Newsletter | #310 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday to Monday, December 11 to 17, 2012.

This week... It was the fortnight before Christmas and all through the town, not a festival was stirring, aside from the RISE Music and Arts Festival, that is. And The Spirit of the Square, of course. Waxing poetic (or carol-ish) aside, there are actually two other events to tickle your fancy.

Celebrating the recent birthday of a certain iconic landmark, there's Luna Park's Back to 1912 Weekend, where you'll find special guests that include Frank Sinatra, John Lennon and Fairlie Arrow... ;)

Our local film industry also gets a nod with the Made In Melbourne Film Festival, but you'll want to get in on that quick as it takes place early in the week, so bums on seats, people, and down in front.

Aside from those major shindigs, things are looking a little Grinchy at the moment and there's a definitive hush about Melbourne, broken only by the rustling of tumbleweeds and Christmas wreaths.

Christmas Guides

Melbourne's BEST Christmas Lights, our guide to the best Christmas Lights in town has now been running for 11 years. With our popular site, Christmas Lights Melbourne, you can also list your own lights or any others you know of in your area for FREE!!
Visit Christmas Lights Melbourne

Christmas Carols Guide - With Christmas approaching, you'll find many events across Victoria that include not only the traditional Carols by Candlelight, but also plenty of fun and attractions for the children before the big sing-a-long, with most Carol events free to attend.
View OnlyMelbourne's Christmas Carols Guide

Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal supports some of the largest welfare organisations in Australia and has given more than 5.9 million gifts over the past 24 years. Trees can be found nationally in Kmart stores, with gifts or cash donations collected up until Christmas Eve.
When: Until December 24

School Holiday Guide

Check out our School Holiday Guide for the latest on what to do with the kids during Summer 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 - Dec 21 to Jan 29

New Year's Eve Hot Spots

New Year's Eve is already looming large, so to help plan ahead, check out just some of the many and varied New Year's events that we have listed. With music events, themed parties, concerts and more, New Year's Eve is set to be a big one when we show those uppity Aztecs what for!
New Year's Eve Hot Spots

Major Events

RISE Music and Arts Festival celebrates the creative talent of refugees and asylum seekers with free live entertainment on the main stage of Federation Square featuring a great line-up of gifted performers and special guests, along with a short film screening at ACMI Cinema.
When: Saturday December 15 - 1pm to 7pm
Short Film Screening: Friday December 14, 6:30pm

Luna Park's Back to 1912 Weekend celebrates the 100th birthday of the famous St Kilda icon with Luna Park recreated in the style of its origins. Capturing the time when the magic first began, there'll be The Tea Terrace, Dixieland Jazz, vintage treats and roving entertainment.
When: Saturday & Sunday, December 15 & 16

Spirit of the Square presents fabulous Christmas activities for the whole family at Federation Square with songs from the Salvos, community choirs and the playful festivities of In The Pines, an installation of over recycled plastic Christmas trees by local urban artists, The Projects.
When: December 1 to 30

Art Exhibitions

Tough Love, held at The Old Bar in Fitzroy, is a photographic series of bars, pubs and clubs by Hola Holga. Capturing the architecture of Melbourne's live music scene, the series also features bands with their favourite haunts including The Tote, Cherry Bar and other iconic venues.
When: December 11 to 17
Opening Night: Tuesday December 11 - 7pm

Hispanoamerican Dispora in Australia, held at Footscray Community Arts Centre, is a reflection on those who have migrated from Hispano-America to establish themselves in Australia. The exhibition features works by artists that include Walter Acosta, Rosa Chiri and many others.
When: December 13 to March 17

ArtAbility showcases artworks created by artists who are living with a disability, drawing on the talents of people from a wide range of ages and cultures. Now in its 8th year, this year's exhibition at the Atrium of Federation Square features diverse works with the theme of Dreams.
When: Until Monday December 17

More Exhibitions

Expos, Launches, Open Days & Lectures

Free Christmas Wrap In Style Workshops, presented by the ever-stylish queen of paper Cristina Re at her store 'Where A Girl Goes' in Collingwood, invites you to be inspired to create this Christmas with craft workshops that can teach you how to create Gift Tags and Wrapping.
When: Sunday December 16 - Bookings Essential

Auto Euphoria, held at Melbourne Showgrounds, is Melbourne's newest, premiere Modifying Car Show and Expo. Open to modified cars of any make or model, the event will showcase Melbourne's biggest line up of premiere cars along with a host of stalls offering merchandise.
When: Saturday & Sunday, December 15 & 16

Melbourne Tours

Melbourne Tours & Activities are a great way to take Dad out on the town to discover some of the hidden treasures in your own city. With guided tours, winery excursions, sports events and more, there's no end of great attractions throughout Melbourne and Victoria.
Find Melbourne Tours & Activities

More Expos & Launches | More Open Days | More Tours

Performances & Theatre

NOEXIT, performed in the former underground public toilets at Melbourne's Victoria Square, is a unique live performance installation. Exposing the intricacies of our interrelation with others, four outstanding artists will present their durational solo works in neighbouring cubicles.
When: Wednesday to Saturday, December 12 to 15

Midsummer, presented by Red Stitch Theatre in St Kilda, is a charmingly quirky musical and romantic comedy about two mismatched lovers who meet at a classy wine bar and soon find themselves on a wild weekend, burning a hole through someone else's fifteen thousand pounds.
When: Until December 15 - Wednesdays to Sundays

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, held at Her Majesty's Theatre, stars the talented Geoffrey Rush as the scheming slave Pseudolus whose attempts to win freedom from the henpecked Senex and his overbearing wife lead to epic comical confusion. We've giving this 5 Stars!
When: Until January 6

Classical, Choral & Recitals

Christmas Fireworks! is a special concert at Melbourne Recital Centre with Christmas performances of Bach, Torelli, Haydn and Handel, including the popular Music for the Royal Fireworks as Michael Woods directs the Chamber Orchestra at St Paul's in a stellar performance.
When: December 12, 14 & 15

Joy to the World, held at Melbourne's St Michael's Uniting Church, is the Christmas fundraising concert for the School of Hard Knocks Institute. Presented by Music For the People, Jonathon Welch AM will be joined by the Choir of Hope and Inspiration and other guests.
When: Wednesday December 12 - 7:30pm

Madama Butterfly, presented by Opera Australia at the Arts Centre, is Puccini's moving tale of love and loss in the city of Nagasaki. Performed in Italian with subtitles, this production blends exquisite costumes and stylish sets with some of the most moving music written.
When: Until December 14

Burlesque, Cabaret & Dance

Christmas On Ice Spectacular, held at the Olympic Ice Skating Centre in Oakleigh South, is an annual presentation by the Olympic Figure Skating Club. Victorian and Australian champions, along with the newest "tiny tots"skaters, will perform to music from around the world.
When: Saturday December 15 - 5pm to 7pm

Bohemia Cabaret Club, located in South Melbourne, caters to every taste with weekly cabaret and burlesque shows presenting everything from the sublime to the ridiculous and the base to the refined with shows that celebrate laughter, horror, joy and tears, sin and sensuality.
When: Wednesdays to Sundays

More Performances & Theatre | More Dance & Ballet

Entertainment & Nightlife

Martin Cilia, Australia's premier surf guitarist and also a member of legendary Australian surf band, The Atlantics, will be performing at Revolver Upstairs in Prahran. He'll be supported on the night by The Stu Thomas Paradox along with The Black Molls and The Reprobettes.
When: Friday December 14 - 8:30pm

That Gold Street Sound, Melbourne's own Motown Funk, Rock and Soul band, will be performing at The Evelyn in Fitzroy in celebration of the release of their second single, Continents Collide. They'll be joined by The Seven Ups, The Charlies and Sydney band, BrotherFunk.
When: Friday December 14 - 8:30pm

Leigh Barker & The New Sheiks, who won the Bell Award for Best Traditional Jazz Album last year, will perform at the Flying Saucer Club in Elsternwick. Featuring Heather Stewart, they'll be joined by Geoff Bull & The Finer Cuts for a great afternoon of swinging Summer jazz.
When: Sunday December 16 - 3pm

Comedy & Magic

Checkpoint Charlie Comedy, one of Melbourne's best comedy rooms held at Eurotrash Bar, presents some of Melbourne's boldest and most exciting new up-and-comers before testing your continence with some of Australia's best known established comedians.
When: Wednesday December 12 - 7:30pm

Comedy Night @ The Felix Bar in St Kilda presents the hottest comic talent from both Melbourne and afar. This week, the headline act will be special guest Tom Ballard who'll be joined by Adam Rozenbachs, Luke McGregor, Tommy Dassalo, Rob Hunter and Sonia Di Iorio.
When: Wednesday December 12 - 8:30pm

A Show For Gavin, held at the Bella Union in Carlton, is a comedy extravaganza held in memory of Gavin Keep, a much loved friend of the Melbourne comedy scene. Hosted by Dave Thornton and featuring a talented line up of guests, proceeds go to Road Trauma Support Services Victoria.
When: Friday December 14 - 7pm to 9pm

Cinema

Made In Melbourne Film Festival, held at St Kilda's Astor Theatre and The Order of Melbourne, is the only film festival exclusively for Melbourne filmmakers. Now in its fourth year with Q&A sessions and special events, the festival screens award winning films, shorts and more.
When: Tuesday & Wednesday, December 11 & 12

Summer Time Cinema, presented by the City of Boroondara, offers outdoor screenings at various parks and gardens. Free to attend, bring along a blanket, pack a basket, and settle in for some great entertainment with their next screening of Baz Luhrman's hit, Romeo and Juliet.
Camberwell: Saturday December 15 - 8:30pm

Rooftop Cinema flickers into action with film screenings of everything from cult favourites to new releases and documentaries, literally offering the height of entertainment with screenings held on the rooftop of Swanston Street's Curtin House along with the rooftop bar.
When: Until January 30 - Various Dates

More Live Gigs | More Comedy & Magic | More Cinema

Melbourne For Kids

Harry's Hotter at Twilight, held at The Theatre Husk in Northcote, is a fun comedy suitable for all ages where the characters from Harry Potter and Twilight meet. With something for all the family, the play's performed by young students from Drama With A Difference.
When: Until December 16 - Fridays to Sundays

Justine Clarke's Pop Up Tour brings Australia's foremost female children's entertainer when she'll be appearing at Dallas Brooks Centre in East Melbourne. Joined by her three-piece band, Justine will bring to life a pop-up book theme through live music and the magic of storytelling.
When: Saturday December 15 - 10am, 12pm & 2pm

Gingerbread Village, returning to Melbourne Town Hall, is a special attraction by Epicure's award-winning pastry chefs, who'll construct a village made entirely of gingerbread. With kids' activities and plenty of treats, entry is by gold coin donation to Starlight Children's Foundation.
When: Until December 24

More Children's Events | Festive Fun

Markets, Fetes and Fairs

Blender Lane Artists' Market, held in one of Melbourne's most iconic street-art covered lane ways, offers artworks, hand crafts and locally made items. A unique space for creative souls to sell their works, the market draws painters, photographers, fashion designers and much more.
When: Wednesday December 12 - 5pm to 9:30pm

Suzuki Night Market, held at Queen Victoria Market, has become a summer tradition that offers a great mix of unique products along with a fantastic atmosphere with a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even live music stages showcasing Melbourne's best music.
When: Until February 27 - Wednesdays, 5pm to 10pm

Kris Kringle Night Market, held at Northcote Town Hall, offers over 50 stall holders selling locally hand crafted items such as designer fashion, accessories, giftware, jewellery, ceramics, woodcrafts, homewares, plants, and much more along with food and free live entertainment.
When: Thursdays Until December 20

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

Madame Clicquot's Birthday, celebrated at the Melbourne restaurant, Mr Mason, presents a special menu of Parisian Afternoon Tea that includes a platter of sweet and savoury French pastries with a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot in honour of the 'Great Dame of Champagne'.
When: Saturday & Sunday, December 15 & 16

Viva Espania-Spanish Feast & Soiree, held at Veraison Restaurant in Merricks North, presents a 3 course Spanish meal that's complimented by live entertainment from Lucy Nicolson of Vic Opera and Pete Smitheram of CLOC who'll perform highlights from Man Of La Mancha.
When: Sunday December 16

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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

Cricket

KFC Twenty20 Big Bash

Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes
Saturday December 15 - 7pm
MCG, Melbourne

Soccer

Hyundai A-League | Round 11

Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar
Saturday December 15 - 5:30pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne

Basketball

WNBL | Round 11
Bulleen v SYD
Friday December 14 - 7:30pm - Veneto Club
Dandenong v SYD
Saturday December 15 - 7pm - Dandenong Stadium

More Sports Events | More Motor Sports & Auto 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!

Have A Squizzy At This..

Fitzroy was Melbourne's first suburb, created when the area between Melbourne and Alexandra Parade (originally named Newtown) was subdivided into vacant lots and offered for sale.

Newtown was later renamed Collingwood, and the area now called Fitzroy (west of Smith Street) was made a ward of the Melbourne City Council. On 10 September 1858, Fitzroy became a municipality in its own right, separate from the City of Melbourne.

Fitzroy is also infamous for being home to the 1920's gangster figure, Squizzy Taylor, who frequented the area around the junction of Napier Street and Gertrude Street.

Read more about Melbourne's Suburbs | Read Melbourne Trivia...

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