The Weekender: November 25 – 27
HAVE some Ben & Jerry’s at an Open Air Cinema, enjoy the near-end of year fun at Coburg Night Market, find out what’s on at the Japanese Film Festival or travel to Yarra Valley and bask in lavanders. Lunnie Gan has your choices this weekend!
Warratina Lavender Farm Open Garden Weekend
November 26 – November 27 (Various times) | Warratina Lavender Farm
Photo: Caroline Mann via Flickr
If you’re lucky enough to not catch hayfever, why not get up close and personal to some lavenders this Spring weekend at the Warratina Lavender Farm?
A one hour drive away from Melbourne at the foothills of Dandenong Rangers, Warratina is home to acres of homegrown lavender plants. During this open garden weekend, this family owned and operated lavender farm is perfect for those wishing to spend their day frolicking in rows of lavender and enjoying the picturesque views of the Yarra Ranges.
The star attractions of the farm go beyond the flowers. Snack on lavender scones and lavender ice-cream, try out their famous lavender massage oil among Warratina’s wide range of lavender products and experience lavender harvesting!
Adults need only pay $10 for entry while children over 12 are admitted at $5 per person. Don’t miss out the gorgeous display of purple in the Warratina fields!
If you’re interested, check their website for more information.
Ben & Jerry’s Open Air Cinema 2016
November 26 – December 17 (Various times) | South Beach Reserve, St Kilda
Photo: Kat Trinh
It’s that time of the year when Melbourne certainly won’t start lack lacking in outdoor cinemas. Up your summer game a notch by heading to St Kilda Beach for some great movies, awesome bands and free ice-cream!
Starting from November 26 and running through until late December, Ben & Jerry’s Open Air Cinemas will bring a wide range of films to its big outdoor screen on the St Kilda’s South Beach Reserve. Live bands and snack bars to chill will also accompany these screenings beforehand. The films combine new releases like Doctor Strange and Inferno with some classic picks, such as Mean Girls.
If you’re not sold on it yet, do note that the Open Air Cinema will be holding Sundae Sessions on Sunday screenings, where you get free Ben & Jerry ice-cream along with the film!
So check out the lineup and book a spot early since tickets are running out fast! Bring along a picnic blanket, it’ll be a fantastic movie night under the stars!
Coburg Night Market
November 25 – December 16 (5.30 pm – 10.00pm)| Bridges Reserve, Coburg
With work winding down at this period of the year, are you already feeling the festive vibes? Coburg Night Market returns again to light up Bridges Reserve with Melbourne’s best international street food.
Running every Friday for four weeks starting from November 25, the Coburg Night Market features more than 30 different food vendors from all around the world. Witness your Friday nights come alive with their multicultural array of food, unique artisan stalls, roaming bands and activities for both adults and kids alike.
As summer days get longer, make the most of your Friday evenings and drop by the Coburg Night Market to grab some street food along with some sick beats!
If you’re keen to do that, check out their website.
Japanese Film Festival 2016
November 24 – December 4 (Various times) | Hoyts Melbourne Central & ACMI
Catch a bite of Japan as the 2016 Japanese Film Festival (JFF) returns to Melbourne for the 20th time, presenting a wide range of cinematic delights to fellow Melbournians!
Curated by The Japan Foundation, Sydney, the Japanese Film Festival has toured all over Australia and its final destination will be right here in Melbourne. This festival plunges Japan’s dynamic culture right in the spotlight by showcasing the cream of the crop in contemporary Japanese cinema.
Ranging from classic films and special events including guest Q&As and cosplay competitions, to modern films about sake and samurai-themed movies, you’ll have no trouble finding a film that matches your obsession among the diverse range of films!
If you’re an otaku or just want to watch some Japanese films, visit the official website of the Japanese Film Festival for more information!