Newsletter | #238 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday to Monday, July 26 to August 1.

This week... there's the New Voices Festival in Eltham showcasing the works of newly published writiers and the inspiration that drives them, while those seeking some toe-tapping adventure can make their way to the Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival.

There's the chance to take a closer look at Melbourne and its inner workings as many of the city's most iconic buildings open their doors to the public with the return of Melbourne Open House.

With the opportunity to explore some of Melbourne's unique architecture and history, it'll also afford some extra shelter if the weekend proves to be drizzly, not to mention the temporary boon in toilets for those who cringe at some of Melbourne's less than kempt facilities.

Major Events

Melbourne Open House is a free event that allows Melburnians and visitors to the city the rare opportunity to discover the often hidden wealth of design, architectural, engineering and historic gems in the city with more than 75 iconic and lesser known treasures open to explore.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 30 & 31 - 10am to 4pm

Film Festivals

Melbourne International Film Festival celebrates its 60th anniversary as one of Australia's key cinema events and also one of the oldest film festivals in the world. Held at various venues, the program features films from across the globe with special guests, Q&A screenings and much more.
When: July 21 to August 7

Music & Arts Festivals

Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival offers a program of music featuring more than 20 blues bands performing in the streets and at venues that include award-winning restaurants. With entertainment for people of all ages the festival includes a Blues Boot Camp for Kids.
When: Friday to Sunday, July 29 to 31

New Voices Festival, held at St Margaret's Anglican Church Hall and Montsalvat in Eltham, showcases first time published local and interstate writers and poets appearing alongside award-winning authors and mentors with special guests including David Walker and music from The Nymphs.
When: Saturday & Sunday, July 30 & 31

State of Design Festival, Australia's biggest celebration of design, offers a diverse program of interactive events, exhibitions, workshops and talks held in Melbourne and regional Victoria with this year's theme of 'Design That Moves' focusing on transport design and education.
When: July 20 to 31

Gertrude Street Projection Festival turns Fitzroy's popular strip into an outdoor gallery of free projection displays with walls, windows, buildings and more brought to life. Festival highlights include guided tours and Sensory Overload, a night of live music and interactive projections.
When: July 22 to 31 - 6pm to Midnight
Sensory Overload: Friday July 29

OnlyMelbourne Welcomes

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

Royal Melbourne Hospital's Home Lottery offers great prizes while also helping the hospital raise funds to provide the best care for possible for those in need of their many services. This year the much-anticipated grand prize is a $2.3 Million fully-furnished showhome.
Royal Melbourne Hospital's Home Lottery - Learn More

You Can Help

Say NO to Coal Mining in the Otway Ranges is an online facebook campaign to help gain opposition towards proposed coal mining by Mantle Mining in areas of the Otways and raise awareness about the possible environmental impact on nearby residents, native animals and vegetation.
Say NO to Coal Mining in the Otway Ranges - Learn More

Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show

Open Studios at Nicholas Building, held across two evenings at Melbourne's popular creative hub, offers a free look behind the scenes at the workings of a diverse group of artists, makers and designers and their studios, along with the galleries and retail stores of the building.
When: Thursday & Friday, July 29 & 29 - 4pm to 9pm

Twenty Melbourne Painters Society, a fine arts group that first formed in 1918 after a turbulent split from the Victorian Artists Society, will be showcasing the works of current members at the Glen Eira City Council Gallery in Caulfield for their annual exhibition, now in its 93rd year.
When: July 27 to August 7
Opening Night: Tuesday July 26 - 6:30pm

Capriccio, held at Fitzroy North's red gallery, features works by thirteen established and emerging artists with the three rooms of the gallery reflecting the Wunderkammer's classification of the natural, the cultural and the scientific, as used in 15th and 16th century Europe.
When: July 27 to August 13 - Wednesdays to Saturdays
Opening Night: Wednesday July 27 - 6pm to 8pm

Cuba, showing at Prahran's Carbon Black Gallery, is a photographic series by Kristian Laemmle-Ruff. Capturing the growing change of Cuba's unique cultural and social landscape brought by the weakening US embargo, the images explore Cuba's independence and identity.
When: July 27 to August 7 - Wednesday s to Sundays
Opening Night: Wednesday July 27 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Derinya Art & Craft Exhibition, now in its 36th year, showcases the talents of emerging and established Victorian and local artists. Held at Frankston South's Derinya Primary School, the exhibition features over 400 artworks including paintings, jewellery, sculpture and more.
When: Friday to Sunday, July 29 to 31
Gala Opening: Friday July 29 - 7:30pm to 10:30pm

The Intelligence of the Heart, held at fortyfivedownstairs in Flinders Lane, is an exhibition by Bronwyn Berman that uses geometric form and textural surfaces from natural and man-made materials to reference human notions of the environment drawn from various cultures.
When: July 26 to August 6 - Tuesdays to Saturdays

Non-Fiction, held at St Kilda's Obscura Gallery, features photography by Gillian Fletcher, Cam Scale and Kimberley Munroe. With works that capture unexpected stories within the images portrayed, all three artists draw from their very different life experiences and views of the world.
When: Until August 13 - Tuesdays to Saturdays

A Show of Hands, held at Prahran's Chapel Off Chapel, is a series of works by Jacqui Grantford, whose exploration of humanity captures the hands of everyday people and well known people, presenting stories within each portrait that are at times inspirational, sad and heart-warming.
When: July 19 to August 7

Apparent Motion, held as part of the State of Design Festival, is an exhibition of men's jewellery curated by Lord Coconut, who commissioned jewellers to address the theme 'apparent motion' and create wearable pieces that challenge the common concept of jewellery for men.
When: Until July 31 - Tuesdays to Saturdays

Darebin Art Show, showing at Bundoora Homestead, is an exhibition of contemporary visual arts and crafts that celebrate the depth and talent of Darebin's artistic community. Submitted works this year were inspired by the theme: City of Darebin: people, places or perceptions.
When: Until September 17

Seen and Unseen, held at The Jewish Museum of Australia in St Kilda, is a photographic exhibition that pays homage to late photographer, Lex Mrocki with his journalistic body of work showcased with his personal collection of photographs of noteworthy subjects that include Bill Clinton.
When: Until August 28

La Trobe Exhibition, held at Kay Craddock's Antiquarian Bookstore in Melbourne, is an exhibition of books, prints and sculptures that honour Lieutenant Governor Charles Joseph La Trobe. The exhibition is presented by the C J La Trobe Society to celebrate their tenth anniversary.
When: Until August 3 - Closed Sundays

A Group Of 8, showing at Melbourne's Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery, is a contemporary art exhibition by eight distinct artists who have ties to Poland but call Melbourne home. Paintings, ceramics and sculpture capture themes reflecting the Australian landscape, the natural environment and human form.
When: July 11 to August 12 - Closed Sundays

Women with Clever Hands, a temporary exhibition held at Melbourne Museum, showcases a selection of Aboriginal fibre work by women artists from Gapuwiyak in northeast Arnhem Land. With baskets, bags, mats, sculptural figures and jewellery, the works reflect the complexities of their land and culture.
When: Until August 28

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

Australian Woodworking and Technology Expo, held at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, showcases the woodworking industry with the latest products and ideas from around the world including software, fittings, surface materials and more along with workshops and presentations.
When: Thursday to Saturday, July 28 to 30

Craft & Quilt Fair, held at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, has the freshest ideas from artists on show with inspirational displays from craft specialists from all over Australia along with demonstrations from guests that include Liz DeLuca, Louise Snook, Rachel Greig and Kay Haerland.
When: Thursday to Saturday, July 28 to 30

Herald Sun Melbourne Career Expo, held at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, features over 150 exhibitors from Australia and overseas. Offering information about career opportunities for people of all ages, the expo includes a broad range of seminars and free services.
When: Friday to Sunday, July 29 to 31

Victoria's New Age Healing & Psychic Expo, appearing in Sunbury, showcases a wide range of stalls offering jewellery, incense, salt lamps, crystals and more. Visitors to the expo will also be able to have a personal psychic reading with experienced mediums, clairvoyants and tarot readers.
When: Sunday July 31 - 10am to 5pm

Car Shows

Car Clubs Showcase, held at Federation Square, features a different Car Club every month when car enthusiasts and general public alike can wander through an amazing array of classic, modern and vintage cars. This month's free event presents cars on display from the Morris Car Club.
When: Sunday July 31 - 11am to 2:30pm

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

The Mall, directed by Stephanie Lee, is Thomas Sainsbury's popular play about the eleven days in which the inhabitants of a local mall who go about their lives while a food court attendant plans their destruction. The novel and darkly humorous play is held at Brunswick's AtticErratic.
When: Tuesday to Saturday, July 26 to 30

Death to Carnivale! is an alternative horror-gore musical that tells of an old wild west carnival troupe and the tragedy brought by their showman Barnaby's spiralling descent into demonic madness. With an original goth-rock score, the wicked production is held at Revolt in Kensington.
When: Wednesday to Saturday, July 27 to 30

Pin Drop, presented by Southbank's Malthouse Theatre, is a performance by Tamara Saulwick. Drawing on interviews with people aged six to 92 to create an immersive audio-sensory world, the production explores the most private of experiences, fear, and the primal urges it inspires.
When: July 26 to August 7

Little Help From My Friends, held at Preston's Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre, is Promac Productions' new show that celebrates The Beatles with David Cameron and his band joined by Philip Wheeldon as Narrator, taking the audience through the story of the legendary band.
When: Friday July 29 - 11am

Buddy's Back! is an exciting theatre show featuring Scot Robin who appeared in the original cast of the smash hit musical Buddy, playing the rock and roll legend. Performing Buddy Holly's hit songs including That'll Be The Day, he'll appear at Bulleen's Manningham Hotel.
When: Saturday July 30

Hamlet, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company in Southbank, sees Shakespeare's classic tale of revenge and tragedy given a fresh and contemporary interpretation in this reworking of one of the greatest plays by the same team that uniquely brought Richard III to life last year.
When: July 19 to August 31

J.A.T.O, presented by MKA theatre in Prahran, is a play Vedrana Klepica. Adapted by RE Ross Trust winner Declan Greene, the performance tells of a band of terrorist freedom fighters who have disguised themselves and come equipped with instruments and a shotgun type Marocchi model 03.
When: July 12 to 30 - Tuesdays to Saturdays

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

Randy Newman, a living musical legend, gifted composer and social satirist, will be performing at the Arts Centre where he'll be joined in the special concert with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as they present some his greatest songs and music from his magnificent movie scores.
When: Friday & Saturday, July 29 & 30

Baroque Triple Bill, presented by Victorian Opera and performed at Melbourne Recital Centre, features fully staged cantatas from two great composers with Bach's comic works, Coffee Cantata and Fight Between Phoebus and Pan paired with a tragic love story by Monteverdi.
When: July 28 & 30 and August 1, 2, 4 & 5

Manins, Gould, Jones Trio, an award-winning group with extraordinary compositional and improvisatory skills, will be performing at Montsalvat in Eltham where they'll present music from their new recording, as well as pieces from their award-winning 2008 CD, Under the Tall Trees.
When: Sunday July 31 - 3pm

Burlesque, Cabaret & Dance

Lolo and Berto and Friends, performed at the Butterfly Club in South Melbourne, features the award-winning Susan Bamford Caleo as Lolo and Robert Stephens as Berto as they capture the heart and humour of Europe in the 1920s and 30s with accordion, voice and musical surprises.
When: Thursday to Sunday, July 28 to 31

Burlesque Rio Carnivale! sees Madame Natalia's Cirque de Femmes at Fitzroy's Burlesque Bar tip their feathers to Rio and its colourful culture with a special night of performances featuring featuring Madame Natalia herself and burlesque girls, Bijou, Honey B Goode and Bella-d.
When: Friday July 29 - Shows at 7:30pm & 11pm

Die Winterreise, performed at Southbank's Malthouse Theatre, is Matthew Lutton's re-imagining of Schubert's song cycle of a lovelorn wanderer. Blending dance, music and theatre, the touching production features Paul Capsis, dancer James O'Hara and actor George Shevstov.
When: July 20 to 31

Three JJJacks, performed at Melbourne's 24 Moons, is a darkly twisted and irreverently funny foray into the Cabaret/Burlesque world where morals are challenged as Paul Moder hosts and performs as three insane lads each called Jack and faced with beautiful temptresses.
When: Until August 3 - Wednesdays, 8:30pm

The More-Bang-For-No-Buck Burlesque Show! is a night of free entertainment at Red Bennies in South Yarra with MC Madame Natalia and rotating burlesque stars each week. With sassy broads, fun and music, the end-of-weekend burlesque injection is a sure-fire cure for winter blues.
When: Until August 7 - Sundays, 7pm

The Burlesque Hour Loves Melbourne, presented at fortyfivedownstairs in Flinders Lane, features a different Melbourne icon every week with the global smash hit that has set critics raving around the world returning to Melbourne at last with big names that include Rhonda Burchmore.
When: Until August 14, Thursdays to Sundays
Meow Meow: July 21 to 31
Constantina Bush & the Bushettes: August 4 to 7
Rhonda Burchmore: August 11 to 14

View More Performances & Concerts

Entertainment & Nightlife

Sisters For Sisters, held at Melbourne's Toff in Town, brings together Melbourne-based female musicians, dancers, DJs, visual artists, spoken word artists and designers to perform in solidarity and raise awareness for those who are exploited, sold and abused through sex-trafficking.
When: Tuesday July 26 - 7:30pm to 11:30pm

Pulp will be appearing at Melbourne's Festival Hall, bringing together Jarvis Cocker with the original members of the band. With the concert full of hits from their much loved, seven album career, they'll perform much-loved 90's anthems such as the monumental hit, 'Common People'.
When: Friday July 29

Moving Pictures, a chart-topping band from the 80's whose music featured in Footloose, have reformed thirty years after their debut album release and will be appearing at St Kilda's Palais Theatre to mark the anniversary with a special performance for one night only.
When: Friday July 29 - 8pm

BABBA, appearing at the Italian Sports Club in Werribee, is a not to be missed experience with all the excitement a live show can deliver as Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Frida perform the very best of ABBA's amazing songs with their fabulous band, light show and costumes.
When: Friday July 29

3 Years Of Clear Springs celebrates the three years since Clear Springs Entertainment took shape to support local independent talent in the music industry. Also held to launch compilation CD, Parx-e Volume 2 at Richmond's Central Club, guests include Black Hayet and The Superguns.
When: Saturday July 30

Tiago Brissos, an acclaimed guitarist who captures the middle ground of European and South American music, will be holding a solo guitar recital for one night only at South Melbourne's Butterfly Club, where he'll showcase works by Jorge Morel, Quique Sinesi, Jose Peixoto and others.
When: Saturday July 30 - 7pm

View More Live Gigs

Comedy & Magic

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

Melbourne Horror Film Society, a not-for-profit group that screens the best and worst horror films ever made, holds monthly film sessions at Bar 303 in Northcote. With a generous entry fee by membership, they'll be screening Night of the Creeps by Fred Dekker.
When: Tuesday July 26 - 7:30pm

Short Cut: Monthly Film Night, held at Red Bennies in South Yarra, showcases short films from Australia and around the world. The film nights also feature Q & A sessions following screenings along with the chance for fans and fellow filmmakers to network with one another.
When: Tuesday July 26, 8pm - $5 Entry

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

Backyard Open Studio, presented by Melbourne's ArtPlay, gives children all the power and fun as they join a professional designer to work with the tools that real architects use while they design, then create the perfect play space in an 'imaginary backyard landscape'.
When: Friday to Sunday, July 29 to 31

Family Zone, presented by the Salvation Army in Doncaster East, offers a great family experience, featuring the innovative Australian developed parenting program Starting Points along with fun for children with their kidzone including music, storytelling, crafts and games.
When: Sundays - 2:30pm to 4:30pm

Meet Melbourne Cup Champion Subzero as part of the celebrations for the officially nominated birthday for thoroughbred horses. Appearing at Melbourne's National Sports Museum, along with the chance to meet and pat the Melbourne Cup champion there'll also be craft activities.
When: Monday August 1 - 11:30am

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 programmed to music with special themes.
When: Fridays in July - 7pm

Art of the Brick, a one-of-a-kind LEGO brick art exhibition at Federation Square, features Nathan Sawaya's large-scale LEGO sculptures that have broken gallery records around the world, amazing not only fans of LEGO but also millions of art lovers, both young and old.
When: Until September 30

Circus

Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be holding performances at Reservoir. 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 August 21 - Reservoir - Various Dates & Times

View More Children's Events

Markets, Fetes and Fairs

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

Gaye Weeden & Hayley Smorgan, whose book 'The Butcher, The Baker, The Best Coffee Maker' explores Melbourne's best food spots and recipes, will appear at Readings in Hawthorn. $50 entry includes a signed first edition of the book along with wine and nibbles.
When: Thursday July 28 - 6pm - Bookings Required

Hotel Windsor Tea for Seniors offers its renowned afternoon tea at a special rate for seniors during winter when they can enjoy Melbourne's most famous afternoon tea for only $45, a saving of more than 20 per cent. A tradition since 1883, bookings are recommended for the experience.
When: Until August - Mon to Thurs - Midday & 2:30pm
Make a Booking Today

Southgate's Progressive Dinners, a special dining offer during winter, is a chance to experience some of the best dining Melbourne has with three delectably different courses at three different restaurants, all under one roof with participating venues including Red Emperor.
When: Until September 4 - Sundays & Mondays

bookarestaurant.com
bookarestaurant.com is the easiest way to book a restaurant online. With the choice to search by cuisine and location, you can find great dining offers with some of Melbourne's finest restaurants. Bookings are free and can be made online at any time of the day.
Book a Restaurant Today

Sporting Events

AFL Premiership

AFL Premiership | Round 19
Nth Melb vs Carlton - Fri July 29, 7:40pm - Etihad Stadium
Bulldogs vs West Coast - Sat July 30, 2:10pm - Etihad Stadium
Geelong vs Melbourne - Sat July 30, 2:10pm - Skilled Stadium
Collingwood vs Essendon - Sun July 31, 2:10pm - MCG

Horse Racing

Betfair Park Race Days

Midweek Meeting (Lakeside)
Wednesday July 27
Betfair Park, Sandown

Country Racing Victoria represents racing clubs in outer metropolitan areas and small clubs in rural areas with race programs that include special days with kids' entertainment.
Highlights: Feature Sunday Jumps Racing - Sunday July 31 - Warrnambool
Race Dates: Thursday to Monday, July 28 to 31

Bletchingly Stakes Day, presented by Melbourne Racing Club at Caulfield Racecourse, offers a great day of racing that also helps support Jeans for Genes Day, raising funds for the Children's Medical Research Institute and their research to advance the prevention and treatment of disease.
When: Saturday July 30 - Gates Open 10:30am

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

Greyhound Racing

Greyhound Racing @ The Meadows hosts a range of raceday and non-raceday events throughout the year with the venue renowned worldwide for high class racing.
Next Race Dates:
Wednesday & Saturday, July 27 & 30

View More Sports Events

Let Melbourne Know...

Advertise Your School Fete, Fair or Carnival FREE!
Everyone wants to support their local school by going to their annual fundraiser. Last year we promoted a whopping 1,200 school events. So, make sure you let your school organizers know they can list their fete, fair or carnival for FREE @ OnlyMelbourne!
Add Your Event for FREE Today!!

Trivia & Humour

Shaggy Dog

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

White's In A Name?

Melburnian 'Mac' Robertson, regarded as the greatest entrepreneur and philanthropist in contemporary Australian History was the founder of confectionery company MacRobertson's, which gave us the tasty icons of the Cherry Ripe and Freddo Frog.

A philanthropist and flagrant self-promoter, Robertson funded Mawson's Antarctic expeditions and a series of international air races. There is even an area of Antarctica named after Melbourne's legendary confectionary wizard.

Sir Douglas Mawson named a part of the Antarctic Mac Robertson Land in honour of the great entrepreneur. It was a fitting landscape to pay tribute to the Melbourne icon, who wore white suits, painted his factories white, and even used white draught horses to pull his white carts.

More about Sir Macpherson Robertson | Read Melbourne Trivia...

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