The Bridge Hotel is a Richmond institution. Located in a 100-year-old building — split in two by a quaint cobblestone laneway — the pub-cum-diner received a neat renovation back in 2011. It's now decked out with leather banquettes, lush hanging plants (and bikes), lots of exposed brick and quiet nooks and crannies to hideaway in. But don't get too distracted by the Bridge Hotel's impressive interior, the food and drink specials are why we're here. There's a weekday happy hour (with $4 pots and $5 wines), cheap parmas and steaks on Tuesday and Wednesday, $13 espresso martinis all day on Friday and $5 recovery Coronas on Sunday. And then there's Saturday — where a whole host of deals are on offer. As Saturdays are always busy — naturally — it's recommended that you book a booth. Each reservation comes with a free bottle of sparkling and a guest list, so that friend who's always running late can still make it in. You have to pre-pay a $100 bar tab to reserve your spot, but you can put this towards the Bridge Hotel's other promotion: the Match the Bar Tab. Until the end of May, pre-pay any tab (up to $150) and the pub will match your contribution. Meaning you can get up to $300 of drinks, of which 50-percent is free. The pub is sweetening the deal, even more, by throwing in a free jug of a the Skipping Girl Sour cocktail with every matched tab. It's a mix of Absolut Citron, coconut cream, pineapple juice and lemon or mint garnish. Don't delay, booths get snapped up fast.
Three Australian choreographers have joined forces on the Australian Ballet's newest show, Verve. Powered by explosive movement and intense emotion, it's a journey from darkness to light – from unbridled anger to sublime calm – accompanied by a soundtrack that swings from German electronica to Tchaikovsky. The first act, Filigree and Shadow, is the work of resident choreographer Tim Harbour. He carries the audience into a dark, uncertain world, driven by animal aggression. Think sudden moves, shadowy lighting, an architect-designed set and a score by German collective 48nord, who mix experimental and new music with post-pop and neo-rock. Next up is Constant Variants, the creation of fellow resident choreographer Stephen Baynes. This strikingly contrasting piece travels into a world of beauty and tranquility. Expect to be carried away by a neoclassical dance of extraordinary grace and poise, set to Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme, which features a breathtaking solo cello section. Rounding out the performance is Aurum, a new work by Alice Topp, who debuted on the mainstage in 2016 with Little Atlas, and has choreographed for Megan Washington and Ben Folds. Aurum's focus is on hypnotising pas de deux (dance duets), which explore the intricacies and dynamics of close personal relationships. An all-Australian team is behind every aspect of Verve's set design and lighting. It includes resident lighting designer Jon Buswell (Constant Variants) and legendary lighting designer Benjamin Cisterne (Filigree and Shadow), as well as multi-award winning set and costume designer Michael Pearce (Constant Variants) and renowned architect Kelvin Ho (Filigree and Shadow). Images: David Kelly and Jeff Busby
Jungle Collective has just returned from the weekend's Sydney pop-up and it's already set to open its Abbotsford's warehouse for the second time this year. The bohemian plant sale will again open to the public on Saturday, February 24 from 9am, offering hundreds of indoor plants of over 60 species — with a specific focus on leafy elephant plants. Alocasia and Colocasia plants (the technical terms for elephant ears) boast some serious foliage, with leaves that can span up to six metres, and range in colours from lime green to black. Apart from these, 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 your clothing has an elephant and a tenner off if you doll-up in full elephant fancy dress. No ticket rego is required for this sale, but takeaway boxes will be limited, so plan ahead and bring your own. There's still time to let them know if you're looking for something specific, too, with the hopes they can scrounge it up before Saturday.
Serious about your wine? Let's face it — whether you have expensive tastes or fancy a surprise bargain, we're all serious when it comes to enjoying a good tipple. But if you're the kind of person who spends every minute thinking about vino, you're keen to up your knowledge or you're after a boozy way to treat yourself, why not play Winemaker For A Day? That's what Rob Dolan Wines is offering up twice this year, first on March 18 and then on November 25. You'll head out to the Warrandyte South winery and spend a couple of hours getting to know how the magic is made. Yes, you'll stomp some grapes. Of course you will. Then, you'll come back for the second session to enjoy the fruits of your labour. The best part? At the end of it, just before Christmas, you'll end up with your own case of wine that you've had a hand — and a foot — in making. The experience doesn't come cheap at $260, however, and you'll also have to sign up to join the Rob Dolan Huddle Club. That's just an excuse for more wine though, isn't it?
If you fancy channelling your inner Snoop Dogg this summer, it's time to get acquainted with the Bridge Hotel's new Gin & Juice pop-up. The Richmond pub's teamed up with iconic gin producer Tanqueray to transform its laneway and front bar into the ultimate summer drinking destination, celebrating all things gin from January 19 to March 11. And it'll be helped along by two hours of free gin cocktails on Saturday, February 17. To lubricate the summery celebrations, there'll be six specialty Tanqueray cocktails on offer, starring all sorts of juicy infusions. Go for a classic, like the gin with freshly pressed apple juice, or get adventurous with the fruity combination of Tanqueray 10, pineapple, lemon and pineapple pok pok. Or you can keep your cool with one of Popstic's gin-infused sorbets or icy poles. The whole thing kicks off from 8–9pm and none of it will cost you a cent, but RSVPing is essential to gain entry. Image: Brook James
Get your fill of the best vegan food in town at the Vegan Day Out. Come March 10 and 11, The Cruelty Free Shop is putting together a walking tour of vegan cafes, restaurants and retailers, many of which will be offering discounts, deals and free samples to anyone who stops by. For Saturday and Sunday, socially conscious eaters can stop by The Cruelty Free Shop on Johnston Street, and grab a map outlining their route. From there, it's all about making your way to to plant-based delights aplenty — and making a day (or two) of it. Whether you're a dyed-in-the-wool vegan or just curious to give it a go, you'll find a whole world of retailers catering to animal-free eating, offering meal deals, two-for-ones, coffee, wine tastings and savings on vegan groceries. The Cruelty Free Shop will also be running its own tastings throughout the day, as well as offering discounts on some of its 3000+ products.
With Melbourne's extensive outdoor cinema program, it's clear Melbourne's furiously enthusiastic love for cinema under the stars isn't waning anytime soon. And now QV Cinema has announced it too will be returning for the summer season. Usually the realm of hectic shopping sprees, QV Melbourne last year launched its own openair cinema, and it will run screenings every Thursday to Sunday night in February and March. It's an intimate 80-seat deckchair cinema on the astroturf outside the Queen Victoria Women's Centre. The program is filled with cult classics (from Amelie to Labyrinth) and some of last year's biggest releases (like Get Out and Lion). There'll also be two dog-friendly screenings on Feburary 9 and 10, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to The Lost Dogs' Home. With tickets at $12 (and $14 for the dog screenings) each, it's a pretty budget-friendly date option for the summer. Opening night is happening on Thursday, February 1 with a screening of Thelma and Louise. Best bit? Opening night will see the bar serving free drinks.
If your wine of choice is a riesling — or you're just as partial to a chilled drop on a hot summer day — this event will get your tastebuds going. Riesling Downunder, the triennial festival dedicated to one of the world's most diverse white wines, returns in 2018 — and this time it is bringing its Riesling Riot event to Melbourne. Winemakers and lovers will gather at the Plaza Ballroom on Sunday, February 4 to sample the best, newest and most unique rieslings on the market. The event is presented by leading Australian Riesling makers Frankland Estate, Jim Barry Wines and Pike Wines. It will feature over 70 producers from around the world with winemakers from New Zealand, Germany, Austria and the US due to make the journey. The versatility of riesling is to thank for its surge in popularity Down Under; Australia now sits behind only Germany in plantings. Due to in part to innovations made by modern winemakers, the flavour profiles of a riesling-based drop range from crisp and citrusy to something sweeter. So in the eclectic mix of cuisines that make up the Australian food scene, pairing options are aplenty with this grape and Riesling Riot will give you the know-how to nail it every time. Tickets are available from for $60 (plus booking fee).
It's mid-August, so you should probably start getting your New Year's Eve plans in order. Victorian NYE festival Beyond the Valley has just announced the lineup for their celebrated four-day festival in Lardner, Victoria and it's pretty bloody good, so could be a solid option. Just four festivals old, the Victorian festival is still pretty fresh on the New Year's circuit, starting out in 2014. Despite this, they've managed to secure a rather colossal lineup, featuring charismatic rap headliner Schoolboy Q, Sydney electro legends The Presets, falsetto-flaunting folk favourite Matt Corby, UK grime gem Stormzy, East London 'wonky funk' singer Nao and 21-year-old Channel Islands-born producer Mura Masa. Beyond the Valley takes over Lardner Park, Warragul, Victoria from December 28 to January 1. Anyway, here's what you came for. BEYOND THE VALLEY 2017 LINEUP: Schoolboy Q The Presets Matt Corby Stormzy Mura Masa Stephan Bodzin (live) Little Dragon 2MNANY DJs (DJ Set) Adana Twins Âme (live) Amy Shark Andhim The Belligerents B.Traits Crooked Colours Cub Sport Cut Copy Dean Lewis DMAs Dom Dolla FKJ GL George Maple Harvey Sutherland & Bermuda Hayden James Hot Dub Time Machine Ivan Ooze Jack River Lastlings Late Nite Tuff Guy Marek Hemmann Meg Mac NAO Patrick Topping Pleasurekraft The Preatures Princess Nokia Ruby Fields Sampa The Great San Cisco Skegss
If jungle vibes inside an inner-north warehouse on a Saturday sounds like your perfect outing, head along to The Jungle Collective's Christmas Special on December 1. It's the latest indoor plant sale from the Abbotsford nursery, with all kinds of weird and wonderful species lining their greenery-filled shelves. Their warehouse isn't usually open to the public, but every now and then they let nature lovers in — this time for garden wonders, Christmas gift shopping, food from Crepes for Change, Santa pics (including for adults), and jungle and festive party tunes. Whether you're after a hanging pot plant, some palms for the garden or a giant Bird of Paradise, chances are you'll find it, both for you and for your greenery-loving friends and family. Have a reputation for killing your cacti? Does your BFF overwater their ferns? Don't worry — there'll be horticulturalists on site on the night to give you advice and chat through any questions you might have. Here, you can be inspired by the gorgeous green-adorned space, and learn to incorporate plants into your home and living spaces, while eating, browsing, getting your Christmas presents out of the way and soaking up some music. Best get in quick though — The Jungle Collective's sales are always popular, and this is their one for the year. RSVP via the Facebook event and get there early.
Experience the magic of ACMI's Aardman exhibition after the sun goes down, at the museum's first ever public sleepover. From 6pm on Saturday, January 13 until 8am the next morning, visitors can step into the world's of Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep and Wallace & Gromit, try their hand at their own claymation shorts, and chow down on a pizza dinner before curling up in their sleeping bags on the gallery floor. The slumber party will be one of your last opportunities to check out the exhibition, which closes on January 29. In addition to investigating the more than 350 sketches, models, animatics and making-of clips, visitors will get to watch Aardman films on the massive Lightwell screen, and enjoy a breakfast courtesy of the ACMI Cafe and Bar.
Keen to start the new year with some funky new moves in your repertoire? You'll find plenty of them at the upcoming contemporary yoga series, held as part of MPavilion's extended summer season. Hosted by boundary-pushing dance company Chunky Move on January 30 and February 6, these free 45-minute classes will serve up a lively mix of yoga and dance to send you cruising into 2018 ( just your day) feeling pretty fab. This isn't your standard session of sun salutations and downward dogs. Instead, each morning class kicks off with a blood-pumping vinyasa yoga warm-up, rolling into a series of contemporary dance moves and then rounding out with a special dance sequence, which are bound to leave you feeling centred, flexible and ready to attack the day. The pavilion is outdoors but undercover.
Vegans of Melbourne, clear your calendars — you have plans on the first Saturday of every month. Since last September, Vegan Mini Market has been the city's new regular go-to for animal-free items. And, they're back for another year at Abbotsford Convent. Returning from 9am on February 3, it'll be the same vegan-friendly array of food, drinks and other cruelty-free products — aka everything you need to start each month in the best possible way. Previous stallholders have included plant-based Asian street food from Woking Amazing, comfort nibbles from Yay! Food and jam-packed lunchboxes from Good Freaking Food. In an added bonus, the first 50 folks through the door will receive a free plant, meaning that your garden as well as your stomach will thank you. And if you're taking any little ones with you, they'll receive free fruit. Entry is free, too.
There'll be bottles poppin' and bubbles flowing at South Wharf's Cargo Hall next month, as the space plays host to Melbourne's first edition of The Prosecco Festival. Held across two sessions on Sunday, February 25, this bubbly oasis is being brought to life by a deadset expert, Melissa Brauer. She's organised a celebration to entice hardcore fans and novices alike, with a lineup of exhibitors that includes the likes of Festival City Wines, Vinomofo, King Valley's Politini Wines, Vino Bambino and Italian Wine Connection. Your $50 ticket will score you a goodie bag, a real crystal Plumm teardrop tasting glass and four solid hours of prosecco heaven. Sample some of the world's best-loved prosecco, chat to winemakers and importers from across the globe, and learn all about the wine's best food matches, while nibbling oysters, caviar and a range of local cheeses. Of course, there'll also be plenty of opportunity to grab a few bottles for your home collection.
It's the kind of music event every pet lover dreams of, and it's back for another year of cute puppies and pumping sounds. That'd be Dogapalooza, of course. It does have a rather excellent name — and that merry moniker is just the beginning. After wowing crowds with its first three fests, the dog-friendly shenanigans are bound to get tales wagging again at Richmond's Burnley Park. Expect everything from ethical eating options, to brews from Moon Dog Brewery, to plenty of boutique dog product vendors. While you won't find the likes of Bow Wow and Snoop Dog on the bill — as on-theme as they would've been — the music lineup will get your toes tapping (and the paws of your furry best friend too) thanks to electronic folk singer Hayden Calnin and DJ Lorde Florence Fleetwood. Dogapalooza isn't just a day of music-oriented bliss in the sun with your pet pooch, either. All proceeds raised will go towards helping canines in need via Oscar's Law and Melbourne's dog rescue groups Stafford Rescue Victoria, Melbourne Animal Rescue, Puppy Tails Rescue and Greyhound Rescue Victoria — as well as a slew of non-dog organisations, such as Andara Wildlife Sanctuary and The Orangutan Project. Early dog tickets go on sale on Monday, July 9, before full-price tickets on Monday, August 6. Last year sold out, so we recommend getting in quick.
Can't wait to feast your eyes on Wes Anderson's latest flick, the stop-motion animated delight that is Isle of Dogs? It was one of our picks of this year's Berlinale, where it opened the fest and won best director, so we understand. The film doesn't release in Australian theatres until April 12, but Moonlight Cinemas is giving eager fans a sneak peek — and, even better, you can bring your own pupper. The event will celebrate Moonlight's last night of its 2017-18 season, and is bound to turn Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens into an isle of dogs — just without the water. And while you can take your pooch to any of this year's sessions at the outdoor cinema, there's no better movie to take them to than this. If your dog is called Spots, then you have to go. The film follows a boy's visit to the titular land mass to find his beloved Spots, after all. The adventure that follows features the voices of a host of Anderson regulars and other ace talent — think Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Bob Balaban, Greta Gerwig, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Edward Norton and Frances McDormand — and proves as gorgeous as you'd expect. You'd be barking mad to miss it.
Richmond's National Hotel invites you to swap your Good Friday feast for an Asian street food party, as it ditches the kitchen in favour of an outdoor BBQ to celebrate the public holiday eve this Thursday, March 29. The pub will be firing up the long weekend with an al fresco session in its lantern-lit beer garden, complete with a grilling station serving a menu filled with pan-Asian street eats. There'll be sizzling stay beef skewers alongside pork-filled roti and chicken and prawn wrapped in a banana leaf. Matched to a tidy assortment of drink specials — think $6 Hanoi beers and $12 cocktails — and tunes from the resident DJ, this is one way to get the four-day long weekend off to a very solid start.
This year's Irish Film Festival doesn't just showcase the country's cinematic output, although it certainly does that. Intertwined with the fest's movie lineup, attendees will also receive a crash course in recent Irish history. With 2018 marking the 20th anniversary of the Northern Ireland peace process, the three-day event is focusing on films about the troubled period. In fact, four flicks in its five-title program contemplate the subject. They include opening night's Maze, which dramatises a 1983 prison break, and The Journey, featuring Timothy Spall and Colm Meaney as figures on either side of the conflict. Or, there's also No Stone Unturned, the latest doco from director Alex Gibney (We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks, Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief), exploring the murder of six Catholics in a tiny pub in County Down in 1994. For viewers after a change of topic, the fest also features Song of Granite, a music biopic about traditional Irish folk singer Joe Heaney.
Every autumn, the farmers, winemakers and chefs of the Murray River get together to celebrate their creations at the Sun Country Food and Wine Festival. On the calendar this year are brewery tours, picnics by pedal, decadent degustations, tastings soundtracked by live music and loads more. All in all, 14 events will take place across the region between March 16 and 25. If you're into Mexican, book a seat at Cactus Country's three-course feast in Strathmerton on Saturday, March 17. The event includes a twilight tapas tour of a stunning ten-acre cactus garden, which features cacti from all over the world. Or add a dash of adrenaline to your culinary adventure by grabbing a ticket to Picnic and Pedal in the Grove. On your arrival at Rich Glen Olive Estate, Yarrawonga, you'll be handed a bicycle and a picnic basket packed with local produce then let loose to find an idyllic spot where you can while the afternoon away at your leisure. Meanwhile, a 14-course high tea whipped up by a pastry chef will be on offer at Cafe3641 in Strathmerton. In between sipping Monichino Brut Cuvee and bottomless tea, you'll be treated to a string of dainty delights, made with local produce and served on fine china. Cafe3641 is in a gorgeous, restored homestead surrounded by rose gardens. If you're keen to sample some Indigenous foods, then get along to Ku De Ta in Cobram to spend an evening on the Murray's banks, eating sliders made with kangaroo, emu and barramundi, matched with native berry sangria. There'll be live didgeridoo, too. Another option is The Butlers Pantry Unique Culinary Experience. Taking over Dubuque Homestead for an afternoon, this event is centred on an Indigenous grazing table and gives you the chance to try delicacies both traditional and contemporary. To plan your visit to the Sun Country Food and Wine Festival and explore all the autumnal delights the region has to offer, check out the Visit Victoria website.
Immerse yourself in experimental and experiential art, as some of the most exciting creatives the country has to offer descend on Melbourne this March. Returning for its third year, the biennial Festival of Live Art is the largest event of its kind in Australia, dedicated to showcasing bold, intriguing participatory work across every conceivable discipline. Running from March 13–25 at venues around town, the festival's 2018 program is packed with highlights. Tanya Lee's Landing asks festival-goers to take part in a relay at the Melbourne City Baths, with participants collectively swimming the distance between Australia and Manus. Meanwhile, Cigdem Aydemir's The New National Sport will see the artist return the serve of a machine that ejects a tennis ball anytime anyone tweets the word 'terror' — something that happens about once about every 15 seconds. If you're looking for something a little less intense, Adele Varcoe's Wowzzzeee aims to bring audiences together through the sewing and wearing of onesies. Or you can take part in Caroline Garcia's one-on-one twerking workshop that doubles as a history lesson of the artform (yes, we called it an artform). Image: Twerkshop courtesy of Proximity Festival 2014, shot by Peter Cheng.
Some of the biggest stars of this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival are coming together for a truly important cause. Proceeds from these two benefit gigs will go to Youth Projects, a Melbourne-based charity dedicated to helping young people in Melbourne who are sleeping rough. Host Tom Ballard of ABC Comedy's Tonightly will be joined by a cavalcade of comedic stars — past participants include Judith Lucy, Daniel Kitson, Tom Gleeson, David O'Doherty and Cal Wilson. Image: Jim Lee.
First it was the Cheese Festival. Then it was the Sausage Fest. And now Prahran Market completes the holy trio of meats, cheese and sweet things with a festival dedicated to dessert. After two years dedicated to chocolate, 2018's edition will broaden the sugar spectrum to include desserts of all types. Melbourne's finest will be pulling out their most decadent dishes from 10am till 4pm on Sunday, May 6. This will include — are you ready for this? — everything from crepes and chocolate to sweet pies and doughnuts. Want more? There'll also be boozy dessert cocktails. The market will become a dessert lover's dream with traders Wilson & Market, Q Le Baker, Sweet Greek, Paddlewheel and Fritz Gelato serving up a special offering on the say. Joining them will be market guests, including Knafeh Bakery and Christy Tania with Glacé. This year's demonstrations will be taken up a notch too, with Kathy Tsaples from Sweet Greek, Christy Tania and the expert pastry chefs from Bibelot presenting every hour from 10.30am.
The Queen Victoria Market might be celebrating its 140th birthday this month, but you can bet it still knows how to party like a young'un. Join in the fun on Sunday, April 29, as this Grand Dame of Melbourne marks the occasion with one heck of a street party, complete with live entertainment, a plethora of tasty eats and lots of free family-friendly fun. Kicking off at 10am, the festivities will play host to a hefty program of dance, comedy, magic, mime and more, with live tunes from the likes of The Mik Maks, flamenco La Rumba and gospel group Open Door Singers taking over the main stage. Also on the agenda is a pop-up silent disco, a special Traders Got Talent Variety Show and, in true Queen Vic form, a truckload of great food stalls. Fare from market favourites like Taki's Balls, George the Fishmonger and Drums Cafe promises to keep you fuelled and fired for a big day.
Gertrude Street newcomer Evie's Disco Diner has an invigorating way to kick-start your Sunday — and it involves juicy tunes and stretchy moves. On April 13, the bar's set to host the next editions of its Greasy Gee's Disco Yoga sessions, featuring a one-hour vinyasa flow class backed by a delightfully disco-heavy soundtrack. BYO mat and even your hangover — host Ig Natius takes the class through a series of poses, with funky beats carefully selected to help clear the cobwebs and get your body moving. All skill levels are invited to join in the fun, and both the kitchen and bar will be open after the class for post-yoga sustenance — perhaps in the form of a vegan chilli cheese dog, a Mr Fatso burger or a banana blueberry smoothie.
End-of-year markets are always excellent for those of us who tend to leave gift purchasing until the last minute — and, thankfully, Etsy is bring its market back to Melbourne in November. Etsy Made Local is a grassroots initiative that celebrates crafters, collectors and artisans in local communities, and provides them with the opportunity to sell their creations both online and in a physical space. So whether you're on the hunt for handmade wares or vintage goods, these guys have got you covered. Returning for the fourth year, the market will take place at the Queen Victoria Market on Saturday, November 24 — and because it focuses on the best local talent, every year is filled with different stallholders and unique creations. Supporting creative small businesses and scoring a killer Christmas gift is a win for everyone involved, so head along and get your festive shopping done early, for once.
Sydney Dance Company's first show of the season presents its dancers at their most open, honest and mindblowingly athletic yet. In the words of choreographer Rafael Bonachela, ab [intra], which is Latin for "from within", is an exploration of our "primal instincts, our impulses and our visceral responses". Rather than beginning with a script, Bonachela worked backwards. While improvising and experimenting in the studio, he asked dancers to anonymously write down their emotions, ideas and questions on hundreds of yellow Post-It notes and created a narrative from them. Throughout the piece, dancers shift from portraits of intense intimacy to explosions of dynamic interaction and moments of stillness. Costumes are minimal, exposing an unsettling mix of vulnerability and power, and the original score, composed by Nick Wales, combines both classical and electronic influences. ab [intra] is Bonachela's first full-length work since 2012, when 2 One Another and a collaboration with the Australian Chamber Orchestra called Project Rameau both took the stage. This is his tenth year as artistic director of the Sydney Dance Company. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQVMpxo5UaQ&feature=youtu.be Images: Pedro Greig
Looking for somewhere to take the old gal on Mother's Day, but don't want to miss out on a second of the Good Beer Week fun? Don't worry, the team at the Cherry Tree Hotel in Cremorne has got you all sorted out. This afternoon event is its take on a traditional jam and scone affair, only the baked treats are infused with beer (and their beer is infused with rose petals). $30 gets you a cold one plus unlimited scones and a crack at a wheel of Milawa cheese. The woman who raised you doesn't deserve anything less.
Melbourne's much-loved panino bar Saluministi is launching a third store at The Causeway on Tuesday, June 19. Owners Peter Mastro and Frank Bressi have come a long way since entering — and winning an award — at the 2012 Salami Festival, and to celebrate the duo is giving away unlimited panini for three hours today. Between 11.30am and 2.30pm, Mastro and Bressi will be giving away their beloved meat-stuffed rolls. While variations will be limited to two, they're two of the joint's most popular: porchetta and mortadella. The former comes with slow-roasted juicy pork, artichoke paste, pecorino and rocket; and the latter with layers of mortadella, green olives and pecorino. For your chance to score a free lunch, head to the new store at Shop 16, The Causeway, Melbourne, between 11.30am and 2.30pm. We recommend heading in earlier rather than later to beat the lines.
Not spending the Northern Hemisphere summer hopping all over Greece? Us neither, but Melburnians can spend the winter doing the next best thing — diving deep into a sumptuous Greek feast at the Ela Pop-Up. After holding a month-long pop-up at Gertrude Street Enoteca earlier this year, Ella Mittas is heading to Fitzroy's Amarillo to whip up a storm of delicious Mediterranean traditional recipes once a month, drawing upon her time spent living, working and eating in Greece. The first pop-up lunch will be held on Sunday, July 8, kicking off at midday. The long leisurely lunch will feature a lineup of tasty regional Greek meze and wine. Throw in a vibe influenced by the 1983 film Rembetiko, complete with a live soundtrack, and you'll think you're somewhere far away from Fitzroy. The Ela Pop-Up will be held once a month, keep an eye on the website for dates. Bookings can be made through Amarillo's website. Images: Cathy Marshall
Forget the idea that Port Fairy is a purely summery destination. The small town on the Princes Highway may be best known for its beach — but thanks to their annual winter festivities there's still plenty to do when it gets chilly. From art installations and photography exhibitions to markets and toy-making workshops — plus the feverishly anticipated Dachshund Dash that attracts more than 2000 spectators — Port Fairy Winter Weekends are well worth the drive down the coast. Taking place every second weekend throughout June and July, Winter Weekends will showcase a mix of food, wine, art, culture… and sausage dogs. Did we mention the sausage dogs? They'll be pumping their tiny, adorable legs on Sunday, June 10 — although not before a dog's breakfast and the grand doggo parade. Other standout events include a Pulp Fiction-themed party, a nature walk and talk, 'hot pizza and cold jazz' at the Wishart Gallery, and ghost tours on Saturday nights. Anyone willing to brave the early morning cold can also take part in the Winter Solstice Dawn Swim first thing on Saturday, June 23. Port Fairy Winter Weekends will run on June 8–10, June 22–24, July 6–8 and July 20–22. Image: Loren Tuck.
For this month's dose of retro entertainment, boogie on over to The Night Cat this Friday night for the Fitzroy Roller Jam, presented by legendary Melbourne event organisers the Foreign Brothers. If the last year's sold-out jam hosted by these guys is anything to go by, this will be one hell of a party. With a lineup featuring the likes of Au Dré, DJ Manchild and MzRizk (as well as a band that's yet to be announced), your old-school skating moves will be sufficiently soundtracked well into the wee hours of the morning. You can BYO skates or hire a pair on the night. If you're not the most confident skater, make sure you take some friends who are going to pick you up off the floor. Image: Gianna Rizzo/Foreign Brothers.
You probably recognise Lea DeLaria from her role on Netflix's Orange Is the New Black. But while she's best known for playing inmate Big Boo, the truth is she's been around a hell of a lot longer than that. The first openly gay comic to appear on American television, DeLaria has been appearing on stage and screen for more than three decades, and will appear at the Melbourne Recital Centre for an evening of stand-up and song. Heading to Melbourne on Thursday, June 7, Lea DeLaria Live In Concert will see the singer, actor and comedian – who has five jazz records to her name, by the way – perform songs from her latest album, House of David. If the name didn't give it away, it lovingly reimagines the music of the late great David Bowie, so you'll be getting two icons for the price of one.
In its very first moments, BPM (Beats Per Minute) purposefully withholds details from the audience. Adopting the perspective of the film's unseen characters, the camera waits in the wings as a man gives a speech that isn't subtitled for viewers, until the deafening blast of an airhorn interrupts his talking. It's a jarring opening, but the movie is made all the more jolting by its second scene. Sat in a classroom with the Parisian members of HIV and AIDS activism group ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), BPM positively swamps the audience with information as the group analyse their last public campaign and argue about their next mission. The chatter is loud, fast and passionate, discussing medical specifics, marketing tactics and everything in-between. To provide further detail, the film intertwines glimpses of their activist actions into their heated conversation. Starting the movie in such a fashion, writer-director Robin Campillo achieves several things. BPM's initial 15 minutes are an immersive onslaught completely by design, plunging viewers into a frenzied, hectic headspace. The two scenes give an indication of how the film will progress stylistically and tonally. More than that, they also ensure the audience truly appreciates the mindset of the characters — allowing viewers to not only watch, but to experience the chaos, anger and uncertainty for themselves. Campillo doesn't stop there, adding a third component. In an ecstatic club-set dance sequence that's as pivotal as everything that precedes it, the audience sees joyous faces moving to the music. After first showing viewers what it feels like to be ignored, then demonstrating the overwhelming nature of the fight for AIDS treatment in the early 1990s, BPM provides a crucial moment of catharsis. The sidelined, the relentless, the sublime — if Campillo's film has a rhythm, that's it. The movie also has a narrative, charting ACT UP's quest to secure medication at a time before HIV drugs were affordable and easily accessible, from a French government and a pharmaceutical industry that are apathetic at best and cruel at worst. As the group storms into conferences, throws fake blood during office invasions and employs other protest tactics, BPM gets to know several figures on a deeper level. Haemophiliac Marco (Theophile Ray) comes to meetings with his mother Helene (Catherine Vinatier). Organiser Sophie (Adele Haenel) advocates for diplomatic options. Jeremie (Ariel Borenstein) deteriorates, and quickly. Leader Thibault (Antoine Reinartz) and the AIDS-inflicted Sean (Nahuel Perez Biscayart) bicker about peaceful versus aggressive tactics — and Sean also falls for newcomer Nathan (Arnaud Valois), who isn't HIV-positive. Set to a soundtrack that flits from electronic beats to sorrowful piano, to the pleading chants of ACT UP taking to the streets, what emerges is a movie that's both intimate and expansive. Just as BPM's first scenes leave a definite imprint, so does the cumulative effect of its 143 minutes, weaving personal tales into a sprawling snapshot of a real-life movement. The reverse applies too, with the picture's broader view, particularly in its documentary-like moments, giving context to each character's struggle. It's little wonder that the cast's performances feel both intricate and part of something bigger, particularly Biscayart and Valois' efforts to convey Sean and Nathan's complex romance. Finding the right actors for the job — actors who can not only deliver stellar work, but can make their roles seem so real that you half expect them to walk off the screen — was one of the hallmarks of Campillo's last film, Eastern Boys. So was an astonishing command of mood and aesthetics, with every directorial choice keeping viewers glued to every frame. BPM shares those traits, but it also boasts something that's all its own: an unwavering, devastating sense of authenticity. Both the filmmaker and his co-writer Philippe Mangeot are alumni of ACT UP, as audiences could probably guess just by watching. A movie this well observed, this drenched in naturalism, this candid and poignant, can only spring from reality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4_79dnJeNU
This June, Freedom Time promises to keep things nice and toasty as it returns to the Coburg Velodrome for its second winter edition, dishing up yet another piping hot serve of dance tunes and visual delights. Those winter blues stand little chance against this cracking selection of aural treats, curated by three international musical heavyweights. Descending on the Wax'o Dystopio stage for a rave amongst the gum trees, expect Detroit-based electronic act Dopplereffekt, minimal wave queen Veronica Vasicka and local legends Pjenné, Millú and Ricci. The Butters Sessions selectors are pulling together an equally covetable lineup featuring the likes of Melbourne duo Sleep D, Sydney's Lauren Hansom, international heavyweight Kuniyuki, and New Yorker Joe Claussell in his Aussie debut. And Amsterdam's Music From Memory delivers yet more goodness in the form of pop duo Dip in the Pool, Swiss artist Michal Turtle, and the lady behind PBS' Lullabies for Insomniacs, Izabel. The tunes are set to be teamed with some mind-blowing visual wonderment from the likes of John Fish (Strawberry Fields, Beyond The Valley), while eats and drinks from favourites like Alley Tunes and La Paloma promise to keep you dancing well into the night. Image credit: Duncographic.
Whether you're a pro marathon runner or a casual jogger, running is a lot more fun — and a lot easier — when you're gazing out at beautiful views. To that end, the Great Ocean Road Running Festival takes place along one of Australia's most scenic routes. Happening for the 12th year in a row on Saturday, May 19 and Sunday May 20, the event offers a race for runners of every kind, as well as a host of other happenings, including live music, film screenings and yoga sessions. At one end, there's the 60-kilometre ultra marathon. At the other, there's the five-kilometre Lorne Hotel run/walk. Whichever race you join, your registration gets you free entry to everything else going on across the weekend. Pop into Lorne Theatre to see Simon Baker's directorial debut Breath, the Lorne Hotel to catch some live music, or Lorne Sea Baths for yoga classes and pre-marathon warm-ups. There'll also be festival hubs at both Lorne and Apollo Bay.
Saying farewell to the final rays of summer can be dispiriting. But winter isn't all misery, it's also prime time for campfires, hot mugs of Milo, oversized knits and gooey, toasted marshmallows — which this event will recognise with its inaugural National Marshmallow Day celebration. To help pull you out of your seasonal slump, a whole bunch of Melbourne CBD retail giants are teaming up for Shop The City, a 12-hour shopping extravaganza held on the food celebration day you never knew you needed. After all, there's no better way to beat the winter blues than with some marshmallowy sugar and retail therapy. As well as a heap of sales, the event will see a host of free bars, food pop-ups and interactive experiences across the CBD. At QV Melbourne, shoppers will find a cosy winter village where they can build their own s'mores and take a VR paragliding adventure over the Swiss Alps. Over at Melbourne Central, you can keep the sweet tooth satisfied with a marshmallow fondue bar honouring Pantone's Colour of the Year, Ultra Violet (or, PANTONE 18-3838). Here, you'll be able to dunk violet marshmallows into a purple-chocolate fountain and top them with edible purple glitter. All those sweets need to be balanced out with some fluids, so head to the 'Alice in Wonderland'-themed bar on the ground floor of Emporium Melbourne. Created in collaboration with ACMI's latest exhibition, the bar will serve up Paint The Roses Red (a gin cocktail infused with choc-berry tea) cocktails in 'potion' bottles. Finish the 12-hour marathon with a free hand-dipped 'Wagon Wheel' from 5pm at The Strand (in honour of National Marshmallow Day, of course), then dance the night away with Melbourne electro-soul singer Tanya George outside Melbourne's GPO from 5–9pm. Shop The City will run from 10am–10pm on Friday, May 18. For the full list of events and participating venues, head to the website.
Looking for new threads? Sure, you can head to plenty of markets around town and trawl through food, homeware and other objects, or you can mosey along to Melbourne's dedicated ladies fashion get-together. Round She Goes does one thing, and it does it well. If it's clothing, accessories and jewellery you're after, you'll find it here. Filled with preloved designer and vintage fare, the one-day happening will take over Coburg Town Hall from 10am on June 3, August 12 and October 14. These editions will boast 60 stalls, all specially curated by organisers to deliver reasonably priced, high-quality bits and pieces, and ranging from beloved brands to handmade items to clear-outs by some of Melbourne's most fashionable women. Entry costs $2, and when you're finding that shiny gold coin to get you in the door, make sure you did up some other cash as well. Cold, hard currency is preferred here, and parting with it will be worth it. Your wardrobe will thank you for it.
Making its return after a year hiatus, the German Film Festival is set to shower Melbourne's screens with the latest and greatest in Deutsch cinema. And we really do mean latest and greatest — opening night's true tale The Silent Revolution premiered at the Berlin Film Festival mere months ago, while closing night will celebrate Wim Wenders' newly restored Wings of Desire, the exceptional 1987 effort about angels in Berlin. Screening at Palace Como and Kino Cinemas from May 24 to June 6, the rest of the lineup spans from stars to snow to psychological thrills, plus everything from biopics to road trips to a beloved German comedy trilogy. Explore the tension of a new couple taking to the mountains in Three Peaks, laugh at the Fack Ju Göthe franchise — about an ex-con trying to get his loot back and unwittingly becoming a teacher in the process — or catch Gutland's account of an outsider just showing up in a small town, featuring Phantom Thread's breakout talent Vicky Krieps. Other highlights include's Mademoiselle Paradis, which delves into the story of blind piano player Maria Theresia von Paradis; 303, a flick that follows a pregnant student driving to reunite with her boyfriend; and 2017 German box office hit Paula, a biopic about artist Paula Modersohn-Becker. Or, step into a dark fairy tale with Heart of Stone, or test your nerves with crime thriller Four Hands. Plus, if you have any young movie buffs in tow, the festival is also screening a children's program called Kino for Kids.
Throughout August, Private Dining Room (PDR) will bring Mondays to life with a collaborative lineup of Australian culinary talent at Fitzroy restaurant Messer. Presenting some of the best chefs, pastry chefs, sommeliers and winemakers from across Australia, PDR is a dining experience where renowned chefs from several restaurants work together to offer a joint menu with paired beverages — including this series of five-course feasts. Flipping through the Rolodex for August, PDR welcomes chef Paul Farag from Sydney's acclaimed Fish Butchery, while South Australia's Brianna Smith of The Summertown Artologist and Chris Chilvers of Penny Hill Winery combine their talents. Not to be outdone, the Melbourne contingent includes winemakers Jasmine Wakely (Le Timbre Wines) and Brodie Comer (Yugen Wines), pastry chefs Kay-Lene Tan (Tonka) and Eigin Ting (L'Hotel Gitan), as well as members of the Messer team. With restaurants remaining as competitive as ever, PDR founder and sommelier Tim O'Donnell hopes to foster a collaborative atmosphere and give chefs the chance to create menus that go outside the confines of their workplaces. PDR was launched by O'Donnell in 2015, and while the secret's been out for a little while now, the event's strictly limited seating keeps each dinner an exclusive affair.
They're words every hungry stomach likes to hear: all you can eat. And, they're words that echo a little bit louder when dumplings are involved. Who hasn't sat down to a plate of the tasty morsels, finished it quicker than they thought they would and wished someone would keep magically refilling it? We all have, and that's just what'll happen at on Thursday, July 26 at The National Hotel in Richmond. It's all rather simple: you venture in between 6pm and 9pm for dinner, and you eat as much as you can handle. The best part? It'll only cost you $20. The kitchen's regular menu will be on offer, which includes prawn har gow, spicy pork parcels and a vegan option with sweet potato, tofu and mushroom — and some new additions will be available, too. The dumplings usually cost around $10 for four, so you should really be able to get your money's worth in the two-hour feasting session. With the food so reasonably priced, the night is expected to get busy, so it's recommended you pre-book via the website.
We've said it before. We'll say it again. There really is an international day for every single food, and this time around, it's International Falafel Day. In the time-honoured cuisine-celebrating manner, that means a free lunch. While the actual occasion doesn't hit until Tuesday, June 15, Just Falafs is bringing it forward by a day to pair their giveaway with the public holiday. Drop by North Fitzroy between 2-5pm on Monday, June 14 and all your dreams will come true — as long as said dream involves chowing down on a classic pita stuffed with falafel (of course), plus pickled cabbage, Israeli salad, hummus and tahini. Yes, that makes it not only a free lunch but a free vegan lunch. Yes, your wallet and your stomach will thank you for heading along.
UPDATE, September 19, 2020: RBG is available to stream via DocPlay, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. It's hard to pick just which moment is more endearing: seeing US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lifting weights in the gym wearing a 'super diva!' jumper, or seeing women six decades her junior plaster her glasses-rimmed face across their t-shirts, bags and even skin. Actually, RBG is filled with scenes that top both. Whenever the octogenarian is spied doing what she does best — fighting for women's rights and progressive ideals, first as a lawyer and then as a judge — this documentary lights up. Still, if there's anything that beats just simply witnessing Ginsburg in action, it's watching as she howls with laughter after seeing Kate McKinnon's Saturday Night Live impersonation of her for the first time. That's the kind of film that RBG is — jam-packed with segments that equally inform and entertain, well aware of what Ginsburg stands for, and unashamedly celebratory about her impact and achievements. Co-directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West had each separately interviewed the justice previously, and felt that the time was right for a documentary paying tribute to her life's work. They couldn't have been more accurate, astute or ahead of the curve. Consider the end result not just an ode to an American icon, but a reminder that change is possible, that battling for it is worthwhile, and that both remain the case in today's fraught and fractured US political climate. If you've missed the Notorious RBG memes, the aforementioned SNL skits, and both the praise and vitriol slung Ginsburg's way (including some of the latter from America's tweeter-in-chief), don't worry. RBG fills in the gaps, and doesn't assume that viewers have an intricate knowledge of the US judicial system or the movie's central figure. Rather, it tackles Ginsburg's tale from two angles. As a birth-to-present day chronicle, the film steps through her childhood and her opposites-attract college romance with husband Marty, as well as her determination to juggle law school with motherhood and everything that has come since. As an exploration of her specific legal influence, it delves into several cases in detail, focusing on those that she argued in front of the Supreme Court prior to joining its ranks. Ginsburg's biography, her legal contribution and each of the individual cases featured could easily furnish their own documentaries, but Cohen and West know how to balance these various components. More than that, they know how to insert Ginsburg's personality into the film, and shape it with her drive and spirit. Given that the justice is known for being reserved and serious (when she's not living her lifelong dream of starring in an opera), that might sound easier said than done. But there's humour, heart and a big helping of grit to this highly accessible movie, even when it's largely assembled through talking heads, archival footage and snippets of Ginsburg's recent speaking appearances. Indeed, RBG mimics its eponymous figure in several ways. Like the justice, it's small, smart and striving; thorough and proficient; and eager to make the world a better place than it currently is. The documentary is also a testament to something that isn't always championed quite so enthusiastically: simply working hard, getting things done and not worrying about any fanfare. With the #MeToo movement and the current recognition that gender equality is in a much worse state than it should be, the film couldn't come at a better moment, but capitalising upon the present mood is purely a stroke of good fortune. While Cohen and West knew Ginsburg was gaining a cult following when they first conceived of their project five years ago, they couldn't foresee they world they'd release their film into. Doing what's necessary and right just because there's a need for it — well, that couldn't be a more Ginsburg-esque move. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TnaEg91qIA
Instead of masses of birthday cake and party hats, Hawthorn's Lido Cinemas is celebrating its third birthday with a day of $5 move tickets. The eight-screen theatre, which launched in 2015, is known for its unique programming, featuring cult classics, lots of Australian hits and lesser-known international films. It also has a rooftop cinema, a hidden jazz room and a slew of left-of-centre special events, like its current Weird Wednesdays series. But, back to the birthday. On August 5, you'll be able to treat your bestie, mum or date to a film for a tenner — or splash out and spend the day enjoying a movie marathon. Some of the films you'll be able to catch on the day include Hitchcock's 38 thriller The Lady Vanishes and an immersive documentary about Venice's most famous painter, called Canaletto & The Art of Venice, with more expected to be announced closer to the date. We suggest you book in quick, as they're expected to sell out.
Melbourne is no stranger to new bars popping up, especially now we're steadfastly heading into 'spritzes in the sun' season. But, thanks to the weather's notorious unpredictability, there's still plenty of hiding from the outdoors to be done. For those occasions, new Flinders Lane space Trinket is ready and waiting. With a secret cellar bar and art deco vibes a-plenty, Trinket is the ideal hideaway to satisfy your escapist needs. And, to entice you further, it's holding a delightfully dark high tea. Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the bar will serve up 'boozy bites and dark delights' for $45 per person. With sweet treats matched to a cocktail of your choice, it'll be a masterclass in pairing food to drink that strays away from a traditional high tea. Sweet and savoury treats are included — think triple cheese cigars with ash aioli, black sesame macarons and espresso martini 'gaytime' pops — as is a glass of Champagne along with the cocktail options. Plus, throughout October and November, this dark high tea will be given a pink twist for breast cancer awareness. The treats will have a delightful touch of pink, as will the drinks (read: rose Champagne), with $5 from each booking donated to Breast Cancer Network Australia. Trinket's Dark Tea is available across two sittings: 12–2pm and 2.30–4.30pm, every Saturday and Sunday. To make a booking, visit the website.
When Sydney's Harry Potter-themed boozy brunches were announced, the city couldn't say "accio butterbeer" fast enough, with the first two stints selling out quickly. Now, due to massive muggle demand, Melbourne is getting a round of feasts early next year across four sessions, spanning both brunch and dinner. Melbourne Town Hall is the location that'll be turned into the Great Hall for the occasion, complete with an enchanted meal (Pixie Puffs, please), bottomless butterbeer (obviously), 'magic' potions (aka wine) and other wizard-themed beverages. There'll also be quidditch, a couple of sorting ceremonies and wand lessons — and Harry Potter characters mingling with attendees, if that's your idea of some perfect HP fun. Tickets are currently on sale, but they're not likely to stay that way for long, even though you'll need a bag full of galleons to head along. Your ticket includes all food and three hours of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) — but at $205 per head, you'd be hoping for a Yule Ball-type experience.
A tiger, or even a volleyball called Wilson, wouldn't go astray in Adrift. Instead, this seafaring survivalist drama attempts to keep afloat on the strength of Shailene Woodley's performance. The talented star can do many things, from bringing a semblance of life to the bland Divergent franchise, to comfortably holding her own against some of today's best actors in TV's Big Little Lies. But she's given a tricky task in this unremarkable drama, with Adrift wading through waters tackled by better, similar films, even though it's actually based on a noteworthy true story. Woodley plays the real-life Tami Oldham, a restless twentysomething who finds herself in Tahiti in 1983. Eager to explore the world — and to avoid going home to San Diego — Tami is looking for her next globe-trotting adventure, but finds love instead with fellow sailor Richard Sharp (Sam Claflin). Their courtship is as quick and breezy as the wind their shared passion for boating relies upon, making the decision to take a friend's yacht nearly 6000 kilometres to America a relatively easy one. Once the couple are on their way, however, a thunderous hurricane has other ideas for their planned romantic journey. With Oldham's ordeal having taken place more than three decades ago, director Baltasar Kormákur (Everest) and his team of three writers clearly hope that the details have slipped from the public's collective memory. Or, at the very least, that no one in the watching audience knows what happened or has ever read Oldham's memoir. They're the only reasons that can possibly explain Adrift's two storytelling missteps: sticking to a unimaginative formula and leaning too hard on its love story.When the movie isn't charting a course straight through the same territory previously traversed in All is Lost, The Mercy and Life of Pi (in the last decade alone), it's jumping backwards and forwards in its timeline to ramp up the amorous aspect of the narrative. To the film's detriment, neither following the usual template nor mixing a potential tragedy with romance proves anything other than routine. Still, just as it takes grit to try to stay alive when nature trashes your boat in the middle of the ocean, it also takes fortitude and determination to play someone trapped in such stressful circumstances. Woodley is at her near-best as Oldham, never giving the plucky protagonist superhero-like strength or abilities, and never losing sight of both the physical and emotional toll that arises when you think your life is about to end. It's the same kind of empathetic portrayal that has served Woodley well across her career, and it's well-suited to this rare female-centric dive into the survivalist pool. Her co-star Claflin is given little to do other than take on the token love interest part. Pushing a determined woman to the fore and rendering the male character as a supporting player, it's a role-reversal that doesn't escape attention, although Adrift doesn't capitalise upon it as much as it could've. As Everest illustrated, Kormákur is fond of tense true tales about courage in the face of seemingly fatal adversity. As his 2012 Icelandic movie The Deep also demonstrated, the filmmaker is similarly drawn to life-or-death exploits in the water. Adrift owes a little to both but falls somewhere in the middle; it's as driven by incident and spectacle as the former, yet also proves as intimate as the latter. As a result, when Woodley isn't stealing the show, her unforgiving surroundings — and Robert Richardson's (Breathe) glossy cinematography — jostle for attention. Indeed, a stripped-back version of the story that simply focused on its star tussling with the sea would've made for compelling viewing. But by giving it the standard disaster flick approach and trying to tug at the heartstrings as well, Adrift sadly starts to sink. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LunQJEnmNdU
After recently opening a Sydney surplus store and holding one hell of a sale in it, minimalist Aussie clothing designer Assembly Label is bringing some stock down south for its first ever Melbourne warehouse sale. It's hosting a four-day bargain blitz in Collingwood from Thursday, June 28 through to Sunday, July 1. This means the warehouse's samples and pieces from past seasons will be going at up to 70 percent off. That includes much-needed jackets and knitwear for the coming winter months, plus denim, tops, shorts, pants, swimwear and accessories in both men's and women's designs. The label is known for its linen basics and relaxed coastal vibes that makes up the wardrobe of many an Australian in summer. The sale will be open from 2–7pm on Thursday, 9am–5.30pm on Friday, and 9am–5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
If you've ever turned up at a house party and been sorely disappointed by the lack of penguins, this is the event for you. The Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium is throwing a series of aquarium parties throughout winter because why the heck not? The series kicks off with a party a month from June 29, and is the perfect opportunity to stare down a fish right in his slimy eye while sipping a cocktail. Tickets are a bit exxy at $59 a pop, but the price includes a cocktail and a snack on arrival. Further drinks and food can be bought over the bar, and a DJ will be playing all night. Entry into the aquarium (usually around $34) is obviously included as well which means you'll get to look at the 10,000-plus creatures, including one of Australia's largest saltwater crocodiles (probably the only time in your life you might be pleased to see a crocodile at a party).
The John Curtin Hotel has seen its fair share of rock 'n' roll gigs over the years, but over the past 12 months the in-house kitchen, Sonny's Fried Chicken & Burgers, has become a bit of a star in its own right. To celebrate its first birthday, Sonny's is making sure everyone gets in on the party by giving away 1000 burgers. From 3–7pm across August 16–17, Sonny's will be serving up lots of its namesake burger — made with deep-fried chicken, zesty slaw and mayo — entirely for free. These burgers aren't your standard offering, either, Sonny's goes the extra mile by brining its chicken breasts for 24-hours before coating them in a delightfully crispy concoction of herbs and spices. A thousand burgers might sound like a lot, but these are bound to go quick. Limited to one burger per customer, these will pair perfectly with a pint from the front bar. Sonny's Fried Chicken Burger Giveaway will run from 3–7pm on Thursday, August 16, and Friday, August 17.
If "toastie" and "festival" are two words you've never really managed to unite, think again: Welcome to Thornbury is hosting a cheese toastie festival this weekend, combining your unrequited love for hot cheese and carbs with a little splash of fine dining (but mostly the hot cheese thing). While the event's main feature is the humble cheese toastie and its many variations (including cheeseburger toasties, vegetarian toasties, dessert toasties – the list goes on), the apple of your dairy-loving eye might be the cheese toastie degustation. It features four different toasties, including a dessert toastie, paired with either Goose Island beers or local natural wines. And it comes in at the very reasonably price of $30 — you can snag tickets here. During the festival you'll also be able to snag oozy toasted sangas from the likes of Belles Hot Chicken, Mr Burger, Dr Sous and dessert versions from Jamm'd and Tiramisu' Lift Me Up.
