Welcome to this week's OnlyMelbourne newsletter guide to Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community - October 15 - October 21, 2007.
This Week.. Children's Week's official opening at Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Cycling Festival, and Federation Square celebrates 5 years. Spring Racing Carnival sees two great races at Caulfield, while the Melbourne International Arts Festival continues, and Rowville's Stringybark Festival kicks off this weekend!
We also have NBL details, special dining offers and much more info on many upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
Children's Week, beginning Saturday, celebrates children, their rights and their skills and abilities. This year, Children and their families can celebrate the Week by getting involved in activities and events across Victoria. To celebrate Children's Week in Victoria, the official launch will be on Sunday 21st of October at Melbourne Zoo from 10am to 3pm. Entry is free for children 15 years and under!
Melbourne Cycling Festival offers a weekend of fun, live music and activities and also brings together two of Victoria's iconic cycling events, the Jayco Herald Sun Tour and the Portfolio Partners Around the Bay in a Day ride. This massive celebration, held at Alexandra Gardens, also features the Go for your Life Tour village, a bicycle expo and a range of fun activities for all!
More About Melbourne's Cycling Events in SPORT
National Ride to Work Day takes place this week on Wednesday the 17th October when regular and first-time riders from all states and territories will join in on this special inaugural day. With Over 22,000 registered participants, the day will see more than 75 community breakfast events taking place throughout Melbourne and Australia in CBDs and town centres. Registrations are still open so sign up while you can!
Fed Square's 5th Birthday - Federation Square celebrates its Fifth Birthday in 2007 with a range of celebrations taking place throughout October, including live entertainment, exhibitions, a competition and more! Celebrate Melbourne's favourite meeting point, which has become the community heart of Melbourne in the past five years with over 37 million visits since opening and 1,500 events every year!
Melbourne International Arts Festival, running from October 11 to 17, is one of Australia's leading arts festivals, presenting unique international and Australian events ranging from dance, theatre and music to visual arts and more! This week's program includes the visually stunning butoh style theatre of Kagemi: Beyond the Metaphors of Mirrors, presented by Japan's renowned Sankai Juku, (pictured)
The Melba Spiegeltent presents La Soiree - a live event with a gypsy soul and a hungry heart! A spiegeltent is a hand-hewn pavilion used as travelling dance hall and wine tasting marquee since the early 20th century. A theatre, a salon, a portal to another time and more, La Soiree is a must-see attraction, running for a limited season until November 18 at Northcote Town Hall Civic Square.
Stringybark Festival, taking place in Rowville this weekend, is one of Victoria's longest running environmental festivals. The weekend's activities include children's theatre, workshops, gourmet food, live music, roving performers and more!
Save Water Save Energy Expo, held this weekend, will be Australia's largest showcase of products and services for use in homes, offices, businesses, schools and gardens, which save water, save energy, reduce waste, increase recycling and more.
The Pregnancy, Babies & Children's Expo features the latest innovations and information for parents along with free children's entertainment including Dorothy the Dinosaur. Beginning Friday, the Expo also offers kids' activity areas and native animals on display!
History Begins at Home is the current exhibition on show at the Royal Historic Society of Victoria. Illustrating the history of the area around the Society's building in A'Beckett Street, the exhibition is drawn from the Society's rich collection of maps, photos and drawings.
Artefact is an exhibition in which thirteen contemporary artists have woven small-scale works through historical artefacts, putting a new twist on the traditional forms of display at City Museum's Making Melbourne Galleries.
The Lynda Gibson Memorial Comedy Event is a fond tribute to the comedian, who died of Ovarian Cancer. Featuring a huge line up of comedians and musicians, all funds go to The National Ovarian Cancer Network. It takes place this Sunday at the Athenaeum Theatre.
Glow, presented by Chunky Move, is an intimate interactive solo performance in which the motion of the human body is used to trigger and control music, lighting and animation. Performances begin October 12 at Southbank's Chunky Move Studios.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, based on the popular Oscar-winning film, the play is fun, daring, over-the-top and unforgettable! Experience the beauty of the outback on stage with over 20 full-scale production numbers that will take your breath away!
Theatresports is back in 2007, presented by Impro Melbourne. In a thrilling mix of both theatre and sport, 5 teams will compete for a chance to play in the Grand Final, creating scenes out of audience suggestions with skill and daring every Sunday at Theatreworks.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Bruce Mathiske will be performing this Friday at Chapel Off Chapel. Known for his use of the guitar to encompass a huge range of rhythms from Swing to Latin, and more, his performances have been described as 'Awash with jaw dropping virtuosity!'
$12,000 Cash Bonanza! Here's your chance to share in a $12,000 CASH BONANZA, courtesy of Financial Services Online! Apply free online for any comparative quote & you automatically qualify for free entry into their monthly prize draw of $1,000!
Irresistible Gluten Free & Wheat Free Food Show -
Set aside the weekend for an event that you will not forget.... Held over 2 days, the event showcases a great range of foods for those interested in gluten free and wheat free diets, general good health.
Zia Teresa are known for their generous home styled traditional Italian meals and commitment to quality. The special's menu is continually updated, offering you classic gourmet dishes from all regions of Italy, in addition to Zia originals.
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.
Sporting Events
Spring Racing Carnival
Victoria's Spring Racing Carnival showcases 50 days of premier world-class thoroughbred racing and a party atmosphere unmatched at any other Australian sporting event! Each year, the Spring Racing Carnival puts Victoria on the international map with its high-quality horse racing that incorporates 79 race meetings across the state, with more than 770,000 people attending! It runs until November 21st.
Dragons vs Bullets
Saturday 20 October - 7:30pm
Vodafone Arena
Cycling
Around the Bay in a Day is one of the world's biggest and most popular cycling participation events, taking place on Sunday. With a choice of four ride distances, this year's event offers a challenge for riders of all abilities while also raising funds for The Smith Family.
The Jayco Herald Sun Tour is Australia's oldest stage race, now in its 56th year. With Bendigo hosting the start of the Tour, which began October 14th, the cycling tour concludes at Alexander Gardens on Sunday where it joins the Melbourne Cycling Festival.
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
Munchkin Markets offer quality used baby and kids clothes, toys, prams, cots, nursery furniture and anything to do with babies and children! All at a fraction of the price you would pay for brand new! It takes place Sunday in Maribyrnong.
The Shirt and Skirt Markets, held on Sunday at Abbotsford Convent, is the perfect place for emerging fashion designers to showcase their talents and sell beautiful creations to the general public, with men's, women's and children's fashion, jewellery and more!
Shake off those winter blues and Spring along to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs this weekend for a bargain!
An increasing number of food and produce markets including wine are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
The Wishing Well
Bursting with fresh energy and an impressive collection of quality songs, their emotive and dynamic instrumentation orbiting a nucleus of poignant lyrics and stirring vocals, The Wishing Well will have you captivated!
This Sunday 12 - 2 pm.
Melbourne For Kids
Donkey Shelter Open Day - This Sunday treat the family to a fun day of activities and come meet the donkeys at the Donkey Shelter, a non-profit, organisation that helps orphaned and mistreated donkeys. The Open Day is from 11am to 3pm.
Diamond Creek Toy Library invites you to a FREE Morning Tea to come and see what great toys, games, puzzles, dress-ups and loads more toys they have! It takes place on Saturday and includes face painting, fun food and, of course.. toys!
Family Tours
Puffing Billy Tour - take a tour the whole family can enjoy with a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-loved steam train! Winding its way through lush ferns and towering timbers, this fantastic tour offers may treats, including wine tasting for the adults and also a trip to Healesville Sanctuary that kids will love!
Circus Shows
DiVino, presented by the National Institute of Circus Arts combines circus, music, theatre and dance in a magical show for the whole family. DiVino features students and graduate artists in an extravagant show full of colour, movement and luscious imagery!
The Mooroolbark Bubs, Tots & Kidlets Mini Expo on Sunday is held for Parents, Grandparents, babies and children up to age 10. Showcasing local services and groups, it includes free kids activities, a stage show, and raises funds for the Royal Children's Hospital.
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. This week we ask you to consider the following..
Pink Ribbon Breakfasts are a fun way to join friends and family and raise funds for breast cancer research. Most breakfasts are held in the fourth week of October to coincide with Pink Ribbon Day, with many get-togethers having a fun pink theme! Hosts are supplied with breakfast recipes, specially created by International and Australian chefs, and a box of goodies from sponsors to get their breakfast started.
Lunch for Leukaemia - Between October 5th and 19th the Leukaemia Foundation encourages the community to host a lunch to raise support and funds for patients and families who need the foundation's personalised and practical support.
OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..
Advertising your Business or Event at OnlyMelbourne is not only easy, but best of all it's FREE!! - Get Listed.. - don't forget to tell your friends!
Each week we highlight five of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.
This week we suggest the following:
boozle.com.au - Searche 1000s of liquor stores in Melbourne and Victoria!
Melbourne has the biggest backpacker hostel in the world in terms of bed numbers and floor capacity!
Hotel Discovery (previously named Hotel Bakpak) has 700+ bed spaces available all-year round, located in Franklin Street near to Queen Victoria Market.
The majority of of the 200,000 backpackers who visit Melbourne every year come from the UK, Germany, USA, Japan, Canada and Korea.
Welcome to this week's OnlyMelbourne newsletter guide to Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community - October 15 - October 21, 2007.
This Week.. Children's Week's official opening at Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Cycling Festival, and Federation Square celebrates 5 years. Spring Racing Carnival sees two great races at Caulfield, while the Melbourne International Arts Festival continues, and Rowville's Stringybark Festival kicks off this weekend!
We also have NBL details, special dining offers and much more info on many upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
Children's Week, beginning Saturday, celebrates children, their rights and their skills and abilities. This year, Children and their families can celebrate the Week by getting involved in activities and events across Victoria. To celebrate Children's Week in Victoria, the official launch will be on Sunday 21st of October at Melbourne Zoo from 10am to 3pm. Entry is free for children 15 years and under!
Melbourne Cycling Festival offers a weekend of fun, live music and activities and also brings together two of Victoria's iconic cycling events, the Jayco Herald Sun Tour and the Portfolio Partners Around the Bay in a Day ride. This massive celebration, held at Alexandra Gardens, also features the Go for your Life Tour village, a bicycle expo and a range of fun activities for all!
More About Melbourne's Cycling Events in SPORT
National Ride to Work Day takes place this week on Wednesday the 17th October when regular and first-time riders from all states and territories will join in on this special inaugural day. With Over 22,000 registered participants, the day will see more than 75 community breakfast events taking place throughout Melbourne and Australia in CBDs and town centres. Registrations are still open so sign up while you can!
Fed Square's 5th Birthday - Federation Square celebrates its Fifth Birthday in 2007 with a range of celebrations taking place throughout October, including live entertainment, exhibitions, a competition and more! Celebrate Melbourne's favourite meeting point, which has become the community heart of Melbourne in the past five years with over 37 million visits since opening and 1,500 events every year!
Melbourne International Arts Festival, running from October 11 to 17, is one of Australia's leading arts festivals, presenting unique international and Australian events ranging from dance, theatre and music to visual arts and more! This week's program includes the visually stunning butoh style theatre of Kagemi: Beyond the Metaphors of Mirrors, presented by Japan's renowned Sankai Juku, (pictured)
The Melba Spiegeltent presents La Soiree - a live event with a gypsy soul and a hungry heart! A spiegeltent is a hand-hewn pavilion used as travelling dance hall and wine tasting marquee since the early 20th century. A theatre, a salon, a portal to another time and more, La Soiree is a must-see attraction, running for a limited season until November 18 at Northcote Town Hall Civic Square.
Stringybark Festival, taking place in Rowville this weekend, is one of Victoria's longest running environmental festivals. The weekend's activities include children's theatre, workshops, gourmet food, live music, roving performers and more!
Save Water Save Energy Expo, held this weekend, will be Australia's largest showcase of products and services for use in homes, offices, businesses, schools and gardens, which save water, save energy, reduce waste, increase recycling and more.
The Pregnancy, Babies & Children's Expo features the latest innovations and information for parents along with free children's entertainment including Dorothy the Dinosaur. Beginning Friday, the Expo also offers kids' activity areas and native animals on display!
History Begins at Home is the current exhibition on show at the Royal Historic Society of Victoria. Illustrating the history of the area around the Society's building in A'Beckett Street, the exhibition is drawn from the Society's rich collection of maps, photos and drawings.
Artefact is an exhibition in which thirteen contemporary artists have woven small-scale works through historical artefacts, putting a new twist on the traditional forms of display at City Museum's Making Melbourne Galleries.
The Lynda Gibson Memorial Comedy Event is a fond tribute to the comedian, who died of Ovarian Cancer. Featuring a huge line up of comedians and musicians, all funds go to The National Ovarian Cancer Network. It takes place this Sunday at the Athenaeum Theatre.
Glow, presented by Chunky Move, is an intimate interactive solo performance in which the motion of the human body is used to trigger and control music, lighting and animation. Performances begin October 12 at Southbank's Chunky Move Studios.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, based on the popular Oscar-winning film, the play is fun, daring, over-the-top and unforgettable! Experience the beauty of the outback on stage with over 20 full-scale production numbers that will take your breath away!
Theatresports is back in 2007, presented by Impro Melbourne. In a thrilling mix of both theatre and sport, 5 teams will compete for a chance to play in the Grand Final, creating scenes out of audience suggestions with skill and daring every Sunday at Theatreworks.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Bruce Mathiske will be performing this Friday at Chapel Off Chapel. Known for his use of the guitar to encompass a huge range of rhythms from Swing to Latin, and more, his performances have been described as 'Awash with jaw dropping virtuosity!'
$12,000 Cash Bonanza! Here's your chance to share in a $12,000 CASH BONANZA, courtesy of Financial Services Online! Apply free online for any comparative quote & you automatically qualify for free entry into their monthly prize draw of $1,000!
Irresistible Gluten Free & Wheat Free Food Show -
Set aside the weekend for an event that you will not forget.... Held over 2 days, the event showcases a great range of foods for those interested in gluten free and wheat free diets, general good health.
Zia Teresa are known for their generous home styled traditional Italian meals and commitment to quality. The special's menu is continually updated, offering you classic gourmet dishes from all regions of Italy, in addition to Zia originals.
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.
Sporting Events
Spring Racing Carnival
Victoria's Spring Racing Carnival showcases 50 days of premier world-class thoroughbred racing and a party atmosphere unmatched at any other Australian sporting event! Each year, the Spring Racing Carnival puts Victoria on the international map with its high-quality horse racing that incorporates 79 race meetings across the state, with more than 770,000 people attending! It runs until November 21st.
Dragons vs Bullets
Saturday 20 October - 7:30pm
Vodafone Arena
Cycling
Around the Bay in a Day is one of the world's biggest and most popular cycling participation events, taking place on Sunday. With a choice of four ride distances, this year's event offers a challenge for riders of all abilities while also raising funds for The Smith Family.
The Jayco Herald Sun Tour is Australia's oldest stage race, now in its 56th year. With Bendigo hosting the start of the Tour, which began October 14th, the cycling tour concludes at Alexander Gardens on Sunday where it joins the Melbourne Cycling Festival.
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
Munchkin Markets offer quality used baby and kids clothes, toys, prams, cots, nursery furniture and anything to do with babies and children! All at a fraction of the price you would pay for brand new! It takes place Sunday in Maribyrnong.
The Shirt and Skirt Markets, held on Sunday at Abbotsford Convent, is the perfect place for emerging fashion designers to showcase their talents and sell beautiful creations to the general public, with men's, women's and children's fashion, jewellery and more!
Shake off those winter blues and Spring along to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs this weekend for a bargain!
An increasing number of food and produce markets including wine are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
The Wishing Well
Bursting with fresh energy and an impressive collection of quality songs, their emotive and dynamic instrumentation orbiting a nucleus of poignant lyrics and stirring vocals, The Wishing Well will have you captivated!
This Sunday 12 - 2 pm.
Melbourne For Kids
Donkey Shelter Open Day - This Sunday treat the family to a fun day of activities and come meet the donkeys at the Donkey Shelter, a non-profit, organisation that helps orphaned and mistreated donkeys. The Open Day is from 11am to 3pm.
Diamond Creek Toy Library invites you to a FREE Morning Tea to come and see what great toys, games, puzzles, dress-ups and loads more toys they have! It takes place on Saturday and includes face painting, fun food and, of course.. toys!
Family Tours
Puffing Billy Tour - take a tour the whole family can enjoy with a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-loved steam train! Winding its way through lush ferns and towering timbers, this fantastic tour offers may treats, including wine tasting for the adults and also a trip to Healesville Sanctuary that kids will love!
Circus Shows
DiVino, presented by the National Institute of Circus Arts combines circus, music, theatre and dance in a magical show for the whole family. DiVino features students and graduate artists in an extravagant show full of colour, movement and luscious imagery!
The Mooroolbark Bubs, Tots & Kidlets Mini Expo on Sunday is held for Parents, Grandparents, babies and children up to age 10. Showcasing local services and groups, it includes free kids activities, a stage show, and raises funds for the Royal Children's Hospital.
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. This week we ask you to consider the following..
Pink Ribbon Breakfasts are a fun way to join friends and family and raise funds for breast cancer research. Most breakfasts are held in the fourth week of October to coincide with Pink Ribbon Day, with many get-togethers having a fun pink theme! Hosts are supplied with breakfast recipes, specially created by International and Australian chefs, and a box of goodies from sponsors to get their breakfast started.
Lunch for Leukaemia - Between October 5th and 19th the Leukaemia Foundation encourages the community to host a lunch to raise support and funds for patients and families who need the foundation's personalised and practical support.
OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..
Advertising your Business or Event at OnlyMelbourne is not only easy, but best of all it's FREE!! - Get Listed.. - don't forget to tell your friends!
Each week we highlight five of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.
This week we suggest the following:
boozle.com.au - Searche 1000s of liquor stores in Melbourne and Victoria!
Melbourne has the biggest backpacker hostel in the world in terms of bed numbers and floor capacity!
Hotel Discovery (previously named Hotel Bakpak) has 700+ bed spaces available all-year round, located in Franklin Street near to Queen Victoria Market.
The majority of of the 200,000 backpackers who visit Melbourne every year come from the UK, Germany, USA, Japan, Canada and Korea.
Children's Week, beginning Saturday, celebrates children, their rights and their skills and abilities. This year, Children and their families can celebrate the Week by getting involved in activities and events across Victoria. To celebrate Children's Week in Victoria, the official launch will be on Sunday 21st of October at Melbourne Zoo from 10am to 3pm. Entry is free for children 15 years and under!
Melbourne Cycling Festival offers a weekend of fun, live music and activities and also brings together two of Victoria's iconic cycling events, the Jayco Herald Sun Tour and the Portfolio Partners Around the Bay in a Day ride. This massive celebration, held at Alexandra Gardens, also features the Go for your Life Tour village, a bicycle expo and a range of fun activities for all!
National Ride to Work Day takes place this week on Wednesday the 17th October when regular and first-time riders from all states and territories will join in on this special inaugural day. With Over 22,000 registered participants, the day will see more than 75 community breakfast events taking place throughout Melbourne and Australia in CBDs and town centres. Registrations are still open so sign up while you can!
Fed Square's 5th Birthday - Federation Square celebrates its Fifth Birthday in 2007 with a range of celebrations taking place throughout October, including live entertainment, exhibitions, a competition and more! Celebrate Melbourne's favourite meeting point, which has become the community heart of Melbourne in the past five years with over 37 million visits since opening and 1,500 events every year!
Melbourne International Arts Festival, running from October 11 to 17, is one of Australia's leading arts festivals, presenting unique international and Australian events ranging from dance, theatre and music to visual arts and more! This week's program includes the visually stunning butoh style theatre of Kagemi: Beyond the Metaphors of Mirrors, presented by Japan's renowned Sankai Juku, (pictured)
The Melba Spiegeltent presents La Soiree - a live event with a gypsy soul and a hungry heart! A spiegeltent is a hand-hewn pavilion used as travelling dance hall and wine tasting marquee since the early 20th century. A theatre, a salon, a portal to another time and more, La Soiree is a must-see attraction, running for a limited season until November 18 at Northcote Town Hall Civic Square.
Stringybark Festival, taking place in Rowville this weekend, is one of Victoria's longest running environmental festivals. The weekend's activities include children's theatre, workshops, gourmet food, live music, roving performers and more!
Save Water Save Energy Expo, held this weekend, will be Australia's largest showcase of products and services for use in homes, offices, businesses, schools and gardens, which save water, save energy, reduce waste, increase recycling and more.
The Pregnancy, Babies & Children's Expo features the latest innovations and information for parents along with free children's entertainment including Dorothy the Dinosaur. Beginning Friday, the Expo also offers kids' activity areas and native animals on display!
History Begins at Home is the current exhibition on show at the Royal Historic Society of Victoria. Illustrating the history of the area around the Society's building in A'Beckett Street, the exhibition is drawn from the Society's rich collection of maps, photos and drawings.
Artefact is an exhibition in which thirteen contemporary artists have woven small-scale works through historical artefacts, putting a new twist on the traditional forms of display at City Museum's Making Melbourne Galleries.
The Lynda Gibson Memorial Comedy Event is a fond tribute to the comedian, who died of Ovarian Cancer. Featuring a huge line up of comedians and musicians, all funds go to The National Ovarian Cancer Network. It takes place this Sunday at the Athenaeum Theatre.
Glow, presented by Chunky Move, is an intimate interactive solo performance in which the motion of the human body is used to trigger and control music, lighting and animation. Performances begin October 12 at Southbank's Chunky Move Studios.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, based on the popular Oscar-winning film, the play is fun, daring, over-the-top and unforgettable! Experience the beauty of the outback on stage with over 20 full-scale production numbers that will take your breath away!
Theatresports is back in 2007, presented by Impro Melbourne. In a thrilling mix of both theatre and sport, 5 teams will compete for a chance to play in the Grand Final, creating scenes out of audience suggestions with skill and daring every Sunday at Theatreworks.
Bruce Mathiske will be performing this Friday at Chapel Off Chapel. Known for his use of the guitar to encompass a huge range of rhythms from Swing to Latin, and more, his performances have been described as 'Awash with jaw dropping virtuosity!'
$12,000 Cash Bonanza! Here's your chance to share in a $12,000 CASH BONANZA, courtesy of Financial Services Online! Apply free online for any comparative quote & you automatically qualify for free entry into their monthly prize draw of $1,000!
Irresistible Gluten Free & Wheat Free Food Show -
Zia Teresa are known for their generous home styled traditional Italian meals and commitment to quality. The special's menu is continually updated, offering you classic gourmet dishes from all regions of Italy, in addition to Zia originals.
Victoria's Spring Racing Carnival showcases 50 days of premier world-class thoroughbred racing and a party atmosphere unmatched at any other Australian sporting event! Each year, the Spring Racing Carnival puts Victoria on the international map with its high-quality horse racing that incorporates 79 race meetings across the state, with more than 770,000 people attending! It runs until November 21st.
Spring Racing Carnival | Caulfied
South Dragons Home Game
Around the Bay in a Day is one of the world's biggest and most popular cycling participation events, taking place on Sunday. With a choice of four ride distances, this year's event offers a challenge for riders of all abilities while also raising funds for The Smith Family.
The Jayco Herald Sun Tour is Australia's oldest stage race, now in its 56th year. With Bendigo hosting the start of the Tour, which began October 14th, the cycling tour concludes at Alexander Gardens on Sunday where it joins the Melbourne Cycling Festival.
Munchkin Markets offer quality used baby and kids clothes, toys, prams, cots, nursery furniture and anything to do with babies and children! All at a fraction of the price you would pay for brand new! It takes place Sunday in Maribyrnong.
The Shirt and Skirt Markets, held on Sunday at Abbotsford Convent, is the perfect place for emerging fashion designers to showcase their talents and sell beautiful creations to the general public, with men's, women's and children's fashion, jewellery and more!
Shake off those winter blues and Spring along to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs this weekend for a bargain! 
Donkey Shelter Open Day - This Sunday treat the family to a fun day of activities and come meet the donkeys at the Donkey Shelter, a non-profit, organisation that helps orphaned and mistreated donkeys. The Open Day is from 11am to 3pm.
Diamond Creek Toy Library invites you to a FREE Morning Tea to come and see what great toys, games, puzzles, dress-ups and loads more toys they have! It takes place on Saturday and includes face painting, fun food and, of course.. toys!
Puffing Billy Tour - take a tour the whole family can enjoy with a ride on Puffing Billy, Australia's best-loved steam train! Winding its way through lush ferns and towering timbers, this fantastic tour offers may treats, including wine tasting for the adults and also a trip to Healesville Sanctuary that kids will love!
DiVino, presented by the National Institute of Circus Arts combines circus, music, theatre and dance in a magical show for the whole family. DiVino features students and graduate artists in an extravagant show full of colour, movement and luscious imagery!
Silvers Grand Magic Circus
The Mooroolbark Bubs, Tots & Kidlets Mini Expo on Sunday is held for Parents, Grandparents, babies and children up to age 10. Showcasing local services and groups, it includes free kids activities, a stage show, and raises funds for the Royal Children's Hospital.
Pink Ribbon Breakfasts are a fun way to join friends and family and raise funds for breast cancer research. Most breakfasts are held in the fourth week of October to coincide with Pink Ribbon Day, with many get-togethers having a fun pink theme! Hosts are supplied with breakfast recipes, specially created by International and Australian chefs, and a box of goodies from sponsors to get their breakfast started.
Lunch for Leukaemia - Between October 5th and 19th the Leukaemia Foundation encourages the community to host a lunch to raise support and funds for patients and families who need the foundation's personalised and practical support.
