Free Events in September 2014

Welcome to the September 2014 Events Newsletter.

Plenty more to do again!

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Monday 1st - Womens Health Week Launch, Federation Square, 7am – 3pm.
Jean Hailes Women's Health Week is an opportunity to learn about health and confidence with a host of women's health experts and celebrity ambassadors. Visit the Swanston Street forecourt, say hello and take part in the fun. Make the most of the giveaways, show bags, free health information and entertainment. You can also find out about events, join competitions and share what confidence means to you.


Monday 1st - Classics at Fed Square - Music with Dandenong Ranges Music Council at The Deakin Edge in Federation Square 12noon -1pm.


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


Till Sunday 7th – The Melbourne Spring Fashion Week which has been celebrating the best of our city’s unique fashion and design landscape for 20 years. There's loads of free events. See www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/msfw.

Once more glorious City Square, 44-86 Swanston Street, blooms with spring's green embrace and takes the name MSFW: Hub – the home of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week.

The perfect Melbourne experience, this temporary structure will play host to the best in fashion, retail, beauty, hospitality and live entertainment throughout MSFW. Take the lead from top brands and reinvent your spring/summer look. Check out free daily runways and try clothes on to fit at retail capsule collections. 

Enjoy the lively atmosphere and music with a variety of local artists playing DJ sets and live shows covering everything from pop and folk, to soul and RnB.


Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Monday 1st – 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.


Tuesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th – Tai Chi in Main Square at Federation Square 7.30am – 8.30am.


Tuesdays 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th – Lunchtime Meditation in The Atrium at Federation Square 12.30-1pm


Tuesday 2nd – Asthma Take Control campaign, Federation Square - Singer/songwriter Kimbra is joining forces with asthma experts and key respiratory health organisations to help to launch the Asthma Take Control campaign. The event runs from 7am until 2pm and Kimbra will kick off the campaign with a special performance at 8:15am. You can make a lung health pledge that will go to create a one-day art installation, plus there'll be asthma educators on hand doing on-the-spot asthma checks. Just look for the pair of giant inflatable lungs!


Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th – Experimedia, State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, 11.30am – 12.30pm. Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and activities designed to stimulate imagination and language development in preschoolers. For ages three to five years.


Wednesday 3rd till Sunday 14  (open Wednesday to Sunday) Bark! Bark! Bark! at Artplay. See original illustrations, prints and preliminary works by Terry Denton from the famous Treehouse series created with Andy Griffiths. But that’s not all! Terry has painted a mammoth and magnificent mural on the ArtPlay gallery wall and you can add your own mark! Yes, you can draw your own Treehouse-inspired character, contraption or crazy critter – you really can – and watch as the mural grows and changes over the exhibition. There will also be DIY activities such as making your own cartoons and flip books. Age: 6 to 12 years


Wednesday 3rd - Indigenous Literacy Day, City Library, 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, 11am - 4pm.
Melbourne Library Service and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day, a national celebration that raises awareness about literacy in remote Indigenous communities. Money raised at these events will go to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation to buy books for children and families in remote Australian communities. There will be a fundraising book sale, Acoustica play in the City Library Gallery and see Leann Edwards, indigenous author of 'Emu's Under the Bed' paint the City Library Mural.


Wednesdays 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th – 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 4th - 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.


Fridays 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th – Qigong (a sort of Tai Chi combining integrated movement, mental cultivation and regulated breathing) – Main Square at Federation Square 8am – 9am


Friday 5th - Footy Colours Day, Federation Square, 1pm – 5pm.
You're invited to a Footy Colours Day spectacular! For the first time, Fight Cancer Foundation is hosting a family fun day at Fed Square to celebrate Footy Colours Day. 

Wear your team's colours and join in a myriad of free activities for both young and old. 

There will be freestyle football, handball competitions, an ice cream van, face painting, balloon twisting, live stage shows, footy mascots and so much more!


Friday 5th - Fathers Day Storytime, Library at The Dock, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade,Docklands. Melbourne Library Service is celebrating Father’s Day with stories, songs and an opportunity for children to craft a unique gift. For 3 to 5 year olds. 6pm – 6.45pm


Fridays 5th 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 6th - Korean Wave Festival, Federation Square, noon - 8pm. Immerse yourself in Korea’s rich culture at K Wave Festival 2014. Performances on the main stage will feature home-grown talent covering songs and dances from popular Korean artists, see Korea's traditional Hanbok dress and be amazed by the strength and discipline involved in a Taekwondo showcase. Do you consider yourself a K-Pop fan? Then get involved and show support for your favourite artist in an epic battle of the fans. This year's event also features a Q&A with special guest Eric Nam, an up-coming Korean-American artist making waves in Korea.


Sundays 7th and 21st – Laughter Club at Federation Square by Swanston Street 11am – 11.30am


Sundays 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th - Gypsy Jazz on the Village Green at CERES. Starts 1pm. Join in, or like most people, just watch! www.ceres.org.au


Sunday 7th - Artplay – Shelter, Birrarung Marr.
Shelters come in all shapes and sizes. Tree-house, skyscraper, caravan, tepee or igloo – what kind of shelter does your family live in? What kind of shelter can you imagine and what kind of shelter would you like to build? Come and be inspired: by environmental artists Avis Gardner and Liz Walker; by the many types of dwellings from all around the world; and by your imagination. Construct a ‘shelter’ using a collection of found and recycled materials. Then create a picture that reflects what you think are the most important things you have in your home. Age: 5 to 12 years, noon to 4pm


Monday 8th - Learn Crochet at The Square in Federation Square 12-2pm


Thursdays 11th and 25th - Feel Young - Drawing from ancient Chinese traditions this combines gentle exercise and dance – The Atrium in Federation Square 10.30am – 12.30am


Thursday 11th and 25th – 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


Saturday 13th - Live Illustrations at The Atrium, Federation Square 11am and 5pm. Watch guest illustrators demonstrating and see their work projected live on the Atrium Screen. You can meet the illustrators and admire their style.


Saturday 13th and 27th - 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


Sunday 14th - 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.


Sunday 14th - Mexican Festival, Federation Square, 11.30am - 8pm.
This year's Mexican Festival will have your Sunday fun wrapped up like a soft shell taco when Federation Square becomes a mini Mexico. All the essential ingredients are there for a colourful day full of flavours, sounds and experiences for the third annual Mission Foods Mexican Festival, which coincides each year with Mexican Independence Day. Last year, the festival attracted over 30,000 people, and this year, the free event is expected to be even bigger, brighter and more delicious. The Viva Mexico Stage will feature local Mexican musicians, folk dance groups, mariachis, Zumba dancing, live Salsa band LA 45 and more. There will also be a Mexican Market with authentic Mexican handcrafts, jewellery, clothing, Mexican food products and services. Mexicanarte, an exhibition by Mexican artists, will feature paintings inspired by traditional Mexican games, photography of Mexico, Mexican sculptures and traditional costumes. A kids' corner sponsored by Taco Bill and Mission Foods will offer activities such as singing, making piñatas, windmills and painting. Show a student ID on the day to go into the draw to win an iPad. Intrepid travel will also be giving away two Real Food Adventure tours to Mexico.


Sunday 14th - Catalan National Day, Drill Hall, Multicultural Hub, 26 Therry Street, Melbourne, 3pm – 5.30pm.
The Catalan Centre of Victoria invites you to celebrate Catalan National Day with an exhibition about Catalan history and language. There'll be music, Catalan food, children's activities and video screenings of the Catalan rugby team in Melbourne and the Diada in Catalonia.


Wednesday 17th September - 5th October - Melbourne Fringe Festival – Each year artists from a wide scope of art-form and experience join our Independent Arts Program to develop and present their work as part of the Festival. Through our Independent Arts Program we run the Festival Hub, a curated space that offers a cross-section of arts experiences throughout the Festival period including the Fringe Club. Up to a third of the programmed events are free apparently. See www.melbournefringe.com.au


Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st - Castrol Edge CIK Stars of Karting Championship, Port Melbourne Karting Complex 1 Cook Street, Port Melbourne, 8.30am – 4pm (3.30pm Sunday).
Round Five of Australia's elite karting championship, the Castrol Edge CIK Stars of Karting Championship, takes place in Port Melbourne. Competitors in three internationally recognised classes – KZ2, KF2 and KF3 – will reach speeds in excess of 120km/h around the Todd Road circuit. Former champions of the CIK Stars of Karting Championship include Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo, V8 Supercar Champion Jamie Whincup and Bathurst 1000 Champion Mark Winterbottom, along with V8 supercar drivers Michael Caruso and Tim Slade.

More than 150 drivers will be competing at the event, ranging from competitors in the Rookies class, where drivers are aged between 9 and 12 years old, through to TAG 125 classes and the three feature CIK classes.


Saturday 20th – Poetry – 2 feature poets and the opportunity to read out your own at Beer Deluxe – upstairs at Federation Square 2pm – 4pm


Monday 22nd - Learn Knitting at The Square at Federation Square 12- 2pm


Monday 22nd – Friday 26th and Monday 29th till 3rd October - ACMI - Kids Drop in: Screen Safari  - Sessions from 11am, 12pm, 2pm + 3pm, – Drop in ten minutes before the hour , Ages: 8 – 12 years. Adventure like the animals of Madagascar in this green screen workshop. Play your part in an exciting expedition as it unfolds across a series of exotic locations inspired by the Madagascar movies.


Monday 22nd till Friday 26th - AFL Grand Final Week. Head to Fed Square for free family-friendly entertainment at the Toyota AFL Grand Final Week 2014. As well as taking part in the Kicks 4 Kids clinic, kids and families can enjoy a range of activities, music and performances, live broadcasts on the Big Screen and a chance to meet the game’s biggest stars every day of the week! 10am – 4pm


Thursday 25th - Melbourne Social Club Drinks Night, 6.30pm – 9pm. Come along and enjoy an end-of-the- month drinks night at the Word Lounge Bar, hosted by the Melbourne social club 'Fun, Food and Friendship'. This free event is open to everyone over 18, with drinks available at bar prices, so come along, meet some of the hosts and club members and start enjoying a great social life. Word Lounge Bar, 14 Goldie Place, Melbourne


Friday 26th – AFL Grand Final Parade, Noon. The parade makes it way through the city from the Victorian Arts Centre (St Kilda Road) travelling along Swanston and Collins Streets before finishing at the Old Treasury Building.


Sunday 28th – The Classic Car monthly showcase, this month featuring the Volkswagon Club of Victoria - 11am till 2.30pm on Flinders Street section of Federation Square by ACMI.


Sunday 28 September - ACMI - Family Day: Jungle Party, 10am – 4pm, all ages. Move it, move it on down to the Madagascar Jungle Party day. This special day will be full of free activities for kids and families, including craft, screen workshops and performances. Bring the whole family of jungle explorers!


Sunday 28th - MCG Open Day, 120 Brunton Avenue Jolimont, 10am - 3pm. On the day after the 2014 AFL Grand Final, the MCG will be open for everyone to enjoy. MCG Open Day is a free event, allowing sports fans to gain rare access to the hallowed turf of the MCG and have a kick-to-kick with family and friends.  There will also be an opportunity to access parts of the stadium that are normally off limits, like the player change rooms and the cricket viewing rooms.  Highlights of the day include:  - reliving your favourite sporting moments on the hallowed turf of the MCG with kick-to-kick with family and friends. - exploring the inner sanctum of the MCG, including the player change rooms and cricket viewing rooms. - visiting the National Sports Museum (cost $5).  - roving entertainment and activities.  - having your photo taken on the AFL premiership dais with the 2014 replica premiership cup (cost $10).