reaches it’s hottest time of year, be glad you’re not out sweating up a racquet, and instead enjoy the pleasantly indulgent foodie events the Australian Open has served up this year. The Canadian Racquet Club, brought to you by fresh bevvie Canadian Club. Head down to Birrarung Marr to check out music from local acts, watch the games live, try your hand at some totem tennis and munch on a spread from Gazi, Mamasita, A taste of Asian with Billy Law, Mistress Estelle by Scott Pickett, Gelato Messina, green goddesses Combi and more! Starting at 11am every day of the Aussie Open, the CC Racquet Club runs from the 18th to the 31st of Jan, and will sort you out if you’re sussing out where to watch the Australian open. Best bit? Entry is free!
If you’d rather be a little closer to the action, head along to the Heineken live stage with your Aus Open ground pass, and check out live acts including headliners Hot Dub Time Machine, The Rubens and British India. The Heineken Beer Garden is also the perfect place to chill out and sip a cold one while you root for Hewitt, Stosur and Kyrgios as they smash it out.
South Melbourne Night Market Launched on Thursdays
Spend a warm evening amidst the buzz of the South Melbourne Night Market, perusing handmade homewares, or sinking your teeth into some tasty tapas and gorgeous gelato. Start the evening at one of the many food trucks, or at locals Simply Spanish, Proper and Son or Koy for a bite of something savoury. Enjoy the vibrant live music and flamenco band, and sneak a sip or two from one of the bars scattered around this relaxed hub of activity. The dessert options won’t disappoint either, from Miss Molly’s Cakes to Bianco Latte Artisan Gelato, and more in between. A family friendly event, or an after work catch up with a few bevvies. Take your pick and be prepared to do some shopping while you’re there. Running from the 7th of Jan to the 10th of March, Thursday evenings from 5:30pm. Find out more here. https://southmelbournenightmarket.com.au
Pop Up Pool Possie at the Adelphi
Melbourne’s Adelphi hotel has you sorted if you’re looking for one of Melbourne’s best bars. Last summer was a great success, so the rooftop of the laneway based Adelphi will once again host a pop up pool bar on Sunday afternoons. Cool off in the iconic pool that hangs over the edge of the roof, enjoy some sweet tunes and fresh cocktails and bbq. The $30 ticket fee includes a Pimms and something from the BBQ, so head down for one of Melbourne’s best Sunday sessions, running from the 10th of Jan to the 28th of Feb. To book, click here. – https://tickets.myguestlist.com.au/v25666686b27c85/pop-up-pool-deck/
Eat Green and Drink Gold for Australia Day Celebrations
Stop searching for Australia day parties in Melbourne. Head down to St Kilda Pub The Grosvenor this Aussie Day, to enjoy $10 pints of any beer (including Mountain Goat, Stone & Wood and Boatrocker!), and some traditional treats such as laminations and lamb burgers. What’s more Aussie than spending Australia Day down the pub? Listening to Triple J’s Hottest 100 as your backing track, that’s what. One of Melbourne’s best places to spend Australia Day, the party starts at 12pm on the 26th. Find out what’s on here. http://www.grosvenorhotel.com.au/whats-on
Delight Your Senses by Dining in the Dark
On Saturday the 30th at 6:30pm, be prepared to step outside your comfort zone with Lime&Tonic’s Dinner in the Dark Social. The location is kept secret until 24 hours prior, when guests are given clues and instructions on how to get there. Blindfolded, you’ll be able to test your tastebuds on three courses with matched wines, all in delightfully devilish darkness. Tickets are selling fast, with limited places remaining. Grab a spot on the dark side here. https://www.limeandtonic.com.au/melbourne/events/3337/?token=0p7t1x8fojqbrb638wlgcafgzska1ycg
Hop Drop N’ Roll Down to Yak Ales BBQ Street Festival
Yak Ale is having a BBQ Street Festival! Hosted in the Queen Victoria Market, if you’re looking for food events in Melbourne, this is one not to miss! Running from 10am to 4pm on Sunday the 31st of Jan, pop down to see the showcase of barbecue foodie fantasies, featuring popular pit-masters, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, and drinks by Yak Ales. Get sizzling here. http://theyaks.melbournebarbecuefestival.com.au/yak-ales-barbecue-street-festival