The Weekender: March 10 – 12
Moomba Festival 2017
Friday, 10 – Monday, March 13 | Birrarung Marr & Alexandra Gardens, St Kilda Rd
New to Melbourne? Come to Melbourne’s largest community festival and colour in your first page of Melbournian life with amazing and creative local artists.
Celebrating its 63 year-old birthday, Moomba highlights the city’s charm, diversity and creativity. The festival will showcase a series of free colourful family-friendly programs, including the Birdman Rally, watersports along the Yarra, fireworks in the evening, artistic workshops and the major carnival running throughout the entire day.
Don’t miss out on the spectacular Moomba Parade also happening on Monday, March 13 during the long weekend! Bring your friends and have fun!
Parts of St Kilda Rd will be closed during the festival and attendees are suggested to plan their journey in advance.
For more information about Moomba Festival 2017, check its official website.
Alliance Française French Film Festival
Wednesday, March 8 – Thursday, March 30| Various locations
Bonjour et bienvenue! It’s party time for Melbourne French film lovers!
Starting from March 8, Alliance Française de Melbourne will present its annual French Film Festival to the city, promoting France’s charming language and culture.
The 28th edition of the festival will showcase a large variety of French features including L’Odysée (The Odyssey) and La Danseuse (The Dancer). The former is a biopic on Jacques Yves Cousteau, a famous adventurer, oceanographer and filmmaker. The latter, meanwhile spotlights the life of legendary artist Loie Fuller.
Attendees also have a chance to win a seven-day trip for two to France!
Screenings will take place at various Palace Cinemas around Melbourne. Attendees are advised to check where their nearest screening location is. Booking tickets in advance would also be wise, particularly for in-demand films.
To access the full program and to learn more about the festival, visit its official website.
We Are Power
Saturday, March 11, 5.00 pm – 7. 00pm | Signal, Flinders Walk, Northbank (Behind Flinders Street Station, at the top of Banana Alley)
Youth Misinterpreted is an independent creative collective aiming to raise awareness of social issues and diversity among young people.
From February to June, the collective will hold a monthly live event and discussion, providing platforms for young audiences to explore their identities and share their stories. Topics covered in these monthly events consist of gender and sexuality, race and culture, religion and spirituality and international agendas.
This Saturday, Youth Misinterpreted will draw attention to mental health and will do so with young creatives by way of documentary and photography.
This is a free event and no booking is required, so just pop in and join the discussion!
For more information on Youth Misinterpreted, follow them on Facebook.
Pokémon Oceania International Championships
Friday, March 10 – Sunday, March 12| Melbourne Park Function Centre
Do you wanna be the very best, like no one ever was?
For your chance to be a Pokémon master, take part in the Pokémon Oceania International Competition this weekend!
Hosted by ESL Australia, a branch of the world’s largest e-sports organisation, players who consider themselves elite can compete for cash prizes by playing various Pokémon games such as the trading card game or the video games. Competitions vary in level and competitors will need to pay a fee in order to compete. Junior and Senior Divisions will require a $30 registration fee. Master division players will need to pay a $60 registration fee in order to compete.
Other side events are also being planned although the full schedule for it has yet to have been revealed.
For more information on the Pokémon Oceania International Competition, visit the competition’s official website to learn more.