Newsletter | #218 | What's On this Week Newsletter | #218 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday to Monday, March 8 to 14.

This week... Mad March, as Melbourne City Council likes to call it, is flying thick and fast with an enormous amount of festivities, including the heart of Melbourne's festival calendar, Moomba. Cinephiles can rejoice in three film festivals screening the best of cinema from India, South America and France, while the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival continues this week, along with the many events that fall under its smorgasbord of a program.

Speaking of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, in our last Newsletter I made the error of listing the event dates as being held during February and not March. Going by the number of emails received pointing out the error, many people took the error at face value and those capable of Time Travel did in fact make their way back to February, only to have their cutlery tarnished with disappointment. Those affected by the error can this week attend the Wedderburn Detector Jamboree for a celebration of Metal Detecting, where they can also find consolation gift packs, which we buried there back in 1832.

Joking aside, though, I'd sincerely like to apologise for the oversight and can only put it down to being vague. It seemed to have simply been one of those weeks, as has this week just passed.

In all, the cosmic scales have tipped enough lately to make me wonder if I'd somehow jinxed myself with earlier claims of not being entirely prone to mishaps. Among many other misadventures of late, I've had to wrestle with the assembly of a Mountain Bike for my son's birthday and dropped a computer monitor (the old, clunky vintage kind) across all five toes of my foot. The two are unrelated by the way, I'm not some cruel person who'd strap a computer to my son's bike and tell him it was a laptop, although I will still try to get him to eat pumpkin by telling him it's French Carrot.

I've also learned that pancake mix should only be shaken when you're certain that the lid is secure. You should also be sure to properly clean your boots afterwards, lest the car overheat while you're in the country and you need to find a generous farm owner who'd kindly donate a bottle of water.

I say this because the woman had a small Pomeranian and the overenthusiastic licking of my boots (the dog, that is) didn't sit well with me. Perhaps more so than the experiences I had at the previous 6 farmhouses I'd had to stop by, all without farmers, but abundant with dogs that could eat Pomeranians for breakfast. Especially those that come with a hint of pancake.

Major Events

Moomba Festival, Melbourne's biggest free festival for the community, celebrates Melbourne's colourful, energetic life with a great program this year including old favourites like the Birdman Rally, water sport activities, live music in the Children's Garden, the ever popular Moomba Parade and more.
When: Saturday to Monday, March 12 to 14


Pascoe Vale Festival, presented by the Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale and held at Hallam Reserve, offers an exciting range of free activities that showcase the best of Pascoe Vale's local community with live music performances, stalls, carnival rides, sports workshops, food and activities for children.
When: Saturday March 12 - Midday to 5pm


Melbourne International Dragon Boat Festival, held at Victoria Harbour in Docklands, features top teams from Hong Kong and across Australia racing Dragon Boats through petal-decorated water. Part of Moomba celebrations, the colourful event includes a Buddhist blessing and traditional Lion Dancing.
When: Sunday March 13 - 8:30am to 5pm


Ballarat Begonia Festival is a celebration of gardening, arts and culture in one of Victoria's most prominent historical towns. With the Ballarat Botanical Gardens showcasing begonias in over 200 varieties, the festival program includes along with performances, activities and much more.
When: Saturday to Monday, March 12 to 14


Scoresby Steamfest is a great event for fans of big engines and vehicles from little tykes who adore trains to the big kids who love machinery with lots of grunt. Held annually by the Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club, the event includes Miniature railway rides, blacksmithing displays and more.
When: Saturday to Monday, March 12 to 14


Wedderburn Detector Jamboree, presented by MineLab, presents two days of detecting the Wedderburn goldfields for tokens and nuggets, with participants competing for great prizes. Held at Wedderburn's Hard Hill Tourist Reserve, it includes gold panning competitions, street stalls and more.
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 12 & 13


Tastes of Chapel Festival showcases the diversity of Chapel Street as one of the most the distinct retail environments with a program of events that celebrate its best food, wines, fashion and entertainment. The festival also features theatre performances at Chapel off Chapel and art exhibitions.
When: March 4 to 18

Film Festivals

Alliance Francaise French Film Festival, held at various Palace Cinemas, offers an ambitious program of over 40 films, commercially released in France last year. The largest foreign film festival in Australia, genres include romance, comedy, thrillers, animation, documentaries and films for children.
When: March 8 to 27


Ventana Film Festival, an event held to celebrate Latin America cultures, offers a presentation of high quality independent and contemporary films. Held at the festival hub of AMC Cinemas in Frankston, the program includes films sourced from areas that include Spain, Paraguay and Chile.
When: Wednesday to Saturday, March 9 to 12


Indian Film Festival brings the biggest stars of Bollywood to Melbourne to showcase their latest movies. With screenings held at Hoyts Melbourne Central, the festival also includes an attempt at the world's largest Bollywood Dance Class along with free night screenings held at Federation Square.
When: March 11 to 20

Music & Arts Festivals

Oakleigh Music Festival hosts a variety of music inspired events ranging from live music gigs, fitness classes and Cinema in the Park. Highlights of the festival include the Carnival of Suburbia program with special guest performers and a BBQ day and a festival Family Day held at Warrawee Park.
When: March 10 to 20
Great Southern BBQ: Sunday March 13
Festival Family Day: Sunday March 20


ChillOut Festival: Bollywood in the Bush is Daylesford's gay and lesbian festival, the largest celebration of its kind in regional and rural Australia. Bringing a touch of Bollywood to the Victorian spa town, this year's festival features Carnival Day, the Dance Party and the popular Street Parade.
When: Friday to Sunday, March 11 to 13


Inverloch Jazz Festival, held across the Labour Day weekend, presents top class jazz in the beauty of South Gippsland. With performers ranging from big band and traditional to mainstream and other styles, the festival includes the popular Jazz Picnic in the Park on Labour Day.
When: Friday to Monday, March 11 to 14


Port Fairy Folk Festival offers a great chance to head out to enjoy the coast with a presentation of 120 acts from Australia and overseas performing across four days. Now in its 35th year, the festival includes parades, workshops, children's activities, theatre and markets along with much more.
When: Friday to Monday, March 11 to 14


Rock The Bay, held at St Kilda's iconic home of rock, The Espy, is a massive one-day music festival featuring a huge line-up of over 30 bands on 3 stages. A sell-out success last year, Rock The Bay this time round features Hinge, Sydonia, Full Scale, Twelve Foot Ninja, Ink, Bellusira and other great bands.
When: Saturday March 12 - Doors Open 2pm


Future Music Festival, held at Flemington Racecourse, features an all-star line-up that includes Dizzee Rascal, The Presets and Art vs Science and other big names. The unique, world-class event blends the best performers in electronic music with the brightest stars of Hip Hop, Pop and Indie Rock.
When: Sunday March 13


Tamil Trinity Festival, held at Rowville Secondary College, celebrates Carnatic music, the classical music of Southern India, with performances and dance demonstrations by eminent artists. Net-proceeds from the event will go towards helping Moira Kelly's Children First foundation and Caritas International.
When: Sunday & Monday, March 13 & 14


Herring Island Summer Arts Festival offers special exhibitions every weekend at the Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park in Toorak. Accessible by boat with a punt service, the arts festival includes special artists demonstrations, talks, workshops, activities and more.
When: January 15 to April 26 - Weekends

Food Festivals

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, one of Australia's most celebrated culinary festivals, returns with a delicious program of events. Showcasing Victoria's best produce, wines and restaurants, the festival features the World's Longest Lunch, regional celebrations and international guest chefs.
When: March 4 to 14


Harcourt Applefest, now in its 20th year, offers a wide variety of events and activities across the Labour Day weekend. With a street market featuring local produce, the festival also features fun games for children, cooking competitions, a pet parade and ferret race, a fun run and more.
When: Friday & Saturday, March 11 & 12


World Street Food Festival, held at Queen Victoria Market, celebrates Melbourne's love of world food with a showcase of cuisines from all continents. Along with Australian food and tasty dishes from Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, there will also be wines available from across the globe.
When: Sunday March 13 - 9am to 4pm

WIN! WIN! WIN!

D-MACK'S Hoopdreams Basketball Clinic

D-MACK'S Hoopdreams Basketball Clinic is a chance for boys and girls aged 6 to 16 to gain first-hand tips from ex-Melbourne Tiger now Coach and NBL sporting legend, Darryl "D-Mack"McDonald. Held during school holidays, the clinics include lessons in Ball Handling, Shooting, Passing and Defence.
When: April 13 & 14
Download Enrolment Programme (PDF)
Watch D-Mack on YouTube


WIN A TRAINING SESSION WITH D-MACK!!
D-MACK'S Hoopdreams Basketball Clinic is running a competition with two free spots up for grabs, offering the chance to WIN a personal One on One training session with D-Mack himself! To enter the draw, all you need to do is answer 3 questions about the NBL legend.

To Enter the Competition - Visit Here

Competition Closes Wednesday March 30

MICF TICKET GIVEAWAY

Mark Watson, author, commentator, Australia-phile and one of Britain's most successful stand-ups, returns for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with his most personal and critically acclaimed show to date, casting modern social snarls with the aid of an unusually verbose PowerPoint screen.
When: March 31 to April 24


WIN COMEDY FESTIVAL TICKETS!!
OnlyMelbourne, together with Limelight PR, have a great range of tickets to giveaway for the following performances at this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Available Passes
Mark Watson - 2 Double Passes for April 2
Mel Buttle in Buttle & Buttle - 2 Double Passes for April 1
List Operators for Kids - 1 Family Pass for April 3
Geraldine Quinn - You're the Voice - 4 Double Passes for April 1

How to Enter
To go into the draw to win tickets to one of the shows listed below, simply email your preferred show, name, address and contact details with "OnlyMelbourne Ticket Giveaway" as the subject line.

To email your entry ---> Click Here to Enter Competition

Only Winners will be notified.

Typically Topical Melbourne

Save Collingwood Children's Farm - Abbotsford Convent and Sophia Mundi Steiner School are threatening the future of St Mary's Paddock, an open space in Abbotsford, with a proposal to build new classrooms. Collingwood Children's Farm invite those who support their opposition of the plans to join them in having their voice heard by Heritage Victoria.
Save Collingwood Children's Farm Petition

Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show

I Wear My Heart On My Tee, held at Hawthorn's Town Hall Gallery, celebrates the art of the t-shirt and how far it's come from being a simple undergarment, now capturing emotions, music devotion and political beliefs. With t-shirts by emerging artists and designers on display, all featured items are for sale.
When: Until March 26 - Wednesdays to Saturdays


Oro, held at James Makin Gallery in Collingwood, is the latest exhibition by Archibald finalist and rare fresco painter, Eolo Paul Bottaro. Created with hand-made paints and using gold leaf in many works, 'Oro' (Italian for 'gold') is impressive, with some works taking over 12 months to complete.
When: Until March 26 - Tuesdays to Saturdays


In Africa, showing at Galleria Rocco Interiors in Hampton, is an exhibition of photography by Christopher Rimmer. Having grown up in South Africa and fled after being conscripted into the Apartheid era army, Rimmer returned later and spent four year capturing these poignant images of his former homeland.
When: March 10 to April 8


Double Vision, held at Steps Gallery, a purpose built art space in Carlton South, is an exhibition by Stephanie Mew and Linda MacAulay. Works featured document the visions of the landscape shared by the artists when they took a road trip to Central Australia, capturing their journey from Melbourne to Uluru.
When: March 11 to 27


NEW11, held at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Southbank, is ACCA's annual commissions exhibition. Ranging in scale and media, the artworks made by the ten chosen artists for this year's exhibition question and even negate the physical properties of their chosen materials.
When: March 12 to May 15 - Tuesdays to Fridays


Fabric, held at the Firestation Print Studio in Armadale, is an exhibition of works on paper with the theme of, The Fabric of Life. Curated by Artists On The Move, the group show transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary with artists bringing magical realism, humour and passion to their works.
When: March 3 to 26 - Wednesdays to Saturdays


Melbourne Athenaeum in Pictures, presented at the foyer of the Athenaeum Theatre, is an exhibition of large black and white images that show the many changes of one of our most iconic buildings, its surrounding streetscape, and the organisations and people who've occupied it since it was built in 1839.
When: Until April 29 - Mondays to Saturdays


Natasha Lubis will be exhibiting a series of new 3D collage works at Obscura Gallery in St Kilda. With a passion for collage and its immediacy in expressing her visual thoughts, her works capture a fantasy world of her own creation, where landscapes inspire a sense of magic and illusion.
When: March 3 to 28


View More Exhibitions

Expos, Launches & Open Days

FitX Sport & Fitness Expo, held at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, showcases the latest products, innovations and trends in health and fitness to the industry leaders and general public alike. With samples, taste tests, competitions, give aways and special guests, the expo has something for everyone.
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 12 & 13


Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow, held at Caulfield Racecourse, showcases a wide range of displays and vehicles for travellers and adventurers. Held annually, this year's event has much to offer with campers and motorhomes, tents, camping equipment, free activities and seminars.
When: March 10 to 15


Circa Nocturna, held at Fitzroy Town Hall, is Melbourne's largest subcultural, fringe fashion show. With fashion from a varied range of subcultures, including gothic and rockerbilly, the show features some of the best of Australia's alternative designers with labels such as Bezerk Clothing and Vicious Klothing.
When: Saturday March 12 - 4pm & 8pm


Sandown Model Railway Exhibition offers model train enthusiasts the chance to showcase their talents at one of Victoria's largest model railway exhibitions. Held at Springvale's Sandown Racecourse, the expo features stalls from hobby suppliers with equipment, books, DVDs and more.
When: Saturday to Monday, March 12 to 14


View More Expos & Launches | View More Open Days

Performances & Theatre

Cafe Scheherazade gets a second visit when it reopens at Melbourne's fortyfivedownstairs as a new Australian play by Therese Radic. Based on the best-selling novel by Arnold Zable, the play set around the St Kilda meeting place is is a love story that resonates with Melbourne's culture and history.
When: March 8 to April 3 - Tuesdays to Sundays


Unspoken Lives, presented by the National Institute of Dramatic Art, is a double-bill featuring Pinter's play, The Lover, and Private View by Havel. Performed at Theatre Works in St Kilda, the thought-provoking plays explore the unrest which lurks beneath our apparently conventional lives.
When: Wednesday to Saturday, March 9 to 12


Tomorrow Morning, performed by Just Us Productions at Prahran's Chapel Off Chapel, is an intimate four person musical that centres around two couples, one about to get married and the other on the verge of divorce, allowing the audience to engage with a range of complex 21st century issues.
When: Thursday to Sunday, March 10 to 13


Avenue Q, performed at Knox Community Art Centre, sees SLAMS Musical Theatre Company put their own spin on the award winning Broadway puppet-musical. The tasteless yet hilarious production has echoes of Sesame Street and the Muppet Show with dark humour covering a range of adult themes.
When: March 11 to 26 - Thursdays to Saturdays


The Dream Life of Butterflies, performed by Melbourne Theatre Company in Southbank, is a play by award-winning writer Raimondo Cortese, which is a study of the illusion of memory and loss as two middle-aged women talk in a room, exposing their delusions about themselves and each other.
When: March 2 to April 2


My Education - Wine Cheese and Classics, held at The Owl and the Pussycat in Richmond, is a series of rehearsed readings performed in a comfortable, friendly environment with wine and cheese on offer. This week's program includes End Game by Samuel Beckett and Jean Paul Satre's classic, No Exit.
When: Until March 12 - Thursdays to Saturdays


Xanadu The Musical, the surprise Broadway hit, will be staged in 'The Grand Xanadu Marquee', a purpose-built venue in Docklands. With the lead role of Kira played by Melbourne's own rising star Christie Whelan, the quirky, hilarious roller skating, musical adventure features the original hit score.
When: March 3 to April 2


Annie, the classic family musical, will be brought to life on stage at the Rivergum Theatre of Bundoora's Parade College. Performed by the Waterdale Players, the play follows the fun-filled adventures of a Depression-era orphan whose efforts to find her parents leads to more than she ever hoped for.
When: March 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 & 12


Butterflies Are Free, presented by The Basin Theatre Group, is the warmly funny play by Leonard Gershe, which follows the life of Don Baker, a man whose efforts to move to San Francisco for a life away from his over-protective mother are dashed when she reappears to visit earlier than planned.
When: February 24 to March 20 - Thursdays to Sundays


Apologia, performed by Melbourne Theatre Company at the Arts Centre, is a sharply witty play by up and coming British writer Alexi Kaye Campbell. With a new slant on the theme of family reunions, the plot surrounds a successful art historian's autobiography and the children she failed to mention.
When: February 18 to April 9


Lady Chatterley's Lover, performed at Rippon Lea House and Gardens in Elsternwick, is the Australian Shakespeare Company's outdoor adaption of D.H. Lawrence's masterpiece, which tells of the adulterous affair between the sexually unfulfilled upper-class Connie and the gamekeeper Mellors.
When: Until March 17 - Mondays to Thursdays


A Behanding in Spokane, performed by Melbourne Theatre Company in Southbank, is a dark comedy by Martin McDonagh, the writer of In Bruges. The caustic play follows Carmichael, a man whose quest for an elusive possession leads him to a dingy motel and two desperate chancers.
When: February 5 to March 19


The Comedy of Errors, performed at Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, sees the Australian Shakespeare Company lift Shakespeare's hilarious text to new heights with the classic tale of two sets of identical twins, separated at birth, offering plenty of farce when they end up in the same town.
When: January to March


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 March 31 | 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 April 1 | Book Now

Classical, Choral & Recitals

The Merry Widow, performed by Melbourne Opera at the Athenaeum Theatre, features an all star cast that includes popular soprano, Ali McGregor. A renowned opera since its introduction in 1904, the story of a widow and her mysterious fortune features a brilliant score that includes the aria, Vilvia.
When: March 10, 12, 15, 19 & 20


Bohemian Rhapsody, held at Melbourne Recital Centre in Southbank, is a performance by Benaud Trio as they explore the hills and valleys of 19th century Bohemia with a program that includes Dvořak's exuberant Dumky Trio along with Mozart's flamboyant yet lyrical Piano Trio in B flat major.
When: Saturday March 12 - 3pm & 6pm


Opera in the Market, held at Queen Victoria Market's K Shed, will this year be joined by the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in a celebration of music and dining featuring acclaimed tenor David Hobson, soprano Taryn Fiebig, 100 voices and the Alpha Sinfonia orchestra conducted by Guy Noble.
When: March 14 & 16

Burlesque, Cabaret & Dance

Grab My Junk, held at Red Bennies in South Yarra, offers the madness of a gameshow with the risque entertainment of burlesque. With international guests, MC Jonny Porkpie and Jo Boobs from the USA, quirky prizes awarded to the audience are items taken from the homes of performers.
When: Thursday March 10


Virginia Gay Does Dirty Pretty Songs explores the risque filth that Virginia Gay believes lies behind songs that include Lady Gaga's Bad Romance and Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit. A Mix of cabaret and stand-up comedy, performances are held at The Famous Spiegeltent of the Arts Centre.
When: Friday March 11 - 10.30pm


How High the Moon, held at Melbourne Cocktail Bar, 24 Moons, is a night filled with character and feel good performances by professional characterising Burlesque dancers. Stylish, sophisticated and classy, the night features the finest burlesque with a lush, titillating mood.
When: Saturdays - 9:30pm to 3am


View More Performances & Concerts

Entertainment & Nightlife

Half the Sky, presented as part of International Women's Day and celebrating 100 years of its recognition of women and their rights, is a concert held to raise funds for women in Asia and the Pacific. Taking place at Thornbury Theatre, performers include Clare Bowditch, Lucie Thorne and other guests.
When: Tuesday March 8 - Doors Open 7pm


Mic Conway's National Junk Band will be performing at Revolt in Kensington. One of Australia's most recognisable talents in cabaret and vaudeville, Mic Conway's band combines jug band blues, political satire, vaudevillian antics and cheeky humour to create an extraordinary and unique show.
When: Thursday March 10 - 7pm


Marcia Hines, whose achievements include being crowned Queen of Pop in '76, a favourite judge of Australian Idol and an ARIA Hall of Fame inductee, will be appearing at Trak Live Lounge Bar in Toorak for an exclusive performance of past hits and songs from her 2006 album, Discotheque.
When: Friday March 11


The John Denver Story, featuring Rick Price in the dissection of the iconic country folk singer, is a narrative driven concert tells the story of how Denver's personal life involving infidelity, alcoholism and domestic violence was a contrast to his clean-cut image. It's held at Geelong Performing Arts Centre.
When: Friday March 11 - 8pm


Yanto Shortis, a performer whose songs can touch audiences with themes of loss, struggle and hope, will be performing weekly at the Union Hotel in Brunswick. With lyrical stories full of local references, Yanto uses a combination of blues, folk, country and rock to deliver his songs.
When: Saturdays in March - 5pm


Heidi Everett & Hotel Echo will be holding a free performance at Birrarung Marr as part of this year's Moomba Festival. A fantastic chance to hear her iconic music, Heidi is equally well known for her art and tireless campaigning for human rights in mental health and social welfare in Australia.
When: Monday March 14 - 3pm


View More Live Gigs

Comedy & Spoken Word

Willow Tales, held at Northcote's Willow Bar, offers a night of pure storytelling with performers taking to the stage to share stories, tales and fables from some of Melbourne's top comedians, writers and yarn spinners with performances that offer far more than the usual stand-up shtick.
When: Thursday March 10

Cinema

West Side Shorts, presented by Angry Productions, is a monthly film night held at Williamstown' Customs House Hotel, offering the chance to see fantastic short films made by local talent along with the opportunity to network with local filmmakers and actors once the screenings have ended.
When: Tuesday March 8 - 8:30pm - Only $5 Entry


Egypt 3D: Secrets of the Mummies, screening at IMAX Cinema, explores the mysterious world of ancient Egypt. Offering a taste of the wonders held in the upcoming exhibition, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, the film re-enacts the discovery of a cache of forty mummies.
When: Various Dates & Times
Tutankhamun Exhibition - Opens April - Book Tickets


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


View More Cinema Events

Melbourne For Kids

Dinosaurs Alive! is an exciting, new interactive exhibition that will be held at Waterfront City Piazza in Docklands. Featuring life-like robotic moving dinosaurs who ruled the earth for more than 160 million years, the exhibition is set in a spectacular 1,200 square metre indoor forest-themed area.
When: March 12 to May 8


Tangled Web, appearing at Melbourne's ArtPlay as part of this year's Moomba Festival, is Polyglot Theatre's brand new interactive show. The hugely fun and interactive event allows children to create a wonderland using colourful elastic bands, culminating in a big dance party throughout the abstract chaos.
When: Saturday to Monday, March 12 to 14


Tasting Treasure by Roundangle, presented as part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, allows children to explore food with an interactive sensory adventure held throughout Melbourne Museum's Garden. Tickets to the activity, aimed at children aged five and under, includes entry to the Museum.
When: March 10, 11, 13 & 14


The Giant Sky Wheel, the largest travelling Ferris Wheel in the southern hemisphere, is currently situated on the Geelong waterfront, located on Ritchie Boulevard. Offering stunning views across the ocean and Geelong City, the Giant Sky Wheel is even more impressive at night when brightly lit.
When: Until March 30


Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge encourages all Victorian primary and secondary students to take the challenge and share their love of reading with family, friends and classmates. By reading a required number of books, entrants receive a certificate and congratulations published in The Age.
When: Entries Closes September 16


Shake, Rattle and Ryhme, presented by Darebin Libraries at their branches in Preston and Reservoir, is a workshop series for children aged 0-2 years. A chance to have fun with your baby and relive songs, finger plays and childhood rhymes, the workshops develop an appreciation for rhythm.
When: Until June 29 - Various Days

Circus

Perry Bros Circus, Australia's oldest circus, will be appearing in Seville, offering quality entertainment to please the entire family. With wirewalkers, Jugglers, Whip crackers, balancing acts and more the circus also features performing ponies and camels along with their very funny clowns.
When: Until March 13 - Seville


View More Children's Events

Wining & Dining

From Mooncakes to Hungry Ghosts, held at the Chinese Museum as part of this year's Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, is a celebration of Chinese Festival Foods and the richness of China's legends and customs and the food they've inspired. Tickets include tastings, tea and free Museum entry.
When: March 5 to 13

Markets, Fetes and Fairs

Camberwell Fair, taking place at Box Hill Town Hall, is Australia's longest running fair for Records, Comics and Cards. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of many different passions, the fair has 1000's of collectible items, offering Memorabilia, Records, Comics, Stamps and more.
When: Sunday March 13


St Matthew's Autumn Fair, taking place in Olinda, offers a fun day out on Labour Day for people of all ages. Along with attractions that include children's activities and a Dutch Auction, the fair features, food stalls, trash and treasure, a huge range of books, crafts, paintings and much more.
When: Monday March 14 - Starts 10am

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 for a bargain!

A growing number of food, produce and even wine markets are springing up around the suburbs.

• Fetes Fairs & Shows


• Art & Craft Markets


• Food & Produce Markets


• Swap Meets


• Garage Sales

Sporting Events

Rugby

Super Rugby Season - Round 4

Melbourne Rebels vs Sharks

Friday March 11 - 7:40pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne

Golf

Australian Men's Foursomes Championship is open to players of all ages. Contested over 36-holes foursomes stroke play, the first Australian Men's Amateur Foursomes Championship was played in 1899. Held at Riversdale Golf Club, the venue also plays host this week to the Men's Riversdale Cup.
Australian Men's Foursomes Championship: Wednesday March 9
Men's Riversdale Cup: Friday to Monday, March 11 to 14

Motor Sports

Victorian Karting Championships, held at Go-Kart Club of Victoria in Port Melbourne, sees Kart racers from all across the country converge on the Todd Road circuit to compete across 16 categories based on age, weight and engine capacities. Admission is free for spectators during the event.
When: Friday to Sunday, March 11 to 13


Pro Stock & Outlaws, held at Calder Park, presents Labor Day Championship Drag Racing with the addition this year of Pro Stock cars joining the line-up. With the biggest field of Pro Stock cars promised in Australia, the event will feature categories that include Nostalgia, Real Street and others.
When: Saturday March 12

Horse Racing

Country Racing Victoria represents racing clubs in outer metropolitan areas and small clubs in rural areas with race programs that include special days with kids' entertainment.
Highlights
Mar 12 - Ladies Day Echuca Cup Carnival Weekend
Race Dates: March 8, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14

Fun Runs & Fitness Events

Omara Cycles Tri-it Women's Triathlon is a brand new event designed specifically for women held at Peter Scullin Reserve in Mordialloc. With a focus on fun and participation, the event offers a friendly and motivating experience of triathlon for women while raising funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia.
When: Sunday March 13


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 with qualified tennis coaching provided. Participating parents can also enrol the kids in the Tiny Tots Tennis Program.
When:

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