The Weekender: January 24 – 26
WITH Australia Day playing into the majority of this weekend’s to-do list, which Aussie attraction should you take part in? From the Big Day Out music festival to a sausage sizzle and fireworks at Docklands, Sarah Khazaal has you covered for Australia Day festivities.
Big Day Out 2014
Friday, January 24; Flemington Racecourse (400 Epsom Rd, Flemington)
It wouldn’t be an Australia Day weekend without the mass of music lovers flooding to the racecourse to devour as much music as they can at one of Australia’s biggest music festivals.
Although the temperatures aren’t set to be as record breaking as last week’s, with a predicted top of 24 degrees (though this is Melbourne so anything is possible!), the billed acts performing at BDO have broken boundaries of their own.
Top billed performers Pearl Jam and Arcade Fire are just the tip of a very epic iceberg. Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion is also set to perform on the same stage as The Lumineers and Tame Impala.
Tickets are still selling at the Big Day Out website, and seem to be worth the price for a variety of music lovers.
RACV Australia Day Picnic and Federation Vehicle Display
Sunday, January 26 (10.00am – 4.00pm); Kings Domain (Alexandra Avenue, Melbourne)
Celebrating Australia Day in the most “Australian” way is somewhat of a national challenge. Barbecues are pulled out, beers chilled and the cricket bat will generally make a cameo.
However, it is also ideal to spend it in a even more traditional way, like at the RACV Australia Day Picnic and Federation Vehicle Display.
An annual event, the day sees a display of 450 vintage and classic vehicles, as well as a 21-gun salute at the Shrine of Remembrance, commencing at 12.00pm.
There will also be working dog displays, soccer and tai-chi, as well as free concerts to enjoy at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. As far as an Australian Day goes, this one covers almost all the bases.
More information about the event can be obtained from the event’s page on the City of Melbourne’s website.
Australia Day at Docklands
Sunday, January 26 (4.00pm – 10.00pm); New Quay Promenade and Piazza, Docklands
Perfectly complementing the RACV Australia Day Picnic, this event starts at 4.00pm for those looking to continue Australia Day celebrations elsewhere. Organisers have initiated a free kite making and flying workshop with plenty of local Aussie music to listen to while you’re crafting away.
A twilight market has also been planned for eager shoppers to browse through while a fireworks display will cap off the evening at 9.30pm.
Of course, the most traditional of Aussie traditions, the sausage sizzle, will be present throughout the night.
What better way to complete the Australia Day experience?
More information can be found at the official event page on the City of Melbourne’s website.
The Worst of Scottee
Saturday, January 25; Theatre Works (14 Acland Street, St Kilda)
Midsumma is still running strong and if you’re not sure what to check out this weekend at Midsumma, consider checking out The Worst of Scotee, a theatre production extended outside of the United Kingdom for the first time ever. The story of identity is followed through the perspective of a young gay man.
Telling a story about identity through the perspective of a young gay man, Scottee, this darkly comedic production sees Scottee in a variety of situations – from pretending to have AIDS, stealing money from his nan, and publicising a false suicide.
Performed in a photo booth, this humbling and genuine performance exposes audiences to four snapshots of Scottee’s troublesome teen years, presenting you with even more reasons not to like him.
Tickets are still available for The Worst of Scotee.