Has Valentine’s Day stealthily crept up on you this year, leaving you scrambling for last-minute plans? Fear not! Despite 2024’s relentless advance, there are still plenty of ways to plan a romantic or fun celebration for you and your beloved. Here are some last-minute things you can book or show up to in Melbourne for Valentine’s Day 2024.
1. Watch La La Land on the outdoor screen at Federation Square
Pack a Valentine’s Day picnic for a romantic screening of six category Oscar award-winning musical, La La Land (14 February) on the big screen at Fed Square, starting at 8pm. Starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, La La Land is a romantic musical film that follows the story of Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a jazz musician, as they pursue their dreams in Los Angeles.
2. Learn about love in the stars at the Planetarium
Discover the love stories of the stars this Valentine’s Day at Scienceworks at a special show in the Planetarium where you can hear the romantic tales of the cosmos and marvel at the beauty of our vast universe. You can also explore the Air Playground exhibition, featuring a giant inflatable, and enjoy live music pop-ups. Capture memories in the photo booth or get creative with crafting activities. Entry to the Air Playground and Planetarium is included with your ticket, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.
3. Enjoy an evening at the QVM summer night market
Experience a perfect Valentine’s Day date at the iconic market sheds, where delicious street food, refreshing cocktails, and mocktails await. Explore the vibrant stalls for unique gifts while enjoying live music and roving entertainment. Let the summer atmosphere enhance your romantic evening as you indulge in culinary delights and create lasting memories together.
4. Go rollerskating and/or learn to skate at Sk8house
Feel the love in the air at Sk8house in Carrum Downs this Valentine’s Day with special 2-for-1 passes available for our Cheap Sk8 Session from 4-6pm and All Ages Learn-2-Sk8 Class from 6-7pm.. Share the joy of skating with your sweetheart or best friend as you glide and spin together. Grab your skates and make unforgettable memories on this romantic night!
5. Attend a chocolate and wine masterclass at Winehouse
Indulge in an exquisite Valentine’s Day experience at the Winehouse’s chocolate and wine pairing masterclass, led by master chocolatier Deniz Karaca of Cuvee Chocolate. Savour the harmony of four artisan chocolates expertly paired with eight premium wines, including sparkling, reds, and fortified varieties. Delight your senses as you taste, learn about the production methods, and discover the stories behind these fine chocolates and wines.
6. Enjoy a romantic night at Luna Park
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Luna Park Melbourne, where romance flourishes amidst laughter and whimsy. Luna Love offers enchanting moments under twinkling lights, with four hours of rides, heart-shaped ice creams, souvenir photos, carnival games, and more included in your ticket. Enjoy free entertainment like stilt walking flowers, fortune telling, and love songs. Whether with a date or a friend, create unforgettable memories at this historic venue.
7. See Titanic at IMAX after viewing the Titanic Artefact Exhibition at Melbourne Museum
Experience the Melbourne Museum’s Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition before immersing yourself in James Cameron’s legendary love story on the world’s largest screen! Set against the backdrop of the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic, the film follows the romance between Rose DeWitt Bukater and Jack Dawson as they navigate societal constraints and embark on a forbidden love affair. Their captivating story resonates through time, leaving an enduring impact on audiences.
8. Play Valentine’s Day Drag Queen Bingo at the Prince
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style at Kween Public Bar’s Midumma takeover of the Prince with a special edition of Drag Kween Bingo! Whether you’re with your partner, friends, or flying solo, join in an evening of fun hosted by the fabulous Sam T. It’s free to participate, but make sure to book your spot in advance to secure your place in the excitement!
9. Go on a just-for-adults date evening at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Join a unique Valentine’s Day celebration at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne with Adult Night: Date Night edition! Embrace your inner child as big kids get exclusive access to Melbourne’s ultimate indoor LEGO playground, free from little ones. Enjoy a fun-filled evening with friends or your significant other as you explore 12 LEGO-themed zones, including the 4D Cinema, MINILAND Melbourne, two rides, creative workshops, and exciting activities with chances to win prizes. This session isn’t actually on V-Day itself – its taking place on Friday 23 February, but will make a great Valentine’s Day gift.
10. Attend a special Valentine’s Day session at the Rain Room
Immerse yourselves in romance this Valentine’s Day as you step into the elements and dance beneath cascading raindrops at the Rain Room in St Kilda. Experience the internationally acclaimed artwork by Random International for an unforgettable date. The team will capture precious moments of your rain-soaked adventure, preserving them for eternity. Afterwards, treat yourselves to the latest Valentine’s cake creation by Black Star Pastry for a sweet finale to your memorable day.
11. Take part in an intimate wine tasting experience at Into the Vines
Instead of the classic Bridget Jones scenario, Into Coffee in Collingwood invites wine enthusiasts to indulge in small-batch wines directly from their makers at the Valentine’s edition of Into the Vines. Gather your friends, partners, or come solo for an evening of exploration. With five epic Victorian wineries curated by Tracado, this event promises delights for novices and aficionados alike. Elevating the experience, enjoy an ice cream and wine pairing masterclass featuring specially curated Gelato flavors from Hareruya Pantry and wines selected by Dr. Alastair Reed.
12. Listen to live jazz at 1806 on Exhibition Street
Experience a jazz-infused evening of romance this Valentine’s Day at 1806 on Exhibition St in Melbourne. Allow the sultry melodies and intimate ambiance to transport you to a world of love and passion. Savor our exclusive Valentine-inspired cocktails, thoughtfully complemented by gourmet bites, as you immerse yourself in the timeless allure of jazz. Let 1806 be the backdrop for a memorable celebration of romance and connection.
13. Drink bubbles, paint and surround yourself with sea creatures at Champainting paint and sip at SEALIFE
Create unforgettable memories surrounded by the wonders of the ocean at the Champainting: Valentines Day VIP Paint and Sip Experience at SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Delve into the mesmerizing depths of Australia’s oceans as you explore th marine life at the newly renovated ‘Oceanarium Room’. Enjoy exclusive after-hours access to SEA LIFE Melbourne, encountering sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and more. Indulge in a glass of bubbles with the penguins at Penguin Playground before immersing yourself in a 2-hour paint and sip session.
14. Take park in a unique frog census at a wildlife sanctuary
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a unique and meaningful date at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus. Show your love for frogs by joining us for a special event at the university’s Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary. Partner up and delve into the fascinating world of frogs with expert, David De Angelis, who will guide you through the sanctuary’s frog habitat. Together, you’ll record the species present at a site within the sanctuary, contributing valuable data for conservation planning and research. No prior experience is needed to take part in this free event, and you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore the sanctuary when it’s closed to the public. Plus, you’ll be spreading love for nature as part of the Sustainable Living Festival 2024.
15. Take in the views from the KIIS Eye Ferris wheel at St Kilda
Make your date unforgettable with a ride on St Kilda’s iconic KIIS 101.1 KIIS Eye Ferris Wheel at Catani Gardens. Towering 35 metres above ground, this magnificent wheel offers breathtaking views of St Kilda, Melbourne City, and Port Phillip Bay. With spacious gondolas seating up to 6 people, it’s the perfect opportunity to cozy up and enjoy the scenery together. After your ride, explore the vibrant atmosphere of St Kilda with its array of restaurants, bars, and markets, making it the ideal spot for a memorable afternoon or evening date. Don’t miss out on this chance to experience Melbourne’s summer charm from new heights!