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Free-Things-To-Do-Melbourne May 2015 issue
April 29, 2015

Free Events in May 2015



Welcome to the May 2015 Events Newsletter.


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Friday 1st – Friday 29th (Mons, Weds and Fridays only, except public holidays) – Fitness at Fed Square. 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: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7am – 7.45am and Mondays 6pm – 6.45pm, Amphitheatre or River Terrace, Federation Square.


Fridays 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th – Qigong (a sort of Tai Chi combining integrated movement, mental cultivation and regulated breathing) – Main Square at Federation Square 8am – 9am.


Fridays 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th - Mundo Lingo Language and Culture Exchange, Platform 28, 82 Village Street, Docklands, 7.30pm-11pm. Mundo Lingo Melbourne is a social project for language and cultural exchange. In a forever more international society it's not difficult to observe the growth in the industries of tourism and language learning. With this in mind, Mundo Lingo events help foment a network between locals and foreigners in a given city through free events. These 'Multilingual Cultural Exchanges' take place in the tranquil atmosphere of a bar or pub on a weekday night. We use a unique system in which the participants arrange small flag stickers on their chest from top to bottom according to ability and sit down or stand up to show their willingness to engage in conversation with new people. This allows people to proudly show where they're from as well as quickly identify potential exchange partners. While the primary focus is on exchanging languages, participants will have the opportunity to exchange cultures with people from around the world. We talk in small groups and the topic of conversation is as much your choice as is the language. You can stay with the same group, or chat a little and move on to meet more people. It's a very warm and friendly environment.


Sundays 3rd, 13th, 20th and 27th - ArtPlay Backyard, Birrarung Marr. 10.00am to 12.00pm. 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! Age: Family.


Sundays 3rd and 17th – 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. In fact Sunday 3rd will be from 11am-12noon as it's World Laughter Day and clubs from around the state will be taking part in various laughter competitions.


Sunday 3rd - Shadows and Wind (puppetry) at Artplay, Birrarung Marr. 12noon-4pm, ages 6 – 12. Explore the sensory world of the wind in shadows and projection. Start by making your own wind toy… then put your creation in a shadow performance. Everyone will have a chance to use their wind toy in action, interacting with lighting, fans and special windy scenarios. Part making workshop, part performance, you can choose to be the audience or the performer, or both! (The wind toy is yours to take home at the end of the session). The winds of grace blow all the time, let us set our sails.


Sundays 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st - The Steve Irwin Sea Shepherd boat is available for tours again this month at Seaworks Dock, 2 Anne Street, Williamstown where you can meet the crew and tour their boats 12 noon-4.00pm. Donations are accepted and in fact hoped for (!) but there s no pressure and it is a very worthwhile cause. Check http://www.seashepherd.org.au/australia/melbourne.html


Monday 4th - Classics at Fed Square. These free monthly concerts offer something for everyone, from classical and swing to big band, jazz and even contemporary pop! Today see Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in the Deakin Edge 12noon-1pm.


Monday 4th – Embroidery, The Atrium, Fed Square, 12noon – 2pm. Discover the creativity of embroidery with free monthly demonstrations in The Atrium at Fed Square. Join members of The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria to watch them demonstrating their various techniques or stitch up a piece yourself in these friendly and interactive sessions.


Tuesdays 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th - Tai Chi in Main Square at Federation Square 7.30am – 8.30am.


Tuesdays 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th - Lunchtime Meditation in The Atrium at Federation Square 12.30-1pm.


Tuesdays 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th – Yoga, The Atrium, Federation Square, 1.15pm – 2pm. Improve your physical, mental and spiritual well-being with free lunchtime yoga classes.


Tuesday 5th - Southgate Silent Cinema. Chill out in a deckchair wearing headphones to watch the movie – definitely not your normal cinema experience – Tonight’s movie is Begin Again. Starts 7.00pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Wednesday 6th – Blood Pressure Check, Federation Square, 7.30am – 3.30pm. Head to Fed Square for a free health check as part of the National Stroke Foundation’s Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check. High blood pressure is one of the most important known risk factors for stroke that you can change. This campaign aims to increase awareness of the link between high blood pressure and stroke. A record 15,000 free blood pressure checks will take place across Australia on one day at public health check stations and in Chemmart pharmacies. Channel Seven’s celebrities will attend and The Morning Show will broadcast the event live on television.


Wednesdays 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th - 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 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th - 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!


Wednesdays 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th - Ned Kelly Tour - State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, 1pm – 2.30pm meet in front foyer. Ned Kelly has split public opinion for over a century. Hero or criminal? Decide for yourself as you read Kelly’s famed Jerilderie letter and sift through eyewitness photographs from the siege of Glenrowan on this tour in The changing face of Victoria exhibition.


Wednesdays 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th – 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.


Wednedays 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th - Mundo Lingo Language and Culture Exchange, Melbourne, European Bier cafe, First Floor, 120 Exhibiton Street, 7.00pm-11pm. Mundo Lingo Melbourne is a social project for language and cultural exchange. In a forever more international society it's not difficult to observe the growth in the industries of tourism and language learning. With this in mind, Mundo Lingo events help foment a network between locals and foreigners in a given city through free events. These 'Multilingual Cultural Exchanges' take place in the tranquil atmosphere of a bar or pub on a weekday night. We use a unique system in which the participants arrange small flag stickers on their chest from top to bottom according to ability and sit down or stand up to show their willingness to engage in conversation with new people. This allows people to proudly show where they're from as well as quickly identify potential exchange partners. While the primary focus is on exchanging languages, participants will have the opportunity to exchange cultures with people from around the world. We talk in small groups and the topic of conversation is as much your choice as is the language. You can stay with the same group, or chat a little and move on to meet more people. It's a very warm and friendly environment.


Thursdays 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th - Morning Meditation, Federation Square, 8am-8.30am. Enjoy a calm, focused and empowering start to your day with Morning Meditation at Fed Square. You will soon feel the benefits of meditation in these free half-hour sessions run by Calm in the City. Classes incorporate gentle commentary, soothing music and a bit of quiet, and are suitable both for experienced meditators and those new to meditation.


Thursdays 7th and 21st - Feel Young - Drawing from ancient Chinese traditions this combines gentle exercise and dance – The Atrium in Federation Square 10.30am – 12.30pm.


Thursdays 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th – 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, looks more like a theatre.


Thursdays 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th - Lego Squad at East Melbourne Library, 122 George Street, East Melbourne, 4pm – 5.30pm. Calling Lego enthusiasts! If you're 7- 13 years and love Lego, show off your skills in our weekly Lego Squad. Projects include stop motion, iMovie, book trailers and more. We have the Lego, you bring the skill. Beginners most welcome.


Saturday 9th - Fiesta Malaysia, Federation square, 11am – 5.30pm. Celebrate Victoria’s cultural diversity with Fiesta Malaysia at Fed Square. Fiesta Malaysia is an event that offers everyone the opportunity to experience multicultural sights, sounds, tastes and Malaysian experiences in the heart of Melbourne city. The festival will be presented with a “open house” style, which is a common practice in various Malaysian festivals that see family, friends and even the whole neighbourhood coming together to celebrate with great fun and laughter. This year’s entertainment includes a performance from Malaysian pop star, Elizabeth Tan!


Monday 11th - 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!


Tuesdays 12th, 19th and 26th – Heritage Walking Tour, Williamstown, 2.15 – 4pm, meet at the Visitor Info Centre, Commonwealth Reserve, Nelson Place, Williamstown.


Tuesday 12th - Southgate Silent Cinema. Chill out in a deckchair wearing headphones to watch the movie – definitely not your normal cinema experience – Tonight’s movie is Dawn of The Planet of the Apes. Starts 7.00pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Thursdays 14th and 28th – 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.


Fridays 15th, 22nd and 29th – Heritage Walking Tour, Williamstown, Meet 11.45am at the Visitor Info Centre, Commonwealth Reserve, Nelson Place, Williamstown.


Friday 15th - North Melbourne Girl Guides Open Night, 6pm – 7.30pm. Girls aged five to 12 are invited to attend a night at a real Girl Guide unit. Through non-formal education programs, the Girl Guides promote citizenship, volunteerism, social awareness and self-reliance through quality programs for girls aged five to 17. Girl Guides learn by doing, with every activity bringing a new personal adventure in a safe and friendly environment. North Melbourne Community Centre and YMCA, North Melbourne VIC 3051, enter Buncle St from Sutton St. Contact claire_moore@iprimus.com.au if your daughter intends to attend.


Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th – Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival, Federation Square, 10am- 8pm Saturday, 10am – 5pm Sunday. Take part in traditional Buddhist ceremonies and enjoy a vegetarian culinary tour of Asia at Fed Square. This annual two-day festival celebrates the diversity of our multicultural and multi-faith society through arts, music, cultural performances, social and spiritual wellbeing lectures, world peace prayers, blessing ceremonies, interfaith ceremonies, multi-faith concerts and glorious food. Join in the Buddhist celebrations and a range of other activities including meditation, traditional arts and crafts, Tai Chi and more. When you have worked up an appetite, enjoy a vegetarian feast alongside the Yarra River where you can taste a variety of foods from the many regions of Asia. Come and experience this beautiful cultural celebration – this year’s theme is ‘Hope and Future’. It is through hope for the Earth and the people, that there will be a brighter future. See buddhaday.org.au


Sunday 17th - Air Force Band – The Lord of the Rings, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street, Melbourne, 2pm – 3pm. Air Force Band is one of Australia’s premier military wind ensembles. Boasting a long and proud association with the Melbourne Town Hall, they not only cater for ceremonial and commemorative events, but also use the evocative and transformative power of music to thrill concert-going audiences worldwide. Johan de Meij composed his highly acclaimed The Lord of the Rings symphony long before Peter Jackson’s landmark cinematic interpretation. It beautifully captures the mood and legend of J.R.R.Tolkien’s mythological masterwork. To commemorate the centenary of ANZAC, this concert, directed by Squadron Leader Mathew Shelley, will include a musical tribute to the service and sacrifice of our Australian service personnel involved in military operations over the last 100 years. The program includes Bach's Fugue in G minor, Rossini's The Barber of Seville Overture, the 100 Years of ANZAC musical tribute and De Meij's The Lord of the Rings Symphony.


Monday 18th - 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.


Tuesdays 19th till 21st July – Run Melbourne Training Runs, Federation Square, 6pm-8pm. Get your training on track for The Age Run Melbourne at Fed Square. The Age Run Melbourne 2015 will take place on Sunday 26 July. Entering is a great way to keep fit and healthy, participate in a major community event, and raise funds for your chosen cause. You can enter the 3km Kids event, TeamUp 5km run/walk, 10km run or Brooks Half-Marathon! Build up to your distance with weekly training runs starting from Fed Square. Each week runners are led on training runs over two different distances, incorporating various pace groups that cover from beginners all the way through to speed work groups. Session are free for Run Melbourne entrants, but if you haven’t signed up yet there’s a $5 fee, which goes directly to the charity of the week.


Tuesday 19th – Climate Walk Watch, Royal Botanic Gardens, Alexandra Avenue Melbourne. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Observatory Gate, 10am (till 11.30am). Be a ClimateWatcher! During this free guided walk, record features of specific plants and animals in the Royal Botanic Gardens. These observations will become part of a database that helps scientists see what impact climate change is having on particular species, and therefore inform Australia's response to a changing climate.


Tuesday 19th till Sunday 24th - Stonnington Jazz is firmly established as an important event on the national jazz calendar. They have established a strong track record of presenting memorable performances from a variety of Australian artists based in Melbourne, interstate and internationally, both established names and those in the early stages of their careers, and across a pleasingly wide range of jazz styles. As always, Stonnington Jazz is a proudly Australian event,reflecting the wealth of talent that can be heard throughout the year in Melbourne and around the country. Whether you are a passionate jazz fan or a newcomer to the exciting world of jazz, there are plenty of free shows in this year’s program that you're sure to enjoy. See http://www.stonningtonjazz.com.au/Free-Events


Tuesday 19th - Southgate Silent Cinema. Chill out in a deckchair wearing headphones to watch the movie – definitely not your normal cinema experience – Tonight’s movie is Guardians of the Galaxy. Starts 7.00pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Saturday 23rd – Korea Festival, Federation Square, 12noon – 9pm. Join the party at the second Korea Festival at Fed Square! This incredible festival brings the sights, sounds and tastes of Korea to your doorstep with an all-day event showcasing the many iconic features of traditional and contemporary Korean culture. Be entertained by live music and performances including gok-ah (Korean traditional instruments), the K-pop competition and taekwondo (Korean martial arts). You can also join in a range of cultural activities and even try on Korea’s traditional dress, the Hanbok! Bring the whole family to enjoy this wonderful celebration and don’t miss the food market along River Terrace, where you can explore the nation’s authentic and truly unique cuisine.


Monday 25th – Knitting, The Atrium, Fed Square, 12noon – 2pm. Knit one, purl two at Fed Square with free knitting workshops. Whether you’re a beginner seeking your first lesson, a Fair Isle queen or a cabling crusader, the experts from The Handknitters Guild will welcome you with open needles.


Tuesday 26th - Southgate Silent Cinema. Chill out in a deckchair wearing headphones to watch the movie – definitely not your normal cinema experience – Tonight’s movie is A Most Wanted Man. Starts 7.00pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Thursday 28th – Melbourne Social Club Drinks Night 6.30pm – 9pm Governors Lounge, Royal Melbourne Hotel (RMH), 629 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Come along and enjoy an end-of-the-month drinks night hosted by the Melbourne social club 'Fun, Food and Friendship'.


Friday 29th – Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Federation Square, 12.30 – 6.30pm. Get jumpin’ and jivin’ in The Square with the Melbourne International Jazz Festival!

Opening Celebration Concert 12.30pm – 2.30pm. Kick off the 2015 Festival with a free open-air concert featuring a sampling of the Festival’s most exciting acts, hosted by the fabulous Fem Belling. Bring your family, friends and your dancing shoes! Top-secret lineup of international and Australian artists to be announced soon.

Free Jazz at Fed Square 3pm – 6.30pm. Enjoy an afternoon of big band performance brought to you by Australia’s best and brightest emerging jazz musicians. Various dates + times Discover the mercurial soundscape of Melbourne’s CBD on a listening walk led by landscape architect and acoustic ecologist, Anthony Magen. Hear the rhythm of the city, buskers, cars, birds, trams and special guests on an aural adventure through the city’s open spaces, laneways and secret places.


Friday 29th - 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 31st – 65 Roses Day for Cystic Fibrosis, Federation Square, 11am – 4pm. Help Cystic Fibrosis Victoria celebrate the end of 65 Roses Month with a free family fun day at Fed Square. The Square will come alive with fundraising activities, entertainment, onsite challenges and activations, all in the hope of raising awareness of Cystic Fibrosis. 65 Roses Day promises to be a fun day for the whole family with information about CF also available on the day. Festivity highlights include a performance by The Music Man, face painting, magician show, scavenger hunt, live music, celebrity appearances and more!


Sunday 31st – Classic Car Club featuring Porshe TYP 901 Register Inc 11am – 2.30pm on Flinders Street section of Federation Square by ACMI entrance.


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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