C&G’s Guide: What’s on in Melbourne
Feeling that cool breeze in the air? Yes, Autumn is definitely upon us! However, Melbourne is not one to bunker when the chill arrives, and instead is bustling with festivals, feasts and family fun. In this C&G blog, we share some of this month’s best events in our favourite city.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Melbourne’s biggest annual celebration of all things delicious, this year’s Food and Wine Festival program features a stellar line-up of events that will delight even the most discerning of palates. Enjoy a ‘world’s longest brunch,’ progressive feasts cooked by some of the country’s top culinary talent, a picnic by the sea, pintxos party and more.
The Malthouse’s new all-purpose outdoor stage will be put to good use in the coming months, hosting music, comedy, dance, cabaret, talks, and theatre. The stage will open with a line-up of local artists including ARIA winning jazz and soul prodigy Kaiit, euphoric funk craftsmen Mildlife, and the singular style of Emma Donovan & The Putbacks. The program will continue with comedians taking centre stage, including Lano & Woodley, Eddie Perfect, Anne Edmonds, Judith Lucy and Denise Scott.
To experience the best in Latin culture in the heart of Melbourne, you can’t go past Fiesta del Sol. This free pop-up in Federation Square is happening on the 20th and 21st of March, and will see people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the colourful, vibrant culture of Central and South America. Enjoy a wide range of cuisine from places such as Argentina, Mexico and Brazil, as well as live music, dancing and art. Ole!
Exploring some of the most globally relevant and pressing issues of our time, including isolation, representation and speculation on the future, NGV Triennial presents a large-scale exhibition of international contemporary art, design and architecture. Featuring 86 ambitious and diverse projects from more than 100 artists, designers and collectives, this free exhibition offers a visually arresting and thought-provoking view of the world at this unique moment.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
After the event was cancelled last year, Melbourne’s International Comedy Festival is back and bound to be filled with COVID-safe laughs. Running through March and April, catch some of your favourite comedians live on stage, including Adam Hills, Arj Barker, Ross Noble and more.
Now in its 5th year, Melbourne Street Eatz has brought its food truck festival back to South Wharf. Tuck into everything from tacos and pizza to traditional curries, and enjoy the DJs, bars, games and live entertainment. Grab your friends for a Sunday session by the water, or else make it a family affair and bring the kids along!
If you want to enjoy your screen time while being surrounded by Melbourne’s beautiful city lights, then catch a flick at Federation Square’s Free Movie Nights. The big screen will be lighting up until the 28th of March with a stack of free classic film screenings, including The Goonies, Labyrinth and Stand by Me. There’s comfortable seating and in-square food and drink delivery, so you can get your movie snacks without having to queue at the candy bar.
Until the 8th of April, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is hosting some of the best acts from across the country. Enjoy these open-air sessions listening to everything from contemporary beats, classical symphonies, comedy, DJs, family-friendly events, free concerts and more. Furthermore, the venue has been completely transformed into a socially-distanced space where audiences can experience the show from the comfort of a private deck or table, while grabbing a bite to eat from a selection of Melbourne’s best food trucks.