What’s On? October 2019

KAWS: Companionship in the Age of LonelinessNOW SHOWING, NGV International

This dedicated playful children’s exhibition created by the New York artist known as KAWS introduces promising young artists of today to his creative approach and artistic methods of integrating pop culture into his work. Starring KAWS’s character BFF, KAWS: PLAYTIME is a rich sensory experience welcoming kids and families into BFF’s world. Young visitors are invited to nestle into cosy nooks, explore and play. KAWS’s sculptures of his characters are filled with human feeling and emotion such as loneliness and embarrassment. For young visitors, this touchscreen interactive featuring BFF tells a tale about feelings and the importance of friends and asks children to draw a friend for BFF. Finished drawings can then be shared with friends and family. Young visitors receive their own kit containing a pop-up surprise and a special set of alphabet stickers drawn by KAWS which can be taken home and displayed proudly. 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Victoria, 3006.  (03) 8620 2222.

Melbourne International Arts FestivalOctober 2-10

Melbourne International Arts Festival is one of Australia's leading international arts festivals and has an outstanding reputation for presenting unique international and Australian events in the fields of dance, theatre, music, visual arts, multimedia, free and outdoor events over 17 days each October. Provoking and inspiring, Melbourne International Arts Festival seeks to connect art forms, people and ideas. At the heart of Melbourne's culture of creativity, we curate unique experiences that bring people together and break new ground in culture and the arts. Various locations across Melbourne.

Marysville Jazz and Blues Weekend18-20 October

The much-loved Marysville Jazz and Blues Weekend will take place this year on October 18-20. Featuring Vika and Linda Bull and Karen Lee Andrews aka Ms Murphy and more acts to be announced. More than 40 performances, workshops, community concerts and much more, there is something for everyone at the Marysville Jazz and Blues Weekend. This festival is perfect for anyone looking for a picturesque weekend away with friends and family, filled with amazing performances and break from the daily grind. Visitors to this much-loved weekend of music can soak up the jazz and blues atmosphere throughout the village, in cafes, restaurants and bars. So why not stay the weekend or longer to enjoy and explore the Marysville region and the Yarra Ranges. Marysville Community Centre, 15 Falls Rd, Marysville, Victoria, 3779.  0409 289 134.

Yarra Valley Opera Festival18-27 October

Gertrude Opera presents Australia’s only opera festival of opera across ten days in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. Surrounded by the rustic charm of a working farm at Olinda Yarra, Yering , the Yarra Valley Opera Festival puts the audience at its heart: it exists to move visitors with thrilling stories, superb music and astounding voices. Held in an intimate 250 seat pop-up theatre with tiered seating, let the story, music and voices reverberate acoustically around patrons, with brilliant sets, lighting, and costumes a visual feast. View a specially commissioned local artist exhibition and cavort with the farm animals as the stage is set at Australia's only opera festival. Olinda Yarra, 17/19 MacIntyre Ln, Yering, Victoria, 3770.  0419 631 713.

Tastes of the Goulburn19 October

Celebrate the Goulbourn River Valley’s wonderful natural attributes and incredible local produce as visitors take their tastebuds on a trip around the Goulburn Valley. Winemakers, brewers, restaurateurs, producers, distillers, growers, chef’s and musicians jam-pack Seymour’s heritage lined Station Street to showcase their produce and talents. Discover new products and flavours, meet the producers, talk to the winemakers and be inspired by our celebrity chef demonstrations to cook with seasonal and local food at home. All exhibitors are from the Goulburn Valley Region including Mitchell Shire, the Upper Goulburn, Nagambie Lakes, Strathbogie Shire and Greater Shepparton Regions. Station St, Seymour, Victoria, 3660.

Open House Bendigo26-27 October

The inaugural Open House Bendigo Weekend has returned for 2019. Boasting 27 buildings – plus walking tours, film screenings and a program of talks – will for the first time extend beyond central Bendigo to include Eaglehawk and a satellite program in Castlemaine. Make the most of this diverse program and stay for the Weekend. Visitors will be able access outstanding private homes, significant heritage redevelopments including the 1872 Beehive Building at Bendigo Mining Exchange, collectively the Eaglehawk Heritage Precinct and Koorork House II created by e+ architecture. Various venues across Bendigo.

The Australian Ballet presents Ballet Under the Stars26 October

The Australian Ballet this year moves to Lardner Park where it will be staging its full-length audience-favourite production of Giselle for a crowd of around 10,000 people as part of its annual Ballet Under the Stars event. Giselle is a masterpiece complete with a timeless tragic love story with a supernatural edge in a chilling second act, with the ghostly Wilis. filling the stage. The performance starts at 7.30pm but gates open at 4pm, get there early to guarantee maximise prime picnic and viewing position. Bring family and friends, pre-order a Taste of Gippsland gourmet hamper and enjoy the beautiful Latrobe Valley surrounds while experiencing breathtaking dancing and flowing white tutus. 155 Burnt Store Rd, Lardner, Victoria, 3820. 

Day of the Dead Cactus Country26 October

Dia De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican holiday honouring the dead. Dating back to the Aztecs, family and friends gather to remember those who have died. The holiday is about celebrating the souls and spirits that live on, a celebration of life itself. Traditions of the celebration include sugar skulls, private alters, marigolds and favourite food and drinks. This year the Day of the Dead celebration at Cactus Country will be the best yet with an experiential food and entertainment night set amongst the incredible 12-acre Cactus Garden. There will be delicious food, too much tequila and a few other surprises to share. 4986 Murray Valley Hwy, Strathmerton, Victoria, 3641.  0427 745 271.

Rayner’s Blossom SeasonOPEN NOW until 31 October

What better way to herald a springtime celebration than through visiting Rayner's Orchard's farm. The orchard has burst into colourful bloom with the peach, nectarine, apricot and plum trees blooming into different shades of pink and white. This time of the year, the farm is a photographer's paradise, creating hundreds of opportunities for the budding happy snapper to take some beautiful memories of a visit to the orchard. 60 Schoolhouse Rd, Woori Yallock, Victoria, 3139.  (03) 5964 7654.

David Hockney: Prints 5 October – 1 December

David Hockney is considered one of the most influential British artists of the 20th century and an important contributor to the pop art movement of the 1960s. This touring exhibition is exclusive to the Mornington Peninsular Regional Gallery for Victoria. It highlights his talents as one of the greatest printmakers of our time and is a thrilling insight into the mind of an iconic artist still searching for new ways of seeing. The exhibition is drawn from the National Gallery of Australia’s extensive collection, presenting over 80 works from 1961 to the present day including prints developed using lithography and etching, photocopiers and fax machines, and more recently, iPhones and iPads. A truly international artist, David Hockney has always demonstrated a profound visual curiosity and desire to surprise, shock and entertain. Civic Reserve, Dunns Rd, Mornington, Victoria, 3931.  (03) 5950 1580.

Holey Cheese Festival22,24,25,26,27 October

Cheese devotes get excited, the Holey Cheese Festival is returning to Queen Vic Market for a week of cheese, wine and music. Follow the famous Foodie Tour trail through the historic Market food halls as visitors learn about cheese and all its glory with our very own cheese specialist tour guide. Sample some of Victoria’s best hard, soft, blue, white, fresh and aged rinds from Market traders alongside vegan cheese, fresh and crusty bread from Market traders and local producers. To round off the cheesy celebration, visitors can quench their thirst at the Good-a-Bar with a cheese-themed cocktail – think an Old Fashioned paired with smoked Gouda. Queen St, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.  (03) 9320 5822.