Seven ways to rediscover Melbourne this summer

Perched on a corner of Elizabeth Street in what used to be a bakery, Pickett's Deli and Rotisserie is be an all-day operation running from 7am to 11pm, to catch the market traffic in the morning and at lunchtime, before turning into a wine bar in the evening. Seating is communal, to replicate the feel of dining in a friend's kitchen table, and diners can pick through daytime options including the eponymous chef's signature bacon and egg buttie, baguette sandwiches with the freshly roasted chook, or whatever is going on the rotisserie du jour.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's Sydney Myer Free Concerts make the perfect soundtrack to summer in the city. Create your Melbourne moment and listen to the stunning work of Russian masters like Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov at MSO Plays The Russians, or take your significant other out on a date to MSO Plays Romeo and Juliet. Feel like a dance? Don't miss MSO Plays La Valse, where classic ballet and dance inspired works will have waltzing in front of Melbourne's best outdoor stage.

Visit ArtVo this summer, an immersive art gallery in Harbour Town where you can actually touch and interact with the works. There are over 11 themed zones where you can interact with large scale paintings painted directly on walls and floors so you can take photographs of yourself becoming a part of the artworks. This family-friendly exhibition is fun for all ages and open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Watch a movie set against the backdrop of our stunning city skyline at The Backlot Rooftop Drive-in this summer. The twin drive-in cinema screen two blockbuster titles every night from 8pm and will be an opportunity for long-time residents and new visitors to Melbourne to see Melbourne from a whole new vantage point. Not driving? No worries. The 'blue deck' seating area is open to walk-in moviegoers.

In just two years, and two editions, MPavilion has become an essential summer hub for Melbourne: an architect-designed pop-up venue in Queen Victoria Gardens for music, talks and performances. Over 400 free talks, events and performances will take place until February 18. MPavilion is open daily from 9am-4pm, with an on-site café run by coffee roaster Three Thousand Thieves and featuring a menu heavy on local providores, including Shadowfax wines, Melbourne Gin Company, Koko Black, Yarra Valley Dairy and Sneakyboy Sweets.