Eating & Drinking

**🌿 Eat Drink Dance Melbourne: The East Melbourne Garden Wander & Post Valentine De-Brief 🌿** **When**:Wednesday 18 February **Meet**: 6:00pm **Start**: 6:15pm sharp-ish (we respect punctuality… but only in theory) **Meeting point**: Corner of the Old Treasury Building & Treasury Gardens, Spring St **Duration**: ~1.5 hours **Finish**: Transport Bar at Fed Square or one of the floating Yarra bars for drinks & dinner **Vibe**: Flirty, leafy, semi‑exploratory chaos with excellent company **💘 The Mission (Should You Choose Your Own Adventure)** This is not a normal walk. This is a choose‑your‑own‑romantic‑comedy‑opening‑scene kind of walk. **We’ll drift through**: - The Treasury Gardens (soft lighting, perfect for accidental eye contact) - The Fitzroy Gardens (where half the trees look like they’ve seen things) - The gorgeous old terraces of East Melbourne (heritage architecture judging our life choices) - A pilgrimage to the MCG parklands (Aussie sacred ground, where legends are made and we pretend we know stats) - Then somehow — through charm, improvisation, and mild navigational chaos — we’ll find our way to the Yarra - And wander back via Birrarung Marr, glowing in the evening light like a group of very wholesome troublemakers The route is semi‑planned, which is a polite way of saying: Mark is making it up on the go, **🐾 Pets Welcome** Dogs and cats are absolutely invited to frillick (yes, frillick) with us. If your cat walks on a leash, they automatically become the main character. **🍸 The After‑Party** We’ll wrap up at Transport Bar or one of the floating Yarra bars for: - Drinks - Dinner - Flirtation - Debriefing about which tree was the prettiest - And possibly scouting for a last‑chance Valentine in case the 14th was a dud. **✨ The Vibe** Think: - Playful - Social - Lightly romantic - A little mischievous - And very Eat Drink Dance Melbourne **Bring**: - Comfortable shoes - A sense of humour - Someone you’d like to “accidentally” walk next to - Or just yourself — the group energy will do the rest **⏰ Timing & Rules (or lack thereof)** This is a social wander, not a Swiss train. We’ll aim to start at 6:15pm, but let’s be honest — we’re a group of charming chaos gremlins and it might drift a little. Leave whenever you like. Stay for the whole thing. Disappear mysteriously halfway through like a romantic subplot. It’s all good. **🚫 No Rules, No Pressure** This is one of the rare small-group events where I’m not enforcing any attendance rules. No-shows won’t be banished. Late arrivals won’t be judged but we may not be there when you get there. Ghosting is allowed (but only if it’s stylish). As the Nirvana song goes: Come as you are. Come along — or don’t. We’ll be wandering and frolicking either way.

**Every Wednesday and Friday!** (Friday starts on 4th Oct!) **📣IMPORTANT📣:** registrations are essential! Attendees that have not registered will be charged $5 to enter. For FREE entry, get your membership below: [https://bit.ly/LanguageExchangeRegistration](https://bit.ly/LanguageExchangeRegistration) **== Find someone to practice with before the event ==** (Optional:) post the language you're learning (and teaching language) in the comments so the right people can connect with you. E.g. a comment like: "#learnFrench #teachEnglish seeyou all soon :-)". **Overview:** Every week, over 150 people from 23+ countries meet at out language exchange to practice a new language and make new friends over a beer.🍻 The first thing you will notice when you go to New To Melbourne is the great community atmosphere; people in our group are friendly and helpful and always welcoming of new group members. I hope you can bring a friend and join us for some language practice :-) Our language exchange is free and runs every We3ednesday night, there's cheap food & drinks if you arrive at 6pm and want some dinner ;-)🍻🍟 **If you want to attend:** Event cost: **FREE**! (you must register for free entry: [https://bit.ly/LanguageExchangeRegistration](https://bit.ly/LanguageExchangeRegistration)) **First Time? / What is a language exchange?** If you've never been to a language exchange (many people haven't) we wrote an article for first timers (based on our 8+ years of running language exchanges). It's a comprehensive article and well worth reading: [https://bit.ly/firstTimeAtTheLanguageExchange](https://bit.ly/firstTimeAtTheLanguageExchange) **===== EVENT FORMAT =====** When you arrive, you receive a badge with your native language and the languages you would like to learn. Place them on your chest with your native language on the right and other languages you are learning on the left. Then go meet people and exchange languages! What to bring: Pen and Paper and good vibes! Age Group: 18+ **===== FREE BEER AND PIZZA FOR FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS! =====** We're looking for friendly volunteers who want to help out and welcome newcomers to the group. We provide free beer/drinks and food (pizza wedges etc) and a friendly team of other volunteers to hang out with. If it's your first time at the event, you're welcome to applt - our volunteers are often newcomers too :-) To find out more about volunteering at our language exchange, please see the link below: [https://bit.ly/NTM-Lang-Exchange-volunteering](https://bit.ly/NTM-Lang-Exchange-volunteering) **===== Group Rules =====** We pride ourselves on running events where people feel safe and open to making new friends. To protect our group members, we have several rules in place: 1\. This is \*not\* a dating group\, please do not ask for people's numbers / socials\. Contact them via the meetup\.com private chat if you want to get in touch\. 2\. Please do not advertise other groups / events / tours on this page or to this groups attendees during / after events\. 3\. Please do not advertise products and services \(e\.g\. MLM / mentorship\)\. Please do not ask our attendees to complete surveys\. 4\. Please do not add people to wechat / whatsapp groups\. By join our group or attending our events, you agree to these rules. If you attend an event and someone is breaking these rules, you can speak to the host if you wish. **===== MENU🍔 =====** The management gave us a special menu with some cheap eats :-)🍟 This section will be updated soon. **===== NEW TO MELBOURNE! =====** This event is run by New to Melbourne! We run fun and affordable event for people mostly between 18-35 including: international students, backpackers and even some locals :-) To get notifications about upcoming events, click the subscribe button on our events page here: **www.facebook.com/NewToMelb/events** You can follow us here: Facebook: **https://www.facebook.com/NewToMelb** Instagram: **https://www.instagram.com/Newtomelbourne** Seeyou soon! :-)

Hi everyone, Stella & Tarrant here 😃 It's board game and dinner time every 2nd Wednesdays! Everyone's welcome, new or experienced board gamer. Let's play board games together, meet new friends if you want, and also supporting local restaurant buying their food and drink, coz the event is free. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐒𝐕𝐏, 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐠𝐨 𝐬𝐨 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐜𝐨𝐳 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 Meetup will be in the separate room at the back of their venue! 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘: 6pm - 10pm (but the pub is open till later if you want to stay around) 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Meetup for dinner & drink while playing board games. Here's a one page PDF document explaining how it works - https://loom.ly/hTHo2cM. Basically, find some friends or make some new ones. 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: Bring your own games or play our growing board games library, teach others or join others games. We have flag system to help you find people to play with you. Here is the list of our growing games library, categories and with short description - https://loom.ly/fOKuaM4 𝗙𝗘𝗘: Zero. Nada. It's a casual get together, we're helping facilitating the meetup. All I asked is to please order food & drink from the venue, don't bring your own food and eat there, as the venue is a pub, they are providing the venue for free So please help local business 😃 𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗘: Feel free to post in the comment if you have games you want to bring and teach others, try to organise people to play. Or if you want to join other people's game. We have a group via Aftergame (app/website) where you can organise a game as well here - https://aftergame.app/groups/we-play-board-games-melbourne-meetup-by-meeple-university-1386 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘: Melbourne Central, level 3. Melbourne Central station underneath. There are various public carpark Wilson 300 LaTrobe and Secure Parking in the city. Or the Wilson carpark under Melbourne Central, entry is a set price after 5pm (at the time of writing). And then plenty of public transport in the city 🙂 To connect more to fellow board gamers, you can join the Facebook group that started the event here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/WePlayBoardGames Thank you and hope to see you all then! Stella & Tarrant

Bringing traditional pub grub and making it vegan! From vegan parmigiana to vegan Hawaiian pizza, the Cornish Arms has an awesome vegan menu in a Sydney Rd pub. With all the usual pub beverages - alcoholic and non-alcoholic, too!

**🍕 Eat, Drink, Dance… and Actually Eat This Time: Choose‑Your‑Own Eat & Walk Evening 🍕** Look, I’ve realised something slightly embarrassing: the Eat activity in the Eat Drink Dance Melbourne title has been treated like the quiet kid in the group project. Neglected. Overlooked. Underfed. Time to make amends — with carbs, twilight, and a little light cardio. We'll head down to Topolino Pizza in St.Kilda on Fitzroy St. They have a big menu if you'd prefer something different and prefer a drink as well. **Location:** [Topolino Pizza ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qFsqY2HMcfYFYbBj9) Because it’s a bit too sweethearty to plonk down at dinner with total strangers straight away, we’re warming things up with a breezy 5km ice‑breaker walk. Think of it as foreplay for pizza. **⏰ Start time: 6.00pm Sharp** ☑️**Check-In** with the organiser as soon as you arrive **⏳ Arrival time**: 5:45pm — Be on time — I’m cute 💕, so don't miss the fun!, I’m not waiting around. **⏱ If you’re late**: Meet us at Topolinos around 7.15pm and pretend you were there the whole time. **💃Etiquette**: Order your meal or beverage at the register. No table service, no split bills. **🌙 Evening & Twilight Walk Route** We’ll glide (or shuffle, no judgement) from the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre near the Shrine of Remembrance, wander past the Melbourne Aquatic Centre, the swans and fish at Albert Park lake, and finish triumphantly at Topolinos Pizza Restaurant — where the real bonding begins. **🍽 Choose Your Own Adventure (Carb Edition**) **Option 1 — Walk + Pizza** Join the evening parade all the way to Topolinos and reward yourself with pizza or whatever edible joy calls your name. Make your own way home after banter, food and drinks. **Option 2 — Pizza Only** Skip the walk, arrive fresh and fabulous at Topolinos, and meet the sweaty romantics who did the trek. Be there around 7.15 PM. Look for the ravenous bunch. **Option 3 — Walk + Pizza + Walk** For the overachievers, romantics, and people who “just love steps”: walk to Topolinos, feast, then stroll back through the lovely twilight around Albert Park lake to the Shrine and Visitor Centre. Carbs in, carbs out, smug glow achieved. **✨ Vibe Check** Fun. Flirty. Lightly chaotic. A little wholesome, a little unhinged, and very Melbourne. Come for the walk, stay for the pizza, leave with new friends, a warm glow, and possibly a new favourite ritual. **Note**: Last time I ran this, the No Shows vanished into the night like mischievous goblins… and they’re no longer in the group. If you can’t make it, just update your RSVP so your spot can go to someone who will appear in human form.” As I am closing the RSVP one day before the event, if you are still on the waitlist (if there is one) and would still like to attend, please contact the organiser directly. 👀**Group Rules and Event Etiquette** **Fitness Requirements**: **Walking:** 3 to 4km/hr Ensure you have adequate fitness, it's unfair for the group to wait extended periods for you. You may be asked to exit the event as a consequence. **Very Fast or Very Slow People** It's a group activity the organiser can't manage the group if people are everywhere, please consider going by yourself, joining faster groups or having adequate fitness. **Busy People** Best to give yourself some wiggle room, or not attend the event if you have time constraints. Things rarely go to time, especially when having fun. **⚠️+++VERY IMPORTANT+++** **People Who Do A No Show**. This is far too common for small group events, there may be people on a waitlist wanting to come and unable to because of your **No Show*, hence very inconsiderate. Remove yourself from the going list at least 24 hours before the event to give people on the waitlist an opportunity. **If you do a No Show you will likely be removed and blocked from the group**. If you remove yourself from the event an hour or two before the event **(flaking)** you may also be blocked and removed from the group, especially if there is a waitlist, very unfair to people on the waitlist. **People Not On The Going List** This is a major security concern, **DO NOT TURN UP RANDOMLY**.You will be asked to leave the event unless you have made arrangements with the organiser **PRIOR** to the event. **People Who Are Late** You will be left behind and or removed and blocked from the group as a **No Show**. It is your responsibility to communicate with the organiser if you will be late. It's up to you to catch up. This may not be possible for some events. **Second Chances** Please communicate with the organiser if you do not want to be blocked and removed from the group 🚩**Disclaimer: No Liability & Organiser Indemnity** By participating in this event, you acknowledge and accept full personal responsibility for your own safety, wellbeing, and belongings. The organiser assumes no liability for injury, loss, or damage incurred during the activity. Participation is entirely at your own risk. ---

Hi everyone, Hope you are off to a good start in '26! Our first event for the year will be drinks at the Brighton Beach Hotel (beer garden) on Saturday 21st Feb. Please rsvp if you will attend (and update if you can no longer attend) as will need to advise the venue of attendee numbers. I look forward to seeing you there. Kind regards, Peter.

We will be at **State of Grace Rooftop** for after work chats! This is a popular venue with eclectic decor and views of the city 📍 Address: 27 King Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. Come along for relaxed socialising and making new friends in a change of scenery. New people are always welcome. We have all been the new person at some point in time Join us to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend Events are also on: Meet New People, Make Real Friends [https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/](https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/) Bartopia [https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/](https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/) Bartopia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/) Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/](https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/)

This year's Lunar New Year starts on 17 February. So in honour of the Year of the Horse and having listened to your suggestions for the letter B, we're going to Box Hill. **ITINERARY (TBC)** 11am - Meet at the entrance of Box Hill Train Station. This is the plan: * Visit Fo Guang Shan Box Hill Temple * Yumcha for lunch (or equivalent Asian food) * See a lion dance together (if there's one when we're there) * Visit an Asian supermarket. In short, we're going to wander around and soak up the Lunar New Year ambience, Box Hill style. P.S. There's an organizer fee of $10 for this event. You can PayID me at 0403 413 056 (Serena Low). **Note:** I am capping the group at 9 persons to fit a round table in a Chinese restaurant and because yumcha servings typically come in threes. If you are no longer able to attend, please update your status to Not Going.

🥟🔥 **Momos, Mirth & Magnificent Flavours!** 🔥🥟 **Dinner at Aagaman Indian–Nepalese Restaurant, Rosanna** Calling all adventurous eaters (and confirmed **momo freaks** — yes, it’s absolutely a THING 😆) from the **Melbourne Women’s Over 50 Friendship Group – Northern Branch**! We’re off to **Aagaman Indian Nepalese Restaurant** for a dinner that’s a little bit different and *very* delicious. Expect gorgeous Nepalese flavours alongside Indian favourites — think dumplings you dream about, spices that flirt (not shout), and plates you’ll want to talk about all night. 📅 **Friday 21st February** 🕕 **6:00 PM** 📍 **137 Lower Plenty Rd, Rosanna VIC 3084** Why you’ll love it: 🥟 Nepalese momos (steamed, juicy, legendary) 🌶️ Fabulous, less-ordinary flavours 😂 Laughter, friendship, and zero cooking or washing up Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to declare your undying love for dumplings. This is dinner with personality — and excellent company to match. ✨ RSVP wisely — momo regret is real if you miss out 😉 MENU: https://aagamanrestaurant.com.au/aagaman-rosanna-lower-plenty-rd/ Parking over the road and around the corner. At 6pm won't be an issue.

Join us as we get together for a CMG-favorite event, the OSCAR PARTY AND RED CARPET BASH at the Drexel Theatre! The highlight of the movie year live on the big screen always makes for a fun and memorable evening! Here are details for this event: WHAT TO EXPECT: This year’s ceremony will be hosted once again by Conan O’Brien. In addition to the Oscars on the big screen, your ticket includes a Meal Deal from the Drexel’s new food partner Newfangled Kitchen (I’m checking on vegetarian/vegan options) along with unlimited popcorn and sodas, a free box of candy, and your first beer, wine or specialty drink on the house! Also included: Oscar-themed trivia with prizes from local businesses, on-site paparazzi, and the Drexel's Oscar ballot contest with a chance to win a year of free Drexel movies! Plus, the BEST and most FUN way to watch the Oscars with fellow film fans and your CMG friends! ADVANCE TICKETS: General public tickets are $45 but Movie Group Members and their guests get in for just $35! Here’s how to purchase your tickets: \* Option 1 – In Person: You can purchase at the ticket counter anytime during operating hours. Just mention you are with the Columbus Movie Group for the discounted rate. \* Option 2 – Online: If you prefer to purchase online, you can do so by going to the link below and following these instructions: 1. Click the link below. 2. Click the little TICKETS box then click BUY TICKETS. 3. If you are a Drexel Member, you can log in here to receive the Member/Group rate, which is the same. If you are not a Drexel member, click “No” and the $40 Rate will pop up. But, don’t fret. It’s a little hard to find but there’s a “Promotion Code” section on the screen. Click the “Know a Promotion Code?” box, enter “CMG2026” (case sensitive) and submit. Select the appropriate number of tickets in the Discount Rate section and click “Add.” Next “Proceed to Checkout” then “Checkout” and enter your credit card info. There’s a $1.50 online service fee but it’ll save you a trip to the Drexel. (If you don’t already have one, you will need to sign in or create an account first.) Sellout possible so please purchase yours as soon as possible in advance! LINK FOR TICKETS (See Above Instructions): https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=373546\~e2e0a350-c626-4e33-bc63-27e983f4aecf&epguid=ab0b2f82-403c-4972-9998-5475e7dcfa0e&mdy=3/15/2026& DRESS: Dressing up for the occasion art of part of the fun! Dress up as much as you like – there will be everything from casual to formal at the event! Or you can go in character as one of this year’s nominated films! ARRIVAL: Doors open for CMG at 5:30pm so that’s when we’ll plan to meet! That’ll give us plenty of time to fill out our Oscar Ballots, pick up some free popcorn, candy, and something to drink, mix, mingle, take some photos, pick up your Newfangled Kitchen Meal Deal, grab a seat in our CMG Reserved Section, then settle in to enjoy the Academy Awards on the Big Screen! PICTURES: We’ll take pics throughout the evening and the Drexel Paparazzi will be on hand as well. We’ll also take a big group photo around 6:40 near the entrance before the show begins. If you happen to take some good shots yourself, be sure to upload them on the Oscar Party Meetup event! RESERVED SEATING: As you enter the theater, the roped off section to the right marked “Reserved” is reserved for you, your guest(s) and the Columbus Movie Group! BONUS LINKS: \* COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES: https://deadline.com/lists/2026-oscar-nominations-list/ \* INTERESTING ARTICLE ON RECORDS BROKEN, SUPRISING FACTS AND OSCAR FIRSTS: https://abc7.com/post/oscar-nominations-2026-surprising-facts-nominees-98th-oscars/18448908/ \* SHORT VIDEO MONTAGE OF THIS YEAR’S BEST PICTURE NOMINEES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3abMnrsaUA \* FUN VIDEO OF OSCAR NOMINEES HEARING THEIR NOMINATIONS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6eY1yGQ2aU PARKING: Parking is available along Main Street in front of the theater, on Drexel Avenue, and other nearby side streets. Additional parking is available at the Bexley Municipal Parking Lot (two driveways west of the theatre). LINK: Should be a fun & festive evening and a terrific way to celebrate a great year of movies together! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan PS FOR VEGETARIANS / VEGANS: I'm checking with the Drexel now to confirm that veg / vegan options will be available. Their regular menu DOES list both options so I think we should be okay. I'll update this note once confirmed.

**It's National Margarita Day!** Let's throw off our winter blahs and bask in the delight of margaritas and mexican food! We'll find a good spot...or, two to gather for drink specials, food and fiesta. [El Vaquero](https://www.vaquerorestaurant.com/menus) on Rte 161 Dublin has a huge bar area where we'll meet. Those wanting to sit down and eat dinner can grab a seat at our reserved table. Those just there for margs and chips n salsa can hang out in the bar. Their wonderful ***Happy Hour lasts til 8pm every night - Jumbo Margarita $9.99 Flavor $10.99!***

**This is the biggest party in town!** ***Come help us enjoy the luckiest day of the year!*** The Irish Pub and outside overflow tent have Irish Beer, Whiskey and Food. Inside the giant tent the best local Irish bands perform while Irish dancers parade by and the Columbus fife and drum invade each late afternoon. **COVER CHARGE: $20.00** **4pm** - [Drowsy Lads](http://www.thedrowsylads.com/) Named as “The Best Irish-American Band” the 20 year performing veterans have galvanized their place amongst Irish and folk music’s must see acts. You’ll have a blast… and the band will be arm in arm beside you! **7pm** \- Ladies of Langford Since 1995, [Byrne’s Pub](https://byrnespub.com/) has served as a Grandview hub for all things Irish. In fact, co-owner Pat Byrne even operates a line of craft Irish whiskey, known as Bua. The Grandview Spot is also a huge patron of both Celtic music and bluegrass, as live musical guests from both genres perform at Byrne’s on the regular.