Try some Polish dumplings, take part in the Freeplay Independent Games Festival, spend a day reliving your childhood at the Royal Melbourne Show, or catch a fashion event for a good cause. Here’s Elizabeth Yick with more.
A modern twist on a traditional dish of Polish dumplings ‘pierogi’. Photo: alanagkelly via flickr
‘I Left My Heart in Europe’: A Polish Food Festival
Sunday, September 29 (12pm-late); Ferdyduke (2/239 Lonsdale St, Melbourne; entry via Tattersalls Lane)
This Sunday, Ferdyduke will play host to a Polish food festival that aims to recreate the culture and community of Eastern Europe through delicious traditional cuisine.
Warm Polish soups and authentic hand-made pierogi (Polish dumplings) will be on offer, with meat, vegetarian and even vegan options. There will also be live entertainment throughout the day, including music from Gypsy folk band Bohemian Nights (5pm-8pm) and DJ Kid Militan (8pm onwards).
The event is family-friendly, with free entry and no need for booking. So head on down this Sunday to Ferdyduke for a taste of warm Polish hospitality.
Freeplay Independent Games Festival
Until Sunday, September 29th; various locations in Melbourne
The Freeplay Independent Games Festival is an annual celebration of the art and culture of making independent games.
This year, the festival is hosting its fourth Annual Freeplay Awards, which will showcase the best of games design locally – including in-game sound, visuals, graphics, narratives and also technical innovations.
Over the weekend, the contesting games for the Freeplay Award will be available for the public to play at the Freeplay Arcade in the State Library of Victoria, where visitors will get to experience the latest in independent games, and also get the chance to vote for their favourite in the ‘people’s choice’ award.
For the avid gamer, a comprehensive programme of the festival is available on the official Freeplay website, and includes details of gaming sessions, mixers, talks, and workshops, as well as a two-day conference. However, for those who just want to have some fun, do head down to the State Library this weekend to experience what independent games are all about.
The Royal Melbourne Show
Until Wednesday, October 2 (daily 9.30am-9.30pm); Melbourne Showgrounds (276-318 Epsom Road, Flemington)
For those who grew up in Melbourne, the Royal Melbourne Show represents a day of fun, food, and lots of showbags. In fact, it is Victoria’s largest annual community event that brings together some of the best attractions, entertainment, agriculture and produces which the state has to offer. Newbies to Melbourne should definitely not miss out on the Show.
With plenty of rides, carnival games, a petting zoo and an abundance of food and entertainment on offer, the festival is bound to provide something interesting for every visitor – even the grown-ups!
Of course, the showbags are a traditional and essential part of the event as well.
Tickets to the Royal Melbourne Show are available online, and are also available for purchase at the showgrounds. For more information on ticket prices and the various activities on offer, visit the Royal Melbourne Show official website.
Fashion Funds – Fashion for a good cause
Saturday, September 28; Queensbridge Square, Southbank
Love fashion? Want to support a great cause? Head down to Queensbridge Square this Saturday for a unique fashion show that aims to unite fashion lovers from all around Melbourne to raise money for charity. Working along side The Brotherhood of St Laurence, funds raised will go towards their supporting programs and their vision of an Australia free from poverty.
The event will include a fashion show, showcasing op-shop outfits matched to runway perfection. The outfits will then be auctioned off to the highest bidder later on in the afternoon. All the funds raised will be donated, making this a truly incredible event that brings together a diverse community for a special cause.
For more information, check out their Facebook event page, follow them on Instagram at @fashionfunds2013, or email fashionfunds2013@gmail.com.