Newsletter | #308 | What's On this Week Newsletter | #308 | What's On this Week

Welcome to this week's Melbourne events, exhibitions, sports and community guide for Tuesday to Monday, November 27 to December 3, 2012.

This week... we officially hit the Big D, that being December, and already the Christmas chicanery abounds with the return of Spirit of the Square celebrating with seasonal attractions at Federation Square. It would seem the place to be this week, what with two other big events also taking place there.

Along with Fair@Square casting an empathetic light on Fair Trade and Ethical goodies for the conscientious present hunter, there's also the Disability Sport & Recreation Festival with a great range of activities and guests that include some of Australia's finest Paralympians.

Also this week, as promised, there's the Carols Guide for those eager to give their lungs some cheery exercise along with the School Holiday Guide to help you ease into the oncoming chaos that also goes hand in hand with the Big D.

I've already had a taste of what's to come, what with my year 11 lad finishing school early for the first time this year. It's going to be an interesting one, I'd wager, what with him also discovering a supposed "talent"for Bill Cosby impressions.

There's only so much I can take of being asked if he can have a sand-baderp-a-zap-da-doop-a-wich every time he's hungry... which is often.

OnlyMelbourne Welcomes

Enchanted Garden New Year's Eve, held at the Royal Melbourne Hotel, is an invitation to ring in the New Year with the most talented and hottest burlesque stars that include 2011's Miss Burlesque Australia Miss Sina King, Leda Petit, Minsky Malone and many other performers.
When: Monday December 31 - Bookings Advised


not a very good story, performed at Carlton's La Mama Theatre, is May Jasper's bitter sweet tale of Stephanie, told with the aid of an overhead projector and eight carefully drawn acetates as she explains what inspired her to steal, lie and ultimately betray the woman she loved.
When: January 31 to February 10

School Holiday Guide

Check out our School Holiday Guide for the latest on what to do with the kids during Summer Holidays. The holiday guide offers a great range of activities for the young and young at heart, with events, tours, workshops, concerts and holiday programs.. all in marvellous Melbourne!
School Holiday Guide - Dec 21 to Jan 29

Christmas Carols

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

New Year's Eve Hot Spots

New Year's Eve is already looming large, so to help plan ahead, check out just some of the many and varied New Year's events that we have listed. With music events, themed parties, concerts and more, New Year's Eve is set to be a big one when we show those uppity Aztecs what for!
New Year's Eve Hot Spots

Competitions & Sales

WIN an Envy Apron!!! The ENVY collection by Margarette Louise has released a fun range of limited edition 'Couture Aprons'. To WIN your choice of any ENVY Apron from their current range, simply 'LIKE' their facebook page and leave a comment saying which apron's your fave!
LIKE Envy Today & WIN!!

Major Events

Fair@Square, held at Federation Square, is a free Fair Trade and Ethical Festival with displays from ethically minded businesses and services for people of all ages. The festival includes cultural and educational activities along with fashion, music, workshops and kids' activities.
When: Friday to Sunday, November 30 to December 2


Disability Sport & Recreation Festival, held at Federation Square, is an interactive event promoting physically active lifestyles for all people. Free to attend, there'll be Come and Try activities, a community exhibition, Wheelchair Basketball Challenge, Paralympian guests and more.
When: Monday December 3 - 10am to 3pm


Spirit of the Square presents fabulous Christmas activities for the whole family at Federation Square with songs from the Salvos, community choirs and the playful festivities of In The Pines, an installation of over recycled plastic Christmas trees by local urban artists, The Projects.
When: December 1 to 30


Scandinavian Christmas Bazaar celebrates Christmas in a very uniquely Scandinavian style at Toorak's Swedish Church. The free event features gift stalls with items from Sweden, Denmark and Norway, craft displays, Scandinavian foods, children's activities, music and more.
When: Saturday & Sunday, December 1 & 2


Elwood Village Festival presents a fun event for the whole family the annual community Christmas festival offering a great range of attractions for young and old with culinary delights from local restaurants and cafes, live music, rides and activities for children plus much more.
When: Sunday December 2 - Midday to 4pm


Seafarers Multicultural Festival showcases the best of Lakes Entrance with this year's Ambassador Paul Mecurio presenting cooking demonstrations with Mark Olive along with other highlights that include a vibrant parade, kids' activities, Koorie artworks, live music and more.
When: Friday to Sunday, November 30 to December 2


Torquay Festival celebrates the coastal town's diverse community, culture and arts with a festival that focuses on local participation while also welcoming visitors with a program that includes live music performances, market stalls, childrens' entertainment, fireworks and more.
When: Saturday & Sunday, December 1 & 2


Kilmore Show offers a diverse range of events and activities for the whole family with traditional dog, horse and home-craft competitions. Celebrating its 150th year, Kilmore Racetrack comes alive with children's performances, rides, art workshops, market stalls and much more.
When: Saturday December 1 - 9am to 4:30pm


Eureka Festival commemorates the anniversary of 1854's Eureka Rebellion in Ballarat with a program of informative and fun events that include special dinners, historical tours, art exhibitions and the highlight of horseracing action with the Eureka Pacing Cup.
When: November 24 to December 3

Art Exhibitions

Against The Wall, held at the Planex Gallery in Richmond, is a group exhibition presented by Vagabond Space. Showcasing a diverse range of multi-media, the exhibition features works by twenty practicing Melbourne artists that include Katie Short, Arie Rain Gorie and Belinda Rogers.
When: November 29 to December 14
Opening Night: Thursday November 29 - 6pm to 9pm
Lost Few Performance: Friday November 30 - 6pm to 9pm


Creative Boutique Art Exhibition, held at Narelle Byrne Gallery in Kew, is a presentation of works from Lena Heto in collaboration with David Cantero. With works from Melbourne and Barcelona, the exhibition fuses a fun sense of culture, fashion and glamour through digital art on canvas.
When: December 1 to 30
Opening Night: Saturday December 1 - 7pm (RSVP Required)


Twisted, held at Collingwood Gallery, is an exhibition of contemporary basketry pieces created by members of the Basketmakers of Victoria. Featuring a diverse range of works, items range from traditional basketry to contemporary sculptural interpretations, with all works for sale.
When: Until December 6


More Exhibitions

Expos, Launches, Open Days & Lectures

Sexpo, the Health, Sexuality and Lifestyle Exhibition, offers extensive information and displays about health, sexuality, adult lifestyles and entertainment. With the event covering many other areas including beauty services, fitness and more, it's held at Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
When: Friday to Sunday, November 30 to December 2
Also See: EROS Shine Awards - Thursday November 29


Entertainment Biz Expo, held at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Southbank, brings many of Australia's creatives together under one roof for an event that features exhibitors, seminars and a networking gala for those already in the industry or aspiring to be.
When: Sunday December 2 - 10am to 7:30pm


Pottery Expo, appearing at the Atrium of Federation Square, is an annual showcase of unique works with high quality and innovative ceramics by Australian studio artists. The exhibition is also a chance to meet not only local potters but also artists from all across Victoria.
When: Sunday December 2 - 10am to 5:30pm

Melbourne Tours

Melbourne Tours & Activities are a great way to take Dad out on the town to discover some of the hidden treasures in your own city. With guided tours, winery excursions, sports events and more, there's no end of great attractions throughout Melbourne and Victoria.
Find Melbourne Tours & Activities


More Expos & Launches | More Open Days | More Tours

Performances & Theatre

Verve Actors Studio Showcase, held at Revolt ArtSpace in Kensington, celebrates the talent, dedication and passion of Verve's 1st year, 2nd year and teen ensembles in a series of productions that embrace all they've learned, having worked with some of Melbourne's best instructors.
When: November 27 to December 9


Over My Dead Body, performed at The Basin Theatre, is Derek Benfield's whimsical play about a man who hopes to spend the rest of his days in reflective solitude following the death of his wife, only to find that she'd had the foresight to set in motion plans that would prove otherwise.
When: Until December 1 - Thursday to Saturday


Hatched House Party is a festival of New Theatre from six young performers who've created engaging productions that capture their unique ramblings, desires, hopes and even their nightmares. Spread across three stages, it takes place at St Martins Youth Arts Centre in South Yarra.
When: Friday & Saturday, November 30 & December 1

Classical, Choral & Recitals

Hush Music Foundation, which performs music to reduce stress for patients in hospitals, will present a free concert at Federation Square's BMW Edge to celebrate the release of The Wind in the Willows, their CD with music from pianist Marc Isaacs and narration from Andrew Ford.
When: Thursday Nov 29 - 7pm | Bookings Advised


With One BIG Voice! is an annual celebration of diversity with over 400 voices brought together to sing as one at Melbourne Town Hall. Featuring the talents of 14 community choirs, they'll be joined by celebrated artists that include soprano Tania de Jong AM and other guests.
When: Sunday December 2 - 3:30pm


Christmas on Cloud9, held at North Balwyn Uniting Church, is the first concert from Cloud 9 Women's choir, formerly the Elation Women's Choir. Under new direction from the very accomplished Tianyi Lu, the Christmas themed program features songs from around the world.
When: Sunday December 2 - 2:30pm

Burlesque, Cabaret & Dance

Short+Sweet Cabaret, the world's biggest little arts festival, returns to Prahran's Chapel Off Chapel with a lively program of 10 minute works packaged into nightly shows to showcase the best theatrical and dance works performed by established and emerging artists.
When: Until December 9


Chique Cirque, held at National Institute of Circus Arts in Prahran, features the talents of some of Australia's finest circus artists in a provocative performance that fuses beauty, power and risk with the evening also including a pre-show cocktail party with roving entertainment.
When: Thursday November 29 - 6:30pm to 9:30pm


Bohemia Cabaret Club, located in South Melbourne, caters to every taste with weekly cabaret and burlesque shows presenting everything from the sublime to the ridiculous and the base to the refined with shows that celebrate laughter, horror, joy and tears, sin and sensuality.
When: Wednesdays to Sundays


More Performances & Theatre | More Dance & Ballet

Entertainment & Nightlife

Henry Wagons and The Unwelcome Band will perform at The Substation in Newport. Named one of Melbourne's Top 100 Most Influential People in 2009, Wagons is regarded as one of Australia's best entertainers today with his charismatic performances of stomping outlaw country.
When: Friday November 30 - Doors Open 7:30pm


Munro Melano, a Melbourne based singer-song writer, session musician, and film composer, will be performing at Northcote's Wesley Anne to launch his new album, Running Round. Joined by his four piece live band, they'll be supported by Mechanical Pterodactyl and The Skies.
When: Friday November 30 - 8pm


Beat Beat Tanuki! brings the best of Japan's pop culture to the fore with an eclectic musical and visual mash-up of Godzilla-like proportions at Melbourne's Horse Bazaar. With a DJ line-up that includes Kyonshi and Gamera, there'll also be projections of J-Pop karaoke, anime and more.
When: Saturday December 1 - 9pm to 1am

Comedy & Magic

Comedy Night @ The Felix Bar in St Kilda presents the hottest comic talent from both Melbourne and afar. This week, the headline act will be special guest Celia Pacquola who'll be joined by Ben Lomas, Michael Williams, David Quirk, Moataz Hamde and Mike Nayna.
When: Wednesday November 28 - 8:30pm


The Big HOO-HAA! is one of Melbourne's most successful improvised comedy shows held at Melbourne's Portland Hotel where each week two teams, the Hearts and the Bones, battle it out against each other armed with only the suggestions that the audience gives them.
When: Thursday November 29 - Doors Open 7:30pm


Careful What You Wish For, held at the Athenaeum Theatre, is an all-new show from the dark and twisted mind of international comedy star and ventriloquist, David Strassman. The mind-bending performance finds David's own creations taking over his mind.
When: Until Sunday December 2

Cinema

Japanese Film Festival, held at Melbourne's ACMI Cinema and Hoyts Melbourne Central, offers an exciting program that celebrates the best of Japanese cinema with events that include panel discussions with special guests and over 40 Australian premieres in the program.
When: November 29 to December 6


Summer Time Cinema, presented by the City of Boroondara, offers outdoor screenings held at various parks and gardens. Free to attend, bring along a blanket, pack a basket, and settle in for some great entertainment with their program next screening the film, Footloose.
When: Burwood | Saturday December 1 - 8:30pm


Ben & Jerry's Openair Cinema offers an eclectic mix of live music and entertainment provided by local and national artists. Held at St Kilda's South Beach Reserve, the cinema features a diverse program of films with classics, family films, current blockbusters and more.
When: December 4 to January 6
Big Opening Night Charity Event: Sunday December 2


More Live Gigs | More Comedy & Magic | More Cinema

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 with 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 December 2


Santa's Magical Kingdom offers a truly magical experience at Burnley Oval in Richmond, which will be transformed into a wonderland children will love. The interactive adventure land features a Christmas themed circus show, snow falls, rides, special guests, activities and more.
When: Until December 23


Wonderland Fun Park Christmas Spectacular celebrates the Christmas season with the fun park in Docklands hosting a great range of attractions for the family. Along with the chance for kids to meet Santa and receive a gift, there's also the Christmas village, rides and more.
When: Until December 24


More Children's Events | More Circus

Markets, Fetes and Fairs

German Christmas Market, held at Deutsche Schule Melbourne in North Fitzroy, offers the charm of a traditional German Weihnachtsmarkt with handmade decorations and gifts with a German flavour, clothes, food and fun activities for kids along with a visit from Saint Nikolaus.
When: Friday November 30 - 5pm to 9pm


St Nicholas Day Fair, presented by Taraleigh Steiner Pre-School in Bentleigh East, offers a great day for the family with live music, organic and biodynamic food, face painting, story-telling, treasure hunt, silent auction, locally crafted Christmas gifts, Christmas trees and more.
When: Saturday December 1 - 11am to 3pm


Spotswood Festival, presented by Spotswood Farmers' Market, celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Aussie movie "Spotswood"starring Anthony Hopkins and Russell Crowe with the market also featuring live music, food and family activities and a special screening of the film.
When: Saturday December 1 - 9am to 5pm

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

Suzuki Night Market, held at Queen Victoria Market, has become a summer tradition that offers a great mix of unique products along with a fantastic atmosphere with a stunning mix of world food, eclectic wares, bars and even live music stages showcasing Melbourne's best music.
When: Until February 27 - Wednesdays, 5pm to 10pm
Also See: Fresh Mob2 CD Launch - Wednesday November 28 - 6:20pm


SmartBar, held at Melbourne Museum, is a summer pop-up bar with a more than interesting twist. Along with guest DJs and drinks, it also caters to the curious with a look this year at Melbourne's darker history, exposing historical scandals, ruinous rumours and infamous crimes.
When: Thursday November 29 - 6pm to 9:30pm


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Book a Restaurant Today

Sporting Events

IASbet, Australia's premier online betting agency, offers better odds for Horse Racing and Sports Betting both here and overseas. An easy way to take a punt on any of the many races 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

Soccer

Hyundai A-League | Round 9

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory
Friday November 30 - 7:30pm
AAMI Park, Melbourne

Basketball

WNBL | Round 9
Dandenong v Canberra
Saturday December 1 - 7pm - Dandenong Stadium
Bulleen v Bendigo
Saturday November 24 - 7:30pm - Veneto Club

Dance Sports

Australian DanceSport Championship, held at Hisense Arena, brings together dance lovers in a colourful event that attracts competitors from around Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe for dance styles that include New Vogue, Latin American and many more.
When: Thursday to Sunday, November 29 to December 2

Sailing

ISAF Sailing World Cup sees Sail Melbourne again present the first leg of the prestigious event held in Melbourne as the world's top sailing talent descend on the state-of-the-art surroundings of Sandringham Yacht Club for engaging on-shore events and activities.
When: December 2 to 8
Carnival Family Day: Saturday December 8


More Sports Events | More Motor Sports & Auto 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!

Exhibit B

Exhibition Street was originally named Stephen Street. However, after the Melbourne International Exhibition held in 1880 and Melbourne Centennial Exhibition held in 1888 were hosted at the Royal Exhibition Building, the street was renamed.

The name was officially changed by the Melbourne City Council on 5 December 1898.

More on Melbourne Street Names | Read Melbourne Trivia...

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