The Weekender: July 4 – 6

GET your geek on at Oz Comic-Con, explore the world of the samurai at the NGV, settle into some fireworks at Docklands or shop around in Belgrave. There’s plenty to do and see this coming weekend as Daniel Driscoll explains.

Bushido: Way of the Samurai Exhibition
Friday, July 4 – Tuesday, November 4 (10.00am – 5.00pm); National Gallery of Victoria International (180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne)

The National Gallery of Victoria International is putting on a free exhibition titled Bushido: Way of the Samurai. The exhibition explores the fascinating world of the samurai and their more than 800 year existence as warriors, rulers and the aristocratic elite of Japanese society. 

On show will be the attire of the samurai including armour, helmets, swords and equestrian equipment. Discover their cultural pursuits with Noh costumes, calligraphic scrolls, lacquer objects and tea utensils all on display.  Large screen paintings, dramatic woodblock prints and noble studio photographs will give you a glimpse into the legacy of bushido.

For more info, check out the National Gallery of Victoria’s site.

Docklands Fireworks
Friday, July 4 – Friday, August 29 (6.00pm); The Piazza at Docklands (429 – 437 Docklands Drive, Docklands)

Get those hats, scarves and warm clothes on and head over to the The Piazza at Docklands for a free fireworks show.

Roving entertainment will keep you entertained from 6.00pm before the fireworks blast off at 7.00pm. Make sure you get there early to get a great spot.

Unlike a typical fireworks show which tends to be straightforward and boring, each ten minute display will be choreographed to a different musical theme to reflect something unique about Melbourne.

Enjoy the city skyline and explore Docklands as you view fireworks with a difference!

More on the Docklands’ fireworks display can be found at the event’s page at That’s Melbourne’s website.

Oz Comic-Con
Saturday, July 5 – Sunday, July 6 (9.00am – 6.00pm); Royal Exhibition Building (9 Nicholson St, Carlton)

Oz Comic-Con is on again at the Royal Exhibition Building. This celebration of pop culture will have an abudance of things to do and see from colourful cosplays to seeing a few celebrities from some of your favourite films and TV shows.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a con without an unbelievable number of booths selling just about anything to do with comics, sci-fi and pop-culture memorabilia.

Celebrities including Richard Dean Anderson (Stargate SG1), Sam Huntington (Being Human) and Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones‘ very own Hodor) will be making an appearance to have a chat, sign autographs and take pictures with the fans.

Cosplay as your favourite character and compete in the Cosplay Competition for prizes or peruse the many, many stalls around the space and pick up that t-shirt or comic you’ve just got to have.

It’s a huge day and a great way to meet people with an interest in the same TV show, comic book series or movie franchise.

For the uninitiated here’s a story we ran earlier with even more info about the event.

Make sure to purchase tickets online to avoid paying an extra $5 on the door.

For more informtion and to book tickets, check out Oz Comic-Con’s official website.

Christmas in July Market
Sunday, July 6 (10.30 am – 3.30 pm); Belgrave South Community Hall (10 Gilmore Court, Belgrave South)

The Christmas in July Market is on at Belgrave South Community Hall. With 35 stalls on offer, you’re bound to find something to take home.

The market stalls will have an assortment of hand crafted artisan jewellery, candles, handmade chocolates, knitwear, cards, stationery and more to peruse and snap up at a great price.

Live entertainment will keep you entertained and huge selection of food stalls will ensure you don’t go hungry while on that search for the perfect item.

For more information, please refer to Christmas in July Market’s Facebook page.