Daily Detours for the Week of October 16

When last year’s Dark MOFO program dropped, House of Mirrors immediately rocketed to the top of everyone’s must-do list. Created by Australian installation artists Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a walkthrough space filled with reflective surfaces that will not only strands you in a maze of your own image, but turns your likeness into a kaleidoscope.

Since then, the installation has made its way to Brisbane, Sydney and Bendigo. And now you have the chance to wander through the disorienting, perception-altering, panic-inducing, optical illusion-based labyrinth for yourself. The mirror maze has taken over the Arts Centre Melbourne for 18 days of reflective roaming, with the modern, minimalist twist on the fairground classic featuring 40 tonnes of steel and 15 tonnes of mirrors — and no added gimmicks, no special effects, no special lighting, no soundtrack or soundscape. It will be open 4–10pm on Monday — we suggest going at sunset so you can see it while the sun’s still up and when it’s lit up after-dark.

A Sydney Road fashion institution, Dejour Jeans has been kicking on for close to three decades, winning over scores of stylish Melburnians with its blissfully budget-friendly denim creations. Not only does the store stock a mind-blowing collection of jeans, but it also offers on-site alterations, ensuring perfectly fitted duds every time. Avoid the often crazy weekend crowds and opt for a midweek sartorial fix instead — you’ll select a favourite style and colour from the shelves, have the pair tailored while you duck down the street for a coffee, and walk away with some fab new denim for just $60.

Though technically a pop-up, Miss Katie’s Crab Shack has won itself a pretty permanent place in Melbourne’s collective hearts, currently enjoying a third kitchen residency, at Ding Dong Lounge in the heart of Chinatown. And if there’s any feast primed for spring evenings, it’s Katie’s Southern-style menu of crab, fried chicken and seafood-heavy snacks. Get in early to kick things off with a few $1 oysters (5–6pm), then don your plastic bib and dig right in to one of the signature crab boils, loaded up with your pick of seafood, chorizo, corn, potato and buttery goodness.

Celebrating the city’s spirit of creativity, Melbourne Festival rocks into town with a diverse program of theatre, dance, music and art, across 17 days in October. There’s something in this lineup for everyone, all of it sure to inspire and get those mind cogs turning. Today you can explore the sonic and visual at immersive exhibition The Score, take a walk through Joseph Kosuth’s neon installation at Anna Schwartz Gallery or see what’s happening at the newly unveiled MPavilion. You can also take a look at our top ten picks for the festival here.

The Finders Keepers Markets have become a staple for those who are into design, creativity and supporting local artists. Treat yourself to a stroll around the market – it has over 100 stalls featuring fashion, ceramics, jewellery and food – while drinking wine or sipping specialty coffee.

Returning to the Royal Exhibition Centre, the market will allow you to nab some marvellous treats that are difficult to find anywhere else over three days. The designer-centric, come-one-come-all mini-festival has managed to bridge the gap between local market and exclusive exhibition, creating a space for independent designers to engage with the wider community. The event will run on Friday from 5–10pm.

As we gear up for longer days and balmier temperatures, now’s the perfect time to nurture that green thumb. On October 21 and 22, The Diggers Club again teams up with Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria for its second annual Botanic and Rare Plant Fair, taking over the Southern Cross and Observatory Lawns at Melbourne Gardens. Load up on inspiration, expert knowledge and lush new leafy mates, with this lineup of over 40 specialist stalls, programs and demonstrations. There’ll also be eats from the likes of Benny Burger and Jardin Tan, and even a plant creche, to save you from lugging around all your new purchases.

On the lookout for a dope new denim jacket? Or on the hunt for some bits and bobs to help decorate your new apartment? Then you’re in luck. The Garage Sale Trail is back to get as many trash-to-treasure troves happening on the same day as possible. This weekend, the event returns for its eighth time — and it’s first two-day, weekend-long stint — with more than 10,000 garages opening their doors to bargain hunters and selling two million items. There’ll be a right slew of sales happening all around Melbourne, so keep your eyes on the event website and start planning your itinerary through the Trail.

Personalise your next adventure via The Playmaker, driven by Mazda3.