Newsletter | #206 | What's On this Week Newsletter | #206 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday to Monday, December 14 to 20, 2010.

This week... it's the week before Christmas, and all through the town, not a creature is stirring, not even a clown... That's right, it's that Yuletime lull when the seasonal calendar takes a nosedive into what's possibly a reflective pause as most thespians, PR Managers, Yartists and otherwise rest on their laurels after a hard year of bedazzling us.

That or they're out amongst there with rest of us during the mad rush to get all things sorted for Christmas. You'll know it's the latter when a seasoned gymnast deftly elbows you in the face and somersaults away with that last Zhu Zhu Pet you had to scour the continent for.

There is one brave event that's dared to pop their paper hat out early from within the festive Bon Bon that's Melbourne, however, and that's the Oromo Community Festival, celebrating their unique East African culture at Federation Square. And very nice of them to do so, too, so we suggest you bop along to see them. If that's not your cup of Oromia Coffee though, fear not because next week it's all happening with the Summer School Holidays truly getting into the swing of things.

School Holiday Guide

Check out our School Holiday Guide for all the latest on what to do with the kids during the Summer Holidays running from December 18 to February 6. The holiday guide offers some of the best things to do over the holiday period for the young and young at heart, with events, tours and holiday care programs.. all in marvelous Melbourne!
View School Holiday Guide


Melbourne Playgrounds is an online guide to thousands of Melbourne activities and playgrounds for the entire family. With extensive information about play centres, playgrounds, sports parks and more, you'll also find many free activities to entertain the kids over the holidays.
More about Melbourne Playgrounds

Major Events

Oromo Community Festival, held at Federation Square, is a great day out for the family with a free festival that celebrates Oromo in the North East of Africa with food stalls, a fashion parade, live entertainment, an Oromia Coffee Ceremony and informative displays about the Oromo culture.
When: Sunday December 19 - 2pm to 7pm


Spirit of the Square presents a range of fabulous Christmas activities for the whole family at Federation Square. Mixing much-loved Christmas traditions with contemporary and often cheeky surprises, attractions include over 100 animal stencils, celebrations and a giant wishing penguin.
When: December 1 to 30

Christmas Guides

Melbourne's BEST Christmas Lights
Our guide to Melbourne Christmas Lights has reached its 10th anniversary and to celebrate (and make life easier for all), we've launched a brand new web site called Christmas Lights Melbourne where you can list your own lights or any others you know of in your area for FREE!!


Christmas Carols Guide - With Christmas approaching, you'll find many events held across Victoria that include not only the traditional Carols by Candlelight, but also plenty of fun and attractions for the children before the big sing-a-long, with most Carol events also free to attend.
View OnlyMelboure's Christmas Carols Guide

Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show

Evolution Exhibition, held at Signal, Melbourne's first arts studio dedicated to people aged 13 to 20, showcases the works of participants of the recent Evolution program, which gave the chance for young people to work with Melbourne artist Clare McCracken over a ten week period.
When: December 19 to 23
Opening Night: Sunday December 19 - RSVP Required


Luminous Cities, presented by NGV International, features photographs from the NGV collection, which display how photographers past and present have viewed cities as historical sites and architectural utopias with the way they present the cities ever changing like the cities themselves.
When: Until March 13


A Passion for Nature, held at Old Post Office Seymour, is an exhibition of beautifully detailed works by Kate Ferguson, whose recent oil paintings and graphite drawings display a love for the wild that has seen her artwork exhibited at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in the United States.
When: Until January 9


The sound we make together (Melbourne) is a special exhibition held at the Ian Potter Centre. With NGV works selected by participants chosen by US based curator, Harrell Fletcher, the exhibition combines the works with Fletcher's photos of those involved along with taped performances.
When: Until January 30


Look! The Art of Australian Picture Books Today, held at the State Library of Victoria, is a free exhibition that will delight people of all ages. Celebrating the worlds and stories in picture books, it features original artwork, sketches and drawings by more than 40 Australian illustrators.
When: Until May 29


Kin, presented by Kinross House in Toorak, is an exhibition by Lucille and Maria Richardson, two kindred spirits who have joined forces to create this joint show featuring Lucille's photography inspired by a deadpan documentary style, and Maria's works exploring colour, space, and line.
When: December 9 to 22


Summer Salon Show, held at Armadale's Firestation Print Studio, showcasing the work of the art studio's members. Fostering creativity and innovation through printmaking, the Summer Salon exhibition features a diverse range of prints on display with works available to purchase.
When: December 8 to January 14


Piers Bateman will be exhibiting work at Montsalvat Artist's Retreat in Eltham with works including earlier and recent pieces. An Australian born artist, Piers Bateman has devoted his life to painting and is represented in major public, private and corporate collections across the world.
When: Until January 30


Not a Christmas Show, held at MARS Gallery in Port Melbourne, offers an often caustic, yet playfully witty, response to the commercialisation of Christmas with works by artists that include Bill Sampson, Priscilla Bracks, Emma Davies, Gregory Elms, Kes Kennedy and others.
When: Until December 20


Siemens RMIT Fine Art Scholarship Awards will be exhibiting works by this year's entrants at Swanston Street's RMIT Gallery. Celebrating its 10th year, the exhibition will feature works by 46 short listed artists with ceramics, drawing, fine art, photography, jewellery and other media.
When: November 26 to January 8


Upper Yarra Artisans Wrap Up, held at Warburton's Upper Yarra Arts Centre, is an end of year group exhibition of creations by local artisans offering a unique selection of original artworks and handcrafts for that special Christmas gift with jewellery, sculpture, wool craft, painting and more.
When: November 27 to December 22


Mulana: Spirit, presented as part of the Bunjilaka Community Exhibition Program at Melbourne Museum, is a series of artworks by Victorian Koorie artist Megan Cadd who uses installations, sculpture, paintings and prints to explore key events and discoveries in her life over the last few years.
When: November 19 to April 10


Dreams Come True, held at ACMI in Federation Square, showcases over 70 years of Disney animation with an exhibition that features over 600 original artworks, maquettes and animation cells from films such as Cinderella and the upcoming film Tangled, based on Rapunzel.
When: November 18 to April 26


Crime Scene, showing at the Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne, is a special exhibition presented by Victoria Police Historical Services. A collection of photographs taken at Victorian crime scenes during the 1920s to 1950s, it features criminal prosecution documents of Squizzy Taylor.
When: Until January 30 - Weekdays


The Amazing Bodies Exhibition, held at Waterfront City in Docklands, is a chance to explore nature in a unique way with amazing displays of natural anatomical wonders. Using real body specimens, perfectly preserved, the exhibition shows muscular and bone structure in a captivating display.
When: Until January 31


Ashes to Ashes: Cricket's Cracking Rivalry, a new exhibition held at the National Sports Museum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, traces the history of cricket's greatest rivalry, The Ashes. Highlights include the bat used by Don Bradman to score a century on the MCG in 1929.
When: November 12 to March 20


ROCK CHICKS, presented at Melbourne's Arts Centre, is an exhibition that celebrates women in Australian music with many of the items on loan from the artists themselves. The exhibition covers a wide range of genres, showcasing the likes of Chrissy Amphlett , Deborah Conway and others.
When: November 6 to February 27


Mirror, held at Melbourne Museum, is an exhibition of selected works by renowned children's author and artist Jeannie Baker. Exploring the connections of two boys from two very different countries, her collages use rich textures and brilliant colours to create three-dimensional scenes.
When: November 5 to February 13


Phar Lap will be the focus of a special exhibition held at the Melbourne Museum. Marking the 150th running of the Melbourne Cup and the 80th anniversary of Phar Lap's historic win, his impressive skeleton will be on display, on loan from Wellington's Te Papa Tongarewa Museum.
When: Until January 30, 2011

Expos, Launches & Open Days

Restoration of the B-24 Liberator Bomber, Australia's last B-24 Liberator long range heavy bomber and one of only eight remaining in the world, is available for public viewing with people invited to watch the restoration taking place in a World War II hangars on the old Werribee airfield.
When: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays

You Can Help

There are many social causes that are relevant to people from all walks of life, many of which rely on public support to better the community or assist those who are less fortunate or to benefit others. This week we ask you to consider the following..

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, Australia's largest Christmas gift appeal, supports some of the largest welfare organisations and has given more than 4.9 million gifts over the past 22 years. Trees can be found nationally in Kmart stores, with gifts collected up until Christmas Eve.
When: Until December 24

Performances & Theatre

Romeo & Juliet, presented by Essential Theatre, will transform the Drama Theatre of Geelong Performing Arts Centre into the streets of Verona where cupid's arrow flies high amidst the tragic bloodshed that surrounds one of Shakespeare's most notorious and romantic plays.
When: Wednesday December 15 - 8pm


Pop Culture, held at The Theatre Husk in Northcote and written by Australian award-winning playwright Alex Broun, examines the cult of celebrity with a performance that is an opus of eight short plays that explore desperate actors, manic directors, Cate Blanchett with no friends and more.
When: Thursday to Sunday, December 16 to 19


The Wizard Of Oz: The Play, presented by Heidelberg Youth Theatre, features an all star cast and crew who are eager to showcase this timeless masterpiece that follows the adventures of Dorothy, one of literature's most beloved characters, along with the Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man.
When: Wednesday to Saturday, December 15 to 18


Creditors, presented by Red Stitch Actors Theatre in St Kilda, is a darkly comic tale of vengeance, jealousy and psychological warfare as a young husband, awaiting the return of his new wife, falls under the sway of a confidant in this savagely witty version of Strinberg's battle of the sexes.
When: Wednesday to Saturday, December 15 to 18


Songs for Nobodies is a performance portraying five anonymous women whose brushes with fame had a profound effect on their lives, interleaved with the songs that gave them heart. Held at Melbourne's Arts Centre, the show features the songstress, Bernadette Robinson.
When: November 5 to December 18


Hairspray, the ultimate feel good musical based on the cult movie by John Waters, will hit the stage in Melbourne at the Princess Theatre. Set in the USA town of 1960s Baltimore, the production follows the life of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger passion to dance.
When: Until January 30 | Book Now


Mary Poppins The Musical, held at Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre, brings the classic books and beloved Disney film to the stage with a spectacular production that includes all of the best loved songs from the film including Chim Chim Cheer-ee and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
When: Until February 13 | Book Now

Classical, Choral & Recitals

Christmas with Victorian Opera, held at the Arts Centre, offers an entertaining night for the family with the audience invited to sing along to classic Christmas carols while Spicks and Specks comedian Alan Brough narrates the story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus in his own unique way.
When: Saturday December 18 - 2pm & 6pm

Christmas Carols

Carols on The Lawn, presented by St John's Anglican Church in Croydon, is an annual event where you're invited to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with others. With people of many races and backgrounds, St John's Anglican Church welcomes all to share the glory of their musical tradition.
When: Sunday December 19 - 7pm


Christmas Carols in Stonnington brings a stocking's worth of fun to the City of Stonnington, celebrating the biggest holiday event of the year offering free performances of Christmas Carols that include free entertainment for children, fireworks and the ever-popular Carols by Candlelight.
Como Park: Friday December 17 - 7:30pm
Central Park: Saturday December 18 - 7:30pm


Carols in All Nations, celebrates Christmas in Northcote's All Nations Park with this much loved community event. With a Christmas market and guest performers including Darebin City Brass and the Massed Community Choir, you're invited to bring family, friends, a picnic and your best singing voice!
When: Saturday December 18 - 6pm to 10pm

Burlesque, Cabaret & Dance

Bacchanalia, held at Burlesque Bar in Fitzroy, offers a night of comedy, horror, burlesque and theatre with The Burlesque Circus at The End of The World. Hosted by Mark Casamento in the role of the legendary Alexander Tournier, it features acts of great skill, daring and entertainment.
When: Sunday December 19 - Doors Open 7pm


Salty Clams, presented by Kaye Sera, an award winning drag identity best known for her quirky cabaret shows and media work on Channel 31, is an intelligently naughty examination of the porn industry. Regular performances are held at the Lobster Lounge in St Kilda.
When: Fridays Until December 24

Entertainment & Nightlife

Dan Kelly and The Bedroom Philosopher will be perform on the main stage of Federation Square. Held as part of Fed Square Live, a series of free performances, the concert brings together two of Melbourne's most unique and quirky musical talents in a show not to be missed.
When: Thursday December 16 - 6:30pm to 8pm


The John Montesante Quintet, performing at The Commune Cafe Bar, brings a hint of New York Be-Bop to Melbourne with performances that include timeless Jazz standards and improvisations by John Montesante and some of the finest, hottest Jazz players in town.
When: Thursday December 16 - 5:45pm to 8:45pm


the church will be appearing at Thornbury Theatre as part of their 30th Anniversary Acoustic Tour. Performing one song from each album over the last 30 years in reverse chronological order, ticket holders will also receive a 28-page colour programme and a copy of their Deadman's Hand EP.
When: Friday December 17


Graveyard Train, a band whose music creates inspiring tales of horror, will be performing at the East Brunswick Club. With songs that conjure ghost stories, murder ballads and tales of redemption, they'll be joined by guest performers, Kira Puru & The Bruise and Buried Horse.
When: Saturday & Sunday, December 18 & 19


Jimmy Fong, a performer who draws his music inspiration from a deep Malaysian culture, will be appearing at the Acorn On Forest, located in The Basin. His unique vocal style is accompanied by his intricate finger picking style and his own arrangements on the acoustic guitar.
When: Sunday December 19 - 4pm to 7pm

Cinema

Rooftop Cinema flickers into action with film screenings of everything from cult favourites to new releases and documentaries, literally offering the height of entertainment with screenings held on the rooftop of Swanston Street's Curtin House along with the rooftop bar.
When: Until March - Tuesdays to Sundays


St Kilda Openair Cinema offers an eclectic mix of live music and entertainment provided by local and national artists. Held on the rooftop of St Kilda Sea Baths, the cinema features a diverse program that includes retro classics, family films, documentaries and shorts from selected film festivals.
When: Until February 26


Moonlight Cinema, held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, is Melbourne's picturesque open-air cinema with a program including latest releases, contemporary films and cult classic. A great way to spend a night out with friends and family, you can bring your own picnic or buy food there.
When: Until March 20

Comedy & Magic

Dr Watson's Comedy Soul Lounge, held monthly at the Bella Union in Carlton, brings together the best of underground Melbourne comedy and some sweet soul, funk and rock and roll tunes. Hosted by Lucy Watson, the comedy night also offers trivia, prizes, free drinks and good times.
When: Wednesday December 15 - Doors Open 8pm


The Forest of Dreams Merry Christmas Reunion, featuring the talents of Sammy J and Heath McIvor along with a cast of quirky puppets, marks the return of the award winning show with toe-tapping songs in a musical for adults. It's performed at South Melbourne's Butterfly Club.
When: Thursday to Saturday, December 16 to 18


Tony Woods Xmas Special, held at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran, is a one-night only performance by the urban comedy legend, Tony Woods, whose playful, cool demeanour has made him a comic favourite of international renown, both here and at comedy festivals the world over.
When: Sunday December 19 - 6pm

Melbourne For Kids

Jack and Molly's Christmas Show, presented as a special performance held as part of Carlton's La Mama for Kids, a theatre program for children, features early childhood educators and entertainers performing lots of cheery stories and songs including Jingle Bells and other favourites.
When: Saturday December 18 - 11am


Santa in City Square - Stop by the City Square where children can have the chance to meet Santa himself, when he'll be appearing for two hours each day (he's a very busy chap) when children can have their photo taken for free when you bring along your own camera.
When: Until Dec 24 - 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm


Harbour Town's Christmas on Ice sees the Medibank Icehouse transformed into the North Pole of Melbourne this Christmas with General Skating under the gleaming lights of the North Pole, a brand new Christmas Spectacular ice show and plenty of FREE kids activities in December.
When: December 2 to 24


Storytime at Rippon Lea Gardens gives families the chance to sit down in Elsternwick's beautiful Rippon Lea Gardens, relax on the sweeping lawns and immerse yourself in a delightful selection of enchanting and imaginative tales, narrated by veteran storyteller Debbie Stein-Fooks.
When: Thursdays Until April - Entry Applies


Crown's Christmas Spectacular transforms the grand Atrium into a magical Christmas carnival. Presented each year to entertain children, a cavalcade of Christmas characters perform regularly, with this year's display also including a new 'Big Top' animatronic feature.
When: November 21 to January 2


Myer Christmas Windows are an iconic part of Melbourne Christmas with each year offering a specially selected theme - chosen from a story book, nursery rhyme, a film or even the theatre - brought to life in an animation spectacular that ignites the imagination and Christmas spirit in all.
When: On Display Until January

Markets, Fetes and Fairs

Mini Christmas Fair Exhibition, presented by the Handweavers & Spinners Guild of Victoria at their guild rooms in Carlton North, offers many great gift ideas in one location. The exhibition features a wide range of items including Christmas ornaments, cards, stockings and toys.
When: Until December 17

Melbourne Market Guide

View MARKETS calendar to make the most of the rare sunny days (it's a coin toss, 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!
Fetes Fairs & Shows
Art & Craft Markets
Food & Produce Markets
Swap Meets
Garage Sales This Weekend

Let Melbourne Know...

Advertise Your School Fete, Fair or Carnival FREE!
Everyone wants to support their local school by going to their annual fundraiser. Last year we promoted a whopping 1,200 school events. So, make sure you let your school organizers know they can list their fete, fair or carnival for FREE @ OnlyMelbourne!
Add Your Event for FREE Today!!

OnlyMelbourne Welcomes..

Each week we highlight some of the new business listings in the OnlyMelbourne Business and Services directory.

This week we suggest the following:

Children's Dance Workshops - Rebel Stepz holiday fun...
BBQ Locations - Melbourne's Best Barbie Spots...
Arthouse Ink - Craft Parties for kids...
Zimmovers - Moving Solutions in Melbourne...

View More of the Latest Listings at OnlyMelbourne!


Advertise your Business for FREE!!
Advertising your business with OnlyMelbourne is easy to do by following a few simple steps, and best of all, it's FREE! By advertising your business you can easily reach thousands of people on Melbourne's most comprehensive guide.
Advertise your Business for FREE!!

Sporting Events

Soccer

Hyundai A-League - Week 19

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory

Saturday December 18 - 7pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne

Sailing

ISAF Sailing World Cup, Sail Melbourne will set sail again this year with the first leg of the prestigious event held in Melbourne as the world's top sailing talent descend on the state-of-the-art surroundings of Sandringham Yacht Club for engaging on-shore events and activities.
When: December 12 to 18

The Trots

Country Racing Victoria represents racing clubs in outer metropolitan areas like Werribee and Mornington along with small clubs in rural areas such as Edenhope and Towong.
Highlights
December 18 - Colac Christmas Party Raceday
Race Dates: December 14, 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20

Shaggy Dog

Shaggy Dog by Deej - Click Here to find what happens!

Trivia

How High If I C I 2 I?

Melbourne's first skyscraper was the ICI Building on Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, which now stands as the Orica Building. Until 1958, buildings had to be under 132 feet - the highest that fire ladders could reach at this time.

From November 1958 to 1961, after the law had subsided, the ICI Building was the tallest building in Australia.

Read more about Melbourne's Buildings History | Read Melbourne Trivia...

WHAT'S ON CALENDAR

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

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NEWSLETTER

What's On this Week is an email overview and reminder of the (too many to mention) events happening this week in Melbourne.

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