BAYSIDE IN 5: WHAT’S ON DURING LABOUR DAY LONG WEEKEND

Did the fact that it’s March already hit you by surprise? It feels like 2023 only began yesterday, and we’re already welcoming a new season! No stress, a long weekend is coming up to reward us. Whether you’re taking a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of full-time work, or enjoying some valuable family bonding time amidst the school schedules, this latest Bayside in 5 offers some fun activities and events to fill your calendar.

PORT PHILLIP MUSSEL AND JAZZ FESTIVAL

Music and molluscs? We can’t miss this extraordinary mash up! The Port Phillip Mussel and Jazz Festival returns on the 11th and 12th of March following a two-year hiatus. South Melbourne Market will be bustling with the best seafood eateries including Claypots Evening Star, Bambu, Simply Spanish, and Gem Pier Seafood. Held on Cecil Street, there will be plenty of free cooking demonstrations, giveaways, and a two-day line-up of live performances from our best jazz talent.

When: 11 - 12 March | 11:00AM – 9:00PM

Where: South Melbourne Market

Cost: Free

PUPPY PUB CRAWL

Puppy Pub Crawl are known for their ter-ruff-ic bar crawls featuring our furry friends! And fortunately for baysiders, the St Kilda edition of the crawl will be happening on Sunday the 12th of March. Open to all dog owners and their pooches, as well as general dog lovers, the 1.6km walk will begin at Luna Park precinct, dropping by Luna’s Food and Wine Bar, La Bodega and West Beach Bathers Pavilion. Humans can enjoy a cocktail and nibbles, while the pooches will be slurping on pet-friendly peanut butter concoctions and bacon treats! Don’t forget to sign up here. If this weekend doesn’t suit you, keep your eyes peeled for the South and Port Melbourne crawl happening on the 26th March!

When: 12 March | 3:00PM – 6:30PM

Where: St Kilda

Cost: From $11.49

GO WITH THE FLOW

What better way to relax than a morning yoga session at Elwood foreshore! Go with the Flow is a community vinyasa class that runs every Sunday morning, open to every body and ability. So why not give it a go over your long weekend... perhaps you might discover a new addition to your weekend routine! All you need is a mat and towel, drink bottle, and perhaps a trusty jacket – it is Melbourne after all. Payment is in the form of a donation, which often ranges from $5 to $25.

When: 12 March | 9:30AM – 10:30AM

Where: Elwood Pier

Cost: Pay As You Feel donation

CHOCOLATE TASTING AND COCKTAIL PAIRING

Another one for Elwood locals – bonus points if you love chocolate and cocktails. The beautiful Brooklyn Cocktail Bar will be hosting a 2-hour guided tasting featuring 8 of the world's best chocolates from France, Iceland, Dubai and Australia. You’ll learn the fascinating history behind bean-to-bar chocolate, as well as how to pair it with an expertly made cocktail. All guests will also receive a glass of Prosecco on arrival! To learn more about the event and book your spot, follow this link.

When: 12 March | 4:00PM – 6:00PM

Where: Brooklyn Cocktail Bar

Cost: $74.50

PAINT FOR FUN

Feel like unleashing your inner artist this weekend? Paint For Fun is an ‘art made easy’ art experience where you can eat, drink, chat and learn to paint alongside a professional artist. No experience is necessary, and you’ll leave with a masterpiece you’ll be so excited to show your friends and family. There are a number of exciting painting sessions happening over Labour Day long weekend, including Painting Partners on Friday evening, Picasso and Paint in the Dark on Saturday, and Paint your Dog on Sunday!

When: Various dates and times

Where: Port Melbourne

Cost: Cost will depend on class booked