MELD’S Catherine May rounds up the best Melbourne has to offer this weekend. Visit the Finders Keepers Market and the Persian Fair, celebrate Record Store Day, catch an Aboriginal comedy showcase and more.
Persian Fair
Sunday April 22, 10am–5pm, Abbotsford Convent
For the princely entrance fee of $2, you can dive into Persian culture on the lovely grounds of the Abbotsford Convent this Sunday. There’ll be music and dance performances, crafts and plenty of Persian cuisine. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about the long history and culture of Iran – from the comfort of the northern suburbs!
The Abbotsford Covent is on 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford.
Finders Keepers showcases the best new creative talent
Finders Keepers
Friday April 20, 6pm-10pm, Saturday April 21, 10am-5pm, Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton
This weekend the Royal Exhibition Building will be overflowing with emerging creative talent as up-and-coming designers, artists and musicians showcase their skills at Finders Keepers. The atmosphere is expected to be like a festival with performances throughout the day and an onsite bar and cafe. There’ll be plenty of handmade Australian products on sale in the design and arts markets, so you might even be able to pick up a bargain for the art stars of the future.
The Royal Exhibition Building is on 9 Nicholson St, Carlton.
Deadly Funny host Sean Choolburra. Photo: Jim Lee
Deadly Funny
Saturday April 21, 3pm, Melbourne Town Hall
As the Comedy Festival draws to a close for another year, the annual Deadly Funny event offers something a bit different than the big name international acts that have been taking over the city. This is your chance to watch Australia’s best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander comedians showcase their talents. Tickets are just $15 for concession holders, so it will hardly break the bank and it’s a great chance to see some authentic Australian comedy.
Melbourne Town Hall is on 90/120 Swanston St, Melbourne.
Don't buy a ticket if you were hoping to see P Diddy
Supafest
Saturday April 21, 2pm-10pm, Melbourne Showgrounds
Ok, so you won’t be seeing Missy Elliot or P Diddy after the harsh press statements of last week, but if you’re into your urban music then Supafest is still a festival not to be missed. Chris Brown, T Pain and Ice Cube are among the big names topping the bill. Tickets aren’t cheap, but if it’s your sort of music then you’re unlikely to find a better time to see all these artists in one day.
The Melbourne Showgrounds is on Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale.
A day to celebrate independent record stores
Record Store Day
Saturday April 21, around Melbourne
As part of the International Record Store Day, Discurio, Heartland Records, Music Jungle and Polyester Records will all be breaking into celebration fever. Discurio on Hardware St promises special offers and limited editions, but it seems Polyester Records is the best of the bunch. Both their city and Fitzroy stores will be hosting special guest DJs from 11am, as well as having cupcakes in store and a 20 per cent sale.