Melbourne is getting a gin festival. Or should we say: Melbourne is getting another gin festival. In a turn of events that could only be a problem in our fine city, Melbourne is all of the sudden faced with the happy problem of having not one, but two gin festivals on the cards for this year. You might remember the hugely successful Juniperlooza, a locally-organised festival which was held in November last year. Well, this new festival — confusingly called Junipalooza (yes, that's an 'a' instead of an 'er') — is coming to Melbourne by way of the UK, and will unsurprisingly be dedicated entirely to gin. The Melbourne version of the festival (the first to be held outside of the UK) will be a twin event to Junipalooza London, which started back in 2013. The event will be held over two days this October at North Melbourne's Meat Market. It'll be hosted by founders of the UK's Gin Foundry, Olivier and Emile Ward — so you know you're in good gin-pouring hands. The award-winning brothers live, breathe and drink gin, compiling all their knowledge onto their comprehensive online gin directory. It makes sense then that the pair have teamed up with local gin expert, The Gin Queen (aka Caroline Childerley) and gin makers Four Pillars, Archie Rose and Poor Toms Gin (just to name just a few) to celebrate the noble spirit in Melbourne. Junipalooza will feature sampling stations, cocktails and gin masterclasses with some of the world's best distillers. Over 26 distillers from around the globe will be in attendance, giving punters the chance to take a bottle or two of their favourite gin home. Tonic water specialists Capi will be on-hand as well to bring the T to your G&T. The festival will take place over the weekend of October 22-23, and early bird tickets are on sale for $35 now. We see a lot of gin drinking in your future.
Bridget bloody Jones is back and, frankly, we couldn't be happier. No, Bridget Jones's Baby is not the most cohesive narrative of the year, and no, it's not going to spur any radical political movements. Still, hardcore Bridget fans can breathe a sigh of relief, because this threequel is still pretty damn good. Fans of Helen Fielding's book series may have already deduced that Baby is not based on the third Bridget Jones novel Mad About The Boy, in which (*mega spoiler alert*) Mark Darcy dies. It's devastating, v sad and not at all Hollywood. Thankfully this is not this story. Instead, this tale is about BJ (Renée Zellweger) getting knocked up, and the antics that ensue as she tries to figure out the identity of the father. Is it quintessentially British barrister Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) or the OTT American love professor Jack Qwant (Patrick Dempsey)? It literally doesn't matter, that's not the point. The point is enjoying the face-palming situations that Bridget creates for herself as she tries to negotiate between the two maybe-baby daddies. The film guns for the same mix of stuffy British and slapstick humour that fans of the series all know and love – but this time around, Bridget is actually doing things that will make you fist pump. She's more like us than ever before: shagging randos at music festivals, looking fierce, texting with emojis, being surgically attached to her phone, kicking ass at work, telling her mother to sod off and best of all, deciding to have a baby on her own. Like a fine wine, modern day Bridget has undoubtedly gotten better with age. The writers have stayed true to the quirks of the original films without being slaves to them, for which we give great thanks. The red PJ pants are back, as are the lonely apartment dance routines and awkward speeches, but as homage rather than easy imitation. The plot doesn't just lazily redo all the bits that worked from the last films, like we're idiots who won't notice. There's no Hugh Grant, although Emma Thompson as a put-upon obstetrician more than makes up for his absence. On the other hand (unfortunately, there's always another hand waiting to slap you down), Patrick Dempsey is completely outclassed by his costars – although to be honest, it doesn't really seem fair to put a very American American in the middle of the most British comedy ever and expect it to go down smoothly. Also the actual plot, which isn't super-duper to begin with, kind of…entirely falls over at the half way mark. When the jokes stop rolling in and the sappy emotional routine starts around the third trimester, things get incredibly cringey. This may be the biggest difference between the decidedly British and smaller budget originals and this rather more shiny update. We expect a few sappy moments from Bridge, made bearable by the presence of a large pair of granny panties or a stripper's bunny outfit, but the saccharine sweetness of this film's final act does get a bit off-putting. Then again, by that point you're already well and truly invested. So it's fine. Or as BJ would say, v good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nhGGQ_PYyE
Get in the spring spirit and shimmy your way over to the annual Meyers Place Latin Fiesta. A vibrant street party organised by the traders of Meyers Place, this much-loved Melbourne event will become a temporary home to all things Latin American for one afternoon this October. From dynamic live music to some of the best street food in the city, a visit to the Meyers Place Latin Fiesta is a must. Enjoy an emporium of Latin cuisine with empanadas from San Telmo, cocktails from Lily Blacks and Loop Roof, as well as 'Latin-inspired' cheesy slices from Pizza Pizza Pizza. Latin crafts, dances classes and a live Latin music and performance will be taking place in the CBD laneway from 11am until 6pm. For the first time, they'll be charging an entrance fee — either $6 online or $5 on the door (if it's not full already).
Contemporary jewellery and object biennial Radiant Pavilion will return to Melbourne at the end of August, bringing more Australian and international artists than you can shake a stick at — luckily, you'll have a whole week to try. With 80 events across 62 venues, you'd best start early. Expect to find a lane paved in gold leaf on Crossley Street, drink sake out of handmade cups in Flinders Lane, and peep jewellery in every arty way you can imagine across the streets and venues of the city. Street works, exhibitions, performances and masterclasses will make up the weekend from artists such as Robert Baines, Liv Boyle, Helen Britton and Yutaka Minegishi (and that's just a few). There's also New Colony, a public installation of an imagined swarm of unidentified insects who take up residence in Flinders Lane, and 2483 Melbourne Tailoresses' Union Triptych in which a number of resin pendants represent individual striking female tailors in 1882-83. Past, present and future will converge in the event, so don't miss seeing your old mate Melbourne in a new light from August 26 till September 3.
Having long impressed Melburnians with its tome-like beer list and impressive wine selection, Cookie is pulling together a few of its favourite recent booze finds for an Artisan Wine & Beer Market on Sunday, September 10. The iconic Curtin House bar has teamed up with wine gun and Rootstock Sydney co-founder Giorgio de Maria for the one-off tasting afternoon, which will shine the spotlight on newproducers from across the country, as well as a few of their international counterparts. Head along from 1pm to sample drops from the likes of South Australia's Gentle Folk, Castlemaine co-operative winery Boomtown, natural wine legend Patrick Sullivan, and de Maria's own Italian-focused distribution company, Fun Wines. Representing the local craft beer scene will be Tassie's Two Metre Tall brewery and Victoria's own La Sirene, while Cookie head chef Karen Batson works her own brand of magic to deliver a top-notch lineup of drinking snacks. $20 tickets to the event include a full wine tasting and snacks, plus the opportunity to pick the brains of some of the country's most exciting wine and beer producers.
In I Am Not Your Negro, Samuel L. Jackson lends his voice to the words of American essayist James Baldwin. He does an outstanding job at capturing the tone and passion required, but it's the text itself, rather than the star uttering it, that's truly remarkable. Stepping through the state of race relations in the U.S. by focusing on the lives and deaths of civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr., every syllable spoken couldn't be more perceptive — or, even though they were written decades ago, still relevant today. It's little wonder that the film was nominated for best documentary at this year's Oscars, with director Raoul Peck matching the verbal content with an illuminating compilation of footage from the '50s and '60s. The film comes to ACMI for a limited season after screenings at MIFF, Sydney Film Festival and Queensland Film Festival.
Vegans of Melbourne, clear your calendars — you now have plans on the first Saturday of every month. From September 2 onwards, Vegan Mini Market is your new regular go-to for animal-free items, with the first event taking place at Abbotsford Convent from 8am. For its initial outing, the fresh addition to the vegan lineup has amassed quite the array of vegetable-loving businesses, so arriving with a full wallet is recommended. Munch on some plant-based Asian street food from Woking Amazing, eat your way through an array cruelty-free comfort nibbles from Yay! Food, or sign up for jam-packed lunchboxes from Good Freaking Food. Or, grab natural bath and beauty products from Polished Petals, stock up on handmade garments from Leo the Label and listen to the sounds of Futuro Vega*Pop. Sweet treats from Lady Rawsome and the organic cocoa goodness of Girl Made Chocolate are also on the menu, and the list goes on. The first market also falls on Vegan T-Shirt day, which is all about wearing appropriate attire to raise awareness about animals, so dress accordingly.
Poet Robert Frost once said "if we couldn't laugh we would all go insane." This idea is explored through the latest exhibition at MUMA, which features newly-commissioned and recent works by a selection of six leading local and international artists. Presented in association with Melbourne Festival 2017, The humours offers a range of works that use comedy and absurdity to explore deeper issues around race, work, gender and politics. More than just an exhibition of funny art, The humours is interested in the underlying strategies of comedy – how stand-up comedians and late-night TV hosts deal with serious issues using physical movement, dialogue, exaggerations of scale and absurdity.
Put on your dancing shoes and head on down to Lounge, where a group of Melbourne DJs are partying for social change. Kicking off on select Sunday afternoons, Out of Wind will feature top Melbourne music talent, including Misty Nights (July 3), Jennifer Loveless and Toni Yotzi (July 17) and Awesome Wales and Yooree (August 4), who'll all be donating their time and talents to raise money for progressive NGOs. In addition to the DJ wages, Lounge will donate ten per cent of bar sales to the chosen organisation – so you can totally justify buying that extra drink. The first beneficiary will be the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, with further NGOs to be announced. Lounge will even offset their carbon emissions by planting five trees after every gig.
Expect things to get steamy at The Toff in Town, with the latest edition of the Wheeler Centre's eternally popular Erotic Fan Fiction. Slipping into something a little more comfortable while their regular space undergoes renovations, The Toff should prove the perfect place for this night of orgasmic fiction, and will feature the oral talents of some of the best comic writers in town. Heating up the cold winter night on Monday, July 4 are a ménage à trois of cunning comedic linguists, each funnier and filthier than the last. Demi Lardner has been on a roll since winning RAW Comedy back in 2013, while Nath Valvo regularly sells out Fringe and Comedy Festivals around the country, and Deidre Fidge writes regularly for The Drum, Archer, The Vocal and SBS Comedy. Between the three of them, you're sure to leave feeling satisfied.
Are you on the lookout for a leafy little friend? You'll find plenty at the fittingly named Pea Green Boat Artist Studio in Brunswick, which this Saturday will be transformed into a massive plant sales floor. From towering ferns to teeny-weeny pot plants, you're sure to find something to liven up your living room. And with prices dipping as low as two bucks per plant, even the most budget conscious among you should be able to flex your green thumb. In addition to all the flora, they'll also be selling furniture — perhaps you'd like to buy a rocking chair from which you can admire your new cactus? Oh, and coffee! We mustn't forget the coffee. Doors open 9am to 3pm. Please bring cash. They can process EFTPOS, but would really rather not.
Stomping Ground Brewing Co. isn't technically finished yet — but that isn't stopping them from having a bit of fun. Located near the corner of Gipps and Hoddle Streets, Collingwood's new 250-seat beer hall still needs a few licks of paint, but the important stuff — i.e. the brewing equipment — is fully operational. And every Friday throughout July, they plan on putting it to good use. Doors to the bar (if you can even call it that at this stage) open at 4pm sharp, giving you just the excuse you need to knock off work that little bit early. Expect a food truck or two out front and brewery-fresh beer running through the taps. And don't worry — despite jumping the gun on the whole ribbon cutting thing, when it comes to the cold stuff, these guys know what they're doing. After all, they're the same team that brought us The Local Taphouse. Beer practically runs through their veins.
Melburnians, if you're already wondering how you're possibly going to make it through the next two freezing bloody cold months, here's some news to warm your cockles. The Queen Victoria Market's Night Market Cinema will be making a return to this year's Winter Night Market — and it's free. Every Wednesday in July, between 5pm and 10pm, you'll be able to cosy up in a deck chair, armed with wine, cheese and sweet treats, and kick back to a bunch of short films. And while we're not 100 percent sure how this will work in the depths of Melbourne's winter, we're hoping the market has plans to keep us from freezing our butts off. Either way, blankets are definitely recommended. Kicking things off on July 6 will be VICE, who will take care of programming, presenting a combo of docos, investigative journalism and general wickedness. On July 13, the Victorian College of the Arts' Film and Television School will give you an insight into the future of Australian filmmaking, showing a handpicked selection of quality graduate works. On July 20, you'll be treated to a series of live 16mm film projections presented by Artist Film Workshop and, on July 27, RRR FM will hit the cinema, with a bunch of live-to-air performances by Aussie artists. In between screenings, you'll be able to take a wander through the market, stocking up on winter goodies and tucking into everything from Ethiopian stews to spaghetti from a parmesan wheel to those goddamn potato sticks that make an appearance every year.
What's the deal with trivia nights based on pop culture commodities? They're great, that's what — and, even with everyone staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic, they're clearly a hit. Accordingly, Isolation Trivia is busting out another virtual session, and this time it's Seinfeld's turn in the quizmaster's spotlight. The show about nothing has inspired an evening about everything that made its nine-season, 180-episode run so great. The fun unravels online from 6.25 on Saturday, May 9. Playing along is free (just as George Costanza would like it), so all you need to do is head to the event Facebook page at the appropriate time. Lock in some mates who think they know every conceivable detail about the hit 90s sitcom — and about Jerry, George, Kramer and Elaine — and you can all play along from your own homes. The quizmaster will put your affection to the test, potentially covering everything from soup to sponges, puffy shirts to Pez dispensers, and even the parade of famous faces that played Jerry's girlfriends. Yada, yada, yada — you get the picture. Best check your drinks supply first, in case those pretzels make you thirsty.
With both the Indie Beer Showcase and Good Beer Week sadly axed from our calendars this year, organisers have headed online to host a series of virtual beer events instead. And these ones you can enjoy anywhere, any time — heck, even pants-free, if you fancy. Streamed via the Independent Brewers Association YouTube channel, each of these online tasting parties celebrates a different Aussie craft brewery, led by a brewer or key member of the team. They'll chat about a few signature beers, discuss what goes into making them, give an insight into the world of brewing and maybe even offer a sneak-peek at some future releases. The Good Beer Week Facebook page gives a heads-up as to who'll be hitting screens next, so you can stock up in advance at the bottle shop or get that beer delivery sorted. The live stream schedule is fairly loose, though videos are mostly run during prime drinking times like after work on Fridays and Saturday afternoons. That said, the sessions are all kept up on YouTube so you can revisit later at your leisure — tune in any time you're in the mood for a tipple and some beer talk. Image: Simon Shiff
This Friday, April 17, set your alarm for 5pm. Why? Gelato Messina is giving away free cookie pies — and delivering them to you. Hang on, cookie pie? Yes, it's a pie, but a pie made of choc chip cookie dough and topped with hazelnut crumble. And it serves two–six people — or just you. You bake it yourself, too, so you get to enjoy that oh-so-amazing smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. It's a novel concept, but one we're sure Gelato Messina will execute well — and one we're sure Dean Martin would possibly even approve, too. To score yourself one of these, you need to log on to Deliveroo from the aforementioned time — 5pm, Friday, April 17 — and spend at least $32 on Gelato Messina. And, boom, free cookie pie. You'll need to get in quick, though, as it's only on offer while stocks last. The free cookie pie deal is available at all NSW, Vic and Queensland Gelato Messina stores (except The Star, Circular Quay and Coolangatta) and Deliveroo pop-ups in Manly, Brighton-Le-Sands, Canterbury and East Brunswick.
It's been long eight months since the Queen Victoria Market's sheds last hosted one of their famed soirees, with Melbourne's lockdowns hitting pause on the usual roster of weekly night markets and food festivals. But now, the wait is over and the historic site is gearing up to deliver its first post-pandemic nighttime outing. Melbourne, get set for the multicultural delights of the Festive Food Truck Stop. Kicking off on November 25, and running across four Wednesday nights, the pop-up promises to fill your belly while sating a few of those international travel cravings. A rotation of the city's best-loved food trucks will be slinging their wares — think, goat curry and smashed samosas from Two Fat Indians; Nem N' Nem Viet signatures like noodle bowls and bao buns; and finger-lickin' wings and short ribs cooked low and slow by Bigger Than Texas BBQ. In true QVM style, the globe-trotting eats will be backed by a great lineup of libations, with The Beer Garden pouring an all-Victorian menu featuring Melbourne Gin Company cocktails, beers by Brick Lane Brewing, Coldstream ciders and a range of vino courtesy of Mitchelton Wines. Festive Food Truck Stop runs from 5–10pm.
Of all the country-specific film festivals that reach Melbourne's big screens each year, the British Film Festival might have the weakest reason to exist. Rather than showcasing flicks from a particular part of the world that viewers probably won't get the chance to see in cinemas otherwise, it screens a number of movies that are destined for a bigger release — and a heap of films with very well-known stars, too. But if you want to spend a few weeks immersed in the latest and greatest that UK cinema has to offer, all at once, it's definitely the event for you. And, in 2020 as it does every year, it features a jam-packed lineup. Hitting Palace's Balwyn, Brighton Bay, Como, Westgarth and Kino sites from Thursday, November 12–Sunday, November 29, this year's BFF boasts one of the most anticipated movies of 2020: Ammonite, the Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan-starring romance set in 1840s England, as directed by God's Own Country's Frances Lee. The tender tale only premiered overseas in September, so it's coming to Australia rather quickly — and yes, it's already garnering awards buzz. From the 22-film lineup, other highlights include Misbehaviour, in which Keira Knightley helps recreate the true story of feminist protesters at the 1970 Miss World competition in London; thriller The Nest, with Jude Law playing a British entrepreneur who moves his American family to an English country manor; and Summerland, a World War II-set romantic drama led by Gemma Arterton. There's also Blithe Spirit, based on the Noël Coward's comedy and starring Dan Stevens, Isla Fisher, Judi Dench and Leslie Mann — plus folk-horror thriller Fanny Lye Deliver'd, about a woman in 17th-century Shropshire whose unhappy marriage gets a shake up by a younger couple on the run. The British Film Festival also looks back at British greats gone by, so expect to check out 80s sci-fi flick Flash Gordon, and watch Sir Alec Guinness and Peter Sellers in The Ladykillers for its 65th anniversary. Something extra special: a 40th anniversary screening of David Lynch's The Elephant Man, which earned him the first of his three Oscar nominations for Best Director, and is a movie that everyone genuinely needs to see at least once. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp3WjuJJYB8
Melburnians haven't had much to say cheers to this year — but with the city slowly reopening after the most recent COVID-19 lockdowns, that's changing. And if you're looking for something to sip while you gather the gang (responsibly, while socially distancing and adhering to the requisite rules, of course), Richmond's Baby Pizza is doing an aperitivo special every single day. From 12–5pm daily, you can head by for $6.50 drinks — whether you're keen on sipping Aperol spritzes, Nastro Azzuro beers or Stefani Estate rosé. Spend a tenner, and you can choose from a couple of different cocktails instead, including a sgroppino with lemon sorbet, limoncello, vodka and prosecco, and a frosé lambone with rosé and Chambord. If you're also feeling peckish, Baby Pizza's usual menu will be on offer. As a soundtrack, there'll be DJs spinning tunes on weekends. You will need to reserve a table if you'd like to sit indoors — without al fresco dining available for walk-ins. You'll have a 90-minute slot, and you will also need to spend $45 per person while you're having your drinks over lunch.
UPDATE: JULY 10, 2020 — The Truffle Melbourne Festival pop-up remains open at this time. For full details and opening hours, check out the festival's Instagram and website. And for more information about what you can and can't do during lockdown, head to the DHHS website. If you're walking through the aisles of seafood, cheese slabs and miscellaneous Aussie paraphernalia at the Queen Victoria Market until the end of August and happen to think, "gee, I could really do with some truffles", there's a chance you might be in luck. Once again in 2020, the market is host its annual Truffle Melbourne Festival. Like many things this year, it's going ahead with a few changes — but that means more chances for you to get your truffle fix. No longer just the terrain of your posh great aunt and people at fancy French restaurants, truffles are more accessible than ever (albeit with a price tag). The Truffle Melbourne Festival initially started out at Prahran Market, and has been the biggest event on Melbourne's truffle calendar for the last five years — returning to the Queen Vic Market for the fourth time, and taking place at he Truffle Melbourne pop-up for three months. Expect fresh truffles and other truffle-infused products at the weekday markets from 10am–2pm, and on weekends from 10am–3pm. Expect the likes of truffle aioli, truffle honey and truffle dijonnaise as well — plus more truffle-filled items from the festival's website. While Truffle Melbourne Festival has scaled back its activities — so there won't be live chef demos or mock truffle hunts — you can also book in for an actual truffle hunt. They're ticketed, being run with social-distancing requirements in mind, and will take you scouring for truffles in Gippsland (with Truffle House and Truffle Paddock), Wattle Flat (with Black Cat Truffles) and on the Mornington Peninsula (with Red Hill Truffles).
If you dote over your vinyl collection with obsessive passion — or even if you just casually collect whichever albums you happen to come across whenever you're in your local record store — then you probably have one Saturday in April permanently marked on your calendar. That'd be Record Store Day, the annual celebration of ace music, a beloved format and the shops that trade in both. Sadly, RSD has been postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead of its usual timeslot, the huge vinyl event will now take place in June. But that doesn't mean that your record pile has to remain static for the next couple of months, with record companies banding together for a huge vinyl sell-off: The Great Australian Warehouse Sale. Across the weekend of Saturday, April 18–Sunday, April 19 — when RSD was originally scheduled — music aficionados will be able to snap up vinyl galore, plus CDs, DVDs, cassettes and even books as well, via indie record stores. Record companies such as Universal, Sony, MGM, Warner and more will be diving into their vaults, clearing out their warehouses and making as much stock available as possible, while individual shops will also be adding their own spin to the fun. Because we now live in social-distancing times, you'll be able to pre-order your purchases — then either have them posted or delivered to you, or, if and where stores are open, drop by to pick them up. For further details — including a rundown of what'll be available, and which stores are taking part — head to The Great Australian Warehouse Sale website.
So no one told us that the 2020s were going to be this way. Nearly three decades have passed since Friends first introduced the world to its close-knit bunch of New York pals, but nostalgia for the show is still in full swing. And, after a replica of the series' couch toured Australia last year, the program's 25th anniversary sparked cinema screenings and rumours about a reunion special just keep buzzing, a bottomless boozy Friends-themed brunch and viewing party is your next excuse to worship at the altar of Monica, Chandler, Joey, Rachel, Ross and Phoebe. Called The One Where They All Went For Brunch (naturally), this Friends-loving get-together is coming to Evie's Disco Diner in Fitzroy on Sunday, April 19, with three two-hour sessions starting at 10.30am. The latest event by the folks behind 2019's roller disco brunch, it'll combine brunch and mimosas with Friends trivia, Friends-themed charades, a Friends costume competition and episodes of Friends playing on a big screen. At $60, tickets will get you a choice of main meal (we're talking a BLT with fries, chicken and waffles, pancakes topped with blueberries and cream, or maple-drenched french toast and bacon) and a mimosa on arrival. You can add bottomless bubbles and bloody marys for an extra $20. Obviously, if you've still been cutting your hair like Jennifer Aniston, have been known to bust out your best Matt LeBlanc-style "how you doin'?" or just like singing 'Smelly Cat', you'll be in your element. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIPSwnHMmNE
Things are heating up at The B.East on Lygon Street, the official home of the Melbourne Chilli Eating Championship. On Sunday, March 8, 24 brave souls will put their lives on the line in this searing hot contest to find Melbourne's steeliest tastebuds. Doors open at noon, with the main event kicking off at 2pm. The contest consists of three knockout rounds, with things getting progressively spicier as the competition intensifies. Participants can be eliminated by tapping out, passing out or vomiting their guts up – although, hopefully it doesn't come to that. It starts with fresh pods and spicy food, progresses to jalapeños and all culminates with the consumption of the Carolina Reaper. If you'd like to partake, you need to sign up in person at The B.East for $10. And sign a waiver, of course. If you'd like to just watch, it's free to be a spectator. In addition to the championship, there'll be a special spicy menu available from 12pm (with spicy hot dogs and burgers), Pabst beer and tequila specials, hot sauce tastings and a pop-up hot sauce shop. There'll also be live bands and DJs from 7pm once the comp has wrapped up.
Fancy spending a day (virtually) partying in the Old Melbourne Gaol, popping over to Henry Head Battery for a sunset session, then ending the night with some psychedelic light shows and tunes inside a sprawling airport hangar? If so, you'd better clear your schedule for Untitled Group's upcoming Virtual Day Party. Following a blockbuster debut event, which was beamed into more than half a million homes across the world in April, the minds behind Beyond the Valley and Pitch Music & Arts Festival will host a second digital day party on Saturday, May 30 that'll have you cutting shapes in your lounge room. With sets by Hayden James, DJ Boring, Lastlings, Made in Paris, Cassettes For Kids and Adult Art Club, the virtual party will kick off at the Old Melbourne Goal (where Ned Kelly was hanged) at 1pm, then travel to Henry Head Battery for sunset and finish inside the 8400-square-metre Avalon Airport Hangar. The event will be free to stream via the Untitled Group Facebook page, but virtual partygoers are encouraged to chip in and support the stream over here. Plus, if you register over here you can go in the draw to win $1000 worth of Lee, a Jimmy Brings voucher or JBL speakers, among other prizes. While some of Melbourne's COVID-19 restrictions are easing, festivals and big parties don't look like they'll be starting again too soon, so we'll need to make do with some dancing in our lounge rooms for the time being. More time to get your sock slides perfected, we say. [caption id="attachment_771608" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hayden James by Pat Stevenson[/caption] Virtual Day Party #2 will run from 1–7.15pm. Top images: Lady Drewniak and Instant Crush.
On June 1, Melbourne's pubs, restaurants and cafes will be allowed to reopen to dine-in customers once again. Stomping Ground Brewery is helping you celebrate by giving away 5000 beers at various venues across the city. There are 50 participating venues set to take part in the giveaway, with Viking-themed restaurant Mjølner, Italian eatery Bar Romantica in Brunswick East, Prahran's Mount Erica Hotel and the birthplace of the brew itself, Stomping Ground in Collingwood, already on board. To snag your free brew, you just need to sign up over on the Stomping Ground website, then await instructions on how to redeem it on June 1. The size and style of the beer is at the venue's discretion and free beers will be poured on a first in, best dressed basis. Under Victoria's soon-to-be-implemented relaxed restrictions, alcohol is only allowed to be served alongside food, so you will need to purchase a meal to eat with your free beer. But, spending your hard-earned cash at your local, which has probably been doing it a little tough during the lockdown, isn't such a bad thing. [caption id="attachment_753717" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Old Palm Liquor by Julia Sansone[/caption] STOMPING GROUND 5K PARTICIPATING VENUES Bar Romantica, Brunswick East Captain Melville, CBD Central Club Hotel, North Melbourne Hardiman's Hotel, Kensington Limerick Arms, South Melbourne Marquis of Lorne, Fitzroy Miss Moses, Brunswick Mjølner, CBD Mt Erica Hotel, Prahran Neighbourhood Wine, Fitzroy North Old Palm Liquor, Brunswick East Stomping Ground Brewery & Beer Hall, Collingwood The Fifth Province, St Kilda The Local Taphouse, East St Kilda The Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East Union House, Richmond Up in Smoke, Footscray Whitehart Bar, CBD
Australia's Cine Latino Film Festival is back for 2018, and in a big way. Returning for its third year, the annual showcase of cinema from Central and South America boasts two of the most notable flicks not just from the region, but from the international scene in general over the past twelve months. The first, Roma, is the latest feature from Gravity director Alfonso Cuarón — and this gorgeous, moving black-and-white tale of a domestic worker in Mexico City comes to Melbourne straight from winning the top award at this year's Venice Film Festival. The second, Birds of Passage, is a sweeping Colombian drug tale; however this Indigenous story is unlike any drug war flick you've seen before. In total, 26 movies from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Paraguay are on the CLFF's 2018 lineup, with Cuarón's work bookending the fest. Not only is Roma the opening night pick, but the filmmaker's 2001 Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna-starring effort Y Tu Mamá También will close out proceedings. Other highlights include Bernal in The Accused, a drama about a 21-year-old woman on trial for murder; Westworld's Rodrigo Santoro in A Translator, playing a professor helping child victims of Chernobyl; and this year's Sydney Film Festival prize winner The Heiresses. Running from Tuesday, November 13 to Wednesday, November 28, CLFF screens at Sydney's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth and the Astor Theatre.
Remember when Melbourne's new observation wheel broke 40 days after opening and took three years to rebuild? Well, that was in the past and all is forgiven, because this year the Melbourne Star is hosting one of the most inspired events of Melbourne Music Week. If you buy a ticket on Friday, November 23, a musician will be waiting for you in your cabin. Who exactly it will be isn't known, but with artists anging from acoustic guitarists to rappers and DJs, your performer could be exactly your cup of tea — or not. But that's half the fun. Tickets are $34 and will get you a complimentary drink and two rotations on the wheel.
It just wouldn't be Melbourne Music Week without a laneway party. Now on final release tickets, this all-day affair takes you on a musical journey through the afternoon in AC/DC Lane. Spend the day flitting between the two stages in the laneway and at Cherry Bar as you take in some of Australia's best rock and roll bands. The lineup is both eclectic and on-point, with 90s legends Regurgitator, party rockers The Bennies and star-in-the-making Bec Sandridge. It'll set you back $70 but its well worth it for a mini-festival of this calibre.
This is possibly the best birthday party you'll be invited to this year. The Push is celebrating 30 years with the return of their famous all-ages event the Push Over for Melbourne Music Week. Victoria's foremost youth music organisation has really pulled out all the stops with this one, with performances by rapper Allday, singer-songwriter Ali Barter, plus Triple J-approved up-and-comers Ruby Fields and KAIT. Kicking off at 5pm at Fed Square — and, best of all, totally free — this is a great one for the kids (if you don't mind a few curse word drops from Allday).
Brimming with raw excitement, emotion and urgency, Bloc Party's debut Silent Alarm was an instant hit amongst tastemakers and critics alike upon its release in 2005. Eighteen years has cemented the album's place as a shining example of mid-aughties indie rock, while its singles 'Helicopter' and 'Banquet' continue to fill dance floors around the world. So it's no wonder that the London quartet's announcement that they would be playing Silent Alarm in its entirety at Margaret Court Arena on Tuesday, November 27 was met with much excitement. Whether you remember the music of Bloc Party due to late night raves or long evenings spent nursing feelings of desolate heartbreak, this will be an unforgettable evening for connoisseurs of jagged guitarwork, sparse electronica and truly incendiary indie-pop songs. The band be joined by local indie heroes Haiku Hands for the Australian shows
When Andrew Haigh surveys the world, he sees its small, quiet stories. Peering deeply at everyday life, the British filmmaker finds tales that couldn't be more commonplace — and, as a result, are often simply overlooked. In queer romance Weekend, he spots two men meeting for the first time, connecting and spending three unforgettable nights together. In melancholic drama 45 Years, he gazes at long-married retirees taking stock of a past gone too quickly. And in Lean on Pete, he trains his soulful stare not only at a struggling teenager, but at the horse that the boy loves unconditionally. That said, it's not just Haigh's willingness to tell these tales that makes his filmography stand out. It's how the writer-director explores these stories that's just as important, with his pictures overflowing with empathy. Haigh couldn't look more kindly, warmly and thoughtfully at the characters in his movies, especially Lean on Pete's 15-year-old protagonist Charley (Charlie Plummer). The lanky boy is someone that the world doesn't see, just like his beloved steed, whose winning days are long behind him. In patient moments that show the unspoken bond between teen and animal, in detailed wide shots that place them both within harsh surroundings, and in rare close-ups that make plain the pain in both of their eyes, Haigh notices, cares and feels for them both. Lean on Pete isn't really Charley's horse. He belongs to trainer Del Montgomery (Steve Buscemi), but when Charley stumbles upon them at the local racetrack, the boy finds a kindred spirit in the ageing sprinter. As a respite from his desolate home life — where the dad he idolises (Travis Fimmel) is more interested in his job and girlfriend (Amy Seimetz) and regularly leaves the teenager alone in their ramshackle house — Charley begins to work for Del. While the boy doesn't shy away from hard tasks, it's Pete that keeps him coming back. Jockey Bonnie (Chloë Sevigny) tells him that "horses aren't pets", but that's not what Charley sees in Pete. Rather, he sees his first real friend. With the film based on Willy Vlautin's novel of the same name, Charley and Pete aren't Haigh's original creations, however that's part of the point of Lean on Pete. Its protagonist is every person who's found more kindness on four legs than on two, every soul that's been cast adrift by society, and every child living in less-than-ideal conditions. And, when Charley's father ends up in hospital, the boy's already difficult life becomes even more so. When he takes off in Del's trailer with Pete in tow, hoping to find his estranged aunt, there's even more heartbreak in store. The second of this year's stellar films about young men, desolate plains and caring animals (after fellow festival favourite The Rider), Lean on Pete is an exquisitely tender and affecting picture. Haigh's handling of loneliness, isolation and tragedy is raw yet delicate yet devastatingly authentic, in a movie that's always sensitive yet never sentimental. Scene by scene, it builds a compassionate portrait of life in the margins in America's midwest that dares to look where others don't. Assisted by lingering and visually striking observational shots by cinematographer Magnus Nordenhof Jønck (Hold the Dark), the film crucially doesn't avert its gaze when the going gets tough. Of course, with Plummer to focus on, why would Haigh look away? Last seen being kidnapped in All the Money in the World, the young actor carries Charley's woes with few words but with a world of hurt evident in his every move — and with just as much love beaming from his face when Pete is by his side. It's another great internalised performance under Haigh's direction, and a portrayal that does what only the best can. Not only does Plummer feel like he's walked across America's heartland and straight into this film, but he makes it seem like he's not even acting. Haigh might see Charley, but his lead actor lives and breathes him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdJonibBDx4
For yogis who reckon they've conquered every possible distraction, here's a new challenge: doga. That's yoga with dogs. Or, as you could call it, trying to stay still and breathe deeply while stacks of curious, adorable puppies are trying to work out what you're up to. Moonee Pond's Studio 3 is teaming up with Campbellfield's not-for-profit Second Chance Animal Rescue to put you in a yoga class surrounded by fluff balls. Taking place on Saturday, December 8, the event aims to raise funds for a brand new community animal hospital. Every pup you meet will be from Second Chance's shelter and, therefore, up for adoption. Watch out: you might well find yourself falling in love before shavasana. Please note: for safety reasons and to keep the focus on the needy pups, Studio 3 asks that you leave your own furry friends at home.
Smoke sits alongside sunscreen, mangos and seafood as one of those unmistakable scents and tastes of summer. So, to get you in the mood for the impending sunny season, premium Scottish whisky brand Ardbeg is bringing its signature flavours to the Grosvenor Hotel for a decidedly smoky Sunday session. This unique drop, which has been around for more than 200 years, is both incredibly smoky and surprisingly sweet — something which fans describe as 'the peaty paradox'. To test your ability to handle this complex flavour, make tracks to the Grosvenor's terrace at 12.30pm on Sunday, November 18 for a laid-back arvo of barbecue, whisky cocktails and live music. DJs will bring the summer vibes as you eat and drink the afternoon away. The cocktails follow the warm weather theme, too. Try the An Oa Summer Sling (Ardbeg An Oa, stem ginger and Strangelove cloudy pear soda) or the Corryvreckan Sour (Ardbeg Corryvreckan, amaretto, popcorn syrup and amaretto crumble). For each Ardbeg cocktail you buy, you'll also receive a free food voucher for the barbecue — the menu includes decadent Pacific oysters with Ardbeg Corryvreckan veloute and Yarra Valley caviar ($5), pork ribs glazed with Arbeg An Oa ($7) and slow-cooked brisket sliders glazed with Ardbeg 10-year-old ($8). There'll also be Angus beef burgers and Ardbeg Islay brisket burgers (both $15) on offer. For more details and the full food and cocktail offering, check out the Facebook event.
Landmark St Kilda pub The Espy is gearing up to celebrate its much-anticipated reopening, and to show off its hefty makeover when it launches to the public later this month. But on November 22, you can score a sneak peek at the revitalised digs before anyone else, when soul-blues act The Teskey Brothers takes The Espy stage for a one-off gig — as a sort of unofficial christening of this next phase of life (and an unofficial christening of the new-look Gershwin Room). Off the back of a hugely popular Aussie tour through July and August, and a swag of international dates, the Melbourne natives return home to help launch what's set to be one of the city's hottest new live music venues. The quartet will treat audiences to its signature soulful sounds, supported by powerhouse songstress Emilee South and her own explosive live band. We'll update you as soon as we know more about The Espy's official launch date, too. Image: Lisa Businovski
Believe it or not, it's been ten years of heading along to Hoyts on the weekend, smashing a large popcorn and a choc-top, and getting super jazzed up for whatever the latest Marvel film is. There have been 20 films since things started back in 2009 with Iron Man, and though they may be critically debated, nearly everyone can agree that they are at least entertaining. They give you that giddy blockbuster feeling that sticks around even when the lights go up and you realise you've got chocolate ice-cream all down your front. The St Kilda's Astor Theatre is honouring that feeling, and the fact that it's been a decade of Marvel Studios solidly churning out bangers, by putting on a Marvel Marathon. Showing 18 of the films, the bonanza will run over a (slightly ridiculous) 48 hours — you'll have to be a superfan to stay awake through all of this. The marathon will kick off with Iron Man at 11am on Saturday, January 5 and finish up at 11am on Monday, January 7 with Ant-Man and the Wasp. In the middle, you'll catch hits like Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War. You can purchase one-day passes online for $40, or a full 48-hour pass for $65.
If you usually head straight to the horror section of your chosen streaming platform, like your movies far from the mainstream and can never find anything that you want to see at the multiplex, then rejoice — Melbourne has a brand new film festival dedicated to all things strange, boundary-pushing and transgressive. From Thursday, November 29 to Wednesday, December 5, Paracinema Fest will hit the Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick, Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn and Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave for a whole week of weird and wonderful flicks. Of the 18 movies on its bill, six are Australian premieres, four will be seen internationally for the first time and three are making their Melbourne debut. As for exactly what's on the program, cinephiles can expect the Aubrey Plaza-starring absurdist comedy An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn, plus zombies and nazis combining in World War II thriller Overlord. There's also slasher-comedy You Might Be the Killer with Joss Whedon alum Fran Kranz and Alyson Hannigan, as well as the latest project from one of the talents behind Garth Marenghi's Darkplace — aka Matthew Holness' Possum, about a disgraced puppeteer returning home. Other highlights include German horror effort Luz, the newest film from Rubber's Quentin Dupieux — which is almost entirely set in a police station, and is almost certainly offbeat — as well as zombie comedy musical Anna and the Apocalypse. On the retro side of things, catch horror-comedy Basket Case, or a double of indie American filmmaker Sarah Jacobson's two 90s efforts in I Was a Teenage Serial Killer and Mary Jane's Not a Virgin Anymore. And because everyone can enjoy this fest, gorgeous family-friendly animation The Iron Giant is also on the lineup.
The Makers and Shakers Market will visit Melbourne again this November, bringing with it the whole kit and caboodle of bespoke ceramics, homewares and jewellery (as well as tasty food to rejuvenate you when you get the oh-no-I-just-spent-all-my-money sweats). Kick things off at 10am with a coffee, spend a few hours browsing, and then chow down on a toastie or perhaps a gluten-free vegan doughnut from Nutie. The market gives space to local makers to sell their handmade wares, with everything from ceramic keep cups to floral tote bags to be found. Stallholders this time round include bright art by Laura Blythman, flowers from Mittoo Blooms, designer soaps by Fazeek, whimsical lamps from Upswitch and jars of sticky caramel from Misty's Salted Caramel. And that's just the crust of the pie — there are many more to choose from when you take a full bite, and a free Christmas craft workshop at 11am. Images: Alana Dimou.
The Jungle Collective has just returned from Sydney and it's already set to open its Abbotsford's warehouse for the third time this year. The bohemian plant sale will again open to the public on Saturday, March 24 from 9am, offering hundreds of indoor plants of over 60 green species. While the last Melbourne sale focused on elephant plants, this time the selection will be more broad — meaning there will be plants of all shapes and sized available. We don't know exactly what will be there, but patrons can expect the usual array of hanging plants and ferns, along with rare finds like giant Birds of Paradise and east Asian-native rubber fig trees. For those who have a hard time keeping their new friends alive, the on-site horticulturist will again be in attendance to help answer all of your plant-based woes. As usual, they'll have jungle tunes and vibes going, along with themed dress-up specials — including five bucks off if you wear bunny ears. No ticket or registration is required for this sale, but takeaway boxes will be limited, so plan ahead and bring your own. Image: Mooikin.
If Melbourne town's end-of-year weather is getting you down — sweltering one day, streaming from the skies the next — here is some small solace for you. Melbourne's Boho Luxe Market (their words, not ours) is determined to make you remember those times when you could dip your toes in the ocean without needing an umbrella, and take you to a sun-dappled place of dreamcatchers and flower crowns. Because these things are apparently synonymous with Byron Bay, the market's goal is to bring "that Byron Bay vibe to Melbourne" — so expect all of the above except for the beach bit. For their festive run, they'll be in town on Sunday, December 10, when you can treat yourself to a day of Christmas wanderlust in the Atrium at Federation Square. There'll be heaps of stalls featuring bohemian fashion, jewellery, homewares, pet products and kids stuff for tiny people too. There are even some complimentary tote bags on offer for the first 100 shoppers; the likes of cupcakes, doughnuts, vegan chocolate and Vietnamese dishes to eat, and live music amping up the relaxed vibes as well.
Throwing shapes on the dance floor is one thing, but how about really thrilling that inner tween of yours with a pair of skates, a roller rink and an afternoon of disco? Come 2018 you'll have the chance to do all of that, with The Collingwood Underground Roller Disco returning for its latest instalment. Once again setting up shop in a carpark beneath the suburb's landmark high-rise flats — and kicking off at 3pm on January 27 — it's set to be a family-friendly affair, with a lineup of much-loved Melbourne DJs and performers setting the beat for punters of all ages. Expect a mix of boogie, disco, and house beats as you go for a roll for the entry price of $10. You can take your own lucky skates or hire some on the day, and there'll be plenty of eats and drinks on offer to help fuel those freestyle moves. Start practicing now and grab tickets at the door.
Mark your calendars with a big red X, because the Ballarat Beer Festival is back. Taking over Lake Wendouree on Saturday, January 20, this annual event is one of the highlights of the drinking year, with some 34 independent brewers serving more than 150 brews. Combine that with live music, food stalls and a range of drinking-friendly activities like beer trivia and musical bingo, and it's an event that beer lovers won't want to miss. Stomping Ground, Temple Brewing, Pirate Life, Hop Nation and Kaiju! are just a few of the brewers who'll be pouring their wares, some of which will be running beer-ed classes on the day. There'll also be cocktails on offer if beer isn't your thing — although if that's the case, you might want to ask yourself what you're doing at the festival in the first place.
An all-female instalment in the Ocean's series, set at the Met Gala and starring a killer cast of famous faces? On paper, it sounds like a dream come true. Eleven years after George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and more last fleeced a casino in Ocean's 13, and nearly six decades since Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and the '60s-era Rat Pack did the same in the first-ever Ocean's 11, Ocean's 8 thrusts women into the blockbuster heist franchise. The elaborate setups, easy banter and split-screen imagery all make the jump to this gender-swapped chapter, as does the buddy-movie vibe, which makes it feel like you're hanging out with a group of glam pals as they happen to stage an intricate robbery. But there are a few things missing in this stylish but slight attempt to extend the Ocean's brand – things like actual drama, a decent villain, and a plot that's anything other than a routine walk through familiar territory. The parallels start from the film's opening frames, with the incarcerated Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) trying to talk her way into early parole, just as her brother did back in 2001. And, like her sibling, she's not being completely honest when she promises she'll be a model citizen upon release. Spending five years, eight months and 12 days in the slammer has given her more than enough time to plan a new job, and it takes barely a few hours to convince her righthand woman Lou (Cate Blanchett) to join in. Amassing a crew that includes fence Tammy (Sarah Paulson), fashion designer Rose (Helena Bonham Carter), jeweller Amita (Mindy Kaling), fleet-fingered thief Constance (Awkwafina) and IT whiz Nine Ball (Rihanna), they're soon ready to cause a splash on the first Monday in May. Their plan: steal a $150 million diamond necklace from the neck of starlet Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway) during the star-studded party. Actually, the gang is ready to steal big but stay out of sight. As Debbie tells the crew during the obligatory motivational pre-heist speech, "a him gets noticed, a her gets ignored — and for once, we want to be ignored". It's a delightfully loaded piece of dialogue that speaks to our post-#MeToo world, but it's the movie's only step towards making any kind of statement. Instead, Ocean's 8 represents Hollywood's current gender-switching trend at its most basic, doing little more than bringing in female stars to follow the same old path. If the powers that be were worried about a Ghostbusters-style backlash, they've countered it in the most mundane fashion. If they just wanted to capitalise upon the trend as simply and literally as possible, well, that's exactly what they've achieved. Indeed, writer-director Gary Ross (The Hunger Games) and his co-scribe Olivia Milch are happy to follow the beats established by their predecessors, and to mimic the look and feel that served Ocean's 11, 12 and 13 filmmaker Steven Soderbergh so well. Still, you can only pass off a cubic zirconia as a diamond for so long — and in the words of the under-utilised Rihanna, this movie doesn't shine bright like the latter. Bullock, Blanchett and company try their best to liven up the by-the-numbers caper, and do plenty with their evident chemistry. In fact, you'll wish the film spent more time watching the group chat. But that's a feat of casting, rather than any stroke of writing or directing genius. Throw these charismatic ladies into any scenario, and they'd always demand attention. To be fair, there's ample fun to be found in Bullock's rapport with both Blanchett and Paulson, and in Bonham Carter's scene-stealing awkwardness. Having Hathaway skewer her public reputation is among the movie's best touches too, although it's nowhere near as savvy as her role in last year's Colossal. And yet, the sparkling cast can't lift a film that merely watches their characters put a plan into action with minimal roadblocks or tension. A subplot involving Debbie's duplicitous ex (Richard Armitage) is instantly forgettable, as is James Cordon's involvement as an insurance detective — and it never feels like these gals are facing any real threats, stakes or problems. Working through the nuts and bolts of any heist might be one of the thrills of the genre, but without a sense of drama as well, Ocean's 8 is a barely passable knockoff. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuCqLop7N6w
Content warning: sexual assault In the wake of revelations about rapper Riff Raff and a brave woman coming forward to tell her story, Richmond's Corner Hotel swiftly cancelled the rapper's show at its venue. The rapper's Australian tour was then also cancelled. The Richmond pub then scheduled a forum and fundraiser to replace it: a community-led discussion on sexual assault and predatory behaviour in the Australian music industry called Where To From Here? Music, Community and the "State of Play"'. The forum will be run by LISTEN, a group that aims to initiate change, inclusion and equality within the Australian music scene, and to promote visibility and experiences of marginalised people in the industry. Things will start at 6pm with a discussion with the sister of Eliza Stafford, the survivor who came forward against Riff Raff, then continue with a panel discussion, targeting the pervasiveness of sexual harassment and assault in the sphere of the live music environment. LISTEN will also provide a soundtrack for the night, with female, LGBTQI+ and gender non-conforming artists and DJs taking to the stage post-panel. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds (including $1 from each drink sold in the bandroom) will go directly to non-profit organisations. This event is designed to discuss and illuminate the unacceptable behaviour that occurs at live music events and within the industry, and will be dealing with subject matter that may be triggering – the organisers are working to create a separate space, as well as helpers, for those who may find it tough to hear and experience.
Circus Oz has been stunning audiences with its brand of high-flying acrobatics and antics for the last 40 years, but this September it'll be adding a daring new musical element to its routine in a collaboration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Named after the Italian musical term meaning 'together', Tutti sees the two groups of virtuosos join forces for two special nights at Hamer Hall. From high above on a spanning truss arch that mirrors the bridge of a violin, the Circus Oz performers will become the physical embodiment of the music performed by the musicians below. Featuring aerial work, flying trumpeters and a human metronome, this circus will be like none other. Combining the thrilling risk-taking of the acrobats that has built Circus Oz's reputation and MSO's classical music, the evening will see a clash of music and movement, set against moments of silence and beauty. Tutti will be performed on Friday, September 7, and Saturday, September 8 at Hamer Hall. To snag tickets, head to the website.
French, Spanish, German, American, Japanese: Australia has no shortage of film festivals categorised by country. But what about the stories of those with no nation at all? Lighting up screens for the second year as part of Refugee Week, the films in the Refugee Film Festival will explore the trials and tribulations of people fleeing persecution and war. The festival will be held at Carlton's Cinema Nova from June 17 to 22. Standout titles include Hope Road, which chronicles the efforts of a Sydney-based Sudanese refugee to raise funds to build a school in his village; Stop the Boats, about the slogan used to condemn those seeking asylum in Australia; and Human Flow, Ai Weiwei's immensely moving portrait of the global refugee crisis. Cinephiles outside of Sydney and Melbourne can also put their hand up to host a screening themselves. For more information on how to make that happen, as well as the full festival program, go here.
The weather might be getting chilly, but Melbourne's weekend lunch game is definitely heating up, especially with the impending return of Rice Paper Scissors' legendary winter yum cha series. The Fitzroy eatery's all-you-can-eat lunch feasts are happening one weekend a month between May and August, with each modern yum cha offering centred around a different theme and set to deliver a swag of brand new dishes. First up on May 26 and 27 is a veggie bonanza, featuring an all-vegetarian menu lineup that promises to be both meat-free and inventive — RPC is always great with vego alternatives. Lunch on June 16 and 17 will be built around hit recipes from the Rice Paper Scissors cookbook, with cheeky book discounts available on the day, while the sessions on July 14 and 15 will double as the restaurant's birthday party, complete with special celebration menu. And to wrap things up on August 11 and 12, Rice Paper Scissors is set to plate up a special chef's selection feast, showcasing the kitchen's personal favourite dishes. Your $55 ticket includes a hearty spread of food, with drinks including Rice Paper Scissors' signature cocktails available to add on.
"Part safari party. Part murder mystery. All denim." That's the tagline for Double Denim Adventure Show, a gut-busting, rapid-fire and very skill sketch comedy show from Michelle Brasier and Laura Frew. Whereas the last Double Denim had the pair embrace their inner pre-teens, the sequel sees them journey "from teenage years to avocado days". The affable and hilarious Brasier and Frew were nominated for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's prestigious Golden Gibbo Award in 2017, and their new show — in which you will be required to dance and drink from a kings cup — is raucous, hilarious and an all-round good time. Try not to leave with a smile on your face and at least a few early 2000s bangers stuck in your head.
This May, the banks of the Yarra will come alive for Melbourne's biggest food truck festival yet, thanks to the minds behind The Food Truck Park. Set to eclipse the collective's regular events in Preston and at Village Cinemas Coburg Drive-In, the Food Truck Festival will see the city's best four-wheeled food vendors descend on Birrarung Marr across five huge days. Running from May 2–6, the culinary lineup will be divided into east, south, north and west, representing the most popular food trucks from each corner of Melbourne. And you can expect to be totally spoilt for choice, with over 40 vendors slinging everything from fried chicken and Asian-inspired eats, to vegan fare and craft beers. What's more, sweet tooths will find their ultimate oasis in Sweet Lane — a festival precinct dedicated entirely to desserts. Rounding out the edible goodness will be a program of art, family-friendly entertainment and other fun, with entry free across the entire festival. It will be open from 4–10pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and 11am–10pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Grosvenor Hotel in St Kilda is commemorating ANZAC Day with free beer, but it has a catch — the beachside pub is only giving out free pots from the first siren until the first team scores in the ANZAC Day clash. The iconic AFL event is the second biggest game of the season — after the grand final, of course — and will see Essendon and Collingwood go head-to-head for the 23rd year running. If there's one situation where you don't want you team to score, it's this. Not many (if any?) quarters finish scoreless, so luckily there's more to the deal. The pub is serving up $10 pints all day and is holding an 11am Publican's Toast, which will pay respect to the diggers. If you're there the night before, the same free pot-deal will apply (for the Melbourne vs Richmond game) and $15 pizzas will be available all night.
You can call off the easter egg hunt this year, as The Craft and Co.'s Chocolate Easter Market has got your quota well and truly sorted. The Collingwood venue will welcome the city's finest chocolate artisans on Sunday, March 25. This is the closest your Dairy Milk dreams — that is, a world made of chocolate — will come to being real. Sip hot chocolate from an easter egg cup, round up free tastings and get involved in some demonstrations. Ratio Cocoa Roasters will be there, and so will South Melbourne's Atypic Chocolate, among others. And, no, this event is not just for kids — there will also be chocolate martinis and chocolate-infused beer. Because what is Easter without feeling constantly full from the overconsumption of chocolate? Image: Ratio Cocoa Roasters.
