Melbourne is the events capital of Australia, but sometimes it is easy to miss out on the gems because there are too many to choose from. Each week I want you to tell me where to go.

Send me to events, exhibitions, shows, local markets, and I will report back and provide you with details on what is worth checking out.

If you want to promote your event send me an email and I will promote it in the weekly blog. Email misseventful@3aw.com.au.

THIS WEEK’S RECOMMENDATIONS:

Melbourne Cup Parade

Monday, 5 November

Join the parade and hear the final word from the trainers and jockeys of Australia's most anticipated sporting event, the Emirates Melbourne Cup, at Fed Square.

The parade starts on Swanston Street at 12pm and concludes with the official Emirates Melbourne Cup Eve Media Conference on the Main Stage at 12.45pm.

melbournecup.com

Melbourne Cup Day Events

Tuesday, 6 November

If you can’t afford a ticket to the races or you just don’t like the crowds but you still want to take in the festivities there is lots to do around town.

If you’d prefer to go and see a movie about a past Melbourne Cup then head down to Southgate. They will be showing the film The Cup in their deckchair cinema and the best part is it’s free. The film starts at 8pm and to ensure you get a seat it’s best if you book tickets. Go to www.celebratesouthgate.com.au.

To celebrate the race that stops a nation, 29-year-old, hot-shot, English chef, John Lawson is hosting an exclusive Melbourne Cup day party at Mr Hive Kitchen & Bar complete with a decadent five course lunch and a take home photograph as a reminder of the day. The lunch starts at 12 and costs $95 per person for the five courses. There will also be large TV screens will be placed throughout the restaurant so that no punter misses a race.

Head down to the Wharf hotel at South Wharf, watch the race on one of their Plasma TV’s or just enjoy the view of the Yarra. They will also be having a Cup day after party and punters can jump on their free bus from the races if they want to come back for the party. There will be a DJ from 5pm and it’s all free. If you want more information contact Karen@wharfhotel.com.au.

Add a touch of French glam to your Melbourne Cup day with lunch at Mr Mason.
Begin with a glass of Veuve Clicquot and French canapes on the terrace, followed by a two–course meal in the restaurant. The big race will be live on the screen, plus there'll be sweeps and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot for best hat. The cost is $65 per person. Check out www.mrmason.com.au for more information.

Cup Day Carnival in Warragul

Tuesday, 6 November 11am – 4pm

If you live in the Warragul area and you are looking for an event the whole family can enjoy, head down to the Warragul Showgrounds. There will be kids running races, a gumboot throw, a jumpy castle, rides, face painting and a performance by the Victoria Police showband.

For more information contact Jenni on 0403 396 661

Hamer Hall’s 30th Birthday Open Day

Sunday 4 November 11am–2pm

If you missed out on the chance to check out Hamer Hall when it reopened in July, then now is the perfect opportunity to go and have a look. On the day there will be free tours, talks, entertainment and a photography competition.

At 11:30am Vicki Fairfax, author of historical book A Place Across The River, will re-tell the fascinating stories of the behind-the-scenes characters who created and constructed Hamer Hall.

At 1pm Ian McDougall, lead architect of the re-development and co- founder of Ashton Raggatt McDougall, will discuss the triumphs and challenges of his work complementing an original design and enhancing its existing features.

There will be short films of varying lengths playing continuously on screen in Hamer Hall Stalls Foyer throughout the day.

The Arts Centre market will take place from 10am–4pm and local artists and producers will fill Arts Centre’s lawn to showcase a variety of unique, handmade goods ranging from arts and crafts to freshly made delicacies.

artscentremelbourne.com.au

Taste of Melbourne

Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 November

From November 15-18 2012, the world’s greatest restaurant festival will be transported to Albert Park for the first time as Taste of Melbourne re-launches outdoors in the stunning lakeside location of Pelican Lawn for four days.

Fifteen of Melbourne’s best restaurants will fashion special menus of starter sized dishes for the occasion, including signature dishes created by chefs to specially reflect their philosophy and showcase seasonal and premium ingredients in an unbeatable alfresco gourmet setting.

Enjoy a feast for the senses with top chefs live in the Taste Kitchen and pick up hints and tips at interactive master classes. Plus over 100 producers provide a bounty of the best food and beverages, ensuring that visitors sample and shop for a range of produce in the laid back atmosphere of a boutique food market while soaking up amazing live entertainment.

www.tasteofmelbourne.com.au

Russian National Ballet Theatre – Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty

October 22- November 7

 

The Russian National Ballet Theatre is touring full-length classical performances of Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty in over 25 cities across Australia from September. The tour includes seven Victorian destinations Warragul, Moonee Ponds, Sale, Shepparton, Bendigo, Warrnambool and Ballarat.

With more than 50 ballet dancers, the Russian National Ballet Theatre has toured the USA, China, Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Guatemala, Poland, South Korea and Japan transforming Russian Ballet.

russiannationalballettheatre.com.au

HEPBURN SPRINGS SWISS AND ITALIAN FESTA

Tuesday 30 October - Sunday 4 November

 

 

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Hepburn Springs Swiss & Italian Festa.

For the 20th year, visitors and the communities of the Hepburn Shire will enjoy a six day multicultural festival highlighting the heritage of the settlers from Ticino in Switzerland and Northern Italy.

Some of the many highlights of the 2012 Swiss Italian Festa include: the Dulux Landscape Art Prize, circus shenanigans and pasta at the palais, the grand parade and family festa.

www.swissitalianfesta.com

The Greek Film Festival

17th October – 4th November

 

 

The 19th annual Greek Film Festival (GFF) opens in Melbourne on Wednesday 17th October with a program that will see more than 30 films screen at Palace Cinema Como over two weeks.

The Festival opens with the larger-than-life comedy Nisos 2 (The Island 2: The Hunt for the Lost Treasure), the sequel to the 2010 Greek Film Festival’s Opening Night film.

The 2012 program presents one of the strongest selections of contemporary Greek cinema the Festival has seen in recent years. Along with films from the establishing Greek Weird Wave are striking features direct from other international film festivals, a tribute to the late Theo Angelopoulos with a screening of Landscape in the Mist, and Tony Krawitz’ exacting and highly accomplished adaptation of Christos Tsiolkas’novel Dead Europe (pictured), which will close the Festival on Sunday 4th November after screenings at the Sydney, Melbourne and Toronto International Film Festivals.

www.greekfilmfestival.com.au

Hot Headliners at the Comic’s Lounge

17 October – 4 November

 

 

Australia's funniest are heading back to the clubs with the finest set of headliners to grace the club stages in years. Melbourne is famously home to the Comedy Festival but this is built off the back of a trailblazing club and pub scene that has made us the engine room of Australian comedy since the 1970's. Seeing comedians on a club stage is like seeing them in their native habitat.

Will Anderson, Dave Hughes and Adam Hills will take to the stage with their own hand-picked line up. Tickets cost $28

comedy.com.au

 Cobram High School Reunion

9-11 November

 

 

If you went to or taught at Cobram Senior High School between 1964 and present day, then you are invited to their reunion that will be held in November.

John Padgett on 0438773102