We have a good feeling about 2017. And how can we not, when the first year of the month is chock-a-block with everything from circus to music festivals to craft beer to the return of polo.
Read on for our top 10 must-dos in January.
Adelphi Hotel Summer Pool Sessions (Sundays in January)
If there’s anywhere we want to be this summer, it’s at a rooftop pool, sipping away at a Pimm’s cocktail. Pretend you’re in Vegas (or just luxuriate in living in the most liveable city in the world for yet another year).
Circus 1903 (3-12 January)
It’s circus like you’ve never seen it before. With puppeteers from War Horse bringing an elephant to life on stage (plus myriad talented acrobats), you’ll leave in awe just like our Sydney writer did.
Shimmerlands Outdoor Cinema (4 January to 25 February)
The newest outdoor cinema to hit town, this is co-hosted by Abbotsford Convent favourites the Shadow Electric. Pack a blanket and head to the University of Melbourne.
South Melbourne Night Market (Thursdays, 5 January to 23 February)
The perfect excuse for a weekly visit to the South Melbourne Markets, you can shop till you drop, feast till you burst, and top it all off with a drink or two. It’s a must-do at least once this summer.
Alfa Romeo Portsea Polo (Sat. 14 January)
The annual return of the polo to the Mornington Peninsula means we’re hoping for sunny skies for the stylish attendees. Dress up and relive your Pretty Woman moment.
So Frenchy So Chic (Sun. 15 January)
SFSC bills itself as ‘a summer French escape of music, food and friends’. It’s one of the best days out you can possibly have. The Werribee Mansion is transformed (by picnics) and transfixed (by the great bands).
Midsumma Festival (15 January-5 February)
Midsumma is ‘Victoria’s premier queer arts and cultural festival’, for everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies and friends. Special shoutout to T Dance on the 15th, which we never miss.
Sugar Mountain (Sat. 21 January)
The music festival of our dreams, the one-day ‘summit of music and art’ draws the crowds to VCA. The first release sold out in a jiffy, so snaffle up a second release ticket and head with your music-loving mates.
Read our guide to the day.
Ballarat Beer Festival (Sat. 21 January)
We simply cannot go a month without some kind of craft beer extravaganza hitting Victoria, and January is no exception. Hop the train to Ballarat for a day with over 200 beers.
Enter to win a $100 double pass!
Melbourne Zoo Twilights (Fridays and Saturdays, 27 January to 11 March)
We loved this last year and can’t wait to go back for 2017’s sessions. Enjoy live music and (if you arrive early enough) a wander amongst the animals. Book quickly: half the dates are already sold out.
Appetite for more? Check out our curated calendar. Sign up to our VIP mailing list. And follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates throughout the month.
– Team TPO
