Free Events in January 2014

Welcome to the January 2014 Events Newsletter.

I could have added about another 100 things this month but this lot should hopefully keep you busy. I'll add some other stuff on my facebook page over the next few weeks.

There's one or two things you need to book again this month but for most you can still just turn up. Obviously outdoor events are subject to weather conditions permitting.

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Thursday 2nd till 2nd February - Remember the Anzacs – A Family Activity at The Shrine of Remembrance. Remember the ANZACs these summer holidays and learn about Australian military history with the Shrine’s Family Trail, full of educational activities for families to do together.
Explore the Shrine’s building, gardens and memorials, discover the wartime jobs for men and women, and find out about the role fulfilled by animals during times of conflict. Families will have the opportunity to participate in a short commemorative ceremony featuring the Ray of Light.
All families who complete the Family Trail will receive an Anzac biscuit and entry into a prize draw to win a $50 gift pack from the Shrine Shop.


Thursday 2nd till 26th January - Summer by the Sea. With more than 300 guided activities - MOST of which are free - at over 80 beautiful locations across our state, this is an event not to be missed. There’s all sorts here from beachcombing, guided walks, kayaking, snorkelling, birdwatching, fishing tips, boat trips, geology walks and lots more. Check the website at http://www.free-things-to-do-melbourne.com/summer-by-the-sea.html however although this webpage says these events aren't busy, it was written a few years ago and now they are busy so get in quickly, especially to the events that need to be booked.


Friday 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st – Abbotsford Suppermarket, 1 St Heliers Street, Melbourne. A great twilight market from 6pm-10pm with live music and roaming performers such as clowns, acrobats and magicians as well as the stalls. www.free-things-to-do-melbourne.com/abbotsford-suppermarket.html


Friday 3rd – Hobsons Bay Movies by the Bay. Bring a picnic, rug or deckchair and yourselves for this outdoor film night at Logan Reserve, Altona. The film is Despicable Me 2 and starts about 8.45 when it’s dark. http://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Experience_Hobsons_Bay/Festivals_Events/Festivals_and_events_information/Movies_by_the_Bay


Sundays 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th - Gypsy Jazz on the Village Green at CERES. Starts 1pm. Join in, or like most people, just watch! www.ceres.org.au


Sundays 5th and 19th – Laughter Club at Federation Square by Swanston Street 11am – 11.30am


Monday 6th – Friday 31st (weekdays only) – Fitness at Fed Square, Flinders Street Amphitheatre. Join workouts led by health coaches and fitness instructors from Healthy Lifestyle Lounge. These classes aim to help city workers keep fit and healthy. Fitness activities include circuit based exercise which will incorporate body weight exercises, cardio training and core strength movements. Classes are simple, fun and great for invigorating the mind, body and soul. All ages and fitness levels welcome. Times: Monday 6pm - 6.45pm Tuesday 12pm - 12.45pm Wednesday 7am - 7.45am Thursday 12pm - 12.45pm Friday 7am - 7.45am


Tuesdays 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th – Tai Chi in Main Square at Federation Square 7.30am – 8.30am


Tuesdays 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th – Lunchtime Meditation in The Atrium at Federation Square 12.30-1pm


Tuesday 7th - Southgate Silent Cinema. Chill out in a deckchair wearing headphones to watch the movie – definitely not your normal cinema experience – Tonight’s movie is 500 Days of summer. Starts 8.45pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank


Wednesdays 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th - African Drumming at Fed Square (St Paul’s Court) 12pm-2pm. Are you ready to dance to the beat of your own drum? Take part in a series of African Drumming workshops. Free although gold coin donation welcomed.


Wednesday 8th to Sunday 30 March (open Wednesday to Sunday) Lightplay at Artplay, Birrarung Marr. Enter the dazzling world of LightPlay where children can explore their artistic potential in an interactive space created especially for them! Play with overhead projectors and illuminated light boxes and discover what happens when light is cast on different materials. Explore transparency, reflection and shadow as well as other properties of light. See the constantly evolving lightscape before your very eyes! Age: 3 to 12 years


Wednesday 8th – Nike Run Club. Meet at Flinders Street Amphitheatre 5.30pm - 7pm. Nike Run Club is one of the largest free training run clubs held globally, bringing together fellow runners from all over Melbourne. Bag check available.


Wednesdays 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th – Suzuki Night Market at the Queen Victoria Market, located at corner of Victoria and Elizabeth Streets 5pm till 10pm. Great live music and not your normal market type stalls.


Thursday 9th, Friday 10th, Saturday 11th, Thursday 23rd, Friday 24th and Saturday 25th, 10am to noon 
 - Artplay Backyard at Artplay, Birrarung Marr. Come and play in the ArtPlay Backyard. We’ll have all sorts of materials on hand for you to create your artwork. Draw in the sand, build sculptures with recycled and natural materials or muck about with water. Make a mandala, wrap up some rope or ribbon and dream up your own mini landscape. Anything is possible! And don’t forget to bring a hat!


Thursdays 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th – Organ Recital at St Michaels Church at 120 Collins Street. 1pm-1.30pm


Thursday 9th - Fed Square Live 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Soak up the summer evenings with weekly acoustic and semi-acoustic performances featuring some of Melbourne's most talented artists. Presented by Melodic Music and MCS Music Group, Fed Square's free live music series features a huge line-up of independent and emerging acts that will launch you into the heart of Melbourne's music scene. Today is T.A.S.O., The Evening Cast and Andrew Swift & the Rattlesnake Choir.


Fridays 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st – Qigong (a sort of Tai Chi combining integrated movement, mental cultivation and regulated breathing) – Main Square at Federation Square 8am – 9am


Friday 10th - Tango at Fed Square (St Paul’s Court) 5.30pm – 7pm. Discover the passion of traditional Buenos Aires Tango dance with a free class at Fed Square.


Friday 10th – Hobsons Bay Movies by the Bay. Bring a picnic, rug or deckchair and yourselves for this outdoor film night at Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown. The film is Iron Man 3 and starts about 8.45 when it’s dark. http://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Experience_Hobsons_Bay/Festivals_Events/Festivals_and_events_information/Movies_by_the_Bay


Saturday 11th - Book Clubs at Beer Deluxe-Espresso Cafe in The Atrium Federation Square. At 10am there's the Cult Book Club, 11am is the General Book Club and 12noon is the Contemporary Book Club


Sunday 12th - The City of Stonnington Sunset Sounds - Cool soul-meets-rhythm and blues outfit, The Meltdown, is building a strong following in Melbourne's live music scene. Featuring fiery horns, sassy vocals and a foot-stomping rhythm section, Venue: Victoria Gardens High Street, Prahran 6pm-8pm


Sunday 12th – 2nd February – Midsumma Festival. Since 1988, the Midsumma Festival has been Victoria's premier gay and lesbian arts and cultural festival, presenting an annual community celebration and encouraging the development of innovative artistic content and a unique cultural experience. There are loads of free events starting with the Carnival in Alexandra Gardens on 12th and ending with the Pride March on 2nd February in Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. Check out http://www.midsumma.org.au/program/free


Monday 13th - Learn Crochet at The Square in Federation Square 12-2pm.


Tuesday 14th - Southgate Silent Cinema. Chill out in a deckchair wearing headphones to watch the movie – definitely not your normal cinema experience – Tonight’s movie is Match Point. Starts 8.45pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank


Wednesday 15th, Thursday 16th, Friday 17th, Saturday 18th, Sunday 19th, - Raindrop at Artplay, Birrarung Marr, 10am to noon. The beautiful Raindrop sculpture represents the shape a raindrop makes when it falls into water (a crown). Each day, you will be invited to work on one of the five sections that make up this artwork. Learn weaving techniques as you help Kathy cover the steel structure with willow branches and add your own colourful beaded wire pieces. To complement the water theme, the City of Melbourne Park Rangers will be on hand Wednesday to Friday to help you explore the connections between rainfall, trees and the insects that live in our ponds and streams. There will even be some live water-bugs for you to check out! Come back on Sunday 19 January to see the whole five sections of the artwork completed and join us at 11am to learn a Rain Dance with Geraldine Morey, which we’ll perform at noon. Age: 5 to 12 years and family


Thursday 16th - Fed Square Live 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Soak up the summer evenings with weekly acoustic and semi-acoustic performances featuring some of Melbourne's most talented artists. Presented by Melodic Music and MCS Music Group, Fed Square's free live music series features a huge line-up of independent and emerging acts that will launch you into the heart of Melbourne's music scene. Today is Dean, Kerryn Fields and indie rock band Henry and Marshall.


Friday 17th – Hobsons Bay Movies by the Bay. Bring a picnic, rug or deckchair and yourselves for this outdoor film night at Logan Reserve, Altona. The film is Smurfs 2 and starts about 8.45 when it’s dark. http://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Experience_Hobsons_Bay/Festivals_Events/Festivals_and_events_information/Movies_by_the_Bay


Saturday 18th – Poetry – Normally 2 feature poets and the opportunity to read out your own at The Atrium in Federation Square 2pm – 4pm


Sunday 19th - Massive Family at Artplay, Birrarung Marr, 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Join the Massive Hip Hop Choir and experience the age-old power of music and mass singing with vocalist and choir director Andrea Khoza, hip hop artist Mary Quinsacara and members of Massive: MC Yung Philly, vocalists Maz Komba, Akimera Burckhardt-Bedeau and Sam Kawuma. Be inspired by these amazing performers to find your inner voice and be part of this uplifting event. Age: 5 to 12 years and Family


Sunday 19th - The City of Stonnington Sunset Sounds - Jazz favourite Bob Sedergreen is joined by a host of exceptional jazz talents including Don Stewart, Jo Stevenson, Savannah Blount, Dene Ford, and Jerome Smith. In addition Bob will be joined on stage by special guests Julie O'Hara, Kerri Simpson, Jerome Smith and Brian Abrahams.
Bring your friends and a picnic and enjoy this exceptional free concert in the City of Stonnington's beautiful Central Park. Venue: Central Park, Burke Road Malvern East, 5.15pm – 8pm


Tuesday 21st - Southgate Silent Cinema. Chill out in a deckchair wearing headphones to watch the movie – definitely not your normal cinema experience – Tonight’s movie is Moonrise Kingdom. Starts 8.45pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank


Thursday 23rd Fed Square Live 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Soak up the summer evenings with weekly acoustic and semi-acoustic performances featuring some of Melbourne's most talented artists. Presented by Melodic Music and MCS Music Group, Fed Square's free live music series features a huge line-up of independent and emerging acts that will launch you into the heart of Melbourne's music scene. Today is pop rock outfit Faith and Gasoline, Temple of Tune and Defina.


Friday 24th - Tango at Fed Square (St Paul’s Court) 5.30pm – 7pm. Discover the passion of traditional Buenos Aires Tango dance with a free class at Fed Square.


Friday 24th – Hobsons Bay Movies by the Bay. Bring a picnic, rug or deckchair and yourselves for this outdoor film night at Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown. The film is Red Dog and starts about 8.45 when it’s dark. http://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Experience_Hobsons_Bay/Festivals_Events/Festivals_and_events_information/Movies_by_the_Bay


Saturday 25th – Piers Festival, Port Melbourne 12noon-9.30pm. World music, dance, food, arts & crafts, photo & historical exhibitions, boat display, kid's activities and fireworks. There’s too much to list, check the website! http://www.multiculturalarts.com.au/events2014/piers.shtml


Saturday 25th - Family friendly Cinema Nights at Piazza Italia, Argyle Square, 153 Lygon Street. Watch Oz the Great & Powerful, 8pm to 10pm. Seats provided but bring a blanket if it’s a cool evening


Sunday 26th – Australia Day Festival. There’s heaps to do today, a lot of it around the Kings Domain. The usual events include a flag raising ceremony at the Town Hall followed by a parade down towards Federation Square, a woodchopping competition, a large classic car display arranged by RACV, a 21 gun salute at the Shrine of Remembrance, an aerial display, a rare chance to have a look inside the gorgeous Government House, music and childrens entertainment in Government House gardens, a variety of music at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, the famous James Morrison in the Kings Domain and lots and lots of things for kids to do like soccer, facepainting, fencing, baby animals to cuddle etc etc etc finishing with fireworks in Docklands at 9.30pm.


Sunday 26th - African Drumming 10.45am - 11.45am at Fed Square (St Paul’s Court). Are you ready to dance to the beat of your own drum? Take part in an African Drumming workshop. Free although gold coin donation welcomed.


Sunday 26th - The 2014 Share The Spirit Festival will turn the Treasury Gardens into a thriving hub of Indigenous music, dance and culture as part of Melbourne’s official Survival Day celebrations. Taking place every year on Australia Day – otherwise known as ‘Survival Day’ – Share the Spirit has been created by Aboriginal people for all Australians to join in. Treasury Gardens | Cnr Wellington and Spring St, Melbourne VIC http://sharethespiritfestival.com/


Sunday 26th – Classic Car Club featuring Capri Car Club 11am – 2.30pm on Flinders Street section of Federation Square by ACMI


Sunday 26th - The City of Stonnington Sunset Sounds - Joined by his band, The Original Playboys, the iconic ‘60’s legend Normie Rowe will have you singing along to a string of hit singles including Shakin' All Over and It Ain't Necessarily So. Comprising Billy Billings (guitar), Peter Carrol (bass), Graeme "Trotta" Trottman (drums), and Steve Kelson (keyboards) filling the shoes of Phil Blackmore who passed away in the '70s. Venue: Malvern Gardens, High Street Malvern, 6pm-8pm


Tuesday 28th - Southgate Silent Cinema. Chill out in a deckchair wearing headphones to watch the movie – definitely not your normal cinema experience – Tonight’s movie is Place beyond the Pines. Starts 8.45pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank


Friday 31st – Hobsons Bay Movies by the Bay. Bring a picnic, rug or deckchair and yourselves for this outdoor film night at Logan Reserve, Altona. The film is Turbo and starts about 8.45 when it’s dark. http://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Experience_Hobsons_Bay/Festivals_Events/Festivals_and_events_information/Movies_by_the_Bay