Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for December 1 - December 7, 2008.
This week.. there's the Homeless World Cup held in Federation Square, bringing together teams from all over the world in the huge event that's fun and aids a good cause. There's also the Eureka Festival, held this Sunday in Ballarat, while Carrum Primary School offers a huge day of environmental fun with their Big Green Festival on Friday. Our Newsletter also hits the BIG 100 and we splurge out in anticipation of the festive season with a huge swag of Christmas goodies in our Christmas Event Guide.
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
NEWSLETTER
Not receiving our newsletter? Get your copy of What's On this Week!
Christmas Events
Christmas Events in Melbourne - Christmas is on its way, but why wait when there's plenty of fun to be had all through December? With a wide range of events and activities held in Melbourne and Victoria, get in early and treat the kids to some of the fabulous events on offer. There are many events that are free and you'll find them in jolly old Melbourne. Ho! Ho! Ho!
Advent Calendar @ Fed Square - Celebrate the spirit of Christmas as the East Shard at Federation Square is transformed into a magical Advent Calendar - 24 days, 25 windows, 25 performances! Talented aerialists will perform before a magical animation, unveiling each day's window on the side of a three-storey building with a free performance at 9pm every night.
Carols at the Convent, an annual community event held at Abbotsford Convent, will be held this Saturday. Offering an affordable evening of carols for all the family and raising money for the Mercy Health Foundation, the evening will feature a great line up of performers during the Carols, along with entertainment for children including Cupcake the Clown, food stalls and more.
Carols in Canterbury Gardens - Join the picnic atmosphere this Sunday for Carols in Canterbury Gardens. Beginning at 6.30pm, the free event includes children activities with an animal farm, glow sticks and candles. There will also be food with a sausage sizzle and more. Carols commence at 7.30 including local talent and Harambee, who appeared on Battle of the Choirs.
Christmas Lights | Melbourne's BEST - With Christmas all but here, find the best Christmas light displays are in Melbourne. Our list continues on from last year, with a handy little asterisk marking confirmed displays for 2008. To confirm your Christmas Light display (yes, its free) you can also tell us through the Contact Us button on the Christmas Lights Guide.
Christmas Gift Wrapping for Vicdeaf - Vicdeaf, the Victorian Deaf Society, will be running a Christmas gift-wrapping service at the Australia on Collins shopping centre in the city. Held to raise awareness about hearing health and also funds for the work that Videaf does, the service will run from December 15 to 24. For more information or to volunteer, contact Vicdeaf on 9473 1111.
School Holiday Guide
Check out our School Holiday Guide for a head start on what to do with the kids during the Summer School Holidays beginning on December 20, and running until January 27 in 2009. The guide is Updated Weekly to highlight the best things to do over the holiday period for the young and young at heart, with events, tours and holiday care programs.. all in marvellous Melbourne!
The Homeless World Cup, held throughout this week at Federation Square and Birrarung Marr, is an annual, international street soccer tournament that unites teams of people who are homeless and excluded. Presented by The Big Issue and held for the first time in Melbourne this year, the free sporting event will welcome teams from over 50 nations worldwide.
The Eureka Festival, held this Sunday in Ballarat, is a fun festival for the whole family with world music, old-fashioned games and much more. Held at the Eureka Centre and Stockade Gardens, the festival commemorates the 154th anniversary of the Eureka Rebellion in Ballarat. Highlights include belly dancing, indigenous story telling and interactive courtroom Eureka Trials.
The Big Green Festival, held Friday in Carrum, is a spectacular environmental twilight event that's fun for the whole family with Americana and Roots Music, short films and Gourmet Food. Presented by teachers, parents and students of Carrum Primary School, it focuses on Green Education with environmental information, a Farmers Market, Green Artwork and more.
Upcoming Events
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 more.. View Future Events on any day of the week
(Ridiculous Un-Spring-like weather notwithstanding!)
Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
Difference - Source for Growth is a mixed-media exhibition by artists with and without disability that explores the theme of Difference by learning to look at ourselves and our world in new ways. Beginning Tuesday at the Foyer Gallery of Gasworks Arts Park, the exhibition features varied styles and mediums, including painting, print-making, photography, collage and writing.
The Siemens RMIT Fine Art exhibition begins this Wednesday at RMIT Gallery in Swanston Street, running until next Saturday. Now in its eighth year, the prestigious Siemens - RMIT Fine Art Scholarship enables students to further their careers in the field of Fine Arts by assisting with research and production costs, offering valuable scholarships to eight students.
Views from a Speeding Train features new paintings by Amanda van Gils including paintings recently selected for the Fluerieu Art Prize, The Tattersall's Club Landscape Art Prize, The John Leslie Art Prize and The Mosman Art Prize. Held at the Jenny Port Gallery in Richmond, the opening night takes place Wednesday with the show running until December 21.
ADEC Artability, showing until Tuesday at the Atrium of Federation Square, is a unique art exhibition showcasing 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.
Neuropsychosis, on show until next Wednesday, is an exhibition by Karl Persson, a renowned artist whose flawless work and talent 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.
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. Held at Dukes Gallery in Docklands, it includes large prints on art paper that display beautiful images from Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris, Sicily and grand old Melbourne. The exhibition runs for 2 more weeks.
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 of 'something'. Running until Wednesday at The Projects in Collingwood, Melissajay's visual response to the world around her has always been an immediate and honest one.
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, Joost's Greenhouse will run until January and will be open daily as a gallery, cafe and social hub, while at night the unique venue will transform to become a vibrant hub to entertain the public.
Expos, Launches & Open Days
Solar System Highlights is a Free Guided Walk held this Monday evening when you can view highlights of the solar system and learn from the Astronomy Society of Victoria experts and see the unique Melbourne Solar System installation. The free event features the sunset over Port Phillip Bay, followed by viewings of the Moon, Venus and Jupiter. Bookings are essential.
Xmas Thank You and Clothes Swap - This Sunday there will be a flash-mobbing event (a trend where the public gathers for an impromptu event) where you can share the Xmas cheer by saying thankyou to passers by and swap an item of clothing with other participants. The location and time will be announced Saturday, so get your thankyous ready and dig out that daggy sweater!
Performances & Theatre
Dare to Dream is a Bollywood Dance Musical that will be held on Sunday at Collingwood Town Hall. An original musical written by Artistic Director Nithya Ramesen, the show is a theatrical tale of a young girls intense desire to dance no matter what obstacles she faces. With colourful dream sequences and dancing, the evening features special guests, food, clothing stalls and more.
Careless, beginning Wednesday at the Carlton Courthouse Theatre, is a play by Russell Rigby that sees Paul, a man who has everything he could wish for, faced with difficulty when too much of a good thing proves troublesome. With a beautiful wife, successful friends and a rich new client, his life takes a turn when they all get into the same room unexpectedly.
Daisy's Kitchen is a cabaret performance by Emma Wyndham where she'll welcome you to another delicious episode of Daisy's Kitchen. Held at The Butterfly Club in South Melbourne, Daisy's sugar and spice and all things nice: the perfect picture of a 1950s housewife, but The 60s are here, and Daisy can taste freedom in the air.. Performances run from Thursday to Sunday.
Shane Warne the Musical is a leg-spun yarn about what it means to fall arse-backwards into the Australian Dream and emerge a champion. With a sizzling live band and an exceptional cast, including Eddie Perfect as the man himself, the show brings to life a brilliant score fusing soul, gospel, rock, and even a touch of Bollywood. It opens this Thursday at the Athenaeum Theatre.
The Prolapsed Tour, performed by Tina Del Twiste, is a show that's not bitter, but quite twisted. In 1969, Tina performed at Woodstock in Bethel, New York, where she met Twist. 40 years on, they are performing together and will be appearing this week at The Butterfly Club in South Melbourne. Described as having a 'Velvet-dipped dagger wit,' performances begin Thursday.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the classic absurdist comedy by Tom Stoppard, is currently playing at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran. Casting a bizarre spin on Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', the play sees the two dubious heroes thrown headlong into the conflict surrounding the tortured prince, raising questions of their own fate and its inevitability. Known for its remarkable wordplay, it will run until December 13.
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 performances on Thursday and Saturday at The Arts Centre. Designed by Peter England and Russell Cohen, captures the grace and delicacy of Puccini's exquisite creation.
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 playing at The Arts Centre until next Saturday. Molière's 1664 play is still rife with contemporary relevance, 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, the long time cult hit 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 creative team that brings the story to life includes many of Broadway's most celebrated talent.
Classical & Choral Performances
Cry Baby Classical Concerts, organised by 3MBS 103.5FM Classically Melbourne and the City of Yarra, offer parents and children the chance to enjoy classical music. With a performance held this Wednesday at Fitzroy Town Hall, entry is by Gold Coin donation. Music for children will be performed live on the day by a variety of local classical musicians.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Crowded House will be performing this Tuesday night as part of a limited number of special concerts. Having recently toured extensively worldwide for the past year with shows in America, Ireland, Russia and the UK's iconic Glastonbury Festival, one of Australia's greatest bands (Yeah, you heard right, New Zealand!) will perform at The Forum.
Naughty Night Out is a cocktail party for couples, held this Thursday at La Di Da Nightclub, located on Little Bourke Street. Part of a series of regular couples parties held at night clubs on the East Coast of Australia, it features entertainment including latin dancing, traditional burlesque performances, lingerie and underwear fashion parades, latin dancing and more.
Greg Stewart, Rod Wilson & Martin Zakharov, a popular jazz trio, will be performing this Saturday at Sofi's Bar, a wonderful relaxed lounge venue with first class entertainment, located in the Hotel Sofitel on Collins Street. Beginning at 9pm, their diverse arrangements include works by artists such as Sinatra, Snow Patrol and Leonard Cohen.
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 then South Side Funk on Fridays is for you.
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
Cinema
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, they'll screen Man of Flowers by Paul Cox.
The Japanese Film Festival, ending this Monday at ACMI Cinemas, offers the best in Japanese cinema with the final day featuring screenings of the Adults Only films, Ichi and Departures. If you missed out on last week's events and Asian Cinema's your cup of Chai, then be sure to catch these final screenings held this Monday evening.
Comedy
The Comics Lounge' Comedy Night Fundraiser will be held this Sunday at the iconic comedy venue in North Melbourne. Held to raise money towards Dan's volunteer trip to South Africa, headlining acts on the night will include Corrine Grant, Pommy Johnson and Lawrence Mooney, with The Comics Lounge donating 100% of ticket sales to Dan's volunteer work.
Children's Christmas & Carols with Mr. Happy - Come along on December 6 at Adrie Park in Malvern East for a fun-filled time before the Carols. You can make a Christmas decoration for your tree, paint a picture for someone special, take a dance class, have fun with an egg and spoon race, and best of all enjoy Mr. Happy's special performance of his Christmas show.
A Fairy Merry Christmas is a live show featuring The Fairies in their biggest and best Christmas Spectacular ever! Join Harmony and Rhapsody, Elf the Fairy Cake Maker, Barnaby the Bizzy Buzzy Bee and Wizzy the Wizard in a Christmas Fairyland full of songs and surprises for the whole family. With Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa, it takes place Sunday in Clayton.
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 true family circus with lineage going back to 1648!
Puzzles & Competitions
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of one of the displays from the National Sports Museum... 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
When Cancer Won't Go Away is a Free Cancer Council Forum that focuses on learning how to live well while facing the uncertainty of advanced cancer. Held this Wednesday in Carlton, the forum is free to attend for people whose cancer has advanced and their family and friends. It will cover topics such as treatment, supportive care, and financial and legal issues.
The Vision Van, a 24-foot mobile optical unit, will be making appearances at numerous venues in Victoria and Melbourne beginning this Monday and running until next Wednesday. With state-of-the-art optical equipment, residents aged 50+ will have FREE access to screening for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in Australian Seniors.
Sketch City is a monthly event that features music, art and live painting and drawing. Promoting a greater tolerance for street art and a sense of artistic community, Sketch City features a guest band and is held this Sunday at Dazzeland Studios in Northcote, with guest artists and performers including the Ragga Muffins and Sponepheaker. It starts at 4pm.
Melbourne Sustainability Drinks, held the first Wednesday of every month at Melbourne Central's 100 Mile Cafe, provides a forum for professionals working in various parts of the 'sustainability industry' to meet, exchange ideas and hear different perspectives about the social and environmental challenges we face. Bookings are required.
The Existentialist Society host free public lectures that are held to cover diverse and often conflicting schools of thought followed by a Q&A session with the audience. Held monthly at the Unitarian Church Hall, this Tuesday Jon Roffe from the Melbourne School of Continental Philosophy will be discussing "Foucault's Problem". The event is Free, however gold coin donations are welcome.
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.
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 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 given more than 4.14 million gifts over the past 20 years and supports some of the nations largest charities.
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
Magnolia Square is a boutique fair that showcases women's and children's attire, homewares, jewellery and more. Their special Christmas Fair will be held from Thursday to Saturday at Malvern Town Hall, revealing the work of some of Melbourne's most talented designers with a wide variety of crafts and more that can make perfect gifts for Christmas.
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 two stages showcasing the best live music!
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 range of items including Christmas ornaments, cards, stockings and toys.
Garage Sales
This weekend, treat yourself to an early pressie by stepping out to one of the many garage sales you'll find around Melbourne... Northcote, Beavers Rd - Held Saturday with loads of bargains, kids toys, furniture, kitchenware, nic-nacs & more. Starts 9am. Elsternwick, Downshire Road - Held Saturday, offering young ladies clothes, shoes, jackets, furniture and much more. Kensington, Epsom Road - Huge moving interstate sale this weekend with furniture, kid's items and also household goods.
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!
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
Extreme & Street Sports
Xtreme Day Out | Round 1 - Indoor Xtreme proudly presents Round 1 of their extreme sports series this Saturday at Caribbean Gardens, located in Scoresby. This event will play host to Mini MX, Mini Motard and Pocket bike racing, FMX demos, Skateboarding and BMX comps, Jet Ski racing and wakeboarding demos! There will also be trade stalls, kids amusements and live bands.
Saturday 6 December
Game starts at 7:30pm
Hisense Arena (Formerly Vodafone Arena)
Dining & Drink
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.
Dining Specials - Save Up To 20% on Your Bill Menulog is the easiest way to book a restaurant online with over 4000 restaurant listings! By booking online through Menulog you can enjoy fine food and save money with special deals offering discounts on total food bills, complimentary wine and drinks, discount group bookings and much, much more! Visit Here For The Latest Deals With Menulog!!
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
Melbourne Tours
Smartvisit Card is the best way to see the sights of Melbourne, whether you're visiting Melbourne for business, a vacation, or even if you're a local wanting to find Melbourne's hidden treasures!
The Smartvisit Card includes entry to attractions such as Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Old Melbourne Gaol, Telstra Dome, Cook's Cottage, Melbourne River Cruises, and many more of Melbourne's TOP venues!
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Exhibition Street was originally named Stephen Street. However, after the Melbourne International Exhibition [1880] and Melbourne Centennial Exhibition [1888] were held at the Royal Exhibition Building, the street was renamed.
The name was officially changed by the Melbourne City Council on 5 December 1898.
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 December 1 - December 7, 2008.
This week.. there's the Homeless World Cup held in Federation Square, bringing together teams from all over the world in the huge event that's fun and aids a good cause. There's also the Eureka Festival, held this Sunday in Ballarat, while Carrum Primary School offers a huge day of environmental fun with their Big Green Festival on Friday. Our Newsletter also hits the BIG 100 and we splurge out in anticipation of the festive season with a huge swag of Christmas goodies in our Christmas Event Guide.
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
NEWSLETTER
Not receiving our newsletter? Get your copy of What's On this Week!
Christmas Events
Christmas Events in Melbourne - Christmas is on its way, but why wait when there's plenty of fun to be had all through December? With a wide range of events and activities held in Melbourne and Victoria, get in early and treat the kids to some of the fabulous events on offer. There are many events that are free and you'll find them in jolly old Melbourne. Ho! Ho! Ho!
Advent Calendar @ Fed Square - Celebrate the spirit of Christmas as the East Shard at Federation Square is transformed into a magical Advent Calendar - 24 days, 25 windows, 25 performances! Talented aerialists will perform before a magical animation, unveiling each day's window on the side of a three-storey building with a free performance at 9pm every night.
Carols at the Convent, an annual community event held at Abbotsford Convent, will be held this Saturday. Offering an affordable evening of carols for all the family and raising money for the Mercy Health Foundation, the evening will feature a great line up of performers during the Carols, along with entertainment for children including Cupcake the Clown, food stalls and more.
Carols in Canterbury Gardens - Join the picnic atmosphere this Sunday for Carols in Canterbury Gardens. Beginning at 6.30pm, the free event includes children activities with an animal farm, glow sticks and candles. There will also be food with a sausage sizzle and more. Carols commence at 7.30 including local talent and Harambee, who appeared on Battle of the Choirs.
Christmas Lights | Melbourne's BEST - With Christmas all but here, find the best Christmas light displays are in Melbourne. Our list continues on from last year, with a handy little asterisk marking confirmed displays for 2008. To confirm your Christmas Light display (yes, its free) you can also tell us through the Contact Us button on the Christmas Lights Guide.
Christmas Gift Wrapping for Vicdeaf - Vicdeaf, the Victorian Deaf Society, will be running a Christmas gift-wrapping service at the Australia on Collins shopping centre in the city. Held to raise awareness about hearing health and also funds for the work that Videaf does, the service will run from December 15 to 24. For more information or to volunteer, contact Vicdeaf on 9473 1111.
School Holiday Guide
Check out our School Holiday Guide for a head start on what to do with the kids during the Summer School Holidays beginning on December 20, and running until January 27 in 2009. The guide is Updated Weekly to highlight the best things to do over the holiday period for the young and young at heart, with events, tours and holiday care programs.. all in marvellous Melbourne!
The Homeless World Cup, held throughout this week at Federation Square and Birrarung Marr, is an annual, international street soccer tournament that unites teams of people who are homeless and excluded. Presented by The Big Issue and held for the first time in Melbourne this year, the free sporting event will welcome teams from over 50 nations worldwide.
The Eureka Festival, held this Sunday in Ballarat, is a fun festival for the whole family with world music, old-fashioned games and much more. Held at the Eureka Centre and Stockade Gardens, the festival commemorates the 154th anniversary of the Eureka Rebellion in Ballarat. Highlights include belly dancing, indigenous story telling and interactive courtroom Eureka Trials.
The Big Green Festival, held Friday in Carrum, is a spectacular environmental twilight event that's fun for the whole family with Americana and Roots Music, short films and Gourmet Food. Presented by teachers, parents and students of Carrum Primary School, it focuses on Green Education with environmental information, a Farmers Market, Green Artwork and more.
Upcoming Events
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 more.. View Future Events on any day of the week
(Ridiculous Un-Spring-like weather notwithstanding!)
Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
Difference - Source for Growth is a mixed-media exhibition by artists with and without disability that explores the theme of Difference by learning to look at ourselves and our world in new ways. Beginning Tuesday at the Foyer Gallery of Gasworks Arts Park, the exhibition features varied styles and mediums, including painting, print-making, photography, collage and writing.
The Siemens RMIT Fine Art exhibition begins this Wednesday at RMIT Gallery in Swanston Street, running until next Saturday. Now in its eighth year, the prestigious Siemens - RMIT Fine Art Scholarship enables students to further their careers in the field of Fine Arts by assisting with research and production costs, offering valuable scholarships to eight students.
Views from a Speeding Train features new paintings by Amanda van Gils including paintings recently selected for the Fluerieu Art Prize, The Tattersall's Club Landscape Art Prize, The John Leslie Art Prize and The Mosman Art Prize. Held at the Jenny Port Gallery in Richmond, the opening night takes place Wednesday with the show running until December 21.
ADEC Artability, showing until Tuesday at the Atrium of Federation Square, is a unique art exhibition showcasing 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.
Neuropsychosis, on show until next Wednesday, is an exhibition by Karl Persson, a renowned artist whose flawless work and talent 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.
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. Held at Dukes Gallery in Docklands, it includes large prints on art paper that display beautiful images from Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris, Sicily and grand old Melbourne. The exhibition runs for 2 more weeks.
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 of 'something'. Running until Wednesday at The Projects in Collingwood, Melissajay's visual response to the world around her has always been an immediate and honest one.
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, Joost's Greenhouse will run until January and will be open daily as a gallery, cafe and social hub, while at night the unique venue will transform to become a vibrant hub to entertain the public.
Expos, Launches & Open Days
Solar System Highlights is a Free Guided Walk held this Monday evening when you can view highlights of the solar system and learn from the Astronomy Society of Victoria experts and see the unique Melbourne Solar System installation. The free event features the sunset over Port Phillip Bay, followed by viewings of the Moon, Venus and Jupiter. Bookings are essential.
Xmas Thank You and Clothes Swap - This Sunday there will be a flash-mobbing event (a trend where the public gathers for an impromptu event) where you can share the Xmas cheer by saying thankyou to passers by and swap an item of clothing with other participants. The location and time will be announced Saturday, so get your thankyous ready and dig out that daggy sweater!
Performances & Theatre
Dare to Dream is a Bollywood Dance Musical that will be held on Sunday at Collingwood Town Hall. An original musical written by Artistic Director Nithya Ramesen, the show is a theatrical tale of a young girls intense desire to dance no matter what obstacles she faces. With colourful dream sequences and dancing, the evening features special guests, food, clothing stalls and more.
Careless, beginning Wednesday at the Carlton Courthouse Theatre, is a play by Russell Rigby that sees Paul, a man who has everything he could wish for, faced with difficulty when too much of a good thing proves troublesome. With a beautiful wife, successful friends and a rich new client, his life takes a turn when they all get into the same room unexpectedly.
Daisy's Kitchen is a cabaret performance by Emma Wyndham where she'll welcome you to another delicious episode of Daisy's Kitchen. Held at The Butterfly Club in South Melbourne, Daisy's sugar and spice and all things nice: the perfect picture of a 1950s housewife, but The 60s are here, and Daisy can taste freedom in the air.. Performances run from Thursday to Sunday.
Shane Warne the Musical is a leg-spun yarn about what it means to fall arse-backwards into the Australian Dream and emerge a champion. With a sizzling live band and an exceptional cast, including Eddie Perfect as the man himself, the show brings to life a brilliant score fusing soul, gospel, rock, and even a touch of Bollywood. It opens this Thursday at the Athenaeum Theatre.
The Prolapsed Tour, performed by Tina Del Twiste, is a show that's not bitter, but quite twisted. In 1969, Tina performed at Woodstock in Bethel, New York, where she met Twist. 40 years on, they are performing together and will be appearing this week at The Butterfly Club in South Melbourne. Described as having a 'Velvet-dipped dagger wit,' performances begin Thursday.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the classic absurdist comedy by Tom Stoppard, is currently playing at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran. Casting a bizarre spin on Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', the play sees the two dubious heroes thrown headlong into the conflict surrounding the tortured prince, raising questions of their own fate and its inevitability. Known for its remarkable wordplay, it will run until December 13.
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 performances on Thursday and Saturday at The Arts Centre. Designed by Peter England and Russell Cohen, captures the grace and delicacy of Puccini's exquisite creation.
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 playing at The Arts Centre until next Saturday. Molière's 1664 play is still rife with contemporary relevance, 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, the long time cult hit 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 creative team that brings the story to life includes many of Broadway's most celebrated talent.
Classical & Choral Performances
Cry Baby Classical Concerts, organised by 3MBS 103.5FM Classically Melbourne and the City of Yarra, offer parents and children the chance to enjoy classical music. With a performance held this Wednesday at Fitzroy Town Hall, entry is by Gold Coin donation. Music for children will be performed live on the day by a variety of local classical musicians.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Crowded House will be performing this Tuesday night as part of a limited number of special concerts. Having recently toured extensively worldwide for the past year with shows in America, Ireland, Russia and the UK's iconic Glastonbury Festival, one of Australia's greatest bands (Yeah, you heard right, New Zealand!) will perform at The Forum.
Naughty Night Out is a cocktail party for couples, held this Thursday at La Di Da Nightclub, located on Little Bourke Street. Part of a series of regular couples parties held at night clubs on the East Coast of Australia, it features entertainment including latin dancing, traditional burlesque performances, lingerie and underwear fashion parades, latin dancing and more.
Greg Stewart, Rod Wilson & Martin Zakharov, a popular jazz trio, will be performing this Saturday at Sofi's Bar, a wonderful relaxed lounge venue with first class entertainment, located in the Hotel Sofitel on Collins Street. Beginning at 9pm, their diverse arrangements include works by artists such as Sinatra, Snow Patrol and Leonard Cohen.
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 then South Side Funk on Fridays is for you.
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
Cinema
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, they'll screen Man of Flowers by Paul Cox.
The Japanese Film Festival, ending this Monday at ACMI Cinemas, offers the best in Japanese cinema with the final day featuring screenings of the Adults Only films, Ichi and Departures. If you missed out on last week's events and Asian Cinema's your cup of Chai, then be sure to catch these final screenings held this Monday evening.
Comedy
The Comics Lounge' Comedy Night Fundraiser will be held this Sunday at the iconic comedy venue in North Melbourne. Held to raise money towards Dan's volunteer trip to South Africa, headlining acts on the night will include Corrine Grant, Pommy Johnson and Lawrence Mooney, with The Comics Lounge donating 100% of ticket sales to Dan's volunteer work.
Children's Christmas & Carols with Mr. Happy - Come along on December 6 at Adrie Park in Malvern East for a fun-filled time before the Carols. You can make a Christmas decoration for your tree, paint a picture for someone special, take a dance class, have fun with an egg and spoon race, and best of all enjoy Mr. Happy's special performance of his Christmas show.
A Fairy Merry Christmas is a live show featuring The Fairies in their biggest and best Christmas Spectacular ever! Join Harmony and Rhapsody, Elf the Fairy Cake Maker, Barnaby the Bizzy Buzzy Bee and Wizzy the Wizard in a Christmas Fairyland full of songs and surprises for the whole family. With Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa, it takes place Sunday in Clayton.
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 true family circus with lineage going back to 1648!
Puzzles & Competitions
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of one of the displays from the National Sports Museum... 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
When Cancer Won't Go Away is a Free Cancer Council Forum that focuses on learning how to live well while facing the uncertainty of advanced cancer. Held this Wednesday in Carlton, the forum is free to attend for people whose cancer has advanced and their family and friends. It will cover topics such as treatment, supportive care, and financial and legal issues.
The Vision Van, a 24-foot mobile optical unit, will be making appearances at numerous venues in Victoria and Melbourne beginning this Monday and running until next Wednesday. With state-of-the-art optical equipment, residents aged 50+ will have FREE access to screening for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in Australian Seniors.
Sketch City is a monthly event that features music, art and live painting and drawing. Promoting a greater tolerance for street art and a sense of artistic community, Sketch City features a guest band and is held this Sunday at Dazzeland Studios in Northcote, with guest artists and performers including the Ragga Muffins and Sponepheaker. It starts at 4pm.
Melbourne Sustainability Drinks, held the first Wednesday of every month at Melbourne Central's 100 Mile Cafe, provides a forum for professionals working in various parts of the 'sustainability industry' to meet, exchange ideas and hear different perspectives about the social and environmental challenges we face. Bookings are required.
The Existentialist Society host free public lectures that are held to cover diverse and often conflicting schools of thought followed by a Q&A session with the audience. Held monthly at the Unitarian Church Hall, this Tuesday Jon Roffe from the Melbourne School of Continental Philosophy will be discussing "Foucault's Problem". The event is Free, however gold coin donations are welcome.
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.
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 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 given more than 4.14 million gifts over the past 20 years and supports some of the nations largest charities.
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
Magnolia Square is a boutique fair that showcases women's and children's attire, homewares, jewellery and more. Their special Christmas Fair will be held from Thursday to Saturday at Malvern Town Hall, revealing the work of some of Melbourne's most talented designers with a wide variety of crafts and more that can make perfect gifts for Christmas.
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 two stages showcasing the best live music!
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 range of items including Christmas ornaments, cards, stockings and toys.
Garage Sales
This weekend, treat yourself to an early pressie by stepping out to one of the many garage sales you'll find around Melbourne... Northcote, Beavers Rd - Held Saturday with loads of bargains, kids toys, furniture, kitchenware, nic-nacs & more. Starts 9am. Elsternwick, Downshire Road - Held Saturday, offering young ladies clothes, shoes, jackets, furniture and much more. Kensington, Epsom Road - Huge moving interstate sale this weekend with furniture, kid's items and also household goods.
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!
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
Extreme & Street Sports
Xtreme Day Out | Round 1 - Indoor Xtreme proudly presents Round 1 of their extreme sports series this Saturday at Caribbean Gardens, located in Scoresby. This event will play host to Mini MX, Mini Motard and Pocket bike racing, FMX demos, Skateboarding and BMX comps, Jet Ski racing and wakeboarding demos! There will also be trade stalls, kids amusements and live bands.
Saturday 6 December
Game starts at 7:30pm
Hisense Arena (Formerly Vodafone Arena)
Dining & Drink
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.
Dining Specials - Save Up To 20% on Your Bill Menulog is the easiest way to book a restaurant online with over 4000 restaurant listings! By booking online through Menulog you can enjoy fine food and save money with special deals offering discounts on total food bills, complimentary wine and drinks, discount group bookings and much, much more! Visit Here For The Latest Deals With Menulog!!
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
Melbourne Tours
Smartvisit Card is the best way to see the sights of Melbourne, whether you're visiting Melbourne for business, a vacation, or even if you're a local wanting to find Melbourne's hidden treasures!
The Smartvisit Card includes entry to attractions such as Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Aquarium, Old Melbourne Gaol, Telstra Dome, Cook's Cottage, Melbourne River Cruises, and many more of Melbourne's TOP venues!
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Visit just 2 Attractions a day & you'll save!
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All year-round Attractions..
Whatever time of year you visit - rain or shine!
Exhibition Street was originally named Stephen Street. However, after the Melbourne International Exhibition [1880] and Melbourne Centennial Exhibition [1888] were held at the Royal Exhibition Building, the street was renamed.
The name was officially changed by the Melbourne City Council on 5 December 1898.
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
Christmas Events in Melbourne - Christmas is on its way, but why wait when there's plenty of fun to be had all through December? With a wide range of events and activities held in Melbourne and Victoria, get in early and treat the kids to some of the fabulous events on offer. There are many events that are free and you'll find them in jolly old Melbourne. Ho! Ho! Ho!
Carols in Canterbury Gardens - Join the picnic atmosphere this Sunday for Carols in Canterbury Gardens. Beginning at 6.30pm, the free event includes children activities with an animal farm, glow sticks and candles. There will also be food with a sausage sizzle and more. Carols commence at 7.30 including local talent and Harambee, who appeared on Battle of the Choirs.
Christmas Lights | Melbourne's BEST - With Christmas all but here, find the best Christmas light displays are in Melbourne. Our list continues on from last year, with a handy little asterisk marking confirmed displays for 2008. To confirm your Christmas Light display (yes, its free) you can also tell us through the Contact Us button on the Christmas Lights Guide.
Check out our School Holiday Guide for a head start on what to do with the kids during the Summer School Holidays beginning on December 20, and running until January 27 in 2009. The guide is Updated Weekly to highlight the best things to do over the holiday period for the young and young at heart, with events, tours and holiday care programs.. all in marvellous Melbourne!
New Year's Eve - The year's almost been and gone already, and hasn't it snuck up quickly! With New years on the way, everyone get outs for Melbourne's biggest night of the year, so here is our guide how to count down the New Year into 2009..
NEW LIVE CALENDAR 
Cry Baby Classical Concerts, organised by 3MBS 103.5FM Classically Melbourne and the City of Yarra, offer parents and children the chance to enjoy classical music. With a performance held this Wednesday at Fitzroy Town Hall, entry is by Gold Coin donation. Music for children will be performed live on the day by a variety of local classical musicians.
Children's Christmas & Carols with Mr. Happy - Come along on December 6 at Adrie Park in Malvern East for a fun-filled time before the Carols. You can make a Christmas decoration for your tree, paint a picture for someone special, take a dance class, have fun with an egg and spoon race, and best of all enjoy Mr. Happy's special performance of his Christmas show.
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 true family circus with lineage going back to 1648!
Melbourne Sustainability Drinks, held the first Wednesday of every month at Melbourne Central's 100 Mile Cafe, provides a forum for professionals working in various parts of the 'sustainability industry' to meet, exchange ideas and hear different perspectives about the social and environmental challenges we face. Bookings are required.
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 given more than 4.14 million gifts over the past 20 years and supports some of the nations largest charities.
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 two stages showcasing the best live music!
Northcote, Beavers Rd - Held Saturday with loads of bargains, kids toys, furniture, kitchenware, nic-nacs & more. Starts 9am.
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. 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.
Dining Specials - Save Up To 20% on Your Bill 
