Melbourne Events 2009
Originally published in Crème de la Crème, January 2009
March 2009
Moomba Waterfest: The action is sure to get wet and wild with carnival rides and water skiing championships plus the colourful energy of the Melbourne International Dragon Boat Festival. (March 6 - 9)Melbourne Food and Wine Festival: Catch celebrity chefs, winemakers and food critics at this annual festival displaying local produce, talent and kitchen innovations. (March 7 - 23).
Brunswick Music Festival: This is one of Victoria’s premier music festivals and features ethnic, indigenous, acoustic and traditional music. (March 12 - 22)
The Antipodes (Greek) Festival: One of the largest Greek celebrations outside of Greece, this event attracts 150,000 visitors each year to Lonsdale Street where you can enjoy Greek dancing, handicrafts, street theatre, food stalls and much more.
Melbourne Fashion Festival: Strike a pose at this annual event that provides a rare opportunity for the public to experience the excitement and theatre of a major fashion event.
Australian International Airshow: Regularly featuring planes from the American navy and airforce, this biennial spectacular is the largest airshow in the southern hemisphere and offers a chance to see the latest aeronautical developments. (March 10 - 15, Avalon Airport)
Formula one Australian Grand Prix: Melbourne has put itself in pole position by securing the Grand Prix contract for another five years. Can Lewis Hamilton retain his crown? (March 26 - 29)
April & May 2009
Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Australia’s premier live comedy event and one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world was founded by the legendary Barry Humphries and Peter Cook in 1987 and continues to attract the best stand-up performers in the world. (April 1 - 26)Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show: A blooming marvel, this is the biggest flower and garden show in the southern hemisphere and is ranked one of the top five flower shows in the world. (April 1 -5, Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens)
Melbourne Jazz Festival: Swing into action with a daily programme of events and concerts around the city and Federation Square featuring the best musical talent, beats and rhythms.
December 2008
Japanese Film Festival: Fans of Japanese cinema can enjoy some of the latest blockbusters from a range of genres. (November 27 -December 1, Australian Centre for the Moving Image)IDSF World Latin Championship: Get ready to rumba as ballroom dancers from all over the world battle it out with sizzling routines. (December 8 - 14, Vodafone Arena)
Cricket: Test Series -Australia v South Africa. (December 26 - 30 at the MCG)
Sand Sculpting Australia: Top international sand sculptors will gather to create “Dinostory” an amazing exhibition of scenes and creatures from prehistoric times. Sandcastles are so passé. (December 26 - April 25, Frankston Waterfront)
January & February 2009
Australia Open Tennis Championships: The first grand slam tournament of the year gets underway with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer set to resume their intense rivalry. (January 19 - February 1, Melbourne Park)Sailing: Skandia Geelong Week: Running since 1844, this is Australia’s largest sailing regatta, attracting over 400 yachts and 4000 sailors. (January 23 - 26)
Chinese New Year: January 26 is the first day of the Year of the Ox. Join the Chinese community in their celebrations that will include lion and dragon dances and a range of cultural activities.
St Kilda Festival: Enjoy music, live entertainment, stalls and activities set in the beachside suburb. (January 31 - February 8).
Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival: Held in picturesque surroundings, this open-air festival involves two days of the finest food and wine the Yarra Valley has to offer. (February 14 - 15)
The Helen Lempriere National Sculpture Award: Check out displays of the finalists’ works in Australia’s most prestigious sculpture award. (February 25 -May 31, Werribee Park).
Melbourne International Motor show: Victoria’s biggest indoor event features displays and exhibitions from Australian car manufacturers and importers. (February 27 - March 9)
June & July 2009
Melbourne International Animation Festival: There’ll be more than 400 films from over 30 countries showing in this comprehensive programme of the latest animation.Football – Australia take on Japan in their bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals. (June 17 at the MCG)
Melbourne International Film Festival: Australia’s most critically acclaimed film festival is also its most popular with more than 182,000 admissions last year.
Young musicians from Australasia and South-East Asia will compete in the Asia-Pacific Chamber Music Competition. (July 1 - 5, Melbourne Recital Centre)
August & September 2009
Melbourne Writers’ Festival: A literary feast that’s packed full of intellectual and cultural forums, author readings and panel discussions.Royal Melbourne Show: Presenting the best in agriculture and rural lifestyle, the Royal Melbourne Show offers everything from competitions and rides to exhibitions and interactive activities. (September 17 - 27)
October 2009
Melbourne International Arts Festival: Culture vultures will enjoy a thrilling mix of dance, theatre, music, visual arts, multimedia and free events over 17 days in October.November 2009
Melbourne Cup: The race that stops the nation never fails to attract the finest thoroughbreds from around the world.Victoria’s Annual Olive Festival: There’ll be tastings, market stalls, cooking demonstrations, live music and children’s activities at this festival dedicated to the humble olive.
The ‘Thank You’ Camel Expedition which left Darwin on Easter Sunday 2008 is scheduled to travel through the City of Melbourne on November 22 to the Royal Children’s Hospital.