1. VIDA – Melbourne Latin Festival
Credit : Arie Wubben from Unsplash
Authentic paella and margarita while you dance to Latin rhythms- does that sound like your kind of day?
If yes, then mark your calendar for this free event- Melbourne’s own Latin festival! With more than 20 Latin vendors serving exotic street food and Latin beer, it is an amazing way to spend the day with your friends.
There will be four multicultural hubs featuring local artists and bands, a salsa dance championship, outdoor dance classes, a celebrity Latin cooking show, DJs and more.
You can book your ticket here.
2. Melbourne Knowledge Week
Credit: Brooke Cagle from Unsplash
Are you interested in discovering and sharing ideas that can help change the world?
Melbourne Knowledge Week is a seven-day event where you can explore a variety of programs, workshops and performances that feature the prospective for innovation. From technological developments to the rise of AI during our nationwide lockdowns, the event reveals a range of tools that have arisen to help us cope in these uncertain times.
While the programs are free, make sure to book in advance. More information about the event can be found here.
3. Welcome refugees: freedom celebration BBQ
Credit : Unionists for Refugees
The freedom celebration BBQ is an event to welcome refugees, organised by Victorian Trades Hall Council, Unionists for Refugees, the Refugee Action Collective and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Both halal and vegetarian food options are available.
For those who would like to help, donations are welcome, with the money raised going directly to released refugees. Entry is free but tickets are limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, so make sure to book now!
4. City Nature Challenge
Credit: Jordan Whitt from Unsplash
Have you ever thought of spending your evening spotting some of nature’s creations?
Boroondara, among other Melbourne city councils, have come together to create a City Nature Challenge. As part of the challenge, Boroondara invites you to join an evening of nature-spotting.
Led by ecologist Graeme Lorimer, the event will have you on the lookout for a range of nocturnal wildlife as you take a spotlighting adventure through the beautiful Willsmere Billabong.
Make sure to download the free iNaturalist app so you can contribute your sightings to the challenge. And don’t forget to bring your own torches!
It’s a free event but make sure to book your tickets here in advance.
5. Apparition: Mikala Dwyer in conversation with Alicia Sometimes
Credit: Mikala Dwyer from City of Melbourne
Calling all art enthusiasts: come along to listen to artist, Mikala Dwyer, in conversation with poet, writer and broadcaster, Alicia Sometimes, on Dwyer’s latest artwork, Apparition, in Carlton’s University Square.
Did you know that Dwyer’s Apparition was inspired by the large population of possums at University Square? Tune in to learn more about the holographic possums which light up nightly at the square’s northern plaza.
This is a ticketed event with limited numbers. Click here to book yours.
6. Glenroy Festival and Fawkner Festa
Credit: Tony Pham from Unsplash
Can’t decide how to spend your weekend? Why not plan a day at Glenroy Festival and Fawkner Festa? With live music, delicious food, roving performances, community stalls, workshops and more- you can find your favourite kind of entertainment.
The free event celebrates the vibrant and diverse communities of Glenroy and Fawkner and welcomes everyone to join for a fun-filled weekend!
Join the Glenroy Festival on Saturday 1 May from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Sewell Reserve and the Fawkner Festa on Sunday 2 May from 12:00 pm to 3:00pm at CB Smith Reserve.
For more details about the event, click here.