It might be one of the coldest winters Melbourne has had in years, but that hasn't stopped our city from coming alive with food festivals, art shows and so much more. If you’re stuck for ideas on what to do on these chilly evenings, here are a few ideas for your next date night or outing with friends.

Lightscape

Lightscape has finally made its Australian debut at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne this June and will be running all the way until 7 August. Featuring luminous walkways and vistas, vibrant bursts of colour that run up trees like fireworks and large-scale installations such as the Winter Cathedral. Comprising more than 100,000 tiny lights, Lightscape takes audiences on a 1.8km walk which is a journey of light and sound through Melbourne's iconic Royal Botanic Gardens.

Light: Works from Tate’s Collection 

For those needing a good Instagram post to go with a good night out, this art exhibit is the perfect spot for it. Giant glowing orbs, bright bursts of neon and towering rainbow sculptures. Light: Works from Tate’s Collection are made to be snapped. This illuminating art collection is curated by the Tate and drawn from their prestigious collection. Historical paintings by artistic heavyweights are transformed by ground-breaking light works. Think Claude Monet, Yayoi Kusama and more. Running until 13 November.

Winter Night Market

Roaring fire pits, roving performers, and free entertainment. Grab a dish of your favourite winter comfort food. Think dumplings, cheese-loaded pasta, and indulgent desserts. And warm up with steaming cups of mulled wine, spiced cider, and hot toddies. Running until 31 August.

Lume

Get ready to van Gogh-off Melbourne: this 3,000 square metre projection art gallery is finally open! Explore endless rooms swirling with floor-to-ceiling digital displays based on iconic artworks by Vincent van Gogh. Then snap the ultimate selfie in a mirrored sunflower wonderland. They're also running early morning yoga sessions, with a new multi-sensory theme for July. Running until 01st of October.

Golden Goose

Sneak in some shopping or create some sneaker art, Golden Goose’s new Melbourne digs at 80 Collins are as eye-catching as the cult Italian sneakers on sale. A gold metal staircase leads to glowing white walls lined with backlit shelves. The flagship store’s industrial edge complements Lab GGDB’s range of handmade distressed sneakers. Speak to the sneaker creator to customise your new pair of star-detailed shoes.

I hope you enjoy the suggestions and get some inspiration for your next venture out of the house on a chilly winter evening!