The Weekender: January 11 – 13
MAKE the most of your holidays in Melbourne and get to know your city a little better – go on a tour of the Melbourne Town Hall, catch a gig at Fitzroy Gardens, or learn to draw from an established Australian artist. Diane Leow tells you what’s on this weekend.
Be entertained while basking in the sunset at Fitzroy Gardens. Photo: Alpha via Flickr
Sunset Series
Until February 2 – Fitzroy Gardens/Docklands
Pack a picnic and your dancing shoes, and head down to Fitzroy Gardens this weekend. Be entertained by the Toot Whistle Crew on Saturday, or join in on a Salsa dance workshop on Sunday. Best of all, these events are all free! Check out the complete list of acts, or simply rock up and enjoy yourself on the weekend.
Beat the heat and take a tour of the Melbourne Town Hall. Photo: Michael Aulia via Flickr
Melbourne Town Hall Tour
It’s hard to miss the iconic Melbourne Town Hall whenever you’re in the city. Perhaps you’ve admired its grand exterior and wondered about its history, or you’d like to take a look inside without having to pay for an admission ticket. The Melbourne Town Hall actually runs free tours every weekday from 11am to 12noon, and again from 1pm to 2pm. Visitors may stand on the portico where the Beatles once stood, sit in the Lord Mayor’s chair, and admire the Melbourne Town Hall Grand Organ – the largest grand romantic organ in the southern hemisphere. Bookings are recommended. Call 03 9658 9658 to reserve your place.
Take a free art class at the NGV with Australia artist Juan Ford this weekend. Photo: chrisjtse via Flickr
Drop-by Drawing with Juan Ford
Sunday, January 13 – NGV
Always wanted a professional artist to critique your work? Or maybe you’d like to extend your artistic skills beyond stick figures. Every Sunday for the month of January, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) invites a prominent artist to share their unique perspective on art, while giving direction to those who would like to try their hand at drawing on the spot. Everyone is welcome – no need to be shy about your age or artistic capability. Materials are provided, but bring your own grey lead pencils and sketch pads. More information can be found on the NGV website.
Fond of all things beautiful? Check out what the Fine Design Market has to offer this weekend. Photo: The Fine Design Market
The Fine Design Market
Sunday, January 13 – Manningham City Square, Doncaster
If you love great design and believe in supporting locally-made products, head down to the Fine Design Market this weekend. Featuring Aussie designers and artists, there will be an array of clothing, food products, and more. Stallholders and picked for their originality and quality of their crafts, so don’t you worry about buying a run-of-the-mill product. The Fine Design Market is on every second Sunday of each month (in Spring/Summer) from 9am to 2pm. For more details or stall listings, check out their Facebook page.