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The Finders Keepers 2018

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Melbourne is the final stop on the Finders Keepers Autumn / Winter 2018 tour, with the festival-feel market returning to The Royal Exhibition Building over three epic days, 13-15 July.

With extended shopping hours on Friday ‘day’, visitors can join the festivities from the new opening time of 12 noon on Friday 13th July and shop the day away until 9pm. Trading hours continue all weekend from 10am – 6pm Saturday 14th and 10am – 5pm Sunday 15th July.

Finders Keepers managing director and co-founder Sarah Thornton said there was no doubt the Melbourne Autumn/Winter event was the highlight of the Finders Keepers year.

“We love the fashion focus that comes with our Melbourne events, with so much local talent coming out of arguably Australia’s fashion capital,” Sarah Thornton said.

“Slow fashion lovers will be treated to the locally-made, up-cycled garments by Good Sport Australia who use salvaged, pre-loved kimonos, as well as the new ‘ethically made, gloriously worn’ collection from East Geelong-based Frank and Dolly’s.”

“Solomon Street will bring their ethical prints and textiles all made using recycled and natural materials, and we can’t wait to see what Melbourne favourite Gemma Patford has been creating.”

One of the most in-demand debut stalls in 2017, Magpie Goose are back with a stall three times the size as the Finders Keepers Artist Program recipient this Autumn Winter season.

Magpie Goose have worked in collaboration with Indigenous artist Bede Tungatalum on the distinguishable Tiwi Bird illustrations seen across this season’s national branding as well as their garments for sale all market weekend.

“Magpie Goose’s aims are twofold: to share and celebrate Aboriginal art, stories and culture through fashion, while creating economic and enterprise learning opportunities for Aboriginal people in remote Australia,” Magpie Goose co-founder Maggie McGowan said.

“We love the simple, classic make up of Bede’s Tiwi Bird design – it’s very powerful.”

Visitors use their $5 ticket across all three days at Finders Keepers blockbuster weekend. Come down to celebrate the very best and latest in the Australian art and design community, shop, enjoy some yummy food and soak up the live entertainment and art!

 

When: 12pm ~ 9pm on 13 July | 10am ~ 6pm on 14 July | 10am ~ 5pm on 15 July
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
More information: here.

WIN: a double pass to Boogie Nights Dance

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Competition now closed

Get your hips moving and hearts grooving Melbourne because the newly launched Boogie Nights Dance is here! If you have an obsession with the music and culture of the 70s and early 80s, this is the event for you! Only available for 6 weeks, on Tuesday evenings in July and August; Dancehouse will be fired up with fabulous satin magenta jumpsuits.

Here is your chance to boogie your winter nights away. We Know Melbourne has a double pass to giveaway. Enter via filling the form below and don’t forget to share this amazing news on Facebook. (Yes, we would love it if you can tag us @weknowmelbourne and ask your friends to follow us on social too!)

Competition closes on 24 July

Read more about the event here.

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Boogie your way into Melbourne Winter

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Melbourne is set for some serious night fever with the arrival of newly launched Boogie Nights Dance, a series of disco-inspired classes and workshops from professional dancer (and disco diva) Ally McNaughton.

Heavily focused on the music and moves from the halcyon days of disco, soul, boogie, funk and everything in between, all Boogie Nights Dance classes are designed to get everyone’s hips movin’ and hearts groovin’ with a few nifty manoeuvres and mini routines ideal for absolute beginners and disco aficionados alike. Professional singer, dancer and performer McNaughton encourages all her attendees ‘To let the music wrap you in it’s soulful embrace and help unleash your inner disco deity upon the world.’

Following a 6 week series of classes earlier in the year in Abbotsford, Boogie Nights Dance is getting geared up to get down again on Tuesday evenings this July – August with another 6 week series of casual classes at Dancehouse in Carlton North.

Talking about the birth of Boogie Nights Dance McNaughton says the concept came about out of a deep obsession with the music and culture of the 70s and early 80s combined with her incessant need to dance saying ‘I strongly believe that just having a big, hearty boogie is one of the most cathartic experiences a person can have.’

Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 – 8:45 pm, July 3rd – August 7th 2018. Be sure to bring a water bottle, comfy soft sole shoes, and a can-do disco attitude. Disco threads are highly encouraged yet optional. 

Your chance to win 1 double pass on us for 31 July or 7 August. Find out more here.

When: 7:30 – 8:45 pm, July 3rd – August 7th 2018
Where: Dancehouse, 150 Princes Street, Carlton North, 3054, Victoria.
Ticket: $18 for a single class or $90 for the whole 6 week series.
Purchase your tickets here: check their website.
More information: check their website.

Wild Nights at Werribee Open Range Zoo

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A must-do winter tradition, Wild Nights offers a range of awesome activities for all night owls, including dazzling fire shows, marshmallow toasting, late night animal spotting and a secret garden to discover.

Explore the African Trail by torchlight and spot animals along the way.  Listen out for the calls, squeaks and hoots of the night and watch for dancing shadows as nocturnal critters wake and get ready to start their ‘day’.

Head into the Bandicoot Hideout and introduce yourselves to some special, native nocturnal species, but remember to whisper – they’re just waking up!

Find your way to Ranger Kids which transforms itself into the amazing Glow Zone where you will be wowed by twirling, whirling spectacular fire dancers.

As the temperature drops, warm up with friends and family around a flickering camp fire toasting marshmallows or head to the Meerkat Bistro for a steaming cup of hot chocolate while mum and dad enjoy some mulled wine.

For the ultimate Wild Nights experience, upgrade your experience and book in for a special Dusk Safari Tour* across the African savannah. Listen to the sounds of the night as the sun sets, birds come in to roost and the animals settle in for the evening.

Keep warm under the big top and marvel as Cirque Africa* brings their exciting acrobatic performances to Wild Nights with their evening shows. There are limited tickets available so pre-bookings are essential so you don’t miss out.

Take in a Serval Presentation* and get up and personal in an African cat experience like no other.  Not only will you get to marvel at these amazing animals but you will also learn about their behaviours 

Rug up, pop on your gumboots, and bring along your torch and sense of adventure. Wild Nights at Werribee Open Range Zoo – there’s something for everyone to go wild about!

Tickets on sale now! 

When: 7 ~ 14 July 2018.
Where: Werribee Open Range Zoo
Tickets: Adult $35.00 | Child $7.00 | Adult Member $10.00 | Child Member $5.00
Purchase your tickets here.
More information: check their website.

Provocaré Festival 2018

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Internationally renowned contemporary artist, Spencer Tunick, will headline Chapel Street’s PROVOCARÉ 2018 Festival of the Arts. PROVOCARÉ will take over the Chapel Precinct from 5-15 July with its most revealing line-up of arts and entertainment yet.

Following a successful debut in 2017, PROVOCARÉ 2018 Festival Director John Lotton believes the festival will deliver on its promise to provoke, arouse, and challenge the senses of all that participate. “The performances and spectacles we have planned for PROVOCARÉ 2018 will be edgier than ever. The festival will be a reflection of our deeply rich and culturally diverse community.”

Spencer Tunick will create spectacular nude installations over two days at various locations across the precinct. Tunick is inviting brave Australians to register now to be part of his provocative new works at provocare.com.au/tunick.

One of Australia’s most in-demand contemporary artists, David Bromley, will be using luxury cars for the first time as his canvas during PROVOCARÉ. The Chapel Street local is giving the world’s most coveted cars the ultimate Bromley treatment. ‘Whatever You Dream’, will feature artworks on exclusive car brands such as Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Maserati, McLaren, Rolls Royce, and more.

Taking centre stage of the David Williamson Theatre will be the Queen of Kink, Bernie Dieter, who will be seducing audiences as the hostess of Club Provocaré. Expect a sensational cast of killer burlesque and cabaret acts from around the globe.

Events & Marketing Director Chrissie Maus believes Chapel Street’s PROVOCARÉ is guaranteed to be the perfect antidote to shed those winter blues. “I not only encourage you to join us as we celebrate this year’s festival, but also to take the time to explore the many unique cafes, bars, and retail businesses – all within walking distance of our events. Spend the day or the weekend on Chapel Street – there’s always plenty to see and do!”

When: 5 ~ 15 July
Where: Chapel Street Precinct Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
More information: check their website.

WIN: a double pass to Scandinavian Film Festival

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Competition now closed

Go North with the upcoming Scandinavian Film Festival this July with breathtaking contemporary Nordic films. The program features a selection of films from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland.

Founded in 2014, the Scandinavian Film Festival is now one of the fastest growing cultural film festivals in Australia. In 2017, 20 films exploring the culture, history and contemporary life of the Scandinavian and Nordic regions were screened to over 37,000 attendees nationally.

So movie lovers, here is your chance to win 1 x double pass to Scandinavian Film Festival. All you need to do is fill out the form below! Share the news on social and tag us @weknowmelbourne for a bigger chance to win. Don’t forget to tag a friend whom you’d like to take when sharing the post!

Competition closes on 11 July

Read more about the festival here.

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The Finest Après-Ski Lodge – Mont Plonk

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Mont Plonk; a complete alpine-themed takeover of Melbourne Public’s terrace, opens for its second season from 28 June – 26 August, promising an authentic après – ski experience slap – bang in the middle of Melbourne.

Having teamed up with Ugg Australia to provide fur blankets, sheepskin rugs, and deliciously cosy fire-pits – this urban ski lodge creates the true look and feel of an après-ski bar, despite being over 200km away from any hint of snow-kissed mountain caps.  

Featuring a selection of warming wintery offerings, passionate (après) skiers will keep toasty with mulled wine, boozy hot chocolate and hot toddys. Mont Plonk will also be home to an array of traditional food that wouldn’t be out of place on the Alps, with cheese fondues and bratwurst sausages. 

Owner of Melbourne Public, Alysha Darcy, can’t wait for this second season. “Mont Plonk was such a success last year that we are excited to see what our guests think of our new additions, including our dazzling new terrace bar.”

Access to Mont Plonk is free, but Melbournians will also have the opportunity to reserve tables by purchasing a ‘Group Ski Pass’. This pass includes a reserved table for the night, cheese fondue, bratwurst sausages, a choice of a wintery drink and some shots from the shot-skis (which are, quite literally, shot glasses attached to skis).

When: 28 June ~ 26 August 2018
Where: 11 Dukes Walk, South Wharf
More information: here.

Firelight Festival 2018

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An explosive weekend of fireworks, food, music and fun is set to draw thousands to Docklands as the annual Firelight Festival returns bigger and better in 2018.

City of Melbourne has announced a packed program of events and activities for opening weekend celebrations from 29 June to 1 July.

Chair of the Prosperous City portfolio, Councillor Kevin Louey, said this year’s event will be three times the size, after a spectacular debut in 2017 cemented the festival on the Docklands calendar.

“This year we’re thinking big, with all of Victoria Harbour set to be transformed into a warm and inviting stage,” Cr Louey said.

“We’ll have nightly pyrotechnics, flame jets, fire drums, roving performers and incredible musicians alongside some of the best food Melbourne has to offer.

“Three giant wooden sculptures will also be cast adrift in Victoria Harbour and set ablaze to create an amazing visual for festival goers. It’s all about giving Melburnians a warm and engaging event to help ease the chill of the winter solstice.”

Melbourne-based artist Christian Patton has been engaged for the second year to create the giant wooden sculptures, representing a sun dial, hand and sun god.

Fire breathers and fire twirlers will provide roving entertainment, alongside live music from a punked-out New Orleans brass band, jazz performers, Gypsy beats and a one-man band.

Firelight Festival Creative Director Gill Minervini said the winter solstice is a time for people to gather together and celebrate all that nature gives.

“Firelight Festival celebrates Melbourne’s winter and is a chance to rug up and get amongst a brilliantly eclectic range of musicians, performers and art. No two nights are the same, so be prepared,” Ms Minervini said.

“Nobody does winter like Melbourne and at Firelight Festival we celebrate everything that makes our winter hot! You don’t want to miss this, with bespoke performances, fireworks and the burning of giant sculptures on the water.”

While the Firelight Festival opening weekend is the main event, a range of epicurean activities will take place across Docklands throughout July.

A Speakeasy Series will invite Melburnians to experience some of Docklands most well-known haunts, while true Melbourne foodies will have plenty to choose from with Dining at Docklands and The Long Dinners series offering unique food experiences bursting with flavour.

Fireside Storytelling will also make a comeback, with special guest Jo Stanley telling stories from her literary series Play Like a Girl.

When: 29 June to 1 July 2018
Where: Docklands
More information: check their website.

The Music Gym opens at Melbourne’s Galleria

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Galleria is thrilled to announce an all new music hub in the heart of the CBD, The Music Gym officially launching on Make Music Day, 21 June.

Make Music Day is a worldwide phenomenon observed by hundreds of millions of people in 800 cities across 120 countries. The day brings people of all styles, ages and skill levels together to make and enjoy music, with 2018 the first year Australia is participating.

The Music Gym is the brainchild of Catherine Prifti, a music teacher of 21 years. Catherine has been immersed in the world of music for over two decades, working across Australia and Europe with her specialised skill set as a pianist, conductor and teacher.

The concept for a music gym came about after Catherine noticed that while many adults have a strong interest in learning and performing music, expensive instruments and costly private lessons stopped many from realising their passion.

Enter, The Music Gym: grown-ups only group classes with state-of-the-art instruments provided, at a convenient location where you can fit in a class during a lunch break or before or after work.

“I am so happy we have been able to realise this concept. There are so many people who will directly benefit from the ability to learn and practice music, whether it’s their dream to perform for a special occasion or just for general enjoyment and mental health,” says Catherine Prifti, founder and director of The Music Gym.

“Our space is like an urban oasis, an escape from the office grind for the busy CBD worker who may not enjoy the gym or any other traditional stress relievers.”

Music has been credited to be an extremely positive social activity for adults to engage in, particularly amongst office workers and employees. It offers the opportunity to network with others and boost productivity, while singing and listening to music have been proven to reduce stress levels.

Galleria is a bustling city corner of shops and eateries in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, on the corner of Elizabeth and Bourke Streets, opposite Bourke St Mall. Galleria Regional Centre Manager Lisa Fleming is proud to launch The Music Gym at their CBD location.

“The Music Gym will be a breath of fresh air for the city workers who frequent Galleria. It’s such a fun addition to our little corner of Melbourne, with a non-stop jam session going right by all the offices,” says Lisa. The Music Gym will offer voice, piano and guitar lessons, at affordable casual-session, 10-pack, 3-month, 6-month and 12- month subscription rates.

When: launching on 21 June, Thursday
Where: Galleria. E09 (Ground Floor). 385 Bourke St, Melbourne 3000 (Enter from 352 Little Collins)
More information: here.

WIN: tickets to The Magic Festival

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Competition now closed

As a magician might say, you don’t need to go to Disneyland to find where magic happens. The action is all here in Collingwood, Melbourne! After ten years at Northcote Town Hall, the festival is moving to Collingwood in 2018, finding a new, larger home in The Melba Speigeltent for first two weeks in July.

This year, we are thrilled to do some giveaways to three shows at The Melbourne Magic Festival. We know you’ll have a magical time and be wowed by all the acts. We have 1 x Family pass to Magic In The Dark (value of $100, show finishes on 7 July), 1 x Family pass to The Late Night Comedy, Magic & Something Ellis Show (value of $100) and 1 x Family pass to Dee Dee Darling’s Bubble Magic Show (value of $78). Enter the competition by filling the form below.

Don’t forget to share this miraculous news with your family and friends. Tag a someone whom you’d like to take on Facebook and tag us @weknowmelbourne and @MelbourneMagicFestival for a higher chance to win.

Competition closes on 4 July

Read more about the festival here.

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