We’re refusing to let summer go this year – and who can blame us considering the number of pop-up food and drink events sweeping the nation’s capitals. So just before the sun sets on summer for another year, we are taking a look at what temporary seasonal celebrations are left to enjoy.

Aperol Spritz
The drink of the summer has been cropping up at official pop-up events in bars around the nation, from Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel in Sydney to Melbourne’s The Royal Saxon. There are still a number of venues playing host to the pop-up, including Freshwater favourite Gio.

Bombay Sapphire Project Botanicals
Proving that pairing drinks isn’t just reserved for wine is the Bombay Sapphire Project Botanicals. The interactive sensory event partners pairs cocktails and decadent plates, created by the city’s most talented in food and drink. A series of pop-up events will be held in both Sydney and Melbourne.

Messina Creative Department
For the true Messina fan, one scoop isn’t enough. Catering to the dessert connoisseur, Messina have unleashed the Messina Creative Department at its Darlinghurst HQ – a degustation of seven courses and matching drinks served to an intimate table of eight. The self-described ‘adventure for the palette’ embraces the inventive process for which the dessert team have become renowned.

The Mandurah Crab Festival
Mandurah in Perth is famous for its blue manna crabs – the perfect excuse for a foodie festival. A two-day event, The Mandurah Crab Festival is now in its 19th year, attracting 120,000 on average through its gates to enjoy the fare of local vendors, food trucks, and live music aplenty.

Fat Tuesday Festival
Melbourne’s own version of Mardi Gras is an ode to the New Orleans experience, especially when it comes to cuisine. The event is focused on Southern food, with the Southern Comfort and Gumbo Kitchen-sponsored event equipped with a cocktail bar and beer on tap.

The Summer Night Market at QVM
Melbournites have the chance to embrace the tropical no matter the weather with the Summer Night Market. Held every Wednesday from mid February to mid March, the event is an evening celebration of global street food and drinks, live music and entertainment, as well as shopping galore for those inclined to spend their dollars.

Brisbane Ice Cream Festival
A celebration of our favourite frozen treat will shortly arrive in the Sunshine State with the Brisbane Ice Cream Festival. Fittingly the one-day special will be held in the former Peters Ice Cream Factory in West End and will host a slew of pop-up stalls from the city’s ice cream specialists, including Messina and Queen of Pops.

Taste of Japan Yummy Fun Truck
The creatives behind Messina are at it again, partnering with Qantas in celebration of the airlines new flight from Melbourne to Tokyo. Roaming the southern city’s streets will be a food truck delivering ample Japanese-themed ice creams with a twist courtesy of the dessert giant.