Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for February 23 - March 1, 2009.
This week.. There are festivals galore with Darebin's Community and Kite Festival offering a great day out for the family, the Craigieburn Festival and Moonee Valley Festival with both events running across two fun-packed days, while there's also the Vaughanbury Music Festival held in Vaughn just near Castlemaine. Also further afield this week, there's the Tibetan Buddhist Society's New Year festival held at their beautiful and rose-abundant centre in Yuroke.
At Federation Square there'll be a day of music and activities as Melbourne officially welcomes its International students with entertainment from many different cultures. There are also some fantastic Open Days this week including the stunning Cruden Farm, which will host a special fundraiser for the Friends of Baker IDI, raising awareness and funds for heart and diabetes research.
NEWSLETTER
What's On this Week is an overview of the (too many to mention) events happening this week in Melbourne. To see everything that is happening on any given day this week, view our What's On MELBOURNE Calendar
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
ABC Community Concert - Our favourite Aunty, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will present a free concert this Sunday at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The special concert is the ABC's thank you to all Victorian's for the tremendous support shown towards those affected by the bushfires. Beginning at 10:30am, the concert features entertainers loved by young and old.
The Darebin Community and Kite Festival, one of the largest of Darebin's events, takes place on Sunday, held this year at the picturesque Edwardes Lake Park in Reservoir. With a huge range of activities and events for the whole family, the festival features fabulous performers, colourful kites, delicious foods and activities for people of all backgrounds and ages.
The Vaughanbury Music Festival is a musical celebration held on Sunday at Vaughan Mineral Springs Reserve, 15 minutes drive from Castlemaine. With local entertainers and musicians, the festival offers a variety of music including country, rock, klezmer, celtic, bluegrass and more. Entry is by donation with proceeds going to the Guildford CFA and Guildford Primary School.
The Reggae Festival is a gathering of Melbourne's finest Reggae selectors and bands who will produce a day of vibes and energy over 2 stages in the lush surroundings of Ceres, a community environment park in East Brunswick. Melbourne's first outdoor Reggae Festival takes place Saturday with performances, African dancers, markets, food stalls and more.
Craigieburn Festival celebrates this year with the two-day themed event of Carnival in the Sun. Held on Saturday and Sunday at D.S. Aitken Reserve, the festival is a chance to experience a vibrant carnival and circus inspired atmosphere with a 'Tiny Town Wonderland' for kids, guest DJs, an auto street parade, a fireworks spectacular and much more.
The Moonee Valley Festival celebrates its 32nd year this weekend as one of the largest free community events in Victoria. Held on Saturday and Sunday along the Maribyrnong River and at Queens Park, the festival offers attractions for kids that include puppet making workshops, food stalls and live entertainment with everything from gypsy swing to jazz, funk and more.
The Tibetan New Year Festival, held this weekend by the Tibetan Buddhist Society in Yuroke, offers the chance to learn about this ancient culture with teachings from the Tibetan, Thai, Zen and other traditions. The festival, set amidst gardens boasting over 2,000 rose bushes, features a photo exhibition and an exotic market with Tibetan and local handicrafts.
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..
Bushfire Fundraising Events - There are quite simply hundreds of Bushfire Fundraising Events taking place all over Victoria to raise funds for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. Australians have rallied to help bushfire victims, setting up a range of fundraising events and appeals to raise money for survivors of Australia's worst natural disaster. More Details Here
Animal Aid will be holding a Bushfire Appeal Dinner this Sunday at one of Melbourne's most stunning locations, Leonda By The Yarra in Hawthorn. Offering a very special night of food, wine and entertainment, proceeds from the event will assist Animal Aid in helping the many precious animals and pets injured and displaced by the Victorian Bushfires. Bookings are essential.
Circus Sunrise Bush Fire Appeal - Circus Sunrise, a true family circus with lineage going back to 1648, will be performing at Epping Plaza to raise money for the Bush Fire Appeal. Beginning this Saturday, their show is an action-packed performance for all the family that features juggling, acrobatics and whip-cracking excitement! Performances will run until March 8th.
Please Note: The Australian Red Cross is no longer accepting donations of goods. The Red Cross is still gratefully accepting cash donations, however, which can be made by calling 1800 811 700.
Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
Artz Blitz is an arts competition where entrants get 24 hours to create an artwork set to a specific theme, with over $3000 worth of prizes up for grabs. The resulting work of Artz Blitz will be featured in a dynamic exhibition at Kingston Arts Centre, opening this Sunday with a presentation for numerous category winners held at 1pm at the Kingston City Hall, just next door.
Lost Lines, opening Sunday at Unpretentiously Underground in Fitzroy's Brunswick St, is an exhibition by Ears, whose work playfully combines abstract expressionism with character based street art. Living up to his moniker, the exhibition is inspired by snippets of conversations heard on trains and buses, the disjointed stories and imaginings of a journey through the city.
Natural Adaptations, opening Wednesday at Chapel Off Chapel, is an exhibition by Sally White that celebrates Charles Darwin's bicentenary with a show that embraces the adaptations and artistic cross-overs by applying several schools of Chinese brush painting to Australian natural history subjects. The exhibition will run until next Thursday.
Oils for Water is an exhibition by Evi Jones that capture Evi's her passion and admiration of beautiful garden settings and holiday locations from Queensland and the picturesque South of France. On display at Cafe Julia in Doncaster East throughout February, profits from the exhibition aid the organisation Jacob's Well in providing programs that help fight poverty.
John Lennon: Imagine! is an exhibition of never-before-seen and rare photos of the late musician on display at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the only gallery in Australia to host the exhibition. Opening on Saturday, the exhibition features rare black and white images by world-class photographers such as Dixie Dean and Tom Hanley, along with Australian paintings and sculptures.
Step Right Up! The Circus in Australian Art is a free exhibition at Gallery I of the Arts Centre. Drawing together commissioned works by contemporary Australian artists, the exhibition also includes selected paintings and sculptures that show varied interpretations of the circus and all the colour, movement and humour that the circus brings.
Karst, by Julia Chiu, explores the ambiguities of cross cultural identity by exploring her Dutch-Indonesian and Hong Kong Chinese heritage with an installation using abstract ink work and photography. Now showing at Northcote's Immersion Therapy, the exhibition coincides with that of Wind Changes, Hong Tong's urbanised images made using only a palette knife.
Cell, by Fiona Dalwood, is her latest exhibition of digital art photography that follows her previous shows 'Bound' and 'Nasty' by continuing her exploration of tactile history, documenting prisons. Featuring images that include San Francisco's infamous Alcatraz and Ararat's historic J-Ward Asylum and Gaol, it's showing now at 69 Smith Street Gallery.
Explorations is the result of a collaborative project that sees the winners of Frankston's 2008 Six degrees competition have their work exhibited at Dandenong's Walker Street Gallery. Open until this Tuesday, the show features the work of Carolyn Henry who explores human emotions through body language and Georgie Zuzak's explorations of urban and industrial themes.
The Chinese Museum will be celebrating the Chinese New Year in February with a special exhibition of a photo series that documents the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Domestic Torch Relay's impact on a nation of 1.3 billion Chinese. The photos by Katrina de Jersey, the only Australian to accompany the Flame to 112 cities in China, will be on display until Friday.
Minuscule/Massive/En Masse is an exhibition at Hand Held, a gallery in Bourke Street specialising in artist made books and items. Running all month, the exhibition is a playful display based on the experimental text 'Alley Cat Nomad', an unpublished novel by Adrian Lawson, using different formats, sizes and techniques to present the one book.
Max Dupain on Assignment is an exhibition that features many never seen before works by the late and legendary Australian photographer, Max Dupain, whose government work from the National Archives and Noel Butlin Archives Centre collections will be showcased with over 60 examples of Dupain's work. It runs until May at the Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne.
The Cunningham Dax Collection is currently showcasing two exhibitions, Beyond the Three Trees and Healing Childhood Trauma. With over 12,000 works by people who've experienced mental illness or psychological trauma, the Collection in Parkville is dedicated to the ethical exhibition of these works, using art to raise awareness of public mental health education.
Speaking for the Ordinary Man, now showing at St Kilda's Jewish Museum of Australia, is an exhibition of sculptures by Charles Aisen, a tinsmith whose sculptures trace not only his own life journey but that of many Jews who settled in Australia. His touching works evoke the traditional world of pre-war Poland and the immigrant experience in Carlton.
The Water Hole is an exhibition by Swiss artists Gerda Steiner and J�rg Lenzlinger, who have created a stunning ecological fantasy-world in the main gallery of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Bringing together made and found objects to create extravagant, magical installations that are full of allegory and beauty, the exhibition will run until March 1st.
Expos & Open Days
Friends of Baker IDI will be holding a special Open Garden and Family Day this Sunday at the beautiful venue of Langwarrin's Cruden Farm. Held in celebration of the 100th Birthday of the property's owner, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, the day features a fantastic program of activities with all proceeds supporting research at Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute.
Welcome to International Students - The City of Melbourne will be holding a special event at Federation Square this Sunday, welcoming international students to our city and highlighting the diversity they bring to our city. The free event includes live music, roving performers, a live crocodile feeding and you can be part of a human map of Australia which will be photographed.
Guide Dogs Victoria will be holding their annual Open Day this Sunday offering a day of fun for the whole family and the chance to get a behind the scenes look at how Guide Dogs are bred and trained to become the eyes and faithful companion of blind and vision impaired Victorians. Entry is by gold coin donation and the day includes live entertainment, food and, of course, puppies!
Circa Nocturna, held Saturday at Fitzroy Town Hall, is Melbourne's largest subcultural, fringe fashion show. With fashion from a varied range of subcultures, including goth, the show features some of the best of Australia's alternative designers. It's followed on Sunday with Carnivale Nocturna, a festive event that's free with Circa Nocturna entry or entry by donation.
The Ford Performance Vehicles Open Day is held this Sunday when motorsport fans can visit the Ford Performance Racing headquarters in Campbellfield. With a day of fun for all the family, the special event features a huge display of past and present FPV models, food stalls, kids activities and more all for entry by gold coin donation, with proceeds going to Guide Dogs Victoria.
The Melbourne International Motor Show, beginning Friday at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is a flagship event for Australia's automotive industry and auto enthusiasts. Running until March 9, the Motor Show highlights the latest in design and technology with displays of futuristic prototypes, concept vehicles, family attractions and much more.
Performances & Theatre
Pirates of Penzance, Gilbert & Sullivan's most popular musical, will be performed by Promac Productions this Tuesday at the Karralyka Centre in Ringwood East. Performed in full costume on a magnificent set, the highly acclaimed production is held as part of the Morning Music program, now in its twelfth year at Karralyka. There'll be two shows on the day.
Krounk, taking place Saturday at the the Besen Centre in Burwood, is a special concert by the Azad Gharibian Armenian Dance Group. Held in celebration of their 15th anniversary, Victoria's only Armenian Dance Group will perform the very best of Armenian cultural dance with a special guest from Germany, Azat Gharibian, the grandson of the group's namesake.
Pandora's Eyes, appearing at St Kilda's Theatreworks this week from Wednesday to Sunday, is a play that follows the journeys of four women grappling with the despair of drug and alcohol abuse. Presented by Ripple Productions, the play about hope, change and the obscurity of wellness is supported by RecLink, who also helped in the development of the Choir of Hardknocks.
The Tank is a theatre performance that celebrates the idea of family and spirit of place with the dry Tasmanian valley as a backdrop to dysfunctional characters that prove to be more than just ordinary rural battlers. With stories that are rich in drama and humour the acclaimed play from Tasmania will be performed this Thursday evening at Ringwood East's Karralyka Centre.
Moonlight and Magnolias, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company, is Ron Huchinson's thrilling and hilarious play that captures the truelife madness behind the scenes of Gone with the Wind. Now playing at The Arts Centre, the play offers a humorous look at the off-set dramas that unfolded in the writing of the greatest movie in Hollywood history.
Poor Boy, currently playing at Melbourne Theatre Company's Sumner Theatre in Southbank, is a play that features songs by Matt Cameron and Tim Finn. With an impressive cast that includes Guy Pearce, the thoughtful play tells the story of Jeremy Glass, a boy who on his seventh birthday announces that he is really a deceased man called Danny.
The Taming of the Shrew is a fun night of Shakespeare Under The Stars with Glenn Elston's wildly entertaining production of the Bard's classic play. A story of a relationship that starts with fire and brimstone but leads to deep love and admiration, performances are being held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, with shows running each week from Tuesday to Saturday.
Billy Elliot the Musical is now playing at Her Majesty's Theatre. Based on the cult film, the stage production features music by Elton John and follows the journey of a young boy in a small mining town who stumbles across a ballet class while on his way to a boxing lesson, and realises that his future lies not in the boxing ring, as his father hoped, but on stage as a dancer.
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 Performances
From Melbourne to Paris and Back is a musical journey of French and Australian piano music performed by two sisters, living in two different countries, who have reunited to share their passion for the piano. Held at Camberwell Uniting Church this Saturday, the performance by Sarah and Elizabeth Watson includes Saint-Sa�ns' Danse Macabre and many other works.
St David's Day Concert - Cantorion Cymreig Victoria Welsh Choir will be performing their Grand Annual St David's Day Concert this Saturday at the Melbourne Recital Centre in Southbank. The first full-sized choral concert at Melbourne's newest venue, the concert will display the full range of the choir's musical versatility with guest soprano, Rhonda Yates.
Symphony Under The Stars is a free concert that will be held this Saturday at Malvern Gardens. Beginning at 7pm, the concert by Stonnington Symphony is a celebration of nature with pieces that include Mendelssohn's overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream. The acclaimed orchestra will be joined on the night by Deborah Conway in a special performance.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Man Bites God will be making a return to their old stomping grounds with a performance this Saturday at Bar 303 in Northcote. One of Melbourne's more irreverently playful rock bands with a sense for the offbeat and dark, they'll be joined by The Unusual Suspects and Madeline's Rescue in this rare appearance before they set to work on their 4th studio album.
Red Door Burlesque has made a welcome return to Melbourne with a show held this Sunday at the stylish Order of Melbourne, located in Swanston Street. Offering the finest in burlesque, vaudeville and circus, the night includes seductive tunes from DJ Emma Peel, saucy pinup girls, and death-defying aerial acts performed right above your table.
The Veronicas will be performing at The Palais in St Kilda this Tuesday and Wednesday, having returned after months of touring abroad. Held as part of their 'Revenge Is Sweeter' tour, tickets have already sold out for Tuesday's performance with tickets still available for Wednesday's performance. They'll be supported by Metro Station and Sydney band Short Stack.
ABBA Mania, a stage production that had record-breaking seasons in Europe and South America, will be appearing at the Palms at Crown. With two hours of the iconic group's songs including Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Fernando and many more hits, the show recreates the last concert that ABBA ever gave with all the costumes, lights and glitz they were known for.
Leticia will be performing every Thursday night throughout February at Bar Nancy in High Street, Northcote. Appearing along with special guests each week, Leticia's performances will include her new single 'Behind your smile' from her forthcoming album "Fallen Angels"a genre-defying collection that showcases her crystal-clear voice and songs that can inspire and uplift.
Melbourne Zoo Twilights is a chance to enjoy music performed live at Melbourne Zoo. With performances held each Saturday and Sunday evening, the program runs until March 15, with this year's season boasting one of their best musical line-ups ever. Held on the zoo's concert lawn areas, each evening also includes selected species on display until 7.30pm.
Roar Sounds is a series of live music events, held at Melbourne Zoo every Thursday evening in February. An event held for people of all ages, Roar Sounds takes place at the zoo's open-air arena and you're able to bring your own food and drink while you enjoy the cruisy summer sounds with a performance this week by Resin Dogs featuring N'fa, phrase and alexx the kidd.
Comedy
The Smile High Club, held on the last Thursday of each month at the Society Restaurant in Bourke Street, offers first class comedy with top-flight performances by some of the best comedic talent in Melbourne and from abroad. The program launches this Thursday with performances by Lawrence Mooney, Ryan Coffey, Celia Pacquola and Dave O'Neill.
Cinema
The Rooftop Cinema flickers into action with film screenings held each week from Tuesday to Sunday. Screening everything from cult favourites to new releases and documentaries, it's the height of entertainment with screenings held on the rooftop of Curtin House, located in Swanston Street, offering night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar.
Moonlight Cinema is back, held at the Royal Botanic Gardens. With screenings running until March 15th, the open air cinema features a program that includes latest releases, contemporary films and cult classic movies. A great way to spend a night out with friends and family, you can bring your own picnic or purchase dinner and drinks at the cinema.
Street Science Aerosol Workshop - Street Science is a free monthly workshop where kids and teens can learn the art of legal aerosol art with the Street Science team, some of the most talented, experienced and friendliest of the Australian hip-hop community. Their Hip-hop workshop takes place the last Wednesday of each month at The Venue in Noble Park.
Hocus Pocus - Science and physics become mere playthings as the world of magic, with all its baroque, buoyant charm, comes to City Museum. Proving that magic is in Melbourne's blood, the exhibition shows how our city has radiated with wonder and possibility since its streets were first paved with gold, featuring souvenirs, tools, artworks and more dating back to the 1850s.
DinoStory | Sand Sculpting Exhibition - Sand Sculpting Australia will again present a special display at the Frankston Waterfront with their newest theme, DinoStory. Featuring the work of sculptors from Australia and overseas, the sand carvings take the form of dinosaurs in stunning detail. The popular exhibition will be running until April 26.
Circus Shows
Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be appearing in Templestowe with performances running until Sunday at Pettys Reserve, located on Reynolds Road. Established in 1976, Silvers Grand Magic Circus offers a great show for the kids and the whole family, with everything from jugglers and clowns to acrobats and more with performers from across the world.
The Horseman From Snowy River is a show that brings Australia's love of horses to life with live performances held in Burnley Oval. A production of international horse master, Rene Gasser, his new show features some of the most beautiful horses in the world offering a stunning showcase of animal talent that also includes sheep and dogs. Shows are held Friday to Sunday.
Spotlight on Melbourne
Celebrity Melburnians
Paul Mercurio, one of our favourite and most likeable Melburnians, caught the public eye and set hearts fluttering both here and internationally with his breakout role in Baz Luhrmann's iconic film Strictly Ballroom. Born in Swan Hill, he studied ballet from the age of 9 and was a much-liked judge on the TV show, Dancing With the Stars until his shock axing from the show.
Puzzles & Competitions
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of the cafe at CERES, a community environment park in East Brunswick... 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
The Melbourne Amazing Race will be returning to Melbourne for the 10th time on March 14th, and all Melburnians are invited to register now to enter and compete in the charity event that's inspired by the hit TV show of the same name. Raising funds for the Royal Children's Hospital, there will also be fantastic prizes up for grabs in the unique event.
Community
SAGE, Successful Aging, Growth and Enhancement, is a seminar held this Friday at St Michael's Uniting Church, located in Collins Street. Conducted By renowned Psychotherapist Dr Francis Macnab, SAGE encourages people over 45 to learn psychological insights, offering vital information and advice to help them age more effectively and enjoyably.
The Summerhill Dance Group hold a social event for people of all ages and backgrounds who can meet every Friday night from 7.30pm to 11pm at the Oakhill Community Centre in Reservoir. A community event that's supported by Darebin Council, the dance evenings feature music from a professional D.J. playing strict tempo music for people of all dance level skills.
Yoga at the Park is an initiative of The Health and Yoga Council of Australia, presenting Yoga classes in some of Victoria's most beautiful parks and gardens. Set in a relaxed environment, classes are designed to suit many age groups and levels of experience with lessons held each Sunday morning at 10am in various public parks around Melbourne.
Speakers Forum | Soapbox Oratory - Every Sunday afternoon, soapbox orators (that means you if you have something to say) take turns speaking on various topics from differing viewpoints on the State Library Lawns. Questions, comments, heckling and interjections are welcome from all, simply turn up on the day to participate or hear what others have to say.
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..
Clean Up Australia Day, held this Sunday, is a fun and easy a campaign where everyone can get involved in helping to make our parklands and public areas litter free and cleaner. Individuals and local groups can either organise a Clean Up site or volunteer to join an existing site with many to choose from across Melbourne and Victoria.
Knitting Wool Appeal - The Inner Wheel Club of Bundoora is currently appealing for donations of wool to help them supply nursing homes, hospitals and the needy in the Diamond Valley with knitted patchwork knee rugs. After a particularly bitter winter, their supply of rugs has completely gone, as has their wool to produce more. To find how you can help Visit Here
FebFast is a community awareness campaign held to help others and yourself by sacrificing alcohol intake in February. Sponsored by friends and family, you can help raise funds that can help to support young people struggling with substance use. You can even purchase a Time Out Certificate allowing you to drink on special occasions and raise more funds!
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
The Australasian Quilt Convention, the nation's largest quilt-dedicated event that showcases quilts of the highest standard from Australia and around the world, will run from Thursday to Sunday at the Royal Exhibition Building. Now in its fifth year, the Expo features informative seminars and quilt collections exclusively compiled for the event.
St Anthony's Twilight Fair - Held this Friday in Alphington, the Twilight Fair offers gourmet food, varied stalls, children's rides and more. It runs from 3:30pm to 8:30pm. Our Lady of the Way School Monster Fete - Held Sunday in Kingsbury, their fete features great prizes, international food stalls, craft and plant stalls, kids' entertainment and more.
The Suzuki Night Market makes its final appearance for the year this Wednesday night at Queen Victoria Market, so get in before it's too late. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere along with a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even two stages showcasing live music.
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!
Beer Degustation Dinner - This Tuesday Holgate Brewhouse will be hosting a beer degustation dinner in Chloes Restaurant at Young & Jackson. The event entails a 5-course meal matched with 5 of Holgate's best beers, presented by master brewer Ian Morgan. Showcasing one of the finest of Australia's Micro Brewing industry, only limited tickets are available.
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
OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..
Each week we highlight some 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!
GRAND FINAL
Melbourne Victory FC vs Adelaide United FC
Saturday 28 February 2009 - 7:30pm
Telstra Dome, Docklands
Motorsports
The Yamaha Superbike World Championship will be held this week, running from Friday to Sunday at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Cowes. With non-stop action, the two international classes of Superbike and Supersport will be joined by a host of national support categories that will offer 13 other races held across the three day event.
All But the Kitchen Sink!
The 12th Australian Masters Games offers more than 60 sports held across 70 venues in the City of Greater Geelong when sports enthusiasts and competitors from all walks of life from across Australia gather to celebrate the spirit of sports and fun. With entertainment and activities also held at many venues, the Australian Masters Games ends Sunday.
Melbourne Tours
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Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for February 23 - March 1, 2009.
This week.. There are festivals galore with Darebin's Community and Kite Festival offering a great day out for the family, the Craigieburn Festival and Moonee Valley Festival with both events running across two fun-packed days, while there's also the Vaughanbury Music Festival held in Vaughn just near Castlemaine. Also further afield this week, there's the Tibetan Buddhist Society's New Year festival held at their beautiful and rose-abundant centre in Yuroke.
At Federation Square there'll be a day of music and activities as Melbourne officially welcomes its International students with entertainment from many different cultures. There are also some fantastic Open Days this week including the stunning Cruden Farm, which will host a special fundraiser for the Friends of Baker IDI, raising awareness and funds for heart and diabetes research.
NEWSLETTER
What's On this Week is an overview of the (too many to mention) events happening this week in Melbourne. To see everything that is happening on any given day this week, view our What's On MELBOURNE Calendar
There are sport details, special dining offers and info on upcoming events and highlights in beautiful Melbourne, so read on and enjoy!
ABC Community Concert - Our favourite Aunty, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will present a free concert this Sunday at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The special concert is the ABC's thank you to all Victorian's for the tremendous support shown towards those affected by the bushfires. Beginning at 10:30am, the concert features entertainers loved by young and old.
The Darebin Community and Kite Festival, one of the largest of Darebin's events, takes place on Sunday, held this year at the picturesque Edwardes Lake Park in Reservoir. With a huge range of activities and events for the whole family, the festival features fabulous performers, colourful kites, delicious foods and activities for people of all backgrounds and ages.
The Vaughanbury Music Festival is a musical celebration held on Sunday at Vaughan Mineral Springs Reserve, 15 minutes drive from Castlemaine. With local entertainers and musicians, the festival offers a variety of music including country, rock, klezmer, celtic, bluegrass and more. Entry is by donation with proceeds going to the Guildford CFA and Guildford Primary School.
The Reggae Festival is a gathering of Melbourne's finest Reggae selectors and bands who will produce a day of vibes and energy over 2 stages in the lush surroundings of Ceres, a community environment park in East Brunswick. Melbourne's first outdoor Reggae Festival takes place Saturday with performances, African dancers, markets, food stalls and more.
Craigieburn Festival celebrates this year with the two-day themed event of Carnival in the Sun. Held on Saturday and Sunday at D.S. Aitken Reserve, the festival is a chance to experience a vibrant carnival and circus inspired atmosphere with a 'Tiny Town Wonderland' for kids, guest DJs, an auto street parade, a fireworks spectacular and much more.
The Moonee Valley Festival celebrates its 32nd year this weekend as one of the largest free community events in Victoria. Held on Saturday and Sunday along the Maribyrnong River and at Queens Park, the festival offers attractions for kids that include puppet making workshops, food stalls and live entertainment with everything from gypsy swing to jazz, funk and more.
The Tibetan New Year Festival, held this weekend by the Tibetan Buddhist Society in Yuroke, offers the chance to learn about this ancient culture with teachings from the Tibetan, Thai, Zen and other traditions. The festival, set amidst gardens boasting over 2,000 rose bushes, features a photo exhibition and an exotic market with Tibetan and local handicrafts.
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..
Bushfire Fundraising Events - There are quite simply hundreds of Bushfire Fundraising Events taking place all over Victoria to raise funds for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. Australians have rallied to help bushfire victims, setting up a range of fundraising events and appeals to raise money for survivors of Australia's worst natural disaster. More Details Here
Animal Aid will be holding a Bushfire Appeal Dinner this Sunday at one of Melbourne's most stunning locations, Leonda By The Yarra in Hawthorn. Offering a very special night of food, wine and entertainment, proceeds from the event will assist Animal Aid in helping the many precious animals and pets injured and displaced by the Victorian Bushfires. Bookings are essential.
Circus Sunrise Bush Fire Appeal - Circus Sunrise, a true family circus with lineage going back to 1648, will be performing at Epping Plaza to raise money for the Bush Fire Appeal. Beginning this Saturday, their show is an action-packed performance for all the family that features juggling, acrobatics and whip-cracking excitement! Performances will run until March 8th.
Please Note: The Australian Red Cross is no longer accepting donations of goods. The Red Cross is still gratefully accepting cash donations, however, which can be made by calling 1800 811 700.
Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show
Artz Blitz is an arts competition where entrants get 24 hours to create an artwork set to a specific theme, with over $3000 worth of prizes up for grabs. The resulting work of Artz Blitz will be featured in a dynamic exhibition at Kingston Arts Centre, opening this Sunday with a presentation for numerous category winners held at 1pm at the Kingston City Hall, just next door.
Lost Lines, opening Sunday at Unpretentiously Underground in Fitzroy's Brunswick St, is an exhibition by Ears, whose work playfully combines abstract expressionism with character based street art. Living up to his moniker, the exhibition is inspired by snippets of conversations heard on trains and buses, the disjointed stories and imaginings of a journey through the city.
Natural Adaptations, opening Wednesday at Chapel Off Chapel, is an exhibition by Sally White that celebrates Charles Darwin's bicentenary with a show that embraces the adaptations and artistic cross-overs by applying several schools of Chinese brush painting to Australian natural history subjects. The exhibition will run until next Thursday.
Oils for Water is an exhibition by Evi Jones that capture Evi's her passion and admiration of beautiful garden settings and holiday locations from Queensland and the picturesque South of France. On display at Cafe Julia in Doncaster East throughout February, profits from the exhibition aid the organisation Jacob's Well in providing programs that help fight poverty.
John Lennon: Imagine! is an exhibition of never-before-seen and rare photos of the late musician on display at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the only gallery in Australia to host the exhibition. Opening on Saturday, the exhibition features rare black and white images by world-class photographers such as Dixie Dean and Tom Hanley, along with Australian paintings and sculptures.
Step Right Up! The Circus in Australian Art is a free exhibition at Gallery I of the Arts Centre. Drawing together commissioned works by contemporary Australian artists, the exhibition also includes selected paintings and sculptures that show varied interpretations of the circus and all the colour, movement and humour that the circus brings.
Karst, by Julia Chiu, explores the ambiguities of cross cultural identity by exploring her Dutch-Indonesian and Hong Kong Chinese heritage with an installation using abstract ink work and photography. Now showing at Northcote's Immersion Therapy, the exhibition coincides with that of Wind Changes, Hong Tong's urbanised images made using only a palette knife.
Cell, by Fiona Dalwood, is her latest exhibition of digital art photography that follows her previous shows 'Bound' and 'Nasty' by continuing her exploration of tactile history, documenting prisons. Featuring images that include San Francisco's infamous Alcatraz and Ararat's historic J-Ward Asylum and Gaol, it's showing now at 69 Smith Street Gallery.
Explorations is the result of a collaborative project that sees the winners of Frankston's 2008 Six degrees competition have their work exhibited at Dandenong's Walker Street Gallery. Open until this Tuesday, the show features the work of Carolyn Henry who explores human emotions through body language and Georgie Zuzak's explorations of urban and industrial themes.
The Chinese Museum will be celebrating the Chinese New Year in February with a special exhibition of a photo series that documents the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Domestic Torch Relay's impact on a nation of 1.3 billion Chinese. The photos by Katrina de Jersey, the only Australian to accompany the Flame to 112 cities in China, will be on display until Friday.
Minuscule/Massive/En Masse is an exhibition at Hand Held, a gallery in Bourke Street specialising in artist made books and items. Running all month, the exhibition is a playful display based on the experimental text 'Alley Cat Nomad', an unpublished novel by Adrian Lawson, using different formats, sizes and techniques to present the one book.
Max Dupain on Assignment is an exhibition that features many never seen before works by the late and legendary Australian photographer, Max Dupain, whose government work from the National Archives and Noel Butlin Archives Centre collections will be showcased with over 60 examples of Dupain's work. It runs until May at the Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne.
The Cunningham Dax Collection is currently showcasing two exhibitions, Beyond the Three Trees and Healing Childhood Trauma. With over 12,000 works by people who've experienced mental illness or psychological trauma, the Collection in Parkville is dedicated to the ethical exhibition of these works, using art to raise awareness of public mental health education.
Speaking for the Ordinary Man, now showing at St Kilda's Jewish Museum of Australia, is an exhibition of sculptures by Charles Aisen, a tinsmith whose sculptures trace not only his own life journey but that of many Jews who settled in Australia. His touching works evoke the traditional world of pre-war Poland and the immigrant experience in Carlton.
The Water Hole is an exhibition by Swiss artists Gerda Steiner and J�rg Lenzlinger, who have created a stunning ecological fantasy-world in the main gallery of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Bringing together made and found objects to create extravagant, magical installations that are full of allegory and beauty, the exhibition will run until March 1st.
Expos & Open Days
Friends of Baker IDI will be holding a special Open Garden and Family Day this Sunday at the beautiful venue of Langwarrin's Cruden Farm. Held in celebration of the 100th Birthday of the property's owner, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, the day features a fantastic program of activities with all proceeds supporting research at Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute.
Welcome to International Students - The City of Melbourne will be holding a special event at Federation Square this Sunday, welcoming international students to our city and highlighting the diversity they bring to our city. The free event includes live music, roving performers, a live crocodile feeding and you can be part of a human map of Australia which will be photographed.
Guide Dogs Victoria will be holding their annual Open Day this Sunday offering a day of fun for the whole family and the chance to get a behind the scenes look at how Guide Dogs are bred and trained to become the eyes and faithful companion of blind and vision impaired Victorians. Entry is by gold coin donation and the day includes live entertainment, food and, of course, puppies!
Circa Nocturna, held Saturday at Fitzroy Town Hall, is Melbourne's largest subcultural, fringe fashion show. With fashion from a varied range of subcultures, including goth, the show features some of the best of Australia's alternative designers. It's followed on Sunday with Carnivale Nocturna, a festive event that's free with Circa Nocturna entry or entry by donation.
The Ford Performance Vehicles Open Day is held this Sunday when motorsport fans can visit the Ford Performance Racing headquarters in Campbellfield. With a day of fun for all the family, the special event features a huge display of past and present FPV models, food stalls, kids activities and more all for entry by gold coin donation, with proceeds going to Guide Dogs Victoria.
The Melbourne International Motor Show, beginning Friday at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is a flagship event for Australia's automotive industry and auto enthusiasts. Running until March 9, the Motor Show highlights the latest in design and technology with displays of futuristic prototypes, concept vehicles, family attractions and much more.
Performances & Theatre
Pirates of Penzance, Gilbert & Sullivan's most popular musical, will be performed by Promac Productions this Tuesday at the Karralyka Centre in Ringwood East. Performed in full costume on a magnificent set, the highly acclaimed production is held as part of the Morning Music program, now in its twelfth year at Karralyka. There'll be two shows on the day.
Krounk, taking place Saturday at the the Besen Centre in Burwood, is a special concert by the Azad Gharibian Armenian Dance Group. Held in celebration of their 15th anniversary, Victoria's only Armenian Dance Group will perform the very best of Armenian cultural dance with a special guest from Germany, Azat Gharibian, the grandson of the group's namesake.
Pandora's Eyes, appearing at St Kilda's Theatreworks this week from Wednesday to Sunday, is a play that follows the journeys of four women grappling with the despair of drug and alcohol abuse. Presented by Ripple Productions, the play about hope, change and the obscurity of wellness is supported by RecLink, who also helped in the development of the Choir of Hardknocks.
The Tank is a theatre performance that celebrates the idea of family and spirit of place with the dry Tasmanian valley as a backdrop to dysfunctional characters that prove to be more than just ordinary rural battlers. With stories that are rich in drama and humour the acclaimed play from Tasmania will be performed this Thursday evening at Ringwood East's Karralyka Centre.
Moonlight and Magnolias, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company, is Ron Huchinson's thrilling and hilarious play that captures the truelife madness behind the scenes of Gone with the Wind. Now playing at The Arts Centre, the play offers a humorous look at the off-set dramas that unfolded in the writing of the greatest movie in Hollywood history.
Poor Boy, currently playing at Melbourne Theatre Company's Sumner Theatre in Southbank, is a play that features songs by Matt Cameron and Tim Finn. With an impressive cast that includes Guy Pearce, the thoughtful play tells the story of Jeremy Glass, a boy who on his seventh birthday announces that he is really a deceased man called Danny.
The Taming of the Shrew is a fun night of Shakespeare Under The Stars with Glenn Elston's wildly entertaining production of the Bard's classic play. A story of a relationship that starts with fire and brimstone but leads to deep love and admiration, performances are being held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, with shows running each week from Tuesday to Saturday.
Billy Elliot the Musical is now playing at Her Majesty's Theatre. Based on the cult film, the stage production features music by Elton John and follows the journey of a young boy in a small mining town who stumbles across a ballet class while on his way to a boxing lesson, and realises that his future lies not in the boxing ring, as his father hoped, but on stage as a dancer.
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 Performances
From Melbourne to Paris and Back is a musical journey of French and Australian piano music performed by two sisters, living in two different countries, who have reunited to share their passion for the piano. Held at Camberwell Uniting Church this Saturday, the performance by Sarah and Elizabeth Watson includes Saint-Sa�ns' Danse Macabre and many other works.
St David's Day Concert - Cantorion Cymreig Victoria Welsh Choir will be performing their Grand Annual St David's Day Concert this Saturday at the Melbourne Recital Centre in Southbank. The first full-sized choral concert at Melbourne's newest venue, the concert will display the full range of the choir's musical versatility with guest soprano, Rhonda Yates.
Symphony Under The Stars is a free concert that will be held this Saturday at Malvern Gardens. Beginning at 7pm, the concert by Stonnington Symphony is a celebration of nature with pieces that include Mendelssohn's overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream. The acclaimed orchestra will be joined on the night by Deborah Conway in a special performance.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Man Bites God will be making a return to their old stomping grounds with a performance this Saturday at Bar 303 in Northcote. One of Melbourne's more irreverently playful rock bands with a sense for the offbeat and dark, they'll be joined by The Unusual Suspects and Madeline's Rescue in this rare appearance before they set to work on their 4th studio album.
Red Door Burlesque has made a welcome return to Melbourne with a show held this Sunday at the stylish Order of Melbourne, located in Swanston Street. Offering the finest in burlesque, vaudeville and circus, the night includes seductive tunes from DJ Emma Peel, saucy pinup girls, and death-defying aerial acts performed right above your table.
The Veronicas will be performing at The Palais in St Kilda this Tuesday and Wednesday, having returned after months of touring abroad. Held as part of their 'Revenge Is Sweeter' tour, tickets have already sold out for Tuesday's performance with tickets still available for Wednesday's performance. They'll be supported by Metro Station and Sydney band Short Stack.
ABBA Mania, a stage production that had record-breaking seasons in Europe and South America, will be appearing at the Palms at Crown. With two hours of the iconic group's songs including Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Fernando and many more hits, the show recreates the last concert that ABBA ever gave with all the costumes, lights and glitz they were known for.
Leticia will be performing every Thursday night throughout February at Bar Nancy in High Street, Northcote. Appearing along with special guests each week, Leticia's performances will include her new single 'Behind your smile' from her forthcoming album "Fallen Angels"a genre-defying collection that showcases her crystal-clear voice and songs that can inspire and uplift.
Melbourne Zoo Twilights is a chance to enjoy music performed live at Melbourne Zoo. With performances held each Saturday and Sunday evening, the program runs until March 15, with this year's season boasting one of their best musical line-ups ever. Held on the zoo's concert lawn areas, each evening also includes selected species on display until 7.30pm.
Roar Sounds is a series of live music events, held at Melbourne Zoo every Thursday evening in February. An event held for people of all ages, Roar Sounds takes place at the zoo's open-air arena and you're able to bring your own food and drink while you enjoy the cruisy summer sounds with a performance this week by Resin Dogs featuring N'fa, phrase and alexx the kidd.
Comedy
The Smile High Club, held on the last Thursday of each month at the Society Restaurant in Bourke Street, offers first class comedy with top-flight performances by some of the best comedic talent in Melbourne and from abroad. The program launches this Thursday with performances by Lawrence Mooney, Ryan Coffey, Celia Pacquola and Dave O'Neill.
Cinema
The Rooftop Cinema flickers into action with film screenings held each week from Tuesday to Sunday. Screening everything from cult favourites to new releases and documentaries, it's the height of entertainment with screenings held on the rooftop of Curtin House, located in Swanston Street, offering night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar.
Moonlight Cinema is back, held at the Royal Botanic Gardens. With screenings running until March 15th, the open air cinema features a program that includes latest releases, contemporary films and cult classic movies. A great way to spend a night out with friends and family, you can bring your own picnic or purchase dinner and drinks at the cinema.
Street Science Aerosol Workshop - Street Science is a free monthly workshop where kids and teens can learn the art of legal aerosol art with the Street Science team, some of the most talented, experienced and friendliest of the Australian hip-hop community. Their Hip-hop workshop takes place the last Wednesday of each month at The Venue in Noble Park.
Hocus Pocus - Science and physics become mere playthings as the world of magic, with all its baroque, buoyant charm, comes to City Museum. Proving that magic is in Melbourne's blood, the exhibition shows how our city has radiated with wonder and possibility since its streets were first paved with gold, featuring souvenirs, tools, artworks and more dating back to the 1850s.
DinoStory | Sand Sculpting Exhibition - Sand Sculpting Australia will again present a special display at the Frankston Waterfront with their newest theme, DinoStory. Featuring the work of sculptors from Australia and overseas, the sand carvings take the form of dinosaurs in stunning detail. The popular exhibition will be running until April 26.
Circus Shows
Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be appearing in Templestowe with performances running until Sunday at Pettys Reserve, located on Reynolds Road. Established in 1976, Silvers Grand Magic Circus offers a great show for the kids and the whole family, with everything from jugglers and clowns to acrobats and more with performers from across the world.
The Horseman From Snowy River is a show that brings Australia's love of horses to life with live performances held in Burnley Oval. A production of international horse master, Rene Gasser, his new show features some of the most beautiful horses in the world offering a stunning showcase of animal talent that also includes sheep and dogs. Shows are held Friday to Sunday.
Spotlight on Melbourne
Celebrity Melburnians
Paul Mercurio, one of our favourite and most likeable Melburnians, caught the public eye and set hearts fluttering both here and internationally with his breakout role in Baz Luhrmann's iconic film Strictly Ballroom. Born in Swan Hill, he studied ballet from the age of 9 and was a much-liked judge on the TV show, Dancing With the Stars until his shock axing from the show.
Puzzles & Competitions
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of the cafe at CERES, a community environment park in East Brunswick... 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
The Melbourne Amazing Race will be returning to Melbourne for the 10th time on March 14th, and all Melburnians are invited to register now to enter and compete in the charity event that's inspired by the hit TV show of the same name. Raising funds for the Royal Children's Hospital, there will also be fantastic prizes up for grabs in the unique event.
Community
SAGE, Successful Aging, Growth and Enhancement, is a seminar held this Friday at St Michael's Uniting Church, located in Collins Street. Conducted By renowned Psychotherapist Dr Francis Macnab, SAGE encourages people over 45 to learn psychological insights, offering vital information and advice to help them age more effectively and enjoyably.
The Summerhill Dance Group hold a social event for people of all ages and backgrounds who can meet every Friday night from 7.30pm to 11pm at the Oakhill Community Centre in Reservoir. A community event that's supported by Darebin Council, the dance evenings feature music from a professional D.J. playing strict tempo music for people of all dance level skills.
Yoga at the Park is an initiative of The Health and Yoga Council of Australia, presenting Yoga classes in some of Victoria's most beautiful parks and gardens. Set in a relaxed environment, classes are designed to suit many age groups and levels of experience with lessons held each Sunday morning at 10am in various public parks around Melbourne.
Speakers Forum | Soapbox Oratory - Every Sunday afternoon, soapbox orators (that means you if you have something to say) take turns speaking on various topics from differing viewpoints on the State Library Lawns. Questions, comments, heckling and interjections are welcome from all, simply turn up on the day to participate or hear what others have to say.
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..
Clean Up Australia Day, held this Sunday, is a fun and easy a campaign where everyone can get involved in helping to make our parklands and public areas litter free and cleaner. Individuals and local groups can either organise a Clean Up site or volunteer to join an existing site with many to choose from across Melbourne and Victoria.
Knitting Wool Appeal - The Inner Wheel Club of Bundoora is currently appealing for donations of wool to help them supply nursing homes, hospitals and the needy in the Diamond Valley with knitted patchwork knee rugs. After a particularly bitter winter, their supply of rugs has completely gone, as has their wool to produce more. To find how you can help Visit Here
FebFast is a community awareness campaign held to help others and yourself by sacrificing alcohol intake in February. Sponsored by friends and family, you can help raise funds that can help to support young people struggling with substance use. You can even purchase a Time Out Certificate allowing you to drink on special occasions and raise more funds!
Markets, Fetes and Fairs
The Australasian Quilt Convention, the nation's largest quilt-dedicated event that showcases quilts of the highest standard from Australia and around the world, will run from Thursday to Sunday at the Royal Exhibition Building. Now in its fifth year, the Expo features informative seminars and quilt collections exclusively compiled for the event.
St Anthony's Twilight Fair - Held this Friday in Alphington, the Twilight Fair offers gourmet food, varied stalls, children's rides and more. It runs from 3:30pm to 8:30pm. Our Lady of the Way School Monster Fete - Held Sunday in Kingsbury, their fete features great prizes, international food stalls, craft and plant stalls, kids' entertainment and more.
The Suzuki Night Market makes its final appearance for the year this Wednesday night at Queen Victoria Market, so get in before it's too late. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere along with a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even two stages showcasing live music.
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!
Beer Degustation Dinner - This Tuesday Holgate Brewhouse will be hosting a beer degustation dinner in Chloes Restaurant at Young & Jackson. The event entails a 5-course meal matched with 5 of Holgate's best beers, presented by master brewer Ian Morgan. Showcasing one of the finest of Australia's Micro Brewing industry, only limited tickets are available.
Wining
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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
OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..
Each week we highlight some 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!
GRAND FINAL
Melbourne Victory FC vs Adelaide United FC
Saturday 28 February 2009 - 7:30pm
Telstra Dome, Docklands
Motorsports
The Yamaha Superbike World Championship will be held this week, running from Friday to Sunday at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Cowes. With non-stop action, the two international classes of Superbike and Supersport will be joined by a host of national support categories that will offer 13 other races held across the three day event.
All But the Kitchen Sink!
The 12th Australian Masters Games offers more than 60 sports held across 70 venues in the City of Greater Geelong when sports enthusiasts and competitors from all walks of life from across Australia gather to celebrate the spirit of sports and fun. With entertainment and activities also held at many venues, the Australian Masters Games ends Sunday.
Melbourne Tours
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ABC Community Concert - Our favourite Aunty, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will present a free concert this Sunday at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The special concert is the ABC's thank you to all Victorian's for the tremendous support shown towards those affected by the bushfires. Beginning at 10:30am, the concert features entertainers loved by young and old.
The Tibetan New Year Festival, held this weekend by the Tibetan Buddhist Society in Yuroke, offers the chance to learn about this ancient culture with teachings from the Tibetan, Thai, Zen and other traditions. The festival, set amidst gardens boasting over 2,000 rose bushes, features a photo exhibition and an exotic market with Tibetan and local handicrafts.
NEW LIVE CALENDAR 
Circus Sunrise Bush Fire Appeal - Circus Sunrise, a true family circus with lineage going back to 1648, will be performing at Epping Plaza to raise money for the Bush Fire Appeal. Beginning this Saturday, their show is an action-packed performance for all the family that features juggling, acrobatics and whip-cracking excitement! Performances will run until March 8th.
The Taming of the Shrew is a fun night of Shakespeare Under The Stars with Glenn Elston's wildly entertaining production of the Bard's classic play. A story of a relationship that starts with fire and brimstone but leads to deep love and admiration, performances are being held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, with shows running each week from Tuesday to Saturday.
Billy Elliot the Musical is now playing at Her Majesty's Theatre. Based on the cult film, the stage production features music by Elton John and follows the journey of a young boy in a small mining town who stumbles across a ballet class while on his way to a boxing lesson, and realises that his future lies not in the boxing ring, as his father hoped, but on stage as a dancer.
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.
The Rooftop Cinema flickers into action with film screenings held each week from Tuesday to Sunday. Screening everything from cult favourites to new releases and documentaries, it's the height of entertainment with screenings held on the rooftop of Curtin House, located in Swanston Street, offering night lights, classic cinema and the rooftop bar.
Moonlight Cinema is back, held at the Royal Botanic Gardens. With screenings running until March 15th, the open air cinema features a program that includes latest releases, contemporary films and cult classic movies. A great way to spend a night out with friends and family, you can bring your own picnic or purchase dinner and drinks at the cinema.
Hocus Pocus - Science and physics become mere playthings as the world of magic, with all its baroque, buoyant charm, comes to City Museum. Proving that magic is in Melbourne's blood, the exhibition shows how our city has radiated with wonder and possibility since its streets were first paved with gold, featuring souvenirs, tools, artworks and more dating back to the 1850s.
DinoStory | Sand Sculpting Exhibition - Sand Sculpting Australia will again present a special display at the Frankston Waterfront with their newest theme, DinoStory. Featuring the work of sculptors from Australia and overseas, the sand carvings take the form of dinosaurs in stunning detail. The popular exhibition will be running until April 26.
Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be appearing in Templestowe with performances running until Sunday at Pettys Reserve, located on Reynolds Road. Established in 1976, Silvers Grand Magic Circus offers a great show for the kids and the whole family, with everything from jugglers and clowns to acrobats and more with performers from across the world.
Speakers Forum | Soapbox Oratory - Every Sunday afternoon, soapbox orators (that means you if you have something to say) take turns speaking on various topics from differing viewpoints on the State Library Lawns. Questions, comments, heckling and interjections are welcome from all, simply turn up on the day to participate or hear what others have to say.
The Suzuki Night Market makes its final appearance for the year this Wednesday night at Queen Victoria Market, so get in before it's too late. Now a summer tradition, the Suzuki Night Market offers a great mix of unusual products, great food and atmosphere along with a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even two stages showcasing live music.
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 
The Groove Train is the perfect mix of up-tempo trendy and relaxed retro, offering daily specials on bustling Clarendon Street.
South Dragons Home Game
Melbourne Tigers Home Game
Hyundai A League Soccer | 2008/09 Season 
