Free Events in November 2014

Welcome to the November 2014 Events Newsletter.

I think there should be enough here to keep you busy!

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Saturday 1st - Polyglot Theatre at Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street. The Knowledge Hub is located on the corner of Little Collins and Swanston Streets. Polyglot Theatre is Australia’s leading creator of experiential, interactive and installation theatre for children and families, encouraging kids to turn the simplest things into extraordinary creations. Inspired by the artwork, play and ideas of children, we create imagined worlds where audiences actively participate in performance through touch, play and encounter. Experienced artists from Polyglot Theatre will be guiding children through creative drawing exercises on a table wired for sound. With a variety of drawing materials, the artists engage the participants in a series of drawing experiences on a large sheet of paper where the sound of the pastel or crayon is picked up by a sensitive microphone and amplified. The physical action of the drawing is turned into a unique soundscape with the final shared drawing artwork exhibited within the space. Suitable for children aged 3-12 years. 10am – noon and 2pm - 4pm both days. Drop in and leave at any point during a session.


Saturday 1st - 5th - Macau Fringe Sound and Light Show, Queensbridge Square, 1A Queensbridge Street, Southbank, noon till 10.30pm each day. Join in the colourful excitement of Macau Fringe 2014, a family event with a spectacular 3D light show and lots of entertainment.

Hosted by the Macau Government Tourist Office, this free six-day outdoor event will feature creative balloon artists, towering stilt walkers and other entertainment. Each night it will culminate in a three-dimensional projected show of the former Portuguese enclave's historic colonial and Chinese architecture – seen for the first time outside of Macau and China.

The nightly light show will focus on Macau's many UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, from the famous A Ma Temple to the iconic ruins of St Paul's, the most highly photographed piece of architecture in Macau.


Till 12th December - The Australian Red Cross in the Great War. Celebrate 100 years of the Red Cross in Australia with this stunning photographic exhibition. Featured in the exhibition are striking images from the Australian Red Cross archives – most on public display for the first time – that convey the nerve-centre of the Australian Red Cross in Melbourne. The exhibition also looks at Australian Red Cross fund-raising efforts in Victoria and their compassionate projects at home and abroad. Royal Historical Society of Victoria, 239 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne, Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm.


Sunday 2nd – Tape It! Artplay, Birrarung Marr, 10am to 3pm. Imagine a drawing that has become bored of paper and wandered off the page in search of new adventure. If this sounds appealing, drop into ArtPlay for Tape It, a collaborative, room-size, expanded drawing made of lines of colourful electrical tape. Everyone of all ages can contribute to the artwork which may expand in many creative directions and dimensions. There will also be some very simple rules to guide those who would like to learn about generative art. All materials will be provided. The drawing will run most of the day, that is, until the un-drawing stage begins. Sometimes deconstruction is just another stage of creation. Find out how when you come along to Tape It.


Sundays 2nd and 16th – Laughter Club at Federation Square by Swanston Street 11am – 11.30am.


Sunday 2nd – Nepal Festival, all day at Fed Square. This all-day event is a recreation of the joyful cultural festivals of Nepal, bringing Fed Square to life with singing, dancing, festivities and lots of food. Be transported to the bustling, ancient city of Kathmandu and explore the traditions of Nepal from east to west and north to south through an array of cultural activities.

Enjoy free entertainment with the official opening of festival, live performances of Nepalese music and dance, a fashion parade and more. Taste authentic Nepalese flavours at the food market along River Terrace and browse an exhibition of Nepalese arts and crafts, photographs and paintings.

Bring your family and friends along and experience the rich cultural landscape of Nepal.


Sunday 2nd and then exhibition open till till 23rd (Wed to Sun only) – Artplay - Tracking with the Pitcha Making Fella, Birrarung Marr. Everyone is invited to the launch party at 3pm on Sunday 2 November at ArtPlay (drinks & nibbles provided). Come and see the twelve giant animal designs created by kids at ArtPlay with the Pitcha Makin Fellaz. The Fellaz are a group of 7 Aboriginal men from Ballarat who create art together and have developed their own unique style. The kids explored aboriginal stories of the Yarra and worked with the Fellaz to learn their techniques. Using stamps, paint and patterns they created 2-metre high animals.


Monday 3rd – 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 it’s the Blackwood Ensemble from Monash University. It’s held in the Deakin Edge 12noon till 1pm.


Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Monday 3rd – Fitness at Fed Square, Flinders Street. 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 on River Terrace, Wednesday 7am - 7.45am at the Amphitheatre and Friday 7am – 7.45am at the Amphitheatre.


Monday 3rd - The Melbourne Cup Parade is a highly anticipated public event. Tens of thousands of people will once again line Swanston Street for an exciting parade of thoroughbreds, jockeys, trainers and celebrity guests.

This free event commences at noon and finishes at 2pm. All are welcome to enjoy the free entertainment and last minute interviews with Emirates Melbourne Cup trainers and jockeys at Federation Square.


Tuesdays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th – Tai Chi in Main Square at Federation Square 7.30am – 8.30am.


Tuesdays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th – Lunchtime Meditation in The Atrium at Federation Square 12.30-1pm.


Tuesday 4th - Southgate Silent Cinema.  It's back! You are provided with individual headphones and audio kits to listen to the film, while sitting back and relaxing amidst the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and shopping precinct. Movie – Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Starts 8.30pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Tuesdays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th - Imperial Comedy brings you the best of Melbourne comedy with acts such as Claire Hooper, Bart Freebairn, Justin Hamilton, Tommy Dassalo, Geraldine Hickey, Ryan Coffey and Josh Earl. Come down for free entry, cheap drinks and a cracking lineup. Imperial Hotel, 2-8 Bourke Street, 8.30pm – 10.30pm, doors open at 8pm.


Wednesdays 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th - Storytime for Pre-Schoolers, (3 to 5 years) Experimedia, 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 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th – Nike Run Club – one of the largest free training run clubs held globally bringing together fellow runners from all over Melbourne. Meet outside the Atrium in Federation Square 5.30pm (till 7pm).


Thursday 6th - Learn iPad Essentials, 11am – noon. Call 03 9658 9998 to book. Get the most out of your iPad. Learn how to set it up, all about apps and other great iPad features as well as how to get started on social media. Bring your own iPad or use one of theirs. The workshop runs the first Thursday of the month from 11am to 12pm (4 September, 2 October, 6 November, 4 December). No prior skills are necessary. Library at The Dock, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands.


Thursday 6th - Meet the Rats, Shrine of Remembrance Reserve, St Kilda Road, 12.30pm – 2.30pm. Meet the Rats of Tobruk Ron Williamson and Bob Semple, as they share their recollections of the siege 73 years ago.

Hear about their battle experiences, living conditions and the camaraderie that was shared by the Rats, as they were to be forever named. This mateship continues today in the Rats of Tobruk Association, supported by a broad network of friends honouring their efforts and contribution.


Thursday 6th - 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. 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 tonight is Heloise, Miffy Duke and Brett Lee.


Fridays 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th – Qigong (a sort of Tai Chi combining integrated movement, mental cultivation and regulated breathing) – Main Square at Federation Square 8am – 9am.


Friday 7th – BioBlitz Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Royal Botanic Gardens, Alexandra Avenue, meet at the Visitor Centre, Observatory Gate, 10.30am – noon and 1pm – 2.30pm, bookings available via 03 9658 9089.

Journey into the ancestral lands of the Kulin Nation, discover the connection between biodiversity and Australia's Aboriginal people, and explore their rich and thriving culture on this walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Experience a traditional smoking ceremony with an Aboriginal guide and discover traditional uses of plants for food, tools and medicine.

Then, why not take part in Melbourne BioBlitz 2014? Over two weeks, from 31 October to 15 November, the City of Melbourne will be conducting a survey of the species living in our city, from minuscule plant life to the mighty powerful owl, and we need your help. Join a guided BioBlitz event in various locations around the city, led by some of Melbourne's best biodiversity experts and ecologists, and help us to discover the diverse animal and plant species that call our city home.


Friday 7th - The 1st Friday Dance Club, 6pm – 7.30pm. Each month anyone in Melbourne can come into the city and learn a dance with skilled dancing groups. Today it's time for Bollywood with one of Melbourne's hottest dance troupes, Natya Bollywood! The 1st Friday Dance Club takes place at the same place and the same time every month. The site becomes known as a place for dancing and the first Friday becomes known as the night for dancing. Led by community and professional dance groups, 1st Friday Dance Club provides opportunities for people to come together to learn, share and experience dance. It is free, lo-fi, and open to all ages. The address is 1A Queens Bridge Street, Southbank which is on the Southbank side of the pedestrian bridge over the River Yarra behind Flinders Street railway station.


Fridays 7th until December! - 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 6:30pm and returning around 7:30pm for a drink from the Testing Grounds bar, 1 City Road, Melbourne. Testing Grounds is behind the Arts Centre. 0422 221 072, info@projectorbike.com.au www.projectorbike.com.au.


Saturday 8th - City Sessions is an interactive dance battle presented by Freestyle Academy and supported by City of Melbourne through Arts Grant 2014.

Enjoy some of Australia's best dancers and performances by Melbourne DJs, MCs and street artists.

The event will start at the State Library at 4pm and travel through to Federation Square for the final battle, finishing at 6pm.


Saturday 8th and 22nd - A Secret Place, 8.15pm till 11pm. If you fancy a 1950s New York vibe on your Saturday night, complete with romantic and spirited jazz, ice-cold cocktails, tapas and even a cigar room, then A Secret Place is for you. This members-only club opens to the public every second and fourth Saturday of the month for a high-end experience at a low-end price. A Secret Place will feature the Connie Lansberg Quartet. It's at Regent Club, 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne. It's only a free event if you book in advance though, otherwise it's $20 on the door. Contact Connie at connie@jazznshiraz.com


Sundays 9th,16th, 23rd and 30 - Artplay Backyard, Birrarung Marr, 10am to noon. Come and play in the ArtPlay Backyard on Sundays from 9 to 30 November. 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! Don’t forget to wear appropriate clothes and bring a rain coat. The program will run whatever the weather.


Sunday 9th - 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.


Sundays 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th - Gypsy Jazz on the Village Green at CERES. Starts 1pm. Join in, or like most people, just watch! www.ceres.org.au


Monday 10th - Learn Crochet at The Square in Federation Square 12-2pm. Bring along a 3.5mm hook and red yarn as they'll be making poppies to commemorate Remembrance Day.


Tuesdays 11th, 18th and 25th. Groove Dance at St Pauls Court, Fed Square, 6pm - 7pm. Groove Dance is a simple, fun and interactive dance class that everyone can enjoy – forget complex choreography and just groove! Beginners to experienced dancers. Note: Class will be held in Flinders St Amphitheatre on 25 November.


Tuesday 11th - Southgate Silent Cinema.  It's back! You are provided with individual headphones and audio kits to listen to the film, while sitting back and relaxing amidst the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and shopping precinct. Movie – 12 Years a Slave. Starts 8.30pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Thursdays 13th and 27th - Feel Young - Drawing from ancient Chinese traditions this combines gentle exercise and dance – The Atrium in Federation Square 10.30am – 12.30pm.


Thursday 13th and 27th – Belly Dancing – a gentle aerobic dance perfect for strengthening and toning core muscles – for all ages. The Atrium in Federation Square 12.30 – 1.00pm.


Thursday 13th - 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. 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 tonight is Shelley Segal, Forest Falls and Ilana Charnelle.


Friday 14th – BioBlitz Flora Fitzroy Gardens, 230-298 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne. Meet at Sinclair’s Cottage Gate 10am – 3pm, tours on the hour every hour. Come along on a walking tour of Fitzroy Gardens and help record the different types of vegetation, from mosses and lichens to the giant Queensland Kauri tree. These surveys will all be led by a range of flora experts from The Royal Botanic Gardens and RMIT.

Take part in Melbourne BioBlitz 2014 and help us to discover the diverse animal and plant species that call our city home.


Friday 14th – Nocturnal Insect, BioBlitz Royal Park, Flemington Road Parkville. Meet at Walmsley House near corner Gatehouse Street and Royal Parade, 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Take part in Melbourne BioBlitz 2014 and help the team discover the diverse animal and plant species that call our city home.

Get up close and personal with the nocturnal insects of Royal Park in the darkest late-night biodiversity you’ll experience in the city. During these surveys experts will use lights, traps and nets to identify the insects inhabiting the gardens.


Friday 14th – Sunday 23rd – Melbourne Music Week. More than just a music festival, MMW brings together a vast array of creative industries to create a colourful mash-up of music, art, multimedia, film and everything in between. Industry veterans preform alongside new talent, and Melbourne’s celebrated venues are ignited alongside the city’s hidden gems. There are loads of free gigs. Check out http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/mmw


Saturday 15th – Poetry – 2 feature poets and the opportunity to read out your own at The Atrium in Federation Square 2pm – 4pm.


Sunday 16th - Polish Festival Fed Square 10am-5pm. Enjoy live music performances, traditional dances, special acts and entertainment running all day on the main stage.


Tuesday 18th - Southgate Silent Cinema.  It's back! You are provided with individual headphones and audio kits to listen to the film, while sitting back and relaxing amidst the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and shopping precinct. Movie – Inside Llewlyn Davis. Starts 8.30pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Thursday 20th - 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. 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 tonight is soul bands The Perfections, Mayfield and Soul Safari.


Sunday 23rd - Single Parents Active Kids have a meet and greet in Alma Park East, Melway ref 2P J5 at 12noon with a free sausage sizzle and entertainment for the kids. It should make for a fun and friendly afternoon. It’s a catered event so RSVP’s are requested by 21st November. Check out www.singleparentsactivekids.org


Sunday 23rd – Greek Glendi Festival -  Fed Square 12noon-7pm. Join the celebrations as Fed Square is transformed with the authentic tastes, smells and sounds of Greece. Aside from indulging in the obligatory souvlaki, you can check out the array of stalls selling art and handcrafts along River Terrace. Then kick back and enjoy free live music and performances all afternoon on the main stage. Glendi is the Greek word for 'party' and 'celebrating' so stop by the Square and join in the fun!


Monday 24th - Learn Knitting at The Atrium in Federation Square 12-2pm.


Tuesday 25th - Southgate Silent Cinema.  It's back! You are provided with individual headphones and audio kits to listen to the film, while sitting back and relaxing amidst the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and shopping precinct. Movie – Around the Block. Starts 8.30pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank.


Sunday 30th – The Classic Car monthly showcase, this month featuring the Victorian Mini Club of Victoria 11am – 2.30pm on Flinders Street section of Federation Square by ACMI.


Sunday 30th - Festival of Giving, New Quay Docklands, 10am – 6.30pm. Rotary Docklands presents the Festival of Giving, a showcase of the 'heart' of business in Docklands, with multicultural food, fun and entertainment.

The 'Show 'n Shine' Car Show will feature over 100 exciting, customised cars and all profits will go to the Royal Children's Hospital. Hundred of adults and children will take part in a massive Zoombathon. There will be roaming clowns and stilt walkers, free face painting, live entertainment, a 'laughing yoga' session, discounted pleasure boat rides and discount vouchers to Wonderland and the Speigeltent Christmas show.