The Weekender: May 11 – 13
IT’S all about shopping, food and drink this weekend with the Victorian Fair Trade Festival, the Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular and more. Catherine May has the scoop.
Victorian Fairtrade Festival
From Friday 11 May, Around Town
Fairtrade Fortnight kicked off last weekend, and there are still plenty of morally-conscientious events for you to check out. Although if you could only pick one, you’re going to want to pick the massive festival they’re planning on throwing at Federation Square this Friday. There’ll be a market in The Atrium packed with Fairtrade goodies, plus a range of talks about what Fairtrade means and why it’s so important.
On Sunday, head over to City Square for a more family-orientated event that promises games and fun for the young, and young at heart.
Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular
Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 May, Royal Exhibition Building
If you don’t already know, Australians drink a lot of beer. But there’s more to Aussie beer than VB in a tacky stubby holder. Held at the Royal Exhibition Building, the Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular will showcase more than 60 specially brewed Australian and New Zealand beers. See, taste, and wash the lot down with great live entertainment and a few seminars on beer brewing. The downside? Tickets are $39, but it may be worth the investment for those looking to learn more about the world of beer down under.
Mother’s Day Classic
Sunday 13 May, Alexandra Gardens
Just because mum is overseas doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday. Head down to Alexandra Gardens to cheer on the amateur athletes in the Mother’s Day Classic race and enjoy the day’s entertainment and food stalls. There will be award presentations throughout the day and all the money raised will go towards breast cancer research. If that’s not a worthwhile way to spend Mother’s Day, nothing is.
Cut Your Lunch!
Saturday 12 May, Federation Square
Sometimes it feels like urban living in Melbourne is all a bit too… well, urban. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Hundreds of other urbanites will be flocking to Fed Square this Saturday as the Melbourne landmark is transformed into one giant pop-up vegetable patch. Ok, so it’s not literally going to become a giant vegetable patch, but event organisers are promising free seasonal vegetables for everyone along with free bread and soup – so make a meal of it!