Newsletter | #100 | What's On this Week Newsletter | #100 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for December 1 - December 7, 2008.

This week.. there's the Homeless World Cup held in Federation Square, bringing together teams from all over the world in the huge event that's fun and aids a good cause. There's also the Eureka Festival, held this Sunday in Ballarat, while Carrum Primary School offers a huge day of environmental fun with their Big Green Festival on Friday. Our Newsletter also hits the BIG 100 and we splurge out in anticipation of the festive season with a huge swag of Christmas goodies in our Christmas Event Guide.

There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!

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Christmas Events
Christmas Events in Melbourne - Christmas is on its way, but why wait when there's plenty of fun to be had all through December? With a wide range of events and activities held in Melbourne and Victoria, get in early and treat the kids to some of the fabulous events on offer. There are many events that are free and you'll find them in jolly old Melbourne. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Christmas Events Guide for Melbourne


Advent Calendar @ Fed Square - Celebrate the spirit of Christmas as the East Shard at Federation Square is transformed into a magical Advent Calendar - 24 days, 25 windows, 25 performances! Talented aerialists will perform before a magical animation, unveiling each day's window on the side of a three-storey building with a free performance at 9pm every night.


Carols at the Convent, an annual community event held at Abbotsford Convent, will be held this Saturday. Offering an affordable evening of carols for all the family and raising money for the Mercy Health Foundation, the evening will feature a great line up of performers during the Carols, along with entertainment for children including Cupcake the Clown, food stalls and more.


Carols in Canterbury Gardens - Join the picnic atmosphere this Sunday for Carols in Canterbury Gardens. Beginning at 6.30pm, the free event includes children activities with an animal farm, glow sticks and candles. There will also be food with a sausage sizzle and more. Carols commence at 7.30 including local talent and Harambee, who appeared on Battle of the Choirs.


Christmas Lights | Melbourne's BEST - With Christmas all but here, find the best Christmas light displays are in Melbourne. Our list continues on from last year, with a handy little asterisk marking confirmed displays for 2008. To confirm your Christmas Light display (yes, its free) you can also tell us through the Contact Us button on the Christmas Lights Guide.


Christmas Gift Wrapping for Vicdeaf - Vicdeaf, the Victorian Deaf Society, will be running a Christmas gift-wrapping service at the Australia on Collins shopping centre in the city. Held to raise awareness about hearing health and also funds for the work that Videaf does, the service will run from December 15 to 24. For more information or to volunteer, contact Vicdeaf on 9473 1111.



School Holiday Guide
School Holiday Guide for a head start on what to do with the kids during the Summer School Holidays beginning on December 20, and running until January 27 in 2009. The guide is Updated Weekly to highlight the best things to do over the holiday period for the young and young at heart, with events, tours and holiday care programs.. all in marvellous Melbourne!

Solar System Highlights is a Free Guided Walk held this Monday evening when you can view highlights of the solar system and learn from the Astronomy Society of Victoria experts and see the unique Melbourne Solar System installation. The free event features the sunset over Port Phillip Bay, followed by viewings of the Moon, Venus and Jupiter. Bookings are essential.


Xmas Thank You and Clothes Swap - This Sunday there will be a flash-mobbing event (a trend where the public gathers for an impromptu event) where you can share the Xmas cheer by saying thankyou to passers by and swap an item of clothing with other participants. The location and time will be announced Saturday, so get your thankyous ready and dig out that daggy sweater!


Performances & Theatre
Dare to Dream is a Bollywood Dance Musical that will be held on Sunday at Collingwood Town Hall. An original musical written by Artistic Director Nithya Ramesen, the show is a theatrical tale of a young girls intense desire to dance no matter what obstacles she faces. With colourful dream sequences and dancing, the evening features special guests, food, clothing stalls and more.


Careless, beginning Wednesday at the Carlton Courthouse Theatre, is a play by Russell Rigby that sees Paul, a man who has everything he could wish for, faced with difficulty when too much of a good thing proves troublesome. With a beautiful wife, successful friends and a rich new client, his life takes a turn when they all get into the same room unexpectedly.


Daisy's Kitchen is a cabaret performance by Emma Wyndham where she'll welcome you to another delicious episode of Daisy's Kitchen. Held at The Butterfly Club in South Melbourne, Daisy's sugar and spice and all things nice: the perfect picture of a 1950s housewife, but The 60s are here, and Daisy can taste freedom in the air.. Performances run from Thursday to Sunday.


Shane Warne the Musical is a leg-spun yarn about what it means to fall arse-backwards into the Australian Dream and emerge a champion. With a sizzling live band and an exceptional cast, including Eddie Perfect as the man himself, the show brings to life a brilliant score fusing soul, gospel, rock, and even a touch of Bollywood. It opens this Thursday at the Athenaeum Theatre.


The Prolapsed Tour, performed by Tina Del Twiste, is a show that's not bitter, but quite twisted. In 1969, Tina performed at Woodstock in Bethel, New York, where she met Twist. 40 years on, they are performing together and will be appearing this week at The Butterfly Club in South Melbourne. Described as having a 'Velvet-dipped dagger wit,' performances begin Thursday.


Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the classic absurdist comedy by Tom Stoppard, is currently playing at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran. Casting a bizarre spin on Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', the play sees the two dubious heroes thrown headlong into the conflict surrounding the tortured prince, raising questions of their own fate and its inevitability. Known for its remarkable wordplay, it will run until December 13.


Madama Butterfly, presented by Opera Australia, is Puccini's moving tale of love and loss in the city of Nagasaki. Performed in Italian with subtitles, the production features Nicole Youl as Cio-Cio-San with performances on Thursday and Saturday at The Arts Centre. Designed by Peter England and Russell Cohen, captures the grace and delicacy of Puccini's exquisite creation.


The Hypocrite, performed by Melbourne Theatre Company, is a variation of Moliere's classic play, Tartuffe. Written by Justin Fleming and featuring Sara Gleeson and Kim Gyngell, it's playing at The Arts Centre until next Saturday. Molière's 1664 play is still rife with contemporary relevance, because the religious hucksterism and bigotry it satirises is always with us.


The Rocky Horror Show brings Richard O'Brien's classic musical to the stage with the outrageous role of Dr Frank N Furter played by ARIA-nominated singer iota, who last gave a remarkable performance in Melbourne in the rock musical of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Bursting at the seams with timeless classics, the long time cult hit is now playing at the Comedy Theatre.


Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire's novel, is the hit musical that tells the untold story of the legendary witches from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. When Dorothy famously triumphed in Oz, we only ever heard one side of the story. Now playing at the Regent Theatre, the creative team that brings the story to life includes many of Broadway's most celebrated talent.


Classical & Choral Performances
Cry Baby Classical Concerts, organised by 3MBS 103.5FM Classically Melbourne and the City of Yarra, offer parents and children the chance to enjoy classical music. With a performance held this Wednesday at Fitzroy Town Hall, entry is by Gold Coin donation. Music for children will be performed live on the day by a variety of local classical musicians.


Entertainment & Nightlife
Crowded House will be performing this Tuesday night as part of a limited number of special concerts. Having recently toured extensively worldwide for the past year with shows in America, Ireland, Russia and the UK's iconic Glastonbury Festival, one of Australia's greatest bands (Yeah, you heard right, New Zealand!) will perform at The Forum.


Naughty Night Out is a cocktail party for couples, held this Thursday at La Di Da Nightclub, located on Little Bourke Street. Part of a series of regular couples parties held at night clubs on the East Coast of Australia, it features entertainment including latin dancing, traditional burlesque performances, lingerie and underwear fashion parades, latin dancing and more.


Greg Stewart, Rod Wilson & Martin Zakharov, a popular jazz trio, will be performing this Saturday at Sofi's Bar, a wonderful relaxed lounge venue with first class entertainment, located in the Hotel Sofitel on Collins Street. Beginning at 9pm, their diverse arrangements include works by artists such as Sinatra, Snow Patrol and Leonard Cohen.


South Side Funk features the funkiest DJ's from both Melbourne and interstate playing true old-school funk like you'll never find at any other venue. Held every Friday night at Big Mouth, located in St Kilda, South Side Funk is the hottest place in Melbourne for all you money-maker shakers. If you like to get down with groovy basslines then South Side Funk on Fridays is for you.


Circus Sunrise Spectacular is an action-packed show for all the family, currently showing at Water Front City, located under the Southern Star Ferris Wheel. With shows running until December 14, the circus will follow on with the stunning show by presenting a special Holiday Spectacular that will run until January. Circus Sunrise is a true family circus with lineage going back to 1648!


Puzzles & Competitions
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of one of the displays from the National Sports Museum... See if you can spot them! Sign up for answers revealed in Next Week's Newsletter


Last week's answers are further down with Melbourne Trivia
More about The National Sports Museum | Learn More about Melbourne!


Competitions
Menulog, one of the easiest ways to book a restaurant online or order home delivery, is offering the chance for you to win a trip for 2 to Hayman Island where you can have a romantic getaway in a beautiful setting.

For a chance to win this fantastic prize all you need to do is simply visit Menulog before December 15th and do any of the following...Order food online
Book a restaurant
Review a restaurantThe more orders, bookings and reviews you make, the greater your chance of winning. By booking through Menulog you can get great discounts for food bills and more, so you're already a winner!


Community
Sketch City is a monthly event that features music, art and live painting and drawing. Promoting a greater tolerance for street art and a sense of artistic community, Sketch City features a guest band and is held this Sunday at Dazzeland Studios in Northcote, with guest artists and performers including the Ragga Muffins and Sponepheaker. It starts at 4pm.


Melbourne Sustainability Drinks, held the first Wednesday of every month at Melbourne Central's 100 Mile Cafe, provides a forum for professionals working in various parts of the 'sustainability industry' to meet, exchange ideas and hear different perspectives about the social and environmental challenges we face. Bookings are required.


The Existentialist Society host free public lectures that are held to cover diverse and often conflicting schools of thought followed by a Q&A session with the audience. Held monthly at the Unitarian Church Hall, this Tuesday Jon Roffe from the Melbourne School of Continental Philosophy will be discussing "Foucault's Problem". The event is Free, however gold coin donations are welcome.


Dynamic Drawing Classes, held by Ron Curran, can help you discover your creative identity and find your power through drawing. Classes take place every week on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings, held at Brunswick Street Gallery. Classes cost $18, with no need to book, and each class includes a model, music and facilitation provided on the day.


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 or to benefit others. This week we ask you to consider the following..

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is Australia's largest Christmas gift appeal. The Wishing Tree supports some of Australia's largest welfare organisations and Trees can be found nationally in Kmart stores, with gifts collected up until Christmas Eve. The Kmart Wishing Tree has given more than 4.14 million gifts over the past 20 years and supports some of the nations largest charities.


Markets, Fetes and Fairs
Magnolia Square is a boutique fair that showcases women's and children's attire, homewares, jewellery and more. Their special Christmas Fair will be held from Thursday to Saturday at Malvern Town Hall, revealing the work of some of Melbourne's most talented designers with a wide variety of crafts and more that can make perfect gifts for Christmas.


The Suzuki Night Market has returned to Queen Victoria Market, held weekly and running Wednesday nights through to February. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere. The Suzuki Night Market offers a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even two stages showcasing the best live music!


A Mini Christmas Fair Exhibition continues this week, presented by the Handweavers & Spinners Guild of Victoria. Running until December 13, the Guild rooms in Carlton North are open from 10am to 3pm every Tuesday to Saturday. With many great gift ideas in one location, the exhibition features a wide range of items including Christmas ornaments, cards, stockings and toys.


Garage Sales
This weekend, treat yourself to an early pressie by stepping out to one of the many garage sales you'll find around Melbourne...
Northcote, Beavers Rd - Held Saturday with loads of bargains, kids toys, furniture, kitchenware, nic-nacs & more. Starts 9am.
Visit Here For The Latest Deals With Menulog!!


The Groove Train is the perfect mix of up-tempo trendy and relaxed retro, offering daily specials on bustling Clarendon Street.
SPECIAL DINING OFFER!!
Book Through Menulog and receive 25% off your Total Bill when you dine at Groove Train! (Max Value $25)
Visit here for BOOKING DETAILS @ Menulog

Offer ends December 31 so be sure to Book Early!


Dining in Melbourne offers a splendid range of food styles to enjoy. Here are just a few classic food styles to choose from..

Modern Australian Cuisine
Chinese Restaurants
Italian Restaurants
Seafood Restaurants
French Restaurants
More Restaurants at onlyMelbourne's Dining Directory


Dining In
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


Melbourne Tours
Smartvisit Card is the best way to see the sights of Melbourne, whether you're visiting Melbourne for business, a vacation, or even if you're a local wanting to find Melbourne's hidden treasures!

The Smartvisit Card includes entry to attractions such as Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Old Melbourne Gaol, Telstra Dome, Cook's Cottage, Melbourne River Cruises, and many more of Melbourne's TOP venues!

Free entry to over 60 top attractions..
Visit great venues like Zoos, museums & more across Melbourne & Victoria!
Over $800 of entry fees for ONE low price..
Plus special offers & discounts!
Visit just 2 Attractions a day & you'll save!
FREE 128 page guidebook..
Tailored to local knowledge on what to see & do!
Cash free entry..
Show your card & you're in, no need for cash!
All year-round Attractions..
Whatever time of year you visit - rain or shine!


Learn more about Smartvisit Card


Last Week's Puzzle Answers
Anagram-orama!Hello The Hula Jar - Hallelujah to Her
Fuse Hound Kits - South Side Funk
Then Rob Gem Inn - Bring on the Men
Spot The Difference
Here are the 5 Differences in last week's picture of the City Circle Tram...

Newsletter | #099 | What's On this Week [Last Week]


Melbourne Trivia
What's In A Name?
Exhibition Street was originally named Stephen Street. However, after the Melbourne International Exhibition [1880] and Melbourne Centennial Exhibition [1888] were held at the Royal Exhibition Building, the street was renamed.

The name was officially changed by the Melbourne City Council on 5 December 1898.

Read more about Melbourne's Street Names | Read Melbourne Trivia...

WHAT'S ON CALENDAR
Speaking of what's on, our new calendar allows you to select any day of the year to view everything (everything!!!) on that day in an easy to read, printable display.
-:- View What's On Calendar
-:- View Markets Only Calendar

WHAT'S ON FEEDS
For those with newsfeeds, we now have a daily What's On Melbourne Today feed. 
→ www.onlymelbourne.com.au


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