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31st August 2009

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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

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. )
21st & 22nd November 2009

Johnston Street (between Nicholson & Brunswick Streets, Fitzroy -

Free Enquiries: (03) 9205 5109

Australia Post Opera in the Bowl

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.)

 

Bring your picnic basket and rugs and enjoy the glorious music under the stars. And be swept away by this free performance of Puccini’s romantic tale of young love, La bohème. What better place to relive a chance meeting by moonlight than under the stars at the Music Bowl. If the weather is fine White Hat expects that this event could be a lockout so get there early. Gates to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl open at 4pm. If you are intending to come to a concert with a family or group of friends, it is advisable that you arrive together or arrange to gather outside the gate to avoid your group being split if the gates close. In the past you have been able to bring your own drinks but only plastic glasses. We will verify this year's conditions when the information becomes available.

Our rating:
Five Hats

Hat Hat Hat Hat Hat

 

Crowd at Sidney Myer Music Bowl
8pm, 11th December

Sidney Myer Music Bowl -

Free

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.)

Four of Australia’s shining lights of opera will perform in Opera in the Park at Victoria Gardens on Saturday 6 February.

  • Suzanne Johnston’s operatic career encompasses the prestigious European Festivals of Glyndebourne and Salzburg, as well as Australia’s major opera companies, for whom her repertory includes the title roles in L’incoronazione di Poppea, The Gypsy Princess and Carmen, Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus), Hansel (Hansel and Gretel), Hermia (A Midsummer Night's Dream), The Fox (Cunning Little Vixen), Eliza Doolittle - opposite Anthony Warlow - in the sell-out production of My Fair Lady and Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance. Suzanne most recently performed in the Victorian Opera’s productions of Through the Looking Glass.
  • Antoinette Halloran represented Australia as a finalist in the Belvedere Operatic awards in Vienna and was the winner of the Australian Puccini Foundation Award in 2003. Her Opera Australia repertoire includes Stella: A Streetcar Named Desire, Title roles: Rusalka, Madama Butterfly, Johanna: Sweeney Todd, Mimì: La bohème and many more. She has also worked with NZ Opera, Victorian Opera, Melbourne Opera and MTC.
  • Christopher Tonkin won the Italian Opera Award 2005, was runner-up 'Tita Ruffo' International Competition 2006, Herald Sun Aria finalist in 2005 and German Operatic Award finalist in 2005. His Opera Australia repertoire includes Antonio: The Gondoliers and Novice's Friend: Billy Budd. He has also performed with Melbourne Opera, Romania, Royal Academy Opera, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne Chorale.
  • Jason Wasley was the winner, Herald Sun Aria; Finalist, Placido Domingo World Operalia Competition; National Opera Studio (London). His Opera Australia repertoire includes Teacher: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, Marcello: La bohème, Pinkerton: Madame Butterfly, Morales/Dancairo: Carmen (Oz Opera). He has also performed for Victorian State Opera, National Opera Studio London,Welsh National Opera, Melbourne Opera, Victorian Opera and Melbourne Chorale.
7.30pm, Saturday 6th February 2010

Victoria Gardens, Victoria Gardens -

Free Enquiries: (03) 8290 1333

Sidney Myer Free Orchestral Concerts at the Music Bowl - Concert 1 - 'Romantic Favourites'

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 Concert at Sidney Myer Music BowlThe Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with Lutz Koehler (conductor) and Maxwell Foster (piano) perform:

The Sidney Myer Free Orchestral Concerts in the Music Bowl are one of the highlights of the Melbourne Summer. The businessman and philanthropist Sidney Myer left a trust to benefit the people of Melbourne and Australia. Not only did this trust make possible the building of the public Music Bowl, it continues to continues to contribute to the quality of life of Melburnians through works and events such as the annual free concerts.

Gates open at 4pm and the concert starts at 7pm. White Hat recommends you get there early because, if the weather is fine it can fill quite quickly. This is the ideal place to have a champagne picnic with friend under the stars while listening to classical music. You are allowed to bring reasonable amounts of food and alcohol but no breakable glasses, sharp objects, or seating which obstruct the view of others. Before you decide to turn it into a fully-fledged camping expedition we suggest you check the conditions of entry.

Our rating:
Five Hats

Hat Hat Hat Hat Hat
Wednesday 17th February 2010

Sidney Myer Music Bowl -

Melbourne Writers Festival

In 2010, Melbourne Writers Festival, the city’s premier literary event, celebrates its 25th anniversary. This year the festival brings together an array of talented writers, artists, thinkers and performers from across the globe. Expect the unexpected as Melbourne Writers Festival opens its doors to all – celebrating everything from novels to film, from journalism to songwriting, from comedy to cartooning, and from advertising to politics. Highlights include:

  • Eight Writers: Eight Ways to Be Human
  • Joss Whedon: From Buffy to Dr Horrible, Infinity & Beyond
  • Magazine: 56 rapid-fire free events featuring some of the festival's favourite guests
  • Francis Wheen and Frank Moorhouse on the 70s
  • New News 2010: on the future of journalism
  • Lyrical: featuring Steve Kilbey, Lisa Miller, Cloud Control and others
  • Malcolm Fraser, Waleed Aly and Judith Brett: On Liberalism
  • Peter Beinart on the Failure of the Jewish Establishment
  • DBC Pierre and Jonathon Walker on Modern Dystopia

For bookings and the full program visit Melbourne Writers Festival.

27 August to 5 September 2010

CUB Malthouse -

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 2010

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Enquiries: (03) 9658 9658

EQUITANA Melbourne 2010

EQUITANA Melbourne is officially recognised as a Hallmark event for Victoria placing it in the same category as the Australian Open Tennis Championships, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Launched in 1999, this prestigious event is Australia’s largest multi disciplined equestrian festival. EQUITANA Melbourne is the only event in the Southern Hemisphere that brings the entire equine community together to educate, compete and entertain. EQUITANA Melbourne also produces the largest equine exhibition and consumer show, attracting a worldwide audience. Event elements include:

  • 4 days of exhibition showcasing over 300 international and Australian companies
  • 16 different horse competitions, offering one of the largest prize pools in Australia
  • The inaugural EQUITANA Australian Open competition In five disciplines
  • 4 nights of entertainment in our purpose built 4,500 seat indoor arena
  • Specialist clinics featuring internationally renowned presenters
  • 200 session Education program lead by international and Australian presenters
  • The Way of the Horse – The Australian Horsemanship Challenge
  • Breeders Village displaying 40 different horse breeds from around Australia
18th to 21st November 2010

Royal Melbourne Showgrounds -

Carols by Candlelight

An event that has become a popular part of the Melbourne calendar
24 December 2010

Sidney Myer Music Bowl -

Moomba Festival

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.
12th to 14th March 2011

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Anzac Day March

Tha annual march along Swanston Street and St Kilda Road to the Shrine.
25 April 2011

Along Swanton Street to Shrine of Remembrance -

Anzac Day Dawn Service

The traditional atmospheric service at the Shrine.
6am, 25 April 2011

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 2011 ?

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.

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

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

June 2010 ? CERES Environmental Park, 8 Lee Street, East Brunswick

Chinese New Year

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

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

Any self-respecting fashionista will head to Central Pier, Docklands in March to witness one of Australia’s most fashionable events. The Melbourne Fashion Festival is a stylish showcase for established and up and coming fashion designers and in 2010 the event promises to set some future trends and turn some oh so stylish heads.
March 2011 ? Central Pier, Docklands, with pop up events around Melbourne CBD

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

One of the the world's large comedy festivals spread across a number of venues.
April 2011 ?

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).
July 2010 ?

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is now regarded as the largest and most successful horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere.
March 2011 ? Royal Exhibition Building

Melbourne International Jazz Festival

Melbourne International Jazz Festival (which was previously known as the Melbourne Interantional Jazz Festival and then was rebranded as 'Melbourne Jazz' and still uses that as its URL but is now again the Melbourne International Jazz Festival - please let White Hat know if we haven't kept up with the latest marketing name which Iwe are sure has raised a lot of money for the consultants but probably not as much for the musicians) presents a series of jazz concerts in venues throughout Melbourne
May 2011 ?

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 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 ?

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 ?

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 2010 ? 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.
May 2011 ? 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 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 ?

Winter Solstice Bonfire

Entertainment will be happening from 4pm onwards. The fire performers will begin at approximately 5pm. Fire Performers, Children's Lantern Parade, Giant Lantens, Mulled Wine, Food Stalls, Bar, Wandering Minstrel, Drummers. Tickets available online at http://www.trybooking.com/FA
June 2011 ? Collingwood Children's Farm
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: 02 September, 2010
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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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