Newsletter | #249 | What's On this Week Newsletter | #249 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday to Monday, October 11 to 17.

This week... the festival scene offers a veritable rainbow of happenings and shindiggery with everything from food and arts to cycling, cinema and horse racing. In the wake of the recently finished Melbourne Fringe, the ongoing Melbourne Festival picks up the baton of all things artsy with theatre, music and exhibitions.

Those looking for some weighty conscientiousness can also embrace the wordiness of such a thing with the World Matters Festival celebrating literature and the social change it can bring.

There's also Open Mind Fiesta highlighting Mental Health Week with a day of festivities in Preston, while Rowville's Stringybark Festival showcases the joys of sustainable living with a great range of attractions.

OnlyMelbourne Welcomes

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

Melbourne's Biggest Christmas Lunch, held in Southbank, is a celebration of all things Australian Made with a luncheon event that's perfect for an end of year gathering with staff, clients and friends. With 80's icons that include Pseudo Echo, there'll also be a silent auction and prizes.
When: Friday December 16 - Bookings Required

Major Events

Melbourne Festival, held at various venues, exclusively debuts and premiering some of the finest national and international artists and companies. With a program rich in dance, theatre, music, visual arts, multimedia and more, the festival offers a diverse range of entertainment.
When: October 6 to 22


Bright Spring Festival showcases the vibrant sights, attractions and best of Bright with a series of events that include theatre, special dinners and art exhibitions along with highlights such as the Grand Fireworks Spectacular and Concert, open gardens tours, workshops and more.
When: October 14 to November 1


Open Mind Fiesta, held every year to celebrate Mental Health Week, is a free community festival taking place along Preston's High Street. Promoting greater tolerance of mental illness, the festival is free and features community and activity stages, stalls, rides, entertainment and more.
When: Sunday October 16 - 11am to 5pm


World Matters Festival, held at Montsalvat in Eltham, celebrates literary ideas that can make a difference to the world. With the theme this year of Missing Peace, the festival program features poetry performances, seminars, book launches and panels with notable guest speakers.
When: Friday to Sunday, October 14 to 16


Main Street Mornington Festival celebrates local food, wine and performing arts with the main street playing host to over seventy exhibitors showcasing fresh produce and some of Australia's best wine makers along with two stages featuring live performances and a children's arcade.
When: Sunday October 16 - 11am to 5pm


Stringybark Festival, held in Rowville, is one of Victoria's longest running environmental festivals. With a focus on information and displays showcasing sustainable living, the festival includes theatre and workshops for kids, cooking demonstrations, live music, roving performers and more.
When: Saturday & Sunday, October 15 & 16


Rutherglen Agricultural Show offers a day of fun for people of all ages with displays of arts and crafts including needlework, photography and floral exhibitions. Held at Rutherglen Show Grounds, the event features a petting zoo, reptile displays, carnival rides and live entertainment.
When: Sunday October 16


Golden Gateway Festival, held at venues throughout Ararat, showcases local talent and attractions with a program that features a children's day, sports activities and music along with tours of historic sites and a Street Procession on the final day, which leads to the Ararat Agricultural Show.
When: October 14 to 23


Royal Geelong Show offers something for people of all ages with over 40 animal competitions to see. Along with food and craft exhibitors, carnival rides for children and a showcase of local produce from boutique breweries and wineries, there's also live entertainment and much more.
When: Thursday to Sunday, October 13 to 16
Mildura Show - October 13 to 16


Tesselaar Tulip Festival is a vibrant festival celebrating Spring with fields that feature more than half a million beautiful flowers. Held in Silvan just an hour away from Melbourne, themed weekends throughout the festival offer include concerts, special kids' days and more.
When: September 15 to October 12

Music & Arts Festivals

Hume Festival Of Music offers a bigger and better program with new highlights that include free music skills workshops and a free open-air concert. With a variety of quality live music events, this year's festival also includes a Kylie Minogue exhibition on loan from Melbourne Arts Centre.
When: October 13 to 23

Film Festivals

AFI | AACTA Festival of Film showcases and critiques cinematic success stories drawn from the past year. Held at Carlton's Cinema Nova and ACMI Cinemas in Federation Square, the program features 21 Feature Films and 12 Non Feature nominees for next year's inaugural AACTA Awards.
When: October 11 to November 14


Greek Film Festival, held at Palace Cinema Como in South Yarra, presents a selection of contemporary films direct from Greece with this year's event offering one of the strongest programs to date with over twenty films that include short films, documentaries, comedies and classics.
When: October 12 to 31

Food & Wine Festivals

Tastes of the Goulburn celebrates many of Seymour's Goulburn River Valley attributes with a showcase of local gourmet delights and wines. Coinciding with the Darley Seymour Cup, the event features heritage train rides and live music, exhibitions and fun activities for the kids.
When: Sunday October 16


Malaysia Street Festival, held at Queen Victoria Market, embraces Malaysia's colonial history and influences from Britain, Japan, Netherlands, Spain and Portugal with over 10 restaurants showcasing dishes. Other attractions include workshops, kids' activities, performances and more.
When: Sunday October 16 - 9am to 4pm


Oktoberfest returns to Melbourne's European Bier Cafe in Exhibition Street with a celebration of beer, food and music. Embracing the traditional German Beer festival, the special nights include a live Oompah band, the best in German cuisine, Bretzels and plenty of bier specials by the stein.
When: Fridays, October 7 & 14 - 5pm to 10pm

Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show

Places We've Been ... Things We've Seen is an exhibition of stunning and beautiful water colours by Noel Waite and Debbie Waite, two very well-known and regarded artists. The talented mother and daughter will be showing their work together at Kinross House, located in Toorak.
When: October 13 to 30 - Closed Mondays
Opening Night: Thursday October 13 - 7pm to 9pm


A Different Temporality, presented as part of Melbourne Festival, brings together feminist approaches to visual arts, with a focus on late 1970s and early 1980s Australia. Held at Monash University Museum of Art in Caulfield, featured artists include Micky Allan, Bonita Ely and Sue Ford.
When: October 13 to December 17
Official Opening: Saturday October 15 - 3pm to 5pm


Bruno Leti, an award-winning artist and one of the most collectable artists in Australia, will be exhibiting at James Makin Gallery in Collingwood. Featuring a series of etchings and prints, the 40 year graphic survey exhibition is also held to celebrate the release of his new book.
When: Until October 29- Tuesdays to Saturdays
Artist's Talk: October 22 - RSVP Essential


A Bunch of Twos, a Today Your Love Project, takes place at Melbourne studio, West Space. The series of evening performances, curated by Eamon Sprod and Camilla Hannan, brings together local sound and visual artists with the next presentation featuring Anthony Magen and John Jacobs.
When: Friday October 14 - 7:30pm


Fresh off the press, held in Northcote, is an exhibition of works from artists who participate in the printmaking program at Arts Project Australia. The limited edition and mono prints cover a diverse range of artistic expression, with the mono prints created with a newly discovered process.
When: Until October 15


Gluttony and the Gourmand is an exhibition that examines contemporary food culture and the obsession society has with food, dining and the cult of the celebrity-chef. Held at Town Hall Gallery in Hawthorn, the fascinating exhibition is presented by emerging curator Feyza Yazar.
When: Until October 22 - Wednesdays to Saturdays


Life on Earth is an exhibition by Zoe Amor, an artist who uses space, bronze sculpture and natural forms to create works that are bold but also inviting and familiar, reflecting her deep love of nature and its mysteries. It's held at Melbourne Art Rooms Gallery in Port Melbourne.
When: October 11 to November 6


Australian Modern Masterpieces, appearing exclusively in Victoria at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, features over 60 art treasures from the 20th century. Lending a rare insight into the history of Australian modern art, works include those by Margaret Olley, Arthur Boyd and John Olsen.
When: October 4 to November 27


Frisches Fleisch : Fresh Meat, showing at Melbourne's Pieces of Eight Gallery, is an exhibition of new work by renowned goldsmith Robert Baines, whose works display what he views as the endangerment of the original idea and the practice of plagiarism in contemporary jewellery.
When: October 4 to November 13


IMPACT7: Intersections & Counterpoints is an exhibition of works that reflect the issues explored by a printmaking conference that was hosted by Caulfield East's Monash University. The five artists featured in the exhibition use printmaking to facilitate and give form their ideas.
When: Until October 15 - Closed Sundays


Veiled Treasure Within is an exhibition of photographic prints and oils on canvas, created by Abraham Hagdu. Presented by HD Visual Direct International, who promote artists from developing countries, the series of unique images are being shown at Steps Gallery in Carlton.
When: October 5 to 16


Fine Impressions, held at the State Library of Victoria, showcases beautiful limited-edition books by 20 Melbourne artists and printmakers. With works that are unique in their use of design, typography, paper and binding, artists featured include Angela Cavalieri and Daniel Moynihan.
When: Until February 16


Rod Gray, one of several artists exhibiting at Fitzroy North's red gallery, explores the mysterious suggestiveness of water with his collection of works for the exhibition, Tidemarker. Other artists exhibiting are Gerladine Berkemeier and Gary Shinfield, along with Eloise Linklater.
When: Until October 15 - Wednesdays to Saturdays


Tate Adams, one of Australia's most acclaimed printmakers now in his 80s, has adopted gouache as his favoured medium, leaving behind the intricacies of the woodblock. Exhibiting at Melbourne's RMIT Gallery, the Townsville-based printmaker will showcase a broad spectrum of work.
When: Until November 5 - Mondays to Saturdays


trace, held at North Melbourne 's Langford120, is Jan Davis's exploration of an encounter between explorer Angus McMillan and a white woman in an Aboriginal camp in Gippsland in 1840. It coincides with Bush Garden, a selection of etchings by Frank Werther, reflecting the Australian landscape.
When: Until October 29 - Wednesdays to Sundays


View More Exhibitions

Expos, Launches, Open Days & Lectures

Music on the Mind - Music and Teenage Behaviour, held at Melbourne Recital Centre, is a talk presented by Katrina McPherran, Senior Lecturer in Music Therapy. Free to attend, the talk will examine how music can be a powerful influence in young peoples' lives. Bookings are recommended.
When: Monday October 17 - 6pm


Buttonfest, held at Burwood Heights Uniting Church, is an annual exhibition and sales day presented by the Victorian Button Collectors Club. A celebration of all things buttons, the event is a unique chance to see, buy and collect buttons and paraphernalia from the 19th Century to present day.
When: Saturday October 15 - 9am to 3:30pm


New Age Healing & Psychic Expo, appearing in Taylor's Lakes, showcases a wide range of stalls offering jewellery, incense, salt lamps, crystals and more. Visitors to the expo can also have a personal psychic reading with experienced mediums, clairvoyants and tarot readers.
When: Sunday October 16 - 10am to 5pm

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

Whiteley's Incredible Blue, held at fortyfivedownstairs in Flinders Lane, is a controversial portrayal of Brett Whiteley's life, penned by playwright and Whiteley biographer, Barry Dickins. Performed by Neil Pigot, the one-man theatrical fever dream merges colour, sound and language.
When: October 13 to 23 - Tuesdays to Sundays


Pirates of Penzance, presented by Geelong Lyric Theatre Society, brings together a talented cast with a diverse range of experience to capture the celebrated comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan. Directed by Stacey Carmichael, performances are held at Geelong Performing Arts Centre.
When: Friday & Saturday, October 14 & 15


Grease 2, performed at Prahran's Chapel Off Chapel, brings the smash-hit concert style musical to the Melbourne stage with back-to-back songs from the original soundtrack performed by Australia's most exciting talents, Josh Piterman, and Melanie Ott along with an electrifying band.
When: October 12 to 22 - Wednesdays to Saturdays


Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet St, held at Hawthorn's Geoffrey McComas Theatre, is a grimly hilarious, chaotic, larger than life musical thriller. Presented by OSMaD, an award winning amateur theatre company, the production features Lee Threadgold as the infamous Sweeney Todd.
When: October 14 to 29


Faulty Towers, The Dining Experience, the very popular interactive comedy show, will appear at the Aegean Restaurant in Fitzroy. 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: Saturday October 15


Orphans, presented by Red Stitch Theatre in St Kilda, premieres one of UK's most electrifying writers, Dennis Kelly with his multi-award winning psychological thriller that tests the boundaries of family, love and the impulse to band against the other amidst a moral dilemma.
When: October 5 to November 5 - Except Mon & Tues


Clybourne Park, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company in Southbank, is the Australian Premiere of Bruce Norris' wry social comedy that examines the underlying tensions of America's issues with race, centred around the same house and its different owners fifty years apart.
When: September 17 to October 22


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 November 6 | Book Now

Classical, Choral & Recitals

Australian Army Band Melbourne will be performing at Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre in Preston. Commanded by Major Glenn Rogers, the band consists of 35 full time professional musicians, whose versatility sets them apart from other musical ensembles every time they perform.
When: Friday October 14 - 11am


Sun Rings, held at Melbourne Recital Centre, is a special presentation by Kronos Quartet. Composed by Terry Riley, the performance is an artistic commission by NASA, blending chamber music, visuals and the ethereal 'whistles' of deep space, as recorded by the Voyager spacecraft.
When: Saturday & Sunday, October 15 & 16


Showtime & Singalong, held at the 360 Centre in Lower Plenty, is a concert presented by Victoria Welsh Choir. Offering a trip down melody lane, the concert program includes tunes from Gilbert and Sullivan, Ivor Novello, Rodgers and Hammerstein and many other favourites.
When: Sunday October 16 - 3pm

Burlesque, Cabaret & Dance

Matalor, held at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran, is a hard rock dance opera that boldly reimagines the greatest love story ever told, Romeo and Juliet. Presented by StageArt, the performance features electrifying choreography and live music that will at once shock, entertain and inspire.
When: October 12 to 22


Dark Light, held at Caulfield North's Downstairs At Alma's, is the solo show by Leela, a young accomplished musician and performer from London. Already known for her sultry and stylish performances with 'Burlesque In The Burbs', her show explores love, happy delusions and insanity.
When: Friday & Saturday, October 14 & 15


Gorelesque 3, held at Red Bennies in South Yarra, is the return of Australia's premier dark variety and horror burlesque show. Featuring the gore-gore girls with their coffins, electric chairs and film cameras, the memorable night has heroines, victims, and scream-worthy villains.
When: Friday & Saturday, October 14 & 15


View More Performances & Concerts

Entertainment & Nightlife

Deborah Conway will be performing at Goona Warra Vineyard in Sunbury as part of this year's Hume Music Festival. One of Australia's most respected female artists, she'll be appearing with her full band in the intimate concert held in the vineyard's historic 1863 bluestone Great Hall.
When: Friday October 14 - 6:30pm


Meat Loaf, one of rock's most larger than life performers with his performances known as unbeatable in scale and sound, will be appearing at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. Performing as part of his 'Guilty Pleasure' tour, the concert promises to feature a stellar array of Meat Loaf hits.
When: Friday October 14


Myles Mayo, Adelaide's finest musical talent, will perform at Northcote Social Club to celebrate the release of 'Leave The Party', Myles' second ever solo single release. Appearing with his band, The Slippery Gypsies, they'll be supported on the night by Skipping Girl Vinegar.
When: Friday October 14 - 8pm


The Panics will be appearing at Melbourne's Palace Theatre as part of their Rain on the Humming Wire Tour, marking the release of their most bracing, panoramic and poetic record yet. Joining them on the concert tour will be support acts of Avalanche City and Georgia Fair.
When: Friday October 14 - Doors Open 8pm


British India, Melbourne's indie champions, will be performing at the Commercial Hotel in South Morang. With a hard-earned reputation for their explosive live shows at venues and festivals across Australia, the award-winning group will be supported on the night by local bands.
When: Saturday October 15


Grolsch Grid presents a concert program that features 68 local musicians, artists and designers that will come together in special events held at iconic Collingwood and Fitzroy venues. With an explosion of art, kewpie dolls, skateboards and more, details are announced via Facebook.
When: Until October 27


Mikelangelo's Gospel Shakedown Party, held at The Gem Bar in Collingwood, sees the performer preaching fire, brimstone and salvation with the backing of his four man gospal combo and guests as they present the Gospel according to Cash, Cave, Waits, Coehn, Dylan and others.
When: Sundays in October


View More Live Gigs

Cinema

Croydon Film Society hold regular screenings at Chirnside Park's Reading Cinema, showcasing quality films with annual membership including all screenings and attendance of their end of year party. The next film screening in their program is Eden, directed by Costa-Gavras.
When: Monday October 17 - 7:15pm


Site UnSeen, appearing in St Kilda, is a multimedia experience that offers a glimpse of what life is like for the homeless. Presented with mirth, satire, beauty and grim reality, the interactive theatre project has been co-created by people who have experienced homelessness firsthand.
When: October 7 to 21

Comedy & Magic

Theatresports, Melbourne's longest running improvisation comedy show, continues its 26th season with Round Two at The Space in Prahran where teams of quick-witted and fleet-footed improvisers will battle it out each week in an exhilarating and hilarious display of improvised theatre
When: Sundays in October - 7:30pm


View More Comedy & Magic | View More Cinema Events

Melbourne For Kids

This [Baby] Life, presented by Melbourne's ArtPlay, is a beautiful show for babies aged four months to 18 months, which lets families participate in the experience of being part of the performance space as they interact with performers and explore the baby's interaction with their world.
When: Thursday to Sunday, October 13 to 16


Box Hill Miniature Steam Railway Society, a group of Miniature Steam Railway enthusiasts, will be conducting a public run of their pride and joy, offering a chance for children to ride their wonderful miniature railway along a track through the picturesque surrounds of Elgar Park.
When: Sunday October 16 - 11am to 4pm


Club Penguin Month at Melbourne Aquarium invites children to dive into the fun of Club Penguin with puffle treasure hunts, giveaways and exciting activities that include Gary's Lab with interactive games, illustrator workshops and Melbourne Aquarium's very own penguin displays.
When: September 16 to October 16

Circus

Silvers Grand Magic Circus will be holding performances in Noble Park. 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 October 16 - Noble Park

Markets, Fetes and Fairs

Kilmore Quilters Quilt Show, held at Kilmore Memorial Hall, is a bi-annual exhibition of over 100 quilts on display along with the group's Annual Challenge Quilts. The weekend event features traders tables, raffles, viewer's choice awards, door prizes and morning and afternoon tea.
When: Saturday & Sunday, October 15 & 16


Mornington Peninsula Orchid Society will be holding an orchid show at Centro Karingal Shopping Centre where members of the society will be selling orchids at good prices. There will also be culture and potting demonstrations held by local orchid experts regularly during the event.
When: October 9 to 15

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

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

Soccer | Hyundai A-League

Hyundai A-League - Week 2

Melbourne Heart v Perth Glory

Sunday October 16 - 5pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne

Cycling

Bupa Around the Bay Festival, taking place at its hub at Alexandra Gardens, features GO Bike Expo with the latest in cycling products, events and destinations. The festival includes prominent riding events with National Ride to Work Day and the very popular Around the Bay in a Day.
When: Wednesday to Sunday, October 12 to 16

Motor Sports

Young Guns 8th Mile Series, held at Heathcote Park Raceway, is a drag-racing event with Round 1 held exclusively for those aged 25 and under with over $1,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. There will also be a Show n Shine competition called the 'Meguiar's Showcase'.
When: Saturday October 15 - Gates Open 4:30pm

Horse Racing

Caulfield Spring Racing Carnival offers some of the best highlights of horse racing during the action packed calendar of Spring Racing Carnival with exciting race days that lead up to the climax of the BMW Caulfield Cup Day, an event that showcases Caulfield at its absolute finest.
Schweppes Thousand Guineas Day - Wed Oct 12
BMW Caulfield Cup Day - Sat Oct 15



Darley Seymour Cup, one of Victoria's premier Country Cups, attracts many of the state's leading trainers and jockeys and you may just get to see a new champion in the making. The day features free entertainment and activities for the kids, Fashions on the Field, live music and more.
When: Sunday October 16


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


Spring Racing Carnival Flowers represent each major Race Day throughout Victoria's hottest race season with a flower dedicated to the day. With the yellow rose of the Emirates Melbourne Cup familiar to many people, other days invite race patrons to don lavender, cornflowers and more.
Spring Racing Carnival | What to Wear & When

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, October 12 & 15


View More Sports Events

Let Melbourne Know...

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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!

The Plots Thicken...

The site of the popular Queen Victoria Market, which first opened in 1878, was once a cemetery. To this day there are still roughly 9,000 people buried under the sheds and car park of the market.

There is a memorial that honours the people buried at the site on the corner of Queen Street and Therry Street.

More about Queen Victoria Market.. | Read Melbourne Trivia...

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