Summertime Social

Get ready to act like a kid again, because Summertime Social is transforming Federation Square's Skyline Terrace into Melbourne's biggest rooftop playground, with dazzling views of the Melbourne skyline from every angle and the ultimate selection of summer-inspired refreshments and mouth-watering feeds.

The epic activation, which will run until early April 2020, will offer awesome lane games alongside a huge line-up of nostalgic activities including everyone's favourites (giant Jenga, obvs), luxe retro caravans and a huge communal lawn. Your summer is sorted with Summertime Social – the only place to be for fun-seeking Melbournites.

It's basically the best backyard ever! Perfect for enjoying summertime fun in the sun with your mates. Have a party or chill out with a drink, the choice is yours. It all kicks off on 3rd January with drinks specials, live music and games all opening weekend long.

Those in the mood to play should head to the lane games, ideal for a group catch up, work event or family outing. Take your pick from games including bocce, shuffleboard and skittles, all custom built for Summertime Social, and battle it out for bragging rights all summer. Great to enjoy on their own or part of a complete experience, each lane game can be pre-booked for your group of 2-6 players.

The grassy communal lawn is the perfect spot to kick back and relax in the sunshine with eats and drinks, or challenge your mates with a host of free lawn games to enjoy.

Make sure you order a delicious picnic basket to share with friends and family. The Classic Basket includes a grazing cheese and ploughman's box, party pies, Dirty Birdie chicken tenders, summer slaw and nana's famous potato salad ($60, recommended for two adults). The Lil Bit Fancy, for those feeling a bit more boujee, includes lobster rolls and ice cream tokens for $80. Families are not forgotten with a basket perfect for two adults and two children, based on the Classic plus ice cream vouchers for the whole family and kids Napoli pizzas. Veggie options are available.

On Sundays, the communal lawn at Summertime Social will play host to the Battle of the Giant Games from 1-5pm, with an MC, prizes and live music. Friday and Saturdays will see DJ beats being played 5-10pm and Sundays will offer an acoustic soloist 1-4pm. A family-friendly schedule will be released for the school holidays and on weekends.

For the ultimate Summertime Social experience, huts and luxe converted caravans are ideal for group bookings. The Summertime Social Huts are perfect for an afternoon session or celebration for up to 20 people, offering a casual setting to enjoy some drinks and bites. For those after something more fancy, the Luxe Campers are decked out with all you need for the ultimate summertime party. Think a picnic spread, fried chicken, healthy salads, boozy ice cream, beer filled eskies and even nostalgic board games. All to be enjoyed for groups of up to 10 in a boho-inspired caravan. Bookings via the website.

Cocktails are the order of the day with Passionfruit Caprioska and Miami Iced Tea on tap alongside Aperol spritz. Or, cool down with an alcoholic slushie – Mango Daiquiri or Margarita. Plus beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. Or, set yourself up with an Esky, four cans of beer or wine. Weekday happy hour is 4-6pm with $6 tap cocktails, Furphy beer, rosé and prosecco.

In addition to the picnic baskets, there's a selection of flavour packed, one-handed bites to satisfy hungry tums (you need to balance a drink in one hand food in the other right?). Uber-Eats brand Dirty Birdie will be popping up in the flesh, offering burgers, fried chicken, healthy birdie bowls, salads and a kids menu. Or get your hands on one of the tasty woodfired pizzas. Then there's the pop-up ice cream cart, which will be serving up fun boozy flavours and peanut butter and jelly ice cream sandwiches all summer long.

Look out for the Bottomless Brunch on Saturdays – 90 minutes (11am-12.30pm) of bottomless tap cocktails, prosecco, mimosas, beer and one brunch item such as the Summertime BLT burger or Ultimate Fry Up Calzone for $49.

Summertime Social is being brought to Melburnians by Australian Venue Co. - the team that created Federation Square's 'The Winter Village' and owner of popular venues including The Duke in Melbourne's CBD and Fargo & Co in Richmond.

So, if you're ready to have some serious fun, grab your mates or family and head down to Summertime Social from 3rd January. With the sun on your face and a drink in your hand, you won't want to be anywhere else.