Newsletter | #251 | What's On this Week Newsletter | #251 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday to Monday, October 25 to 31.

This week... the race that stops a nation swings by, offering a long weekend of eventful goodness. For foodies there's the return of Geelong's Toast to the Coast and the Pyrenees Escapade, perfect for those fond of a tipple.

There's the Festival of Light and Friendship in Reservoir, offering a day of free activities for the whole family, and there's much a'buzz with the Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Mildura Jazz Food & Wine Festival and the Maldon Folk Festival all tuning up their instruments for the weekend. And with Halloween upon us there are several events for children that are perfect for little monsters of a ghoulish inclination.

The Queen, not the band, but her Royal Highness herself, will also be arriving in Melbourne this week. For all the avid royalists out there, you'll find her current itinerary, but we advise that it may be subject to change due to weather, protesters, traffic, a bad crown day, etc.

OnlyMelbourne Welcomes

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

Theatre Alive is your gateway to Melbourne's unique independent performance scene, allowing you to find up-to-date information on shows, venues, and companies, along with special offers and reviews. Discover dance, theatre, spoken word, comedy, music theatre and much more.
Learn More about Theatre Alive

Queen Elizabeth | Melbourne Itinerary

Wednesday 26th October 2011

11:10AM The Queen arrives at Melbourne Airport

11:35AM The Queen will attend the opening ceremony of the New Royal Children's Hospital. (Neil Mitchell will be broadcasting from the hospital tomorrow as well.)

12:15PM The Queen heads off to Fed Square to tour the Ian Potter Centre

12:25PM Meet and greet with fans at Federation Square. Afterward, her highness will board 'The Royal Tram' to Government House

1:05PM State reception at Government House

3:15PM The Queen says farewell to Melbourne and we all shed a dignified, quiet tear.

Queen Elizabeth | Melbourne Itinerary

Major Events

Festival of Light and Friendship, held at Edwardes Lake Park in Reservoir, brings together Darebin's diverse range of cultures. With a fabulous program of entertainment, there'll be performances from Asanti Dance Theatre, puppets, food, sports workshops and a fireworks display.
When: Sunday October 30 - 1pm to 9pm


Kerrisdale Mountain Railway Cup Steamfest, situated between Seymour and Yea, offers fun for all the family with the live steam museum showcasing visiting engines, Sausage Sizzle packages available on all days throughout the Steamfest, kids' prizes and scenic train rides.
When: Saturday to Monday, October 29 to 31


Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally, held at The Perfect Living Museum near Ballarat, offers a great day out for the family with vintage steam powered vehicles parades and displays of restored steam engines, power generators, steam rollers and even a working 90 tonne steam shovel.
When: Saturday & Sunday, October 29 & 30


Swiss Italian Festa, held in Hepburn Springs and Daylesford, celebrates the heritage of Swiss and Italian settlers who arrived more than 150 years ago. With an enormous program of events, the festival features activities, for kids, open studio tours, exhibitions and more.
When: October 19 to 30


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

Music & Arts Festivals

Wangaratta Jazz Festival, one of the world's most highly regarded jazz festivals, features performances by renowned musicians from both Australia and overseas. Boasting a program of over 100 performances, the festival includes many other events with food, wine and much more.
When: Friday to Monday, October 28 to 31


Mildura Jazz Food & Wine Festival presents quality jazz with performances of traditional, swing and progressive jazz held at various venues. Highlights of the festival include Murray River cruises and the PRIMED for Jazz Street Party with two stages offering non-stop entertainment.
When: Friday to Monday, October 28 to 31


Maldon Folk Festival offers a long weekend of quality entertainment for people of all ages with music, dance, theatre, poetry and more. Located in the historic township of Maldon, the festival program also includes workshops, kids' activities and an Instrument Makers Exhibition.
When: Friday to Monday, October 28 to 31


Rhymes Kids Music Festival features a great line-up of 17 performers across 3 stages at Melbourne Showgrounds with acts that include Yo Gabba Gabba, Lazy Town Live, Peter Combe and more. Along with a huge interactive fun area for kids, there'll also be amazing stalls and stands.
When: Sunday October 30 - 9am to 4pm

Food & Wine Festivals

Toast to the Coast, Geelong's annual festival celebrating wine, food and music, showcases an enormous range of wines as the finest wineries in the Geelong region open their cellar doors with wine tastings, live entertainment, special tours and food stalls offering the finest fare.
When: Saturday & Sunday, October 29 & 30


Pyrenees Escapade, held at Avoca Racecourse, not far from Ballarat, celebrates the region's quality wines and European influenced food. This year's festival features an auction of rare wines along with music and entertainment, children's activities, food stalls and door prizes.
When: Sunday October 30 - 11am to 4pm

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

Exhibitions - Art | Festival | Show

M is for Magpie, held at St Kilda's Brightspace Gallery, is an exhibition of the Australian Alphabet in felt applique and hand embroidery by renowned textile artist Mouse, a costumier and soft furnishings specialist whose work features in Moulin Rouge, Mission Impossible and other iconic films.
When: Wednesday to Sunday, October 26 to 30
Opening Night: Wednesday October 26 - 6pm to 8pm


CCP Documentary Photography Award held at Fitzroy's Centre for Contemporary Photography, showcases the work of some of Australia's best contemporary documentary photographers with featured finalists capturing diverse views ranging from war photography to daily life.
When: October 28 to December 11 - Wed to Sun


Hebridean Raven, held at Hawthorn's Town Hall Gallery, is a solo exhibition by Norma Ann McGowan who has used both painting and installation to investigate the sleek physicality of the raven, their social nature and their role in Scottish mythology as protectors of the Western Isles.
When: October 26 to November 19 - Wed to Sat


A.M.E. Bale Travelling Scholarship & Art Prize is awarded to artists who have demonstrated talent and achievement in traditional styles. With a judging panel comprised through the Twenty Melbourne Painters Society, an exhibition of finalists will be held at Caulfield's Glen Eira City Council Gallery.
When: Until November 6


Brummels, the focus of an exhibition held at Monash Gallery of Art in Wheelers Hill's, was the first Australian art gallery dedicated to exhibiting photography. The exhibition pays tribute to this important part of art history with works by Robert Ashton, Godwin Bradbeer and others.
When: Until January 22 - Closed Mondays


The Yarra River Cargo Project, presented by Melbourne's Chinese Museum, is a tongue-in-cheek contemporary art exhibition by Dale Cox. Featuring the heads of iconic figures of 20th century pop culture, his works explore the issue of cultural homogenisation as a result of globalisation.
When: Until November 13


Movement & Emotion, held at Northcote's Arts Project Australia, explores the movement and emotion of people in everyday life. Expressive and unique, the artworks created by numerous artists vibrantly capture key themes that include dance, a sense of carnival and portraiture.
When: Until November 26 - Closed Sundays


Autocue, held at Melbourne's Daine Singer Gallery, is an exhibition of Becc Orszag's drawings of eerie mountain scapes and figures in ritualistic actions, implying an unexplained history. Working from found imagery, Orszag explores the de-individualisation of society and voyeurism.
When: Until October 29 - Wednesdays to Saturdays


View More Exhibitions

Expos, Launches, Open Days & Lectures

Enterprize - Sailing for History Week will see the replica of Melbourne's founding tall ship operating evening and limited day sails in her new home port of Docklands. An exciting experience for all ages, the sailing trips offer a rare glimpse of life on the seas 176 years ago.
When: Tuesday to Monday, October 25 to 31


Gardivalia Festival of Gardens features events that bring together Gippsland Gourmet Country Tourism and local artists, offering an extravaganza of food and wine, arts, culture and entertainment. Held at various venues of West Gippsland, it includes gardens tours and workshops.
When: Until October 30


Rhododendron Show, held at the National Rhododendron Garden in Olinda, showcases the best spring blooms with a presentation by the Australian Rhododendron Society. Visitors can also choose to pay for a ride on the Garden explorer and learn about the garden from experienced guides.
When: Wednesday to Tuesday, Oct 26 to Nov 1


Craft & Sewing Show, held at Caulfield Racecourse, offers a craft lovers haven with an array of attractions showcasing beading, stamping, quilting, knitting, painting, textile art and more. With non-stop classes daily, the Expo features boutique products from a huge array of specialist retailers.
When: Thursday to Sunday, October 27 to 30


New Age Healing & Psychic Expo, appearing next in Caulfield, 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 30

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 Stranger In Town, performed at fortyfivedownstairs in Flinders Lane, is a production by by Christine Croydon and Alice Bishop, inspired by the original musical diary of Otto Lampel, who fled war-ravaged Prague for a new life in Canada where he found a fish, a lion, and a girl.
When: October 27 to November 13 (except Mondays)


Bloodline, held at the Butterfly Club, is a special Halloween performance featuring Brad Storer as he presents an hour of dark, twisted tales. Incorporating a range of songs from Nick Cave, Tom Waits and the Dresden Dolls, Storer delves into the darkness of his family history.
When: Thursday to Sunday, October 27 to 30


Joey and Maria's Italian American Wedding, Melbourne's newest and most exciting Theatre Restaurant experience, invites you to experience the wedding of a young Italian American couple and their wacky family as you join them in a hilarious wedding feast held at L'Unica on Parkville.
When: Friday October 28


Caffeine, held at Kew Court House, is a play by Joachim Matschoss that examines the many pitfalls and foibles of romance as it follws the story of Daniel, a guy who loves his coffee, loves to sit in a cafe and even more loves to have a chat - all he needs now is to organise his love life.
When: Until November 6 - Various Dates


Nightmare On Swan Street II, a live action horror performance held at The Owl and the Pussycat. The joint venture between theatre makers Matto Lucas, Iris Gaillardine and Jason Cavanagh ranges from the campiness of Jacksons 'Thriller' to the camp fire stories told to children.
When: Saturday October 29 - 7pm


Beauty and the Beast brings Disney's masterpiece to the stage of the Whitehorse Centre in Nunawading with a special musical presentation that's sure to delight audiences young and old as they follow the tale of Belle and how she touches the heart of the Beast.
When: October 21 to November 6 - Various Dates


Bye Bye Birdie, held at Altona City Theatre, is a great show for the whole family presented ACTion Youth Theatre and Altona City Theatre. The classic play is set in the late 1950s as teenagers from across the United States are going crazy for the handsome rock star, Conrad Birdie.
When: October 21 to 29 - Fridays to Saturdays


The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is based on the true story of a legendary Texas Brothel, the Chicken Ranch, which was brought to an end in 1973 when those involved were faced with a crusading do-gooder. Held at Banyule Theatre in Heidelberg, it's presented by Catchment Players.
When: October 21 to 29


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


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


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

Dido and Aeneas & Robin Hood's Lament is a double-bill presentation held at the Performing Arts Centre of Ashwood College. Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas is a classic of the English operatic repertoire, while Robin Hood's Lament is a new opera by Australian composer Nigel McBain.
When: Wednesday to Sunday, October 26 to 30


Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas will be performing at in concert at Melbourne's Assembly Hall. A legendary Scots fiddler, Fraser and his current musical partner virtuosic American cellist, Natalie Haas, will be supported by members of the acclaimed Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club.
When: Thursday October 27 - 7:30pm


Mozart Masterworks, presented by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, celebrates Mozart at the height of his powers. Joining the acclaimed orchestra and Chorus as conductor will be one of the world's leading early music scholars, Masaaki Suzuki. It's held at Melbourne Town Hall.
When: Saturday to Monday, October 29 to 31


The Wild Colonials, held at Melbourne Recital Centre in Southbank, is a performance by Benaud Trio as they pay homage to larrikin composer Percy Grainger fifty years after his death. The concert program also features Miriam Hyde's Fantasy Trio along with Beethoven's 3rd piano trio.
When: Saturday October 29 - 3pm & 6pm


Springtime Music is a series of small, acoustic free concerts held throughout local Glen Eira parks and gardens. This week, they'll present a concert by talented musicians, Sam Evans and Sabyasachi Bhattacharya with North Indian Art Music in a performance held at Halley Park in Bentleigh.
When: Sunday October 30 - 2.30pm to 4.30pm

Burlesque, Cabaret & Dance

Short+Sweet Cabaret, Melbourne's shortest and sexiest Cabaret Season, returns with a fantastic program showcasing theatrical and dance works by established and emerging artists. Held at Prahran's Chapel Off Chapel, there will also be a selection of acts from last year's program.
When: October 26 to November 6


Sirens of Sin, held at Red Bennies in South Yarra, is a sizzling and potent concoction like no other with an all-night romp through the vices. A journey through The Seven Deadly Sins features Rosy Rabbit as Envy and Becky Lou as Gluttony along with other tempting burlesque beauties.
When: Until November 4 - Fridays, 8pm


View More Performances & Concerts

Entertainment & Nightlife

Chet Baker: Like Someone In Love tells the story of the 'James Dean of Jazz' through a moving and raw narrative that's presented alongside a live trio of superb jazz musicians. Held at South Melbourne's Butterfly Club, the dark and tragic performance features David Goldthorpe.
When: Thursday to Sunday, October 27 to 30


Billie Wilde is 'Born This Way', performed at Downstairs At Alma's in Caulfield North, presents the return season of one of Australia's most enduring and endearing performers for 2 nights only, giving audiences the chance to revel in Billie's incredible ability to bring a song to life.
When: Friday & Saturday, October 28 & 29


Looking Through A Glass Onion, performed at The Palms at Crown, brings to the stage John Waters in his critically acclaimed production, which offers a homage to the music, mystery and memory of John Lennon with 31 songs including, A Day in The Life and other Lennon greats.
When: Friday & Saturday, October 28 & 29


Witch Hats will be appearing at Northcote Social Club to launch their newest album, 'Pleasure Syndrome'. Mixing elelments from the 60s to the 90s to form their own style of rebellious and primal noise pop, they'll be supported on the night by New War and Jonathan Michell.
When: Saturday October 29 - 8pm til late


View More Live Gigs

Cinema

Melbourne Horror Film Society, a not-for-profit group that screens the best and worst horror films ever made, holds monthly film sessions at Bar 303 in Northcote. With a generous entry fee by membership, they'll be screening People Under the Stairs by Wes Craven.
When: Wednesday October 26 - 7:30pm

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

Romp & Stomp Fun Day for Children, held to celebrate Universal Children's Day, takes place at Melbourne Museum with a great program of fun activities that cater for children five and under with storytelling, music, craft activities and many other fun and educational attractions.
When: Wednesday October 26 - 10am to 3pm


Cadbury Screme Egg Halloween Spooktacular, held in Docklands, transforms Shed 4 into the darklands with a frighteningly freaky event that's guaranteed to be a scream. With spine-chilling themed precincts to frighten the family, there'll be rides, pumpkin carving, surprises and more.
When: Friday to Monday, October 28 to 31


Luna Dark celebrates Halloween at St Kilda's iconic Luna Park with four days of Fright-tastic Fun. Come dressed up for a spine-tingling good time when there will be loads of Halloween prizes and discounts on offer, along with the ghjost train and a frightfully fun activity sheet for kids.
When: Friday to Monday, October 28 to 31


Children's Week, a national event that recognises the talents, skills and rights of young people, will be celebrated with many events taking place across Melbourne and Victoria. With workshops, celebrations and much more, the program has something for all.
When: October 22 to 30
Universal Children's Day: Wednesday October 26

Markets, Fetes and Fairs

Beaconsfield Primary School Market Night, held to raise funds for a new Prep Playground, features over 60 stalls selling a wide range of goods including giftware, children's accessories, lollies, decor, Christmas gifts, jewellery and more. There'll also be a Silent Auction with over 40 items.
When: Thursday October 27 - 6pm to 9pm


Aireys Inlet Fair offers fun for the whole family with a great day that features wine and beer tents, gourmet food and preserves, plants and crafts at over 50 market stalls. Along with kids' rides, jumping castle, live music and face painting, there'll also be raffles, a silent auction and more.
When: Saturday October 29


Mountains of Books Fair, held at Ferny Creek Recreation Reserve Hall in the Dandenong Ranges, features thousands of used, out-of-print and rare books from booksellers across Victoria. With many genres for sale, there will also be demonstrations on covering and maintaining your books.
When: Saturday & Sunday, October 29 & 30


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 available, offering Memorabilia, Records, Comics, Stamps and more.
When: Sunday October 30 - 9:30am to 4pm


Collectormania Market Fair, held at Hawthorn Town Hall, is a great chance to browse and buy from 150 stalls offering collectable, hobby and memorabilia items. Stalls at the event will feature 1000's of items for sale with a mix of vintage retro and hard to find collectables from many eras.
When: Sunday October 30 - 9am to 3pm

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 4

Melbourne Heart v Sydney
Saturday October 29 - 7:45pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne

WTAFL?

Australia v Ireland | International Rules
Football makes a brief return as Australia takes on Ireland for the Cormac McAnallen Cup.
Friday October 28
Marvel Stadium, Docklands

Horse Racing

Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington Racecourse offers all the excitement of the world-renowned four-race carnival.
Saturday October 29 - AAMI Victoria Derby Day
Tuesday November 1 - Emirates Melbourne Cup Day
Thursday November 3 - Crown Oaks Day
Saturday November 5 - Emirates Stakes Day


Friday Night Racing sees the nights come alive at Moonee Valley in a world-class season, where the world's best thoroughbreds, trainers and jockeys compete.
Next Race:
Friday October 28 - Night Racing / Derby Eve


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

Roller Derby

Victorian Roller Derby | Bout 5
Game 1 - Dolls Au-Go-Go vs Geelong Bloody Marys
Game 2 - Toxic Avengers vs Dead Ringer Rosies
Melbourne Showgrounds
When: Saturday October 29 - Doors Open 4:45pm

Golf

Golf Australia, the national sporting organisation overseeing golf in Australia, presents many events at various clubs, ranging from grassroots tournaments to elite levels of play.

Australian Men's Senior Match Play - Oct 24 to 26

Community Sports

AV Shield - Round 3, held at various venues and presented by the peak athletic body in the state, Athletics Victoria, is part of their wide range of events held to encourage, improve and promote a wide range of sports for all of their active members.
When: Saturday October 29 - Various Venues


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!

While My Picasso Gently Weeps...

One of Melbourne's most infamous and mysterious crimes was the theft of a $7 million painting by Picasso from the National Gallery of Victoria - now known as NGV International.

Stolen in 1986, one of Picasso's most well-known paintings, Weeping Woman, was taken from its display in the National Gallery of Victoria by a group calling itself the Australian Cultural Terrorists who demanded a ten per cent increase in arts funding and an annual prize for painting "open to artists under thirty'.

The painting was recovered several weeks later from a luggage locker at Spencer Street railway station - now known as Southern Cross Station.

Although never caught, it's assumed that unlike the NGV or Southern Cross Station, the Australian Cultural Terrorists were happy with their moniker as it was.

More about NGV International.. | Read Melbourne Trivia...

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