The Dinners, Pop-Ups and Cultural Moments To Catch in Melbourne This Winter

Many cities go into a social hibernation during the winter months. But Melbourne is doing the complete opposite.

Australia’s cultural capital (hear that, Sydney?) is hosting some of the best events on the calendar during winter, from one-night-only affairs to pop-ups that are about to end. Spanning food, fashion, music and more, here are our picks.

Day Tripper

This Rising Festival, you can party in areas that are normally closed to the public. On June 6, more than 20 acts will be spread between Max Watts and the Town Hall. Across eight hours you’ll catch shows on private balconies, in back rooms and more. Plus, there are some exclusive international performers. Enjoy the music and be sure to explore wherever you can – you won’t have access to these spots before or after the event.

Tamura Sake Bar x Robata x Asahi Super Dry

For one night only, Robata head chef Lily McGrath and Tamura Saké Bar co-owner Fumi Tamura will collaborate on a four-course dinner with free-flowing saké and Asahi Super Dry on tap. Expect snacks such as an octopus taco with wasabi oil and saké on arrival, followed by entrees and experimental mains. The standout here is a stuffed chicken maryland with Asahi Super Dry beurre blanc and a yuzu kosho whipped up by Tamura. We won’t spoil dessert for you – you’ll have to book to find out. Cancel any plans on June 16; you won’t want to miss this.

Fashion Thrift Society x Depop

On July 4, two of the world’s biggest preloved fashion brands are swinging into Melbourne for one day only. MSAC will host a massive second-hand clothing market with stalls from some of the best resellers around. If you’ve got some great vintage gear, you can apply to sell as well. Fewer awkward negotiations in your DMs, more face-to-face bartering and trying on clothes in person. (Yes, you definitely need one more winter jacket.)

Little Rose

Star chef Rosheen Kaul (Bistro Marigold, ex-Etta) and expert bartender Joe Jones (the shuttered Romeo Lane) are running their pop-up bistro Little Rose in Fitzroy. With an à la carte menu of French Asian dishes done casually and classic cocktails with subtle twists, there’s nothing stuck-up about Little Rose. Get in quick, though – Kaul never sits still for long. This one closes in early July and once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Vera Blue x MSO

It’s not Melbourne without music, and July 11 brings a grander twist to the classic gig or concert. Vera Blue takes to Hamer Hall with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for one night only. You’ll hear special live orchestral arrangements of the Aussie singer-songwriter’s tracks, which won’t be repeated, in a setting that blends old-world grandeur with modern design and acoustic treatment. There aren’t many venues like Hamer Hall, and this is an excellent way to experience it.

The Book of Mormon

Melbourne’s theatre scene flies under the radar – we often get the biggest productions from across the globe down here, and they’re showcased in world-class theatres. The Book of Mormon has had a grip on the city’s zeitgeist for several months, even drawing in punters who wouldn’t normally catch a musical. There are few better ways to capture a cultural moment than by attending one of the final performances of the stellar production’s run at the Princess Theatre. If you can grab tickets before it ends on July 19, you’ll be able to say you were there. And you can’t go wrong with a nightcap at The European next door.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Asahi Super Dry, for audiences 18+ only. Please drink responsibly.