April is quickly coming to a close, meaning some of our fave pop up restaurants, festivals and events are quickly coming and going. In saying this, we have put together some upcoming events that should definitely be on your radar before the month comes to a close.
Espresso Yourself Festival
448-462 Mount Alexander Road, Ascot Vale
The Ascot Lot Beer Garden has been a host to many of Melbourne’s food truck festivals, but it’s now time to dedicate a day to the well-loved Espresso Martini.
Espresso Yourself is a one-day-only mini festival that celebrates everything Espresso Martini, it aims to showcase the five new mouth-watering flavours that the masterminds at The Ascot Lot have created.
From 12pm, all five Espresso Martini flavours are $10 a pop, or you can treat yourself to the $40 Espresso Yourself pass which gives you access to try all five flavours for one great price. The five martini flavours on offer are inclusive of the traditional Espresso Martini, The Cherry Bite, Mint Like You, Bounty Hunter and the Jaffa Smasher.
There will be plenty food trucks on hand who are prepared to feed the crowds, as a festival without food is like an Espresso Martini without Kahlua. DJ Lloyd Jones will also be making an appearance from 3PM to spin some tunes whilst you sip on your caffeinated cocktails.
If you’re 99% already there, let us push you over the line by telling you this dog-friendly venue extends an invitation to your pooch, who can be your drinking buddy for the afternoon.
When: Saturday 27th April
Time: 12pm – 10pm
Where: The Ascot Lot, 448-462 Mount Alexander Road, Ascot Vale.
Food Truck Festival
Birrarung Marr, Melbourne CBD
Great news foodies, Melbourne’s notorious Food Truck Festival is returning to Birrarung Marr!
Over an eventful five days you’ll be able feast on food served from 40 of the city’s best food trucks, kick back to some live entertainment and immerse yourself in many other fun activities.
This food truck festival will be serving an impressive line-up of dishes, ranging from Asian-inspired eats to fried chicken, tacos and vegan alternatives, there is something to please everyone. Let that sweet tooth come out to play, as there is a dessert precinct ready for you to live out your wildest dreams.
Here are some of the trucks making an appearance: Icy Donuts Truck, Stix Truck, Yo India, Okamoto Fusion Sushi Truck, Ron’s Hamburgers and many many more!
Entry to the event is free, but a voluntary gold coin donation is encouraged to support Fight MND.
When: Wednesday 24th April- Sunday 28th April
Time: Wednesday/Friday 5pm – 10 pm, Thursday (ANZAC Day) 12pm – 10pm, Saturday/Sunday 11am – 10pm.
Where: Birrarung Marr, Melbourne CBD
Arbory Afloat
2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne CBD
The end of Arbory Afloat marks the end of another beautiful Australian summer, and this city hotspot is set to close its doors for the year at the end of April. If you haven’t found time to visit this spectacular floating bar and restaurant, we suggest you set some time aside.
This 69-metre floating pontoon boasts 360-degree views of the Yarra River and Melbourne CBD skyline. It takes inspiration from and absolutely nails the Amalfi Coast vibe, with its striped umbrellas, daybed and beach club music.
Arbory Afloat boasts an extensive cocktail list of fruity feel good favourites, including Aperol Spritz on tap, Pina Colada and a Pomegranate Daiquiri. The food menu is packed full of delicious share plates, salads, seafood, pizza, pasta and a whole lot more.
This pop-up bar is the perfect place to soak in those last few warmer days followed by cool breezy nights.
When: Open Everyday Until 28th of April
Time: 7am-1am Thursday (ANZAC Day), 11am – 1am Every Other Day
Where: 2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne CBD.
By Ashleigh Hendel