The Weekender: January 25 – 27

CELEBRATE this weekend with Australia Day fireworks, free outdoor concerts, a “supper” market, international girl power and more. Diane Leow tells you how.

Don’t miss the spectacular Australia Day fireworks this Saturday. Photo: frostnova via Flickr

It’s Australia Day (or ‘Straya Day to the locals) this Saturday! If you didn’t know what Australia Day is all about, it commemorates the landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and is celebrated every year on 26 January. This year, there are a multitude of events you can join in. Head down to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for a free Australia Day Concert, and then admire the fireworks from the Bowl, or by the Yarra.

Diafrix and Chance Waters live at Fed Square
Saturday, January 26

Federation Square is putting up a series of free outdoor concerts this summer. Hip-hop artists Diafrix and Chance Waters are performing right before sundown on Australia Day. Diafrix is an energetic hip-hop duo comprising of two African refugees who call Australia home, while Chance Waters has been described as “a breath of fresh air” and “an intelligent lyricist and masterful storyteller”. They are performing from 4.30pm at the Main Stage, so get in early and have a fabulous Saturday. The above video is an original by Diafrix called Running It – check it out!

Enjoy Friday nights under the stars at the Abbotsford Convent with fair trade delicacies, food, and live music. Photo: eythian via Flickr

Supper Market at Abbotsford Convent 
Every Friday, until March 1

If you don’t know what to do on Friday nights, the Supper Market at Abbotsford Convent is back! Running till early March, there’s food, fashion, and live music while you bask in a warm balmy night. Or just pack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful grounds. Remember to register with their SMS update service, as the operation of the night market is dependent on the weather. To find out more, visit their website.

Cinema Nights at Piazza Italia
Every Saturday, until February 16

If the idea of going downtown to catch the Australia Day fireworks is just too daunting, perhaps you’d like to make a trip down to Carlton to catch a free screening of The Cup at Piazza Italia. The Cup tells the story of Damien and Jason Oliver and Media Puzzle’s Melbourne Cup win. Bring your dinner along (or takeaway a piazza from Lygon Street) before settling in. If you can’t make it this Saturday, don’t fret – these Cinema Nights will be running every Saturday until mid-February, so don’t worry about missing out. Check out the trailer in the above video.

Half the Sky Documentary Screening
Friday, January 25

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide is a four-hour television series shot in 10 countries around the world. Inspired by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn’s book of the same title, the documentary tells the story of women and girls who fight unimaginable battles just because of their gender. A-list celebrities like Diane Lane and America Ferrera joined Kristof on his journey to tell the world that change is possible. This series will be shown across two Fridays, and admission is free. Donations however are accepted and will be given to the IndoChina Starfish Foundation. For more information, click through to their Facebook event page.