The Weekender: January 16 – 18
FEAST on food from around the world at the Supper Market, be inspired by Melbourne’s Bohemian culture at the State Library’s exhibition, become a master builder at the Brickvention LEGO Expo and satisfy your chocolate cravings at the Chocolate Fest. Anthea Batsakis lays down the beats for your weekend.
Bohemian Melbourne Exhibition
Friday, December 12 – Sunday, February 22 (10.00am – 5.00pm); State Library Victoria, Melbourne
Image: State Library Victoria Collection’s Photostream via Flickr
Australia’s Western history may be short, but it’s densely filled with interesting and surprising events. Melbourne in particular took part in the Bohemian underground culture which inevitably shaped the city’s creative scene. What began in 1860 has since led to impressive outbreaks in art, dance, film, music, and literature.
Starting on November 12 and ending in late February, the State Library of Victoria is offering you an exhibition on Melbourne’s Bohemian culture – a creative culture that put Melbourne on the map. Visit the exhibition and be inspired by the likes of Marcus Clarke, Percy Grainger and of course Barry Humphries.
So explore Melbourne’s creative past that became the backbone of the city’s most celebrated feature.
Visit the State Library’s official website for more information.
Supper Market at Abbotsford Convent
Every Friday night until Friday, March 13 (6.00pm – 10.00pm); Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne
The beautiful grounds of the Abbotsford Convent. Photo: eythian via Flickr
Abbotsford Convent always dishes up festive and unique markets that satisfy the palates of its visitors. Their barely discovered supper market which has only started recently is one of those unique markets which you can begin to enjoy every Friday over the summer.
With the backdrop of the Convent’s beautiful grounds, sit amongst some of Melbourne’s best food trucks and tents plating up cuisine from around the world. Expect an array of hawker-style street food as well as delicious dishes from Vietnam to Turkey which you can enjoy while listening to some live music.
And if these food aren’t your thing, you can visit the Convent’s renowned eateries like Lentil As Anything and the Shadow Electric.
Find out more about events at the market’s official web page.
Brickvention LEGO Expo 2015
Friday, January 16 – Sunday, January 18 (9:00am – 5:30pm); The Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton
LEGO figures. Image: Joe Shlabotnik via Flickr
LEGO lovers, here’s an awesome event that you shouldn’t really miss: the Brickvention LEGO Expo!
Held in the Royal Exhibition Centre, master builders will showcase their LEGO structures throughout the entire weekend, with this Friday being a special convention day for Adult Fans of Lego (AFOL).
Expect to see a variety of well-known structures ranging from Star Wars tie-in paraphernalia to elaborate bridges, trains, and space ships. This volunteer-run event will also feature LEGO merchandise, competitions and of course LEGO sets for you to buy and take home when the event ends.
Tickets are selling fast and will not be available at the door. They cost $12 for adults and $6 for children.
Learn more about the event at the Brickvention website.
The Immigration Museum’s Chocolate Fest
Sunday, January 18(11.00am – 4.00pm); The Immigration Museum, Melbourne
Image: John Loo via Flickr
There is nothing more appealing than a chocolate festival. At Melbourne’s Immigration Museum, you can enjoy one and taste chocolate from all around the world. The event is presented by North South Feast West.
With a chocolate beer garden, live musical performances and a presentation of the rich history of the worldly chocolate culture, you’ll never be at a loss for entertainment. Expect performances from the dynamic Afro-Brazilian percussion group Maracatu Estrela do Mar, the Oscar Jimenez Trio, Alma Mater who will be showcasing traditional Portuguese Fado, and CC:DISCO from PBS’ Smoke and Mirrors’.
Chocolate addicts can enjoy a diverse range of treats from Mörk Chocolate, Tonantzin Artisan Chocolate, Bretzel Biz and Los Amates amongst many others. Moreover, a chocolate festival would not be complete without including chocolate drenched waffles from the Belgian Club Victoria.
Hungry yet? To book your tickets, visit the Immigration Museum‘s official website and make your tastebuds happy! Tickets are $15.