Free Events in November 2013

Welcome to the November Events Newsletter.

Plenty to do this month, as always!

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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Friday 1st till Sunday 3rd 
 Come in Outside (Interactive Exhibition) at Artplay. 10am to 4pm Knock Knock! Ding Dong! Anybody home? Have you ever stood in front of a door and wondered what was behind it? Maybe there’s another world, a special friend, or even a surprise. This is your chance to decide what’s behind some wonderful wacky doors in the ArtPlay gallery. You might snuggle up inside one, discover a secret ladder, or look through their coloured windows to see the world in a new way. This is a fabulous interactive play experience for all ages and abilities. Age: 2 to 8 years and their families
. All children must be accompanied by an adult.


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


Friday 1st till Friday 29th – 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


Friday 1st - The 1st Friday Dance Club Each month anyone in Melbourne can come into the city and learn a dance with skilled dancing groups. I’m not sure what today’s dance is but does it matter?! 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.


Saturday 2nd - Argyle Square. 'The Sounds of Silent' play a live musical score to silent film classics every Saturday in November. The band recreate the silent movie experience with an improvised performance featuring popular music in the style of the period. Today the movie is Buster Keaton's 'Spite Marriage'

Seating is provided but bring a blanket to keep warm. Silent Nights will be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. 153 Lygon Street, Carlton 8pm – 9.30pm


Sundays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th - Portable Groove at Fed Square 10.30am - 11am.
Bring your iPod or MP3 player and your best lounge-room dance moves to Fed Square. Portable Groove is an opportunity to dance your heart out to your favourite tunes with others who love to dance anywhere and everywhere! This is the most fun you can have with your own music. Sunday 3rd, St Paul's Court, Sunday 10th, Entrance to The Atrium, Sunday 17th, Flinders Street Amphitheatre, Sunday 24th, St Paul's Court


Sundays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th – Scarecrow Making at the Pop Up Patch which is a vegetable garden on the Federation Square car park rooftop. Bring along old clothes but otherwise all materials provided for the kids to make their own scarecrows. 11am-12noon


Sundays 3rd and 17th – Laughter Club at Federation Square by Swanston Street 11am – 11.30am


Sundays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th - Gypsy Jazz on the Village Green at CERES. Starts 1pm. Join in, or like most people, just watch! www.ceres.org.au


Sunday 3rd - Melbourne Malaysia Festival. Queensbridge Square, 1A Queens Bridge Street, Southbank. Noon-9pm

There'll be lots of fun events like a durian eating competition (yuk!!), roti canai making competition and a Malaysian home cooking masterclass.

Malaysia's delicious cuisine will be showcased at many stalls, plus there'll be multicultural performances such as Joget, Kompang and Peranakan, Punjabi dances and many more!


Sunday 3rd The Eid Al Adha Festival, Dandenong 11am till 9pm Dandenong Park will be turned into a multicultural market place with approximately 50 stalls selling a huge variety of delicious food, clothing, jewellery, Islamic books, audio, toys, show bags and all. There will be over 15 rides for small as well as big kids, some of them very new ones, new variety of cultural programs, Quran recitation competition, performances, and charity auctions. Congregational prayers, picnic areas, live animal farm, face painting and a relaxed family environment make for an excellent day out for all. Bring a picnic blanket come and join us with your family underneath a nice shady tree. The event welcomes all communities and is a non-for-profit organization focused on building bridges of understanding. See http://www.dandenongeidfestival.com.au for further details.


Monday 4th Southgate Silent Cinema This fun experience has just started again this month, normally on Tuesdays but the first one is Monday apparently. Movie – Phar Lap Starts 8.30pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank


Monday 4th – Saturday 9th - Melbourne’s first Cuban Arts & Culinary Festival 5pm till late at Windsor Hotel at 111 Spring Street.
Free art and music – (you need to pay for the rum and cigars!). Highlights will include a showing of 23 paintings by Cuban artists, many not seen before in Australia and famed Cuban dancers Eric and Chantal Turro Martinez.


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. The program includes plenty of old favourites from the Police Band to some of the best creative schools across Victoria. Today it’s Rothschild, Hunt and Riddle Trio. It’s held in the Deakin Edge 12noon till 1pm.


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


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


Wednesdays 6th, 13, 20th and 27th – State Library of Victoria Ned Kelly Tour - Discover the story of Ned Kelly, Victoria's infamous bushranger. See Ned's armour, pages from the 'Jerilderie Letter', photos and objects. 1pm-2pm.

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


Thursdays 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th – Organ Recital at St Michaels Church at 120 Collins Street. 1pm-1.30pm


Thursdays 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th 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. Line-up for 7th is Olly Friend, Lindsay Tucker, Scalar Fields and Famous Will. Other dates TBA


Friday 8th – Myer Christmas Windows Noon-1pm 314 Bourke Street Mall Well, it’s that time of year already, Santa is visiting the Myer store and the Christmas Windows will be officially opened.


Saturday 9th - 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


Saturday 9th - Argyle Square. 'The Sounds of Silent' play a live musical score to silent film classics every Saturday in November. The band recreate the silent movie experience with an improvised performance featuring popular music in the style of the period. 153 Lygon Street, Carlton 8pm – 9.30pm. Today the movie is Buster Keaton's 'College'

Seating is provided but bring a blanket to keep warm. Silent Nights will be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather.


Sunday 10th 
 - Artplay Backyard 10.30am to 12.30pm. 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!


Sunday 10th – Learn French at St Michael's Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street,Melbourne. Bookings available via 03 9654 5120. 12noon-1pm.


Monday 11th - 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.


Tuesday 12th Southgate Silent Cinema This fun experience has just started again this month, normally every Tuesday. Movie – Midnight in Paris. Starts 8.30pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank


13th, 20th and 27th November – Gravitate at The Square in Fed Square 7.30pm-10pm

Move, connect and create an audio-visual masterpiece on the Big Screen with Ethno Tekh's ground-breaking new installation, Gravitate. Showing as part of Fed Square's Big Screen Gaming program, Gravitate is an interactive audio visual jam session on large public screens across two cities.


Thursdays 14th and 28th - Feel Young - Drawing from ancient Chinese traditions this combines gentle exercise and dance – The Atrium in Federation Square 10.30am – 12.30pm


Thursday 14th and 28th – 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


Friday 15th – Sunday 24th – 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. More than half of the 110 events this ‘week’ (10 days!) are free. Check out http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/whatson/music/mmw/mmw2013/program/FreeEvents/Pages/FreeEvents.aspx


Saturday 16th – Poetry – Normally 2 feature poets and the opportunity to read out your own at The Atrium in Federation Square 2pm – 4pm


Saturday 16th - Argyle Square 'The Sounds of Silent' play a live musical score to silent film classics every Saturday in November. The band recreate the silent movie experience with an improvised performance featuring popular music in the style of the period. 153 Lygon Street, Carlton 8pm – 9.30pm Today is a Collection of Laurel & Hardy shorts

Seating is provided but bring a blanket to keep warm. Silent Nights will be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather.


Saturday 16 and Sunday 17th – Artplay 12noon to 3pm Artist Bicky Lee has created a magical space for you to be creative. Use an array of quirky patterned material, coloured paper and pens to make a creature from your imagination. What will your creature look like? What colour will she be? How many eyes will she have? Will she even have eyes? See what you can create!


Sunday 17th Polish Festival Fed Square 10am-5pm.
Enjoy live music performances, traditional dances, special acts and entertainment running all day on the main stage. Take a stroll down River Terrace and explore stalls selling a variety of Polish crafts, artworks, books, jewellery and other trinkets. Kids can get creative with arts and crafts activities on all day at the Kid's Stop, while adults head to the beer garden to relax and sample from the world-class ale on offer.


Sunday 17th - Single Parents Active Kids FREE Family Fun Day's are all about giving new families the opportunity to see what our group offers, in a fun, active, inclusive environment. Join us for a free bbq, kid's entertainment, and membership specials, plus more! These fun day’s are so successful we run 4 per year, one in the North, South, East and West of Melbourne. This month it’s at Hallam Recreation Reserve Hall,118-126 Frawley Rd, Hallam from 12noon. See http://singleparentsactivekids.org/main/free-family-fun-day-in-melbournes-south/ for more details. There’s a sausage sizzle, face painting and loads more. RSVP for catering purposes to Moush on 0430 504 119 or email info@singleparentsactivekids.org


Sunday 17th – MCG Open Day The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) will open the MCG for everyone to enjoy today in celebration of the club's 175th anniversary. MCG Open Day will be a free event, allowing the public to gain rare access to the playing surface and see parts of the stadium and the MCC Reserve that are normally off limits. Open Day provides a great opportunity to gain insight into Australia’s oldest sporting club and the world-class stadium it manages. Highlights include: • Relive your favourite sporting moments on the hallowed turf of the MCG with kick-to-kick with family and friends. • Access to the AFL premiership dais and hold the replica premiership cup. • Pick up a map and show bag and take a tour through the MCC Reserve, player change rooms and National Sports Museum. • Meet some of your favourite sporting stars.

Other highlights include the AFL’s official playground, cricket and football clinics and roving entertainment in Yarra Park.


Sunday 17th 
 - Artplay Backyard 10.30am to 12.30pm. 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!


Tuesday 19th Southgate Silent Cinema This fun experience has just started again this month, normally every Tuesday. Movie – Silver Linings Playbook. Starts 8.30pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank


Saturday 23rd - Melbourne Observatory turns 150 This is a day not to be missed. Join in the celebrations of the Melbourne Observatory's 150th Anniversary with FREE fun for the whole family. Including FREE astronomy tours, fun activities, and entertainment for the whole family. There’s face painting, music and crafts for the kids to do, as well as the tours and looking through a variety of telescopes. There will even be costumed actors re-enacting the founding period of the Observatory which sounds fun. Telephone (03) 9252 2429 asap as I’m not sure if you need to book. It’s from 3pm-8pm at Observatory Precinct, Entry from Birdwood Avenue


Saturday 23rd - Argyle Square 'The Sounds of Silent' play a live musical score to silent film classics every Saturday in November. The band recreate the silent movie experience with an improvised performance featuring popular music in the style of the period. 153 Lygon Street, Carlton 8pm – 9.30pm Today the movie is Buster Keaton's 'Steamboat Bill Jr.'

Seating is provided but bring a blanket to keep warm. Silent Nights will be subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather.


Sunday 24th – 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!


Sunday 24th – The Classic Car monthly showcase, this month featuring the Australian Austin A30-A40 Car Club 11am – 2.30pm on Flinders Street section of Federation Square by ACMI


Sunday 24th 
 - Artplay Backyard 10.30am to 12.30pm. 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!


Monday 25th - Learn Knitting at The Atrium in Federation Square 12-2pm


Tuesday 26th Southgate Silent Cinema This fun experience has just started again this month, normally every Tuesday. Movie – Anna Karennina. Starts 8.00pm but you’ll need to be early to get a seat! Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank


Friday 29th - Tango at Fed Square (St Paul’s Court) 5.30pm – 7pm. Other dates to follow. Discover the passion of traditional Buenos Aires Tango dance with a free class at Fed Square.


Saturday 30th (and Sunday 1st Dec) Fair@Square 11am-6pm at Fed Square.
Fair@Square fair-trade+ethical festival is a free event which offers something for everyone interested in being part of a more sustainable future. Fair@Square fair-trade+ethical Festival is an annual event celebrating ethical, sustainable, morally responsible behaviour with activities for the whole family, from live cooking demonstrations, fashion shows, music, children activities and creative displays. See http://moralfairground.com.au


Saturday 30th - Argyle Square 'The Sounds of Silent' play a live musical score to silent film classics every Saturday in November. The band recreate the silent movie experience with an improvised performance featuring popular music in the style of the period. 153 Lygon Street, Carlton 8pm – 9.30pm Today the movie is Charlie Chaplin's 'City Lights'