Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for the week running from Tuesday May 26 - Monday June 1, 2009.
This week.. the St Kilda Film Festival kicks off with its big gala opening night at the Palais Theatre, but the grand soirees don't end there. You can also get along to Docklands for Ignite, the City of Melbourne's festive celebration of arts, music and pyrotechnics with its grand opening that will feature a spectacular fireworks display and parade.
The Emerging Writers' Festival continues this week with enough forums, performances and more to keep the literati entertained, while there's also the ongoing Melbourne Italian Festival, which celebrates food, music and cinema with a program that's richer than your Mama's bolognese. The Autumn Chamber Music Festival also continues with performances of opera and more by some of Australia's finest musicians.
And with just a taste further down, check here to view more of the following..
The St Kilda Film Festival, now in its 26th year, is an iconic event that screens more Australian short films than any other festival. With genres including drama, comedy, documentary and animation, the festival also features youth programs and Australian music video screenings with SoundKILDA.
When:May 26 to 31 | Opening Night May 26 - 7:30pm
Ignite, a free event held along the Waterfront City Promenade of Docklands, is a celebration that draws together musicians, performance artists and lighting experts to create a blazing wonderland with highlights including the spectacular Pyrophone Juggernaut, a giant fire fuelled organ.
When:May 30 to June 13 | Runs Thursdays to Sundays
Opening Night Gala Held Saturday May 30
Fiesta of the People's VICTORY - A special fiesta will be held at Brunswick Town Hall to celebrate the election victory of the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front in El Salvadore. The evening will include performances by La Gran Banda playing salsa and more, along with Cuatro Latinos performing folkloric songs.
When:May 30 - 7pm | Entry $20 - Children under 12 free
The Emerging Writers' Festival, held in various venues, offers a program packed with panels, performances, readings and workshops. Featuring special events, forums and guest speakers from many backgrounds in both writing and performance, the festival explores the art, craft and business of being a writer.
When:Continuing Until May 31
The Melbourne Italian Festival, now in its 5th year, is an event that embraces all aspects of performance to highlight the vibrant Italian culture throughout Melbourne. Held at various venues, the festival program includes everything from music and films to poetry, arts, and even Spaghetti Western screenings.
When:Continuing Until June 7
The Autumn Chamber Music Festival, in collaboration with Past Echoes, showcases Australia's finest musicians with performances in various venues throughout Melbourne. With a program of chamber music spanning the centuries, the festival features solo recitals, theatre, opera and much more.
When:Continuing Until May 31
Creative Gippsland is a month-long celebration held throughout May that showcases hundreds of events in Gippsland and its neighbouring shires. Highlighting the diverse talent within the area, the program features events that cater to many tastes with exhibitions, workshops, performances and tours.
When:Held Throughout May
Upcoming Events
The Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show, one of the biggest events on the culinary calendar, returns this year with new features and highlights to tempt your tastebuds, including special guest, Gordon Ramsay, who'll be appearing as part of LG's Celebrity Theatre along with other renowned chefs.
When:June 5th to June 8th
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..
Totem City, showing at Steps Gallery in Carlton, is an exhibition of drypoints, etchings, drawings, paintings and sculptures by Marco Luccio, inspired by construction sites and monumental structures of Melbourne. The impressive exhibition also includes a special series of talks, workshops and presentations.
When:Runs From May 26 to June 28 - Open Daily
Official Opening Held Tuesday May 26 - 7pm to 8:30pm
A Butterfly's Journey, held at Gasworks Arts Park, is a beautiful photographic exhibition that offers a rare and stunning glimpse into Southern Vietnam's scenery and portraits of Northern Vietnam's hill tribes. All proceeds from the sale of these works will be donated to an orphanage in Sapa, where photos were taken.
When:Open Daily - 9am to 5pm | Ends:June 14
Official Opening Held Tuesday May 26 - 6pm to 8pm
Creepy Cripple, showing at Brunswick's Gallery 696, is an exhibition of surreal paintings by Beau White, an artist whose paintings capture grotesque and potentially disturbing imagery, while offering a very tongue in cheek humour that will nonetheless make your flesh crawl.
When:May 27 to June 10 | Wednesdays to Sundays
Opening Held Friday May 29 - 6pm to 9pm
Bare Your Teeth, held for two days at Brunswick East's Irene Warehouse, is a grassroots art exhibition that includes live music and workshops. Celebrating the Melbourne punk scene and inspiring creativity, the event features work by amazing artists with painting, tattoo art, cut and paste, photography and more.
When:Friday May 29 & Saturday May 30
In The Black, held at Lauraine Diggins Fine Art Gallery in Caulfield North, is an exhibition of black and white imagery that showcases drawing, photography and prints from a variety of genres. The exhibition featuring work by many diverse artists, ranging from colonial to contemporary and aboriginal art.
When:May 30 to August 8 - Mondays to Saturdays
Stories To Tell, an exhibition held at the Angela Robarts-Bird Gallery in Gasworks Arts Park, is a showcase of works by three Melbourne based illustrators who each offer a different view of stories you know, and some you don't, drawing inspiration from classic folklore, Shakespeare, myths and more.
When:Runs Until June 14 | Opening Held May 28, 6pm
Top Designs, an exhibition held at Melbourne Museum, showcases work by Victoria's final year secondary school students. With artworks that span many styles such as furniture, clothing, short films and photography, the exhibition offers a glimpse of some of tomorrow's brightest talents.
When:Open Daily Until July 26
The Independent Type, held at the State Library of Victoria, is an exhibition that celebrates the history of Victoria's literary culture with displays and exhibits that mark the progression of writing by exploring traditional Indigenous storytelling through to colonial classics and today's vibrant writing scene.
When:Open Daily | Ends:October 25
Open Days, Tours & Expos
Historic Winton, held at Winton Motor Raceway near Benalla, is Australia's largest and most popular all-historic motor race event. Held across two days, the event presents action-packed racing and displays of over 400 historic and vintage racing cars and motorbikes from the 1920s to the 1980s.
When:Saturday & Sunday, May 30 & 31
Shaping Elegance, held at Como Historic House and Garden in South Yarra, is a fashion exhibition that showcases the work and designs of Robert Fritzlaff, a master craftsman who stood out and established his reputation in the late 1960s. The designer himself will be part of special tours on selected dates.
When:Open Daily - 10am to 5pm | Ends:June 14
Final Tour - June 10 | Bookings Required
Performances & Theatre
Melburnalia No.2, the follow-up to 2007's acclaimed production, is a series of five specially commissioned short plays that form a single theatrical journey that examines Melbourne through the decades. With a 6 person ensemble performing 25 roles, it's held at Flinder's Lane's Forty Five Downstairs.
When:May 20 to June 7 - Various Dates
Three Sisters, presented by PMD Productions, is Anton Chekhov's classic and beautiful story of the search for meaning in a time of hardship and social change. Regarded as one of the Russian Master's best works, the tragic and humorously touching play will be performed at Chapel Off Chapel.
When:May 28 to June 20 - Thursdays to Sundays
Avenue Q is a new breed of musical, performed by a weird and wonderful mix of humans and puppets. Winner of three Broadway Tony Awards, the tasteless yet hilarious production is a cross between Sesame Street, the Muppet Show and any adult comedy you could shake a puppet at. Note: This is NOT a Kid's Show.
When:May 30 to June 21
Clickity Clack Don't Talk Back & Aoroi are two productions presented as a double-bill at St Kilda's Theatre Works. Held as part of their Selected Works program this year, the performances contain a fabulous blend of Contemporary Dance, Physical theatre, Illusion, Circus and slightly strange puppetry.
When:Runs Until May 31 - Tuesday to Sunday
Skriker Interrupted, presented by La Trobe University at their Menzies Theatre in Bundoora, is a performance that combines two plays about dreams and reality, madness and the underworld, examining what happens when we cross the border dividing the unconscious world from our daily lives.
When:Wednesday to Friday | Ends:May 29
A Little Night Music, presented by Opera Australia, features Sigrid Thornton in her Opera Australia debut along with Nancye Hayes and Robert Grubb, who are reunited in this new production that includes Stephen Sondheim's classic and whimsical song, 'Send in the Clowns' in this show held at the Arts Centre.
When:Runs Until May 31 - Various Dates
Dralion is the latest show by Cirque du Soleil. With performances held under their trademark blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau in Docklands, the show is a fusion of ancient Chinese circus traditions and the avant-garde approach of Cirque du Soleil which has made them the world's most renowned circus performers.
When:Tuesdays to Sundays | Ends:June 14
Dance
Project 5 - BELIEVE, a presentation by Melbourne Ballet Company, is a program of four works by individual choreographers, including MBC's resident choreographer Simon Hoy with his dance piece, 'Submerged'. Performances are held at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran.
When:May 27 to 31 - 7:30pm | 1pm Matinees May 30 & 31
Classical, Choral & Recitals
The Jazz and World Music Concert, presented by Monash University School of Music, is a special performance held at BMW Edge in Federation Square that features John Taylor, one of Europe's most celebrated jazz pianists and esteemed professor of Jazz Piano at the Cologne College of Music.
When:Tuesday 26 May - 7.30pm
The Robert Salzer Vocal Championships, held at Hawthorn Town Hall as part of the Boroondara Eisteddfod, is a chance to enjoy an evening with Melbourne's best up and coming classical singers vying for the title of Vocal Champion. The concert features special guest, Opera Australia's Sally-Anne Russell (pictured).
When:May 29 - 7.30pm | Adults $6, Concession $4 at Door
Melbourne University Choral Society will perform Mozart's Requiem at Melbourne's beautiful and historic St Paul's Cathedral. With work also by Gordon Kerry and Brahms, the concert conducted by Andrew Wailes features the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and the Australian Children's Choir.
When:Saturday May 30 - 8pm
Entertainment & Nightlife
Whitelion's Gaol House Rock Cocktail Party will be held again at the historic Old Melbourne Gaol, raising funds that will go toward programs that help to give young people with troubled backgrounds a new chance at life. The event features a charity auction, roving entertainers, live music, comedy and more.
When:Friday May 29
The Melbourne Folk Club meet each weekend to enjoy live acoustic music, offering a great afternoon with CDs available by local performers. Performances are held at the Grandview Hotel in West Brunswick with the next guest performers being Richard Perso and Coral, whose melodic songs are well worth catching.
When:Saturday May 23 - 3pm to 6pm
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 at Big Mouth, located in St Kilda, South Side Funk is the hottest place in Melbourne for all you money-maker shakers to get down with groovy basslines.
When:Every Friday Night | FREE Entry
Burlesque & Cabaret
Mz Josephine's Cabaret Fantastique is an ebullient evening of burlesque, comedy, music, dance, performance and variety cabaret. A special performance for one night only at The Toff in Town, Mz Josephine's ensemble of artful entertainers will offer a funky evening of very low brow and high brow acts.
When:Sunday May 31 - 7.30pm
Curly Girl Burlesque, held at Fitzroy's Burlesque Bar each week, is a fun, cheeky and risque show, which began as an Hours Level research project by Claire Haywood, and has since gone on to become a hit that celebrates the burlesque of yesteryear with a contemporary touch that challenges perceptions of women.
When:Every Friday Night - 9pm
Cristal Burlesque, held each week at the Chapel Street bar, Cristal, showcases some of Australia's finest Burlesque performers with circus and vaudeville acts, regular international guests and DJs playing sultry blues at one of Melbourne's most luxurious venues and decadent events.
When:Every Sunday - Doors Open 7pm
Comedy
Last Drinks, a comedy written and performed by the award winning Damien Callinan, sees the performer artfully transform himself into a cast of hilarious regulars at 'The Criterion', a pub that survives the wowsers, the yuppies & the health inspectors. It's held at Healesville Memorial Hall.
When:Saturday May 30 - 8pm
Comedy@Spleen is a comedy night at Spleen Bar in Bourke Street, where you can step out to enjoy a great night out with an eclectic mix of Melbourne's comedy scene featuring established personalities and comedy legends from radio and television with guests such as Glenn Robbins, Corinne Grant and others.
When:Every Monday - 8:30pm to 10:30pm | FREE Entry
National Simultaneous Storytime, held each year by the Australian Library and Information Association, promotes the value of reading and books with a special story session held in public libraries across Australia. With this year's chosen book of Jackie French's Pete The Sheep, find a library nearby and join in!
When:Held May 27 - 11am | Various Locations
Yo Gabba Gabba! | Live on Stage - One of the hottest children's shows in recent times, the ground-breaking and musically inspiring Yo Gabba Gabba, will be hitting St Kilda's Palais Theatre in live performances that feature all the favourite characters such as Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex and DJ Lance Rock.
When:Friday May 29 & Saturday May 30
The Street Science Hip Hop Workshop 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. The workshop takes place at The Venue in Noble Park.
When:May 30 - 6pm to 9pm | All Ages Event
The Goal Kick Program, held by East Bentleigh Soccer Club, is a great development program to introduce young boys and girls aged 5 to 7 to the game of soccer in a non-competitive and fun environment. With weekly sessions of skill drills and game play, kids can learn the sport while having fun and making new friends.
When:Saturday Mornings - 10am to 11.15am
Kid Disco is at the Chelsea Heights Hotel where kids can enjoy all the fun of a primary school disco kicked up a notch! With two sessions held every Saturday afternoon, Kid Disco features professional DJ's, a disco light show and dance instructors who perform and offer dancing tips. Entry includes a meal on the day.
When:Saturdays - 1pm to 3pm & 4pm to 6pm | $11 Entry
Circus Shows
Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be appearing in Altona with performances at Doug Grant Reserve. Established in 1976, Silvers Grand Magic Circus offers a great show for the whole family, with everything from jugglers and clowns to acrobats, international performers and much more.
When:Various Days | Located in Altona Until June 8
Puzzles & Competitions
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of the Emu Bottom Homestead in Sunbury... 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
FreeCompetitions.com.au brings the best competitions on offer right to you lucky Australians! By searching the web for the greatest competitions in Australia, they can let you know what's on offer and send them to you via e-mail. The service is completely free of charge with no catch but the chance to WIN!
The Mums' Tennis Program, one of Tennis Victoria's most popular programs for mums, will be appearing at various local tennis clubs, offering an affordable series of lessons at just $15 for five weeks of qualified tennis coaching. Participating parents can also enrol the kids in the Tiny Tots Tennis Program.
When:Runs Until May 29 | Various Tennis Clubs
The Summerhill Dance Group hold a social event for people of all ages and backgrounds each week at the Oakhill Community Centre in Reservoir. 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.
When:Each Friday - 7:30pm to 11pm
Speakers Forum | Soapbox Oratory - Soapbox orators (that means you if you've something to say) can take turns speaking on various topics and viewpoints on the State Library Lawns. Questions, comments, heckling and interjections are welcome from all, simply turn up on the day to participate or listen.
When:Each Sunday Afternoon - 3pm to 6pm
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..
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea will see more than one million Australians once again stir themselves into action for Cancer Council's popular fundraiser. Now in its 16th year, Cancer Council Victoria is urging all Victorians to take time for to attend a tea event or better yet, host their own.
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!
Next week, we'll be exclusively announcing details about Melbourne's hottest new market. Stay tuned.
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
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.
Fun Food and Friendship is Melbourne's best and liveliest social activities group. The Melbourne social group is all about enjoying fun activities, meeting new people and making new friends. With special events, outings and more, the group can help you widen your circle of friends, restart your social life or establish a new social life when relocating to Melbourne.
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!
Free entry to over 60 top attractions..
Visit great venues like Zoos, museums & more across Melbourne & Victoria!
Over $800 of entry fees for ONE low price..
Plus special offers & discounts!
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All year-round Attractions..
Whatever time of year you visit - rain or shine!
'Doing the Block' - that's the, as opposed to your (or one's as they might have once said, and excuse the lengthy digression) - was once a common expression bandied about Melbourne, used to describe the act of strolling through Melbourne's shopping arcades, The Block and Royal Arcade.
Coined in the late 1800's, the phrase came about when it was a favourite pastime of Melburnians to stroll up and down this section of Collins Street in the late afternoon or on Saturday mornings, making the area a place that offered not only the most elegant shopping experience of its time, but also a hub where it was fashionable to be seen.
Many, many decades later, with the advent of BMX Bikes and wayward youths, the phrase was surpassed by that of the much less elegant, 'Wanna go hang at the Milk Bar?'
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
Melbourne On The Phone
OnlyMelbourne is now mobile phone compatible. Yes, our pages are formatted to be viewed on the small screen. To view our mobile phone website, go directly to our home page with your web compatible mobile phone and you will automatically be redirected to the mobile compatible version of OnlyMelbourne.
Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for the week running from Tuesday May 26 - Monday June 1, 2009.
This week.. the St Kilda Film Festival kicks off with its big gala opening night at the Palais Theatre, but the grand soirees don't end there. You can also get along to Docklands for Ignite, the City of Melbourne's festive celebration of arts, music and pyrotechnics with its grand opening that will feature a spectacular fireworks display and parade.
The Emerging Writers' Festival continues this week with enough forums, performances and more to keep the literati entertained, while there's also the ongoing Melbourne Italian Festival, which celebrates food, music and cinema with a program that's richer than your Mama's bolognese. The Autumn Chamber Music Festival also continues with performances of opera and more by some of Australia's finest musicians.
And with just a taste further down, check here to view more of the following..
The St Kilda Film Festival, now in its 26th year, is an iconic event that screens more Australian short films than any other festival. With genres including drama, comedy, documentary and animation, the festival also features youth programs and Australian music video screenings with SoundKILDA.
When:May 26 to 31 | Opening Night May 26 - 7:30pm
Ignite, a free event held along the Waterfront City Promenade of Docklands, is a celebration that draws together musicians, performance artists and lighting experts to create a blazing wonderland with highlights including the spectacular Pyrophone Juggernaut, a giant fire fuelled organ.
When:May 30 to June 13 | Runs Thursdays to Sundays
Opening Night Gala Held Saturday May 30
Fiesta of the People's VICTORY - A special fiesta will be held at Brunswick Town Hall to celebrate the election victory of the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front in El Salvadore. The evening will include performances by La Gran Banda playing salsa and more, along with Cuatro Latinos performing folkloric songs.
When:May 30 - 7pm | Entry $20 - Children under 12 free
The Emerging Writers' Festival, held in various venues, offers a program packed with panels, performances, readings and workshops. Featuring special events, forums and guest speakers from many backgrounds in both writing and performance, the festival explores the art, craft and business of being a writer.
When:Continuing Until May 31
The Melbourne Italian Festival, now in its 5th year, is an event that embraces all aspects of performance to highlight the vibrant Italian culture throughout Melbourne. Held at various venues, the festival program includes everything from music and films to poetry, arts, and even Spaghetti Western screenings.
When:Continuing Until June 7
The Autumn Chamber Music Festival, in collaboration with Past Echoes, showcases Australia's finest musicians with performances in various venues throughout Melbourne. With a program of chamber music spanning the centuries, the festival features solo recitals, theatre, opera and much more.
When:Continuing Until May 31
Creative Gippsland is a month-long celebration held throughout May that showcases hundreds of events in Gippsland and its neighbouring shires. Highlighting the diverse talent within the area, the program features events that cater to many tastes with exhibitions, workshops, performances and tours.
When:Held Throughout May
Upcoming Events
The Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show, one of the biggest events on the culinary calendar, returns this year with new features and highlights to tempt your tastebuds, including special guest, Gordon Ramsay, who'll be appearing as part of LG's Celebrity Theatre along with other renowned chefs.
When:June 5th to June 8th
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..
Totem City, showing at Steps Gallery in Carlton, is an exhibition of drypoints, etchings, drawings, paintings and sculptures by Marco Luccio, inspired by construction sites and monumental structures of Melbourne. The impressive exhibition also includes a special series of talks, workshops and presentations.
When:Runs From May 26 to June 28 - Open Daily
Official Opening Held Tuesday May 26 - 7pm to 8:30pm
A Butterfly's Journey, held at Gasworks Arts Park, is a beautiful photographic exhibition that offers a rare and stunning glimpse into Southern Vietnam's scenery and portraits of Northern Vietnam's hill tribes. All proceeds from the sale of these works will be donated to an orphanage in Sapa, where photos were taken.
When:Open Daily - 9am to 5pm | Ends:June 14
Official Opening Held Tuesday May 26 - 6pm to 8pm
Creepy Cripple, showing at Brunswick's Gallery 696, is an exhibition of surreal paintings by Beau White, an artist whose paintings capture grotesque and potentially disturbing imagery, while offering a very tongue in cheek humour that will nonetheless make your flesh crawl.
When:May 27 to June 10 | Wednesdays to Sundays
Opening Held Friday May 29 - 6pm to 9pm
Bare Your Teeth, held for two days at Brunswick East's Irene Warehouse, is a grassroots art exhibition that includes live music and workshops. Celebrating the Melbourne punk scene and inspiring creativity, the event features work by amazing artists with painting, tattoo art, cut and paste, photography and more.
When:Friday May 29 & Saturday May 30
In The Black, held at Lauraine Diggins Fine Art Gallery in Caulfield North, is an exhibition of black and white imagery that showcases drawing, photography and prints from a variety of genres. The exhibition featuring work by many diverse artists, ranging from colonial to contemporary and aboriginal art.
When:May 30 to August 8 - Mondays to Saturdays
Stories To Tell, an exhibition held at the Angela Robarts-Bird Gallery in Gasworks Arts Park, is a showcase of works by three Melbourne based illustrators who each offer a different view of stories you know, and some you don't, drawing inspiration from classic folklore, Shakespeare, myths and more.
When:Runs Until June 14 | Opening Held May 28, 6pm
Top Designs, an exhibition held at Melbourne Museum, showcases work by Victoria's final year secondary school students. With artworks that span many styles such as furniture, clothing, short films and photography, the exhibition offers a glimpse of some of tomorrow's brightest talents.
When:Open Daily Until July 26
The Independent Type, held at the State Library of Victoria, is an exhibition that celebrates the history of Victoria's literary culture with displays and exhibits that mark the progression of writing by exploring traditional Indigenous storytelling through to colonial classics and today's vibrant writing scene.
When:Open Daily | Ends:October 25
Open Days, Tours & Expos
Historic Winton, held at Winton Motor Raceway near Benalla, is Australia's largest and most popular all-historic motor race event. Held across two days, the event presents action-packed racing and displays of over 400 historic and vintage racing cars and motorbikes from the 1920s to the 1980s.
When:Saturday & Sunday, May 30 & 31
Shaping Elegance, held at Como Historic House and Garden in South Yarra, is a fashion exhibition that showcases the work and designs of Robert Fritzlaff, a master craftsman who stood out and established his reputation in the late 1960s. The designer himself will be part of special tours on selected dates.
When:Open Daily - 10am to 5pm | Ends:June 14
Final Tour - June 10 | Bookings Required
Performances & Theatre
Melburnalia No.2, the follow-up to 2007's acclaimed production, is a series of five specially commissioned short plays that form a single theatrical journey that examines Melbourne through the decades. With a 6 person ensemble performing 25 roles, it's held at Flinder's Lane's Forty Five Downstairs.
When:May 20 to June 7 - Various Dates
Three Sisters, presented by PMD Productions, is Anton Chekhov's classic and beautiful story of the search for meaning in a time of hardship and social change. Regarded as one of the Russian Master's best works, the tragic and humorously touching play will be performed at Chapel Off Chapel.
When:May 28 to June 20 - Thursdays to Sundays
Avenue Q is a new breed of musical, performed by a weird and wonderful mix of humans and puppets. Winner of three Broadway Tony Awards, the tasteless yet hilarious production is a cross between Sesame Street, the Muppet Show and any adult comedy you could shake a puppet at. Note: This is NOT a Kid's Show.
When:May 30 to June 21
Clickity Clack Don't Talk Back & Aoroi are two productions presented as a double-bill at St Kilda's Theatre Works. Held as part of their Selected Works program this year, the performances contain a fabulous blend of Contemporary Dance, Physical theatre, Illusion, Circus and slightly strange puppetry.
When:Runs Until May 31 - Tuesday to Sunday
Skriker Interrupted, presented by La Trobe University at their Menzies Theatre in Bundoora, is a performance that combines two plays about dreams and reality, madness and the underworld, examining what happens when we cross the border dividing the unconscious world from our daily lives.
When:Wednesday to Friday | Ends:May 29
A Little Night Music, presented by Opera Australia, features Sigrid Thornton in her Opera Australia debut along with Nancye Hayes and Robert Grubb, who are reunited in this new production that includes Stephen Sondheim's classic and whimsical song, 'Send in the Clowns' in this show held at the Arts Centre.
When:Runs Until May 31 - Various Dates
Dralion is the latest show by Cirque du Soleil. With performances held under their trademark blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau in Docklands, the show is a fusion of ancient Chinese circus traditions and the avant-garde approach of Cirque du Soleil which has made them the world's most renowned circus performers.
When:Tuesdays to Sundays | Ends:June 14
Dance
Project 5 - BELIEVE, a presentation by Melbourne Ballet Company, is a program of four works by individual choreographers, including MBC's resident choreographer Simon Hoy with his dance piece, 'Submerged'. Performances are held at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran.
When:May 27 to 31 - 7:30pm | 1pm Matinees May 30 & 31
Classical, Choral & Recitals
The Jazz and World Music Concert, presented by Monash University School of Music, is a special performance held at BMW Edge in Federation Square that features John Taylor, one of Europe's most celebrated jazz pianists and esteemed professor of Jazz Piano at the Cologne College of Music.
When:Tuesday 26 May - 7.30pm
The Robert Salzer Vocal Championships, held at Hawthorn Town Hall as part of the Boroondara Eisteddfod, is a chance to enjoy an evening with Melbourne's best up and coming classical singers vying for the title of Vocal Champion. The concert features special guest, Opera Australia's Sally-Anne Russell (pictured).
When:May 29 - 7.30pm | Adults $6, Concession $4 at Door
Melbourne University Choral Society will perform Mozart's Requiem at Melbourne's beautiful and historic St Paul's Cathedral. With work also by Gordon Kerry and Brahms, the concert conducted by Andrew Wailes features the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and the Australian Children's Choir.
When:Saturday May 30 - 8pm
Entertainment & Nightlife
Whitelion's Gaol House Rock Cocktail Party will be held again at the historic Old Melbourne Gaol, raising funds that will go toward programs that help to give young people with troubled backgrounds a new chance at life. The event features a charity auction, roving entertainers, live music, comedy and more.
When:Friday May 29
The Melbourne Folk Club meet each weekend to enjoy live acoustic music, offering a great afternoon with CDs available by local performers. Performances are held at the Grandview Hotel in West Brunswick with the next guest performers being Richard Perso and Coral, whose melodic songs are well worth catching.
When:Saturday May 23 - 3pm to 6pm
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 at Big Mouth, located in St Kilda, South Side Funk is the hottest place in Melbourne for all you money-maker shakers to get down with groovy basslines.
When:Every Friday Night | FREE Entry
Burlesque & Cabaret
Mz Josephine's Cabaret Fantastique is an ebullient evening of burlesque, comedy, music, dance, performance and variety cabaret. A special performance for one night only at The Toff in Town, Mz Josephine's ensemble of artful entertainers will offer a funky evening of very low brow and high brow acts.
When:Sunday May 31 - 7.30pm
Curly Girl Burlesque, held at Fitzroy's Burlesque Bar each week, is a fun, cheeky and risque show, which began as an Hours Level research project by Claire Haywood, and has since gone on to become a hit that celebrates the burlesque of yesteryear with a contemporary touch that challenges perceptions of women.
When:Every Friday Night - 9pm
Cristal Burlesque, held each week at the Chapel Street bar, Cristal, showcases some of Australia's finest Burlesque performers with circus and vaudeville acts, regular international guests and DJs playing sultry blues at one of Melbourne's most luxurious venues and decadent events.
When:Every Sunday - Doors Open 7pm
Comedy
Last Drinks, a comedy written and performed by the award winning Damien Callinan, sees the performer artfully transform himself into a cast of hilarious regulars at 'The Criterion', a pub that survives the wowsers, the yuppies & the health inspectors. It's held at Healesville Memorial Hall.
When:Saturday May 30 - 8pm
Comedy@Spleen is a comedy night at Spleen Bar in Bourke Street, where you can step out to enjoy a great night out with an eclectic mix of Melbourne's comedy scene featuring established personalities and comedy legends from radio and television with guests such as Glenn Robbins, Corinne Grant and others.
When:Every Monday - 8:30pm to 10:30pm | FREE Entry
National Simultaneous Storytime, held each year by the Australian Library and Information Association, promotes the value of reading and books with a special story session held in public libraries across Australia. With this year's chosen book of Jackie French's Pete The Sheep, find a library nearby and join in!
When:Held May 27 - 11am | Various Locations
Yo Gabba Gabba! | Live on Stage - One of the hottest children's shows in recent times, the ground-breaking and musically inspiring Yo Gabba Gabba, will be hitting St Kilda's Palais Theatre in live performances that feature all the favourite characters such as Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex and DJ Lance Rock.
When:Friday May 29 & Saturday May 30
The Street Science Hip Hop Workshop 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. The workshop takes place at The Venue in Noble Park.
When:May 30 - 6pm to 9pm | All Ages Event
The Goal Kick Program, held by East Bentleigh Soccer Club, is a great development program to introduce young boys and girls aged 5 to 7 to the game of soccer in a non-competitive and fun environment. With weekly sessions of skill drills and game play, kids can learn the sport while having fun and making new friends.
When:Saturday Mornings - 10am to 11.15am
Kid Disco is at the Chelsea Heights Hotel where kids can enjoy all the fun of a primary school disco kicked up a notch! With two sessions held every Saturday afternoon, Kid Disco features professional DJ's, a disco light show and dance instructors who perform and offer dancing tips. Entry includes a meal on the day.
When:Saturdays - 1pm to 3pm & 4pm to 6pm | $11 Entry
Circus Shows
Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be appearing in Altona with performances at Doug Grant Reserve. Established in 1976, Silvers Grand Magic Circus offers a great show for the whole family, with everything from jugglers and clowns to acrobats, international performers and much more.
When:Various Days | Located in Altona Until June 8
Puzzles & Competitions
Spot The Difference
There are 5 Differences between these two pictures of the Emu Bottom Homestead in Sunbury... 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
FreeCompetitions.com.au brings the best competitions on offer right to you lucky Australians! By searching the web for the greatest competitions in Australia, they can let you know what's on offer and send them to you via e-mail. The service is completely free of charge with no catch but the chance to WIN!
The Mums' Tennis Program, one of Tennis Victoria's most popular programs for mums, will be appearing at various local tennis clubs, offering an affordable series of lessons at just $15 for five weeks of qualified tennis coaching. Participating parents can also enrol the kids in the Tiny Tots Tennis Program.
When:Runs Until May 29 | Various Tennis Clubs
The Summerhill Dance Group hold a social event for people of all ages and backgrounds each week at the Oakhill Community Centre in Reservoir. 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.
When:Each Friday - 7:30pm to 11pm
Speakers Forum | Soapbox Oratory - Soapbox orators (that means you if you've something to say) can take turns speaking on various topics and viewpoints on the State Library Lawns. Questions, comments, heckling and interjections are welcome from all, simply turn up on the day to participate or listen.
When:Each Sunday Afternoon - 3pm to 6pm
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..
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea will see more than one million Australians once again stir themselves into action for Cancer Council's popular fundraiser. Now in its 16th year, Cancer Council Victoria is urging all Victorians to take time for to attend a tea event or better yet, host their own.
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!
Next week, we'll be exclusively announcing details about Melbourne's hottest new market. Stay tuned.
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
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.
Fun Food and Friendship is Melbourne's best and liveliest social activities group. The Melbourne social group is all about enjoying fun activities, meeting new people and making new friends. With special events, outings and more, the group can help you widen your circle of friends, restart your social life or establish a new social life when relocating to Melbourne.
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!
Free entry to over 60 top attractions..
Visit great venues like Zoos, museums & more across Melbourne & Victoria!
Over $800 of entry fees for ONE low price..
Plus special offers & discounts!
Visit just 2 Attractions a day & you'll save!
FREE 128 page guidebook..
Tailored to local knowledge on what to see & do!
Cash free entry..
Show your card & you're in, no need for cash!
All year-round Attractions..
Whatever time of year you visit - rain or shine!
'Doing the Block' - that's the, as opposed to your (or one's as they might have once said, and excuse the lengthy digression) - was once a common expression bandied about Melbourne, used to describe the act of strolling through Melbourne's shopping arcades, The Block and Royal Arcade.
Coined in the late 1800's, the phrase came about when it was a favourite pastime of Melburnians to stroll up and down this section of Collins Street in the late afternoon or on Saturday mornings, making the area a place that offered not only the most elegant shopping experience of its time, but also a hub where it was fashionable to be seen.
Many, many decades later, with the advent of BMX Bikes and wayward youths, the phrase was surpassed by that of the much less elegant, 'Wanna go hang at the Milk Bar?'
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
Melbourne On The Phone
OnlyMelbourne is now mobile phone compatible. Yes, our pages are formatted to be viewed on the small screen. To view our mobile phone website, go directly to our home page with your web compatible mobile phone and you will automatically be redirected to the mobile compatible version of OnlyMelbourne.
The St Kilda Film Festival, now in its 26th year, is an iconic event that screens more Australian short films than any other festival. With genres including drama, comedy, documentary and animation, the festival also features youth programs and Australian music video screenings with SoundKILDA.
Ignite, a free event held along the Waterfront City Promenade of Docklands, is a celebration that draws together musicians, performance artists and lighting experts to create a blazing wonderland with highlights including the spectacular Pyrophone Juggernaut, a giant fire fuelled organ.
Fiesta of the People's VICTORY - A special fiesta will be held at Brunswick Town Hall to celebrate the election victory of the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front in El Salvadore. The evening will include performances by La Gran Banda playing salsa and more, along with Cuatro Latinos performing folkloric songs.
The Emerging Writers' Festival, held in various venues, offers a program packed with panels, performances, readings and workshops. Featuring special events, forums and guest speakers from many backgrounds in both writing and performance, the festival explores the art, craft and business of being a writer.
The Melbourne Italian Festival, now in its 5th year, is an event that embraces all aspects of performance to highlight the vibrant Italian culture throughout Melbourne. Held at various venues, the festival program includes everything from music and films to poetry, arts, and even Spaghetti Western screenings.
The Autumn Chamber Music Festival, in collaboration with Past Echoes, showcases Australia's finest musicians with performances in various venues throughout Melbourne. With a program of chamber music spanning the centuries, the festival features solo recitals, theatre, opera and much more.
Creative Gippsland is a month-long celebration held throughout May that showcases hundreds of events in Gippsland and its neighbouring shires. Highlighting the diverse talent within the area, the program features events that cater to many tastes with exhibitions, workshops, performances and tours.
The Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show, one of the biggest events on the culinary calendar, returns this year with new features and highlights to tempt your tastebuds, including special guest, Gordon Ramsay, who'll be appearing as part of LG's Celebrity Theatre along with other renowned chefs.
NEW LIVE CALENDAR 
Totem City, showing at Steps Gallery in Carlton, is an exhibition of drypoints, etchings, drawings, paintings and sculptures by Marco Luccio, inspired by construction sites and monumental structures of Melbourne. The impressive exhibition also includes a special series of talks, workshops and presentations.
A Butterfly's Journey, held at Gasworks Arts Park, is a beautiful photographic exhibition that offers a rare and stunning glimpse into Southern Vietnam's scenery and portraits of Northern Vietnam's hill tribes. All proceeds from the sale of these works will be donated to an orphanage in Sapa, where photos were taken.
Creepy Cripple, showing at Brunswick's Gallery 696, is an exhibition of surreal paintings by Beau White, an artist whose paintings capture grotesque and potentially disturbing imagery, while offering a very tongue in cheek humour that will nonetheless make your flesh crawl.
Bare Your Teeth, held for two days at Brunswick East's Irene Warehouse, is a grassroots art exhibition that includes live music and workshops. Celebrating the Melbourne punk scene and inspiring creativity, the event features work by amazing artists with painting, tattoo art, cut and paste, photography and more.
In The Black, held at Lauraine Diggins Fine Art Gallery in Caulfield North, is an exhibition of black and white imagery that showcases drawing, photography and prints from a variety of genres. The exhibition featuring work by many diverse artists, ranging from colonial to contemporary and aboriginal art.
Stories To Tell, an exhibition held at the Angela Robarts-Bird Gallery in Gasworks Arts Park, is a showcase of works by three Melbourne based illustrators who each offer a different view of stories you know, and some you don't, drawing inspiration from classic folklore, Shakespeare, myths and more.
Top Designs, an exhibition held at Melbourne Museum, showcases work by Victoria's final year secondary school students. With artworks that span many styles such as furniture, clothing, short films and photography, the exhibition offers a glimpse of some of tomorrow's brightest talents.
The Independent Type, held at the State Library of Victoria, is an exhibition that celebrates the history of Victoria's literary culture with displays and exhibits that mark the progression of writing by exploring traditional Indigenous storytelling through to colonial classics and today's vibrant writing scene.
Historic Winton, held at Winton Motor Raceway near Benalla, is Australia's largest and most popular all-historic motor race event. Held across two days, the event presents action-packed racing and displays of over 400 historic and vintage racing cars and motorbikes from the 1920s to the 1980s.
Melburnalia No.2, the follow-up to 2007's acclaimed production, is a series of five specially commissioned short plays that form a single theatrical journey that examines Melbourne through the decades. With a 6 person ensemble performing 25 roles, it's held at Flinder's Lane's Forty Five Downstairs.
Three Sisters, presented by PMD Productions, is Anton Chekhov's classic and beautiful story of the search for meaning in a time of hardship and social change. Regarded as one of the Russian Master's best works, the tragic and humorously touching play will be performed at Chapel Off Chapel.
Avenue Q is a new breed of musical, performed by a weird and wonderful mix of humans and puppets. Winner of three Broadway Tony Awards, the tasteless yet hilarious production is a cross between Sesame Street, the Muppet Show and any adult comedy you could shake a puppet at. Note: This is NOT a Kid's Show.
Clickity Clack Don't Talk Back & Aoroi are two productions presented as a double-bill at St Kilda's Theatre Works. Held as part of their Selected Works program this year, the performances contain a fabulous blend of Contemporary Dance, Physical theatre, Illusion, Circus and slightly strange puppetry.
Skriker Interrupted, presented by La Trobe University at their Menzies Theatre in Bundoora, is a performance that combines two plays about dreams and reality, madness and the underworld, examining what happens when we cross the border dividing the unconscious world from our daily lives.
Project 5 - BELIEVE, a presentation by Melbourne Ballet Company, is a program of four works by individual choreographers, including MBC's resident choreographer Simon Hoy with his dance piece, 'Submerged'. Performances are held at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran.
The Jazz and World Music Concert, presented by Monash University School of Music, is a special performance held at BMW Edge in Federation Square that features John Taylor, one of Europe's most celebrated jazz pianists and esteemed professor of Jazz Piano at the Cologne College of Music.
The Robert Salzer Vocal Championships, held at Hawthorn Town Hall as part of the Boroondara Eisteddfod, is a chance to enjoy an evening with Melbourne's best up and coming classical singers vying for the title of Vocal Champion. The concert features special guest, Opera Australia's Sally-Anne Russell (pictured).
Melbourne University Choral Society will perform Mozart's Requiem at Melbourne's beautiful and historic St Paul's Cathedral. With work also by Gordon Kerry and Brahms, the concert conducted by Andrew Wailes features the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and the Australian Children's Choir.
Whitelion's Gaol House Rock Cocktail Party will be held again at the historic Old Melbourne Gaol, raising funds that will go toward programs that help to give young people with troubled backgrounds a new chance at life. The event features a charity auction, roving entertainers, live music, comedy and more.
Mz Josephine's Cabaret Fantastique is an ebullient evening of burlesque, comedy, music, dance, performance and variety cabaret. A special performance for one night only at The Toff in Town, Mz Josephine's ensemble of artful entertainers will offer a funky evening of very low brow and high brow acts.
Last Drinks, a comedy written and performed by the award winning Damien Callinan, sees the performer artfully transform himself into a cast of hilarious regulars at 'The Criterion', a pub that survives the wowsers, the yuppies & the health inspectors. It's held at Healesville Memorial Hall.
Comedy@Spleen is a comedy night at Spleen Bar in Bourke Street, where you can step out to enjoy a great night out with an eclectic mix of Melbourne's comedy scene featuring established personalities and comedy legends from radio and television with guests such as Glenn Robbins, Corinne Grant and others.
Yo Gabba Gabba! | Live on Stage - One of the hottest children's shows in recent times, the ground-breaking and musically inspiring Yo Gabba Gabba, will be hitting St Kilda's Palais Theatre in live performances that feature all the favourite characters such as Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Plex and DJ Lance Rock.
The Goal Kick Program, held by East Bentleigh Soccer Club, is a great development program to introduce young boys and girls aged 5 to 7 to the game of soccer in a non-competitive and fun environment. With weekly sessions of skill drills and game play, kids can learn the sport while having fun and making new friends.
Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be appearing in Altona with performances at Doug Grant Reserve. Established in 1976, Silvers Grand Magic Circus offers a great show for the whole family, with everything from jugglers and clowns to acrobats, international performers and much more.
FreeCompetitions.com.au brings the best competitions on offer right to you lucky Australians! By searching the web for the greatest competitions in Australia, they can let you know what's on offer and send them to you via e-mail. The service is completely free of charge with no catch but the chance to WIN!
Speakers Forum | Soapbox Oratory - Soapbox orators (that means you if you've something to say) can take turns speaking on various topics and viewpoints on the State Library Lawns. Questions, comments, heckling and interjections are welcome from all, simply turn up on the day to participate or listen.
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 
Oyster Little Bourke, inspired by eating houses of Europe, offer Australian oysters always shucked during service, never before.
Modern Australian Cuisine
Fun Food and Friendship is Melbourne's best and liveliest social activities group. The Melbourne social group is all about enjoying fun activities, meeting new people and making new friends. With special events, outings and more, the group can help you widen your circle of friends, restart your social life or establish a new social life when relocating to Melbourne.
OnlyMelbourne is now mobile phone compatible. Yes, our pages are formatted to be viewed on the small screen. To view our mobile phone website, go directly to our home page with your web compatible mobile phone and you will automatically be redirected to the mobile compatible version of OnlyMelbourne.
