The Weekender: August 11 – 13
IFFM Free Film Screenings
Saturday, August 12 – Sunday, August 13 (Various times) | Federation Square (Corner of Flinders St & Swanston St)
Indian Film Festival Melbourne (IFFM) kicks off this week but if you’d prefer to tough it out in the cold for a few free films, head to Federation Square this weekend in your warmest jacket.
This year’s free screenings include Lion (the Academy Award-nominated drama starring Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman), Bollywood blockbuster Dangal (which focuses on the unlikely story of female wrestlers) and the song-and-dance spectacle, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. These films and much more have been confirmed for the free screening program so check the IFFM website to see what else is available!
Accompanying these screenings will be servings of delicious Indian food from nearby food trucks to keep you from freezing in the cold.
So grab a deck chair, sit back and enjoy the free films on offer!
For more on the Indian Film Festival, check out the official festival website.
Melbourne International Film Festival 2017
August 3 – 20 (Various times) | Various locations
If you’re after more than just Indian films, look no further than this year’s huge slate at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).
This weekend, catch quality films like the new Yorgos Lanthimos’ new film, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Takashi Miike’s The Mole Song – Hong Kong Capriccio, Daigo Matsui’s Japanese Girls Never Die, Todd Haynes’ Wonderstruck or the urgent documentary, I Am Not Your Negro.
If you’re just looking for a place to retreat to during the festival, hit up the MIFF Festival Lounge located at the Forum Theatre and chat with other film enthusiasts over good wine, good food and good tunes.
There’s heaps going on at the festival so make sure you check out MIFF”s website to see what else is on.
Yarra Valley Hot Chocolate Festival 2017
August 1 – August 31 (All-day) | 35 Old Healesville Road, Yarra Glen
What better way to spend your wintry weekends than by sipping on a mug of hot chocolate! Have all the hot chocolate you can by venturing out into the Yarra Valley this weekend for the Yarra Valley Hot Chocolate Festival.
The festival (which sounds like a total dream but is an actual thing!) will run for the entirety of August and each week of the festival will see eight new flavours introduced. You can definitely expect fan favourite flavours like triple chocolate brownie and Nutella on the menu but if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not try a spicy pumpkin chai and smashed avocado with white chocolate.
Taking place at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, this is the perfect event to go for a day-long getaway from Melbourne.
For more information, visit the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery’s website and see what else is on offer!
Batman Night Market
Saturday, August 12 (4.00pm – 9.00pm) | 14 – 22 Gaffney St, Coburg
We know what you must be thinking… A night market dedicated to the Dark Knight? The Caped Crusader? Unfortunately for comic book nerds, this is not the market for you.
The Batman Night Market is actually just like any other Melbourne night market and is located near Batman train station in Coburg (fun fact, Batmania was almost the name of Victoria’s capital – now known today as your beloved city, Melbourne). The Batman Night Market has a great lineup of food trucks, performers, arts and crafts stalls and street food vendors to make for a great Saturday night out with friends or that special someone in your life.
Expect food from all around Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia as well as all kinds of cafe food and desserts. You can even go to the night market to buy groceries, plants and other decoratives to place around the home and browse through boutique fashion and unique cosmetic and beauty products. This night market might just outrival many of your favourites!
For more information on the Batman Night Market, visit the market’s official website.