After a 5 month break The Essendon Record & CD Fair returns on Sunday. 70,000 Records, 10,000 CDS, Music Books, Magazines, Posters, DVDS and Music Memorabilia will be available for sale. Interstate stall holders attending. All styles and all eras. Rock, Pop, Jazz, Blues, Country, Hip Hop, Dance, Funk, Heavy Metal, Alternative, Electronica, Easy Listening etc. Melbourne’s only totally related music fair. Rarities, Past Hits, The Obscure & Bargains. This is the last fair for 2010. Plenty of nearby free parking. Public transport to door. Canteen open all day and air-conditioned comfort. Entry $3
We have a clothing exchange with a difference! With spring around the bend, it’s time for a ‘Swap your Frock’ swap. The event will bring fashionistas, vintage connoisseurs, jockeys and op-shopping veterans together to swap their frocks, millinery, shoes and handbags in order to update their wardrobes in time for the Spring Racing Carnival. The exchange is like a giant clothing store where everything is free. The only currency that counts are the buttons received for the garments contributed upon entry that are later used to ‘pay’ for the new selections. When the exchange begins, the room is filled with racks laden with clothes. Upon conclusion, there’s a small pile on the floor as attendees leave with bags full, big smiles and credit cards remain unused inside wallets.
To our fine city of Melbourne, happy birthday to you!
Monday marks 175 years since the first European settlers docked and and set up camp on the banks of the Yarra.
This weekend there are plenty of activities to help us celebrate – Melbourne Conversation lectures, walking tours and many 2 for 1 deals at places like the Eureka Skydeck, Old Melbourne Gaol and Cook’s Cottage.
Melbourne Writers Festival is the city’s premier literary festival featuring over 400 writers from around the world. Literary banquets, debates, readings, performances, film screenings and workshops are just some of the events you’ll enjoy at this year’s festival.
As part of the Taste of Melbourne festival this weekend, King Island Dairy is running 20 minute presentations on how to perfectly match cheese and beer. With a special surprise tasting at the end it sounds pretty much perfect to us.
Create your own dream degustation from a selection of 40 mouth-watering dishes created by Melbourne’s finest restaurants.
Over four days there will be opportunities to meet chefs, learn from demonstrations and discover gourmet produce.
Preserving the Ephemeral is a collaborative initiative between City of Yarra and The University of Melbourne and is a public forum to discuss the relationship between street art and architecture; the regeneration of urban space; and the merits or otherwise of street art conservation.
The day kicks off with a tour of said street art in FItzroy and ends in a discussion at the University of Melbourne. Bookings essential.
Melbourne Anime Festival, or MAniFest for short, is Australia’s largest dedicated Anime convention catering to more than13,000 attendees over three days in 2009.
Activities range from screenings of anime & Japanese live-action dramas, cosplay (dressing up as anime & video game characters) and much more. It has grown steadily since its inception in 2000
Tasmanian winemakers are trekking up north to showcase some of their finest bottles from the Apple Isle.
Over 130 wines from 25 wineries will be on show at the Intercontinental at the Rialto.
Triple R is a non-profit community radio station that relies on listener subscriptions to operate – listener-funded radio. The station does not receive government funding, and the annual subscription drive, Radiothon, is absolutely critical to keep the station beaming our signal out to listeners.
For ten days, Triple R asks listeners to ‘Make Contact!’ for a close encounter of the 3RRRd kind by taking out an annual subscription.
Blackmore Wagyu Beef is highly sought after for its luxurious and unparalleled flavour and texture.
Cafe Vue together with the Blackmore family are exploring what it is that makes it such a prized ingredient.
The price is $95 per person including a New York Sour on arrival, with an optional wine match available for $35. Reservations essential.
A huge 600 square metre ice rink has been built in Southbank to add some winter magic to the city.
Until the 15th of August there will be Bavarian tunes, dj nights, ice skating and a bar with wintery drinks.
Magnolia Square aim to “seek retailers at the top of their craft; true originators and innovators of ideas, products and concepts.”
What that means for you is that their stalls and products are unique to the market.
Gourmet treats, jewellery, stationary and more are available this weekend.
Melbourne Art Fair is an exhibition of leading contemporary art, presented by over 80 selected national and international galleries. The biennial event features paintings, sculpture, photography, installations and multi media art works of over 900 artists and attracts up to 30,000 visitors.
Matt Preston is getting behind the coffee machine to celebrate the official opening of Second Edition, the Brotherhood’s new cafe and recycled bookstore.
So come along to Malvern, grab a coffee from Matt and browse the shelves of high quality recycled books, vintage magazines and records, all donated by generous Brotherhood supporters.
To celebrate the release of her new book, It Tastes Better, Kylie will present at a taste and share evening held at Readings Hawthorn on Tuesday 3 August at 6.30pm. With wine by Scorpo and tastes from her new book the evening is sure to delight.
A wonderful opportunity to meet one of Australia’s most celebrated of chefs. $20 per person.
Bookings essential – places limited. Book by visiting Readings Hawthorn or calling
Lovers of underground, original and international films it is time to rejoice!
Once again the Melbourne International Film Festival is here to spread joy on our wintery Melbourne days.
Tickets are available on the website but are selling very fast- get in soon or you'll be disappointed.
Part of the State of Design festival, Melbourne Open House is a free tour through some of the city’s most architecturally and historically interesting buildings.
It is a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of some Melbourne icons including Block Arcade, the Malthouse Theatre and Federation Square.
You might not like cooking or reality tv but there is one thing you must like and that’s Matt Preston’s pants. There is no denying that his outfits are the stars of the show and we are looking forward to them being out in fine form on Sunday.
Indeed, why not participate in a Masterchef themed party? Present a cloche and your guests cannot enter unless they correctly identify all 28 ingredients. Just remember – apricots are different to apricot jam.
Sarah, our resident vintage market connoisseur, is a veteran of this market which can only mean that it is worth the trip because when she says it’s good, we go with it.
If you are looking for something vintage, quirky or are trying to find your inner hipster, this is the market to go to.
As part of the State of Design Festival Look.Stop.Shop is a design focused walk through Melbourne’s City Centre where a selected group of retailers have created special window displays and in-store installations exploring sustainable design.
A wonderful free and entertaining event in the city this weekend. Check out the online event guide here.
Run Melbourne is a semi-serious fun run where participants aim to both physically challenge themselves and raise money for a selected charity. Last year they raised $533,000 and they are aiming for $750,000 this year.
There is a half marathon, 10km run and 5km walk or run. You can turn up on the day if you have not yet registered.
f you go to one market this year, let it be this one.
As the name suggests the market is design focused with each stall carefully considered and only high quality, design-led applicants are allowed. It is quirky, fun and, best of all, undercover.
One word of warning- most products are not normal market prices, I suggest you bring cards as well as cash.
For the next week Gertrude Street hosts the annual projection festival where artist’s creations will be displayed on the buildings in the street.
Oh how we love Fitzroy.
The State of Design Festival is an initiative by the Victorian Government to increase awareness of how design generates innovation and promotes business and sustainability.
What this means for you is that there are a heap of activities on including lectures, dinners and exhibitions. A full list of happenings is on the website.
Has Sarah’s article tickled your fancy? Is Beetlejuice your favourite movie but you’ve been too embarrassed to tell anyone? Do you have an unrequited crush on Johnny Depp? If this is the case you only have three months to enjoy an exploration into Tim Burton’s peculiar and eccentric mind.
Pro tip: book online to avoid lining up for tickets.
You know, AFL might not be your thing. Old, balding, overweight AFL players running amuck on the field might be less of your thing. But let’s face it, the EJ Whitten match is a fantastic charitable gesture by the AFL and one that can and should be supported by all.
All proceeds from the match go to the EJ Whitten Foundation to support prostate cancer research and awareness. Over the past 15 years the game has raised over $900,000 for the cause and if you head down on Tuesday you can help them raise even more.
It’s certainly not your average shopping expedition. Farmers and producers roll up from across the state. There’s an abundance of fresh, seasonal and organic fruit and vegies, and also free range chooks, eggs and other meats, organic and sourdough breads, berries, juices, cheeses, sauces, chutneys, jams, pates, wine and honey and much more.
The time has come to have a laugh and tap your toes at Sacred Heart Mission’s annual concert, the Heart of St Kilda at the Palais Theatre. Embracing the spirit of community in St Kilda, some of Australia’s best known bands, solo artists and comedians, are wearing their hearts on their sleeves on this Tuesday night. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.
Performing this year are Adam Hills, Archie Roach, Brian Nankervis, Clare Bowditch, Daryl Braithwaite, Ella and Jesse Hooper, Ethel Chop, Even, Kutcha Edwards, Mick Thomas, Paris Wells, Rebecca Barnard, Stephen Cummings, Tex Perkins, Peter Hellier, The Frowning Clouds, Dave Hughes, Des Dowling, Greg Fleet, Ian Bland, Hannah Gadsby, and Judith Lucy.
Do you really need any excuse to go to the Lithuanian Club in North Melbourne? I should most certainly hope not – but if you have been looking for one (like I have) here it is.
The market is one of the best going around, small and quaint with all items vintage, handmade or locally produced.
Local art aficionado Sheridan Mills has organized a one-off group exhibition/party that the very ultra cool new vintage store Vintage Garage on Smith Street.
The theme is Vintage Inspired, and its a lady thing, with 6 local and interstate sisters doing it for thermselves.
It appears that this week’s TRM is dominanted by our favorite cultured suburb, Fitzroy. The Thread Den is a perfect of example of that crafty, get-everyone-involved, bring a plate of food and tell your nanna, pervasive Fitzroy attitude.
Tonight they are hosting an Etsy Craft party, where you bring your own supplies, a plate of food and knit, embroid, sew, embelish, cut, paste and unlock the night away.
Get ready to strap yourselves in for a nine day blast of animation from around the world in the 10th edition of the Melbourne International Animation Festival.
This will be your only opportunity in Australia to see such a comprehensive line-up of current animated short films in competition and specially curated programs, that highlight recent productions and absolute gems from the archive.
In a fabulous display of community rallying, PR and social action the infamous live music venue, The Tote, reopened last night and will be celebrating the whole weekend.
Rug up (seriously, it’s going to be freezing) and head down to the banks of the Yarra to support the Socceroos in their first match against Germany. Festivities start at 2:30am Monday morning, but the game doesn’t start until an ungodly 2 hours later. Lucky it’s a public holiday (thanks, Your Majesty!). They’re also showing the other two Australian games later in the Cup.
Remember those fancy shmancy 3D projectors James Cameron made everyone buy to play his Pocahontas movie? Hoyts have decided to use them to show the Australia vs Germany match, which is pretty awesome. It’s on at Chadstone and Melbourne Central. Take your pick.
Copacabana in Collingwood will be showing heaps of World Cup games with Brazillian flare. The full schedule is available on their website, and they’ll be serving dinner before the earlier (11:30pm) matches. Be sure to book for the Australia games.
This month, Victorian restaurants, wineries and producers will draw on a bounty of Victorian produce to celebrate the Put Victoria on Your Table philosophy with their take on the traditional winter favourite – the roast.
Ranging from a five-course roast degustation to hands-on roasting workshops, ‘The Roast Collection’ gathers more than 50 hearty events from around the state.
Check out the Melbourne Food and Wine website for a full list of events and restaurants participating.
Legendary producer of the ‘London Burlesque Week’ and self proclaimed ‘King of Burlesque’ Chaz Royal has teamed up with Australian producers and performers Dolores Daiquiri, Rosy Rabbit, and Sapphira to bring you the biggest burlesque event in Australian History.
Not for the faint hearted but a bit of fun, the festival aims to follow in the footsteps of New York, Paris and London and brings you the inaugural Australian Burlesque Festival.
Check out their website for the full guide.
We Melbournians most certainly enjoy priding ourselves on our art, culture and hint of Europeaness, elements void in other Australian cities. Our graffiti is definitely one such cultural icon we are most proud of judging by the outcry over the destruction over Banksy’s parachuting rat in Hosier Lane in late April.
Coincidently, ACMI at Federation Square are playing a season of his film, Exit Through the Gift Shop. It is the story of a guy called Thierry Guetta, who became obsessed with Banksy. Just like Banksy’s art, which blurs the line between vandalism and important cultural analysis, the movie is a critique on the art world, who, in time, became obsessed with Thierry Guetta.
From over 500 Films entered, the 27th St Kilda Film Festival showcases the top 100 Australian short films. It also presents music videos, youth programs and will hosts five industry forums and the ever-popular Industry Open Day, on Saturday 29 May.
The festival is based out of The George on Fitzroy Street, all tickets on sale there.
The Next Wave festival is nearly over and won’t be back for another two years, ANOTHER TWO YEARS people. I hope you’ve taken advantage of the upcoming and underground artists on show. Before it ends there is one other show that you must see.
Safari Team present Evolution, a visual experience that comes alive after dark on Birrarung Marr. What you see is a number of likely and highly unlikely scenarios for the future of the human species which are projected onto screens on the waterfront.
According to the website, the show will take you on an explosive jaunt through the past, present and future of human evolution- I just hope it doesn’t rain.
In order to celebrate the 75th anniversary of DC comics, Melbourne will attempt to bring together the most amount of people dressed as a superhero at Federation Square.
Registration for the kiddies (and “special” adults) will open at 9am with the record to commence at 10:30.
For extra incentive, the Melbourne Aquarium will allow free entry on the day to any child under 15 with an event wristband.
To celebrate the birth of cocktail this year 1806 will feature the evolution of the martini.
From the 6th of May, the date that the word cocktail was first used in the Balance and Columbia Repository, till the 6th of June, they will be showcases four different cocktail each week.
This week’s TRM pick for the Next Wave festival is “kinda like they shoot horses wrapped in lycra,” said Special Agent Dale Cooper.
Fun Run provides you with an opportunity to literally place bets on when the Running Man, Humphrey, will hit the wall. Join him on Saturday at the City Square from 2pm to cheer or jeer, and celebrate an evening of excess, spectacle, and endurance, David Blaine style.
With performances from the very talented folk of Gymnastics Victoria, Bodyelectric Dance Studios, Melbourne Cheerleading Academy, and National Bodybuilding Champions from around Australia.
Three co-workers enter an elevator on Friday evening. 48 hours later, they reach the ground floor.
Suspended 20 floors up, they only have each other to turn to. Watch as their minds unravel; feel yourself trapped in their hallucinations. The play is a voyeur’s view of a nightmare unfolding.
Inspired by the real-life experience of Nicolas White, the play will be performed in Melbourne’s newest performance venue. The show has been devised by the Grit Theatre ensemble, makers of the critically acclaimed 2009 Melbourne Fringe Show, Maelstrom.
Apparently the 1980’s were a particularly cruel era for the whisky industry in Scotland. Rampant oversupply, the flagging taste for blends and the lack of innovation inevitably led to one cruel result: closure.
Join the City Wine Shop and a leading whisky importer from the Odd Whisky Coy, Graham Wright as they explore one of the cruelest periods in Scottish distilling: the closures.
On tasting will be five rare spirits from now closed distilleries.
Another new market in Melbourne has popped up, this time though, it is fashion focused.
The Up & Comers Market is open to support exactly that, up & comers looking for a head start in the fashion industry.
If it interests you, head down to the Belgium Beer Garden. You never know, you might give someone the head start they need.
During the Next Wave festival TRM will shout out a pick for the week.
This week we have chosen The Chicken Stampede which documents the releasing of 500 chickens down Smith Street in Collingwood. They were allowed to run free through the garbage, enter shops and eventually ushered into a home’s back garden where they grazed and fertilised.
The Chicken Stampede is a performance, exhibition and artist book that unfolds the ideas and processes behind this ambitious project.
Looking for ideas of things to do with your mother? Try these:
- Scones with Jam and Cream at Miss Jackson in St Kilda
- A picnic at the Botanical Gardens
- Lunch and a show at the Seville Winery
- A French movie at the Healesville Memorial Hall
Suprise her and she will love you that little bit more.
Forget yoga. Forget All-Bran. Forget colonic irrigation. If you really want to do something that makes you feel good inside – just SING. And what better place to sing out than at The Butterfly Glee Club, the hippest sing-along choir in town.
Head down to The Butterfly Club and sing as loudly or softly as you like – there are no solos, no microphones and no commitment to come every week.
Tuesdays is show-tunes, Wednesdays is pop classics.
When I think of craft, chunky-knit jumpers with baubles, lace decals and the occasional snowflake come to mind.
But apparently, as Etsy and Pip from Meet Me at Mikes have informed me, craft is now in vogue.
This Saturday, Craft Victoria will host a market with all sorts of modern handmade goodness including jewellery, clothing and art.
I have an unearthly fear of clowns. Something about the make-up and the seedy tricks and those elephantine shoes.
Buskers and their chests of miscellaneous juggling items are far too closely related for my comfort.
As such, the St Kilda Busking Festival is something I will be staying far away from, but for normal people, a great option for a Sunday afternoon.
Sometimes, things are inexplicable. This is one of those times.
Many, many people (Facebook has 6879 confirmed guests) will be marching slowly down Nicholson Street towards Southbank dressed as Zombies, blood and guts aplenty.
I will let Stevo Welsh have the final say with his comment on the event -
“i want to wear a particular item of clothing to the shuffle thats kinda part of the look but i heard ridiculous amounts of fake blood get thrown around and i would like to avoid ‘bloodening’ the clothing… is this true? is it safe to wear or should i find something that i dont really want to wear again…??”
Who knows Stevo, who knows?
Most people don’t know the difference between apple cider and apple juice, but I do. Here’s a little trick to help you remember:
If it’s clear and yella’, you’ve got juice there, fella! If it’s tangy and brown, you’re in cider town. Now, there’s two exceptions and it gets kinda tricky here…
The Kellybrook Winery Cider Festival is on again this weekend. For just $8 admission (children under 14 are free), enjoy cider, home made apple desserts and freshly squeezed apple juice.
There’s nothing better than a dessert you feel good about, even though it is just as unhealthy as any other dessert – Like health muffins with lashings of butter.
But this weekend, you can feel good about eating Anzac cookies for two reasons: not only do the delicious oats provide all the roughage you need but you can feel patriotic at the same time.
This breezily easy recipe is a great way of paying homage to our country’s servicemen, while simultaneously satisfying your craving for “nutritious” sweet.
“Pizza and a movie” are four words that tend to be associated with a lazy Saturday night with the girls, something with pajamas and many blocks of Dairy Milk.
This Saturday night, swap the Cadbury for gelato and take your blankets down to Piazza Italia on Lygon Street. Films such as L’ultimo Bacio (The Last Kiss) and Pane e Tulipani (Bread and Tulips) are screened every Saturday under the stars.
With the heady taste of Carlton on your tongue, Saturday night movies just got a whole lot more entertaining.
We would like welcome to the family the distantly-related-thrice-removed cousin of Tight Arse Tuesday – Big Arse Saturday.
Kicking off the 2010 Melbourne Jazz Fringe Festival, the shamelessly brazen event promises 6 hours of earthy, soul-filled music.
Some of the featured artists include the Zac Hurren Trio, James Annesley Quartet and Bob Hinterland. Head down to Bella Union Bar at Trades Hall, from 2-6 on Saturday for a seriously chilled-out afternoon.
Here at TRM we have attempted to offer different suggestions for The Comedy Festival and for our last pick we are offering last year’s Barry Award winners, The Pajama Men, showing at the Melbourne Town Hall.
When talking about their new show they said, “we’re on a train, and then there is a girl who is undead, and then there is a monstrous criminal who comes in, plus we’re really physical and we do a lot of mime and improv moments.” OK then.
There have been raving reviews for this year’s show and after seeing it on Tuesday, we suggest you snatch up any tickets left for their last three gigs.
The Carlton Hotel has joined together with Studios Design Market to bring you the newest and niche-est craft market in town.
Stallholders will be selling mostly Melbourne made lighting, art, furniture and crafts.
In this comedy, Frankston is dead. An extremist local Mayor has been voted in, banning musical theatre. What was once a happy-go-lucky outer-suburban ghetto by the sea, where musical-theatre gangs serenaded teenage mums in the mall, has been transformed into a world where the sun doesn’t shine and it’s no longer legal for straight men to act gay.
The play has just released an extended season until May first and with a name like that, who could resist?
This Saturday is International Pillow Fight day. Looking hard on their website I am unable to find a reason for this special day, there seems to be no charity or cause to promote, just simple silliness and fun.
For the last two years more than 300 people have come out to release some tension on their fellow fighters in Melbourne and this year the organisers want it bigger and better – so if you’re game head down on Saturday, BYO pillow.
Melbourne expanded dramatically in the 1950s and 60s, with new suburbs boasting modern homes and décor often influenced by Swedish design. The migration to these suburbs, boosted by the booming post-war economy and the baby boom, saw the start of serious consumerism by the masses.
Join Professor Adrian Franklin of the ABC’s Collectors program as he leads a panel discussion with guests.
This week’s TRM pick for the Comedy Festival sees the father of our colourful comedy history, Rod Quantock, lead a walking tour through Fitzroy.
Explore some of the ghosts and legends of Melbourne’s comedy scene. Have a drink at the end, perhaps lamenting our loss of live venues and comedy clubs.
The website suggests BYO sunscreen and umbrellas, but noses, glasses and chooks will be supplied.
St Kilda’s community garden hosts a Victorian Farmer’s Market on the first Saturday of the month.
This month you’ll find free range chooks, beef, lamb and eggs for the holidays as well as a range of Autumn fruits and vegetables, so get your broccoli, pumpkins, rocket, leeks, apples, nashi, berries and stone fruit while they last.
You’ll also find radishes, Asian greens, lettuces, rocket, kohl rabi, fresh pistachios, basil, coriander, field tomatoes, capsicums, corn, free range meats, chooks and eggs, organic dairy and fresh juices.
Remember the market is plastic bag free – so bring you baskets, green bags, prams, carriages, saucepans and anything else to hold your goodies.
This week’s TRM pick for the Comedy Festival is the Silent Disco.
To be honest, I have no idea why it is part of the festival, but it’s sure to be different to anything else you do this long weekend.
At the door, you’re given a pair of headphones and are shown to the silent dance floor. Two DJs compete for your attention – you choose which one to listen to via your headset. Take your headphones off and all you hear is the singing and laughing of the participants.
Just before the cooler weather sets in, why not rent a bike for a day or two of this long weekend?
Imagine how far you could take yourself. Why not try a hot cross bun from all the top notch bakeries in Fitzroy or follow the Yarra and picnic in Studley Park? Oh the possibilities!
$15 for the first hour and then $5 for every hour after, or $35 a day.
With school holidays back this week it is nice to know that Federation square is doing their bit to keep you sain.
Mary and Max is an exhibition that goes behind the scenes of Adam Elliott’s 2009 stop-motion feature. See models, costumes, sketches, and sets of the film.
Also, for only $5, ACMI will be screening Up everyday at 1pm. The Pixar 3D movie recently won the Best Animated Film category at the 2010 Oscars.
Shaun Micallef and Stephen Curry together at last!
Part of the Comedy Festival, the duo are performing the sketches of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore from Monty Python fame.
Sure to be hilarious, it’s this week’s TRM pick for the festival.
Inspired by Sarah’s article? Well, in a burst of extra vintage love, Hello Sailor will hold a raffle over this weekend’s two-day bonanza, the proceeds of which will go to the earthquake victims in Haiti.
They are heralding a new and very welcome vintage experience for Melbourne so head on down to The Grace Darling Hotel Saturday or Sunday to find out for yourselves.
Ron Mueck makes sculptures of life forms on extraordinary scale. He is rather well know in the contemporary art scene and this is the first time such a large exhibition of his work has travelled to the Southern Hemisphere. (Sometimes we are so lucky in Melbourne)
Every person we have spoken to said it is phenomenal and a real must see.
For the month of March Beer DeLuxe at Fed Square will showcase Japanese culture, beers and food as part of the Shinobi Japanese Secret Beer Garden.
Inspired by Japanese tea gardens, this pop-up beer garden will feature top Japanese beers, sake and cocktails with freshly prepared sushi and yakitori. Japanese designers, Hoshika Oshimi and Tatsuyoshi Kawabata, of ESS (Experiment Surreal Style) Laboratory, will also present their new work, ‘Disfigurement of Purity’.
Fitzroy’s favorite arty and crafty market is going fashion focused in honour of one of the many festivals this week. Expect to find unique pieces from emerging designers.
As an extra treat, Sunday’s market will feature local jazz, blues and folk musicians in a jam session. It will be sure to have you bopping along.