There are a number of community based activities in Melbourne during February, which provide plenty of excellent quality and free entertainment for the kids!
1. Remembering Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop
I didn’t know that The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne ran children’s activities! On Sunday 7 February at 2pm, they are having a free Children’s Storytelling session.
This is the ideal way to introduce children to the Shrine for the first time and to learn about the inspiring leadership of Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop’.
The Shrine of Remembrance is located on St Kilda Road, 1.3km south from Flinders Street Railway Station and Federation Square. The Visitor Centre can be accessed from Birdwood Avenue or by the Shrine via the northern steps. You can call 96618100 for further information.
We have a prior commitment on that date and wont be able to go, but I would love to hear some feedback on how the session was if you attend!
2. Express Media workshop: The Way To Blog
This workshop is presented by Karen Andrews, who many of you would know from her blog Miscellaneous Adventures of an Aussie Mum. (You can also follow Karen on Twitter. The workshop is being held at Signal. Signal is Melbourne’s first arts studio dedicated to people aged 13 to 20. The workshop will cover:
Learn how to make your blog stand out from the rest. Learn about what to write, how to get an audience and how to keep them.
It is on Wednesday 10 February, from 5pm – 7pm and is free! For bookings call (03) 9094 7890 or email info@expressmedia.org.au.
3. Sydney Road Street Party
The 2010 Sydney Rd Street Party is on Sunday 28 February, 12 noon – 7pm. The party runs along Sydney Road, from Union to Victoria Streets, Brunswick.
Nothing compares to the atmosphere and good vibe of the Sydney Road Street Party when the good citizens of Moreland reclaim the street for one of the biggest multicultural gatherings in Melbourne. It’s a genuine all-ages day, celebrating peace, understanding and cultural diversity. So come and join us for a day of music, song, dance, kids shows, street theatre, culinary delights from around the globe and market stalls to keep you attired, inspired and informed.
The Mudcakes will be playing at the Sydney Road Street Party (You can also follow The Mudcakes on Twitter.) The Mudcakes play organic adult friendly kids music, providing for lots of interaction for the kids (and parents!!). They will be appearing at the Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre from 1.00pm – 1.40pm and again at 3.00pm – 3.40pm (free).
4. St Kilda Festival
Turning 30 in 2010, St Kilda Festival is one of Australia’s best known and Melbourne’s most loved events. It utilises St Kilda’s stunning foreshore and celebrates the cream of Australia’s musical talents.
YALUKIT WILLAM NGARGEE: SATURDAY 6 FEBRUARY
LIVE N LOCAL: SUNDAY 7 – SATURDAY 13 FEBRUARY
FESTIVAL SUNDAY: SUNDAY 14 FEBRUARYSaturday 6 February is Yalukit Wilam Ngargee: People, Place Gathering, an outdoor Indigenous festival featuring music, dance, children’s activities and more that welcomes people to St Kilda for the week ahead, O’Donnell Gardens.
Check out the St Kilda Festival website for the full list of family based activities (all free!), some highlights include:
- Visual Feast Creations Recycled Art Workshops
- Bollywood Dance Performance
- Empress Stiltdance – Giant Butterfly
5. Whittlesea Country Music Festival
On Saturday 13 February as part of the Whittlesea Country Music Festival, they are hosting a Free Saturday Street Party. It will be located along Church Street, Whittlesea from 10am to 3pm. There will be free activities and entertainment for the whole kids and parents.
6. Sustainable Living Festival
The Main Event at Federation Square in the heart of Melbourne will continue to celebrate the very best examples of ecological and social sustainability. The event will fuse interactive workshops, talks, demonstrations, artworks, exhibits, films and live performances. In recognition of the climate situation, the Main Event will be inspired by the theme: Get Ready for the Safe Climate Decade!
The Sustainable Living Festival has a dedicated Children’s Program which includes activities like:
- Worm farming for pre-schoolers
- Human-powered Circus Workshop with Westside Circus workshop
- Eco-Moves for kids and families
7. Chinese New Year
2010 is the year of the tiger. The 2010 Australian Chinese New Year website lists events that are being held all around Australia. New Year itself is 14th February, but there are many events in the lead up to the Chinese New Year. Some Melbourne celebrations include:
- Richmond – 24 Jan 2010, Sun from 11am – 10pm, between Hoddle St and Church St. Richmond
- Box Hill – 13 Feb 2010, Sat from 10am – 11:30am, Box Hill Centro
- Box Hill – 13 Feb 2010, Sat from 3pm – 3am – Main Street (Box Hill Mall), junction of Whitehorse Road and Station Street to the corner of Whitehorse Road and Clisby Court, Box Hill
- China Town – 14 Feb 2010, Sun Chinese New Year 10am – 8pm, between Russell Street and Exhibition Street, Melbourne Chinatown
8. Birrarung Yarn
From a traditional Indigenous dance performance to learning about the Aboriginal flag, Birruarung Yarn brings Indigenous culture to children. Face painting featuring animals, tracks and symbols helps kids explore the meanings in Indigenous art and languages. For children three to 12 years.
Birruarung Yarn runs on Sundays from 17 January to 14 February 2010 from 10:30am – 12:30pm at Birrarung Marr, Batman Avenue, Melbourne.
9. Twilight Jazz – Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s Cruden Farm
McClelland Gallery ad Sculpture Park is a not-for-profit organisation and this Twilight Jazz evening is a key fundraiser. It is on Saturday, 6 February 2010 from 4pm – 8pm.
Cost: $15 (pre-purchase) / $20 (door) (children under 12 free)
Tickets available at McClelland Gallery + Sculpture Park 390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin – Bookings (03) 9789 1671FEATURING: The Frankston High School Senior Stage Band, directed by Leon de Bruin, The Jazz Doctors and The Hottentots with special guest Bob Sedergreen
DETAILS: Cruden Farm is on the corner of Cranbourne-Frankston & Cranhaven Roads, Langwarrin (Mel. Ref. 103 G6). Entry is only from Cranhaven Road, where there is ample parking in the grounds.
10. Circus Skills
Here’s your chance to run away and join the circus! Drop into Fed Square each Monday and try your hand at basic circus skills with experienced NICA trainers. These free, fun workshops are suitable for all ages.
Learn Circus With Nida is being held at Federations Square:
Dates: Every Monday from 18 January to 22 March.
Time: 12.00pm
Location: The Amphitheatre/ Upper Square
Contact details: Fed Square, +61 3 9655 1900
Further Information: nfo@fedsquare.com
Tickets: Free
Image by loop_oh