The Weekender: January 17 – 19
TEST drive a Ford, virtually challenge tennis star Sam Groth, compete in a game of beach volleyball or visit the Ballarat Beer Festival. Daniel Driscoll has all the details on how you can unwind this weekend.
Ford SMART Drive
Friday, January 17 – Sunday, February 2 (10.00am – 5.00pm daily); Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre (2 Clarendon St, Southbank)
Photo: kow626 via Flickr
If you like your Fords or just want to try something different this weekend, head over to this event out the front of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre where you can try out a range of Ford products when they host the Ultimate Smart Drive.
Far from your usual test drive, customers will get to navigate Ford shipping containers, steep ramps and test tracks in a range of Ford vehicles and test the capabilities of the Ford range.
SMART Drives will also help Ford Australia reach its target of donating up to $100,000 towards breast cancer research with five dollars being donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for every SMART drive undertaken.
To participate in the Ford Smart Drive experience you do need to possess a valid driver’s license. This is a free event.
For more information check out the event’s page on the City of Melbourne’s website.
Kia Game On Virtual Tennis Tournament
Saturday, January 18 (1.30 pm – 3.30 pm); Federation Square (Corner Swanston St and Flinders St, Melbourne)
Photo: tpower1978 via Flickr
As part of the festivities surrounding the Australian Open, this Saturday at Fed Square the Kia ‘Game On’ Virtual Tennis Tournament invites players to compete to become Australia’s number one virtual tennis player.
If players can return an on-screen serve from Australian tennis star, Sam Groth, various prizes including $5000 dollars in cash and the chance to hit the courts against Sam Groth. This event is free.
You can RSVP to the event at their Facebook page or have a practice and check out how to play on the app’s site.
Slam Beach Volleyball Festival
Saturday, January 18 (10.00am); St Kilda Foreshore
Photo: Travel Manitoba via Flickr
Now entering its 14th season, Slam Festival is hitting the St Kilda Foreshore this Saturday for some fast paced, fun action on the beach.
Get a group together and compete or just chill out on the sand and enjoy the entertainment. A mixture of amateur beach volleyball and good music, this really is the perfect way to spend a hot summer’s day with friends.
Those looking to compete will need to buy $40 tickets to participate.
For more information check out their official site.
Ballarat Beer Festival
Saturday, January 18 (11.00am); City Oval, Ballarat
Photo: Ben Harris-Roxas via Flickr
On a weekend like this, there is no better way to cool off than with a nice cold beer and if you like beer, then this is the festival for you.
Located at the Ballarat Oval, you’ll have the opportunity to sample from a huge range of beers, ciders, wines and fabulous gourmet food while enjoying nine hours of great live entertainment.
The festival features a range of small and local brewers such as Quiet Deeds and Ballarat Golden Ale, and larger well known brewers including James Squire.
Tickets are $40 for tokens only but a $45 ticket will get you an official tasting glass and lanyard.
For details on how to get there or to book tickets, check out the event’s website.