Newsletter | #274 | What's On this Week Newsletter | #274 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday to Monday, April 3 to 9, 2012.

This week... the long weekend is upon with a celebration of chocolate, spirituality or simply an extra sleep-in, depending on how you choose to make good of it. For those who are willing to give up the latter and get away for the weekend, there's no shortage of fun to be had with two of Easter's major festival taking place in Beechworth and Bendigo.

For those with children who'd rather stay on the home front in Melbourne, there's also a celebration of Finnish culture with the aptly named Finnish Festival in Altona along with a great range of events in our School Holiday Guide.

Those who've kept their eggs thus far confined to their baskets and can roam free-range through the long weekend might want to get some extra giggles in with the ongoing Melbourne International Comedy Festival or kick up their heels with a good dose of salsa at the Melbourne Latin Festival.

Whatever you choose to do, we do hope you enjoy your time and have a very safe and pleasant celebration of chocolate, spirituality or simply an extra sleep-in... :)



OnlyMelbourne Suggests
Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal raises money to help ensure that children with life-threatening diseases get the best possible medical care. Along with Channel 7's Live Telethon, there are many ways to donate with special events held throughout Victoria.
More about the Good Friday Appeal


School Holiday Guides
Check out our School Holiday Guide for the latest on what to do with the kids during Easter Holidays. The holiday guide offers a great range of activities for the young and young at heart, with events, tours, workshops, concerts and holiday programs.. all in marvellous Melbourne!
School Holiday Guide - March 31 to April 15


Scooby Doo Live - Musical Mysteries , held at Melbourne's Princess Theatre, features big musical numbers including the evergreen Scooby-Doo theme song, along with new songs as this rollicking theatre show follows Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang as they solve an epic mystery.
When: Thursday & Saturday, April 5 & 7 | Book Now


The Story Thieves, held at The State Library of Victoria, is a show with something for everyone as it celebrates comedy, spontaneity, music, circus skills, slapstick, theatre, puppetry.. and wonderful stories as four mischievous vagabonds create fantastical tales using audience suggestions.
When: Wednesday April 4 - 11:30am & 1pm


Easter Festivals & Events
Golden Horseshoes Festival, a popular Easter event in Beechworth, offers fun for all ages with a Grand Parade and live music with performances and busking on the streets. The festival also includes market stalls, carnival rides, kids' activities and an Easter Egg with the Easter Bunny.
When: Friday to Sunday, April 6 to 8


Bendigo Easter Festival, now in its 142nd year, celebrates not only Easter, but also Bendigo's rich, colourful Chinese heritage. Highlights include a massive Easter Egg Hunt, stage shows, a Gala Parade and the annual appearance of Sun Loong, the world's longest Imperial dragon.
When: Friday to Monday, April 6 to 9


Easter Life Celebration, held in Roxburgh, is a free community celebration filled with family fun and attractions that include live music performances, community stalls and great activities for kids with face painting, Easter egg hunt, family friendly games and a jumping castle.
When: Sunday April 8 - 1pm to 4pm


Kerrisdale Mountain Railway Easter Steamfest, found between Seymour and Yea, offers fun for all the family with the live steam museum showcasing visiting engines, luncheon packages available on all days throughout the Steamfest, kids' treats and scenic train rides.
When: Saturday to Monday, April 7 to 9


Major Events
Finnish Festival, held at various venues in Altona, offers a celebration of Finnish food, dancing, games, music and stalls. Along with workshops for both adults and children, the festival is also a chance to see some unique cultural activities that are rarely available in Australia.
When: Friday to Sunday, April 6 to 8


Tarra Festival embodies the community spirit of Yarram in Gippsland with a celebration showcasing all that this rural township offers. One of Gippsland's most popular events, highlights include a popular Monster Market and the festival opening day with music and children's activities.
When: Friday to Monday, April 6 to 9


Rye Kids Festival is a fun event for children and visitors to the peninsula. Along with carnival rides, roving acts, magic shows and live performances, there's also a program full of circus workshops and a visit from the Easter bunny with an egg hunt on Easter Sunday.
When: April 6 to 10


Melbourne International Comedy Festival returns to present some of the best and newest entertainers drawn from Australia and overseas. With shows for people of all ages held at various venues in Melbourne, the festival offers comedy, circus, burlesque theatre and more.
When: March 28 to April 22


Food & Wine Festivals
Dargo Walnut Festival, held each year to raise funds for the upgrading of facilities in the regional Victorian town, celebrates its groves of century-old walnut trees with a range of activities and entertainment. The festival takes place at Dargo's Community Hall and Recreation Reserve.
When: Sunday April 8


Music & Arts Festivals
Melbourne Latin Festival, taking place at Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre in Preston, offers an exciting and entertainment filled program with a showcase of Latin dance genres featuring 150 dancers, 50 workshops with salsa lessons and much more.
When: Friday to Sunday, April 6 to 8


Melbourne Festival of Choirs, held at BMW Edge and other venues, brings together choirs and individual singers from across Melbourne and Victoria to share the joys, talents and skills of singing with public performances, workshops, forums and social gatherings.
When: Saturday to Monday, April 7 to 9


Art Exhibitions
Graeme Base's The Jewel Fish of Karnak will be the subject of an exhibition at MARS Gallery in Port Melbourne. The exhibition includes 30 never-before-seen illustrations, inspired by the ancient Egyptian world, from the upcoming book by the highly acclaimed author and artist.
When: April 4 to May 5 - Closed Mondays
Family BBQ & Reading: Wednesday April 4 - 12pm to 2pm


Trentham Art & Craft Easter Show, held at Trentham Mechanics Institute to raise money for library services, showcases the crafts and artworks of local artists that include Rose Wilson, Louise Otten and David Bryant, all of whom have had notable entries in the Archibald Prize.
When: Friday to Monday, April 6 to 9
Opening Night: Thursday April 5 - 7:30pm (Ticketed Event)


Sifting Time... brings together important contemporary artists from China and Australia with this special exhibition held at Melbourne's Chinese Museum. Through painting, photography and installation each practitioner plays with ideas of cultural transformation and tradition.
When: Until May 20
Curator's Floor Talk: Wednesday April 11 - 1pm


Land Like Mine is a series of recent paintings by Nicholas Harder, an artist who in 2009 spent time exploring the landscapes of Kakadu in the Northern Territory. His works, showing at Melbourne's fortyfivedownstairs, capture the kaleidoscopic essence of Australia's landscape.
When: April 3 to 21 - Tuesdays to Saturdays


Wings Fins & Imaginings, showing at Stonehouse Gallery in Warrandyte, is an exhibition by ceramic artists Jan O'Neill and Anna Sewards and painter Sue Trevillian. The group show presents light hearted, imaginative depictions of creatures, mythical monsters and flying fantasies.
When: April 3 to 30


insiders, presented by Karen Woodbury Gallery in Richmond, is an exhibition of recent paintings by Melbourne born artist, Lara Merrett. With works represented in numerous collections throughout Australia, her colourful abstracts resonate with an almost organic life of their own.
When: April 4 to 28 - Wednesdays to Saturdays


Autumn Art & Military Heritage Exhibition, presented at the Old Post Office Gallery in Seymour, features works by artists that include John Orlando Birt, Meg Heres, Kate Ferguson, Ilma Duncan, Agnes Szetey and many others also exhibiting works depicting various wildlife.
When: April 1 to May 13 - Wednesdays to Sundays


By the sea and other works, held at the at the Firestation Print Studio in Armadale, is a solo exhibition by Rachael Ness, a visual arts student from the CAE. Inspired by sights found within the Western Port environment, her prints, paintings and drawings capture sealife and other forms.
When: March 28 to April 15 - Wednesdays to Saturdays


I Say Doilies, You Say Doyleys is an exhibition of refashioned doily creations by artists from Melbourne and beyond, who have transformed these handmade fancywork treats into new fantastic artworks with doilies as the only common thread. It's held at Brunswick's Gleaners Inc.
When: Until April 6


Queen Elizabeth II - Diamond Jubilee Celebration is an exhibition of vintage prints from London's V&A, taken by royal photographer, Sir Cecil Beaton. Showing at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the exhibition of nearly 100 portraits shows Elizabeth in her roles as princess, monarch and mother.
When: Until April 15


Notorious: Duffy's Celebrity Portraits, showing at Monash Gallery of Art in Wheelers Hill, draws on work from the Duffy Archive in Britain to showcase a selection of portraits by Brian Duffy, an iconic photographer who helped to define the visual style of Britain in the '60s and '70s.
When: March 30 to May 13


The Colin and Elizabeth Laverty Collection, showing at Geelong Gallery, features a selection of Indigenous and non-Indigenous works of art. Showcasing the best of their contemporary holdings, it includes works by Paddy Bedford, Rosalie Gascoigne, Louise Hearman and others.
When: Until April 15


Top Designs, held at Melbourne Museum, showcases work by Victoria's final year secondary school students. With artworks that span many styles such as furniture, clothing, short films and photography, the exhibition offers a glimpse of some of tomorrow's brightest talents.
When: March 24 to July 15


NEW12, the prestigious annual commissions exhibition of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Southbank, features bold, brave new art from the art stars of tomorrow with a showcase of unique works from some of Australia's most interesting rising artists.
When: Until May 20


Real Gone, held at Paradise Hills Gallery in Richmond, is the debut group show by Rambler Collective, an exciting new art collective featuring Hollie M Kelley, Ryan McGennisken, Jamie Hall and James Ruff, who'll showcase a large body of work loosely based around the concept of escapism.
When: Until April 7 - Wednesdays to Saturdays


View More Exhibitions


Expos, Launches, Open Days & Lectures
The Peninsula Bride Exhibit, held at Max's Restaurant at Red Hill Estate, brings together wedding service suppliers from the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne with a showcase that includes bridal gowns, prizes, giveaways, supplier competitions, music and more.
When: Monday April 9 - 11am to 2pm


More Expos & Launches | More Open Days | Murder On The Puffing Billy Express presents a unique and intriguing night of murder, mystery and suspense aboard Puffing Billy's evening dinner train special. With guests invited to come dressed as their favourite Agatha Christie character, prizes are also offered to the best dressed.
When: Until November 22 - Various Dates


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
IASbet, Australia's premier online betting agency, offers better odds for Horse Racing and Sports Betting both here and overseas. An easy way to take a punt on any of the many races 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


Australian Rules Football
AFL Premiership | Round 2
Essendon V Port Adelaide
Saturday April 7, 1:45pm - Marvel Stadium
Magpies V Tigers
Saturday April 7, 7:40pm - MCG
Saints V Suns
Sunday April 8, 4:40pm - Marvel Stadium
Cats V Hawks
Monday April 9, 3:10pm - MCG


Rugby
Super Rugby Season - Round 7

Melbourne Rebels vs Blues
Thursday April 5 - 7:40pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne


Cycling
UCI Track Cycling World Cup, held at Hisense Arena, sees the world's best cyclists returning to Melbourne for exciting action as more than 40 nations will be represented by up to 350 athletes competing in events that offer spectators thrills, spills and pure adrenalin.
When: Wednesday to Sunday, April 4 to 8 April


Surfing
Rip Curl Pro Surf and Music Festival, held at Torquay's Bells Beach, marks the 51st year of the Bells Beach Easter Rally and Rip Curl Pro, bringing together the world's best male and female surfers to Victoria with competitive surfing, parties, performances and other activities.
When: April 3 to 15


Sailing & Boating
Australian Dragon Boat Championships, taking place at Docklands, will see thousands of colourful and unique dragon boats gather from across Australia to compete in a show of sports that combines great agility and athleticism along with unadulterated paddling prowess.
When: Until April 5


Polo
Geebung Polo Match, an annual sports event held at Omeo's Dinner Plain in the mountains of north-east Victoria, offers a great day out for the family with live music, gourmet food and wine, Fashions on the Field and fun for children with an egg hunt, face painting and more.
When: Sunday April 8 - 10am to 4pm


Community Sports & Fitness Events
Stawell Gift, presented by Stawell Athletic Club since 1878, is an action-packed carnival of fashion, fun and music before it culminates in the renowned Stawell Gift, Australia's oldest and richest short distance running race. Highlights include the Stawell Regional Health Family Day.
When: Friday to Monday, April 6 to 9
Stawell Regional Health Family Day: Sunday April 8


Motor Sports
Easter Mayhem returns to Heathcote Park Raceway with non-stop racing action in a three-day program that includes a Burnout Comp, Powerskids, Mud Racing, Winch Challenge and a whole lot more with an Easter Egg hunt for the kids and free camping for all weekend pass holders.
When: Friday to Monday, April 6 to 9


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!


These Rolls Were Made For Walkin'...
One of Victoria's most iconic creations, the Chiko Roll, was developed in the 1940s by Francis McEnroe from Bendigo.

In line with that other of Victoria's much-loved icons, AFL Football, the Chiko Roll was based on the Chinese egg roll and spring roll, but given a much more robust and thicker deep-fried wrapping so that it would survive transport to Football matches.

The fact that it can be held in one hand while the other hand's occupied by a beer was also a winning sales point.

Read more about the Chiko Roll | Read Melbourne Trivia...


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