The Weekender: May 8 – 10
IMMERSE yourself in Malaysian culture, get up close and personal with alpacas, discover the vibrant history of Ballarat or spend quality time with Mum by treating her to a meal and handcrafted trinkets. Deborah Goh has you covered this weekend.
Fiesta Malaysia
Saturday, May 9 (11.00am – 5.30pm); Federation Square
Image: Fiesta Malaysia’s website
Organised by the Malaysian Students’ Council of Australia, Fiesta Malaysia is an annual event which aims to promote the diverse culture, cuisine, art and history of the Malaysian community.
This year’s celebration of Malaysia’s diversity is back and promises to be bigger than ever before! On the day itself, there will be an exciting line up of music and dance performances, food stalls serving up authentic Malaysian fare and educational workshops introducing traditional Malaysian games to attendees.
Some highlights include a Chinese lion dance performance, a Roti Canai (a type of Indian-influenced flatbread) tossing competition and entertaining food challenges that will put your durian eating and instant noodle slurping skills to the test!
To find out more about Fiesta Malaysia, head over to their website or check out their Facebook page.
Ballarat Heritage Weekend
Saturday, May 9 – Sunday, May 10 (10.00am – 5.00pm); Various venues around Ballarat, Victoria
Ballarat Double Decker Bus Tour. Photo: Ballarat Heritage Weekend Official Facebook Page
Take a weekend getaway out of Melbourne to experience the rich history of Ballarat over the Ballarat Heritage Weekend!
This popular community cultural festival is designed to showcase different elements of Ballarat’s vibrant heritage every year. 2015’s theme, coined “A Century of Service”, celebrates the inspiring stories of the city’s contributions to Australia’s war and peacekeeping engagements.
Upon your arrival, check out the impressive display of rare military vehicles along Lydiard St South before embarking on a guided tour of the various photographic exhibitions on offer. Be sure to hop on one of Ballarat’s iconic double decker buses to see the beautiful city from a different perspective as well.
Finally, don’t forget to stop by the Ballarat Apron Festival while you are in the vicinity. Held in conjunction with the Heritage Weekend, this highly-anticipated apron making competition has attracted tons of entries ever since it was first established in 2006. You’ll be able to feast your eyes on and marvel at the incredible display of vintage-inspired aprons designed by contestants.
For the full program of events, visit the Ballarat Heritage Weekend’s website.
The Creators Market Mother’s Day Pop-Up
Sunday, May 10 (10:30am – 2:30pm); Speakeasy Kitchen Bar, 359 Chapel St, South Yarra
Photo: Maria Casacalenda via Flickr
Make your mum very happy this Mother’s Day by treating her to a scrumptious breakfast or lunch at The Creators Market Mother’s Day Pop-Up.
Run and managed by the Ideas Library (with a special collaboration with Speakeasy Kitchen Bar this time round), The Creators Markets are quarterly markets which showcase the artistic and culinary creations of small, indie businesses.
Even if you can’t physically celebrate this day with mum, it shouldn’t stop you from dropping by especially if you are an art and craft lover. Like previous markets, there will be plenty of talented local designers selling their gorgeous handmade goods at the venue so there’s bound to be something that catches your eye!
To make a booking for a meal with your mum, call (03) 9824 0770. For more details about the event and the stallholders that will be present, visit their Facebook event page.
Omaru Alpacas Open Farm Event
Sunday, May 10 (11:00am – 3:00pm); 190 Hildebrand Rd, Cottles Bridge, Victoria
Alpacas. Photo: Franz Josef Heinrichs via Flickr
To commemorate National Alpaca Week 2015, Omaru Alpacas has specially organised an Open Farm Event event for members of the public this coming Sunday.
Seize this rare opportunity to get up close and personal with approximately 30 different alpacas, watch live feeding demonstrations and hear from experts in the field of animal rearing!
Apart from alpacas, there’ll be magnificent Icelandic horses to see at the farm as well.
Once you’re done admiring and interacting with the animals, head over to the winery next door for some delectable food, wine, coffee and tea.
Entry to this event is $2 per adult and free-of-charge for children.
For more information about this event, check out Omaru Alpaca’s website.