Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for February 11 - February 17, 2008.
This week, the North Cyprus Turkish Festival celebrates 60 years of immigration, Writers at the Convent offers a weekend of literary events, and the Sustainable Living Festival comes to Fed Square! For anyone who's hungry there's also the Hot Sauce & Fiery Foods Festival, the continuing Grape Grazing Festival, and if you're after a side-order of culture the Herring Island Summer Arts Festival continues..
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
Not receiving our newsletter? Get your copy of What's On this Week!
Major Events Guide
North Cyprus Turkish Festival, held this Sunday, celebrates the 60th anniversary of the first group of Turkish Cypriots to arrive in Australia. The special festival day will feature traditional Turkish foods and displays, live performances from many multicultural groups, carnival rides and entertainment, fireworks, book sales and more! The festival takes place at St Albans' Errington Reserve, starting from 11am.
The Sustainable Living Festival showcases the best of what sustainable communities can offer with a huge and diverse range of exhibitors, talks, workshops and more. Beginning at Federation Square this Friday and running until Sunday, the festival aims to increase public awareness of sustainability with everything from art and films to live performances and educational interactive displays.
The Grape Grazing Festival is extended this year to mark its 21st birthday, taking place over two weeks with an enormous menu of the best food, music and entertainment Victoria has to offer! With events running until Monday 18th of February, the festival program includes open air opera, gourmet cooking classes, and the traditional Grape Grazing weekend, held on 16th and 17th February.
The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival features a divers range of special events taking place every Saturday and Sunday until February 20. Held at the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park in Toorak, there will be five groups exhibiting throughout the festival and special events with work on show that includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, drawing and more.
Special News
Car Free Day - Melbourne will enjoy its first car-free day (sort of) with cars denied access to mid-city streets on this coming Sunday, 17th February. Controversially, Car Free Day was originally planned for this Friday. The number of closed streets has also changed from eight to three, causing confusion about which streets are actually closed on Sunday. Remember, that's Car-Free Day, not Free-Car Day, so don't get too excited!
Valentine's Day, February 14th, is fast approaching...
Remind your loved one (and yourself) why you love them so much on that one special day when you can say, 'Thankyou, just for being you!'
Get the jump on Cupid this year with our Valentine's Day Guide, featuring all the suggestions you need for gifts, romantic dinners and more!
V-Day Melbourne Festival, presented by Cheshire Cat Theatre, begins Friday at Victorian Trades Hall, highlighting the International V-Day Movement to end violence against women, with a range of film and theatre that includes 'The Vagina Monologues'.
Sony Tropfest comes to Melbourne this Sunday with a full day's entertainment taking place at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Beginning at 3pm, the day features live music and MC's, leading up to the 16 finalists short films screened live via satellite from Sydney.
All of Us is Australia's largest ever photographic portrait show, displayed across the outer walls of Federation Square's Crossbar Building. The photos by Michel Lawrence, celebrate Australia's diverse culture with over 200 residents from different backgrounds.
People, Places, Animals is a major survey of work by acclaimed British artist , whose real-life photos of his family became a notorious part of the 1997 Saatchi exhibition Sensation. The exhibition is currently at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.
Power and Beauty - Indigenous Art Now, is showing at the Heide Museum of Modern Art. With works from contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in all areas of Australia, the exhibits attest to the artists' resilience in holding on to their culture.
Arts & Theatre
Writers at The Convent is a celebration of words and ideas featuring international and local authors, beginning Friday at Abbotsford Convent. The program brings writers and readers together with more than 30 discussions, all individually ticketed.
Keating! - 'the musical we had to have' - will be playing at the Melbourne's Comedy Theatre for a strictly limited season. One of the most talked about Australian musicals in years, the play cheekily follows the rise and fall of its namesake with hilarious lyrics!
Orchestra Victoria will be performing on Tuesday at Melbourne Town Hall, with organist Simon Preston on the Town Hall's Grand Organ. Presented in association with Australian Red Cross, admission is free and any donations will be gratefully accepted on the day.
Curtain Up, is a new CD that will be launched at Chapel Off Chapel this Sunday with an afternoon that includes a performance by well-known soprano, Mary-Louise Santa and tenor, Erich Fackert singing tunes like Some Enchanted Evening, and other classics.
Fairfield Amphitheatre presents a series of concerts preformed by some of Melbourne's renowned World Music artists and performers. Held every Sunday evening, the concerts are family-friendly, free outdoor shows. They run until February 24.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Dya Singh World Music Group will be performing at Footscray Arts Centre on Sunday. Entry is free, however gold coin donations are appreciated. Not to be missed, Dya Singh is known for his innovative blend of Punjabi music fused with blues, jazz, and more!
FloorPlay, is the latest production of Burn the Floor, an award-winning troupe of twenty international dancers. Performing at The Palms at Crown, the stunning show features breathtaking dance styles that range from the Samba and Salsa to the Foxtrot and Tango!
Nissan Moonlight Cinema is Australia's favourite summer outdoor cinema screening recent, classic and contemporary films in the Royal Botanic Gardens' stunning parklands! This Saturday, Wes Anderson's film, The Darjeeling Limited is screening.
The Rooftop Cinema at Curtin House flickers into action all Summer, with films screening Tuesday to Sunday. Enjoy the night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar! This week's program offers gritty, modern film noir with Sin City, playing on Tuesday.
Scheduled for completion in late 2008, the winners will also recieve two guided tours throughout 2008 to see the construction progress, a commemorative gift and invitations to the official VIP launch!
Competition Ends 12th of February 2008
$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!
The Hot Sauce & Fiery Foods Festival highlights Australia's Chilli Culture with a great weekend of music, food and entertainment! It includes the "Jindi Slam,"a world record attempt with over 250 people slamming Tequila at once as a fundraiser for local charities!
Wining
Cleanskins.com sell premium Australian wines direct to the public at up to 50% off retail prices, offering Free Home Delivery and a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Perfect for all lovers of wine, their impressive range of wines and service were recommended on Channel 7's Today Tonight and Channel 9's A Current Affair.
Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill offer sensational cuisine, and a perfect atmosphere set amidst quality design with floor to ceiling windows displaying the Docklands' water views. The Modern Greek cuisine is prepared using only the very best local produce.
Book Through Menulog and receive 50% off your food bill at Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill! Offer on Tuesdays Only - 12pm to 9:30pm - Book Early! Visit here for More Details @ Menulog
Melbourne offers a splendid range of food styles to enjoy. Here are just a few classic food styles to choose from..
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.
Dragons vs Taipans
Sat 16 Feb, 7:30pm - Vodafone Arena
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
Diamond Creek Toy Library are holding a Baby Goods and Toy Sale Market this Saturday, offering pre-loved, quality toys, children's clothing, and more! Entry for that day is by gold coin donation and includes a sausage sizzle, door prizes, raffles and face painting!
Melbourne Market Guide - 3rd Week of this Month
Make the most of the sunny days and hop 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 Suzuki Night Market has returned for summer at Queen Victoria Market, running Wednesday nights weekly through to February 27. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere!
Melbourne For Kids
Sand Sculpting Australia - In 2008, after seven years on the Rye foreshore, Sand Sculpting Australia will be relocating to an exciting new venue - the 'Frankston Waterfront'! The area will be transformed as 3,500 tonnes of sand are meticulously carved into scenes from your favourite childhood 'Fairytales and Fables'. Integrated with the sand sculptures will be regular activities to keep the whole family entertained!
Masks of China at the Immigration Museum features handmade masks from China, some which are over 200 years old. With free entry for children the exhibition includes fun kids activity trail with the chance to sketch and colour-in their own mask!
The Independent Games Festival Exhibition is an interactive showcase of selected winners and nominees of the Independent Games Festival. The exhibition features a stunning selection of work such as Samarost 2 (pictured).
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!
Learn to Knit at Prahran Library - Every Wednesday at Prahran Library there is a free one-hour knitting class for people of all ages and experience. A great way to make friends and be creative, the classes begin at 1:30pm - needles and wool can be provided.
Yoga at the Park is an initiative of The Health and Yoga Council of Australia, presenting Yoga classes in some of Victoria's most beautiful parks and gardens. Set in a relaxed environment, classes are designed to suit many age groups and levels of experience.
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..
FebFast is a community education and awareness campaign that invites you to help others and also yourself by sacrificing alcohol intake during the month of February. Participants, sponsored by friends and family, can help raise funds to assist organisations that support young people struggling with substance use. You can even purchase a Time Out Certificate allowing you to drink on special occasions and raise more funds!
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.
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of the Dandenong Ranges' National Rhododendron Gardens... (Try saying that through a mouthful of crackers!) See if you can spot them!
Melbourne, known for the Melbourne Cup, of course, is also the proud home of Australia's only museum dedicated to horseracing..
The Australian Racing Museum, located in Federation Square, features the first film footage ever taken in Australia of the 1896 Melbourne Cup, state of the art animations and even the skeleton of a famous racehorse.
Curiously, Australia's most famous racehorse, the great Phar Lap is not displayed here, but still located at the Museum of Victoria.
Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for February 11 - February 17, 2008.
This week, the North Cyprus Turkish Festival celebrates 60 years of immigration, Writers at the Convent offers a weekend of literary events, and the Sustainable Living Festival comes to Fed Square! For anyone who's hungry there's also the Hot Sauce & Fiery Foods Festival, the continuing Grape Grazing Festival, and if you're after a side-order of culture the Herring Island Summer Arts Festival continues..
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
Not receiving our newsletter? Get your copy of What's On this Week!
Major Events Guide
North Cyprus Turkish Festival, held this Sunday, celebrates the 60th anniversary of the first group of Turkish Cypriots to arrive in Australia. The special festival day will feature traditional Turkish foods and displays, live performances from many multicultural groups, carnival rides and entertainment, fireworks, book sales and more! The festival takes place at St Albans' Errington Reserve, starting from 11am.
The Sustainable Living Festival showcases the best of what sustainable communities can offer with a huge and diverse range of exhibitors, talks, workshops and more. Beginning at Federation Square this Friday and running until Sunday, the festival aims to increase public awareness of sustainability with everything from art and films to live performances and educational interactive displays.
The Grape Grazing Festival is extended this year to mark its 21st birthday, taking place over two weeks with an enormous menu of the best food, music and entertainment Victoria has to offer! With events running until Monday 18th of February, the festival program includes open air opera, gourmet cooking classes, and the traditional Grape Grazing weekend, held on 16th and 17th February.
The Herring Island Summer Arts Festival features a divers range of special events taking place every Saturday and Sunday until February 20. Held at the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park in Toorak, there will be five groups exhibiting throughout the festival and special events with work on show that includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, drawing and more.
Special News
Car Free Day - Melbourne will enjoy its first car-free day (sort of) with cars denied access to mid-city streets on this coming Sunday, 17th February. Controversially, Car Free Day was originally planned for this Friday. The number of closed streets has also changed from eight to three, causing confusion about which streets are actually closed on Sunday. Remember, that's Car-Free Day, not Free-Car Day, so don't get too excited!
Valentine's Day, February 14th, is fast approaching...
Remind your loved one (and yourself) why you love them so much on that one special day when you can say, 'Thankyou, just for being you!'
Get the jump on Cupid this year with our Valentine's Day Guide, featuring all the suggestions you need for gifts, romantic dinners and more!
V-Day Melbourne Festival, presented by Cheshire Cat Theatre, begins Friday at Victorian Trades Hall, highlighting the International V-Day Movement to end violence against women, with a range of film and theatre that includes 'The Vagina Monologues'.
Sony Tropfest comes to Melbourne this Sunday with a full day's entertainment taking place at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Beginning at 3pm, the day features live music and MC's, leading up to the 16 finalists short films screened live via satellite from Sydney.
All of Us is Australia's largest ever photographic portrait show, displayed across the outer walls of Federation Square's Crossbar Building. The photos by Michel Lawrence, celebrate Australia's diverse culture with over 200 residents from different backgrounds.
People, Places, Animals is a major survey of work by acclaimed British artist , whose real-life photos of his family became a notorious part of the 1997 Saatchi exhibition Sensation. The exhibition is currently at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.
Power and Beauty - Indigenous Art Now, is showing at the Heide Museum of Modern Art. With works from contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in all areas of Australia, the exhibits attest to the artists' resilience in holding on to their culture.
Arts & Theatre
Writers at The Convent is a celebration of words and ideas featuring international and local authors, beginning Friday at Abbotsford Convent. The program brings writers and readers together with more than 30 discussions, all individually ticketed.
Keating! - 'the musical we had to have' - will be playing at the Melbourne's Comedy Theatre for a strictly limited season. One of the most talked about Australian musicals in years, the play cheekily follows the rise and fall of its namesake with hilarious lyrics!
Orchestra Victoria will be performing on Tuesday at Melbourne Town Hall, with organist Simon Preston on the Town Hall's Grand Organ. Presented in association with Australian Red Cross, admission is free and any donations will be gratefully accepted on the day.
Curtain Up, is a new CD that will be launched at Chapel Off Chapel this Sunday with an afternoon that includes a performance by well-known soprano, Mary-Louise Santa and tenor, Erich Fackert singing tunes like Some Enchanted Evening, and other classics.
Fairfield Amphitheatre presents a series of concerts preformed by some of Melbourne's renowned World Music artists and performers. Held every Sunday evening, the concerts are family-friendly, free outdoor shows. They run until February 24.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Dya Singh World Music Group will be performing at Footscray Arts Centre on Sunday. Entry is free, however gold coin donations are appreciated. Not to be missed, Dya Singh is known for his innovative blend of Punjabi music fused with blues, jazz, and more!
FloorPlay, is the latest production of Burn the Floor, an award-winning troupe of twenty international dancers. Performing at The Palms at Crown, the stunning show features breathtaking dance styles that range from the Samba and Salsa to the Foxtrot and Tango!
Nissan Moonlight Cinema is Australia's favourite summer outdoor cinema screening recent, classic and contemporary films in the Royal Botanic Gardens' stunning parklands! This Saturday, Wes Anderson's film, The Darjeeling Limited is screening.
The Rooftop Cinema at Curtin House flickers into action all Summer, with films screening Tuesday to Sunday. Enjoy the night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar! This week's program offers gritty, modern film noir with Sin City, playing on Tuesday.
Scheduled for completion in late 2008, the winners will also recieve two guided tours throughout 2008 to see the construction progress, a commemorative gift and invitations to the official VIP launch!
Competition Ends 12th of February 2008
$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!
The Hot Sauce & Fiery Foods Festival highlights Australia's Chilli Culture with a great weekend of music, food and entertainment! It includes the "Jindi Slam,"a world record attempt with over 250 people slamming Tequila at once as a fundraiser for local charities!
Wining
Cleanskins.com sell premium Australian wines direct to the public at up to 50% off retail prices, offering Free Home Delivery and a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
Perfect for all lovers of wine, their impressive range of wines and service were recommended on Channel 7's Today Tonight and Channel 9's A Current Affair.
Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill offer sensational cuisine, and a perfect atmosphere set amidst quality design with floor to ceiling windows displaying the Docklands' water views. The Modern Greek cuisine is prepared using only the very best local produce.
Book Through Menulog and receive 50% off your food bill at Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill! Offer on Tuesdays Only - 12pm to 9:30pm - Book Early! Visit here for More Details @ Menulog
Melbourne offers a splendid range of food styles to enjoy. Here are just a few classic food styles to choose from..
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.
Dragons vs Taipans
Sat 16 Feb, 7:30pm - Vodafone Arena
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
Diamond Creek Toy Library are holding a Baby Goods and Toy Sale Market this Saturday, offering pre-loved, quality toys, children's clothing, and more! Entry for that day is by gold coin donation and includes a sausage sizzle, door prizes, raffles and face painting!
Melbourne Market Guide - 3rd Week of this Month
Make the most of the sunny days and hop 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 Suzuki Night Market has returned for summer at Queen Victoria Market, running Wednesday nights weekly through to February 27. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere!
Melbourne For Kids
Sand Sculpting Australia - In 2008, after seven years on the Rye foreshore, Sand Sculpting Australia will be relocating to an exciting new venue - the 'Frankston Waterfront'! The area will be transformed as 3,500 tonnes of sand are meticulously carved into scenes from your favourite childhood 'Fairytales and Fables'. Integrated with the sand sculptures will be regular activities to keep the whole family entertained!
Masks of China at the Immigration Museum features handmade masks from China, some which are over 200 years old. With free entry for children the exhibition includes fun kids activity trail with the chance to sketch and colour-in their own mask!
The Independent Games Festival Exhibition is an interactive showcase of selected winners and nominees of the Independent Games Festival. The exhibition features a stunning selection of work such as Samarost 2 (pictured).
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!
Learn to Knit at Prahran Library - Every Wednesday at Prahran Library there is a free one-hour knitting class for people of all ages and experience. A great way to make friends and be creative, the classes begin at 1:30pm - needles and wool can be provided.
Yoga at the Park is an initiative of The Health and Yoga Council of Australia, presenting Yoga classes in some of Victoria's most beautiful parks and gardens. Set in a relaxed environment, classes are designed to suit many age groups and levels of experience.
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..
FebFast is a community education and awareness campaign that invites you to help others and also yourself by sacrificing alcohol intake during the month of February. Participants, sponsored by friends and family, can help raise funds to assist organisations that support young people struggling with substance use. You can even purchase a Time Out Certificate allowing you to drink on special occasions and raise more funds!
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.
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of the Dandenong Ranges' National Rhododendron Gardens... (Try saying that through a mouthful of crackers!) See if you can spot them!
Melbourne, known for the Melbourne Cup, of course, is also the proud home of Australia's only museum dedicated to horseracing..
The Australian Racing Museum, located in Federation Square, features the first film footage ever taken in Australia of the 1896 Melbourne Cup, state of the art animations and even the skeleton of a famous racehorse.
Curiously, Australia's most famous racehorse, the great Phar Lap is not displayed here, but still located at the Museum of Victoria.