Newsletter | #103 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for December 22 - December 28, 2008.

This week.. Christmas has finally arrived, but it also brings with it some events that shine a light on other religions this week. This Monday there's the Chanukah in the City festival offering a free evening of entertainment at federation Square, while on Boxing Day if you're not too tired from all the Christmas festivities, there's the Universal New Year celebrations in Springvale where you can enjoy 3 days of fun and celebration, Cambodian style.

Meanwhile, if the overwhelming tide of Christmas events is still very much your cup of eggnog, there's the grand finale performance this Christmas Eve at Federation Square's Advent Calendar. You can also take a Walk Through Bethlehem in Thornbury this week with an elaborate recreation of the nativity scene and much more.

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

You can also learn how you can now view OnlyMelbourne from your mobile phone.. That's right! We now fit in your pocket, so please be sure to wash your jeans and keep away from those pickled onions if it's the back pocket you're partial to.

Not receiving our newsletter? Get your copy of What's On this Week!

Melbourne On The Go

Mobile OnlyMelbourne - We're very pleased to announce that the OnlyMelbourne web site is now mobile compatible. To view our website, either go directly to our Melbourne home page with your web compatible phone, or Google what you're looking for and when you arrive at our web site, you'll automatically be taken to the mobile compatible version of OnlyMelbourne.

School Holiday Guide

Check out our School Holiday Guide for all the latest on what to do with the kids during the Summer School Holidays continuing through December 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!

View School Holiday Guide

DinoStory | Sand Sculpting Exhibition - Sand Sculpting Australia will again present a special display at the Frankston Waterfront with their newest theme, DinoStory. Featuring the work of sculptors from Australia and overseas, the sand carvings will take the form of dinosaurs in stunning detail. The exhibition begins this week, opening Boxing Day.

The Wind in the Willows - Melbourne's favourite family entertainment continues its well-loved tradition of bringing the animals home to the Royal Botanic Gardens, beginning Saturday. Pack a picnic, pack the kids... and join Rat, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly and, of course, Mr Toad, as they bring to life Kenneth Grahame's immortal story of life on the riverbank.

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!

Walk Through Bethlehem, beginning Monday and running till Christmas Eve in Thornbury, is a living display of life in a small town at the time of the birth of Jesus. Bethlehem, in Thornbury, is filled by spinners, weavers, blacksmiths, carpenters, potters and people of ancient crafts and trades. The focal point of the production is the stable, with Mary, Joseph and Jesus.

Advent Calendar @ Fed Square - Celebrate Christmas as the East Shard at Federation Square is transformed into a magical Advent Calendar. With talented aerialists performing before a magical animation, unveiling each day's window along the East Shard building, there'll be a free performance at 9pm with an extra finale at 11:30pm Christmas Eve.

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.

Major Events Guide

Chanukah In The City, held this Monday in Federation Square, is a free event presented by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria and supported by the City of Melbourne. Beginning at 5pm and running until 10:30pm, this year's event features thrilling rides and activities for kids, Israeli dancing and a huge line-up of live and local Melbourne talent.

Universal New Year, held at the Khmer Buddhist Centre in Springvale, is a special festival to celebrate the Universal New Year in festive Cambodian style. Held from Boxing Day to Sunday, the festival offers three days of fun with Cambodian food, singers from Cambodia, a traditional dance troupe, and for kids there'll be fireworks, amusements and rides.

Upcoming Events

NEW LIVE CALENDAR
To find out about future events in Melbourne, have a look at our new calendar, with details about many more events that lie ahead, including Exhibitions, Gigs, Markets, Expos and more..
View Future Events on any day of the week
(Arguments with Agnostic cats notwithstanding!)

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve - The year's almost been and gone already, and hasn't it snuck up quickly! With New years on the way, everyone get outs for Melbourne's biggest night of the year, so here is our guide how to count down the New Year into 2009..
New Year's Eve Planning Guide
What's On in Melbourne - New Year's Eve

h2oh! Lakeside Summer Party - h2oh! is a unique, affordable New Year's event that's tailor made for all you party people who enjoy Dance and Funky House music. Upscale, friendly and vibey, the event will be located on the prime location of Albert Park Lake with an abundance of space, excitement and bars with an electrifying party atmosphere.

Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show

Artz Blitz, held by Kingston Arts Centre is a 24-hour competition where entrants get the opportunity to create an artwork to a specific theme, exhibit in a dynamic exhibition and go into the running for over $3000 worth of prizes. With 180 places available for artists to pre-register, registrations close February 6 with the theme announced on 3RRR on later in February.

Digital Eye is an exhibition of photographs taken by young people who've experienced social, economic or cultural adversity and have a higher chance of developing depression, mental illness and substance abuse. Organised by the Inspire Foundation, the show can be seen until Tuesday at the building foyer of Telstra in Exhibition Street.

Hocus Pocus - Science and physics become mere playthings as the world of magic, with all its baroque, buoyant charm, comes to City Museum. Proving that magic is in Melbourne's blood, the exhibition shows how our city has radiated with wonder and possibility since its streets were first paved with gold, featuring souvenirs, tools, artworks and more dating back to the 1850s.

Greyscales is an exhibition that culminates 10 months extensive work, blunting over 400 blades through the hand cutting of each stencilled piece by the artist, Kirpy. With black and white artworks that possess a distinct Melburnian undertone and a strong graffiti influence, Kirpy's depictions of lanes and other settings will run at Brunswick's Gallery 696 until Wednesday.

Greenhouse by Joost is an Australian first in self-sustaining planning with this temporary event venue, currently open at Federation Square. Made entirely from recycled materials, Joost's Greenhouse will run until January and will be open daily as a gallery, cafe and social hub, while at night the unique venue will transform to become a vibrant hub to entertain the public.

Expos, Launches & Open Days

The Wholistic Lifestyle Festival will be held this Sunday at the Cowes Cultural Centre in Phillip Island. The festival expo not only offers a place of self-discovery, but also a place for people to talk about Alternative and New Age issues and broaden their horizons while exploring a smorgasbord of Alternative Therapies and Natural Health options, Psychic readings and more.

Performances & Theatre

The Taming of the Shrew is a fun night of Shakespeare Under The Stars with Glenn Elston's wildly entertaining production of the Bard's classic play. A story of a relationship that starts with fire and brimstone but leads to deep love and admiration, performances will begin this Saturday at the Royal Botanic Gardens, with shows then running from Tuesday to Sunday.

KAGUYA Princess from Moon, presented by Masami Ballet in Melbourne, is a performance that will be held this Tuesday at Theatreworks in St Kilda. The play tells the story of Kaguya Hime, the daughter of the goddess of the moon and king of the sacred Mt Fuji. The traditional fairly tale has inspired many mediums, including the popular cartoon, Sailor Moon.

Divas of Asia, will present a Christmas Cabaret this Wednesday night at the Opium Den in Abbotsford. The drag show showcases the fabulous costumes, movements and talents of Asia's leading songbirds, with Chelsey Mikimoto and Aneeta Mooi joined by camp siren Jasmin and flamboyant act Shireen Sequin. The performance begins at 9pm.

Is There Life after High School? So what do you remember from high school? How many names, school songs and useless facts and disasters with the opposite sex are stuck in your head? These are the questions asked in Craig Carnelia's Broadway hit musical, proving that no matter how long ago it was, some things you never forget. It runs until Tuesday at Chapel Off Chapel.

Billy Elliot the Musical is now playing at Her Majesty's Theatre. Based on the cult film, the stage production features music by Elton John and follows the journey of a young boy in a small mining town who stumbles across a ballet class while on his way to a boxing lesson, and realises that his future lies not in the boxing ring, as his father hoped, but on stage as a dancer.

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's currently playing at the Athenaeum Theatre.

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.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Rook, a heavy rock band that's been described by Beat Magazine as 'the best kept secret in the Australian heavy rock scene' will be performing this Saturday at Ding Dong Lounge, located in Melbourne's Market Lane. With doors opening at 8pm, they'll be supported by fellow rockers Twelve Foot Ninja, Midnight in April and Life to Order.

Christmas Kandy, presented by Hard Kandy at the Melbourne nightclub, Billboard, is a Xmas party like no other where you can get festive and be a part of best party of the year this Thursday night. Getting you into the Christmas spirit this year will be Santa's little helpers and whether you've been naughty or nice Santa is bound to make an appearance!

D bridge & Jenna G will be appearing this Friday on Boxing Day at Melbourne's Roxanne Parlour. Presented by Broken Beat Assault, the UK artists will be performing in the main room in what will be Jenna G's first ever visit to Australia. On the night they'll be supported by Dabeata, Dust, Joe Seven and Beatski, while there'll also be two rooms with DnB, House and more.

Cinema

The Rooftop Cinema flickers into action with film screenings held each week from Tuesday to Sunday. Screening everything from cult favourites to new releases and documentaries, it's the height of entertainment with screenings held on the rooftop of Curtin House, located in Swanston Street, offering night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar.

Moonlight Cinema is back, held at the Royal Botanic Gardens. With screenings running until March 15th, the open air cinema features a program that includes latest releases, contemporary films and cult classic movies. A great way to spend a night out with friends and family, you can bring your own picnic or purchase dinner and drinks at the cinema.

Melbourne For Kids

Amazing Antarctica - Melbourne Aquarium's amazing new Antarctica exhibit is open during the summer school holidays, offering a completely unique experience as Australia's only venue to feature sub-Antarctic penguins. Don't miss the daily penguin feeds where the keepers will help you discover more about the daily life of the Aquarium's newest residents!

A Fairy Merry Christmas is a live show featuring The Fairies in their biggest and best Christmas Spectacular ever! Join Harmony and Rhapsody, Elf the Fairy Cake Maker, Barnaby the Bizzy Buzzy Bee and Wizzy the Wizard in a Christmas Fairyland full of songs and surprises. With Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa, it's held Wednesday at the Arts Centre.

The Myer Christmas Windows, which have delighted families and kids for more than 50 years now, are displayed outside the Bourke Street store where you can now find this year's offering, inspired by Alan Snow's children's book, How Santa Really Works. A tradition that began in 1956, the marvellous Myer Christmas Windows display will be running until January 4.

Circus Shows

Circus Sunrise Holiday Spectacular is an action-packed show for all the family, currently showing at Water Front City, located under the Southern Star Ferris Wheel. With special holiday shows held throughout the School Holidays, the circus will be presenting their Holiday Spectacular until January 26. 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 Point Cook Homestead, one of Victoria's many beautiful heritage properties... See if you can spot them! Sign up for answers revealed in Next Week's Newsletter

More on Point Cook Homestead | Learn More about Melbourne!

Competitions

The Aussie Millions Poker Championship will be hitting Crown Casino next year in January, beginning 23 days of competition as poker players from the world over and across Australia try their hand (pun intended) at winning one of the world's biggest poker prizes. To play in an Aussie Millions event you must be a Crown Club member, so register soon if you plan to buy in.

Community

Speakers Forum | Soapbox Oratory - Every Sunday afternoon, soapbox orators (that means you if you have something to say) take turns speaking on various topics from differing viewpoints on the State Library Lawns. Questions, comments, heckling and interjections are welcome from all, simply turn up on the day to participate or hear what others have to say.

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

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!

NEW LIVE CALENDAR

View MARKETS on any day of the week to make the most of the rare sunny days (it's a coin toss lately, isn't it!) and head to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs for a bargain!

A growing number of food, produce and even wine markets are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!

OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..

Each week we highlight five of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.

To find out how you can join Melbourne's largest online community Visit Here!

This week we suggest the following:

Antishock - Electrical testing for businesses...

Alley Life - Guide to Melbourne night life...

Express Downtown Logistics - Fast, affordable delivery services...

Treasure This - Online gift store with Photo Frames & more...

Power of Won - Self defence & Fitness Programs...

View More of the Latest Listings at OnlyMelbourne!

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!

Sporting Events

Cricket

Boxing Day Test 2008 - The biggest event on Australian cricketing calendar begins this Friday with the Boxing Day Test match when Australia takes on South Africa.
Australia vs South Africa
Friday 26 to Tuesday 30 December - 10:30am
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Soccer

Hyundai A League Soccer | 2008/09 Season

Round 17
Melbourne Victory FC vs Sydney FC
Saturday 27 December - 7pm
Telstra Dome, Docklands

National Basketball League

South Dragons Home Game

Melbourne Tigers Home Game

Dining & Drink

Christmas Day Picnic Lunch - If you find yourself an 'orphan' on Christmas Day, don't despair like Ol' Scrooge because on the big day you can join the Newcomers Network and bring your own picnic lunch to the Queen Victoria Gardens where you'll meet people from many backgrounds and ages. Anyone is welcome to attend along with children and friends.

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.

Special Dining Offers

Menulog Dining Specials - Save Money Today!

Dining Specials - Save Up To 20% on Your Bill
Menulog is the easiest way to book a restaurant online with over 4000 restaurant listings! By booking online through Menulog you can enjoy fine food and save money with special deals offering discounts on total food bills, complimentary wine and drinks, discount group bookings and much, much more!
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

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

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.

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!

See Melbourne & Beyond - Smartvisit Card

See Melbourne & Beyond - Smartvisit Card

Learn more about Smartvisit Card

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Spot The Difference
Here are the 5 Differences in last week's picture of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl...

Newsletter | #102 | What's On this Week [Last Week]

Melbourne Trivia

Yellow, I Must Be Going..

Vault (otherwise cruelly known as Yellow Peril) was a controversial public sculpture by Ron Robertson-Swann commissioned by the Melbourne City Council in 1978 for the newly built Melbourne City Square.

Installed in the City Square in May 1980, it was moved to Batman Park in 1981 and finally to its current location outside the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Southbank.

Find What Happened To..? | 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