In case you've been stuck under something heavy without connection to the outside world, you'll be aware that this weekend marks White Night Melbourne 2015.
For the third consecutive year, Melbourne will come alive in an explosion of light and colour from 7pm to 7am from Saturday 21st February.
White Night Melbourne will stretch from South Bank Boulevard, through Alexandra Gardens (riverside of the tan), across to Birrarung Marr, up Russell St and over to Carlton Gardens, down La Trobe to Elizabeth Street, coming full circle down to Flinders Street Station. Hoi that's a lot of Melbourne.
After a successful first year, last year's White Night Melbourne was hugely popular - and a little manic. As with any event of this scale, it takes a few times for the organisers to get it spot on. It also takes a few times for us, the event-goers, to know how to get the most out of such a unique city-wide party.
Here are a few ways to have an incredible White Night Melbourne in 2015.
BYO (build your own) Journey
The clever team at White Night Melbourne have created several itineraries of free events, based on what you might be into, like music, film, interactive or shutterbugs. Check them out, or build your own based on the full programme or the nine different precincts - they all look amazing! In each precinct you'll find toilets, water stations, food, first aid, information, bike parking, and lost child points.
Be patient - go with the flow
Sounds like a no brainer, but our comparatively little city grid is going to be filled with the broader reach of Melbourne's population coming to see over 90 free events. Expect to wait at peak times. Develop a strategy around it. Go with the flow. Have fun.
Eat
If there's one thing we do incredibly well in Melbourne, it's eat. And White Night Melbourne is no exception. Across all the precincts, many of our amazing city venues have extended their hours to help you avoid getting hangry - plus a few reliable food trucks for the win. I implore you to see the list of these appetite yielding champions - it's impressive!
Avoid peak times
Peak times at White Night Melbourne are 9pm to 11.30pm. If you're not a lover of crowds or waiting but keen to see everything, hit the city after midnight (perfect after a long, lazy dinner!). The party goes til 7am and there will be enough people around to keep the vibe up but the pushing down.
Transport
A lot of roads will be closed in the city but public transport is going above and beyond to get us to and from. See all the deets on road closures and transport.
Pack flats
Ladies (or gents...), bring or wear a pair of flats. This is not the races.
Share it!
Share your experience of White Night Melbourne and our beautiful city on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #whitenightmelb.
YAY!
What are you excited to see at 2015's White Night Melbourne?