The Weekender: October 19 – 21

CATCH a free show at the Melbourne Festival, join in on efforts to help eradicate world poverty, or check out the Chinese Museum (yes, there’s one) in Melbourne’s Chinatown this weekend. Diane Leow brings you the details.

Melbourne Festival
Until October 27

Bitten by the arts bug and hoping to soak up some culture this weekend? Look no further than the Melbourne Festival. A celebration of arts and culture around the world, the Melbourne Festival brings many world-class theatre productions, music and dance performances, art exhibitions, outdoor events and more to the world’s most liveable city.

There are many free events, so you don’t need to dig for loose change lying under the couch just to be a culture aficionado. This weekend, meet the stars of the musical La Soiree as they put on a one-night-only full-on cabaret show, or join funk orchestra Bombay Royale as they entertain with a spectacularly colourful show – inspired by vintage Bollywood, of course. Check out the above video for some festival highlights or hop to the website for the full festival program and other details or check out our story on it here.

Help raise awareness of local and global poverty this week by organising your own event, or joining others. Photo: Eugene Paul Gonda via Flickr

Anti-poverty week
Until October 20

One of the United Nations’ millennium development goals is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. If you are passionate about social justice, or simply want to do something to make a small difference, why not participate in anti-poverty week? While a week’s worth of activities may not seem like much, the aim of the event is to raise awareness of the causes and effects of poverty, as well as encourage discussion and action to address these issues.

To take part, you can either organise your own event, or join others. Click here to find an event near you, or visit their website for more information.

Photo: Prince Roy via Flickr

Chinese Museum

Perhaps you’re fascinated by Melbourne’s multicultural society, or maybe you are missing the Chinese culture you are so used to back home. If you’d like to know more about Chinese history and get up close and personal with artefacts that have fascinating stories, head on down to the Chinese Museum located in Chinatown on Little Bourke Street.

Gain an understanding of Chinese migrants’ experience during the gold rush, get your fortune told in a “temple” of a Chinese deity, or marvel at the intricacies of traditional wedding costumes on display.

From 5 Oct to early November, they are also showcasing a photo exhibition that has captured the rebuilding of Sichuan, China after a devastating earthquake in 2008.

The Chinese Museum is open daily from 10am-5pm. Admission costs $7.50 for adults, and $5.50 for concession cardholders. For more information, visit their website here.

These City Lights Live at The Espy

Friday, October 19 – The Esplanade Hotel, St Kilda

Catch These City Lights’ first headlining show this Friday at the Esplanade Hotel. A five-piece pop punk band from Melbourne, their covers and originals are gaining recognition. Lead singer Jade Rebeiro’s hauntingly beautiful voice will leave you wanting more. Best of all, their gig is free! Listen to their cover of Paramore’s When It Rains in the above video.

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