Hey, folks. So 2016’s been an interesting year so far, huh? If you’d have told my 2015 self about… well, any world event thus far, I would’ve had a good old laugh and told you to calm down on the neuroticism. However, now in the tenth month of this topsy-turvy year, we here at HCS want you to take your mind off the fact we may be facing a future with Donald Trump at the helm of the ‘free world’. So, before that potentially happens next month, Melbourne: here’s what to do this October around our fair city. Enjoy!
Oktoberfest
How could we write a list on the best things to do in October without mentioning the best fest in the west, the one named after the month itself – Oktoberfest? We may not be in Munich or Berlin, but if there’s beer, you can be sicher (that’s German for SURE) that Australia gets involved. So great is the appeal of Oktoberfest that there’s more than one to choose from. If you’ve missed tickets to the St. Kilda Foreshore event this weekend, check out Oktoberfest in the Gardens on the 22nd and 23rd in the CBD.
If you miss out on BOTH – firstly; shame on you – but secondly; I guess you’d be best to get down to Woolies for a six pack of Carltons, get your lederhosen out, YouTube some Oompa beats and drink your woes away. Or alternatively, scroll down for more awesome October events, of course.
#PROUST!
- When: 15th & 16th (St Kilda) or 22nd & 23rd (CBD) October
- Where: St Kilda Foreshore or Birrarung Marr, Melbourne CBD
- How much: Various prices depending on date, location and allocation
Rave of Thrones
If steins at the aforementioned best fest in the west aren’t your bag, baby – how about heading Westerosi this October? Rave of Thrones – a massive Game of Thrones themed party – is set to take Melbourne like Ramsay Bolton took Winterfell – complete with DJ Kristian Nairn (aka Hodor) spinning tunes (and holding the door 😥 ).
Don’t make a mistake bigger than Robb Stark did before the dreaded red wedding – get your tickets now.
- When: Friday 21st October
- Where: Trak, Trak Centre, Toorak, VIC 3142
- How much: $27.12 – $48.02
The Art of Banksy Exhibition
Who is Banksy? Supposedly no one knows, but what we do know that his work is iconic, and it’s in Melbourne now. Some of the more prominent pieces on display will include ‘Girl with Balloon’, ‘Flag Wall’ and ‘Laugh Now’ – so get down to Fed Square to vent your Trump rage and bemoan the end of times while indulging in some artistic political commentary.
The Paddock at Federation Square will also host a rotating roster of our favourite food trucks, alongside a variety of craft beers, summer cocktails and a huge line up of live music – just in case Banksy’s work isn’t enough for you… you heathens.
- When: Now – until Sunday the 22nd of January, 2017
- Where: The Paddock in Federation Square
- How much: $30 (general admission)
David Bowie: Nothing Has Changed
Bowie. What can we say? The genius that is the Starman is being paid the tribute he deserves by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra this month. Tim Rogers, iOTA, Steve Kilbey, Deborah Conway and Adalita join the Orchestra to musically celebrate Bowies influence – spanning his Ziggy Stardust era right up to his beautiful final record, Blackstar.
- When: 15th – 17th October
- Where: The Arts Centre, 100 St Kilda Rd, 3004
- How much: $79 – $109
Stanley Kubrick Fest
Speaking of genius, an innovative new film festival is coming to Melbourne, celebrating and screening all things Kubrick. Expect to see the likes of 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Dr. Strangelove, Eyes Wide Shut, Fear and Desire, Full Metal Jacket… and a whole lot more, with love from one of cinema’s most iconic auteurs.
- When: 6th-19th October
- Where: Cinema Nova
- How much: Various Prices
Melbourne Festival
That’s riiiight… the all-singing, all-dancing, iconic spectacular that is the Melbourne Festival is back for Melburnians to revel in. The Melbourne Festival is one of the most recognised international arts festivals, not only in Australia, but in the world – and for good reason. Nothing more needs to be said – find out for yourself! Check out the program here.
- When: 8th – 25th October
- Where: Various Locations in Melbourne
- How much: Various Prices
British Film Festival
Well ‘ello guv! The best of British cinema is set to hit Aussie shores this October, and we are proper excited to have a good Butchers at what’s on offer.
- When: 26th October – 16th November
- Where: Palace Cinema Como, Palace Balwyn and Palace Brighton Bay and the Astor
- How much: Various Prices
Dandenong Festival of Lights
The Dandenong festival of lights is number 8 on our list of what’s on in October here in our fair city. If colour, light, excitement, and good clean family fun is your idea of a good time, then this is for you.
- When: 11th September to 18th October 2015 (6pm – 10pm daily)
- Where: Greaves Reserve (Dandenong Showgrounds) – Dandenong, Melbourne
- How much: $20 (for an Adult ticket)
Melbourne Dumpling Festival
Psst. Did you hear that there is a dumpling festival coming to Melbourne this month, and if you get your name down in time, you get to fulfil all your dumpling desires… for free? As if that weren’t enough, you get to wash it down with free beer too. No, seriously – 206 Bourke Street is hosting the first Melbourne Dumpling Festival on Friday the 21st of October. Obviously, you can only sign up once, and you might want to do it soon.
If you miss out on the free tickets, despair not. You can still get involved, as the one-night festival will also hold a host of dumpling-making demos, calligraphy workshops and live music.
- When: Friday 21st October
- Where: Melbourne Dumpling Festival Pop Up – 206 Bourke Street
- How much: Free… if you’re quick
World Vegan Day
Veggies and vegans, rejoice! World Vegan Day is just around the corner, and to celebrate, the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds is set to provide us with all the best vegan fare, produce, products and services to be found. All welcome!
- When: Sunday 23 October 2016, 10am to 8pm
- Where: Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale,
- How much: Entry is free, however a gold coin donation would be happily accepted!
By Courtney White
