Victorians aged 60 and over have plenty to explore at this year’s Victorian Seniors Festival, with eight days of free public transport from 6 to 13 October. Seniors Card holders can travel for free across the state on trains, trams, buses, and coaches, simply by carrying their card and using their myki as usual—without being charged. Celebrating its 42nd year, the festival runs throughout October with over 2,000 events and activities. This year’s theme, “Explore. Engage. Evolve.,” encourages seniors to stay curious, connect with their community, and challenge perceptions of ageing. From enjoying musical theatre at Club Broadway to cycling…
Author: Melbourning
The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival is set for another record-breaking year as it returns to Australia’s sporting capital on Sunday, 13 October. With all running events sold out and a waitlist as large as the number of official entries, more than 40,000 participants of all ages and abilities are expected to hit the streets of Melbourne. This year’s festival includes the debut of the Mini Marathon, giving children under 12 their own race on Saturday, 12 October. The main events—the Nike Melbourne Marathon, Half Marathon, SriLankan Airlines 10km Run, and Big M 5km Run—will see runners finish at the iconic…
After the roaring success of the 2022 sold-out event, the Cat Lovers Festival will make its long-awaited return to Melbourne this October at its new home of Melbourne Showgrounds. The exciting new location and reinvigorated program will take place alongside the much-loved Dog Lovers Festival over the weekend of 26-27 October, marking the organisers’ first co-located events in Victoria. Expanding into the Melbourne Showgrounds, the Cat Lovers Festival will educate, inspire and entertain cat parents with the latest line-up of attractions. Festival founder, Jason Humphris, said he’s thrilled to return the event to Melbourne. “Building on the success of…
Join Cricket Australia at Federation Square on Saturday 5 October from 3-6pm for Cricket’s Fan Festival – a free afternoon of fun as they celebrate a huge summer of cricket! The event will feature appearances from cricket superstars Glenn Maxwell, Hasrat Gill, and Will Sutherland, with a special appearance by former Pakistan captain Younus Khan. Fans can enjoy a trophy wall, autograph zone, and plenty of cricket-themed activities with prizes and giveaways, including an award for the best dressed. Food trucks will serve summer-inspired dishes while attendees explore the fan festival. Entertainment will include music from the Itchy Feet Marching…
Bahari, the beloved Greek restaurant on Swan Street, Richmond, is celebrating its 10th birthday this October with a special feed-me menu featuring customer favorites and a unique birthday cake dessert. From October 8 to 20, diners can indulge in this celebratory menu that pays tribute to a decade of mouthwatering dishes and Greek hospitality. Founded by ex-MasterChef contestant Philip Vakos and his wife Heleena, Bahari quickly became a foodie destination in Melbourne. Despite challenges in the hospitality industry, including COVID-19 lockdowns, Bahari has thrived, attracting loyal customers with Phil’s expertly crafted menu and warm Greek atmosphere. The celebration includes signature…
Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) returns from 14 – 24 November 2024 with a program that celebrates the way sound and vision have been a source of inspiration and transformation for LGBTQIA+ communities, and everyone across the world. The MQFF is the biggest and longest-running queer film festival in Australia, screening the best Australian/International queer films. As a sneak preview into Australia’s oldest and largest queer film festival, MQFF today announced eight major titles in the festival lineup ahead of the full program launch on 16 October – with film passes and memberships now on sale for those who want to book early…
Following a sold-out tour in May 2023, acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice is set to return to Australia for an extensive theatre tour in January and February 2025, with his long-awaited debut performances in New Zealand. Rice will perform in Adelaide, Melbourne, Bendigo, Canberra, Thirroul, Sydney, Newcastle, and Brisbane, before heading to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Known for his mesmerizing live shows, Rice has a unique ability to create intimate experiences, even in large venues. With no setlist, he forms a special connection with his audience, offering a fresh experience at every performance. After his 2023 Australia tour, Rice played…
The annual Aussie Bird Count is back again from 14-20 October 2024- a birdwatching event that’s become one of Australia’s largest citizen science events. Take part by observing and counting the birds that live near you – whether that’s in your garden, the local park, a beach or even your town centre. to help BirdLife Australia develop an understanding of local birds. Birdwatching is an ideal way to engage with nature— one bird at a time. This month, you can test your bird knowledge, get to know the cast of colourful characters in your neighbourhood, all while enjoying the great…
Multi-award-winning South African-New Zealander Urzila Carlson is one of Australian and New Zealand’s biggest comedy stars, and she’s bringing her trademark cheeky wit back to Australian stages in 2025 with the ”You Don’t Say” Tour. Urzila will perform at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for a limited run at the iconic Palais Theatre. The ”You Don’t Say” Tour will continue throughout July and August, heading to Adelaide on July 26, before taking in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Newcastle, Sydney and Canberra and finishing in Perth on August 30. Talking about the upcoming dates, Urzila said “You Don’t Say is a show born out…
Footy is over but there’s much more to life in Victoria than that. School holidays are in their second week too. There’s lots happening around Melbourne and regional Victoria. Here’s what’s on this week:
The Astronomical Society of Victoria (ASV) is set to host its second Sea Lake Astro Fest, following the success of the 2023 event. Taking place over the Melbourne Cup Weekend from 2-4 November, the festival will offer a range of astronomical experiences in the unique location of Sea Lake, North Western Victoria. Attendees can enjoy presentations from guest speakers and ASV volunteers, who will share their knowledge of the night sky. The event caters to the whole family, with activities like Science for Kids, a Q&A dinner, and a fun pub quiz. Daytime activities include safe solar viewing through specialised telescopes, providing…
Portarlington’s free annual Hooked on Bellarine festival will return in October, set to delight seafood lovers and recreational fishers alike. The event will take place on the Portarlington foreshore on Sunday 13 October, coinciding with National Gone Fishing Day and will feature fishing activities for the whole family as well as fresh Victorian seafood available to buy – including the area’s famous blue mussels. Angling club volunteers and Fishcare will offer fishing lessons for youngsters through ‘come and try’ VicFishKids sessions – with rods, and bait provided to make it easy for newcomers to reel in a new hobby. Women…