Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for November 24 - November 30, 2008.
This week.. Melbourne celebrates the grand opening of Waterfront City with four great days of entertainment and special attractions in Docklands, while on Sunday there's the Mount Dandenong Village Festival offering a huge day of music, fun and food. There's also the toe-tapping Queenscliff Music Festival, which returns this year with three days of performances and fun for the whole family.
The weekend also sees the very last of Earthcore's events with their Global Carnival held in Tatyoon, ending a 15 year history of Australia's largest outdoor dance festival. Meanwhile, if you're still inclined to spend time outdoors but would rather a quieter weekend, there's also the Harvest Picnic held in Werribee Park this Sunday.
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
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Mount Dandenong Village Festival - This Sunday the Mount Dandenong Village shall be alive with the sound of live music, have a street market, street food, games and rides. Just one hour from Melbourne in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, this year shall be bigger and better than ever, with free face painting, a raffle, petting zoo, food and wine and fun for all the family. The village will also feature several pubs and cafes, a deli and a bakery.
Waterfront City Opening Spectacular - Waterfront City comes alive this week for the celebration of the launch of the Southern Star observation wheel and Harbour Town shopping centre. Beginning Thursday and running until Sunday, you can enjoy all that Waterfront City has to offer at its Opening Spectacular the 'Action Zone' offering free activities, Christmas festivities including a special visit from Santa, fireworks giveaways and more.
The Queenscliff Music Festival, held each year on the last weekend of November, begins this Friday as Victoria's historic 19th Century seaside town of Queenscliff stages one of Melbourne's best music festivals. Now in its 12th year, the festival offers up 3 unforgettable days with a musical feast of over 160 performances by over 900 musicians. A family-friendly event, the festival has something for all.
Upcoming Events
Billy Elliot the Musical | New Seats Announced!
Billy Elliot the Musical, coming to Melbourne in December when it hits the stage of Her Majesty's Theatre, is already setting the box office ablaze with 30,000 NEW SEATS announced to go on sale! The hit stage production, based on the cult film, has proved a box office smash hit with over 2.5 million people worldwide having laughed, cried and lived Billy's dream. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday.
NEW LIVE CALENDAR
To find out about future events in Melbourne, have a look at our new calendar, with details about many more events that lie ahead, including Exhibitions, Gigs, Markets, Expos and much more..
ADEC Artability, starting Wednesday at the Atrium of Federation Square, is a unique, vibrant art exhibition that showcases over 60 ethnic artists of all ages who have a disability. The exhibition features over 120 oil and acrylic paintings, sketches and multi media artworks that explore the theme of The Journey, the sights, sensations and memories that make a journey personal. There will be an auction of works this Friday at the official opening.
Neuropsychosis, opening this Friday, is an exhibition by Karl Persson, a renowned artist whose work is flawless, showing a talent that is both envied and admired by artists and collectors alike. Held at the Gallery 696 in Brunswick, the exhibition features the newest range of Persson's paintings that display an eerie and dreamlike quality woven with his own personal symbolism. The stunning exhibition will run until December 10.
Neil Osborne, a photographer Based in Yarra's Edge of Docklands, will be holding an exhibition of his work that features fantastic landscapes, lifestyle and architecture photography. Opening this Wednesday, the exhibition is held at Dukes Gallery in Docklands and will include large prints on art paper that display beautiful images from Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris, Sicily and grand old Melbourne. The exhibition runs for 3 weeks only.
St Aloysius College VCE Visual Arts Exhibition
St Aloysius College, located in North Melbourne, will hold its annual VCE visual arts exhibition, with the official opening taking place this Wednesday evening at 7pm.
The exhibition will also be on display on Thursday and Friday, offering a chance to see the talent of the school's up and coming artists.
Trolley People is an exhibition of new works by Melissajay Eagan, examining a beginning fascination with the structure of the trolley and the relationship to its users and the needing and wanting of 'something'. Now showing at The Projects in Collingwood, Melissajay's visual response to the world around her has always been an immediate and honest one, revealing layers of meaning exist somewhere between the abstract and the figurative.
Where The Wild Things Are is an exhibition by Kelly Smith, a Tasmanian artist whose enchanting artwork has featured in Australian and international publications including Vogue. Her exhibition runs at Brunswick's Gallery 696 until Wednesday. The exhibition features new original works from this talented artist, who has been turning heads with her campaign for General pants co and turning the pages of Vogue with her feature this month.
A Free Ikebana Exhibition by Shoso Shimbo and his students is currently being held at Zambesi, located in Flinders Lane. On display until this Friday, the exhibition showcases one of Australia's top floral artists' Japanese flower arrangements. The contemporary Japanese flower arrangements of Shoso have seen him regarded as one of Australia's top floral artists, having won multiple awards at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
The Sisters in Harmony Quilt Exhibition, presented by Seabreeze Quilters, is the second annual exhibition of Japanese and Australian quilts that celebrate 20 years of friendship between City of Hobsons Bay and Anjo.
Held at the Louis Joel Centre in Altona, the exhibition will be showing until this Sunday and entry to the exhibition is only a gold coin donation.
Pieces of Eight, North Fitzroy's contemporary jewellery gallery, has welcomed five new jewellery designers to the gallery, including the very textural and remnant-like bracelets, rings, and earrings UK artist, Antonella Giomarelli. Work by the new arrivals will be displayed in the gallery window 24 hours a day throughout November. The works on show also include the quirky, intricately crafted and always surprising work of Dougal Haslem.
The Kew Cottages Project Media Experience is a media art installation that explores the lives of the residents of the former Kew Children's Cottages. By using a combination of imagery, video and textual work, the exhibition allows the audience to experience what it was like to learn, work and play as a child growing up in the cottages. Running until this until Saturday, the interactive exhibition is on display at Hawthorn Town Hall.
Bye tommorow is an exhibition by Glen Morris, which is about saying goodbye to childhood and the past while simultaneously living with that past into adulthood and the future. Currently running at The Dolls House in Preston, Morris's exhibition is an exploration of the process of melding memories and games and a world lost and found.
The installation exhibition will run until Saturday.
Greenhouse by Joost is an Australian first in self-sustaining planning with this temporary event venue, currently open at Federation Square. Made entirely from recycled materials, Greenhouse will run until January, open daily as a gallery, cafe and social hub. At night, the unique venue will become a vibrant hub to entertain the new "in-crowd"- being the savvy set who've simply grabbed a ticket from one of the outlets around town.
Expos, Launches & Open Days
The [yellow tail] Remixing Clinic will be appearing this Wednesday at Queen Victoria Market's Suzuki Night Market, beginning at 5.30pm. The Remixing Clinic is a chance for you to marry your music with wine by bringing you mix-tape to the special event where melody maestro ex-Mix FM DJ Rob Neil, and [yellow tail] Senior Winemaker Emma Norbiato will write you a party prescription matching your music to [yellow tail] wines.
Revel on Greville! presented by the William Angliss Institute, is a live show held by students as part of Australia's only fully accredited course of education devoted to training in entertainment events. Held this Friday at Fabrique - Valve nightclub in Prahran, the night will feature music by DJs and there will also be fashions by Chocolate City and Fool Clothing, make-up by the Elly Lukas Academy and a performance by The Dance Factory.
The Mind Body Spirit Festival, running from Friday to Sunday at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, is Australia's longest running and most respected of new age events, bringing together everything you need for health and well-being. Now celebrating their 20th year, the festival offers a complete solution for wellbeing of the body and mind with more than 180 exhibitors where you can try and buy hundreds of products and services.
Nillumbik Artists Open Studios will continue to celebrate 21 years this weekend by opening to the public the studios of 29 artists in 23 studios throughout Eltham and the historic area of Nillumbik. With artists of many mediums including sculpture and printmaking, most work is for sale. With studios located in Diamond Creek, St. Andrews and North Warrandyte, there is a long tradition of artists living and working in these areas.
Performances & Theatre
HERE is a special performance by the Women's Circus, held in remembrance of our foremothers and marking 100 years of the right of women to vote in Victoria. Beginning Monday and running until Sunday, performances will be held at North Melbourne Town Hall, offering a carnival of tears and triumphs, where women unshackle themselves to fly through the air, free their voices to howl and climb on each other's shoulders to look into the future.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the classic absurdist comedy by Tom Stoppard, will be performed at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran, beginning this Thursday. Casting a bizarre spin on Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', the play sees the two dubious heroes thrown headlong into the conflict that surrounds the tortured prince, raising questions of their own fate and its inevitability. Known for its remarkable wordplay, it will run until December 13.
Hallelujah to Her is a celebration of women and all their divine quirks, performed by Natalie Gamsu. Appearing for two nights only this Thursday and Friday at South Melbourne's Butterfly Club, the internationally acclaimed singer and actor will be performing an eclectic string of classics, from Henry Purcell to Sondheim and Charles Aznavour as she creates a charming world full of very funny, moving and crazy characters.
I Like This, the latest production of dance company, Chunky Moves, tells the story of two men who design an environment then try to make sense by controlling it. A playful exercise in absurdity, the show is a strange documentary about the making of a show, with the two director/choreographers appearing onstage creating the work at the same time as it is being performed. It runs until Saturday at Chunky Moves studios in Southbank.
The Strand, running until Saturday, is part of Preston Market's arts project, Market Value. Held in an open space of the car park at Preston Market, the play is a theatre and multimedia performance. The play, in which the return of a well-known stranger sparks the passion of an invisible man, lets the audience enter a magical reality, where love prevails, despite a secret which strands a community and stops a heart.
After Dinner, presented by Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group, is a black comedy about being single. The play sees five people converge on a suburban nightspot to enjoy a meal and the after-dinner entertainment, and what soon follows is a bitter-sweet farce about human vulnerability. Written by Andrew Bovell, the Australian playwright and screenwriter who gave us Lantana and Strictly Ballroom, there'll be performances Wednesday to Saturday.
Madama Butterfly, presented by Opera Australia, is Puccini's moving tale of love and loss in the city of Nagasaki. Performed in Italian with subtitles, the production features Nicole Youl as Cio-Cio-San with a performance on Wednesday and Saturday at The Arts Centre. Designed by Peter England and Russell Cohen, captures the grace and delicacy of Puccini's exquisite creation with translucent bamboo screens and red silk.
One Cloud, a play presented by Lady Muck, is set on an idyllic island nicknamed Paradise, where Stella Harper lands with the hope of a new beginning. Trouble arises, however, when it becomes clear the citizens of Paradise have other ideas, determined to strip Stella to the bone and reveal her as the one cloud to ruin their perfect day. Written by Shannon Murdoch, performances are now being held at Theatreworks in St Kilda.
The Hypocrite, performed by Melbourne Theatre Company, is a variation of Moliere's classic play, Tartuffe. Written by Justin Fleming and featuring Sara Gleeson and Kim Gyngell, it's currently playing at The Arts Centre's Playhouse. Every time it's revived, Moli�re's 1664 play Tartuffe strikes audiences with its contemporary relevance, probably because the religious hucksterism and bigotry it satirises is always with us.
The Rocky Horror Show brings Richard O'Brien's classic musical to the stage with the outrageous role of Dr Frank N Furter played by ARIA-nominated singer iota, who last gave a remarkable performance in Melbourne in the rock musical of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Bursting at the seams with timeless classics, including I'm Just A Sweet Transvestite, Damn It Janet, The iconic play and long time cult favourite is now playing at the Comedy Theatre.
Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire's novel, is the hit musical that tells the untold story of the legendary witches from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. When Dorothy famously triumphed in Oz, we only ever heard one side of the story. Now playing at the Regent Theatre, the show reveals the surprising past of the supposedly Wicked Witch. The creative team that brings this captivating story to life includes many of Broadway's most celebrated talent.
Classical & Choral Performances
Sunwrae String Quintet will once again be appearing this Friday on the famous stage of the Spiegeltent, located in the forecourt of the Arts Centre. With an unrivalled sense of lyricism and radiance, the Sunwrae String Quintet will perform works from their forthcoming album 'Autumn Never Fall', featuring Rae Howell's rambunctious rhythms and magical melodies on grand piano with the group's trademark string quartet arrangements.
The Heidelberg Choral Society will be appearing at various regional venues this week including Colac, Warrnambool and Mt Gambier where the group, consisting of more than sixty choristers, will perform Handel's much loved oratorio. Accompanied by members of the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra, the Heidelberg Choral Society was formed in 1920 and sings classical sacred and secular choral works, as well as oratorios and madrigals.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Live N Loud, presented by Spectrum Entertainment, is a special All Ages event that will be held this Friday at the Narre Community Learning Centre in Narre Warren. The last event for the year that Spectrum will hold, the big evening features a great line up with The Abandonment, Sun Tzu, Rose Line and other bands featured, including a performance by Spectrum's 2008 battle of the band winners, My Own Enemy.
Earthcore's Global Carnival, beginning Friday and running across the weekend, will be the last Earthcore event held in Australia EVER! After 15 years and 37 festivals, Australia's largest and longest running outdoor dance music festival will be going out loud and proud. This year's final event will be held at the Kulkurt Volcano Crater in Tatyoon and features the 10 Piece Band, Juno Reactor, performing live as the headliner for EarthCore 2008.
Pole Divas Unleashed is the hottest party of the season, held this Friday night at Room 680 in Hawthorn. Presented by Pole Divas, who offer classes in pole dancing that incorporates techniques of gymnastics, yoga and dance, the amateur pole dancing competition is Pole Divas night of nights where their sexy students showcase all that they've learned by competing. The talented instructors of Pole Divas will also perform on the night.
South Side Funk features the funkiest DJ's from both Melbourne and interstate playing true old-school funk like you'll never find at any other venue. Held every Friday night at Big Mouth, located in St Kilda, South Side Funk is the hottest place in Melbourne for all you money-maker shakers. If you like to get down with groovy basslines and a bunch of people who know how to bump then South Side Funk on Friday nights is for you.
Live @ BLVD kicks off again at Southbank's BLVD Bar this Wednesday with White Boyz Can't Funk, a savvy six-piece band that's known for their infectious mixing of genres.
Also performing on the night are Glory Tuesday, with support by Sierra Sound and Andy Hall, a soulful singer-songwriter who is set to showcase his highly impressive original material to the public.
Billy Joel, the one and only piano man, will be appearing this Saturday night for what will be one of two concerts held in Melbourne, with the internationally acclaimed musician performing next Monday night also. One of this century's greatest musicians, Billy Joel will be performing what is guaranteed to be a spectacular show.
He'll be appearing at Rod Laver Arena.
Station 59's Open Mic Night is held at one of Melbourne's hidden gems, tucked away between Richmond's Bridge Road and Victoria Street. Starting each Wednesday night from 8pm, the stage will be open to everyone, from singers to comics to musicians. Station 59 also offers plenty of cool, a pool table and one of the last remaining horse shoe bars in Melbourne. Drink and meal specials are available in the bar from 7 to 8pm.
Cinema
The Japanese Film Festival, beginning this Thursday at ACMI Cinemas, offers 5 days of the best in Japanese cinema with a program of 13 stellar films that include blockbuster hits, anime, engaging dramas, hilarious comedies and even a modern take on the incredibly daggy monster films that Japan was infamous for back when Godzilla still ruled the streets of Tokyo! With special Q&A sessions and FREE screenings it runs until next Monday.
Australia | Oxfam Premiere Screening - This Wednesday there will be a special screening of Baz Lurhmann's epic film, which stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. Held at the Westgarth Cinema in Northcote, entry to the event includes a choc top, small popcorn and small drink, and by attending this charity screening you can help Oxfam raise much needed funds for their vital work around the world including Indigenous Australia.
St Kilda's Tuesday Flicks, held on Tuesday evenings, is a special film program held by unChain St Kilda. Funds raised from the cinema screenings will help unChain St Kilda to pay for the legal and campaign costs in fighting the proposed development of the St Kilda Triangle Crown land. This Tuesday at the George Palace Cinemas, Working Dog's interviews in St Kilda and an interview with the late Michael Hutchence of INXS.
Comedy
Bring on the Men is a performance by Adele Scott, who is the self-confessed queen of relationships. Offering pearls of wisdom gathered from all her experiences, at the ripe old age of 21, Adele's show has all the hot tips on dating, sex, love and men. With adult themes, sexual references and bad jokes aplenty, her insider's guide to love, loss, STIs and blue hair begins this Thursday at the Butterfly Club in South Melbourne, and runs until Sunday.
Theatresports | Grand Final - This Sunday will see the big Grand Final held at St Kilda's Theatreworks when the mighty thespians take to the stage to battle against one another. With teams competing in ever-increasing degrees of improvised difficulty, performances include synchronized singing and impossible twists. The night stars Impro Melbourne's fearless posse of rascals bringing hilarious feats of do-or-die wit!
Santa's Palace @ Westfield Doncaster - The magic of Christmas is coming to Westfield Doncaster this Saturday when children can join the gang from the Channel 10 kids show ROCK IT! The children's entertainers will be appearing at 11am with their live Christmas Show where kids can help welcome Santa and Mrs Claus to the new Santa's Palace at Westfield Doncaster, which will be located on the Ground Floor outside Myer.
Cha Cha Sam | La Mama for Kids - La Mama for Kids is an immensely popular monthly program of performances held especially for children at the historic Carlton home of Australian theatre, La Mama. This Saturday's performance is the fabulous family music show, Cha Cha Sam. Cha Cha Sam is music made with love and laughter for big-spirited kids and their grownups, featuring ukulele, cool backbeats and beautiful tunes for all ages.
The Myer Christmas Windows, which have delighted families and kids for more than 50 years now, are displayed outside the Bourke Street store where you can now find this year's offering, inspired by Alan Snow's children's book, How Santa Really Works.
A tradition that began in 1956, the marvellous Myer Christmas Windows display will be running until January 4.
Circus Shows
Circus Sunrise Spectacular is an action-packed show for all the family, currently showing at Water Front City, located under the Southern Star Ferris Wheel. With shows running until December 14, the circus will follow on with the stunning show by presenting a special Holiday Spectacular that will run until January. Circus Sunrise is a family circus that has a lineage going back to 1648 and beyond, showing the true heart of what a circus is!
Puzzles & Competitions
Anagram-orama!
We've rearranged the letters of three of the attractions featured in this week's newsletter. See if you can figure them out! Sign up for Next Week's Newsletter to avoid missing the answers..
Hello The Hula Jar
Fuse Hound Kits
Then Rob Gem Inn
Last week's answers are further down with Melbourne Trivia
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of the City Circle Tram, one of Melbourne's most hospitable (and free) icons... See if you can spot them! Sign up for answers revealed in Next Week's Newsletter
Last week's answers are further down with Melbourne Trivia
Menulog, one of the easiest ways to book a restaurant online or order home delivery, is offering the chance for you to win a trip for 2 to Hayman Island where you can have a romantic getaway in a beautiful setting.
For a chance to win this fantastic prize all you need to do is simply visit Menulog before December 15th and do any of the following...
Order food online
Book a restaurant
Review a restaurant
The more orders, bookings and reviews you make, the greater your chance of winning. By booking through Menulog you can get great discounts for food bills and more, so you're already a winner!
Community
Dynamic Drawing Classes, held by Ron Curran, can help you discover your creative identity and find your power through drawing. Classes take place every week on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings, held at Brunswick Street Gallery. Classes cost $18, with no need to book, and each class includes a model, music and facilitation provided on the day. Butchers paper and charcoal are also available at the classes.
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 or to benefit others. This week we ask you to consider the following..
The Reach Breakfast with the Stars returns this Friday, offering what's become a proven event in Melbourne's business calendar that just can't be missed. This year, guests at the special event, which is held at Crown Palladium, will see AFL football legend Jim Stynes joined by a host of celebrities. Funds raised from the special event will help Reach to continue and expand their innovative and much needed programs for young people.
The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is Australia's largest Christmas gift appeal. The Wishing Tree supports some of Australia's largest welfare organisations and Trees can be found nationally in Kmart stores, with gifts collected up until Christmas Eve. The Kmart Wishing Tree has collected more than 4.14 million gifts over the past 20 years and supports some of the nations largest and most respected charities including The Salvation Army and Charity Link.
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
The Suzuki Night Market has returned to Queen Victoria Market, held weekly and running Wednesday nights through to February. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere. The Suzuki Night Market offers a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even bands with two stages showcasing the best world music and live entertainment Melbourne has to offer for free!
Magnolia Square is a boutique fair that showcases women's and children's attire, homewares, jewellery and more. Their special Christmas Fair will begin this Thursday at Brighton Town Hall, revealing the work of some of Melbourne's most talented designers with a wide variety of crafts and more that make perfect Christmas gifts for the little ones. With a focus on quality crafts and boutique branding the fair will run until Saturday.
This weekend, try these three great fetes where you'll find kids' entertainment, stalls, food & more... St John's Christmas Fair, Toorak - Bargain gifts Wine, Toys, Jams, Home wares and Crafts, Books and more. Elsternwick Primary Mega Fete, Brighton - Great fun with Rides, stalls, entertainment and food on Saturday. Kew Primary School - Beautiful Crafts, Plants, Cakes, Preserves, Books, Children Singing & Dancing plus Rides.
A Mini Christmas Fair Exhibition continues this week, presented by the Handweavers & Spinners Guild of Victoria. Running until December 13, the Guild rooms in Carlton North are open from 10am to 3pm every Tuesday to Saturday. With many great gift ideas in one location, the exhibition features a wide variety of handmade, handspun and handwoven items that include Christmas ornaments, cards, stockings and toys.
NEW LIVE CALENDAR
View MARKETS on any day of the week to make the most of the rare sunny days (it's a coin toss lately, isn't it!) and head to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs for a bargain!
A growing number of food, produce and even wine markets are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
Each week we highlight five of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.
To find out how you can join Melbourne's largest online community Visit Here!
This week we suggest the following:
Alexandra Estelle - Professional makeup artistry for all occasions...
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!
Sporting Events
Yoga - Yep, that's right, Yoga!
Yoga Asana Championship - The Melbourne Bikram Yoga community will present the 2008-2009 Bishnu Charan Ghosh Regional Yoga Asana Championship, held this Sunday at the Randall Theatre of St Martin's Youth Arts Centre in South Yarra. Australasia's finest yogis will compete in Adult and Youth divisions of the championship, showcasing their skills before a panel of expert judges with just three minutes to perform seven postures.
Golf
The Australian Masters Golf Tournament will again be played at the Huntingdale Golf Club in Oakleigh South, and will mark the 30th anniversary of the tournament when it begins this Thursday. Running until Sunday, this year's event will also mark a key chapter in shaping the future of the tournament with a strategic partnership with the Victorian Government to grow what's already a big event in Melbourne over the next three years.
Bull Riding
The Professional Bull Riders National Finals, presented by Bundaberg Rum, will be held this Saturday at Hisense Arena, seeing the event take place for the first time in Melbourne. A live event with thrills and spills, the world's richest cowboys will descend upon Melbourne to battle it out against our finest to determine the 2008 Australian Champion! The event, which is a pulsating, pyrotechnic extravaganza, begins at 7:30pm.
Wrestling
WrestleClash, held this Saturday at the Darebin Community Sports Stadium, will see a second championship title added to the wrestling event when the WrestleRock Championship will be defended for the first time outside of WrestleRock, which is normally held at the Corner Hotel in Richmond. The WrestleRock title is one of Victoria's most sought after championships, fiercely contested by some of Australia's best wrestlers.
Wednesday 26 November
Game starts at 7:30pm
Hisense Arena (Formerly Vodafone Arena)
Dining & Drink
The Harvest Picnic at Werribee Park will be held this Sunday, when food and wine producers from all over Victoria will gather in the magnificent grounds of Werribee Park to sample, showcase and sell their tasty products. Presented by The Age, the popular event is a chance to taste family made jams, artisan breads, decadent cupcakes, handcrafted local ales and more. Bring a blanket and basket and create a picnic from scratch!
Wining
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Melbourne Tours
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The new Melbourne Convention Centre, currently under development, has already been awarded a 6 Star Green Star environmental rating, the first in the world for a convention centre.
Awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) a 5 Star Green Star rating signifies Australian excellence, but a 6 Star Green Star rating such as the one the Convention Centre has received, stands out proudly as setting new standards above any other convention centre in the world.
Speaking of what's on, our new calendar allows you to select any day of the year to view everything (everything!!!) on that day in an easy to read, printable display.
-:- View What's On Calendar
-:- View Markets Only Calendar
Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for November 24 - November 30, 2008.
This week.. Melbourne celebrates the grand opening of Waterfront City with four great days of entertainment and special attractions in Docklands, while on Sunday there's the Mount Dandenong Village Festival offering a huge day of music, fun and food. There's also the toe-tapping Queenscliff Music Festival, which returns this year with three days of performances and fun for the whole family.
The weekend also sees the very last of Earthcore's events with their Global Carnival held in Tatyoon, ending a 15 year history of Australia's largest outdoor dance festival. Meanwhile, if you're still inclined to spend time outdoors but would rather a quieter weekend, there's also the Harvest Picnic held in Werribee Park this Sunday.
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
NEWSLETTER
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Mount Dandenong Village Festival - This Sunday the Mount Dandenong Village shall be alive with the sound of live music, have a street market, street food, games and rides. Just one hour from Melbourne in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, this year shall be bigger and better than ever, with free face painting, a raffle, petting zoo, food and wine and fun for all the family. The village will also feature several pubs and cafes, a deli and a bakery.
Waterfront City Opening Spectacular - Waterfront City comes alive this week for the celebration of the launch of the Southern Star observation wheel and Harbour Town shopping centre. Beginning Thursday and running until Sunday, you can enjoy all that Waterfront City has to offer at its Opening Spectacular the 'Action Zone' offering free activities, Christmas festivities including a special visit from Santa, fireworks giveaways and more.
The Queenscliff Music Festival, held each year on the last weekend of November, begins this Friday as Victoria's historic 19th Century seaside town of Queenscliff stages one of Melbourne's best music festivals. Now in its 12th year, the festival offers up 3 unforgettable days with a musical feast of over 160 performances by over 900 musicians. A family-friendly event, the festival has something for all.
Upcoming Events
Billy Elliot the Musical | New Seats Announced!
Billy Elliot the Musical, coming to Melbourne in December when it hits the stage of Her Majesty's Theatre, is already setting the box office ablaze with 30,000 NEW SEATS announced to go on sale! The hit stage production, based on the cult film, has proved a box office smash hit with over 2.5 million people worldwide having laughed, cried and lived Billy's dream. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday.
NEW LIVE CALENDAR
To find out about future events in Melbourne, have a look at our new calendar, with details about many more events that lie ahead, including Exhibitions, Gigs, Markets, Expos and much more..
ADEC Artability, starting Wednesday at the Atrium of Federation Square, is a unique, vibrant art exhibition that showcases over 60 ethnic artists of all ages who have a disability. The exhibition features over 120 oil and acrylic paintings, sketches and multi media artworks that explore the theme of The Journey, the sights, sensations and memories that make a journey personal. There will be an auction of works this Friday at the official opening.
Neuropsychosis, opening this Friday, is an exhibition by Karl Persson, a renowned artist whose work is flawless, showing a talent that is both envied and admired by artists and collectors alike. Held at the Gallery 696 in Brunswick, the exhibition features the newest range of Persson's paintings that display an eerie and dreamlike quality woven with his own personal symbolism. The stunning exhibition will run until December 10.
Neil Osborne, a photographer Based in Yarra's Edge of Docklands, will be holding an exhibition of his work that features fantastic landscapes, lifestyle and architecture photography. Opening this Wednesday, the exhibition is held at Dukes Gallery in Docklands and will include large prints on art paper that display beautiful images from Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris, Sicily and grand old Melbourne. The exhibition runs for 3 weeks only.
St Aloysius College VCE Visual Arts Exhibition
St Aloysius College, located in North Melbourne, will hold its annual VCE visual arts exhibition, with the official opening taking place this Wednesday evening at 7pm.
The exhibition will also be on display on Thursday and Friday, offering a chance to see the talent of the school's up and coming artists.
Trolley People is an exhibition of new works by Melissajay Eagan, examining a beginning fascination with the structure of the trolley and the relationship to its users and the needing and wanting of 'something'. Now showing at The Projects in Collingwood, Melissajay's visual response to the world around her has always been an immediate and honest one, revealing layers of meaning exist somewhere between the abstract and the figurative.
Where The Wild Things Are is an exhibition by Kelly Smith, a Tasmanian artist whose enchanting artwork has featured in Australian and international publications including Vogue. Her exhibition runs at Brunswick's Gallery 696 until Wednesday. The exhibition features new original works from this talented artist, who has been turning heads with her campaign for General pants co and turning the pages of Vogue with her feature this month.
A Free Ikebana Exhibition by Shoso Shimbo and his students is currently being held at Zambesi, located in Flinders Lane. On display until this Friday, the exhibition showcases one of Australia's top floral artists' Japanese flower arrangements. The contemporary Japanese flower arrangements of Shoso have seen him regarded as one of Australia's top floral artists, having won multiple awards at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
The Sisters in Harmony Quilt Exhibition, presented by Seabreeze Quilters, is the second annual exhibition of Japanese and Australian quilts that celebrate 20 years of friendship between City of Hobsons Bay and Anjo.
Held at the Louis Joel Centre in Altona, the exhibition will be showing until this Sunday and entry to the exhibition is only a gold coin donation.
Pieces of Eight, North Fitzroy's contemporary jewellery gallery, has welcomed five new jewellery designers to the gallery, including the very textural and remnant-like bracelets, rings, and earrings UK artist, Antonella Giomarelli. Work by the new arrivals will be displayed in the gallery window 24 hours a day throughout November. The works on show also include the quirky, intricately crafted and always surprising work of Dougal Haslem.
The Kew Cottages Project Media Experience is a media art installation that explores the lives of the residents of the former Kew Children's Cottages. By using a combination of imagery, video and textual work, the exhibition allows the audience to experience what it was like to learn, work and play as a child growing up in the cottages. Running until this until Saturday, the interactive exhibition is on display at Hawthorn Town Hall.
Bye tommorow is an exhibition by Glen Morris, which is about saying goodbye to childhood and the past while simultaneously living with that past into adulthood and the future. Currently running at The Dolls House in Preston, Morris's exhibition is an exploration of the process of melding memories and games and a world lost and found.
The installation exhibition will run until Saturday.
Greenhouse by Joost is an Australian first in self-sustaining planning with this temporary event venue, currently open at Federation Square. Made entirely from recycled materials, Greenhouse will run until January, open daily as a gallery, cafe and social hub. At night, the unique venue will become a vibrant hub to entertain the new "in-crowd"- being the savvy set who've simply grabbed a ticket from one of the outlets around town.
Expos, Launches & Open Days
The [yellow tail] Remixing Clinic will be appearing this Wednesday at Queen Victoria Market's Suzuki Night Market, beginning at 5.30pm. The Remixing Clinic is a chance for you to marry your music with wine by bringing you mix-tape to the special event where melody maestro ex-Mix FM DJ Rob Neil, and [yellow tail] Senior Winemaker Emma Norbiato will write you a party prescription matching your music to [yellow tail] wines.
Revel on Greville! presented by the William Angliss Institute, is a live show held by students as part of Australia's only fully accredited course of education devoted to training in entertainment events. Held this Friday at Fabrique - Valve nightclub in Prahran, the night will feature music by DJs and there will also be fashions by Chocolate City and Fool Clothing, make-up by the Elly Lukas Academy and a performance by The Dance Factory.
The Mind Body Spirit Festival, running from Friday to Sunday at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, is Australia's longest running and most respected of new age events, bringing together everything you need for health and well-being. Now celebrating their 20th year, the festival offers a complete solution for wellbeing of the body and mind with more than 180 exhibitors where you can try and buy hundreds of products and services.
Nillumbik Artists Open Studios will continue to celebrate 21 years this weekend by opening to the public the studios of 29 artists in 23 studios throughout Eltham and the historic area of Nillumbik. With artists of many mediums including sculpture and printmaking, most work is for sale. With studios located in Diamond Creek, St. Andrews and North Warrandyte, there is a long tradition of artists living and working in these areas.
Performances & Theatre
HERE is a special performance by the Women's Circus, held in remembrance of our foremothers and marking 100 years of the right of women to vote in Victoria. Beginning Monday and running until Sunday, performances will be held at North Melbourne Town Hall, offering a carnival of tears and triumphs, where women unshackle themselves to fly through the air, free their voices to howl and climb on each other's shoulders to look into the future.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the classic absurdist comedy by Tom Stoppard, will be performed at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran, beginning this Thursday. Casting a bizarre spin on Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', the play sees the two dubious heroes thrown headlong into the conflict that surrounds the tortured prince, raising questions of their own fate and its inevitability. Known for its remarkable wordplay, it will run until December 13.
Hallelujah to Her is a celebration of women and all their divine quirks, performed by Natalie Gamsu. Appearing for two nights only this Thursday and Friday at South Melbourne's Butterfly Club, the internationally acclaimed singer and actor will be performing an eclectic string of classics, from Henry Purcell to Sondheim and Charles Aznavour as she creates a charming world full of very funny, moving and crazy characters.
I Like This, the latest production of dance company, Chunky Moves, tells the story of two men who design an environment then try to make sense by controlling it. A playful exercise in absurdity, the show is a strange documentary about the making of a show, with the two director/choreographers appearing onstage creating the work at the same time as it is being performed. It runs until Saturday at Chunky Moves studios in Southbank.
The Strand, running until Saturday, is part of Preston Market's arts project, Market Value. Held in an open space of the car park at Preston Market, the play is a theatre and multimedia performance. The play, in which the return of a well-known stranger sparks the passion of an invisible man, lets the audience enter a magical reality, where love prevails, despite a secret which strands a community and stops a heart.
After Dinner, presented by Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group, is a black comedy about being single. The play sees five people converge on a suburban nightspot to enjoy a meal and the after-dinner entertainment, and what soon follows is a bitter-sweet farce about human vulnerability. Written by Andrew Bovell, the Australian playwright and screenwriter who gave us Lantana and Strictly Ballroom, there'll be performances Wednesday to Saturday.
Madama Butterfly, presented by Opera Australia, is Puccini's moving tale of love and loss in the city of Nagasaki. Performed in Italian with subtitles, the production features Nicole Youl as Cio-Cio-San with a performance on Wednesday and Saturday at The Arts Centre. Designed by Peter England and Russell Cohen, captures the grace and delicacy of Puccini's exquisite creation with translucent bamboo screens and red silk.
One Cloud, a play presented by Lady Muck, is set on an idyllic island nicknamed Paradise, where Stella Harper lands with the hope of a new beginning. Trouble arises, however, when it becomes clear the citizens of Paradise have other ideas, determined to strip Stella to the bone and reveal her as the one cloud to ruin their perfect day. Written by Shannon Murdoch, performances are now being held at Theatreworks in St Kilda.
The Hypocrite, performed by Melbourne Theatre Company, is a variation of Moliere's classic play, Tartuffe. Written by Justin Fleming and featuring Sara Gleeson and Kim Gyngell, it's currently playing at The Arts Centre's Playhouse. Every time it's revived, Moli�re's 1664 play Tartuffe strikes audiences with its contemporary relevance, probably because the religious hucksterism and bigotry it satirises is always with us.
The Rocky Horror Show brings Richard O'Brien's classic musical to the stage with the outrageous role of Dr Frank N Furter played by ARIA-nominated singer iota, who last gave a remarkable performance in Melbourne in the rock musical of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Bursting at the seams with timeless classics, including I'm Just A Sweet Transvestite, Damn It Janet, The iconic play and long time cult favourite is now playing at the Comedy Theatre.
Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire's novel, is the hit musical that tells the untold story of the legendary witches from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. When Dorothy famously triumphed in Oz, we only ever heard one side of the story. Now playing at the Regent Theatre, the show reveals the surprising past of the supposedly Wicked Witch. The creative team that brings this captivating story to life includes many of Broadway's most celebrated talent.
Classical & Choral Performances
Sunwrae String Quintet will once again be appearing this Friday on the famous stage of the Spiegeltent, located in the forecourt of the Arts Centre. With an unrivalled sense of lyricism and radiance, the Sunwrae String Quintet will perform works from their forthcoming album 'Autumn Never Fall', featuring Rae Howell's rambunctious rhythms and magical melodies on grand piano with the group's trademark string quartet arrangements.
The Heidelberg Choral Society will be appearing at various regional venues this week including Colac, Warrnambool and Mt Gambier where the group, consisting of more than sixty choristers, will perform Handel's much loved oratorio. Accompanied by members of the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra, the Heidelberg Choral Society was formed in 1920 and sings classical sacred and secular choral works, as well as oratorios and madrigals.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Live N Loud, presented by Spectrum Entertainment, is a special All Ages event that will be held this Friday at the Narre Community Learning Centre in Narre Warren. The last event for the year that Spectrum will hold, the big evening features a great line up with The Abandonment, Sun Tzu, Rose Line and other bands featured, including a performance by Spectrum's 2008 battle of the band winners, My Own Enemy.
Earthcore's Global Carnival, beginning Friday and running across the weekend, will be the last Earthcore event held in Australia EVER! After 15 years and 37 festivals, Australia's largest and longest running outdoor dance music festival will be going out loud and proud. This year's final event will be held at the Kulkurt Volcano Crater in Tatyoon and features the 10 Piece Band, Juno Reactor, performing live as the headliner for EarthCore 2008.
Pole Divas Unleashed is the hottest party of the season, held this Friday night at Room 680 in Hawthorn. Presented by Pole Divas, who offer classes in pole dancing that incorporates techniques of gymnastics, yoga and dance, the amateur pole dancing competition is Pole Divas night of nights where their sexy students showcase all that they've learned by competing. The talented instructors of Pole Divas will also perform on the night.
South Side Funk features the funkiest DJ's from both Melbourne and interstate playing true old-school funk like you'll never find at any other venue. Held every Friday night at Big Mouth, located in St Kilda, South Side Funk is the hottest place in Melbourne for all you money-maker shakers. If you like to get down with groovy basslines and a bunch of people who know how to bump then South Side Funk on Friday nights is for you.
Live @ BLVD kicks off again at Southbank's BLVD Bar this Wednesday with White Boyz Can't Funk, a savvy six-piece band that's known for their infectious mixing of genres.
Also performing on the night are Glory Tuesday, with support by Sierra Sound and Andy Hall, a soulful singer-songwriter who is set to showcase his highly impressive original material to the public.
Billy Joel, the one and only piano man, will be appearing this Saturday night for what will be one of two concerts held in Melbourne, with the internationally acclaimed musician performing next Monday night also. One of this century's greatest musicians, Billy Joel will be performing what is guaranteed to be a spectacular show.
He'll be appearing at Rod Laver Arena.
Station 59's Open Mic Night is held at one of Melbourne's hidden gems, tucked away between Richmond's Bridge Road and Victoria Street. Starting each Wednesday night from 8pm, the stage will be open to everyone, from singers to comics to musicians. Station 59 also offers plenty of cool, a pool table and one of the last remaining horse shoe bars in Melbourne. Drink and meal specials are available in the bar from 7 to 8pm.
Cinema
The Japanese Film Festival, beginning this Thursday at ACMI Cinemas, offers 5 days of the best in Japanese cinema with a program of 13 stellar films that include blockbuster hits, anime, engaging dramas, hilarious comedies and even a modern take on the incredibly daggy monster films that Japan was infamous for back when Godzilla still ruled the streets of Tokyo! With special Q&A sessions and FREE screenings it runs until next Monday.
Australia | Oxfam Premiere Screening - This Wednesday there will be a special screening of Baz Lurhmann's epic film, which stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. Held at the Westgarth Cinema in Northcote, entry to the event includes a choc top, small popcorn and small drink, and by attending this charity screening you can help Oxfam raise much needed funds for their vital work around the world including Indigenous Australia.
St Kilda's Tuesday Flicks, held on Tuesday evenings, is a special film program held by unChain St Kilda. Funds raised from the cinema screenings will help unChain St Kilda to pay for the legal and campaign costs in fighting the proposed development of the St Kilda Triangle Crown land. This Tuesday at the George Palace Cinemas, Working Dog's interviews in St Kilda and an interview with the late Michael Hutchence of INXS.
Comedy
Bring on the Men is a performance by Adele Scott, who is the self-confessed queen of relationships. Offering pearls of wisdom gathered from all her experiences, at the ripe old age of 21, Adele's show has all the hot tips on dating, sex, love and men. With adult themes, sexual references and bad jokes aplenty, her insider's guide to love, loss, STIs and blue hair begins this Thursday at the Butterfly Club in South Melbourne, and runs until Sunday.
Theatresports | Grand Final - This Sunday will see the big Grand Final held at St Kilda's Theatreworks when the mighty thespians take to the stage to battle against one another. With teams competing in ever-increasing degrees of improvised difficulty, performances include synchronized singing and impossible twists. The night stars Impro Melbourne's fearless posse of rascals bringing hilarious feats of do-or-die wit!
Santa's Palace @ Westfield Doncaster - The magic of Christmas is coming to Westfield Doncaster this Saturday when children can join the gang from the Channel 10 kids show ROCK IT! The children's entertainers will be appearing at 11am with their live Christmas Show where kids can help welcome Santa and Mrs Claus to the new Santa's Palace at Westfield Doncaster, which will be located on the Ground Floor outside Myer.
Cha Cha Sam | La Mama for Kids - La Mama for Kids is an immensely popular monthly program of performances held especially for children at the historic Carlton home of Australian theatre, La Mama. This Saturday's performance is the fabulous family music show, Cha Cha Sam. Cha Cha Sam is music made with love and laughter for big-spirited kids and their grownups, featuring ukulele, cool backbeats and beautiful tunes for all ages.
The Myer Christmas Windows, which have delighted families and kids for more than 50 years now, are displayed outside the Bourke Street store where you can now find this year's offering, inspired by Alan Snow's children's book, How Santa Really Works.
A tradition that began in 1956, the marvellous Myer Christmas Windows display will be running until January 4.
Circus Shows
Circus Sunrise Spectacular is an action-packed show for all the family, currently showing at Water Front City, located under the Southern Star Ferris Wheel. With shows running until December 14, the circus will follow on with the stunning show by presenting a special Holiday Spectacular that will run until January. Circus Sunrise is a family circus that has a lineage going back to 1648 and beyond, showing the true heart of what a circus is!
Puzzles & Competitions
Anagram-orama!
We've rearranged the letters of three of the attractions featured in this week's newsletter. See if you can figure them out! Sign up for Next Week's Newsletter to avoid missing the answers..
Hello The Hula Jar
Fuse Hound Kits
Then Rob Gem Inn
Last week's answers are further down with Melbourne Trivia
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of the City Circle Tram, one of Melbourne's most hospitable (and free) icons... See if you can spot them! Sign up for answers revealed in Next Week's Newsletter
Last week's answers are further down with Melbourne Trivia
Menulog, one of the easiest ways to book a restaurant online or order home delivery, is offering the chance for you to win a trip for 2 to Hayman Island where you can have a romantic getaway in a beautiful setting.
For a chance to win this fantastic prize all you need to do is simply visit Menulog before December 15th and do any of the following...
Order food online
Book a restaurant
Review a restaurant
The more orders, bookings and reviews you make, the greater your chance of winning. By booking through Menulog you can get great discounts for food bills and more, so you're already a winner!
Community
Dynamic Drawing Classes, held by Ron Curran, can help you discover your creative identity and find your power through drawing. Classes take place every week on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings, held at Brunswick Street Gallery. Classes cost $18, with no need to book, and each class includes a model, music and facilitation provided on the day. Butchers paper and charcoal are also available at the classes.
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 or to benefit others. This week we ask you to consider the following..
The Reach Breakfast with the Stars returns this Friday, offering what's become a proven event in Melbourne's business calendar that just can't be missed. This year, guests at the special event, which is held at Crown Palladium, will see AFL football legend Jim Stynes joined by a host of celebrities. Funds raised from the special event will help Reach to continue and expand their innovative and much needed programs for young people.
The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is Australia's largest Christmas gift appeal. The Wishing Tree supports some of Australia's largest welfare organisations and Trees can be found nationally in Kmart stores, with gifts collected up until Christmas Eve. The Kmart Wishing Tree has collected more than 4.14 million gifts over the past 20 years and supports some of the nations largest and most respected charities including The Salvation Army and Charity Link.
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
The Suzuki Night Market has returned to Queen Victoria Market, held weekly and running Wednesday nights through to February. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere. The Suzuki Night Market offers a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even bands with two stages showcasing the best world music and live entertainment Melbourne has to offer for free!
Magnolia Square is a boutique fair that showcases women's and children's attire, homewares, jewellery and more. Their special Christmas Fair will begin this Thursday at Brighton Town Hall, revealing the work of some of Melbourne's most talented designers with a wide variety of crafts and more that make perfect Christmas gifts for the little ones. With a focus on quality crafts and boutique branding the fair will run until Saturday.
This weekend, try these three great fetes where you'll find kids' entertainment, stalls, food & more... St John's Christmas Fair, Toorak - Bargain gifts Wine, Toys, Jams, Home wares and Crafts, Books and more. Elsternwick Primary Mega Fete, Brighton - Great fun with Rides, stalls, entertainment and food on Saturday. Kew Primary School - Beautiful Crafts, Plants, Cakes, Preserves, Books, Children Singing & Dancing plus Rides.
A Mini Christmas Fair Exhibition continues this week, presented by the Handweavers & Spinners Guild of Victoria. Running until December 13, the Guild rooms in Carlton North are open from 10am to 3pm every Tuesday to Saturday. With many great gift ideas in one location, the exhibition features a wide variety of handmade, handspun and handwoven items that include Christmas ornaments, cards, stockings and toys.
NEW LIVE CALENDAR
View MARKETS on any day of the week to make the most of the rare sunny days (it's a coin toss lately, isn't it!) and head to one of Melbourne's many excellent markets, fetes and fairs for a bargain!
A growing number of food, produce and even wine markets are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
Each week we highlight five of the latest additions to OnlyMelbourne's ever growing guide to services, businesses and information sites for your community.
To find out how you can join Melbourne's largest online community Visit Here!
This week we suggest the following:
Alexandra Estelle - Professional makeup artistry for all occasions...
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!
Sporting Events
Yoga - Yep, that's right, Yoga!
Yoga Asana Championship - The Melbourne Bikram Yoga community will present the 2008-2009 Bishnu Charan Ghosh Regional Yoga Asana Championship, held this Sunday at the Randall Theatre of St Martin's Youth Arts Centre in South Yarra. Australasia's finest yogis will compete in Adult and Youth divisions of the championship, showcasing their skills before a panel of expert judges with just three minutes to perform seven postures.
Golf
The Australian Masters Golf Tournament will again be played at the Huntingdale Golf Club in Oakleigh South, and will mark the 30th anniversary of the tournament when it begins this Thursday. Running until Sunday, this year's event will also mark a key chapter in shaping the future of the tournament with a strategic partnership with the Victorian Government to grow what's already a big event in Melbourne over the next three years.
Bull Riding
The Professional Bull Riders National Finals, presented by Bundaberg Rum, will be held this Saturday at Hisense Arena, seeing the event take place for the first time in Melbourne. A live event with thrills and spills, the world's richest cowboys will descend upon Melbourne to battle it out against our finest to determine the 2008 Australian Champion! The event, which is a pulsating, pyrotechnic extravaganza, begins at 7:30pm.
Wrestling
WrestleClash, held this Saturday at the Darebin Community Sports Stadium, will see a second championship title added to the wrestling event when the WrestleRock Championship will be defended for the first time outside of WrestleRock, which is normally held at the Corner Hotel in Richmond. The WrestleRock title is one of Victoria's most sought after championships, fiercely contested by some of Australia's best wrestlers.
Wednesday 26 November
Game starts at 7:30pm
Hisense Arena (Formerly Vodafone Arena)
Dining & Drink
The Harvest Picnic at Werribee Park will be held this Sunday, when food and wine producers from all over Victoria will gather in the magnificent grounds of Werribee Park to sample, showcase and sell their tasty products. Presented by The Age, the popular event is a chance to taste family made jams, artisan breads, decadent cupcakes, handcrafted local ales and more. Bring a blanket and basket and create a picnic from scratch!
Wining
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Melbourne Tours
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The new Melbourne Convention Centre, currently under development, has already been awarded a 6 Star Green Star environmental rating, the first in the world for a convention centre.
Awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) a 5 Star Green Star rating signifies Australian excellence, but a 6 Star Green Star rating such as the one the Convention Centre has received, stands out proudly as setting new standards above any other convention centre in the world.
Speaking of what's on, our new calendar allows you to select any day of the year to view everything (everything!!!) on that day in an easy to read, printable display.
-:- View What's On Calendar
-:- View Markets Only Calendar
Summer School Holiday Guide with all the best events to entertain the kids!
NEW LIVE CALENDAR 
Circus Sunrise Spectacular is an action-packed show for all the family, currently showing at Water Front City, located under the Southern Star Ferris Wheel. With shows running until December 14, the circus will follow on with the stunning show by presenting a special Holiday Spectacular that will run until January. Circus Sunrise is a family circus that has a lineage going back to 1648 and beyond, showing the true heart of what a circus is!
The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is Australia's largest Christmas gift appeal. The Wishing Tree supports some of Australia's largest welfare organisations and Trees can be found nationally in Kmart stores, with gifts collected up until Christmas Eve. The Kmart Wishing Tree has collected more than 4.14 million gifts over the past 20 years and supports some of the nations largest and most respected charities including The Salvation Army and Charity Link.
The Suzuki Night Market has returned to Queen Victoria Market, held weekly and running Wednesday nights through to February. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere. The Suzuki Night Market offers a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even bands with two stages showcasing the best world music and live entertainment Melbourne has to offer for free!
A growing number of food, produce and even wine markets are always popping up around the suburbs. And don't forget garage sales!
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.
Dining Specials - Save Up To 20% on Your Bill 
