It’s time once again for summertime parties and Christmas markets, for drinks in the park and music outdoors. As Melbourne hots up, so does its calendar.
The Plus Ones have you sorted with the top 10 (actually, 11) events you need to head to this month. There’s everything from Christmas events (including dressing up with hundreds of Santas), to music, to champagne, to croquet, to the newest drive-in cinema.
Jennifer Loveless
House of Bacardi (Thurs. 1 Dec.)
When Bacardi puts on a party, we come knocking at the door. It combines the forces of Daydreams, Pelvis, CRXZY SXXY CXXL and VICE — and best of all, it’s free. RSVP ASAP.
Lonely Hearts Club (Fri. 2 Dec.)
Where will this be? No one knows. Just register and all will be revealed on the day via a text. Block out your evening — this starts at 10pm and goes till 6am the next morn. No wonder, with bands like Babicka, Jennifer Loveless, Ben Emes, Billie-Jean, 6AM AT THE GARAGE, Oliver Francis and Dj Kiti.
Allumba Drive Xmas Lights Party (Sat. 3 Dec.)
Trust us — there’s nothing better than this Northcote street for getting you into the holiday spirit. 20,000 Christmas tree/fairy lights create a(n almost winter) wonderland. It’s magical.
Dal Zotto Prosecco Picnic
Dal Zotto Prosecco Picnic (Sat. 3 Dec.)
‘Prosecco Picnic’ has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? Dal Zotto Wines, from the King Valley, hosts an all-day affair involving picnics, food, and bocce. It’s worth the drive out of town. Stay tune for our review!
Horror Movie Campout (3-4 December)
An immersive horror movie camping event? Sign us up! Well, some of us. There are others who would be screaming so hard we wouldn’t stop.
Royal Croquet Club (8-22 December)
RCC, how we love thee. For three years now, they’ve gifted Melburnians with a popup extravaganza at Birrarung Marr. Music, drinks, beautiful people, and yes, some croquet to play. It’s a must.
Melbourne Champagne Festival (9-11 December)
Now this one’s going to blow up on Facebook just like the Melbourne Martini Festival did. Each of Wine Republic’s three locations (in Windsor, Fitzroy, or Northcote) hosts a tasting one day of the weekend, paired with Koko Black chocolate.
Melbourne Champagne Festival
SantaCon (Sat. 10 December)
If you’ve ever wanted traverse the city in the company of hundreds of Santas, you have your chance. This is Melbourne’s 10th annual SantaCon, so please go all out with your costume. Santas, reindeer, Mrs. Claus, and Christmas trees are all welcome.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at MPavilion (Sun. 11 December)
We’re huge fans of the MSO at TPO, so we’ll definitely be heading along to this free performance at MPavilion (the popup in the park across from the National Gallery).
Nepal Festival (Sat. 17 December)
With plenty of festivals on, how to pick between them? We like the Nepal Festival because it features a country many don’t normally travel to or eat food from. Travel the world from the comfort of Fed Square.
Backlot Rooftop Cinema (from 26 December)
Imagine a drive-in movie theatre with Melbourne’s skyline glowing in the distance, and you have yourself what will be the hit of the summer. Tickets can be purchased from 5 December.
Check out our calendar for heaps of other events, including quite a few Christmas markets. Also be on the lookout for our guide to New Year’s Eve, coming your way soon. Here’s to the start of a great silly season!
-Theresa and Team TPO
Co-founder of The Plus Ones, Theresa puts this list together along with the entire TPO Melbourne team.
