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Free-Things-To-Do-Melbourne March 2015 issue February 26, 2015 |
Free Events in March 2015
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Sunday 1st - Emily Floyd: The Dawn for Kids, Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square, 10-5pm. In 'The Dawn for Kids', Emily Floyd invites visitors to experience two interactive spaces that encourage creativity using letters and words. The first project in collaboration with designer and educator Mary Featherston, provides a
social space for families, inviting young visitors to make ephemeral sculptures using specially made letter blocks. In an adjacent space, experimentation with design and typography is encouraged through a Small Press equipped with copiers and typewriters, where visitors can put their thoughts on paper, creating their own short-run publication. Today is the last day of this exhibition. Sundays 1st and 15th – Laughter Club at Federation Square by Swanston Street 11am – 11.30am. Join in this free laughter session and experience the benefits of a good old chuckle. Sunday 1st – Chinese New Year Festival 12noon -10pm . Continuation of the festival with street performers in Chinatown and a vibrant Chinese New Year celebration at Fed Square to welcome the Year of the Goat. The celebration also features free Tai Chi and Health Qigong demonstrations, mahjong lessons and a full stage program in Fed
Square with live music, dancing and a colourful performance from Melbourne’s premier lion dancing troupe, Qunyi Lion Dancers. Sun 1st: noon – late Sunday 1st – Electric Dragon – Federation Square, 7pm till late. One of Melbourne’s most exciting multimedia artists, Georgie Pinn, will present the specially commissioned work Electric Dragon on the big screen and main stage at Federation Square. This interactive performance tells the story of a dragon named Fang, using motion graphics technology, shadow puppetry and live performance by artist Anna Yen. Following the introduction of Fang, you will be invited up to the main stage to make your own dragon by choosing silhouetted images of animal parts and corresponding sounds. The audience will see your creation animated in realtime as motion-tracking technology records your silhouette behind a screen on the stage and feeds it live to the big screen. Mondays 2nd and 16th – Nike Run Club – one of the largest free training run clubs held globally bringing together fellow runners from all over Melbourne. Meet at the Amphitheatre in Federation Square 5.30pm (till 7pm). Tuesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 23rd -
Tai Chi in Main Square at Federation Square 7.30am – 8.30am. Tuesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th – Lunchtime Meditation in The Atrium at Federation Square 12.30-1pm. Tuesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th – Yoga, The Atrium, Federation Square, 1.15pm – 2pm. Improve your physical, mental and spiritual well-being with free lunchtime yoga classes. Tuesday 3rd - Southgate Silent Cinema. Chill out in a deckchair wearing headphones to watch the movie – definitely not your normal cinema experience – Tonight’s movie is Chef. Starts 8.00pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank. Wednesdays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th - Baby Bounce, (for baby to 2 year olds), The Courtyard, State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, 10.30am – 11.00am. Join in a fun session of
stories, songs and rhymes designed for children aged 2 and under to explore language. Wednesdays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th - Storytime for Pre-Schoolers, (3 to 5 years) The Courtyard, State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, 11.30am – 12.30pm. Have fun with stories, songs, rhymes and creative activities brought to life by the Library's Chief Storyteller. Stay and explore or read a book of your own! Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th - Couch Guerillas (exhibition), Artplay, Birrarung Marr, 10am to 4pm. The family couch…what does it become at your house? A cubby, a cushion kingdom, a vehicle, a stage? Follow the story of making Couch Guerrillas and have some creative fun in our lounge world. This event is part of the ArtPlay NEW IDEAS LAB program where artists are supported to develop new work for children and families. Age: 3 to 7 years. Wednesday 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th –
Nike Run Club – one of the largest free training run clubs held globally bringing together fellow runners from all over Melbourne. Meet at the Amphitheatre in Federation Square 5.30pm till 7pm. Wednesdays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th – Summer 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. Thursdays 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th – Organ Recital at St Michaels Church at 120 Collins Street. 1pm-1.30pm. A good chance to see the inside of this really unusual church. Thursdays 5th and 19th – Zumba at St Pauls Court, Federation Square 1.30pm-2.15pm. Thursday 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th - Fed Square Live - 5.30pm – 7.30pm. Soak up the summer evenings with weekly performances featuring some of Melbourne's most
talented artists. 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. Line-up Thursday 4th is indie-pop from Stonefox, blissful folk tunes of Melbourne-based indie-folk band Mango Retreat and the robust rhythms and soaring vocals of local musician Chris Watts. Thursday 5th - Movies Under the Stars at Docklands. Enjoy the stunning waterfront views at Point Park, Yarra’s Edge for a FREE outdoor cinema experience. Tonights movie is Skyfall. Site open from 7pm, feature movie at 8.30pm – bring a picnic. Point Park, 1 Point Park Crescent, Docklands, FREE return ferry service from Federation Square for first 120 guests departing at 6.30. Fridays 6th, 13th 20th and 27th – Qigong (a sort of Tai Chi combining integrated movement, mental cultivation and regulated breathing) – Main Square at
Federation Square 8am – 9am. Friday 6th till Monday 9th – Moomba Festival. Moomba is one of the longest running community festivals in the world. Filling a gap left by once-popular Labor Day processions, Moomba was born in 1955 with Melbourne and its people as its heart. With a name that translates as 'let's get together and have fun,' Moomba unites people in a spirit of celebration, right in the heart of the city. The Moomba Parade, one of the oldest and best loved features of the event, sees the people of our city take centre stage celebrating! In addition to the Parade, Moomba offers events for the whole family, including activities and workshops for little ones at Kid's Zone, Skate Park competitions and tutorials for young adults, and the world's best athletes competing in the Water program. Nightly displays of fireworks, the well-loved Birdman Rally, and the 'always open' carnival rides and games add to the old-world festival charm
for which Moomba has become renowned. Fri: 7pm – 11pm, Sat: 11am – 11pm, Sun: 11am – 11pm and Mon: 11am – 11pm. See www.onlymelbourne.com.au/moomba-festival for times/details. Friday 6th – Salsa - Get your hips swinging at Fed Square with free salsa lessons led by the Salsa Foundation. In this professionally led summer classes you will learn the basic steps of salsa dancing…enough to dance salsa with anyone anywhere in the world! Stop by and join in at anytime or just sit back and enjoy listening to those sultry salsa beats. No partners or experience needed, beginners welcome. 5.30pm – 7.30pm St Pauls Court, Fed Square. Fridays 6th and 13th – 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 Saturday March 7, Sunday 8 March and Monday 9 March - Tape me a River (Expanded Drawing Installation), Artplay, Birrarung Marr. This event is part of Moomba .
Imagine a drawing that has become bored of paper and wandered off the page in search of new adventure… Now imagine the setting for this creative adventure....a river bank, surrounded by trees and rocks, populated by countless creatures, big and small, real and imaginary.
Come along and contribute to a collaborative, room-size, river scene made completely from lines of colourful electrical tape.
Our river scene will evolve and grow over three days...that is, until the un-drawing stage begins! Sometimes deconstruction is just another stage of creation…. Find out how at ArtPlay over the Moomba weekend. Age: Family, Times: 12noon to 4pm. Saturday 7th - The Hot Wave Music Festival is the first music festival in Docklands for local independent music and it incorporates music, food, games and charity. This food-enticing festival combines Melbourne indie bands and musicians with cultural food and delicacies. Performing on the day are 12 independent bands and artists. They all have their own special story and life experiences of being an artist and they will use the festival platform to share moments with the audience. Music styles include hip-hop, pop, electric, blues, and jazz and the performances will be family-friendly. Many of these bands are graciously giving their time and energy to play their music for free and are interested in supporting the festival’s charity campaign. 10:30am-1pm Pop music with Katie Lewis & Tom, Josh Martin; DJ; Flash Mob (Bikini Dance). 1pm-5:30pm Rock n' Roll with Shadows Hyenas, I AM MINE, Admit One, Scott Watkins; Square Dance; Flash Mob (hip-hop dance). 5:30pm-7:30pm Climax and hip-hop with Markia, Rochelle, Aiden Tyla Frenzy; DJ. 7:30pm-10:30pm Jazz and Blues with Frank Deak and Nathan Fernandez. Sat: 10.30am – 10.30pm Piazza At Docklands, 429-437 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008 Sunday 8th - Japanese Summer Festival, Federation Square, 1pm-5pm.
The Melbourne Japanese Summer Festival is a family-friendly event bringing a vibrant taste of Japan to Melbourne with spectacular cultural demonstrations.
Held every summer, the festival honours the tradition of the 'Bon Matsuri', a festival held in Japan to give thanks to one's ancestors.
Immerse yourself in a jam-packed day of all things Japanese: indulge in food and beverage delights by the River Terrace, join one of the many family-friendly activities, including origami classes, or take part in the cultural highlight of the day, the 'Bon' dance, where everyone is welcome to participate.
The main stage hosts martial arts demonstrations, song and dance performances, and the announcement of
the winners of the grand raffle draw, with prizes including two business-class tickets to Tokyo provided by Jetstar. See http://jcci-jsm.org.au/fest/. Sunday 8th - Learn French. (Every second Sunday of the month) noon – 1pm at St Michael's Uniting Church 120 Collins Street. Did you ever want to learn French? Join a French native speaker for a fun, free class. The classes allow those who have wanted to speak French to gain some pointers in basic French conversation and to practise their French in a fun, themed French conversation class. Sessions offer some notes and instructions, followed by conversation on a theme in small groups or pairs as the teacher assists. Monday 9th - Learn Crochet at The Atrium in Federation Square 12-2pm. Learn the old craft of crochet at this workshop. You'll be 'hooked' before you know it! Tuesday 10th - Southgate Silent Cinema. Chill
out in a deckchair wearing headphones to watch the movie – definitely not your normal cinema experience – Tonight’s movie is Yves Saint Laurant. Starts 8.00pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank. Wednesday 11th to Saturday 14th - Couch Guerillas (exhibition), Artplay, Birrarung Marr, 10am to 4pm. The family couch…what does it become at your house? A cubby, a cushion kingdom, a vehicle, a stage? Follow the story of making Couch Guerrillas and have some creative fun in our lounge world. This event is part of the ArtPlay NEW IDEAS LAB program where artists are supported to develop new work for children and families. Age: 3 to 7 years. Thursdays 12th and 26th – Belly Dancing – The Atrium at Federation Square 12.30pm-1pm. Shimmy and shake at Fed Square with free Belly Dancing classes led by a professional instructor. Thursday 12th - Movies Under the Stars at Docklands. Enjoy the stunning waterfront views at Point Park, Yarra’s Edge for a FREE outdoor cinema experience. Tonights movie is Frozen. Site open from 7pm, feature movie at 8.30pm – bring a picnic. Point Park, 1 Point Park Crescent, Docklands, FREE return ferry service from Federation Square for first 120 guests departing at 6.30. Friday 13th to Sunday 15th - Melbourne Ukulele Festival.
The Melbourne Ukulele Festival is now in its sixth year of bringing you many of the world's best ukulele acts. It is a strongly community-focussed, non-profit festival; dedicated to sharing the joy of the ukulele with both die-hard uke nuts and music fans in general. The festival will have something for everyone - young or old, solo or ensemble, artist or fan. See www.muf.org.au to find which events are free. Saturday 14th - Flavours. Smell the
spices, feel the rhythm of the drums and sample something from every corner of the globe. Flavours festival brings the world to you through music, dance workshops, cooking demonstrations, craft activities and market stalls. Bring your friends and family down to Prahran’s Grattan Gardens, cnr Grattan and Greville Streets, Prahran while celebrating cultural diversity in Australia. 11am-4pm. Sunday 15th - Single Parent's Family Fun Day in the West. If you're a single parent please feel free to bring yourself and the kids along to our FREE Family Fun Day! A great day out amongst like-minded people is promised with lots of children's entertainment, sausage sizzle, face painting, ball games and more! Single Parents Active Kids are a social group for single parent families, we run loads of events, activities and camps all over Melbourne! Our Family Fun Day's are a great way to 'test the water' and get a taste of what our group is all about!
It's from 12 noon at Logan Reserve, Cnr Esplanade and Pier St, Altona, Melways Ref 54 H11. We hope to see you there! RSVP to Moush by 13th. See www.singleparentsactivekids.org for further details. Sunday 15th - Thai Culture and Food Festival.
Spend a day in Thailand right here in Melbourne and experience Sanook (fun) at our 12th annual Festival. The Thai Culture and Food Festival returns to Melbourne all through Fed Square, Deakin Edge and River Terrace- featuring 5 stages of performances, from drum parade to Buddhist Ceremony, from classical dance (Khon) to Muay Thai, cultural shows to lifestyle, entertainment, cooking demonstrations to food stalls and much much more. 10am - 6pm. See www.thaifestvic.com. Monday 16th - Basket Making at Fed Square, The Atrium, 12noon - 2pm. Learn the simple but intricate craft of basket making with free monthly workshops led by Basketmakers of Victoria. Tuesday 17th - Southgate Silent Cinema. Chill out in a deckchair wearing headphones to watch the movie – definitely not your normal cinema experience – Tonight’s movie is The Irish Pub. Starts 8.00pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.
Thursday 19th - Fed Square Live - An extra long session today from 1pm till 9.15pm, featuring some of Melbourne's most talented artists. 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. Sunday 22nd - Children's Book Festival, State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, 10am – 4pm. The big day out for little readers is back celebrating the wonderful world of children's literature and storytelling. It's a day when we invite kids - and their parents - to dive into the pleasures of books and reading, in as many different ways as possible. All you have to do is turn up and start roaming across the lawns and throughout the Library and the Wheeler Centre - there's plenty to discover. For one big day, it's all been turned into your very own children's literary playground. Meet your favourite authors and illustrators from big names like Shaun Tan, Hazel Edwards and Andy Griffiths, to terrific emerging talents in the world of children's books. There are storytellers, musical acts and performers of all sorts to discover. Grab a book from the picnic library and sink into a beanbag to get lost in it. Help create a giant book that will become a memento of the day. And drop by the Children’s Book Festival Monster Marquee, where you can make your own horns to wear all day long. Read, listen, dance and make things - it's an active day of fun for the whole family to enjoy. Suitable for ages 5 to 11. Sunday 22nd – Pets in the Park. Pets are the stars of this fun, free, annual event for the whole family. Bring your furry, scaly and feathered friends to Central Park for a day of entertainment, competitions, information and demonstrations. The main stage will feature live music, pet parades, children's entertainment and craft activities and information on responsible pet ownership. Central Park, Cnr Burke and Wattletree Roads, Malvern East 11am-4pm. Sunday 22nd - Viva Victoria Festival.
Viva Victoria Multicultural Festival is held in celebration of Victoria's cultural, linguistic and religious diversity and community harmony.
Starting at 12 noon and finishing at 6.00pm in Federation Square, the Festival boasts a full program of entertainment and activities. The day will feature live music and dance across four stages, food, art, workshops, film, kid's activities and roving performances, representing the
cultural diversity of our State.
There's something for everyone, so bring along the family, or meet up with your friends and come and experience something new. An event not to be missed! www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/projects-and-initiatives/cultural-diversity-week/viva-victoria Tuesday 24th - Southgate Silent Cinema. Chill out in a deckchair wearing headphones to watch the movie – definitely not your normal cinema experience – Tonight’s movie is The Monuments. Starts 8pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank. Wednesday 25th till 19th April - Comedy Festival - Station 59, 59 Church St, Richmond, Wed-Fri 6.15pm, Sat & Sun 4.45pm. Station 59 is Melbourne’s original alternative comedy venue where, since 2012, thousands of Melbourne Comedy Festial punters have experienced the "free show" model that has revolutionised the Edinburgh Fringe. Featuring 16 shows over four weeks, our fourth year of free comedy is absolutely massive. Join the revolution. - Week 1 & 2 includes Evan Hocking – He'll be bigger than you one day; Rebecca Douglas – The Optimistic Feminis; Matt Kilpa & Jacob Emerson are probably lying; Blaise White – F*%k I'm poor; Troy Costantino – God Cut my Lunch; Jackson Voorhaar – Of Vice and Virtue; Scott Horne – Sugar Junky; Andrew Kingham – Mid Life... What Crisis?. For more info, videos and podcast links go to the Free Comedy website where you can book free tickets for your chance to win a free beer at the show. Week 3 & 4 includes Andy Moratis is Single Dad; Jackson Hand – The Sound of One Hand Yapping; Karl Redgen – Rapid Fire; Greg Furey – Smart Bogan; Alex Fusca & Simon Hughes – Outrospectives; Kieran Butler – Australia is F*%ked; Juan Miles – Joyfully Misanthropic; Daisy Berry – Am I Normal?.
For more info, videos & podcast links go to www.freecomedy.com.au where you can
book free tickets for your chance to win a free beer at the show.
Friday 27th till 19th April - Comedy Festival - The (Very) Big Laugh Out transforms Fed Square and City Square into wonderlands of comedy with some of the most unpredictably entertaining acts of the Festival. See the world's best and funniest street performers, with physical skills as wicked as their senses of humour, churning out all-ages comedy for free! Featuring special guest artists Djuki Mala, Jessica Arpin, Kano Mami, Mathieu Moustache and Mr Moriyasu. They'll be joined by a cavalcade of local and international acts including Trash Test Dummies, Anna Pocket Rocket, Dr Brown and His Singing Tiger, Trygve Wakenshaw, Justin Sane, ONGALS (South Korea) and WOMANz. Tue, Wed and Thursday 12.30pm – 3pm, Fri: 12.30pm – 6.30pm, Sat: 11.30am – 4pm, Sun: 11.30am – 4pm.
Friday 27 - Teddy Bear's
Picnic, Williamstown Botanic Gardens, corner Osborne and Giffard Streets, Williamstown, 10.30am to 11.15am.
Summer story time in the parks and gardens continues this month with Teddy bear's picnic. Bring a picnic rug and join us for songs, stories and craft activities in the beautiful surrounds of Hobsons Bay.
Friday 27th - Projector Bike Friday Night Ride. Grab your bike and your love of film and ride along with Projector Bike, a bike ride through the city, stopping at screening locations along the way to watch a range of award-winning short films and video clips. Projector Bike will be leaving Testing Grounds at 8:30pm and returning for a drink from the Testing Grounds bar, 1 City Road, Melbourne. Testing Grounds is behind the Arts Centre. 0422 221 072, www.projectorbike.com.au. Sunday 29th – Classic Car Club featuring Australian Austin A30-A40 Car Club 11am – 2.30pm on Flinders
Street section of Federation Square by ACMI entrance. Tuesday 31st - Southgate Silent Cinema. Chill out in a deckchair wearing headphones to watch the movie – definitely not your normal cinema experience – Tonight’s movie is Two Faces of January. Starts 8pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.
Note: All events believed to be correct at time of editing newsletter however it would be sensible to double check before you turn up in case of any changes or errors.
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