Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for February 4 - February 10, 2008.
This week, get another New Year's in with Chinatown celebrating the Year of the Rat. Chinese New Year also sees the Dragon Boats racing at Docklands, while the Grape Grazing Festival caters for the foodies! There is also the Whittlesea Country Music Festival, the continuing Herring Island Summer Arts, and don't miss UnitingCare's Pancake Day at City Square!
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
Not receiving our newsletter? Get your copy of What's On this Week!
Major Events Guide
Chinese New Year Festival rings in the Year of the Rat this Sunday in Chinatown, Little Bourke Street. With festivities beginning at 10am, the day offers a diverse mix of Chinese culture with dances, opera, and even a karaoke competition. One of Melbourne's most celebrated events, the festival has something for everyone with food stalls, kids' crafts, Chinese chess competitions, and the much loved dragon parades!
The Grape Grazing Festival is extended this year to mark its 21st birthday, taking place over two weeks with an enormous menu of the best food, music and entertainment Victoria has to offer! Running from Saturday 9th to Monday 18th of February, the festival program includes open air opera, gourmet cooking classes, and the traditional Grape Grazing weekend, held on 16th and 17th February.
The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival features a divers range of special events taking place every Saturday and Sunday until February 20. Held at the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park in Toorak, there will be five groups exhibiting throughout the festival and special events with work on show that includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, drawing and more.
Valentine's Day | February 14
Valentine's Day, February 14th, is fast approaching...
Remind your loved one (and yourself) why you love them so much on that one special day when you can say, 'Thankyou, just for being you!'
Get the jump on Cupid this year with our Valentine's Day Guide, featuring all the suggestions you need for gifts, romantic dinners and more!
Chinese New Year Dragon Boats - Celebrating the beginning of 2008, the Year of the Rat, Dragon Boats Victoria will be holding a special boat race on Sunday. Showcasing a cultural activity that has roots in ancient China, the special day also features a ceremony in which the boats are blessed, the dragons awakened, and then the excitement begins! The event is free and takes place at Docklands' Harbour Esplanade.
The Essential Woman Lifestyle Expo, hosted by Tottie Goldsmith, features over 180 exhibitors who will be showcasing everything from hair and skin care to health, education and more. It begins Friday at the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre.
All of Us is Australia's largest ever photographic portrait show, displayed across the outer walls of Federation Square's Crossbar Building. The photos by Michel Lawrence, celebrate Australia's diverse culture with over 200 residents from different backgrounds.
People, Places, Animals is a major survey of work by acclaimed British artist , whose real-life photos of his family became a notorious part of the 1997 Saatchi exhibition Sensation. The exhibition is currently at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.
Power and Beauty - Indigenous Art Now, is showing at the Heide Museum of Modern Art. With works from contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in all areas of Australia, the exhibits attest to the artists' resilience in holding on to their culture.
Arts & Theatre
Two Old Queens stars Edgar Metcalf and John Michael Swinbank as the Queen Mother and the ghost of one of Britain's greatest wits, Sir Noel Coward. The light-hearted musical, in which the two reminisce over martinis, features songs penned by Coward himself.
Fairfield Amphitheatre presents a series of concerts preformed by some of Melbourne's renowned World Music artists and performers. Held every Sunday evening, the concerts are family-friendly, free outdoor shows. They run until February 24.
This is Good Advice is a double bill of Caryl Churchill's 'This is a chair' and Martin Crimp's 'Advice to Iraqi Women', exploring the surreal nature of political tension and modern society. Performances run until February 10 at the Trades Hall in Carlton.
Coles Girls is a kitsch musical comedy that romps through every aisle as checkout girls, Lysa Nads and Leesa Alopecia, two No frills, Home Brand girls, contemplate their lives in the supermarket line through song. It plays at Northcote Town Hall until February 9.
Entertainment & Nightlife
The Whittlesea Country Music Festival, held this Saturday, has fast earned a reputation both here and overseas as one of Australia's major country music festivals. With kids' activities, a free street party and guests such as Gina Jeffreys, it's a huge day of fun!
King Marong & Afro Mandinko will be performing a special CD Launch on February 8, delivering a breath of fresh air into the Australian African/World music scene with their debut self-titled album. The album launch also features special guests, Akasa in an audio-visual feast that no one should resist! The big night takes place at Northcote Social Club, and ticket entry includes a copy of their new CD!
Nissan Moonlight Cinema is Australia's favourite summer outdoor cinema screening recent, classic and contemporary films in the Royal Botanic Gardens' stunning parklands! This Tuesday - the horror, the horror.. it's the gritty cult film, Apocalypse Now screening.
The Rooftop Cinema at Curtin House flickers into action all Summer, with films screening Tuesday to Sunday. Enjoy the night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar! This week's program offers classic Kubrick with A Clockwork Orange, playing Sunday.
Scheduled for completion in late 2008, the winners will also recieve two guided tours throughout 2008 to see the construction progress, a commemorative gift and invitations to the official VIP launch!
Competition Ends 12th of February 2008
$12,000 Cash Bonanza! Here's your chance to share in a $12,000 CASH BONANZA, courtesy of Financial Services Online! Apply free online for any comparative quote & you automatically qualify for free entry into their monthly prize draw of $1,000!
On The Palate, taking place this Sunday at Healesville Racecourse, showcases some of the finest wines and food from the Yarra Valley region. Along with live music, it's perfect for a ready-made picnic on the lawns! There will also be free shuttle buses from Lilydale Station.
Wining
Cleanskins.com sell premium Australian wines direct to the public at up to 50% off retail prices, offering Free Home Delivery and a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Perfect for all lovers of wine, their impressive range of wines and service were recommended on Channel 7's Today Tonight and Channel 9's A Current Affair.
Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill offer sensational cuisine, and a perfect atmosphere set amidst quality design with floor to ceiling windows displaying the Docklands' water views. The Modern Greek cuisine is prepared using only the very best local produce.
Menulog Home Delivery is a great chance to eat fine cuisine at home! With over 300 of the best restaurants on offer, you're sure to find something to suit any taste or occasion. To find fast and easy delivery in your area, Visit Here.
Dragons vs Taipans
Wed 6 Feb 7:30pm - Vodafone Arena
Tigers vs Dragons
Sat 9 Feb 7:30pm - State Netball and Hockey Centre
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
The Shirt and Skirt Markets, held on Sunday at Abbotsford Convent, is the perfect place for emerging fashion designers to showcase their talents and sell beautiful creations to the general public, with men's, women's and children's fashion, jewellery and more!
Melbourne Market Guide - 2nd Week of this Month
Make the most of the sunny days and hop along to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs this weekend for a bargain! An increasing number of food and produce markets including wine are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
The Suzuki Night Market has returned for summer at Queen Victoria Market, running Wednesday nights weekly through to February 27. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere!
Melbourne For Kids
Sand Sculpting Australia - In 2008, after seven years on the Rye foreshore, Sand Sculpting Australia will be relocating to an exciting new venue - the 'Frankston Waterfront'! The area will be transformed as 3,500 tonnes of sand are meticulously carved into scenes from your favourite childhood 'Fairytales and Fables'. Integrated with the sand sculptures will be regular activities to keep the whole family entertained!
Masks of China at the Immigration Museum features handmade masks from China, some which are over 200 years old. With free entry for children the exhibition includes fun kids activity trail with the chance to sketch and colour-in their own mask!
The Independent Games Festival Exhibition is an interactive showcase of selected winners and nominees of the Independent Games Festival. The exhibition features a stunning selection of work such as Samarost 2 (pictured).
Puffing Billy Tour - take a tour the whole family can enjoy with a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-loved steam train! Winding its way through lush ferns and towering timbers, this fantastic tour offers may treats, including wine tasting for the adults and also a trip to Healesville Sanctuary that kids will love!
UnitingCare Pancake Day - Start Tuesday off with a hot pancake, all for just a gold coin donation! Raising funds for the disadvantaged, the day features live music and special guests including Rockwiz's Brian Nankervis. It takes place at City Square from 8am.
Learn to Knit at Prahran Library - Every Wednesday at Prahran Library there is a free one-hour knitting class for people of all ages and experience. A great way to make friends and be creative, the classes begin at 1:30pm - needles and wool can be provided.
Yoga at the Park is an initiative of The Health and Yoga Council of Australia, presenting Yoga classes in some of Victoria's most beautiful parks and gardens. Set in a relaxed environment, classes are designed to suit many age groups and levels of experience.
You Can Help
There are many social causes that are relevant to people from all walks of life, many of which rely on public support to better the community or assist those who are less fortunate. This week we ask you to consider the following..
FebFast is a community education and awareness campaign that invites you to help others and also yourself by sacrificing alcohol intake during the month of February. Participants, sponsored by friends and family, can help raise funds to assist organisations that support young people struggling with substance use. You can even purchase a Time Out Certificate allowing you to drink on special occasions and raise more funds!
Advertising your Business or Event at OnlyMelbourne is not only easy, but best of all it's FREE!! - Get Listed.. - don't forget to tell your friends!
Each week we highlight five of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.
The iconic clocks of Flinders Street Station, located above the steps at the main entrance were part of the original design plans, and remain in almost the same place as they did in the early years of construction.
Part and parcel of the 'Flinders steps' - a popular meeting point for those in the city - the 13 clocks, now operated by computer, were once meant to be replaced by video screens, but the public outcry was so great that the plans were abandoned.
Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for February 4 - February 10, 2008.
This week, get another New Year's in with Chinatown celebrating the Year of the Rat. Chinese New Year also sees the Dragon Boats racing at Docklands, while the Grape Grazing Festival caters for the foodies! There is also the Whittlesea Country Music Festival, the continuing Herring Island Summer Arts, and don't miss UnitingCare's Pancake Day at City Square!
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
Not receiving our newsletter? Get your copy of What's On this Week!
Major Events Guide
Chinese New Year Festival rings in the Year of the Rat this Sunday in Chinatown, Little Bourke Street. With festivities beginning at 10am, the day offers a diverse mix of Chinese culture with dances, opera, and even a karaoke competition. One of Melbourne's most celebrated events, the festival has something for everyone with food stalls, kids' crafts, Chinese chess competitions, and the much loved dragon parades!
The Grape Grazing Festival is extended this year to mark its 21st birthday, taking place over two weeks with an enormous menu of the best food, music and entertainment Victoria has to offer! Running from Saturday 9th to Monday 18th of February, the festival program includes open air opera, gourmet cooking classes, and the traditional Grape Grazing weekend, held on 16th and 17th February.
The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival features a divers range of special events taking place every Saturday and Sunday until February 20. Held at the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park in Toorak, there will be five groups exhibiting throughout the festival and special events with work on show that includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, drawing and more.
Valentine's Day | February 14
Valentine's Day, February 14th, is fast approaching...
Remind your loved one (and yourself) why you love them so much on that one special day when you can say, 'Thankyou, just for being you!'
Get the jump on Cupid this year with our Valentine's Day Guide, featuring all the suggestions you need for gifts, romantic dinners and more!
Chinese New Year Dragon Boats - Celebrating the beginning of 2008, the Year of the Rat, Dragon Boats Victoria will be holding a special boat race on Sunday. Showcasing a cultural activity that has roots in ancient China, the special day also features a ceremony in which the boats are blessed, the dragons awakened, and then the excitement begins! The event is free and takes place at Docklands' Harbour Esplanade.
The Essential Woman Lifestyle Expo, hosted by Tottie Goldsmith, features over 180 exhibitors who will be showcasing everything from hair and skin care to health, education and more. It begins Friday at the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre.
All of Us is Australia's largest ever photographic portrait show, displayed across the outer walls of Federation Square's Crossbar Building. The photos by Michel Lawrence, celebrate Australia's diverse culture with over 200 residents from different backgrounds.
People, Places, Animals is a major survey of work by acclaimed British artist , whose real-life photos of his family became a notorious part of the 1997 Saatchi exhibition Sensation. The exhibition is currently at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.
Power and Beauty - Indigenous Art Now, is showing at the Heide Museum of Modern Art. With works from contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in all areas of Australia, the exhibits attest to the artists' resilience in holding on to their culture.
Arts & Theatre
Two Old Queens stars Edgar Metcalf and John Michael Swinbank as the Queen Mother and the ghost of one of Britain's greatest wits, Sir Noel Coward. The light-hearted musical, in which the two reminisce over martinis, features songs penned by Coward himself.
Fairfield Amphitheatre presents a series of concerts preformed by some of Melbourne's renowned World Music artists and performers. Held every Sunday evening, the concerts are family-friendly, free outdoor shows. They run until February 24.
This is Good Advice is a double bill of Caryl Churchill's 'This is a chair' and Martin Crimp's 'Advice to Iraqi Women', exploring the surreal nature of political tension and modern society. Performances run until February 10 at the Trades Hall in Carlton.
Coles Girls is a kitsch musical comedy that romps through every aisle as checkout girls, Lysa Nads and Leesa Alopecia, two No frills, Home Brand girls, contemplate their lives in the supermarket line through song. It plays at Northcote Town Hall until February 9.
Entertainment & Nightlife
The Whittlesea Country Music Festival, held this Saturday, has fast earned a reputation both here and overseas as one of Australia's major country music festivals. With kids' activities, a free street party and guests such as Gina Jeffreys, it's a huge day of fun!
King Marong & Afro Mandinko will be performing a special CD Launch on February 8, delivering a breath of fresh air into the Australian African/World music scene with their debut self-titled album. The album launch also features special guests, Akasa in an audio-visual feast that no one should resist! The big night takes place at Northcote Social Club, and ticket entry includes a copy of their new CD!
Nissan Moonlight Cinema is Australia's favourite summer outdoor cinema screening recent, classic and contemporary films in the Royal Botanic Gardens' stunning parklands! This Tuesday - the horror, the horror.. it's the gritty cult film, Apocalypse Now screening.
The Rooftop Cinema at Curtin House flickers into action all Summer, with films screening Tuesday to Sunday. Enjoy the night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar! This week's program offers classic Kubrick with A Clockwork Orange, playing Sunday.
Scheduled for completion in late 2008, the winners will also recieve two guided tours throughout 2008 to see the construction progress, a commemorative gift and invitations to the official VIP launch!
Competition Ends 12th of February 2008
$12,000 Cash Bonanza! Here's your chance to share in a $12,000 CASH BONANZA, courtesy of Financial Services Online! Apply free online for any comparative quote & you automatically qualify for free entry into their monthly prize draw of $1,000!
On The Palate, taking place this Sunday at Healesville Racecourse, showcases some of the finest wines and food from the Yarra Valley region. Along with live music, it's perfect for a ready-made picnic on the lawns! There will also be free shuttle buses from Lilydale Station.
Wining
Cleanskins.com sell premium Australian wines direct to the public at up to 50% off retail prices, offering Free Home Delivery and a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Perfect for all lovers of wine, their impressive range of wines and service were recommended on Channel 7's Today Tonight and Channel 9's A Current Affair.
Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill offer sensational cuisine, and a perfect atmosphere set amidst quality design with floor to ceiling windows displaying the Docklands' water views. The Modern Greek cuisine is prepared using only the very best local produce.
Menulog Home Delivery is a great chance to eat fine cuisine at home! With over 300 of the best restaurants on offer, you're sure to find something to suit any taste or occasion. To find fast and easy delivery in your area, Visit Here.
Dragons vs Taipans
Wed 6 Feb 7:30pm - Vodafone Arena
Tigers vs Dragons
Sat 9 Feb 7:30pm - State Netball and Hockey Centre
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
The Shirt and Skirt Markets, held on Sunday at Abbotsford Convent, is the perfect place for emerging fashion designers to showcase their talents and sell beautiful creations to the general public, with men's, women's and children's fashion, jewellery and more!
Melbourne Market Guide - 2nd Week of this Month
Make the most of the sunny days and hop along to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs this weekend for a bargain! An increasing number of food and produce markets including wine are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
The Suzuki Night Market has returned for summer at Queen Victoria Market, running Wednesday nights weekly through to February 27. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere!
Melbourne For Kids
Sand Sculpting Australia - In 2008, after seven years on the Rye foreshore, Sand Sculpting Australia will be relocating to an exciting new venue - the 'Frankston Waterfront'! The area will be transformed as 3,500 tonnes of sand are meticulously carved into scenes from your favourite childhood 'Fairytales and Fables'. Integrated with the sand sculptures will be regular activities to keep the whole family entertained!
Masks of China at the Immigration Museum features handmade masks from China, some which are over 200 years old. With free entry for children the exhibition includes fun kids activity trail with the chance to sketch and colour-in their own mask!
The Independent Games Festival Exhibition is an interactive showcase of selected winners and nominees of the Independent Games Festival. The exhibition features a stunning selection of work such as Samarost 2 (pictured).
Puffing Billy Tour - take a tour the whole family can enjoy with a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-loved steam train! Winding its way through lush ferns and towering timbers, this fantastic tour offers may treats, including wine tasting for the adults and also a trip to Healesville Sanctuary that kids will love!
UnitingCare Pancake Day - Start Tuesday off with a hot pancake, all for just a gold coin donation! Raising funds for the disadvantaged, the day features live music and special guests including Rockwiz's Brian Nankervis. It takes place at City Square from 8am.
Learn to Knit at Prahran Library - Every Wednesday at Prahran Library there is a free one-hour knitting class for people of all ages and experience. A great way to make friends and be creative, the classes begin at 1:30pm - needles and wool can be provided.
Yoga at the Park is an initiative of The Health and Yoga Council of Australia, presenting Yoga classes in some of Victoria's most beautiful parks and gardens. Set in a relaxed environment, classes are designed to suit many age groups and levels of experience.
You Can Help
There are many social causes that are relevant to people from all walks of life, many of which rely on public support to better the community or assist those who are less fortunate. This week we ask you to consider the following..
FebFast is a community education and awareness campaign that invites you to help others and also yourself by sacrificing alcohol intake during the month of February. Participants, sponsored by friends and family, can help raise funds to assist organisations that support young people struggling with substance use. You can even purchase a Time Out Certificate allowing you to drink on special occasions and raise more funds!
Advertising your Business or Event at OnlyMelbourne is not only easy, but best of all it's FREE!! - Get Listed.. - don't forget to tell your friends!
Each week we highlight five of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.
The iconic clocks of Flinders Street Station, located above the steps at the main entrance were part of the original design plans, and remain in almost the same place as they did in the early years of construction.
Part and parcel of the 'Flinders steps' - a popular meeting point for those in the city - the 13 clocks, now operated by computer, were once meant to be replaced by video screens, but the public outcry was so great that the plans were abandoned.
The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival features a divers range of special events taking place every Saturday and Sunday until February 20. Held at the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park in Toorak, there will be five groups exhibiting throughout the festival and special events with work on show that includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, drawing and more.
Valentine's Day, February 14th, is fast approaching... 
All of Us is Australia's largest ever photographic portrait show, displayed across the outer walls of Federation Square's Crossbar Building. The photos by Michel Lawrence, celebrate Australia's diverse culture with over 200 residents from different backgrounds.
People, Places, Animals is a major survey of work by acclaimed British artist 
Power and Beauty - Indigenous Art Now, is showing at the Heide Museum of Modern Art. With works from contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in all areas of Australia, the exhibits attest to the artists' resilience in holding on to their culture.
Coles Girls is a kitsch musical comedy that romps through every aisle as checkout girls, Lysa Nads and Leesa Alopecia, two No frills, Home Brand girls, contemplate their lives in the supermarket line through song. It plays at Northcote Town Hall until February 9.
King Marong & Afro Mandinko will be performing a special CD Launch on February 8, delivering a breath of fresh air into the Australian African/World music scene with their debut self-titled album. The album launch also features special guests, Akasa in an audio-visual feast that no one should resist! The big night takes place at Northcote Social Club, and ticket entry includes a copy of their new CD!
Nissan Moonlight Cinema is Australia's favourite summer outdoor cinema screening recent, classic and contemporary films in the Royal Botanic Gardens' stunning parklands! This Tuesday - the horror, the horror.. it's the gritty cult film, Apocalypse Now screening.
The Rooftop Cinema at Curtin House flickers into action all Summer, with films screening Tuesday to Sunday. Enjoy the night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar! This week's program offers classic Kubrick with A Clockwork Orange, playing Sunday.
Be the first to ride the Wheel - a ride to remember! 
$12,000 Cash Bonanza! Here's your chance to share in a $12,000 CASH BONANZA, courtesy of Financial Services Online! Apply free online for any comparative quote & you automatically qualify for free entry into their monthly prize draw of $1,000!
Cleanskins.com sell premium Australian wines direct to the public at up to 50% off retail prices, offering Free Home Delivery and a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill offer sensational cuisine, and a perfect atmosphere set amidst quality design with floor to ceiling windows displaying the Docklands' water views. The Modern Greek cuisine is prepared using only the very best local produce.
The Shirt and Skirt Markets, held on Sunday at Abbotsford Convent, is the perfect place for emerging fashion designers to showcase their talents and sell beautiful creations to the general public, with men's, women's and children's fashion, jewellery and more!
Melbourne Market Guide - 2nd Week of this Month
The Suzuki Night Market has returned for summer at Queen Victoria Market, running Wednesday nights weekly through to February 27. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere!
Sand Sculpting Australia - In 2008, after seven years on the Rye foreshore, Sand Sculpting Australia will be relocating to an exciting new venue - the 'Frankston Waterfront'! The area will be transformed as 3,500 tonnes of sand are meticulously carved into scenes from your favourite childhood 'Fairytales and Fables'. Integrated with the sand sculptures will be regular activities to keep the whole family entertained!
Masks of China at the Immigration Museum features handmade masks from China, some which are over 200 years old. With free entry for children the exhibition includes fun kids activity trail with the chance to sketch and colour-in their own mask!
The Independent Games Festival Exhibition is an interactive showcase of selected winners and nominees of the Independent Games Festival. The exhibition features a stunning selection of work such as Samarost 2 (pictured).
Puffing Billy Tour - take a tour the whole family can enjoy with a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-loved steam train! Winding its way through lush ferns and towering timbers, this fantastic tour offers may treats, including wine tasting for the adults and also a trip to Healesville Sanctuary that kids will love!
Learn to Knit at Prahran Library - Every Wednesday at Prahran Library there is a free one-hour knitting class for people of all ages and experience. A great way to make friends and be creative, the classes begin at 1:30pm - needles and wool can be provided.
Yoga at the Park is an initiative of The Health and Yoga Council of Australia, presenting Yoga classes in some of Victoria's most beautiful parks and gardens. Set in a relaxed environment, classes are designed to suit many age groups and levels of experience.
FebFast is a community education and awareness campaign that invites you to help others and also yourself by sacrificing alcohol intake during the month of February. Participants, sponsored by friends and family, can help raise funds to assist organisations that support young people struggling with substance use. You can even purchase a Time Out Certificate allowing you to drink on special occasions and raise more funds!
