Ah, long weekends; that extra day of sleep-in, lounging on the couch or hanging out with friends and family. That satisfied feeling of knowing you can do whatever you want on a Sunday night and not have to partake in any commitments on the Monday. The story goes that long weekends were created by the public holiday gods in order to keep us mere mortals sane, so why not pay homage to them and appreciate your Labour Day weekend by checking out what’s on around you.
Donut and Beer Festival
Sunday 12th & Monday 13th
557 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne CBD
Yes, you’ve heard right – a donut and beer festival is coming to Melbourne. Donutfest Melbourne will be held at The Village and is a must-see this long weekend. Across two days, there will be plenty of donuts, beer, food, coffee and entertainment to keep you satiated. There will even be vegan and gluten-free donut options. You donut want to miss this one.
For more info, check out the website here.
Turkish Pazar Festival
Queen Victoria Market
For the 10th year in a row, the Turkish Pazar is returning to The Queen Victoria Market, featuring your favourite Turkish delights (other than the classic dessert of course). Expect foreign names like gozleme, borek and kumpir to be some of the authentic Turkish food you will inevitably try on the day. Alongside this, you can also expect traditional Turkish music, arts & culture and entertainment.
A Weekend In The Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens
If it’s music that tickles your fancy, then A Weekend In The Gardens is right up your alley. The live music event will be held in The Royal Botanic Gardens across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Conserve your voice as much as possible on Thursday, as Friday will see John Farnham, Daryl Braithwaite and Ross Wilson grace the stage, and we all know you can only belt your heart out when watching those iconic Australian singers.
For all the millennial’s out there, Saturday will feature the likes of Boy & Bear, San Cisco and Amy Shark. This is bound to be a goodie.
Lucky last – ICEHOUSE, James Reyne and Clare Bowditch will take centre stage on Sunday the 12th.
Tickets are currently on sale now, check out the website for all you need to know.
Hopscotch’s Labour Day Weekend Festivities
4/2 Riverside Quay, Southbank
From Saturday through to Monday, Hopscotch Bar and Restaurant in Southbank is offering live music on the Sunday and Monday, $4 hopsicles (we’re assuming they’re popsicles??) and will even have a DJ, Saturday 8pm onwards spinning some hot hits.
Have a look at what’s on offer here.
Port Phillip Mussel & Jazz Festival
South Melbourne Market
I don’t know about you, but I think a ‘seafood street party’ sounds pretty awesome. All kinds of food and music go well together, but a classy duo like mussels and jazz, has to be something pretty niche in our books. On Saturday and Sunday, the Port Phillip Mussel & Jazz Festival will take place at the South Melbourne Market from 12pm to late. It’s free entry and includes some amazing jazz acts, alongside even more entertainment. There will even be cooking demonstrations and a wide range of cuisines and their key seafood dishes.
New Orleans would be proud.
Moomba Festival 2017
10th-13th March, Melbourne CBD
And last but not least – MOOMBA IS FINALLY HERE.
Let your inner-child come out to play this Labour Day weekend at the annual Moomba festival. Indulge in those deep-fried, sugar-coated goodies and then proceed to partake in some roller disco, get your face painted or watch a puppet show.
For the adrenaline-junkies out there, you know you can’t resist a stomach-churning, heart-sinking ride – so why not purchase a Friday Ride Pass that includes unlimited rides between 6-9pm for $60?
For those of whom that are interested in having a more relaxing day at Moomba, you can watch the Birdman Rally, Listen to some amazing live music, enjoy a movie on the big screen or check out the skate and water-sports park – oh, and don’t miss the crowd-favourite Moomba Parade and Fireworks!
Have a great long weekend everyone!
Love, Hidden City Secrets.
By Nora Omar
