Australian city spotlight: what's on in Melbourne?
If you’re studying in Melbourne, you’ll know that the city is known for its busy calendar of cultural, food and sporting events. Read on to find out what’s on in Melbourne between October and December.
Arts and culture
Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei at NGV: Running in collaboration with the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, USA, the Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei exhibition comes to the National Gallery of Victoria this December. It will present more than 300 works focusing on the intersections and parallels between the two artists’ practices. Tickets are AUD$26 for adults.
Where: National Gallery of Victoria, Southbank
When: 11 December 2015 to 24 April 2016
Big Design Market: The biggest market of its kind in Australia, the Big Design Market brings together the best of local and international design over three days. Held in the city’s iconic Royal Exhibition Building, expect to soak up Melbourne culture and splurge on fashion and accessories, homewares, textiles, stationery and more! Free workshops are also available — a dessert demonstration by LuxBite is just one of the options on offer.
Where: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton
When: 4 to 6 December 2015
Melbourne Festival: First running in 1986, Melbourne Festival is your opportunity to experience dance, theatre, music, visual arts, multimedia and outdoor events across the city. You can also attend a range of masterclasses, workshops and lectures led by acclaimed international artists. Head to the website to secure your place before the festival wraps up for the year.
Where: Across the city
When: 8 to 25 October
Melbourne Music Week: With an eight-day program, 240 artists and more than 115 events, Melbourne Music Week is returning for another great year. With almost 50 locations, including its flagship venue — the former Royal Women’s Hospital in Carlton — the festival allows visitors to truly see Melbourne in action. Many events are free.
Where: Across the city
When: 13 to 20 November 2015
Food
Johnston Street Fiesta: Held in Fitzroy’s Johnston Street since the 1970s, this two-day festival celebrates Hispanic Latin American culture with food stalls and live entertainment. The road is blocked off for the festival, with a parade scheduled for Sunday. Entry is free.
Where: Johnston Street, Fitzroy
When: 21to 22 November 2015
Night Noodle Markets: Relax on the banks of the Yarra River and feast on your favourite foods from Melbourne favourites such as Chin Chin, Longrain, Wonderbao and Red Spice Road. Not in Melbourne? Sydney gets its turn from 8 to 25 October, while the Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth events will be back in 2016.
Where: Birrarung Marr, Melbourne
When: 12 to 29 November 2015
A similar event, Stir Frydays, runs at Queen Victoria Market each Friday night from 9 October to 27 November 2015.
Taste of Melbourne: Head to Albert Park for this four-day foodie festival, where you can sample beer and wine — even distil your own gin — and try dishes from some of the city’s most popular restaurants, including Gazi, MoVida and Mamasita. This year, expect flambé gelato, lobster rolls and more. Tickets start from AUD$25.
Where: Pelican Lawn, Albert Park (by Albert Park Lake)
When: 12 to 15 November 2015
Sport and recreation
Color Run: Known as the ‘happiest 5k on the planet’ and held in more than 50 countries in 2014, Melbourne’s Colour Run sees runners complete a five-kilometre course while being doused in colour — check out photos from previous events if you’re interested. Early bird registration is now open at AUD$64 per person. Discounts are available for teams and families.
Where: Flemington Racecourse, Flemington
When: 22 November 2015
Slide Melbourne: Check out this 400-metre, three-lane city street slide — described as the ‘World’s Longest Street Slip ‘n’ Slide’ — over two days in December and February. With the event taking over Lansdowne Street by the Fitzroy Gardens, expect to soak up the best of summer and Melbourne as you slide through the city. Food trucks will also be on site. Tickets are $41.
Where: Lansdowne Street, East Melbourne
When: 6 December 2015 and 7 February 2016
Spring Racing Carnival: Victoria’s Spring Racing Carnival continues in October and November, with events ranging from Derby Day (Saturday 31 October), Melbourne Cup Day (Tuesday 3 November) and Stakes Day (Saturday 7 November) to regional race days held in Geelong, the Yarra Valley and Bendigo.
Where: Across Victoria
When: October to November 2015
