Newsletter | #108 | What's On this Week |
Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for January 26 - February 1, 2009.
This week.. it all kicks off with a bang (or banger if you're one for BBQs) as Australia Day (or 'Shtrayla Day if you're one for BBQs and also plenty of beer) is celebrated this Monday with plenty of free events including the Voyages Concert in Federation Square, the Share the Spirit festival and also an entertaining Open Day at Government House.
The St Kilda Festival kicks off this week, while the St Jerome's Laneway Festival also returns, with each festival growing bigger and better each year. Meanwhile, the ball's still in Melbourne's court as the world's finest continue to dazzle in the Australian Tennis Open. Skandia Geelong Week also continues this week, along with the Murray River International Music Festival 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!
What's On this Week is an overview of the (too many to mention) events happening this week in Melbourne. To see everything that is happening on any given day this week, view our What's On MELBOURNE Calendar
NEWSLETTER
Get your copy of What's On this Week!
Australia Day
View Australia Day Event Guide
Share the Spirit is a free festival concert that takes place on Australia Day, also marking Survival Day, which recognises the original occupants of this country by celebrating Indigenous culture. Held in Treasury Gardens from 1pm to 7pm this Monday, the concert includes performances by Bart Willoughby, Archie Roach, and Deadly award-winner, Ruby Hunter.
Port Fairy Moyneyana Festival - Celebrate Australia Day in the beautiful town of Port Fairy, a perfect way to spend a long weekend. There'll be a range of free events held on Australia Day as part of the festival, including a free breakfast, ceremony and guest speakers on the Village Green, games and performances, and a free screening of Phar Lap in the evening. Grape Grazing in the Yarra Valley - This Valentines Day on February 14th, the Fun, Food and Friendship team of Melbourne Social Club invite you to come and join in one of Victoria's biggest celebrations, Grape Grazing. With a day package that includes a visit to three wineries, including Yering Farm, there will be live bands playing at each winery.
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
(Stupidly balmy nights notwithstanding!)
Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
Minuscule/Massive/En Masse is a new exhibition at Hand Held, a gallery in Bourke Street that specialises in artist made books and items. Beginning Tuesday, the exhibition is a playful display based around the experimental text 'Alley Cat Nomad', an unpublished novel by Adrian Lawson, using different formats, sizes and techniques to present the one book.
Lily Mae Martin will present her self-titled exhibition, opening this Sunday, at the Fitzroy gallery, Unpretentiously Underground. Running through February, her exhibition explores the tension of personal relationships between families, friends and partners with portraits that draw inspiration from everything from cartoons and contemporary comics to pre-renaissance fine art.
A Brief Encounter, an art exhibition of the latest collection by Jeff Rowland, features work that displays the cinematic style of work he's know for, while also showing a natural progression from both his style and subject matter with work that's inspired by the universal theme of romance and the bond that love can bring. It's now showing South Yarra's Artiq Galleries. Problematic Translators, now showing at Northcote's Immersion Therapy, is an exhibition by Sydney artist, Clara Chow. In what's her first show in Melbourne, Clara Chow uses Karaoke style videos, pseudo polling booths, and even Peking Operas to explore notions of identity by translating the original content from English to Cantonese and back to English again.
The Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living, beginning this Friday and running until Sunday at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, is the peak showcase attracting displays from the widest range of leading pool and spa manufacturers. This year's expo will also feature free seminars and workshops for a range of landscaping, outdoor living and entertaining products for your home.
Reed Gift Fairs, known as the major gift product expo, are one of the most anticipated events on the Gift industry calendar. The largest trade fair brand in Australia, Reed Gift Fairs will be exhibiting gift products including kitchenware, homewares, jewellery, fashion and more at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre beginning Saturday. The 44th Victorian Hot Rod Show continues this Monday, offering something for all motoring enthusiasts with a show that includes displays of classical and converted automobiles. Held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, the show features the finest hot rods, customs, street machines and classic vehicles from all over Australia.
Living Legends, a Historic Homestead in Greenvale that houses retired racehorses, will be holding a family picnic day to celebrate Australia Day. With a sausage sizzle on Monday, there'll also be kids' crafts, competitions, a treasure hunt and produce stalls. During the day there will also be tours of the historic homestead. Children under 14 are admitted free on the day.
Performances & Theatre
Happy Chaps, presented by Devanesen Productions, is a humorous, haughty and heartfelt delve into the musical theatre closet that pays homage to musical theatre's 'Happy Chaps', celebrating the characters, composers and show themes that critique and commend the gay lifestyle of men and women. It plays Thursday to Saturday at Gasworks Theatre. I Can't Believe It's Not Countdown, It's A Musical Comedy is a show that takes us back to a time when the hair was big and the pants were tight. A hilarious send-up of Countdown, featuring the hits of the '70s and '80s, Michael Veitch plays the iconic Molly, while the voice of Countdown, Gavin Wood plays, well, Gavin Wood. It's now playing at the Palms at Crown.
The 39 Steps, now playing at the Arts Centre's Playhouse, is a theatrical comedy based on Alfred Hitchcock's classic spy thriller that has been brilliantly recreated for the stage. A smash hit on the West End and Broadway, The 39 Steps features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.
Grace, a collaboration between philosopher AC Grayling and theatre director Mick Gordon. Combining a powerful debate about faith with heartrending drama, the play sees scientist Grace Friedman become the country's most vocal advocate for atheism, while her own son becomes an Anglican priest. Performances are held at the Arts Centre.
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 are being held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, with shows running from Tuesday to Sunday.
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.
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 Performances
Dawn Upshaw, the internationally renowned Soprano, will be performing with the Australian Chamber Orchestra this Sunday and next Monday at The Arts Centre's Hamer Hall. Performing a repertoire that includes Mozart's 29th symphony, Upshaw will demonstrate the warmth, range and dramatic flair which has earned her numerous awards.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Twelve Foot Ninja will be playing this Friday at Melbourne's Ding Dong Lounge, supported by Tread and Midnight in April. A Melbourne based band, Twelve Foot Ninja describe themselves as a hyrid of genres as diverse as metal, dub, funk and world music, embracing the ethos of an iPod Shuffle by expressing themselves with varying musical styles. Melbourne Zoo Twilights is a chance to enjoy music performed live at Melbourne Zoo. With performances held each Saturday and Sunday evening, the program runs until March 15, with this year's season boasting one of their best musical line-ups ever. Held on the zoo's concert lawn areas, each evening also includes selected species on display until 7.30pm.
Comedy
Attack of the B-Grade Movie, by improv performance group The Baby Seals, features as part of the St Kilda Festival's Laughs Fest. The comedy features terrifying monsters, swooning heroes, the obligatory 5 foot femme fatale and more as the audience helps screenwriter Donald Mayer churn out his latest B-grade movie script. It begins Thursday at Pure Pop Records. Mz Josephine is Into The Pink is a gender romp of a cabaret that sees the bold Mz Josephine using the theme of Pink to revel in luscious, iconic ballads and surreal stories told through rose coloured glasses. Directed by Jacq Tamlyn and featuring Dave Evans on accordion, the playful cabaret will run for this week only from Thursday to Sunday at Chapel Off Chapel.
Cinema
The St Kilda Openair Cinema, beginning this Thursday, offers an eclectic mix of live music and entertainment provided by local and national artists. Running until February 19, the cinema is held on the rooftop of St Kilda Sea Baths and features a diverse program that includes retro classics, family films, and even documentaries and shorts from film festivals.
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.
Live Music Guide Melbourne Venues and Gig guide.
Melbourne For Kids
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 runs throughout the holidays.
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!
Circus Shows
The Horseman From Snowy River is a show that brings Australia's love of horses to life with live performances held in Burnley Oval. A production of international horse master, Rene Gasser, his new show features some of the most beautiful horses in the world offering a stunning showcase of animal talent that also includes sheep and dogs. Shows are held Friday to Sunday.
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 Sunday. 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 sculptures found at William Ricketts Sanctuary in Dandenong... 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 on William Ricketts Sanctuary | Learn More about Melbourne!
Competitions
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.
Community
The Gay & Lesbian Pride March, now in its 14th year, will be held this Sunday as the annual festivity takes over St Kilda's Fitzroy Street in a blaze of colour, noise and movement. The March will be preceded by a foot race held at 3:30pm before the punters set forth at 5pm with the March leading to Catani Gardens where the evening celebrations will be held. Sing your Soul, held this Saturday at the National Theatre in St Kilda, is a full-day workshop that can help you learn how to release your true voice. With a team of three specialists teaching their respective fields - two opera singers and a Reiki master - the day offers remarkably simple, fun exercises to explore the potential of your voice. Booking is essential.
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 with lessons held each Sunday morning at 10am in various public parks around Melbourne.
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..
Learn how to host an event
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!
Fetes Fairs & Shows
Art & Craft Markets
Food & Produce Markets
Swap Meets
Garage Sales
OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..
Each week we highlight some of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community. The Subaru Victorian Open Golf Championship begins this Thursday, offering the chance to witness some of Australia's top class golfers in action. Running until Sunday, the Vic Open will be played at Spring Valley Golf Club, located in Clayton South, with season tickets available from the Victorian Golf Association. Juniors under 16 years are admitted free of charge.
Tennis
The Australian Open continues this week, with Melbourne Park playing host to the hottest event on the Australian Tennis calendar. Running throughout the week until this Sunday, the Australian Open sees the world's finest tennis pros hitting the courts with matches held at Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena and the Margaret Court Arena.
National Basketball League
Barney's Bistro in Northcote is a great venue with a family friendly environment and fabulous food at very reasonable prices, open for lunch and dinner every day. Barney and the team present a menu to suit every taste plus there are nightly specials and kids meals, all in air-conditioned comfort so you can cool down after a hot day with a great meal!
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.
Visit Cleanskins.com
Special Dining Offers
Celebrate Chinese New Year at Sun Wah in Mordialloc. Sun Wah will be offering an 8 Course Menu with Succulent Seafood, Specially Created New Year Dishes, Deakin Estate Champagne and much more. Held on January 30th and 31st, each night includes live entertainment, Karaoke, Traditional Lion Dance, Games, Prizes and Horoscopes, all for just $48.80 Per Head!
Make a Booking at at Sun Wah
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
Spot The Difference
Here are the 5 Differences in last week's picture of Bendigo's Vintage Talking Tram...
Newsletter | #107 | What's On this Week [Last Week]
Melbourne Trivia
Go How Phar To See Who Now?
Melbourne, known for the Melbourne Cup, of course, is also the proud home of Australia's only museum dedicated to horseracing..
The Australian Racing Museum, located in Federation Square, features the first film footage ever taken in Australia of the 1896 Melbourne Cup, state of the art animations and even the skeleton of a famous racehorse.
Curiously, Australia's most famous racehorse, the great Phar Lap is not displayed here, but still located at the Museum of Victoria.
More about The Australian Racing Museum.. | 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
Melbourne On The Phone
OnlyMelbourne is now mobile phone compatible. Yes, our pages are formatted to be viewed on the small screen. To view our mobile phone website, go directly to our home page with your web compatible mobile phone and you will automatically be redirected to the mobile compatible version of OnlyMelbourne.
WHAT'S ON FEEDS
For those with newsfeeds, we now have a daily What's On Melbourne Today feed.
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Newsletter | #108 | What's On this Week
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
Update This Page
