The Weekender: December 27 – 29
SEE The Roots perform live, use your smartphone to explore Melbourne, learn more about Australia’s history or take a tour through the Royal Botanic Gardens. There’s plenty to do post-Christmas as Sarah Khazaal explains.
The Roots
Saturday, December 28 (8.00pm start); Festival Hall (300 Dudley Street, West Melbourne)
You’ve seen them as Late Night with Jimmy Fallon‘s house band and you’ve heard them tear up the charts over the years.
Now, the iconic hip hop ensemble The Roots will be in town this Saturday to perform in front of Melbourne audiences, coinciding with their appearance at The Falls Music and Arts Festival.
The Roots will be joined by local MC, Urthboy who will be opening the show. A not to be missed show for fans of great hip hop.
Tickets are still available for the show ($87.10 each) and can be purchased directly through Festival Hall’s website.
Federation Story
Daily (24 Hours), The Atrium at Federation Square
Photo: Rexness via Flickr
We all look to Federation Square as the central venue for many free events in Melbourne – just like this one – but have you ever wondered how it came to be?
The organisers at Federation Square have put together a story board that tells the public all about how Federation Square came about, how it got its name, and why it is set within the heart of Melbourne’s hustle and bustle. Anyone with an interest in the city and a desire to look a little more in depth into how Australia came to be will find Federation Story worth looking at.
It is a free exhibit, one that covers the people and the ideas that led to the federation of Australia.
More can be found at the Federation Story website.
Appsolutely Melbourne City Challenge
Saturday, December 28; Various Locations
Photo: Monash University via Flickr
Appsolutely Melbourne is a clever event that allows participants to discover a new way to explore Melbourne completely through their smartphones.
The Appsolutely Melbourne app tests your observation and problem-solving skills, which you will need in order to find your way around Melbourne. This ensures that you discover new areas and facts that you did not know about!
Apps are available for iOS and Android devices with different Appsolutely Melbourne apps for corresponding areas. The Appsolutely Melbourne City Challenge App will set you back $14.99 while the Fiztroy Gardens and St Kilda Challenge Apps are both $9.99.
More on the Appsolutely Melbourne apps can be found at their Facebook page.
Summer Discovery Tour – Royal Botanic Gardens
Sunday, December 29; (11.00am – 12.30pm + 2.00pm – 3.30pm); Royal Botanic Gardens (Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra)
Photo: Charles Van den Broek via Flickr
With things starting to finally heat up around Melbourne it may be nice to get back in touch with nature after spending the year slaving away studying indoors.
The Royal Botanic Gardens is running free tours to guide visitors through its vast range of plant collections. The gardens are really beautiful, especially right after spring and an opportunity to listen to a knowledgeable guide about the gardens would be beneficial.
Dear to the hearts of many in Melbourne, its a favourite attraction site for some Melbournians. Visitors can even make the most of the day and head to the Moonlight Cinema after the tour.
More information about the tour can be found over at Royal Botanic Gardens’ official site.