Free Events in January 2013

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Tuesday 1st January till 17th February – Just Sing What You Feel at The Ian Potter Centre, NGV Australia, Federation Square 10am till 5pm.
Families can watch, listen or sing and record Melbourne artist Jon Campbell’s ‘Yeah, Yeah, Yeah’ song in the interactive karaoke booth, create a backyard experience using colourful drawings, imagine their own special word and illustrate it on a flag, which can be taken home or left in the gallery as part of a large installation of flags. www.ngv.vic.gov.au


Wednesday 2nd January till 26th January - Summer by the Sea
With more than 300 guided activities - MOST of which are free - at over 80 beautiful locations across our state, this is an event not to be missed. There’s all sorts here from beachcombing, guided walks, kayaking, snorkelling, birdwatching, fishing tips, boat trips, geology walks and lots more. Check the website at www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts-and-marine/coasts/coastcare/summer-by-the-sea-home


Wednesday 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th – Suzuki 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.


3rd January till 27th January – Explore the Shrine with Lofty the Light Horse at The Shrine of Remembrance, St Kilda Road 10.30 till 4.30pm. Ideal for 6-12 year olds.
Young families can explore the Shrine of Remembrance this summer with the help of Lofty the Light Horse and Pat, an Australian Light Horse soldier. Pick up the Children’s Tour book from the Visitor Centre and navigate around the Shrine through a series of fun and educational questions. www.shrine.org.au


Friday 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th – 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


Fridays 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th – Qigong (a sort of Tai Chi combining integrated movement, mental cultivation and regulated breathing) – Main Square at Federation Square 8am – 9am


Friday 4th – Hobsons Bay Movies by the Bay
Bring a picnic, rug or deckchair and yourselves for this outdoor film night at Logan Reserve, Altona The film is Madagascar (PG) and starts about 8.45 when it’s dark. www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Experience_Hobsons_Bay/Festivals_and_events/Movies_by_the_Bay


Sunday 6th – Federation Square Outdoor Cinema
Pull up a deckchair with the kids or bring your own picnic rug to watch the animated Dr Zeuss tale “Horton Hears a Who” on the big screen starting at 2pm. Suitable for all ages.


Sunday 6th and 20th – Laughter Club at Federation Square by Swanston Street 11am – 11.30am


Monday 7th - Big Screen Gaming
Challenge your friends and beat your high score with free gaming sessions on the Big Screen at Fed Square 12 noon till 4pm – games today are Forza Motosport 4 and Virtua Tennis 4


Tuesday 8th - Big Screen Gaming
Challenge your friends and beat your high score with free gaming sessions on the Big Screen at Fed Square 12 noon till 4pm – games today are NBA Jam and Forza Motorsport 4


Tuesdays 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th – Tai Chi in Main Square at Federation Square 7.30am – 8.30am


Thursday 10th – Live music from some of Australia’s top independent and emerging acts – Federation Square Main Stage 6pm till 7.30pm. Today featuring pop/roots band Eagle and the Worm and afro-beat/R&B music with Oscar + Martin


Thursday 10th - Big Screen Gaming
Challenge your friends and beat your high score with free gaming sessions on the Big Screen at Fed Square 8pm till 10pm – game today is Halo 4


Thursdays 10th and 24th - Feel Young
Drawing from ancient Chinese traditions this combines gentle exercise and dance – The Atrium in Federation Square 11am – 11.45am


Friday 11th – Hobsons Bay Movies by the Bay
Bring a picnic, rug or deckchair and yourselves for this outdoor film night at Logan Reserve, Altona The film is Ice Age 4 (PG) and starts about 8.45 when it’s dark. www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Experience_Hobsons_Bay/Festivals_and_events/Movies_by_the_Bay


Sunday 13th – NGV Kids Corner in Federation Square 2pm – 4pm.


Sunday 13th – 3rd February – Midsumma Festival
Since 1988, the Midsumma Festival has been Victoria's premier gay and lesbian arts and cultural festival, presenting an annual community celebration and encouraging the development of innovative artistic content and a unique cultural experience. There are loads of free events starting with the Carnival in Birrarung Marr on 13th and ending with the Pride March on 3rd February. Check out www.midsumma.org.au/festival/handy-lists/midsumma-2013-free-events


Monday 14th – Sunday 27th – Australian Open
Bring the whole family to Fed Square and catch all the action from centre court live on the Big Screen daily from 10am. There will be activities available for children by Australian Open sponsors.


Monday 14th – 25th Kids in The Studio: Summer Lights at ACMI, Federation Square 11am – 2pm. For all ages.
Children can drop in and capture the summer light by creating their own light shade or lantern. Kids can get creative and decorate their lanterns and add them to an installation in the ACMI Lightwell.


Tuesdays 15th, 22nd and 29th – Meditation in The Atrium at Federation Square 12.30-1pm


Tuesdays 15th, 22nd and 29th – Salsa Dancing lessons in Federation Square near the Melbourne Visitors Centre 5.30pm - 7pm


Thursday 17th - Live music from some of Australia’s top independent and emerging acts – Federation Square Main Stage 6pm till 7.30pm. Today featuring folk/indie group The Paper Kites and the original voice of Vance Joy


Friday 18th – Hobsons Bay Movies by the Bay Bring a picnic, rug or deckchair and yourselves for this outdoor film night at The Rotunda, Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown. The film is The Avengers (M) and starts about 8.45 when it’s dark. www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Experience_Hobsons_Bay/Festivals_and_events/Movies_by_the_Bay


Saturday 19th – Poetry – 2 feature poets and the opportunity to read out your own at The Atrium in Federation Square 2pm – 4pm


Sunday 20th - Free Sailing Day courtesy of Midsumma Festival. Location is Altona Yacht Club. Free but booking essential. See www.midsumma.org.au/event/free-sailing-and-music


Sunday 20th – Hobsons Bay Summer Sounds live music event at Logan Reserve, Altona
Bring a picnic, rug or deckchairs and your friends and come along to see Mark Seymour and special guest Laura Lethlean. Support acts starts at 2pm. www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Experience_Hobsons_Bay/Festivals_and_events/Summer_Sounds


Friday 25th – Hobsons Bay Movies by the Bay
Bring a picnic, rug or deckchair and yourselves for this outdoor film night at Logan Reserve, Altona The film is The Sapphires (PG) and starts about 8.45 when it’s dark. www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Experience_Hobsons_Bay/Festivals_and_events/Movies_by_the_Bay


Australia Day, Saturday 26th - Live music from some of Australia’s top independent and emerging acts – Federation Square Main Stage 4.30pm till 6.30pm. Today featuring hip hop artists Diafrix and Chance Waters


Australia Day, Saturday 26th – Australia Day Festival
There’s heaps to do today, most of it around the Kings Domain. The usual events include a flag raising ceremony at the Town Hall followed by a great parade down towards Federation Square, a woodchopping competition, a large classic car display arranged by RACV, a 21 gun salute at the Shrine of Remembrance, an aerial display, a rare chance to have a look inside the gorgeous Government House, music and childrens entertainment in Government House gardens, a variety of music at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl from 7pm and lots and lots of things for kids to do like soccer, facepainting, fencing, baby animals to cuddle etc etc etc finishing with fireworks on the Yarra at 9.45pm.


Australia Day, Saturday 26th – Share the Spirit Festival 1pm-7pm Treasury Gardens
The 2013 Share The Spirit Festival will turn the Treasury Gardens into a thriving hub of Indigenous music, dance and culture as part of Melbourne’s official Survival Day celebrations.
Taking place every year on Australia Day – otherwise known as ‘Survival Day’ – Share the Spirit has been created by Aboriginal people for all Australians to join in. www.sharethespiritfestival.com/SHARE_THE_SPIRIT_FESTIVAL/Share_the_Spirit_2012.html


Sunday 27th – Classic Car Club featuring Thunderbird Owners Club of Australia 11am – 2.30pm on Flinders Street section of Federation Square by ACMI


Sunday 27th – Hobsons Bay Summer Sounds live music event at The Rotunda, Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown Bring a picnic, rug or deckchairs and your friends and come along to see Mia Dyson and special guest Hayden Calnin. Support acts starts at 2pm. www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Experience_Hobsons_Bay/Festivals_and_events/Summer_Sounds


Sunday 27th – Piers Festival, Port Melbourne 2pm-9.30pm
World music, dance, food, arts & crafts, photo & historical exhibitions, boat display, kid's activities and fireworks. There’s too much to list, check the website! www.multiculturalarts.com.au/events2013/piers.shtml


Thursday 31st - Live music from some of Australia’s top independent and emerging acts – Federation Square Main Stage 6pm till 7.30pm. Today featuring 1960s style pop-rock band Hungry Kids of Hungary and triple j Unearthed High’s 2012 winner Asta.