This is your Australia What’s On for March – it’s a guide to fun events and things to do locally. Each month our in-country staff curates and shares some of their favorite events. Current students abroad can check their inbox for the full digest for their location.
Newcastle
The Olive Tree Market [FREE]
When: First Saturday of the Month from 9am-3pm
Where: King Street, Newcastle
The Olive Tree Market is Newcastle’s famous Contemporary Art and Design Market. Shoppers can expect to find handmade goods that have a strong emphasis on ethical production and sustainability.
Beaumont Street Carnivale [FREE]
When: Sunday, March 12 from 10am-5pm
Where: Beaumont Street between Tudor and Donald Streets
The Beaumont Street Carnivale is an annual celebration of Hamilton’s rich culture. This vivacious community event will include a variety of foods and activities as well as showcase live music from swing, big bands, and jazz musicians.
Spirit of ANZAC Centenary Experience [FREE]
When: March 29 – April 4
Where: Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadow
With over 200 artifacts, the Spirit of ANZAC Experience follows in the footsteps of Australia’s soldiers, sailors, airmen and nurses that were involved in the first world war. Although the event is free, it is recommended that visitors reserve their tickets online before their arrival.
The Best Medicine, Hannah Boland Live [$20]
When: Saturday, March 11 from 7:30 pm
Where: The Dungeon, Adamstown
Need a good laugh? Come out and watch Australian comedian, Hannah Boland, in her ridiculously funny new show, The Best Medicine.
Sydney
Sydney Mardi Gras Festival [FREE]
When: March 4
Where: Oxford and Flinders Street
Sydney will be celebrating its annual Mardi Gras Festival which will feature multiple events throughout the week including its famous parade that you do not want to miss! Be sure to grab your seat for the parade early because thousands of locals and tourists from around the world will be there to celebrate the city’s gay and lesbian culture.
Australian Open of Surfing [FREE]
When: Feb 24- March 5th
Where: Manly Beach
Come witness some of Australia’s finest surf culture during the Australian Open of Surfing competition that will be held at Manly Beach. There will be plenty of food vendors and entertainment including surfing, music and skateboarding!
Socceroos vs United Arab Emirates [$15+]
When: Tuesday, March 28 from 8pm
Where: Allianz Stadium
Watch Australia’s Socceroos take on the United Arab Emirates at Allianz Stadium on Tuesday, March 28 as they try to get one step closer to the 2018 FIFA World Cup- Russia.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour ‘Carmen’ [From $159]
When: March 24 – April 23
Where: Sydney Harbour- Outdoor Stage – Fleet Steps
The city’s famous cultural event, Handa Opera, is back this year and showing Bizet’s “Carmen” with the stunning Sydney Harbour as it’s magnificent background and plenty of dramatic effects to set the show’s Spanish and seductive scene. Ticket prices vary, visit the Opera House’s website for more details.
The I Heart Uni Annual White Party Sydney [$35-45]
When: Thursday, March 9 from 9pm
Where: Marquee at The Star
Marquee is hosting its annual I Heart Uni White Party to kick off the new semester for uni students studying at all Sydney universities. The dress code is strictly white and you must buy tickets online to secure your entrance.
Aladdin the Musical [$75+]
When: March 2-26
Where: Capitol Theatre
Disney’s popular musical, Aladdin, is showing at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre until the end of March. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to sing along to the show’s catchy tunes and enjoy the adventures of magic carpets and powerful genies!
Wollongong
Post Codes from the Edge [FREE]
When: Open Tuesday – Sunday
Where: Wollongong Art Gallery – Corner of Kembia and Burelli Streets
The Wollongong Art Gallery is currently showcasing its art prize exhibition “Post Codes From The Edge” which reflects Illawara’s people, places, and events. The gallery is also known for its important collection of Australian, Aboriginal, and Asian art.
Wollongong Museum Trail [$5]
When: Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-3pm
Where: 11 Market Street
Want to learn more about Wollongong’s social, industrial, and environmental heritage? Take a stroll through its many museums and appreciate its rich history.
Rock n’ Vintage Roll Festival [$5]
When: Saturday, March 5 10am
Where: Ryan’s Hotel – Thirroul
Travel back in time and celebrate all the great fads that went along with the Rock n Roll era! There will be vintage and retro markets, a classic car display, and live music for guests to enjoy.
Arj Barker Organic Tour [$45.80]
When: Friday, March 3 from 8pm
Where: Anita’s Theatre – Thirroul, Illawara
Check out American comedian, Arj Barker, as he tells his hilarious organic stories at Anita’s Theatre in Ilawara.
Shell Harbour Festival of Sport [FREE]
When: March 4-5
Where: Shellharbour City
Interested in running or walking a 5km race? Or maybe witnessing a live dragon-boat challenge? Head on over to the Shell Harbour Festival of Sport on the weekend. Registration details below.
Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival [FREE]
When: March 10-12
Where: Kiama
Join the Kiama community for some live, relaxing blues and jazz music in various venues around town.
Cultural Treasures Festival [FREE]
When: March 25 from 3pm
Where: Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawara
Celebrate Harmony Day with multi-cultural dancing, diverse performances, and delicious foods from around the world at Reddall Reserve in Lake Illawara. There will be fun activities for all ages.
Melbourne
Melbourne Fashion Festival [FREE and ticketed events]
When: March 1-19
Where: Various venues around Melbourne
For those into their fashion, check out the Melbourne Fashion Festival. The festival is a true feast for the senses. You will be witness to the most stylish, week-long entertainment on offer including world-class runway shows featuring Australia’s established and emerging designers, state-of-the art production, beauty workshops, industry seminars and forums, live entertainment and much more!
Melbourne BeerFest [$25 per day, or $35 weekend pass]
When: March 4-5
Where: Catani Gardens, St Kilda
With the huge popularity of the one day 2016 Melbourne Beerfest, it was decided that one day of Craft Beer bliss is not enough! Showcasing the very best in Australian Craft Beers, Ciders, Premium Spirits and mouth-watering eats at the iconic Catani Gardens in St Kilda. Ticket price include an official BeerFest cup for use throughout the Festival. Tastings are typically priced $1-2 for 100ml, with 285ml pours been around $5-7, as decided by the breweries themselves. The master classes, live comedy, music & other activities are included in your ticket.
Fruit Cup @ Howler [FREE entry]
When: March 4-5
Where: Howler, 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick
Head north for a free summer party in Howler’s beer garden Brought to you by the fine folk at Howler, Fruit Cup is a series of free parties set to light the dwindling days of summer on fire. Kicking off from 3pm every Saturday and Sunday until Sunday March 5, a handpicked selection of Melbourne’s best emerging MCs, bands, producers and DJs will be descending on Howler’s open-air beer garden.
Brunswick Music Festival [FREE and paid events]
When: March 5-19
Where: Varuous venues around Brunswick
The Brunswick Music Festival has been held annually in March since 1989 and is one of Victoria’s premier music festivals and a major multicultural event for Australia. Now in its 28th year, the Festival program showcases ethnic, indigenous, acoustic and traditional music, featuring local musicians, alongside interstate and international guests. The highlight of the Festival is the FREE Sydney Road Street Party. Jam-packed into a 800m stretch of Sydney Road between Union to Victoria Street, the Sydney Road Street Party is a one-of-a-kind free fiesta of the hottest local music, dance, food and market crafts that represent the Moreland municipality. With its strong migrant-culture and explosive artistic population, this community is an inner-city hotspot that perfectly illustrates the bohemian and multicultural heart of Melbourne.
French Film Festival [From $15.50]
When: March 8-30
Where: Various cinemas around Melbourne
If you prefer your films a little on the French side, don your beret and check out what’s on offer at the French Film Festival. With over 50 films on offer, there is bound to be something to tickle your French fancy.
Moomba Festival [FREE entry]
When: March 10-13
Where: Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr
Moomba is back in full swing this Labour Day long weekend. This time around there’ll be fireworks every night, a puppet garden AND a roller disco, along with all of the other usual suspects – including watersports, the Birdman Rally and the iconic Moomba Parade on the Monday 13th.
Donut Fest Melbourne [Gold coin donation for entry]
When: March 12-13
Where: The Village, 557 St Kilda Road
Doughnuts! Coffee! Beer! Melbourne’s best doughnut-makers will be dishing up their most delicious creations for one massive day. Donut Fest Melbourne is a gathering of doughnut-makers, food vendors and entertainers. The event kicks off at 2pm, and you can bet that there’s going to be more than enough doughnuts to last the day. Festival goers can test their doughnut eating skills with the nostalgia-inducing hanging doughnut eating competition, and don’t forget to snap your doughnuts to enter the festival’s Instagram competition to win the ultimate Donut Lovers prize pack. The party is going down at The Village’s huge beer garden on St Kilda Road. Entry is by gold coin donation, which will go towards Eat Up, a local charity that makes and distributes lunches to disadvantaged school kids around Melbourne.
Dance Massive [From $20]
When: March 14-26
Where: Various venues around the city
Now in its fifth year Dance Massive, Australia’s largest celebration of contemporary dance, features some of Australia’s most exciting and innovative dance companies. The event has grown into an incredible springboard for Australian dance talent, with previous performers continuing their work and touring it throughout Australia and Internationally.
Melbourne Queer Film Festival [From $17]
When: March 16-27
Where: Various cinemas throughout Melbourne
The MQFF, proudly different, has been running continuously since 1991 and is Australia’s longest-running queer film festival. It showcases some of the best homegrown and international queer cinema and is considered one of the world’s top queer film festivals in the world.
Melbourne Design Week [FREE and paid events]
When: March 16-26
Where: National Gallery of Victoria and other venues
Melbourne Design Week is an annual design program linking creativity with business and community, and for those of you studying design this might be right up your ally! Each year the program will explore the value of good design in a ten-day, city-wide celebration offering talks by leading designers, tours, workshops and industry events at the National Gallery of Victoria and partner venues throughout Melbourne. The theme for 2017 is Design Values. It asks: what does design value and how do we value design?
Perth
The WA Cider and Pork Festival [From $20]
When: March 3-5
Where: Elizabeth Quay
Held at Perth’s beautiful Elizabeth Quay. Showcasing over 70 of the best ciders from 18 local, interstate and international cideries and crowd favourite pork dishes from Perth’s best pork loving restaurants and food trucks. Make the most of the summer sunshine with live music, cider tastings, cider masterclasses and of course every type of pork dish you can think of from 18 pop-up pork restaurants and food trucks.
Perth International Arts Festival [$36]
When: Until March 5
Where: The University of Western Australia, 3 Crawley Ave, Crawley
As one of Western Australia’s premier cultural events, this festival is a feast of joyous, cutting-edge performances and activities for all ages. Experience some of the world’s best international and contemporary theatre, dance, music, film, visual arts and literature. This international festival is a wonderful display of creativity and talent providing amazing entertainment for all.
‘Chin up, Stooge’ Show [$42.50]
When: Thursday, March 2
Where: Astor Theatre, 659 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley
After reading over 300 self-help books, Jordan Shanks (Friendlyjordies) has condensed the best from hundreds of authors who have already condensed the wisdom of thousands of years of thought and research on personal development. Friendlyjordies is a YouTube channel that’s been running since 2013, and in this short amount of time it has built a following of over 250,000 subscribers. The videos focus mainly on political satire but also produces the occasional social satire.
Local & General Markets [FREE]
When: Sunday, March 19 from 10am-2pm
Where: South Perth Community Centre, Cnr South Terrace & Sandgate Street, South Perth
Market-goers can enjoy perusing a wide variety of handmade and unique stalls, offering baked goods, homemade jams and quality homewares. Plus there’s informative community displays and fun activities, including live music performances and gourmet food.
Little Comedy Lounge [From $30]
When: Every Saturday night
Where: Little Creatures Brewery, 42 Mews Rd, Fremantle
Bringing you three of the finest things in life at its highest quality. Comedy, expertly brewed beer and the beautiful sea-side city of Fremantle have never gone so well together and the best thing is you can experience it every Saturday night! Featuring a new line up each week with local, interstate and international comedians.
Rooftop Movies [$17]
When: Selected dates in March
Where: City of Perth Parking, 68 Roe Street, Northbridge
Elevate your next cinema experience at Rooftop Movies. Set six floors up above the hustle and bustle of Northbridge, this car park turned cinema lets you bask in Perth’s balmy summer nights. The movie line-up is packed with a mix of blockbusters, new releases and a sprinkling of cult classics. There’s also a rooftop bar where you can enjoy a cool beer or wine with your mates or a date.
‘Sets on the Beach’ End of Summer Party [$84.40]
When: Sunday, March 12
Where: Port Beach, North Fremantle
WA’s favourite summer party is back! Over the years Sets on the Beach has been voted one of the best beach parties in the world. And now, the solar system has aligned with a full moon for the 21st edition. Boasting a lineup that is guaranteed to impress, Sets will close the inaugural Port Beach Weekender.
Brisbane
Sunday Sessions on the Green [FREE]
When: Every Sunday
Where: River Quay Green
Finish your weekend on the right note with live music performances, lawn games and funky chill-out seating on the River Quay Green every Sunday afternoon.
Fortitude Valley Markets [FREE]
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from 9am-4pm
Where: Brunswick Street Mall
The Valley Markets has a diverse range of vintage clothing, knick knacks, and accessories. It makes for a nice afternoon as it is located next to Brunswick Street, home to many of Brisbane’s popular restaurants. Night Markets are expected to start soon as well.
Davis McAllister’s The Sleeping Beauty Production [$41 for students]
When: March 1-4
Where: Queensland Performing Arts Center
Presented by The Australian Ballet in association with QPAC.
Brisbane Comedy Festival [From $15]
When: Feb 26 – March 28
Where: Multiple Locations and kicks off at Brisbane City Hall
The funniest comedians throughout Australia will be in Brisbane performing throughout the city. This will be something you will not want to miss.
Medibank Feel Good Program: Yoga [FREE]
When: Feb 27th – May 6th (March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27)
Where: South Bank Parklands, at Little Stanley Street Lawns (Southern end)
To join the classes, you just need to show up and get a spot on the lawn.
Colours of Queensland [FREE]
When: March 1-19
Where: 420 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, Queensland 4006
This Exhibition features over 30 artists throughout the state of Queensland and “what brings colour, vibrancy, and life to their local community or region”.
Barn in The Yard: Romeo and Juliet [$15 students]
When: March 3-5 and 9-12
Where: 83 Verney Road West, Graceville
If you will like to try something different, you can sit back and enjoy a show under the stars with the backyard performance of Romeo and Juliet from a local indie theatre company. Bring your own chair or blanket, dinner and snacks.
Cycling Australia Track National Championships [$10 students]
When: March 2-5
Where: Annas Meares Velodrome
Australia’s Olympic and commonwealth games favorites will be battling for national titles in Cycling at the Annas Meares Velodrome where the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth games will be held. This event will feature many Rio Olympians such as Matthew Glaetzer (SA), Sam Welsford (WA), Nathan Hart (ACT), Patrick Constable (SA), Amy Cure.
Gold Coast
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast 2017 [FREE]
When: March 14-25
Where: Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta
Join the world’s best male and female surfers as they battle it out in the 2017 Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast. The Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro are a highly admired sporting event of the Gold Coast, held in the oasis of the beachside town of Coolangatta, with a number of top Australian surfers headed to this unique event venue to compete and win the title.
The Village Markets [FREE]
When: Sundays, March 5, 19, 26 from 8:30am – 1pm
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Lower Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
95+ of the best boutique market stalls around by the loveliest of folk in fashion, vintage, art, homewares and lifestyle, plus street eats, live tunes and plenty of sweet Sunday vibes.
Miami Marketta – Street Food Market [FREE Entry]
When: Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday night from 5-10pm
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.
Sign of the Times – Art Exhibition [FREE Entry]
When: March 1 – April 9
Where: Gold Coast Arts Centre, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Exclusive to Gold Coast City Gallery, Signs of the Time is an exhibition of street art by world-renowned, national and local artists. Including urban art megastars Banksy, Bambi and Blek Le Rat, the exhibition explores how street art reflects our society, times and culture. Signs of the Time will extend beyond the gallery walls with a range of events including art, dance and skate workshops, live demonstrations, art battles, live music and wrap-up street party.
Ocean Film Festival 2017 [$30]
When: Thursday, March 9
Where: Gold Coast Arts Centre, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Designed to mesmerise and enthral, the Ocean Film Festival Australia showcases more than two hours of sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface.
This carefully curated selection of short films document the beauty and power of the ocean, and celebrate the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray; who chase the crests of waves; and who marvel at the mysteries of the big blue.
Yoga Meditation [$5]
When: Every Thursday, 6.30pm
Where: Mantras on Tahiti, Tahiti Ave, Palm Beach
Yoga meditation is where you focus your mind on the sound vibration of a mantra. It is a simple yet effective form of meditation that takes your cares and worries away. You will instantly feel relaxed and rejuvenated ready for the challenges of a new week. The night will start with an introduction to meditation and breathing exercises.
Surfers Paradise Beachside Night Markets [FREE Entry]
When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night
Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore
Wander along the coastal stretch of more than 120 market stalls, while live entertainers set a casual mood. One of the largest of the Gold Coast Night Markets, the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets feature a variety of premium products, including fashion, jewellery, accessories, artworks, photographs, beauty products and décor (pick up some unique stuff for family and friends back home!)
Surfers Paradise ParkRun [FREE Entry]
When: Every Saturday from 7am
Where: Evandale Parklands (meet on the southern side of Evandale Lake)
ParkRun organise weekly, 5km timed runs. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in. These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and people of all abilities are encouraged to take part.
Stand up Comedy Night [FREE Entry]
When: Every Monday night from 7:30pm
Where: Broadbeach Tavern, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Some of the best stand-up comedians from around the country take to the stage to entertain you. The venue also hosts a Sunday Session featuring local and national bands and DJ’s.
Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships 2017 [FREE]
When: March 10-12 from 8am to 3pm
Where: North Kirra Surf Life Saving Club, Pacific Parade (end of Lang Street)
The Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships sees more than 2000 competitors from across Queensland line up each year to battle the surf, sand and each other in their quest for state glory.
Gold Coast International Boat Show & Marine Expo [$15]
When: Friday, March 17 from 9am
Where: Gold Coast Marine Precinct, Waterway Drive, Coomera
The annual Gold Coast International Marine Expo is a three day event for boat lovers and enthusiasts attracting hundreds of major marine brands and exhibitors from across Australia and around the world. The show’s massive and incredibly diverse marine showcase features more than 600 boats on display from luxury yachts to lightweight tenders, jet skis and kayaks to engines, boating accessories and a huge array of equipment.
Roxy Fitness – run, SUP and yoga [$15]
When: Saturday, March 19 from 7am
Where: Rainbow Bay Beach, Coolangatta
Roxy’s Global Fitness Tour is back for adventurous women everywhere to exercise their right to have fun. Join us as we paddle, run and stretch out in true Roxy spirit at this year’s Roxy Pro in Coolangatta. Participants can choose to do one, two or all three legs of the event. Grab your girlfriends and get ready for the funnest challenge you’ll have this year.
Yoga Classes, Robina [FREE]
When: Tuesday 9-10am and Thursday 11am–12pm
Where: Robina Community Centre, 196 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
In conjunction with the Gold Coast City Council’s Active and Healthy campaign, the centre presents many new yoga asana, relaxation and meditation classes. Take this opportunity to relax the body and calm the mind. Bring a yoga mat or large towel.
