This is your October events schedule for What’s On in Australia. Each month our local staff curates a round-up of their favorite events and must-do’s for the month. It includes everything from dance parties to fun runs. Current TEAN Australia students can check their inbox to get the full digest for their city.
Townsville
Magnetic Island Bay Dayz Festival [Lots of DEALS]
When: September 4 – October 4
Where: Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island bursts with 50+ events and activities during the month-long Magnetic Island Bay Dayz Festival each September and early October, with discounted ferry tickets to Magnetic Island. This event takes place mostly in September, but lots of the deals carry over into the first week of October. Take some time during lecture recess to explore the island and save big.
Arcadia Markets [FREE]
When: Every Wednesday and Friday, 5pm – 8pm
Where: Arcadia, Magnetic Island
A tropical and lively market just a quick bus ride away from the Ferry Terminal at Magnetic Island. Enjoy the scenery, buy some trinkets, savor a delicious dinner or drinks from the licensed bar, and wander the beach at scenic Alma bay at twilight.
Twilight Dance Performance [FREE]
When: October 2-3, 5:30pm – 6:30pm each day
Where: Jezzine Barracks
The Twilight dance troupe will take you from dusk to dark on a dance and music journey through the winding pathways of Jezzine Barracks to celebrate its special magic at the twilight hour. A multi-site performance featuring over 100 performers from the Townsville community in ten short performance episodes across ten sites, Twilight has a surprise for you at every twist and turn of the ‘twilight’ walk we have mapped out for you. Tickets are free, but book online in advance to secure a spot.
Roadrunner Magnetic Island Fun Run [$5]
When: October 3 from 7:30am
Where: Magnetic Island, starts at Nelly Bay and finishes at Horseshoe Bay
The Magnetic Island run starts from the Nelly Bay terminal after the 7.05am ferry from Townsville arrives (at about 7.30am). This event consists of any one of four runs, all finishing at Horseshoe Bay, where there will be tea / coffee etc. There is no timing or placings for this event, and you can register on the day at the start.
Oktoberfest [$16.50 online, $20 at the door]
When: October 4 from 11:30am – 10:00pm
Where: The Brewery
Join the party at the Brewery to celebrate the German tradition of Oktoberfest! There will be live music featuring 4 local bands, footy on the big screen, specially brewed Oktoberfest craft beers as well as tons of food specials, including pork hock and schnitzel! This is an 18+ event so make sure to bring your ID!
Greek Fest [FREE]
When: October 10, 10am – Late and October 11 9am – 6pm
Where: Riverway Arts Centre
Come and share the Greek culture of food and hospitality! Get a taste of the Mediterranean at this classic Greek festival, with more Greek music, cultural dancing, and delicious Greek food than ever before! The park will be filled with the melodic and unique sounds of both traditional and modern Greek music. There will be plenty of competitions, exciting rides, and even a fireworks display (Oct 10 at 8:45).
Miss Muddy Obstacle Course [From $75.50]
When: October 11
Where: Townsville Turf Club, Cluden Park
Miss Muddy is a female only 5 km untimed obstacle course through mud, color and foam. There’s guaranteed to be lots of slipping and slight, and definitely a lot of laughs. Drag you friends to a dirty day out and don’t worry if you aren’t fit, this is a judgment-free course designed for all fitness levels!
Riverway Movie Night – Star Wars [FREE]
When: October 16 from 6:00pm
Where: Riverway Oval, 20 Village Blvd, Thuringowa
Bring a blanket and cozy up under the stars and rainforest trees at Riverway. Get excited for the impending return of Star Wars this December with the classics “The Empire Strikes Back” at 6 and “Return of the Jedi” at 8.
ReefBlitz 2015 [FREE]
When: October 17, 6am – 6pm
Where: Brigadier North Park, Jezzine Barracks
This is your opportunity to become a champion of the wild species and spaces of North Queensland! Get hands on with free citizen science activities for all ages during the Reefblitz 12 hour challenge to find and record as many of Townsville’s wild species possible. Part science, part education, part festival, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation is bringing its annual Reefblitz event to Townsville with plenty of action in and out of the water at Jezzine Barracks and Magnetic Island. More than 20 free survey tours, presentations and activities are on offer. Register online to secure your spot!
Magnetic Island Adventure Games [$35]
When: October 17, start at 8:30am (date has yet to be confirmed, check online)
Where: Alma Bay, Magnetic Island
This year participate in an Amazing Race style treasure hunt around the gorgeous Magnetic Island where you will find hidden checkpoints and participate in challenges with your team. We have enough challenges and checkpoint over the Island to fill up your day so put it in your diary, get your team together and prepare for an Island experience like no other. Everyone can participate. Each team can consist of between 2-5 people to share in the awesome experience, but make sure to register your team online before the event.
QLive – The Screaming Jets [From $40]
When: October 17, 7pm
Where: The Venue – Townsville, 719 Flinders Street
One of Australia’s most celebrated and controversial rock bands are going on their biggest national tour in over a decade. The Screaming Jets are bringing a whole new set of tunes swag of new tunes to get The Venue a-rockin’. The drinking group with a musical problem are sure to drive the fans wild, but hurry because tickets won’t last forever!
JCU Townsville Fire vs UC Capitals [Starting from $11.50]
When: October 18, 1pm
Where: Townsville RSL Stadium, Murray Sporting Complex
The Townsville Fire is Townsville’s very own women’s professional basketball team! The Fire will enter the 2015/16 season as the pre-tournament favorites after securing a star-studded playing roster that includes four WNBA representatives, two Olympians and eight players who have represented their nation at underage level or beyond! Come cheer them on at the Townsville RSL Stadium as they take on the UC Capitals.
India Fest Townsville [FREE]
When: October 24, 10am – 9pm
Where: Riverway, Townsville
Come down to India Fest Townsville and learn more about Indian culture. The Townsville Indian community has come together to present the beauty and diversity of Indian culture. Enjoy a vast range of Indian cuisines and spices, Bollywood and classical Indian performances and even an Indian wedding!
Drum Circles on the Strand [FREE]
When: October 24, 6pm – 7:30 pm
Where: The Strand, near Longboards
Join in the community fun of an evening drum circle along the Strand! Hosted by veteran drummer and JCU international student manager Alex Salvador, these quirky, fun community drum circles are thrown every month coinciding with the full moon. No experience required, just bring your enthusiasm and be prepared to participate and have fun!
Gold Coast
Miami Marketta- Street Food Market [FREE]
When: Weekly from Oct 2– April 17
Where: 21-21 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
Watch Miami come alive with Gold Coast’s first street food markets from all different nationalities- complete with a dessert hall! Street food brings together an eclectic and authentic food mix in an open air dining experience. The main stage hosts local independent blues, jazz, and indie alternative artists. The Marketta is also a very popular place to meet local Australians!
Chinatown Street Markets [FREE]
When: First Saturday of the Month, 4-10pm
Where: Chinatown in Southport
Gold Coast’s’ first ever Asian inspired food market will take place right in the heart of Southport. Enjoy a night of Asian inspired street food, entertainment and culture.
National Rose Show [FREE]
When: Oct 3-4 from 11:30-5:00 pm
Where: Robina Community Centre
Throughout the show, there will be hundreds of champion roses on display from rose growers around Australia. There will be friendly and experienced rose growers from the Queensland Rose Society on hand to answer your questions. There will be floral art and cake decorating demonstrations, and cut roses and fertilisers for sale.
Pride Run [Various Prices]
When: Oct 4 from 7-10:30 am
Where: Evandale Parklands & Arts Precinct, Surfers Paradise
The Pride Run Gold Coast is an opportunity to come together and celebrate the Gold Coast’s diversity within the community in an active setting with friends. Finish amongst the crowds, stalls and activities of the Glitter Festival Community Day event.
Retro Riot Street Party- Gold Coast Design Collective Markets
When: Oct 11, 9am – 2pm
Where: One50 Public House, Bundall
Eat the finest local food, shop at the best stalls selling vintage & handmade wares and have awesome entertainment. Our last street party saw 4500 + people turn up and enjoy all we had to offer! The entire top floor of the building will have market stalls and live entertainment and down stairs more stalls + classic cars and dancing.
Gold Coast Greek Festival [$7]
When: October 11 from 9:30-5:00 pm
Where: Evandale Parklands, Surfers Paradise
Come and experience the vibrant Greek culture on the Gold Coast. Enjoy yummy Greek cuisine like souvlaki, grilled octopus, loukoumi, baklava, and loukoumades (honey puffs) and much much more!
Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema [$17.90]
When: Oct 14- Nov 7
Where: Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach
Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema is quintessential outdoor event, with music by day and movies by night. Cinemagoers can chill out before their movie with gourmet food cooked fresh on site and frosty beverages from the licensed bar, while relaxing to sounds from the best of the Australian music scene and sets from the most exciting emerging local musicians. Highlights of the 2015 program include The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Straight Outta Compton, Trainwreck, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and more.
Buskers By the Creek [FREE]
When: Oct 17-18 from 10am -6pm
Where: Winders Park, Currumbin.
Buskers By the Creek is an annual celebration of arts, culture, and community spirit. The event usually attracts over 10,000 people to watch over 140 performers show off various skills and talents. Be prepared to have your mind blown with showcases including singer/songwriters, acrobats, drummers, hula dancers and the world’s smallest extreme sport enthusiasts.
V8 Supercars Castrol Gold Coast 600 [$47.93]
When: 23- 25th October
Where: Surfers Paradise
The Gold Coast’s biggest weekend of entertainment is back with the Castrol Gold Coast 600. Get set to party with Australia’s greatest ever rock band, Cold Chisel performing live on Saturday night powered by Gold FM. Club 600 is back bigger and better as the Las Vegas-style day club heats up with an all-female DJ line up, chill zones, Miss V8 Supercars and more in an exclusive 18 years and over hidden trackside haven.The world renowned Stadium Super Trucks will ramp up the on-track action joining top support categories on track. Get ready for the V8 Supercars drivers to do battle on the streets of Surfers Paradise at the PIRTEK Enduro Cup final.
Lantern Ghost Tour [$259]
When: Oct 30– Nov 1
Where: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Lamington National Park Road
Disappointed you’ll be missing Halloween back home? Well this ghost tour will be a great way to still celebrate the American holiday while here in Australia. Discover the secrets, mysteries and magic lost world of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Watch as the Rainforest comes alive with activity of the supernatural kind when the sun fades into darkness. Learn about the historic remnants and playful min min lights that emerge silently out of the midnight shadows. Tours are operated by Lantern Ghost Tours who run multi-award winning tours of Australia’s most haunted locations. This price includes 2 nights’ accommodation, meals and tour.
Infectious Halloween Party [Pre-sale $8]
When: Oct 31 from 9pm
Where: Clock Hotel, Surfers Parade
Experience a haunted house themed event this year on Halloween. INFECTIOUS Halloween will feature an emerged event of spooky surprises and costume contest.
Brisbane
Brazilian Day Street Festival [$18]
When: Saturday, October 10 from 12pm
Where: Fortitude Valley
A very special, first time event will be held in Brisbane this year in honor of Brazil’s culture and special celebrations! Get captivated by witnessing this colorful and vibrant street festival filled with music, dancing, and carnival parade. You can also look forward to the delicious South American foods and drinks that will also be offered.
MS Moonlight Walk-[$35 Registration + Fundraising]
When: Friday, October 23rd 6-9pm
Where: Along the Brisbane River- Start at Cultural Forecourt at South Bank
Participate in a 5 km or 10 km walk by lantern light to help raise money for those with multiple-sclerosis.
The End of the Line Festival [FREE]
When: Saturday, October 24 10am – 10pm
Where: Woolloongabba
Experience live music, art presentations, market stalls, food trucks, and much more that Woolloongabba has to offer!
Brisbane Fitness and Event Expo [$15 online]
When: Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 10am- 5pm
Where: Brisbane Convention Centre
Find the perfect fit for you by exploring the latest fitness gadgets, seeing the newest gym equipment and exercise classes in action, trying on new-release clothing and footwear, exploring the latest nutrition products and listening to expert advice from top Australian and international fitness experts, celebrities and athletes.
Good Food and Wine Show [$25.50]
When: Oct 30- Nov 1
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
If you are a foodie or enjoy spending time getting creative in the kitchen, this is just the event for you! There will be several opportunities to see some of your favorite cooking celebrities and try some delicious foods and wine!
Turning Tricks: Mystics, Maniacs, and Murderers [$30]
When: October 31 at 7:30pm
Where: Metro Arts
“Turning Tricks returns this Halloween to solve the greatest murder mystery of all time … who was Jack the Ripper? After sell-out shows at last year’s Anywhere Festival & Brisbane Powerhouse, magician Pete Booth and mentalist Sean Mergard will this time use the greatest tricks of mediums old and new to conjure up the spirit of the most famous killer ever.”
Sydney
Re:Visons – Rediscover soul, hiphop and house greats [FREE]
When: October 3-4, from 9pm to 3am
Where: The Lord Gladstone115 Regent St, Chippendale
Yo! We’re bringing the party once again at The Lord Gladstone on Saturday 3rd October. More top notch re:visions tunes, tasty beverages and alfresco dancing in the courtyard. Think rare versions of soul tracks, super cool disco edits, 80s pop, slightly strange remixes of b-boy breaks, 70s rock, and original sampled tracks. As well as a few reggae curveballs.
Sydney’s first ever Food Truck Jam [FREE]
When: Oct 3 from 5pm to 10pm and Oct 4 from 12pm to 10pm
Where: The Entertainment Quarter 122 Lang Road, Moore Park
Sydney is set to experience its first ever EQ Food Truck Jam, with the most obsessed about street food outlets bringing flavorsome flair to the Entertainment Quarter this October long weekend. The EQ Food Truck Jam will see Sydney’s sought after food trucks gather for the first time in one location, and bring the deliciousness of traders such as Toby’s Estate Coffee, Bad Betty Burgers, NYPD New York Sandwiches, Cherry Highway ice-cream plus many more together in a tasty street food explosion.
Barangaroo October Giant Picnic [FREE]
When: Sunday, October 4, from 11am to 5pm
Where: Barangaroo Reserve Barangaroo
Everyone is invited to bring a picnic blanket and enjoy food from some of Sydney’s finest chefs to serve a delectable feast of signature picnic-style dishes on Stargazer Lawn. Free live music will evoke the bustling atmosphere of the working harbour and feature the likes of Bluesfest favourite Busby Marou and gypsy-fusion band Lolo Lovina. The Cutaway, the massive cultural space built inside the headland, will house an experiential multi-media art installation by ESEM Projects entitled Arrivals and Departures.
Morgan & Monty’s Wings, Dogs & Shakes Party [FREE entry]
When: Sunday, October 4 from 5 – 10pm
Where: 40/44 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills
Get set to party with the third in our “Friends of Harrys” POP UP series this long weekend. The menu includes; A spiced pork and beef hand made frank, wrapped in a soft bun, M&M’s mustard, pickles and chilli, Morgan’s famous Belle’s Hot Chicken with smokey Barbacoa flavour and his own secret salt and sauce made for Harpoon Harry’s only. Entry is free, but bring money for food.
Dark Vanilla Jungle [$32]
When: Daily from 7 – 9pm from October 5-10
Where: 505/342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Hibernian House
Dark Vanilla Jungle first premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013, winning the Scotsman’s Fringe First award and Stage Awards for Excellence. It then received its Australian premiere through MMH and enjoyed a sell-out, hugely critically acclaimed season.
Moon Festival @ The Smoking Panda – Baijiu Masterclass [$15]
When: Tuesday October 6 from 5:45 – 7:15pm
Where: The Smoking Panda on Level 1, 5 Park Street
Imagine Chinese lanterns, pink neon lights and a tank full of jellyfish – this is just your standard night at the mysterious East-meets-West bar and eatery known as The Smoking Panda.
Forró: Free Class [FREE]
When: Tuesdays from Oct 6 to Nov 3 from 6 – 8pm
Where: Redfern Community Centre 29-53 Hugo Street, Redfern
This group is to promote the Forró (Brazilian Dance) in the city of Sydney. Join us and have fun.Come learn and dance Forró (Brazilian Dance) with us at the Redfern Community Centre! Forró encompasses various dance styles as well as a number of different musical beats. This music genre has gained widespread popularity in all regions of Brazil. We will give 1-hour class for anyone who wants to learn, teach new figures for beginners and for those who already know, there will be music to enjoy and dance. It’s free, just join us and have fun.
Verge Festival [FREE]
When: Monday through Saturday from Oct 7-16, 9am to 11pm
Where: University of Sydney Parramatta and City Roads, Camperdown
Enchantment awaits you at this year’s Verge Festival. Prepare to be spellbound as you bear witness to the fantastical creations of USyd students. Party the night away at our opening and closing night parties, have a giggle at our comedy night or one the student comedy gigs, test your ability to distinguish Minnie from Mickey at our Disney Trivia Night, sit under the stars at one of our movie nights or take over the campus at the Humans vs Zombies – Zedtown! Verge is a 10 day festival hosted by the University of Sydney Union made by students, for students to celebrate everything creative and magical at our university.
AASTA pop-up tea bar [$40]
When: Every day, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Thursday 8 October to Saturday 10 October 2015
Where: Cleveland St & Eveleigh St, Redfern NSW – Entrance via Eveleigh St
Sydney’s passionate, yet somewhat underloved community of tea enthusiasts can release a collective sigh of relief, as their wishes for a place to enjoy amazing tea have been answered. The Australasian Specialty Tea Association, AASTA, is conducting a first of its kind tea collaboration, with numerous tea companies serving up high quality teas over three days in October. Hosted by Work-Shop Sydney, patrons can expect exotic, rare and specialty leaf teas prepared by some of Australia’s leading tea professionals.
Sculpture by the Sea [FREE]
When: October 22 – November 8
Where: Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk
19TH ANNUAL BONDI EXHIBITION Sculpture by the Sea returns to the Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach coastal walk. See the spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk transformed into a 2km long temporary sculpture park featuring over 100 sculptures by artists from Australia and across the world. One of the world’s largest free to the public events.
Celebrity chef cooking demo with Vikki + Helena [FREE]
When: Wednesday October 28, from 12pm to 2pm
Where: World Square 680 George Street, Sydney
World Square will serve up an outrageous amount of food, wine and festivities as part of October’s Good Food Month with live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs including My Kitchen Rules ‘entrepreneurial twins Vikki and Helena!
Hunter by the Harbour weekend markets [FREE]
When: Saturday October 31 from 9am to 4pm
Where: Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Park
Indulge your senses exploring a variety of quality goods grown, made and crafted by Hunter Valley artisans at the Hunter by the Harbour weekend market. A first at Cockle Bay Wharf and brought to you by Handmade in the Hunter Markets, the markets give you the chance to browse an array of handmade goodies in the perfect harbour side setting. Come along to see, taste, try, buy and marvel at what the vibrant Hunter Valley artistic and creative community has to offer, right in the heart of Sydney.
Wollongong
Killalea Skate Park [FREE]
When: Open Daily
Where: Killalea State Park, Killalea Drive, Shellcove
Killalea State Park is approximately 265 hectares of pristine coastal reserve with some of the best beaches on the NSW South Coast. With coastlines, rainforest areas, extensive wetlands and seabird breeding areas, Killalea is popular for day trips, educational groups, boating, surfing and fishing. For nature lovers, walking trails through littoral rainforest areas offer many delights, as do trails along extensive estuarine wetlands and seabird breeding areas. Swimming and surfing are on offer at The Farm and Mystics, two of the best surf beaches on the south coast. Beach, estuary and rock fishing attract many anglers to the park. For offshore fishing, launch a boat from Minnamurra or Shellharbour.
Market Alley Stalls at Wollongong University [FREE]
When: Each fortnight from 11am-2pm.
Where: Wollongong University
The Market Alley transforms the paths of UOW into a hive of colour and excitement. Hundreds of students, staff and visitors visit the event to browse through the multitude of stalls including snacks, clothing, books, trash ‘n’ treasure, plants and home made gifts, in hope of grabbing a bargain.
Hangdog Climbing Gym [$9-17 Student Prices]
When: Weekdays from 10am-9pm, Sat 9am-7pm & Sunday 9am-6pm
Where: 130 Auburn Street, Wollongong
Indoor climbing centre with many activities and challenging rock climbing walls.
University of Wollongong Recreation & Aquatic Centre [$3]
When: Weekdays from 5:30am – 7:30pm, Sat 7:30am – 5.00pm and Sun 10am – 5pm
Where: Located on the University of Wollongong campus grounds, our 50m outdoor pool has 8 lanes and is heated to 28 degrees all-year-round.
Newcastle
Olive Tree Markets [FREE Entry]
When: Saturday, October 3, 9am – 2pm
Where: Civic Park, (in front of the library and art gallery)
This is a great place to buy from a local artist. Want to get a gift for someone or a souvenir that’s more significant than a fake boomerang? This is the place. Discover Newcastle’s Leading Contemporary Handmade Art & Design Market in the beautiful grounds of Civic Park. Wander amongst over 150 unique stalls, meet the makers, sample gourmet artisan food, take part in workshops with local artists and designers and sit back and enjoy live music by talented local musicians. The Olive Tree Market is held on the 1st Saturday of the month, and the 1st & 3rd Saturday’s of November and December, from 9am-3pm in Civic Park, Newcastle. The Olive Tree market will run a program of free art & design workshops ‘Made in The Park’ in 2015.
Hunt and Gather Market [FREE entry]
When: Saturday September 17 from 9am – 2pm
Where: Pacific Park, East End Newcastle
Another awesome monthly market in Newcastle. This one is right by the beach. Make a day of it, buy some local bread and cheese and take it down to Newcastle beach for some sun. Don’t forget the sunscreen. A great place to grab a bit of Brekky and a killer coffee.
Newcastle Mattara Festival [FREE with some paid events]
When: September 26 – October 5
Where: Nobby’s Beach Park
Hard to describe, probably need to just check the website, but this is an amazing yearly festival that features the best of the area. Well worth checking out.
This is Not Art Festival [Various Prices]
When: October 1-4
Where: Various venues, see website for more info
Since its humble beginnings, This is Not Art (known to friends as TiNA) has provided a platform for artists around the country to come together, share work, test ideas, meet new people and explore the coastal, creative and innovative hub that is Newcastle. This year, The Critical Animals Research Symposium, Crack Theatre Festival and The National Young Writers’ Festival (NYWF) will be converging at TiNA with special guests Ladyz in Noyz Australia to celebrate the festival’s 18th birthday and reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting and longest-running experimental arts festivals.
Melbourne
OKTOBERFEST! German Bier Workshop [$35]
When: October 4
Where: 400 Flinders Street
Celebrate Oktoberfest at the Melbourne Immigration Museum. The museum has organised for master beer craftsmen Geert Hendrix from South Melbourne’s Heron Tower Beverages, and Beach Avenue Wholesale duo Gerhard Patzold and Greg McElherron to be on hand to guide patrons on a tour through 200 hundred years of German bier experience. German beers available to try include Benedictine Dark, Benedictine Wheat, Fruh Kolsch, Altenmunster, the eponymous Erdinger Oktoberfest and Jever Pilsner. Oktoberfest is the largest and oldest beer folk festival (‘volksfest’) in the world, running like clockwork in Munich, Bavaria every September into October for more than two centuries. But with the winning combination of beer, pretzels and late spring sunshine, this Oktoberfest will be well and truly a feature of the Melbourne springtime carnival experience.
Docklands Blues Music Festival [FREE]
When: October 4
Where: Harbour Town, Docklands
The Docklands Blues Music Festival is a full day of free blues entertainment featuring 24 bands across four stages. There’ll be non-stop music, both indoor and outdoor, Southern cuisine, carnival rides and entertainment for the whole family. The epic lineup includes Chris Cain, Lloyd Spiegel, Dream Boogie, Nick Charles, Sweet Felicia and the Honey Tones, Eddy Boyle, Blues Eyes Cry and Kelly Auty’s Wild Women.
MCG Open Day [FREE]
When: October 4
Where: The Melbourne Cricket Ground
Explore the Melbourne Cricket Ground less than 24 hours after the Grand Final. The MCG Open Day is a much-loved Grand Final weekend tradition, taking place every year on the day after the big match. Even if you’re not a huge AFL fan (although that helps), standing on the hallowed turf of the ground is a surreal experience – just try not to imagine yourself kicking the ball across that immense oval, looking up to the stadium seats. And it doesn’t end there. This all-access tour takes you through player change rooms, cricket viewing areas, plus the famous Long Room bar and the MCC Library. Get a snap of yourself next to the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy, enjoy roving entertainers and fuel up on a hot pie (naturally). An extra $5 gets you a ticket to the National Sports Museum, home to treasures like Cathy Freeman’s swift suit from her winning run in Sydney 2000 and Don Bradman’s baggy green cap. Tickets are free, but bookings are recommended through the MCG website.
Melbourne Festival [FREE and ticketed events from $25]
When: October 8-25
Where: State Library, Swanson St
Melbourne Festival is one of Australia’s flagship international arts festivals and one of the major multi-arts festivals of the world, in terms of quality of work, innovation of vision, and scale and breadth of program. Each Festival brings an unparalleled feast of dance, theatre, music, visual arts, multimedia and outdoor events from renowned and upcoming Australian and International companies and artists to Melbourne. The Foxtel Festival Hub will also be returning to the banks of the Yarra – open throughout the festival, the Hub offers festivalgoers a luxurious pop-up performance space, supper spot and late-night club experience all rolled into one!
Friday Nights at NGV [$28]
When: Every Friday from Oct 2 – Nov 6
Where: National Gallery of Victoria, St Kilda Road, Southbank
Friday Nights at NGV returns this winter, running over six Fridays from 2 October to 6 November as part of the 2015 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition, Masterpieces from the Hermitage: The Legacy of Catherine the Great. Friday Nights gives visitors exclusive after-hours access to the Masterpieces from the Hermitage: The Legacy of Catherine the Great, live performances from a line-up of Australian and international performers, DJs, pop-up talks and great food and dining experiences. This year, indie rock, pop, jazz, folk and rock music are all on the menu.
Myers Place Latin Fiesta [FREE]
When: October 11
Where: Myers Place, Melbourne
Watch as Meyers Place is transformed into a little slice of South America. The incredible culture and atmosphere of the Sunday street market in San Telmo, Argentina will be recreated with food, drinks, crafts and entertainment. The Fiesta will see Meyers Place traders San Telmo, Lily Blacks, Mr Big Stuff, Loop and Loop Roof showing off their best Latin inspired cuisines. Special guests from retail and entertainment industries will also be coming along to showcase Latin America’s finest food wine and culture. Vendors will be selling Latin-inspired food and drinks, the street will be bustling with music and dancing, and market stalls will be overflowing with crafts and fashion. For your visual enjoyment, a great variety of performances will take place throughout the day. Milonga tango, salsa and samba lessons and bands from all over Latin America will be featured on the day so whether you’re a local or an expat after a taste of home, this block party will add the fiesta to your weekend.
Australian Movie and Comic Expo [Tickets from $15]
When: October 17-18
Where: Melbourne Showgrounds
The Australian Movie and Comic Expo (formerly Armageddon Expo) returns to Melbourne, bringing the biggest international stars in sci-fi film, TV, gaming, anime and comic books. This year marks a major anniversary for a number of well-known television shows and films. The expo honours thirty years of ‘Back to the Future’, fifty years of ‘Get Smart’ and seventy-five years of ‘The Flash’, with stars from each of these shows and films making guest appearances. Comic and voice-over artists appearing include husband and wife duo Hal Rayle and Maggie Roswell (The Simpsons), Melbourne’s own Tristan Jones (current artist on Mad Max Fury Road) and Australian Dean Rankine (Simpson Comics) making appearances. Back to the Future’s own DeLorean car and the 1966 Batmobile are on display and other attractions include the popular cosplay competition, live performances from some of Australia’s best emerging artists, a Lazer Tag arena and an impressive LEGO ‘Brickvention’ constructed for the weekend.
Prahran Market Cheese Festival [FREE]
When: October 24
Where: Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Prahran Market is all set to host its annual Cheese Festival on Saturday October 24, so get ready for a full day of tastings, pop-up eateries, live music, and a cheese wheeling race where the market’s deli traders will go head to head in a cheesy battle. Market Square will come alive with cheesy stalls where you can feast on fondue by Milk the Cow, perfectly crusty mac ‘n’ cheese from Meatmaiden, and pizzas from A25 Pizzeria. Prahran Market’s own Maker & Monger cart will be dishing out their signature raclette and grilled cheese sandwiches, while cart owner/cheesemonger Anthony Femia will be at the Blanco Kitchen to cook up a storm with Alice in Frames.
