St Kilda Festival and Romantic Musicals Lead a Packed Valentine’s Saturday

A Massive Saturday in Melbourne

Saturday, 14 February 2026, is shaping up to be one of the busiest days on the Melbourne calendar. Not only is the city celebrating Valentine’s Day, but major festivals and cultural celebrations are taking over the streets from the foreshore to the outer suburbs. Whether you are looking for a romantic evening at the theater or a high-energy music festival, there is something for everyone today.

St Kilda Festival Returns

Australia’s largest free music festival, the St Kilda Festival, officially kicks off its first full day today. The iconic St Kilda foreshore and surrounding streets will be transformed into a massive celebration of Australian music, art, and community. Visitors can expect multiple stages featuring a diverse lineup of performers, including everything from emerging local talent to established national acts. This all-ages event is free to attend and offers a quintessential Melbourne summer experience right by the water.

Stage and Screen: Romantic Musicals and More

For those seeking a more classic Valentine’s date, Melbourne’s East End Theatre District is buzzing. Today features several high-profile productions:

• Anastasia The Broadway Musical: Performing at the Regent Theatre with both a 2:00 pm matinee and a 7:30 pm evening show. This lavish production follows the journey of a young woman seeking to rediscover her past in 1920s Paris.
• Mamma Mia!: The beloved ABBA-inspired musical is running at the National Theatre with sessions at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm, perfect for those who want a feel-good, high-energy afternoon.
• The Book of Mormon: The satirical blockbuster is currently playing at the Princess Theatre, offering a hilarious alternative for those avoiding the typical romantic tropes of the day.

Lunar New Year in Clayton

Cultural festivities continue as Clayton Road hosts a major Lunar New Year celebration today from 11 am to 7 pm. This family-friendly event features the Year of the Horse festivities with traditional drumming bands, the Melbourne Chinese Orchestra, and a vibrant multicultural food precinct showcasing over 200 local businesses. It is an excellent opportunity to explore Clayton’s rich diversity while enjoying free live entertainment.

Local Markets and Music

The morning starts strong with the Rose St. Artists' Market in Fitzroy, where local designers display handmade jewelry, furniture, and art. In the Dandenong Ranges, the Lost Woods Market in Emerald offers a boutique shopping experience at Puffing Billy Park from 9 am to 2 pm. For heavy music fans, the Life’s A Beach event curated by Polaris will take over the Riviera Beach Club in St Kilda, providing a powerful outdoor concert experience just steps away from the main festival activities.