ALL work but no play makes Jack a dull boy – and there’s really no excuse with so many big events taking place in Melbourne this March. Time to hit the road, Jack. Here’s Joyce Ho’s rundown.
Image courtesy of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
Now till March 14, locations around Melbourne
Melburnians are pretty serious when it comes to eating, and the Food & Wine Festival is an annual highlight for foodies, amateur cooks and aspiring chefs alike.
With 19 years of experience behind their backs, organisers have practically left no tables unturned and no food uneaten.
More than 250 activities and events are jam-packed into a mere 10 days – from cooking demonstrations to master classes, wine tasting sessions and food tours. There’ll be plenty of free stuff, but be prepared to fork out a little more to attend some of the more exclusive events where tickets could cost you as much as $50.
The festival is also not just strictly about the wines. A whole bevy of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will also be showcased – champagne, ciders, beers, luscious coffees and fine teas.
Enough said. Our tummies are rumbling already.
More information, visit melbournefoodandwine.com.au.
In the Children's Garden during the Moomba Festival 2010. Photo: supplied
Moomba Festival
March 11-14, Yarra River
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Moomba is a must especially if you’re new to Melbourne. But heck, it’s fun for those of us who have lived here ages too. It’s a massive carnival held along the Yarra River, stretching from Princess Bridge at Flinders Station all the way to Swan Street Bridge, near the Rod Laver Arena.
If you see someone walking down Swanston St carrying a giant stuffed toy, it’s because they won it at the carnival games at Moomba. There are also rides to go on, but they would cost you some money, so do bring some change in your pocket.
Free stuff includes the many live performances taking place throughout the festival, as well as the popular fireshow and firework displays (designed by internationally acclaimed pyrotechnicians) happening every night from 9.30pm to 9.45pm except for the first night.
Waiting for dusk. Moonlight Cinema screenings begin from approximately 8.20pm onwards. Photo: Aun Ngo
Ford Fiesta Moonlight Cinema
Now till March 20, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
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Pack a picnic basket and gather a couple of friends. It’s your last chance to catch a movie under the stars at the Royal Botanic Gardens before the winter chill sets in. There’s a pretty good mix of new releases, classic and cult films on show, and screenings begin at sundown from approximately 8.20pm onwards.
Some of the notable films on show include The Godfather, The Dilemma, Black Swan, Burlesque, and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest.
Tickets are priced at $18 for adults and $16 for concession holders. We recommend you pre-book your tickets to avoid disappointment.
The Australian Grand Prix last year. Photo: supplied
2011 FORMULA 1 Qantas Australian Grand Prix
March 25-27, Albert Park
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If the sound of fast cars whizzing past and names like Michael Schumacher, Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton make you dizzy with excitement, this is for you.
Guest performances from bands like Birds of Tokyo and The Living End, a motorcycle stunt show, a V8 Supercar simulator and an F1 drivers autograph session, will also be incorporated into this year’s program.
Tickets are limited so do make an early online reservation. General Admission passes range from $18 for concession tickets on a Thursday to $185 for an adult four-day pass. Details: grandprix.com.au