The Weekender: August 25 – 27

THIS weekend, Diane Leow shows you why Melbourne’s earned its stripes as the cultural capital of Australia. From an exhibition on Victoria’s culinary history to the Melbourne Writer’s Festival, you won’t be disappointed.

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Gusto! A culinary history of Victoria
August 3 – April 2013 – State Library of Victoria

Get to know indigenous food culture, have a look at Australia’s very first cookbook, and maybe even trace the culinary journeys of superstar chefs like Jacques Reymond, Guy Grossi, and Stephenie Alexander at this free exhibition.

Have some scones and tea this weekend, or check out Look.Stop.Taste for other delicious dining options. Photo: Frédérique Voisin-Demery via Flickr

Look.Stop.Taste.
August 18 – September 16

If you’re hankering for some good food after checking out Gusto! A culinary history of Victoria, why not sample some of Melbourne’s rich culinary diversity for yourself. Simply download a map and take a self-directed foodie tour as part of the City of Melbourne’s Look.Stop.Taste. event. More than 30 venues will be serving up dishes at special prices, including Chin Chin and Cumulus Inc. Find out more on Look.Stop.Taste’s website and eat your fill this weekend.

Fancy adding this bracelet to your accessory collection? Head down to the Flemington Craft Market this weekend. Photo: Short Story

Flemington Racecourse Market
Sunday. August 26, 9am-2pm

The Flemington Racecourse Market has a great mix of fresh produce and handmade products. Pick up some gorgeous new homeware, bite into a pillowy-soft pretzel, or add a pretty glass bracelet to your jewellery collection. Parking is available for a small fee or alternatively public transport options can be found here.

Spend your Sunday by the beach and grab a few good buys too! Photo: Daniel Atkinson via Flickr

St Kilda Esplanade Market
Every Sunday, 10am-5pm

With the weather warming up, why not spend this Sunday by the beach? The St Kilda Esplanade Market is open every Sunday of the year, rain or shine. More than 150 stallholders are present, selling everything from homemade honey-infused lip balms to hand-sewn hats with UV protection. Even if you’re just browsing, most stallholders will be more than happy to tell you more about their products.

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Melbourne Writer’s Festival 2012
Monday, August  23– Sunday , September 2

The Melbourne Writer’s Festival is back this year! Running for two weeks, there are both free and paid events to interest almost anyone. Artists may be interested in attending a session about the New Yorker, where some of the world’s best illustrators work and live in the Atrium of Federation Square. Even if you’re not a writer, perhaps you’ll be inspired by stories from Tim Costello, Chief Executive of World Vision Australia. Find out more on their website.