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The White Hat Guide to Major Events in Melbourne

Listed below are some major events in Melbourne. For a more comprehensive listing see:

What's on in Melbourne

Queen Victoria Night Market

A bustling night market with food, wine, craft and other stalls and entertainment. Operates over the summer months on Wednesdays (except Christmas Eve and New Years Eve)
5.30 to 10pm, Wednesays during summer

Queen Victoria Market -

Anzac Day March

9am-12.45pm 25 April 2009

Starting at Flinders Street and progressing along St Kilda road to the Shrine -

Enquiries: (03) 9658 9658

Public Art

There is much public art to be seen on the streets at any time of day as well as in many public buildings. More information on public art in Melbourne. In addition, public bodies such as the City of Melbourne sponsor temporary artworks and installations in laneways and public spaces.

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Free

Johnston Street Fiesta

Did you miss this event? Then subscribe to our free email newsletter to receive advance notice of events such as this one. White Hat has kept its subscribers Informed since last century and has long become a Melbourne Institution for those Intelligent and Independent souls prepared to look beyond the bounds of either the mainstream -commercial or mainstream-alternative marketing machines. (However, be warned that we can occasionally be a little Irreverent.)

Sexy and vibrant, Johnson Street’s Fiesta promises more kick than a tequila sunrise. Every year thousands of Melburnians are lured to Fitzroy for a weekend fiesta of food, music and dancing. The street is lined with stalls serving paella, chorizo sausages, sangria, tapas and other taste sensations. A giant stage offers entertainment for all ages. ( Please note - This festival has previously been known as the Spanish Festival or Hispanic Festival. )
15 & 16 November 2008

Johnston Street (between Nicholson & Brunswick Streets, Fitzroy -

Free Enquiries: (03) 9205 5109

Sidney Myer Free Concerts - Concert 1

Did you miss this event? Then subscribe to our free email newsletter to receive advance notice of events such as this one. White Hat has kept its subscribers Informed since last century and has long become a Melbourne Institution for those Intelligent and Independent souls prepared to look beyond the bounds of either the mainstream -commercial or mainstream-alternative marketing machines. (However, be warned that we can occasionally be a little Irreverent.)

2009 is a special year in the history of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Fifty years earlier in 1959, the bowl officially opened with a concert featuring a colourful orchestral travelogue. The MSO is proud to present, 50 years later to the day, a faithful replica of this exciting program on the opening night of the Orchestra's Golden Anniversary Bowl season.

    Our rating - 5 Hats

    Hat Hat Hat Hat Hat
  • Berlioz The Damnation of Faust: Rakoczy March
  • Bizet Carmen: Suite No 1
  • Enescu Romanian Rhapsody No 1
  • Gershwin Piano Concerto in F - John Chen piano
  • Hughes Essay for Orchestra (1953)
  • Wagner The Mastersingers of Nuremberg: Prelude
7pm (gates open at 4pm), 12 February 2009

Sidney Myer Music Bowl -

Opera in the Park

Did you miss this event? Then subscribe to our free email newsletter to receive advance notice of events such as this one. White Hat has kept its subscribers Informed since last century and has long become a Melbourne Institution for those Intelligent and Independent souls prepared to look beyond the bounds of either the mainstream -commercial or mainstream-alternative marketing machines. (However, be warned that we can occasionally be a little Irreverent.)

Free twilight opera in the park. Join us in the beautiful surrounds of Victoria Gardens for one of the highlights on the Stonnington event calendar. Be treated to performances by some of Melbourne's finest operatic artits. Artists: Nicole Car, Melanie Adams, Jacob Caine and Phillip Calcagno. Artistic Director: Cameron Menzies Conductor: Rick Prakhoff. White Hat advises that this event has been rescheduled from 7th Feb to 21st February.

6.30pm, Saturday 21st February 2009

Victoria Gardens, Victoria Gardens -

Free Enquiries: (03) 8290 1333

Winter Solstice Bonfire

Winter Solstice celebration featuring:

  • Fire Performers
  • Children's Lantern Parade
  • Giant Lantens
  • Mulled Wine
  • Food Stalls
  • Bar
  • Wandering Minstrel
  • Drummers

Tickets for pre sale at Farm Reception or at the gate from 4pm on the night. Please note tickets can not be purchased over the phone or reserved. Entertainment will be happening from 4pm onwards. The fire performers will begin at approximately 5pm. The fire will be lit at 6pm. Food and bar service will be available throughout.

4pm to 9pm, 20th June 2009

Collingwood Children's Farm -

Entry: $16 family, $8 adult, $4 Children Enquiries: (03) 9417 5806

CERES Yule Celebration - Winter Solstice 2009

Celebrate the return of the light from the darkest night at CERES Winter Solstice. Brighten up your winter’s night and discover the beauty of darkness and light with: Shadow puppetry from renowned puppeteers Stories from the Ground,

  • A traditional Yule ritual & sprial dance
  • Fire sculpture & poetry
  • A stellar musical line up:
  • Rosie Burgess Trio, Jayden Lillyist, Broni, Mladen on the Ud - (Arabic Lute)

Tickets at the Gate - $10 Members/Concession $15 Full $5 School Age $20 Passionate - $5 of ticket price goes to CERES Environment Fund

3pm to 9pm, Sunday 21st June 2009

CERES Environmental Park, 8 Lee Street, East Brunswick -

Melbourne Boat Show

Melbourne Boat Show – See what’s new for summer - Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 2-6 July – Wake/Ski and fishing boats, luxury cruisers, marine accessories, kids’ activities & more. Tickets at last year’s prices: Adults $17; Concession $12; Children FREE (under 16, with an adult).
2nd to 6th July 2009

Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Southgate -

Enquiries: (03) 8696 5600

Melbourne Open House 2009

On Sunday 19 July, Melbourne Open House (MOH) will hold its second annual open house with free of charge access to explore more than 30 public and private spaces, many of which are usually inaccessible to the public.Closer to the event White Hat will publish a more detailed guide to the buildings in our free weekly Melbourne newsletter.

 

Sunday 19th July 2009

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Free

Enterprize Day (Melbourne Day)

An annual event to celebrate European settlement of Melbourne. On August 30 1835 John Fawkner's party sailed up the Yarra in the Enterprize and anchored at base of the falls in the centre of what we now call Melbourne.
30 August 2009

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Enquiries: (03) 9658 9658

Carols by Candlelight

An event that has become a popular part of the Melbourne calendar
24 December 200

Sidney Myer Music Bowl -

Anzac Day March

Tha annual march along Swanston Street and St Kilda Road to the Shrine.
25 April 2010

Along Swanton Street to Shrine of Remembrance -

Anzac Day Dawn Service

The traditional atmospheric service at the Shrine.
6am, 25 April 2010

Shrine of Remembrance -

Free Enquiries: (03) 9654 8415

Toorak Village Festival of Sculpture

Ninety items of sculpture in various premises in Toorak Village. Most of the exhibitions can also be viewed at night and many are available for purchase.
1st to 31st May 2010 ?

Toorak Village -

Enquiries: 0419 005 052
 

Forthcoming Events

These events are ones which have run in the past and we expect to run in the future. As yet we do not have confirmed details, dates and contact details. To be informed of those details when they become available you can subscribe to our newsletter "Great things to do in Melbourne".

AFL Grand Final

The culmination of the Australian Rules Football season.
September 2009 M.C.G.

Australia Post Opera in the Bowl

Bring your picnic basket and rugs and enjoy the glorious music under the stars as Opera Australia presents the inaugural Australia Post Opera in the Bowl at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
November 2008 ? Sidney Myer Music Bowl

Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix

Internation Formula 1 car racing. Also Formula 3, V8 Supercars.and a range of other events. Go along and soak up the action.
March 2010 ? Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit

Australian International Airshow

The largest airshow in the Southern Hemisphere, this biennial event brings aircrafts from all over the world to Avalon Airport. The initial days are for the trade and the public events commence on the Friday evening.. Full details at www.airshow.net.au.
March 2009 ? Avalon Airport

Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix

Showcasing the world's best motorcycle riders at this picturesque circuit.
September 2008 ? Phillip Island

Australian Open Tennis Championships

The Australian Open attracts the world's best tennis players and over 500 000 spectators over the fortnight making it the highest attended annual sporting event in Australia. It is the first grand slam tennis event for the calendar year.
January 2009 ? Rod Laver Arena & Vodafone Arena, Melbourne Park

Australian Tango Festival

Various venues includingFederation Square
September 2008 ?

Blues, Roots & Jazz Festival Williamstown

Bands and performances around Williamstown
May 2009 ? Williamstown

Bodyworks Festival

An annual dance festival with performances, forums, workshops and international performers.
July 2009 ? Dance house, 150 Princes Street, North Carlton

Chinese New Year

With performances, entertainment, food, stalls firecrackers and dragon parade.
February 2009 ? Chinatown

EQUITANA Asia Pacific

The largest equine event in the Southern Hemisphere combining exhibition, education, competitions and entertainment. Equitana Asia Pacific is an ultimate event for all horse enthusiasts as well as general public. Please note that due to the horse flu situation in Australia the 2007 event has been cancelled and will resume in November 2008.
November 2008 ? Royal Melbourne Showgrounds

Fifth Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition

Sixteen of the world's best piano trios and string quartets compete for the most prestigious prize in chamber music. Full details at chambermusicaustralia.com.au.
July 2011 ?

Half Bent Winter Music Festival

Featuring various performers whose music is jazz related but often does not fit into easy categories.
September 2008 ? Trades Hall

Head of the Yarra Rowing Regatta

An eight-oared time trial race from Princes Bridge to the City of Hawthorn Rowing Club. Over 150 crews compete in a large range of categories. The finishing line and presentations are in Hawthorn.
November 2008 ?

Melbourne Cup Parade

The Parade travels along Swanston Street from Bourke Street to Federation Square. Features jockeys and trainers taking part in the Melbourne Cup, past champion racehorses, Fashions on the Field at Flemington Float, entertainers, band, television identities and, later, an autograph session and fun games for all. After the Melbourne Cup Parade, key race jockeys and trainers will be interviewed by the media on stage at Federation Square. This is where you will get all the latest information on the Cup.
November 2008 ? Swanston Street and Federation Square

Melbourne Fashion Festival

A major fashion festival held in various venues around Melbourne.
March 2008 ?

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

One of the the world's large comedy festivals spread across a number of venues. Full information on the Melbourne Comedy Festival.
April 2010 ?

Melbourne International Design Festival

The Melbourne Design Festival has over 50 events across Melbourn. It features events ranging from exhibitions to forums, workshops and installations amongst others programmed for designers, students as well as the broader community. The Melbourne International Design Festival is presented annually by the National Design Centre. In order to achieve its aim to make design widely accessible, most of the Festival events are free.
July 2009 ? various venues throughout Melbourne

Melbourne International Festival of Arts

In 2007 the Festival offers over 65 events ranging from grand productions and theatre to physical feats and thought-provoking exhibitions.
October 2008 ? various venues in Melbourne

Melbourne International Film Festival

MIFF (Melbourne International Film Festival) is regarded unequivocally as the most significant film event in Australia. MIFF presents the most diverse and immediate range of contemporary cinema in the country and engages the biggest cinema-going audience. With approximately 80 percent of the films screened being Australian premieres, you get to see it first at MIFF and be the one to give your friends the heads-up Be part of the buzz in winter, when Melbourne becomes the global movie Mecca. MIFF screens over 350 films from Australia and around the world – comprising feature films, documentaries, and short films. The Festival assembles a monster 19 days of more than just the best in contemporary cinema – but also presents forums with filmmakers, panel discussions, celebrity interviews, outside broadcasts, music events, and an International Short Film Competition with the highest cash prize pool In Australia. Films are screened at CBD venues, including ACMI (Federation Square), Forum Theatre (Flinders Street), RMIT Capitol Theatre (Swanston Street) and Greater Union (Russell Street).
August 2009 ?

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is entering its 14th year and is now regarded as the largest and most successful horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere.
April 2010 ? Royal Exhibition Building

Melbourne International Motor Show

The Melbourne International Motor Show is Australia's largest Motor Show and hosts the latest in design and technology, futuristic prototypes and concept vehicles and ground breaking developments in research, plus exciting demonstrations and entertainment for the whole family.
March 2009 ? Melbourne Exhibition Centre

Melbourne Jazz

Melbourne Jazz (previously known as the Melbourne Interantional Jazz Festival) presents a series of jazz concerts taking place at The Regent Theatre, Hamer Hall and the Palms at Crown.
may 2009 ?

Melbourne Marathon Festival

A 42km road run from Frankston to Melbourne. Those not attempting the full marathon can try the a certified 10km walk or run. Festivities for all at Albert Park
October 2008 ? Finishing line - Albert Park

Melbourne Middle Eastern Dance and Music Festival

Did you miss this event? Then subscribe to our free email newsletter to receive advance notice of events such as this one.

A vibrant marketplace with music, costumes, jewellery, CD's DVD's, performances, workshops and more... A top professional Bellydance Show on 13th July.
July 2008 ? Darebin Arts Centre, cnr St Georges Rd & Bell Street Preston

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week

Featuring runway shows, retail events, workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, business seminars and parties. An annual celebration of fashion in Melbourne. Full details at Melbourne Fashion Week.
September 2008 ? Federation Square

Melbourne Underground Film Festival

An annual festival.
July 2009 ? George Cinemas, Loop, Gertrudes and F4

Midsumma Gay & Lesbian Festival

Melbourne’s premier gay & lesbian festival with over 100 arts and community events.
February 2010 ?

Moomba Waterfest

Melbourne's long running community festival featuring rides, activities and entertainment in Birrarung Marr and the Alexandra Gardens and this year also featuring special activities at the Docklands on the Sunday. Highlights include the Birdman Rally at noon on Sunday in Birrarung Marr, water skiing on the Yarra, the Moomba Parade along Swanston street at 11am on Monday and fireworks over the Yarra at 9.30pm on each of of Saturday, Sunday & Monday nights.
March 2010 ?

National Ride to Work Day

Regular and first-time riders from all around Australia will take part on this event. In Melbourne and Victoria there will be community breakfasts at Alfred Medical Research & Education Preceinct, Apollo Bay, Ballarat, Bairnsdale, Baw Baw Shire, Bendigo, Box Hill, Burwood East, Tally-Ho Business Park, Castlemaine, Cheltenham, City of Yarra, Coburg, Cobram, Darebin, Frankston, Geelong, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Maryborough, Melbourne CBD (Federation Square), Mentone, Mildura, Moonee Ponds, Morwell, Orbost, Pakenham, Parkville, Port Phillip, Puckapunyal, Trafalgar, Wodonga, Wangarratta and Warrnambool. For details of events in your city and registration details, go to National Ride To Work Day.
October 2008 ?

Overload Poetry Festival

Featuring local and international poets.
August 2009 ? Various locations throughout Victoria

Ranges Folk Festival

International & local performers in beautiful surroundings.
April 2009 ? National Rhododendron Gardens, Georgia Road, Olinda

Real life on film

Australia's on film festival dedicated to contemporary documentary films.
May 2009 ? ACMI, Federation Square

Royal Melbourne Show

This year’s Royal Melbourne Show is not to be missed! Be part of the celebrations as the new look Showgrounds is unveiled to the public. Providing the ultimate school holiday entertainment, the show has something for everyone. Be thrilled by the excitement of monster trucks, cannonball, and freestyle motorcross on the Coca-Cola Arena. Adult $25, Children (5-14 years old) $11, Under 5 years old FREE, Family $65 (2 Adults & 3 Children, 1 Adult & 4 Children), Concession $16, Senior’s Day $11 (26 September only). Thursday 21 September – Sunday 1 October 9:30am – 10:00pm daily (Sunday 1 October 9:30am – 8:30pm)
September 2008 ? Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale

Southgate progressive dinners

Three different courses at three different restaurants. Commencing at 7pm sharp.
September 2008 ? Southgate

St Kilda Film Festival

A season featuring the 'best of' Australian short film.
June 2008 ? Astor Theatre (Chapel Street St Kilda) & George Cinemas (Fitzroy Street St Kilda)

The 21st Asian Food Festival

A festival of Asin food with many special events around Melbourne.
September 2008 ? various participating restaurants throughout Melbourne.

The Age Melbourne Writers' Festival

Ten days of chat, banter and provocation with the world’s top writers, Melbourne Writers’ Festival is where ideas come alive and words are made flesh.
September 2008 ? CUB Malthouse

The Famous Spiegeltent

Entertainment Tue-Sun both day and evening in this atmospheric venue.
Oct-Dec 2008 ? Forecourt, The Arts Centre

Umbria Jazz Melbourne

A festival of jazz of an international standard
May 2008 ? Federation Square

Victorian Seniors Festival Week

The festival celebrates the diverse and dynamic contributions of people aged 60 plus. Events include theatre, cinema, touring shows, music and walks. Many events are discounted or free - as long as participants have their Victorian Seniors Card.
October 2009 ?
These events are ones which have run in the past and we expect to run in the future. As yet we do not have confirmed details, dates and contact details. To be informed of those details when they become available you can subscribe to our newsletter "Great things to do in Melbourne".

Other useful resources:

  • The Visitor Information Centre at Federation Square is a very good source of information on mainstream and commercial events.
  • The City of Melbourne produce an excellent free booklet every month called Melbourne Events. This is available from many outlets around the city including at the Information Centre mentioned above. However you need to be aware that the listed events are (as is appropriate) mainly those within the confines of the council boundaries. You therefore won't find much about things like suburban festivals or or events in country Victoria. More information is available on their website.
  • The best way to keep up to date with what's on in Melbourne is to subscribe to our free email newsletter.
  White Hat  
   
White Hat works hard to make information on these pages current and correct. However with many thousands of entries, much of it changing daily, errors may occur. Always verify the information by using the phone numbers supplied with each event or venue before making a special trip or using this information for any other purpose. If you believe some information is incorrect, please contact us at corrections@whitehat.com.au and we will attempt to verify or change the information
DISCLAIMER: White Hat makes no claim as to the accuracy of this information and takes no responsibility for incorrect or incomplete information  or for actions based on the information in these pages, and accepts no liability to any person or organisation for the information contained in these pages.
Page last updated: 04 July, 2009
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White Hat criticism of Grocery Choice vindicated?

In August 2008 the Australian Government launched its Grocery Choice website as part of an election promise which it said would combat grocery price rises by publicising individual item price comparisons between major distributors. White Hat believed to model was flawed from the start and gave our reasons in the strong criticism we in our food newsletter published two days after the launch of the site. In June, the Australian Government suddenly and unexpectedly terminated the scheme. You can read White Hat's initial criticisms which could also prove useful in the implementation of any future scheme at The White Hat Food Newsletter of August 2008.

TOURISM NEWS
Qantas In Flight Magazine chooses White Hat Cemetery Tour as its featured Australian tour for May

There are many fine historical tours throughout Australia including cemetery tours. From these, the prestigious Qantas In Flight Magazine has chosen the White Hat Tour of Melbourne Cemetery as its featured Australian tour for the May 2007 edition. This tour was also featured by ABC radio on 24 May and will feature in a documentary series on Burke and Wills to be shown on European television in 2008. The tour has been operating for many years and has won praise from a wide range of sources. This is not a dry and stuffy tour but in keeping with all White Hat offerings it is Informed, Intelligent, Independent (and occasionally) Irreverent. You can find details of the tour at White Hat Tour of Melbourne Cemetery and view the article at Qantas In Flight Magazine.

 

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