The Weekender: April 3 – 5
MELBOURNE has your Easter long weekend sorted with plenty to do once the chocolate hangover wears off. Find some fresh produce at the Carlton Farmers Market, enjoy a beer at Munich Brauhaus, party on the cheap at the Best of Both Sides Festival or pick up some hand made goods at the Love, Evelyn Markets. Stephen Clarke has the details.
Carlton Farmers Market
Saturday, April 4 (8.00 am – 1.00 pm); Carlton Primary School (Corner of Palmerston and Rathdowne St)
Get on down to the Carlton Farmers Market on Saturday morning and stock up on a whole range of fresh and local food. You’ll pick up anything from handmade pies and pasta to the freshest fruit and veg to balance out that Easter chocolate diet.
Entry is a gold coin donation which goes towards supporting the school’s programs.
You can find out more about this market and a whole lot of others based around Melbourne at the Melbourne Farmers Market Facebook page.
Easter Long Weekend Festival
Friday, April 3 – Sunday, April 5 (12.00 pm – 1.00 am); Munich Brauhaus, (45 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf)
A bier bike in action. Image: Munich Brauhaus.
Munich Brauhaus is celebrating Easter all weekend at its spectacular location right on the Yarra. Turn up any time after lunch all weekend and you can expect a traditional oompah band, easter egg hunts (who doesn’t love those) and keg tapping after 9pm with free beer till the keg runs dry!
Free bier bike rides at twilight will keep you working off those calories as you drink and pedal.
You can also purchase an egg for $5, paint it and hang it on a traditional Bavarian Christmas tree, with all proceeds donated to the Good Friday appeal.
Entry is free but bookings are recommended.
To find out more or make a booking, head over to theMunich Brauhaus website.
Best of Both Sides Festival
Monday, March 30 – Sunday, April 5 (every night till late); Bimbos (376 Brunswick St, Fitzroy) & Lucky Coq (179 Chapel St, Windsor)
Image via Best of Both Sides Facebook page
In an attempt to meld the rivalry between north and south, Bimbos and Lucky Coq, the renowned homes of the $4 pizza, are throwing a week long party chock full of live music, free bbqs, a secret Spanish kitchen pumping out $4 paella, free comedy and trivia and even free tattoos if you’re game.
Now in its sixth year, this festival is a way of enjoying the Easter long weekend (but perhaps not remembering it) and experiencing two vastly different areas of Melbourne.
As for getting between the two venues, the festival has teamed up with sponsor Uber to provide cheap transport.
To find out more, visit their Facebook page.
Love, Evelyn Markets
Saturday, 4 April (12.00 pm – 5.00 pm); Evelyn Hotel (351 Brunswick St, Fitzroy)
Zen Moments. Image via Love, Evelyn Markets Facebook page
Located in the historic and iconic Evelyn Hotel on trendy Brunswick St, this market caters for all sorts.
You’ll find clothes, books, jewellery, handmade knick-knacks and beer.
If you’re looking for the perfect handmade gift or you’re just sick of the same mass produced stuff, head down and chat to some of the creative artists behind the stalls.
This market is also sheltered so if the weather is wet it’ll still be on and you can warm up at one of the many cafes and eateries on Brunswick St.
Take a look at their Facebook page for more info or to check out future market dates.