So you've managed to secure yourself that all-important second date. So far so good, but now it's make or break time. Having successfully segued past the whole "get-to-know-you" routine, it's time to progress onto something a little more substantial. At this point you want to let the potential object of your affections know a little more about you, other than the fact that you have great taste in restaurants. While a whole range of inventive dating concepts have been put forward, from rock climbing to extreme ironing, it's probably best to start off a little more low-key.
Now is the time to take advantage of what this fine city has to offer; and win a few points for creativity along the way. After all, being proactive in seeking out suitable, date-worthy entertainment is bound to set you in good stead. At any time of the year Melbourne is alive and buzzing with enough events, openings and festivals to cater to all tastes. In fact, just this week alone there is enough lined up to excite the film buff, art lover and architecture enthusiast alike.
The Melbourne International Film Festival offers a wide range of films, both foreign and Australian, for the discerning aficionado. Not your average movie date, the MIFF is a great way to show your love interest just how cultured you can be. On this note, it's definitely worth keeping an eye out for the range of foreign-language film festivals that occur throughout the year.
However, if you're after something a little more interactive, the yearly
Gertrude Street Projection Festival allows you the chance to walk and talk your way through a series of artist-created light projections. Similarly
Melbourne Open House reveals a "free and rare opportunity to discover a hidden wealth of architectural, engineering and historic buildings nestled around the city." From beautiful heritage listed buildings to cutting-edge modern numbers, this is a chance for the both of you to discover the often neglected wonders of Melbourne's architecture.
If you're not quick enough to catch the current offerings don't fret; new and exciting events are a constant occurrence. From the kitsch of the
Tesselaar Tulip Festival to the cool of the
State of Design Festival, no corner is left unturned. They key is quite simply to try and stay informed, which is where websites like Weekendnotes are an invaluable asset. Otherwise, before you know it, you've missed a succession of seductive foreign films and an array of obscure niche festivities that could have sealed the deal and secured you that hallowed third date.
