Newsletter | #239 | What's On this Week Newsletter | #239 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday to Monday, August 2 to 8.

This week... the Melbourne International Film Festival continues this week with its impressive program of cinema, while music lovers - those that are avid fans of classical, at least - can take in a program of performances with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's Beethoven Festival.

All in all, it's a rather quiet affair this week with several annual festivals having shuffled their celebratory feet to move a few weeks ahead on the calendar, leaving us rather threadbare as far as major events are concerned.

Next week should prove much more active, however. And failing that, we can all get off our laurels and focus some creativity of our own for a change by trying to come up with a new religion for next week's Census. My heart goes out to all you aspiring Jedis out there.

You Pastafarians, however, that caper I just do not get. Maybe it's a generational thing.

But may the farce be with you, nonetheless.

Major Events

Film Festivals

Melbourne International Film Festival celebrates its 60th anniversary as one of Australia's key cinema events and also one of the oldest film festivals in the world. Held at various venues, the program features films from across the globe with special guests, Q&A screenings and much more.
When: July 21 to August 7

Music & Arts Festivals

Beethoven Festival offers a rare musical experience with a program of all nine Beethoven symphonies performed by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Douglas Boyd at Melbourne Town Hall. The festival also features talks, workshops and special free events.
When: August 6 to 22

OnlyMelbourne Welcomes

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

Minsky's Market, held at Fitzroy's House of Burlesque, is a unique market day filled with fashion, art and lingerie, which also supports local talent. With vintage style clothing and artist made fashions, the market includes Bonsai Kitten, Polyester, Minsky Malone and more.
When: Sunday August 7 - 12pm to 6pm

You Can Help

Jeans for Genes Day, the major fundraising event for the Children's Medical Research Institute, takes place each year in August when Australians wear their favourite jeans and donate funds to support vital genetic research to advance the prevention and treatment of disease.
When: Friday August 5

Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show

Beautiful Volcanoes, presented by Monash University in Caulfield, offers an eclectic range of media with works by current students, staff, recent graduates and affiliates. Revealing the irrational and the absurd, the works recklessly raid history, popular culture and literature.
When: August 3 to September 2 - Closed Sundays
Official Opening: Wednesday August 3 - 5pm to 7pm


Rob McNamara Exhibition, held at Collingwood Gallery, features works by established and emerging artists of all mediums who were this year invited to explore the theme 'There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in', taken from Leonard Cohen's song, Anthem.
When: August 5 to 18 - Closed Mondays
Official Opening: Friday August 5 - 5pm to 7pm


On Fertile Grounds, presented at the Firestation Print Studio in Armadale, is an exhibition of prints, monoprints, mixed media works and paintings by Joan Johns, Donna O'Connor and Sue Devlin, who have all completed a Diploma of Visual Arts at The University of Ballarat.
When: August 3 to 28 - Wednesdays to Saturdays
Official Opening: Sunday August 7 - 2pm to 5pm


Mont De Lancey Art Show, held at Wandin North's historic homestead, is an annual exhibition showcasing work by artists in the Yarra Ranges. Established in 1996, the Art Show sees the winning artwork acquired by the homestead's gallery for the Mont De Lancey Collection.
When: August 7 to 28 - Wednesdays to Sundays
Launch & Awards Presentation: Sunday August 7 - 2:30pm


Downsizing, held at Melbourne's Pieces of Eight Gallery, showcases recent works by seven diverse jewellers who have changed careers from that of interior design to become gold and silversmiths, revealing past inspirations and influences that now transfer to their jewellery.
When: Until September 3 - Closed Sundays


The White Wedding Dress, held at Bendigo Art Gallery, explores 200 years of wedding fashions with extravagant dresses taken from the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection, which includes celebrated designs by Vera Wang, Norman Hartnell and Christian Dior.
When: Until November 6


Twenty Melbourne Painters Society, a fine arts group that first formed in 1918 after a turbulent split from the Victorian Artists Society, will be showcasing the works of current members at the Glen Eira City Council Gallery in Caulfield for their annual exhibition, now in its 93rd year.
When: July 27 to August 7


Capriccio, held at Fitzroy North's red gallery, features works by thirteen established and emerging artists with the three rooms of the gallery reflecting the Wunderkammer's classification of the natural, the cultural and the scientific, as used in 15th and 16th century Europe.
When: July 27 to August 13 - Wednesdays to Saturdays


Cuba, showing at Prahran's Carbon Black Gallery, is a photographic series by Kristian Laemmle-Ruff. Capturing the growing change of Cuba's unique cultural and social landscape brought by the weakening US embargo, the images explore Cuba's independence and identity.
When: July 27 to August 7 - Wednesday s to Sundays


The Intelligence of the Heart, held at fortyfivedownstairs in Flinders Lane, is an exhibition by Bronwyn Berman that uses geometric form and textural surfaces from natural and man-made materials to reference human notions of the environment drawn from various cultures.
When: July 26 to August 6 - Tuesdays to Saturdays


Non-Fiction, held at St Kilda's Obscura Gallery, features photography by Gillian Fletcher, Cam Scale and Kimberley Munroe. With works that capture unexpected stories within the images portrayed, all three artists draw from their very different life experiences and views of the world.
When: Until August 13 - Tuesdays to Saturdays


A Show of Hands, held at Prahran's Chapel Off Chapel, is a series of works by Jacqui Grantford, whose exploration of humanity captures the hands of everyday people and well known people, presenting stories within each portrait that are at times inspirational, sad and heart-warming.
When: July 19 to August 7


Darebin Art Show, showing at Bundoora Homestead, is an exhibition of contemporary visual arts and crafts that celebrate the depth and talent of Darebin's artistic community. Submitted works this year were inspired by the theme: City of Darebin: people, places or perceptions.
When: Until September 17


Seen and Unseen, held at The Jewish Museum of Australia in St Kilda, is a photographic exhibition that pays homage to late photographer, Lex Mrocki with his journalistic body of work showcased with his personal collection of photographs of noteworthy subjects that include Bill Clinton.
When: Until August 28


A Group Of 8, showing at Melbourne's Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery, is a contemporary art exhibition by eight distinct artists who have ties to Poland but call Melbourne home. Paintings, ceramics and sculpture capture themes reflecting the Australian landscape, the natural environment and human form.
When: July 11 to August 12 - Closed Sundays


Women with Clever Hands, a temporary exhibition held at Melbourne Museum, showcases a selection of Aboriginal fibre work by women artists from Gapuwiyak in northeast Arnhem Land. With baskets, bags, mats, sculptural figures and jewellery, the works reflect the complexities of their land and culture.
When: Until August 28


MIFF 60, presented at ACMI Cinema in Federation Square, is an exhibition of the Graphic Art of the Melbourne International Film Festival, held to celebrate their 60th anniversary. Showcasing the festival's eclectic designs over the years, displays include leaflets, photos and more.
When: Until August 8


View More Exhibitions

Expos, Launches, Open Days & Lectures

Australian Engineering Week offers free activities aimed at encouraging young people to take up engineering as a career. Along with free seminars and workshops, it also features insightful tours of sites that include Melbourne Recital Centre and Yarra Trams Control Room.
When: Until Sunday August 7 - Various Venues

Melbourne Tours

Melbourne's Underbelly Crime Tour lets you discover the darker side of Melbourne as you walk in the footsteps of notorious criminals, exploring the scenes of some of the city's most infamous criminal events. The tour also includes 50% discount on entry to the Old Melbourne Gaol.
More on Melbourne's Underbelly Crime Tour


More Expos & Launches | More Open Days | More Tours

Performances & Theatre

A Solitary Choice, performed at Theatre Works in St Kilda, is the story of Ruth, an everyday suburban wife, career woman and mother, whose dull and seemingly predetermined world takes a turn when a moment of rare passion threatens to change her life forever.
When: Tuesday to Saturday, August 2 to 6


Rising Water, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company, stars John Howard in Tim Winton's play about a man whose plans to spend Australia Day getting morosely drunk on his yacht are upended by the arrival of an English backpacker called Dee who threatens to rock his boat.
When: August 5 to September 10


Songs and Stories from the Paris Lido, performed at Melbourne Recital Centre, brings to the stage a touch of Paris with Caroline Nin's show sharing the music and stories of the feather filled dressing rooms and glamour of The Paris Lido where she headlined the revue, Bonheur.
When: Wednesday to Saturday, August 3 to 6


Spring Awakening, the smash hit Broadway musical adapted from Franz Wedekind's tragic German play, tells the story of teenagers who discover the inner and outer tumult of sexuality, confronting the audience with contemporary youth issues in a 19th century setting.
When: August 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13


Faulty Towers, The Dining Experience, the very popular interactive comedy show, will appear at Rowville, Queenscliff and Warragul. With a 3-course dinner, the evening captures the chaotic mayhem of a restaurant run by Basil Faulty, his wife Sybil and misguided waiter Manuel.
When: Thursday to Sunday, August 4 to 7


Pin Drop, presented by Southbank's Malthouse Theatre, is a performance by Tamara Saulwick. Drawing on interviews with people aged six to 92 to create an immersive audio-sensory world, the production explores the most private of experiences, fear, and the primal urges it inspires.
When: July 26 to August 7


Hamlet, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company in Southbank, sees Shakespeare's classic tale of revenge and tragedy given a fresh and contemporary interpretation in this reworking of one of the greatest plays by the same team that uniquely brought Richard III to life last year.
When: July 19 to August 31


Love Never Dies brings the phenomenal musical hit to Melbourne with performances at the Regent Theatre. Continuing Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest love story, The Phantom of the Opera, the musical extravaganza follows on ten years after the Phantom's disappearance and his new life in New York.
When: May 29 to November 17 | Book Now


ROCK OF AGES, held at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre, is a hilarious, feel-good love story set in 1987 when a small-town girl meets a big-city dreamer in L.A.'s most legendary rock club. Told through music of the era, the comedy includes hits such as 'Don't Stop Believin', 'The Final Countdown' and other classics.
When: Until August 14 | Book Now

Classical, Choral & Recitals

Cosmo Cosmolino, Melbourne's exquisite string and piano accordion quintet, will be touring Melbourne and Victoria with performances held to celebrate the release of their new album, Bel Air with original songs and instrumentals inspired by gypsy and tango traditions.
When: August 4 to September 3 - Various Dates & Venues


Baroque Triple Bill, presented by Victorian Opera and performed at Melbourne Recital Centre, features fully staged cantatas from two great composers with Bach's comic works, Coffee Cantata and Fight Between Phoebus and Pan paired with a tragic love story by Monteverdi.
When: August 2, 4 & 5

Burlesque, Cabaret & Dance

Ballet Revolucion, held at the Arts Centre, is an explosive fusion of Ballet, Contemporary dance and modern hip-hop from the undisputed home of dance, Cuba. Featuring a live all-star Cuban band, performers show their phenomenal versatility to the hottest songs.
When: Tuesday to Sunday, August 2 to 7


Cabaret Live! is an open-mic night held at the Butterfly Club in South Melbourne, offering an opportunity for emerging and established artists to perform to a discerning audience in an intimate setting with Melbourne's leading pianists to accompany aspiring singers.
When: Wednesday August 3 - 8pm


South Side Show explodes onstage with death defying aerial performances at Red Bennies in South Yarra, while stunning acts of acrobatics, juggling and clowning roam across the stage and around the entire venue, unique for its high ceiling, making it perfect for such thrills.
When: Wednesday August 3 - 7pm


Fetish for Food Porn, held at Downstairs at Alma's in Caulfield North, is a performance by Matt Fennell that takes inspiration from the cult of celebrity chefs as he carves up "Masterchef", "Ready, Steady, Cook"and other culinary icons, smothering them in musical morsels.
When: Friday & Saturday, August 5 & 6


Three JJJacks, performed at Melbourne's 24 Moons, is a darkly twisted and irreverently funny foray into the Cabaret/Burlesque world where morals are challenged as Paul Moder hosts and performs as three insane lads each called Jack and faced with beautiful temptresses.
When: Until August 3 - Wednesdays, 8:30pm


The More-Bang-For-No-Buck Burlesque Show! is a night of free entertainment at Red Bennies in South Yarra with MC Madame Natalia and rotating burlesque stars each week. With sassy broads, fun and music, the end-of-weekend burlesque injection is a sure-fire cure for winter blues.
When: Until August 7 - Sundays, 7pm


The Burlesque Hour Loves Melbourne, presented at fortyfivedownstairs in Flinders Lane, features a different Melbourne icon every week with the global smash hit that has set critics raving around the world returning to Melbourne at last with big names that include Rhonda Burchmore.
When: Until August 14, Thursdays to Sundays
Constantina Bush & the Bushettes: August 4 to 7
Rhonda Burchmore: August 11 to 14


View More Performances & Concerts

Entertainment & Nightlife

Jon Stevens, whose career has seen him play frontman to the iconic band Noiseworks, appear in Jesus Christ Superstar and also perform with INXS, will be appearing at Wellers of Kangaroo Ground where he'll be supported by his band in an exciting and energetic live show.
When: Thursday August 4 - 8.30pm
South Morang Show - Saturday August 6


Tamara Kuldin, appearing at Federation Square's Transport Hotel, is a sultry performer who's passionate about her music and men, singing an eclectic mix of saucy songs from the 1920's onwards including Bessie Smith, Rose Murphy, The Divinyls, Peggy Lee and Britney Spears.
When: Thursday August 4 - 8:30pm


Melbourne Folk Club meet regularly to enjoy live acoustic music, offering a great evening with CDs also available by local performers. Held at the Lord Newry Hotel in Fitzroy, the next performance night will feature the talents of Mandy Connell and John Mccullagh.
When: Friday August 5 - 7pm to Late


Gleny Rae Virus and her Tamworth Playboys will perform at Thornbury Theatre to launch their second full length CD, Beyond Horizontal, featuring songs influenced by 40's and 50's Americana, but with a distinctly Australian slant. Guests include Liz Stringer and Van Walker.
When: Saturday August 6 - Doors Open 8pm


Tully Sumner, singer, songwriter, guitarist and wordsmith, will be appearing at North Melbourne Library. Brought up in the highlands of central Victoria on a diet of folk, blues and porridge, his performance is part of Melbourne Library Service's Acoustica concert series.
When: Sunday August 7 - 3pm to 4pm


View More Live Gigs

Comedy & Magic

Dylan Moran, star and creator of the cult TV series 'Black Books' is appearing at Melbourne's Princess Theatre with his new show, 'Yeah Yeah'. Known for rants that are insightfully cynical and sharp, Moran explores the general absurdities of life with searing observations.
When: Until Friday August 5


Rachel Berger serves Berger Royale brings one of Australia's sharpest and best-loved comedians to Caulfield North where she'll be bravely trying out new material each week along with playing host and showcasing some of the best of Melbourne's newest comedians.
When: Wednesdays. August 3, 10 & 17


The Impro Cave, presented by Impro Melbourne and held at The Space in Prahran, features some of Melbourne's best comic and theatrical talent in an exciting, hilarious show that's a unique experience each week with performances improvised from audience suggestions to truly put the performers through their paces.
When: Sundays, 7:30pm - Rookie Show held at 6pm


View More Comedy & Magic

Cinema

Outside-in Cinema, held at Experimedia in the State Library of Victoria, is a special season of free cinema this winter, showcasing films donated to the Library's collection. Offering a great night in, the program features animated films from around the world and contemporary documentaries along with prizes on offer.
When: Wednesdays Until August 24 - 6:30pm


View More Cinema Events

Melbourne For Kids

Family Day at Collingwood Children's Farm is a special children's event held each month with each family day featuring a particular theme that matches activities provided for kids. Activities include hayrides, a BBQ and much more to make it a great day out for the kids and family.
When: Sunday August 7


Giant Sky Wheel, the southern hemisphere's largest travelling Ferris Wheel, is currently situated in Birrarung Marr, behind Federation Square . With stunning views of Melbourne's gardens, Yarra River and beyond, the Giant Sky Wheel is even more impressive at night when brightly lit.
When: Until September 25


Family Zone, presented by the Salvation Army in Doncaster East, offers a great family experience, featuring the innovative Australian developed parenting program Starting Points along with fun for children with their kidzone including music, storytelling, crafts and games.
When: Sundays - 2:30pm to 4:30pm


Art of the Brick, a one-of-a-kind LEGO brick art exhibition at Federation Square, features Nathan Sawaya's large-scale LEGO sculptures that have broken gallery records around the world, amazing not only fans of LEGO but also millions of art lovers, both young and old.
When: Until September 30

Circus

Perry Bros Circus, Australia's oldest circus, will perform at Warrnambool Showgrounds, offering quality entertainment for the whole family. With wirewalkers, jugglers, whip crackers, balancing acts and more the circus also features performing ponies and camels along with hilarious clowns.
When: Friday to Sunday, August 5 to 7


Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be holding performances at Reservoir. Established in 1976, Silvers Grand Magic Circus offers a great show for people of all ages with performers including everything from jugglers and clowns to acrobats, international performers and more.
When: Until August 21 - Reservoir - Various Dates & Times


View More Children's Events

Markets, Fetes and Fairs

Camberwell Fair, held 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 August 7 - 9:30am to 4pm


Warringal Winter Orchid Show, held at Greensborough's St Sava Community Centre, features a diverse range of orchids on display. During the event, members of the Warringal Orchid Society will be present to discuss the displays and offer advice on potting and more.
When: Saturday & Sunday, August 6 & 7

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

Wining & Dining

Victorian Wine Showcase, held at Federation Square's Atrium, offers a chance to taste wines from regional Victorian Wineries and meet with winemakers. With wines available to buy at each event, this month will showcase selected wines from the Fed Square Wine Awards.
When: Wednesday & Thursday, August 3 & 4


Hotel Windsor Tea for Seniors offers its renowned afternoon tea at a special rate for seniors during winter when they can enjoy Melbourne's most famous afternoon tea for only $45, a saving of more than 20 per cent. A tradition since 1883, bookings are recommended for the experience.
When: Until August - Mon to Thurs - Midday & 2:30pm
Make a Booking Today


Southgate's Progressive Dinners, a special dining offer during winter, is a chance to experience some of the best dining Melbourne has with three delectably different courses at three different restaurants, all under one roof with participating venues including Red Emperor.
When: Until September 4 - Sundays & Mondays


bookarestaurant.com
bookarestaurant.com is the easiest way to book a restaurant online. With the choice to search by cuisine and location, you can find great dining offers with some of Melbourne's finest restaurants. Bookings are free and can be made online at any time of the day.
Book a Restaurant Today

Sporting Events

AFL Premiership

AFL Premiership | Round 20
St Kilda vs Fremantle - Fri August 5, 7:40pm - Marvel Stadium
Carlton vs Melbourne - Sat August 6, 2:10pm - MCG
Geelong vs Gold Coast Suns - Sat August 6, 2:10pm - Skilled Stadium
Essendon vs Sydney - Sat August 6, 7:10pm - Marvel Stadium

Rugby

NRL Premiership | Round 22
Melbourne Storm Home Game
Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos
Saturday August 6 - 5:30pm
AAMI Park

Horse Racing

Kilmore Racing Club offers patrons a huge range of entertainment options along with their 50+ top-class Turf and Harness Race Meetings held each year.
Harness Race Dates:
Wednesday August 3


Racing Rewards Raceday, held at Flemington Racecourse, holds the Aurie's Star Handicap and the 2011 Asian Young Guns Challenge which features the best apprentice riding talent riders from Victoria, Hong Kong, Macau, South Africa, Singapore, New Zealand and Japan.
When: Saturday August 6


Yarra Valley Racing, located at Yarra Glen, offers the finest in exciting racing entertainment along with great venues with regional food and wine.
Harness Race Dates:
Monday August 8


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: Pioneers in Racing - Monday August 8 - Swan Hill
Race Dates: Thursday to Monday, August 4 to 8


IASbet is Australia's premier online betting agency, offering better odds than TAB for Horse Racing and Sports Betting both in Australia and overseas. An easy way to take a punt on any one of the many races held over the long weekend, you can even receive $100 in FREE bets when you join IASbet online.
Join IASbet for $100 in FREE Bets - Learn More

Greyhound Racing

Greyhound Racing @ The Meadows hosts a range of raceday and non-raceday events throughout the year with the venue renowned worldwide for high class racing.
Next Race Dates:
Wednesday & Saturday, August 3 & 6

Community Sports

Victorian Road Runners, formed in 1982 as a club so people can participate in fun runs without being members of a competitive athletic club, hold time trials on South Yarra's Tan Track, offering a friendly atmosphere with 4 km and 8 km time-trials for people of all ages and abilities.
When: Saturday August 6


Come & Try Rowing - The Y Rowing Centre, located in Albert Park Lake, invites you to try your hand at rowing. Held on the first Sunday of each month, the Come & Try Rowing sessions are open to participants of all ages. Just turn up and have fun!
When: Sunday August 7


View More Sports Events

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!!

Trivia & Humour

Shaggy Dog

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

Is That An Overturned Tram In Your Pocket..?

When Victorian Police went on strike in 1923, many of the volunteer "Special Constables"who were appointed to maintain order during the riots which took place had ironically been involved in an earlier riot of 1919 when they had invaded the offices of the Victorian Premier, using an inkstand to assault the very same man who would later appoint them as officers of the law, clearly under duress.

Looting and rioting was so severe that trams were even overturned, and while much of the chaos and theft was attributed by many of Australia's newspapers to Melbourne's criminal element, with Squizzy Taylor bearing a lot of that brunt, court records would later show that most offenders who were apprehended during the riots were in fact young men and boys who had no previous histories of crime.

More about the 1923 Police Strike | Read Melbourne Trivia...

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