The Weekender: October 23 – 25
LEARN from the world’s best pastry chefs, participate in Australia’s largest joint group workout, indulge in all things cheese or catch a magnificent hot air balloon and firework display. Deborah Goh has your weekend sorted.
Cake Bake & Sweets Show
Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25 (10.00am – 5.00pm) | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Adriano Zumbo. Photo: Tourism Victoria via Flickr
If you’re an avid baker, self-proclaimed foodie or simply have a sweet tooth, you have to head down to the Cake Bake & Sweets Show!
This year’s show will see American celebrity chef, Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro, make his first ever Melbourne appearance alongside one of Australia’s most celebrated patissiers, Adriano Zumbo.
Visitors will be treated to more than 160 interactive demonstrations where they’ll get to learn invaluable skills from Valastro and Zumbo, as well as many other renowned pastry chefs in the industry.
There will even be a must-see attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest chocolate flower bouquet at the show this year.
To view the full three-day event schedule and to secure tickets, head over to the show’s official website.
Goodlife Wellness Festival
Saturday, October 24 (From 8.30am) | South Beach Reserve, St Kilda Foreshore
Photo: GoodlifeAU YouTube Channel
Start your weekend off the right way by participating in Australia’s largest joint group workout designed by online fitness guru – Emily Skye!
This free event is a great way to get fit, let loose and meet other health-conscious individuals.
After breaking a sweat, visit the various pop-up shops on-site and receive exclusive discounts from Lorna Jane, Brooks and other popular sports brands. Don’t forget to grab a healthy post-workout snack from the fresh food stalls that will be present at the festival as well.
More information about the festival is available from its official website.
Prahran Market Cheese Festival
Saturday, October 24 (11.00am – 5.00pm) | Prahran Market (163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra)
Photo: Sonny Abesamis via Flickr
Cheese lovers – brace yourself for the cheesiest day of your life! Prahran Market will be hosting Melbourne’s first ever cheese festival this Saturday!
Upon your arrival, feast to your heart’s content on delectable cheese fondue,Meatmaiden’s famed lobster mac-and-cheese or A25 Pizzeria’s signature Margherita pizza.
When you can’t stomach anymore food, wash all that dairy down with a good glass of wine from the Chapel St Cellars Bar.
To find out more about the festival, visit Prahran Market’s events and activities page.
Yarra Valley Balloon Festival
Saturday, October 24 – Sunday, October 25 (From 11.00am) | Yarra Valley Racecourse
Photo: littlemoresunshine via Flickr
The inaugural Yarra Valley Balloon Festival will be launched in conjunction with the Valley’s Cox Plate Day horse racing event this weekend.
If you’re planning to visit, you’ll get the chance to watch a vintage plane fly-by, witness some truly impressive freefalling and parachuting displays and go on an exciting tethered hot air balloon ride.
Finally, don’t miss out on two of the festival’s most highly anticipated activities – Saturday evening’s spectacular Night Glow of more than 12 hot air balloons and a 10-minute long firework display!
Entry to this event is $20 for adult ($25 at the gate) and free-of-charge for children.
For more information about the festival, head to Yarra Valley Racing’s website.