One of 100 great things to do in Melbourne for under $10
the White Hat guide

Entertainment

Melbourne provides a great range of entertainment, and much of it is free or inexpensive.

For live shows and concerts you can try Half Tix (or is it HalfTix?) at the Melbourne Town Hall. They have reduced priced tickets on the day of the performance only. Tickets must be purchased in person on the day at their limited opening hours and are cash only  You can usually find some free gigs somewhere, and there are always plenty of free arts activities.

Perhaps the most obvious icon of this free entertainment is the Sidney-Myer Music Bowl. During Summer and Autumn you can lie under the stars and enjoy a symphony concert, ballet, opera or a variety of other entertainments. The entertainment is usually free. We recommend that you arrive early with a rug to spread on the grass and armed with some cheap champagne and delicacies and nibbles from one of the great delicatessens or markets around Melbourne. If the weather is kind you cannot help but feel good to be alive.

Melbourne's pubs (hotels) have nurtured some of the best rock bands this country has produced. If you can make two beers last all night, you can experience world class entertainment for under $10.

Melbourne's free-to-air television usually features some larrikin live shows that could have grown up nowhere else in the world. Because they are live and spontaneous, they can vary between dreadful and inspired. The tradition was probably founded by Graham Kennedy's In Melbourne Tonight, nurtured by shows like League Teams, and continues with programs such as The Footy Show. Give them a try. You'll either love them or hate them. If you're American, you'll certainly be confused. But they are very, very Melbourne.

You can find many buskers and street entertainers in Melbourne. And then there are the people who entertain by their very nature - you'll find them in pubs, on trams, in the foyer of concerts and in the streets.

You don't have to be rich to be entertained at the highest level in Melbourne. There is one major exception - if you prefer commercial entertainment, expect to pay commercial prices.

Free Guided Tour of Royal Park A free one hour guided walking tour through the south of Royal Park. Find out about the indigenous plants of this area and the rich history of Walmsley House. Bookings essential. Phone (03) 9388 9722. Please note these tours are not operated by White Hat Tours. Therefore White Hat vouchers and rewards cannot be used, they cannot be used as part of White Hat corporate training packages and our usual guarantees regarding White Hat Accredited Guides and other tour benefits do not apply. 10am, Wednesdays Royal Park - Free

Free Guided Tour of Fitzroy Gardens A free one hour guided walking tour through this formal garden highlighting its rich history. Bookings are not required. The tour leaves from the Conservatory. Please note these tours are not operated by White Hat Tours. Therefore White Hat vouchers and rewards cannot be used, they cannot be used as part of White Hat corporate training packages and our usual guarantees regarding White Hat Accredited Guides and other tour benefits do not apply. 12.30pm, Wednesdays Fitzroy Gardens - Free

Jazz in the Gardens Did you miss this event? Then subscribe to our free email newsletter to receive advance notice of events such as this one. White Hat has kept its subscribers Informed since last century and has long become a Melbourne Institution for those Intelligent and Independent souls prepared to look beyond the bounds of either the mainstream -commercial or mainstream-alternative marketing machines. (However, be warned that we can occasionally be a little Irreverent.)   Bring a picnic and rug and relax with the cool sounds of Jazz in the Gardens with the Stonnington Gardens Jazz Showband led by the very talented Bob Sedergreen and special guests, including Geoff Achison, Jerome Smith, David Ruiz, Julie O’Hara, Eamon McNelis, Michelle Nicolle, Geoff Allan, Paul Williamson and Chantal Mitvalsky. Sunday 10th January, 6pm at Victoria Gardens, High Street, Prahran Sunday 17th January, 6pm at Princes Gardens, Malvern Road, Prahran Tuesday 2th6 January, 6pm at Malvern Gardens, High Street, Malvern Sunday 31st January, 5.30pm at Central Park, Corner Burke and Wattletree Road Malvern East - Free Enquiries: (03) 8290 1333

Children’s activities -Fairy Fanfare Did you miss this event? Then subscribe to our free email newsletter to receive advance notice of events such as this one. White Hat has kept its subscribers Informed since last century and has long become a Melbourne Institution for those Intelligent and Independent souls prepared to look beyond the bounds of either the mainstream -commercial or mainstream-alternative marketing machines. (However, be warned that we can occasionally be a little Irreverent.)   Acrobatics and fabulous fairy antics for both boys and girls. Come dressed in your most fantastic costume and get ready to join in the song and dance fun. A popular event for families. Enjoy a free guided tour of historic Cooks' Cottage. Tours depart at 9.15am on Fairy Fanfare performance days. Bookings essential for the Cooks' Cottage tour (9658 9658). Daily from Saturday 16 January to Sunday 31 January 2010 Two shows each day at 10am and noon Fitzroy Gardens - Free but bookings required Enquiries: (03) 9658 9658

Fairfield Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series Fairfield Amphitheatre comes alive again this February with the Summer Series Concerts every Sunday evening.Kick back and relax with a picnic supper at these weekly, family-friendly, free outdoor shows whilst you enjoy music from all over the globe, but don’t forget to bring a cushion and a hat. Refreshments will be on sale on the day or BYO 5pm to 7.30pm, Sundays in February 2010 Fairfield Amphitheatre, Fairfield Park - (Mel ref 30 J12) Free Enquiries: 1800 010 069

MIFF on Deckchairs Enjoy the very best of the Melbourne International Arts Festival this Summer with free weekly screenings on the Big Screen Fed Square. Pull up a deckchair, kick off your thongs and enjoy a selection MIFF favourites under the stars. The September Issue Thursday 18 February, 7pm; R.J. Cutler / 88 mins / English language (PG) - An engrossing glimpse into the life of Vogue Editor, Anna Wintour and the glamour of the fashion biz. Asterix at the Olympic Games Thursday 25 February, 7pm; Frédéric Forestier & Thomas Langmann / 116 mins / French and Portuguese language (PG) - Asterix and Obelix once again take on the entire Roman Empire in this brilliant, big budget spectacle with a star-studded cast and cameos from major sports stars. Still Walking Thursday 4 March 7pm; D. Hirokazu Kore-eda/ 114mins / Japanese with English subtitles - One of the great humanists of Japanese cinema, Hirokazu Kore-eda here continues his dissection of the themes of memory, death and loss. The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls Thursday 11 March, 7pm; Leanne Pooley / 84 mins / English language (PG) - An engrossing history of New Zealand's struggle through 25 years of seismic social change, seen through the eyes of the irrepressible Topp twins. 7pm Thursdays 18th Feb to 11th March 2010 Federation Square - Free

Music for the People Music For The People: Let Them Eat Cake. An afternoon of musical treats and cultural sweets. Visitors to this year’s 22nd annual Brunswick Music Festival’s free opening event, are guaranteed to have their music and eat cake too, with an afternoon of free entertainment. Featuring: Josh Owen Band, Kutcha Edwards, Jessie Lloyd, Peter Rotumah, Sol Nation 12noon to 4.30pm, Saturday 27th February 2010 Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell Street, Coburg - Free Enquiries: (03) 9240 1111

RAAF Air Pageant The RAAF Museum’s biennial Air Pageant is on again! Gates open at 9:00am Flying commences at 1:00pm Aircraft will include: Mustangs, Kittyhawk, Sabre, Winjeel, Tiger Moths, DC3s, Vampire, Sea Fury, Wirraway, Boomerang, Spitfire and many more..... Food Outlets, Souvenirs & Ground Displays. Admission is free but visitors over 16 will need photo ID to enter the RAAF Base. White Hat can recommend this event as a great low cost day out for the family. Our rating: Five Hats gates open 9am, Sunday 28th February 2010 RAAF Museum, Point Cook - Free

12TH Annual Over The Fence Short Film Festival Australia’s cheekiest and funniest film festival is bringing its joyful love of comedy back for the 12th time, and Northcote Town Hall is proud to once again host an exciting night of festival highlights. After viewing more than 150 short comedy films from all over the world, we have created an absolute corker of a program, consisting of 11 wicked films. The films will be screened on the great big outdoor screen in the Civic Square. Seating will be provided, but feel free to bring your own favourite chair or blanket, and a picnic dinner and drinks. Come along rain or shine. In the event of bad weather, the films will be screened in our Main Hall. All films are G rated and suitable for children and families. 8pm, Saturday 6th March 2010 Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote - Free

Melbourne Tramways Band Concert Come along and enjoy the free 'Stage Sensations' concert in Wattle Park as part of the popular Melbourne Tramways Band concert series. Bring a picnic to share with family and friends and enjoy a Sunday afternoon in the park. (Please note - this event may be cancelled in the evnt of bad weather) 2.30pm to 4pm, Sunday 14th March 2010 Wattle Park - Free Enquiries: 13 1963

Melbourne Tramways Band Concert Come along and enjoy the free 'Spirit og ANZAC' concert in Wattle Park as part of the popular Melbourne Tramways Band concert series. Bring a picnic to share with family and friends and enjoy a Sunday afternoon in the park.(Please note - this event may be cancelled in the evnt of bad weather) 2.30pm to 4pm, Sunday 18th April 2010 Wattle Park - Free Enquiries: 13 1963

See also:

• Events in Country Victoria
• Festivals in Melbourne

• Events in Australia

If your budget runs to more than $10 you may wish to check out our listing of other Melbourne Events.

Related Australian Television links

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