Valentine's Day 2026 Events in Melbourne: Concerts, Festivals & Date Nights

Valentine's Day 2026 lands on a Saturday, and Melbourne is stacked with summer festivals, outdoor concerts, and special dining experiences across the Feb 13-15 weekend. If you're searching for valentines events 2026 or valentine's day 2026 events, this guide rounds up the best options in the city - from big-ticket festivals to free public events, plus a few book-ahead restaurant celebrations.

Need a full, citywide Valentine's playbook? Start with my complete Valentine's Day Melbourne 2026 guide and pair it with the best stay options in the Valentine's Day Melbourne hotels 2026 guide.

This page focuses specifically on what's on Valentine's Day 2026 and the surrounding weekend: concerts, theatre, festivals, markets, and outdoor events. Book early for Saturday night, and keep a couple of free options in your back pocket if bookings sell out.

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Quick picks for Valentine's weekend (Fri 13 - Sun 15 Feb 2026)

• St Kilda Festival (Sat 14 - Sun 15 Feb): Australia's largest free music festival with two big days on the foreshore.
• St Jerome's Laneway Festival (Fri 13 Feb): One of the biggest summer music line-ups at Flemington Park.
• MSO Sidney Myer Free Concerts (Tue 10 - Sat 14 Feb): The Saturday show (14 Feb) is 50 Years of ABC Classic - free entry at the Music Bowl.
• Fed Square Open Air at the Square (2-28 Feb): Month-long free live music and outdoor cinema in the CBD.
• Melbourne Fashion Festival (14-28 Feb): Runways, free Fashion Forecourt events, and NGV programs.
• Summer Night Market at Queen Vic (Wednesday nights): Food trucks, live music, and late-night shopping.
• Bookable Valentine's dinners: DOLLY (Le Meridien), Sofitel No35, and Alluvial are all running 14 Feb specials.

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Valentine's Day dining events (Saturday 14 Feb)

If you want a guaranteed romantic setting, these Melbourne venues have set menus and special programming for Valentine's Day. Most require prepayment, and the best tables go first.

DOLLY at Le Meridien Melbourne - Valentine's Day Dinner

DOLLY is running a dedicated Valentine's Day Dinner on Saturday 14 February 2026. Expect a refined four-course menu and a stylish, late-night mood that leans European-chic.

• When: Saturday 14 February 2026
• Where: DOLLY, Le Meridien Melbourne (CBD)
• Price: $155 per person
• Why go: One of the more modern Valentine's menus in town, great if you want a cocktails-after vibe.

No35 Restaurant at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins - Valentine's Day Celebrations

No35 is hosting a full day of Valentine's seatings with French-inspired set menus and live music in the evening. Views are outstanding, and the menu tiers are clearly priced.

• When: Saturday 14 February 2026
• Where: No35 Restaurant, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
• Lunch: 3-course menu, 12:30-2:30pm - $139 per person
• Early dinner: 3-course menu, 5:30-7:30pm - $199 per person
• Late dinner: 4-course menu, 8:00-11:00pm - $349 per person
• Add-on: Guaranteed window table +$50 per person

Alluvial Restaurant (InterContinental Melbourne) - Valentine's Day Dinner

Alluvial's Valentine's dinner is a classic, elegant option with a live cellist and a three-course menu including Champagne and canapes.

• When: Saturday 14 February 2026
• Time: 5:30pm - 10:00pm
• Where: Alluvial Restaurant, InterContinental Melbourne (CBD)
• Price: $195 per person
• Bonus: Live cellist sets a romantic tone for the whole service.

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Major festivals and markets around Feb 14

St Kilda Festival (Sat 14 - Sun 15 Feb)

The weekend headline event is St Kilda Festival, Australia's largest free music festival. It runs across the foreshore and beach precincts and is a genuine summer tradition. The 2026 format has two distinct days:

• Saturday 14 Feb: First Peoples First, with First Nations programming and live music across St Kilda's key stages.
• Sunday 15 Feb: Big Festival Sunday, a large multi-stage event with major Australian acts, food stalls, markets, and community activities.

If you want a big, social energy for Valentine's Day, this is the city's most vibrant outdoor option - and it costs nothing to enter.

St Jerome's Laneway Festival (Fri 13 Feb)

Laneway is one of Australia's biggest annual music festivals, and Melbourne's date is Friday 13 February 2026. It takes over Flemington Park and attracts a youthful crowd, huge production, and big-name acts.

If you like a festival energy and want to start Valentine's weekend early, this is the prime Friday night option. Expect a full day of music and after-party energy across the city.

Melbourne Fashion Festival (14-28 Feb)

The PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival turns 30 in 2026 and runs 14-28 February. There are premium runway tickets, but you don't need to spend big to get involved. Two easy, low-cost highlights:

• Fashion Forecourt (23-28 Feb): A free, open-air entertainment zone outside the Royal Exhibition Building from 5:30pm nightly, with food, drinks, entertainment, and street style.
• NGV Fashion Festival & NGV programs (14-27 Feb): Free entry to select talks and exhibits at NGV International, plus a range of ticketed workshops.

For stylish couples, it's the best citywide festival to pair with a day date or dinner.

Queen Victoria Market Summer Night Market (Wednesday nights)

If you'd rather keep things casual, the Summer Night Market at Queen Vic runs every Wednesday night from 19 November 2025 to 11 March 2026 (excluding 24 and 31 December). You'll find street food, local makers, live music, and late-night shopping.

It's ideal for a low-key midweek Valentine's date or a casual follow-up date the week after.

Lunar New Year at Queen Victoria Market (Tue 17 Feb)

Lunar New Year 2026 officially starts on 17 February, and Queen Vic Market hosts a free celebration with cultural performances and festivities. It's not a Valentine's event, but it's a great post-Valentine's option if you want a warm, social evening with plenty of atmosphere.

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Concerts and live music

MSO Sidney Myer Free Concerts (10-14 Feb)

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra returns to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl with four free concerts from 10 to 14 February 2026. This is one of Melbourne's best-value experiences all year, and the Saturday show lands right on Valentine's Day.

• Sat 14 Feb: 50 Years of ABC Classic - free entry, gates open from 5pm, performance starts 7:30pm.
• Other shows run Tue 10, Wed 11, and Fri 13 Feb.

Pack a picnic, get there early, and treat it like a romantic summer concert under the stars.

Fed Square Open Air at the Square (2-28 Feb)

Fed Square's February program runs all month with free live music, outdoor cinema, and performance events in the Main Square. If you want a free CBD date option, check the program and drop in before or after dinner. Live music runs across multiple days, with an eclectic mix of artists.

Fed Square Live Music series (7-28 Feb)

As part of Open Air at the Square, Fed Square also hosts a dedicated live music series from 7-28 February. It's free and easy to combine with a city date night.

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Theatre and musicals for a Valentine's date night

If dinner isn't enough, Melbourne's theatre district is packed with shows that are running through February 2026. These are strong date-night upgrades if you want something classic.

MJ the Musical - Her Majesty's Theatre

This Tony Award-winning production is now playing in Melbourne and is scheduled to close on 13 March 2026. If you're after a big, glamorous production with familiar hits, it's a strong Valentine's option.

Anastasia - Regent Theatre

The romantic, sweeping musical Anastasia is only running until 20 February 2026 at the Regent Theatre. Ticket prices vary, making it a flexible option if you want a mid-priced show.

The Book of Mormon - Princess Theatre

The Book of Mormon opens in February 2026 at the Princess Theatre, giving you a fresh, high-energy show if you want comedy over romance.

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Outdoor cinema and late-night culture

Fed Square Outdoor Cinema (2-5 Feb and 16-20 Feb)

Fed Square's outdoor cinema series runs across two blocks in February, with daily 8pm screenings. The late February window (16-20 Feb) is perfect for couples who want a romantic weeknight movie under the city lights.

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Valentine's weekend itineraries (use these to plan fast)

1) Festival + beach sunset (Saturday 14 Feb)

• Afternoon: Arrive early at St Kilda Festival and explore market stalls and live stages.
• Sunset: Walk the foreshore or grab a drink on Acland Street.
• Night: Head back to the festival's main stage or grab late bites in St Kilda.

Best for: Big-energy couples who want a social, outdoorsy Valentine's.

2) City culture + orchestral night (Saturday 14 Feb)

• Daytime: NGV fashion events or a casual city lunch.
• Evening: MSO 50 Years of ABC Classic at Sidney Myer Music Bowl (free).
• After: Cocktails in Southbank or a late stroll by the river.

Best for: Romantic, classic Melbourne date nights.

3) Booked dinner + late-night music (Saturday 14 Feb)

• Dinner: DOLLY, No35, or Alluvial for a fixed-menu celebration.
• After: Walk to Fed Square for Open Air music or a casual late-night dessert in the CBD.

Best for: Couples who want structure and guaranteed ambience.

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Planning tips for Valentine's Day 2026 in Melbourne

• Book early if you want a set menu. Most Valentine's dinners require prepayment and sell out quickly for Saturday night.
• Keep a free backup. St Kilda Festival, Fed Square Open Air, and the MSO free concerts are excellent no-ticket options.
• Balance indoor + outdoor. February is warm, but Melbourne evenings can cool off - a mix of outdoor and indoor options works best.
• Arrive early for free events. The biggest free concerts and festivals will reach capacity.

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FAQs (schema-ready)

Q: What day is Valentine's Day in 2026?

A: Valentine's Day falls on Saturday, 14 February 2026.

Q: Are there free events on Valentine's Day weekend in Melbourne?

A: Yes. St Kilda Festival, Fed Square Open Air, and the MSO Sidney Myer Free Concerts are all free to attend.

Q: What are the best Valentine's Day concerts in Melbourne in 2026?

A: The standout is the MSO's free 50 Years of ABC Classic concert at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday 14 February. Fed Square's Open Air live music program is another free option.

Q: Is there a big festival on Valentine's Day 2026 in Melbourne?

A: Yes. St Kilda Festival runs Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February 2026, bringing major free live music to the foreshore.

Q: Are there Valentine's Day dining events with set menus?

A: Yes. DOLLY (Le Meridien), Sofitel No35, and Alluvial Restaurant at the InterContinental all have set-menu Valentine's Day experiences on 14 February.

Q: What if I want a casual, low-cost Valentine's date?

A: Try the Queen Victoria Market Summer Night Market, Fed Square Open Air events, or a picnic plus free concert at the Music Bowl.

Q: Where should I stay for Valentine's Day 2026 in Melbourne?

A: If you're planning a city stay, see the curated options in the Valentine's Day Melbourne hotels 2026 guide.

Q: What's a good all-round plan for Valentine's weekend?

A: Pair a daytime event (St Kilda Festival, NGV, or Queen Vic Market) with a booked dinner or a free concert. Keep Fed Square Open Air as an easy after-dark option.