Newsletter | #235 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday to Monday, July 5 to 11.

This week... with the School Holidays in full swing now, the Fun4Kids Children's Festival and Melbourne Magic Festival find themselves in good company with Roola Boola performance festival for children in Prahran and the Multicultural Festival at Bulleen Plaza.

There's also a wide variety of theatre and performances that cater for tots and teens, so if you feel a little overwhelmed and are starting to assume that it's all about the kids, don't be fooled. Stand your ground and fight the good fight.

One day into the holidays and I was already given cause for a grounding, so confine them to dishes as I did, I say. That way you can make your way to more mature events like the Music on Film Festival celebrating cinematic concerts and the Arab Film Festival in Carlton.

Little else I have to say right now, except holidays.. Two more weeks to go and by god I'm going to use a lot of dishes!

Major Events

Multicultural Festival at Bulleen Plaza, now in its second year, celebrates the local vibrant multicultural community by bringing the plaza alive with food, a great atmosphere and performances from around the world, offering a great range of free entertainment for kids during the school holidays.
When: Friday & Saturday, July 8 & 9

Roola Boola is a fun, innovative and interactive festival program for children aged four to 12 that will see Prahran's Chapel Off Chapel come alive with music, puppetry, circus, dance, magic and theatre. With performances children will love, there'll also be free story sessions and all-day theatre workshops.
When: Tuesday to Friday, July 5 to 8

Fun4Kids Children's Festival, held in Warrnambool in a magical 2.5 acre fully indoor 'village', is an extravaganza of fun with each day's program offering stage shows with hours of non-stop performances, roving entertainers and creative hands-on activities and inventive workshops kids will love.
When: July 3 to 10

Melbourne Magic Festival, presented by the Australian Institute of Magic at Northcote Town Hall, is the biggest gathering of magicians in Australia with a program that this year boasts over 135 performances of 36 different shows for kids and families along with magic classes and workshops for children.
When: July 4 to 16

Film Festivals

Music on Film Festival, held at St Kilda's Palais Theatre, presents the greatest music performed on film in one of the world's great theatres. With a diverse program that features screenings with music by the likes of P!nk, Jimmy Page and Mozart in films that include Woodstock and the classic, Fantasia.
When: Wednesday to Sunday - July 6 to 10

Arab Film Festival, held at Cinema Nova in Carlton, offers a program of the latest, most talked-about cinema from across the Arab world. With feature films along with shorts, the festival showcases stories from diverse Arabic-speaking cultures, reflecting the diversity of Arab communities and experiences.
When: Friday to Sunday, July 8 to 10

Public Awareness Events

NAIDOC Week, with a program of events at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre of Melbourne Museum, celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. With a program that includes performances, tours and new exhibitions, there'll also be storytelling and music with Ronnie Murray.
When: Until July 10

School Holiday Guide

Check out our School Holiday Guide for all the latest on what to do with the kids during the Winter Holidays running from July 2 to 17. The holiday guide offers some of 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

OnlyMelbourne Welcomes

Each week we highlight some of the new business and event listings in the OnlyMelbourne Events Calendar and Business and Services directory.

Manufacturing Resource Efficiency Forum, presented by the City of Whittlesea Council, offers the chance to learn how SMEs can save money and reduce carbon emissions by joining some of Australia's best business minds as they share experiences on integrating resource efficiency into everyday business.
When: Tuesday July 12 - FREE - Registration Required

Mana Bar Grand Opening - Mana Bar will open in Fitzroy, presenting the first venue of its type in the world, combining quality cocktails with current generation console video games available to play 7 days a week along with unique events featuring exclusive prizes, giveaways, special cocktails and more.
Opening Night: Saturday July 16

Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show

Cancer Council Arts Awards, with the theme this year of 'I am', gives Australians touched by cancer an opportunity to share their experience creatively through art, writing and film. Open to artists of all standards, a diverse range of works will be displayed at St Michaels Church Foyer in Melbourne.
When: July 10 to 29
Awards Ceremony: Sunday July 10 - 1pm to 3pm

The Fall of the Pyramid People, an arts project by 586, an urban digital experimentalist, will be screening at Melbourne's Orion Gallery. Creating an uncensored world of narrative bought to life by image and iconography, the parallel existence weaves between space, time and the subconscious.
When: Friday to Sunday, July 8 to 10
Opening Night: Thursday July 7 - 6pm to Late

Wonders of Nature, held at Collingwood Gallery in Smith Street, is an exhibition by the remarkably talented eight year old Sydney artist, Jesslyn Wijaya. Her first time exhibiting landscapes and other works in Melbourne, Jesslyn has also published a book and DVD which will also be available at the Gallery.
When: July 9 to 21
Official Opening: Saturday July 9 - 4pm

The Annual Beanie Exhibition, now in its eleventh year and held at Artisan Books in Fitzroy, exhibits a broad range of traditions and techniques used to make unique and novel beanies of every possible size, shape and material. With over hundreds of beanies on display, many beanies are for sale.
When: July 9 to 30 - Closed Sundays

Two Feet Across, presented at Carlton's Steps Gallery, is an exhibition by seventeen oil painters who were give the challenge of creating works measuring two feet across. Calling themselves Sorelli, meaning Sisters, the group brings together a varied range of technique, subject matters and colour.
When: July 10 to 17 - Closed Mondays

Hottie Cover Challenge, an exhibition held to help raise money for the Margaret Pratt Foundation's organ transplant research, is a showcase of hot water bottle covers made by Melbourne's artisans and creative arts community. With all works on sale, it's held at Opendrawer in Camberwell.
When: Until July 24 - Closed Tuesdays

Main Ridge Wood Firers, a Mornington Peninsular group of potters who came together with a shared interest in developing and using the Japanese styled Anagama kiln, will be holding an exhibition at Stonehouse Gallery in Warrandyte, sculptural forms and uniquely designed tableware.
When: Until July 31

On Paper is a special exhibition featuring works from Hawthorn's Town Hall Gallery Collection. Showcasing pieces from a diverse range of artists who work on paper, the exhibition displays a variety of media with prints, drawings and watercolours in artist books, sketches and larger works.
When: July 6 to 30 - Wednesdays to Saturdays

MIFF 60, presented at ACMI Cinema in Federation Square, is an exhibition of the Graphic Art of the Melbourne International Film Festival, held to celebrate their 60th anniversary. Showcasing the festival's eclectic designs over the years, displays include leaflets, photos and more.
When: Until August 8

View More Exhibitions

Expos, Launches, Open Days & Lectures

Screen Futures, presented by ATOM and Metro magazine with events held at ACMI Cinema, Melbourne Town Hall and RMIT, brings together media educators, filmmakers, producers and other professionals in a program of seminars to explore publishing, video games, cinema and more.
When: July 9 to 12
Screen Futures Youth Fest: Monday July 11 - Fed Square

Kids Go Expo, held at Mornington Race Course, is an interactive exhibition especially for kids, aimed at tots to early teens. Children can try sports, dance, music and play, along with enjoying the interactive shows and family related exhibits with the event offering kids and parents a fun day out.
When: Thursday to Sunday, July 7 to 10

Eureka Arms and Militaria Fair, presented by the Ballarat Arms and Militaria Collectors Society at Wendouree Sports and Events Centre, is an annual exhibition featuring dealers in Militaria, Uniforms, medals, antique and modern firearms. Re-enactment groups will also be there on the day.
When: Saturday July 9 - 9am to 3:30pm

P's & Q's Quilt Exhibition, presented by the Patchworkers and Quilters Guild of Victoria, is their biennial exhibition of the fabulous work completed by Guild members over the past two years. Held at Genazzano FCJ College in Kew, there'll also be number of Quilt shops in attendance with stalls.
When: Thursday to Sunday, July 7 to 10

Grampian Model Railroaders Inc will be holding their annual Model Railway Exhibition at the SES Hall of Stawell. With displays, new and second-hand trade stalls and a model competition, the exhibition features over 20 operating layouts that include some of the biggest from both Victoria and Interstate.
When: Saturday & Sunday, July 9 & 10

Car Shows

Australian International Motorshow. taking place at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, is Australia's longest running motorshow. First held in Melbourne in 1925 and now alternated annually with Sydney, the show features exhibitors that include Bentley, Ford, Holden and many more big name makers.
When: July 1 to 10

Melbourne Tours

Melbourne's Underbelly Crime Tour lets you discover the darker side of Melbourne as you walk in the footsteps of notorious criminals, exploring the scenes of some of the city's most infamous criminal events. The tour also includes 50% discount on entry to the Old Melbourne Gaol.
More on Melbourne's Underbelly Crime Tour

More Expos & Launches | More Open Days | More Tours

Performances & Theatre

Faulty Towers, The Dining Experience will be appearing in Rowville and Queenscliff with performances of the very popular interactive comedy show. With a 3-course dinner, the evening captures the chaotic mayhem of a restaurant run by Basil Faulty, his wife Sybil and the misguided waiter Manuel.
When: Thursday & Friday, July 7 & 8

The History Boys, Alan Bennet's modern classic which became a hit film, will be performed by Heidelberg Theatre Company in Rosanna. The play follows unruly yet bright sixth-form grammar school boys as they come of age and discover life's foibles during the eighties in Thatcher's Britain.
When: July 7 to 23

The Lost Girl, presented by St Martins Youth Theatre in South Yarra, is a story about the loss of childhood, exploring what you wish you could get back and what you wish you could forget about forever. A show of improvised storytelling, its performers aged 13 to 17 draw on their own experiences.
When: Thursday to Saturday, July 7 to 9

Grease, performed by Melbourne's finest Youth Theatre Company, ARC Theatre, is one of the most well-known and popular musicals ever, capturing the charm of the 60's. Held at Heidelberg's Banyule Theatre, $1 from each ticket sold will go to The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.
When: July 8 to 16 - Various Dates

The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde's most enduring play, will be performed by Beaumaris Theatre Inc. Regarded as one of the greatest comedies ever written, the show charts the misguided pairings of two charming gentlemen and their loves in a clever comedy of errors.
When: July 8 to 23 - Various Dates

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, presented by Fab Nobs Theatre, is a musical comedy that introduces six quirky kids who must grapple with puberty, equally quirky adults, and the lesson that winning isn't everything. The surprise hit musical is held at The Fab Factory in Bayswater.
When: July 1 to 16 - Various Dates

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, presented by Geelong Repertory Theatre Company, is a new and shocking version of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of depravity, lust, love and horror. One of the most enthralling studies of human nature's darker sides, it's performed at Gelong West's Woodbin Theatre.
When: Until July 9 - Thursdays to Saturdays

The Horror Face, presented by MKA theatre in Prahran, explores the essence of today's humanity as it presents three interconnected realities that together accentuate mankind's capacity for affection and communication. With themes that include Eugenics and Genetics, it follows the life of a human-lion hybrid.
When: Until July 9 - Tuesdays to Saturdays

The Water Carriers, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company in Southbank, is a hilarious yet deeply moving play from multi-award-winning playwright Ian Wilding, which follows a lothario named Dave who gets more than he bargained for when he tries to break the cold fa�ade of Kate.
When: Until July 23

The Joy of Text, held at the Arts Centre, is Melbourne writer Robert Reid's main stage debut for Melbourne Theatre Company. When a precocious high school student obtains a controversial book, he creates his own provocative meta-narrative and finds that his actions send the school into chaos.
When: June 10 to July 23 - Mondays to Saturdays

The Gift, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company in Southbank, tells the story of Sadie and Ed , a couple who meet Martin and Chlo� at a holiday resort and instantly hit it off, despite coming from completely different worlds. When Martin saves Ed's life, an offer to repay him leads to moral confusions.
When: May 28 to July 9

Love Never Dies brings the phenomenal musical hit to Melbourne with performances at the Regent Theatre. Continuing Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest love story, The Phantom of the Opera, the musical extravaganza follows on ten years after the Phantom's disappearance and his new life in New York.
When: May 29 to November 17 | Book Now

ROCK OF AGES, held at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre, is a hilarious, feel-good love story set in 1987 when a small-town girl meets a big-city dreamer in L.A.'s most legendary rock club. Told through music of the era, the comedy includes hits such as 'Don't Stop Believin', 'The Final Countdown' and other classics.
When: Until August 14 | Book Now

Classical, Choral & Recitals

Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, now in its 6th year, takes place at Melbourne Recital Centre in South Yarra with sixteen ensembles performing in preliminary rounds that will lead up to a very special Winners' Concert that will feature the winning piano trio and string quartet.
When: July 9 to 17 - Various Dates
Winners' Concert: Sunday July 17

Joe Chindamo & Zoe Black, appearing at Montsalvat in Eltham, will present an exciting new collaboration between two celebrated artists from different worlds. With piano and violin, the performance promises to be a tempestuous, passionate and romantic meeting between classical music and jazz.
When: Sunday July 10 - 3pm

Burlesque, Cabaret & Dance

Cabaret Live! is an open-mic night hosted by hosted by Nikki Aitken at South Melbourne's Butterfly Club. A chance for emerging and established artists to perform to a discerning audience in a sophisticated and intimate setting, Melbourne's leading pianists accompany aspiring singers.
When: Wednesday July 6 - 8pm

When I Fall in Love, the Nat King Cole Story, performed by Essential Theatre at Gasworks in Albert Park, portrays the unforgettable life and tunes of Nat King Colein a show that traces the heart and soul of the music legend in cabaret form with special guests Christie Whelan and Russell Fletcher.
When: Saturday July 9 - 7:30pm

View More Performances & Concerts

Entertainment & Nightlife

The Charlies, appearing at Collingwood's Bendigo Hotel, have grown into a fast firing semi-automatic, rockin' and raunchy funk act after almost 10 years of playing, performing and writing together. With hard funkin' rhythm and the incredible guitar of Liz Sedman, soul diva Jane Willison performs vocals.
When: Friday July 8 - 9pm

Weened, performing at the Corner Hotel in Richmond, are a new six piece tribute outfit that capture the eclectic, quirky stylings of Ween, an indefinable band whose music ranges through Country, Funk and Soul with their own unique twist, something that Weened will showcase in their own way.
When: Friday July 8 - Doors Open 8:30pm

Gary Sebastian, aka Gaz, will be joining fellow DJ's Andy and Shaunie at The Jaguar in South Yarra for a night of Live Ole Skool R'n'B, Soul, Funk and some classic Rock to titillate your senses. Hosted by Neil Dias, the night is also being held to launch the release of Gaz's new single, "These Days".
When: Friday July 8 - 9pm to 11:30pm

SoundBytes 9, held at Melbourne's la di da Champagne Lounge, brings another offering of Australia's finest Chiptune artists mixing beats and melodies from and inspired by video games. Showcasing some of Sydney's best, local talent includes Pselodux and Maddest Kings Alive with new material.
When: Friday July 8

Urban Voices Music Video Launch, presented by Youthworx Media and Multicultural Arts Victoria, is an exciting project merging music and film talent in Melbourne. Featuring the music of four African and West Papuan musicians, the launch at Melbourne's Loop Bar includes live performances.
When: Saturday July 9 - 7pm to 9pm

View More Live Gigs

Comedy & Magic

Unnatural Selection, an award-winning Melbourne comedy podcast by Jorge Tsipos, Tom Heath and Adam Direen, will be recording live at Gertrude's Brown Couch in Fitzroy for their 50th episode. Come and be a part of the excitement as they bring you slightly out-of-date news in person.
When: Wednesday July 6 - 7.30pm for 8pm Start

Anyone for Tennis? will be making their European debut and to celebrate they'll be performing two final shows for their beloved Melbourne at the Butterfly Club, the venue that helped spawn their comedy roots. The shows are also held to launch their debut album, 'Live-Like', showcasing their best work.
When: Friday & Saturday, July 8 & 9

The Impro Cave, presented by Impro Melbourne and held at The Space in Prahran, features some of Melbourne's best comic and theatrical talent in an exciting, hilarious show that's a unique experience each week with performances improvised from audience suggestions to truly put the performers through their paces.
When: Sundays, 7:30pm - Rookie Show held at 6pm

View More Comedy & Magic

Cinema

Animation and Dance on Film, held at Melbourne's Loop Bar, presents new films by Christos Linou, an artist who's been making shorts for over 15 years, screening locally and at international festivals. With eight short animations being screened, his works poke fun at domesticity and sexuality.
When: Tuesday July 5 - 7:30pm to 9pm

Macbeth, a special screening by Palace Opera & Ballet, brings to the Royal Opera House production of Shakespeare's classic. Held at Palace Cinemas in South Yarra, Balwyn and Brighton, the production features Simon Keenlyside in the infamous title role with music by Giuseppe Verdi.
When: Wednesday July 6 - 6:30pm

Outside-in Cinema, held at Experimedia in the State Library of Victoria, is a special season of free cinema this winter, showcasing films donated to the Library's collection. Offering a great night in, the program features animated films from around the world and contemporary documentaries along with prizes on offer.
When: Wednesdays Until August 24 - 6:30pm

View More Cinema Events

Melbourne For Kids

Disney On Ice - Worlds Of Fantasy brings your favourite Disney stories to life with an exciting new show held at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. From wheels to waves, Pride Lands to pixie dust, characters such as Tinkerbell and Lightning McQueen from Cars create a dazzling skating show.
When: July 6 to 11

Alpha's The Little Mermaid, held at Darebin Arts Centre in Preston, is the brand new show from Alphashow, one of the most popular production companies for children's theatre. Their re-telling of the classic and imaginative tale explores themes of being true to oneself in an entertaining way for kids.
When: Monday July 11 - 11am

Waterfront City Fireworks, held to celebrate Winter, offers a FREE fireworks display every Friday night during July. With the chance to watch the sky come alive, Waterfront City will be one of the best vantage points to watch spectacular displays that are programmed to music with special themes.
When: Fridays in July - 7pm

Toy Story 3, the hit film featuring everyone's favourite heroes, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, will be screened by the Salvation Army in Doncaster. Offering a great evening out for the whole family, there'll be a play area for young children along with a light meal following the screening.
When: Friday July 8 - $15 per family donation

Harbour Town Animal Farm offers great fun during school holidays, with animals of all shapes and sizes taking up residence at Docklands. With all your favourite furry friends there looking for a cuddle, the free attraction features everything from piglets and calves, to rabbits and lambs.
When: Until July 17 - 11am to 4pm

Junior Bunyip Program, presented by Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick, invites children to find out what has one foot and no bones as they discover fun slimy facts during the Winter School Holidays in an environmental program with great activities that's aimed at children aged 6 to 10 years.
When: July 6, 8, 11 & 14 - Bookings Essential

Circus

Circus Oz Steampowered, held at Birrarung Marr, brings to Melbourne the renowned circus troupe's special brand of madness, fooling around in the unconventional and fantastical world of STEAMPUNK, capturing a time where romance meets technology and everything is hand-made and steam-powered.
When: June 22 to July 17

Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be holding performances at Caulfield Racecourse. Established in 1976, Silvers Grand Magic Circus offers a great show for people of all ages with performers including everything from jugglers and clowns to acrobats, international performers and more.
When: Until July 17 - Caulfield Racecourse - Daily During Holidays

View More Children's Events

Markets, Fetes and Fairs

Second-hand Book Fair and Vinyl Records Fair, held by St Mark's Anglican Church in Balnarring, offers the chance to find some great bargains with stalls offering books and records from many genres. Held across five days, the fair's a great opportunity for collectors to stock up their shelves.
When: July 9, 12, 13, 15 & 16

Miniatures & Dollhouse Fair & Exhibition, held at Mount Waverley Community Centre, is the Victorian Association of Miniature Enthusiasts' annual show when clubs and individual members presen a special showcase of intricate and stunning displays of miniature figurines, dollhouses, furniture and more.
When: Saturday & Sunday, July 9 & 10

Maribyrnong Orchid Society will be holding their annual Winter Show at the Maribyrnong Community Centre. Displaying a wide range of orchids, the event will include demonstrations on how to re-pot orchids, along with other advice on orchid culture from many of the members.
When: Sunday & Monday, July 10 & 11

Melbourne Market Guide

View MARKETS calendar to make the most of the rare sunny days (it's a coin toss, isn't it!) and head to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets for a bargain!

A growing number of food, produce and even wine markets are springing up around the suburbs.

Fetes Fairs & Shows

Art & Craft Markets

Food & Produce Markets

Swap Meets

Garage Sales

Wining & Dining

Victorian Wine Showcase, held monthly at the Atrium of Federation Square, allows visitors to taste wines from regional Victorian Wineries and meet with winemakers. With many wines also available to buy at each event, this month will showcase wines from Bendigo, Heathcote and Sunbury.
When: Wednesday & Thursday, July 6 & 7

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Sporting Events

AFL Premiership

AFL Premiership | Round 16

Essendon vs Richmond - Sat July 9, 7:10pm - MCG
Collingwood vs Nth Melb - Sun July 10, 1:10pm - MCG
Bulldogs vs Carlton - Sun July 10, 4:40pm - Etihad Stadium

Roller Derby

South Sea Roller Derby

Charmers v Dollys
Springers Leisure Centre, Keysborough
When: Saturday July 9 - Doors Open 7pm

Bull Riding

Professional Bull Riders National Finals, held at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, presents fast-paced, colossally adrenalin-pumped action pitting man against beast in the toughest sport on earth with 3 hours of dazzling bull riding drama featuring 14 Australian and 8 international PBR champions.
When: Saturday July 9

Horse Racing

Betfair Park Race Days

Midweek Meeting (Lakeside)
Wednesday July 6
Betfair Park, Sandown

IASbet is Australia's premier online betting agency, offering better odds than TAB for Horse Racing and Sports Betting both in Australia and overseas. An easy way to take a punt on any one of the many races held over the long weekend, you can even receive $100 in FREE bets when you join IASbet online.
Join IASbet for $100 in FREE Bets - Learn More

View More Sports Events

Let Melbourne Know...

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Trivia & Humour

Shaggy Dog

Shaggy Dog by Deej - Click Here to find what happens!

She Wasn't Such A Diva..

Dame Nellie Melba, born in 1861 at "Doonside"in Richmond Victoria, was originally named Helen Porter Mitchell. Although she found success overseas, she still carried a deep love and admiration for her homeland and also Melbourne.

The name of Melba, which is now synonymous with opera the world over, was chosen as a condensed version of Melbourne.

More about Dame Nellie Melba.. | Read Melbourne Trivia...

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