Web White Hat

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter 'Great Things to do in Melbourne - the White Hat guide'

Submit an event, attraction or venue to be considered for listing on this website.

 

See also:

Indian Festival - Diwali Fair

Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Sandown Race Course. Full details at AIII website
Sunday 28th October 2012

Sandown Racecourse -

Enquiries: 0403 337 142
  White Hat  
   

Fairfield Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series

White Hat always looks forward to the free Sunday world music concerts at the Fairfield Amphitheatre during February. We suggest you get together with family and friends, bring a blanket or cushion and your own food creations suited to a lazy Sunday afternoon.

5pm to 7.30pm, Sundays in February 2013

Fairfield Amphitheatre, Fairfield Park, Heidelberg Road, Fairfield -

Free
  White Hat  
   

10th Biennial Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Show & Cultural Festival 2011

The richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia will be on display at the Biennial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Show and Cultural Festival
September 2013 ?

St Aidans, 11 Ruthven St, Corinda -

  White Hat  
   

National Celtic Festival

Celebrating the culture of the Irish, Welsh, Scottish, Cornish and other Celtic peoples with music, food, literature, theatre, dance, art and craft
8th to 10th June 2013 (tbc)

Portarlington -

Enquiries: (03) 5241 2499
  White Hat  
   

Dutch Orange Day

An annual celebration of Dutch Orange Day
April 2014 ? Queensbridge Square

Kellybrook Cider Festival

Celebrating cider and all things from the west of England. Morris dancers, folk music, ploughman and squatters lunches. Sales and tastings of fresh apple juice, cider and scrumpy and information on making your own cider. White Hat notes that no BYO alcohol is allowed (which is what you would expect at a winery) but that also no picnics or BYO food is allowed so that may make quite a differebce if you were planning to take a family along inFull information at Kellybrook Cider Festival
May 2014 ? Fulford Road, Wonga Park

La Plaza de Mercado

The organisers claim that La Plaza de Mercado is now Melbourne’s premier Latin American and Spanish cultural festival. The Queen Victoria Market will host the "market within a market”. In its fifth year, this unique event celebrates Spanish and Latin American culture with an exotic entertainment program of music, dance & market stalls of traditional handicrafts, fashion & delicious food.
April 2012 ? Queen Victoria Market

Chahar Shanbeh Soori (Festival of Fire)

Norooz - Iraninan New Year - is celebrated around the 19th of March every year. On the Tuesday night before New Year we picnic and jump over bonfires to celebrate the coming of Spring in Iran.
March 2012 ? Ruffey Lake Park (George Park), Doncaster

Darebin Greek Festival

A festival celebrating Greek food, music and culture presented by the Greek Community of Northcote and Dartebin.
February 2012 ? Johnston Park, Bastings Road, Northcote

Coburg Greek Festival

The Coburg Greek Church celebrates its name with the community by providing a Greek Festival. This is an occassion for both members of the Greek Church community and the Moreland community in general
February 2013 ? Coburg Lake Reserve, Murray Rd Coburg

Springvale Lunar New Year Festival

Organised by the Springvale Asian Business Association, and supported by the City of Greater Dandenong, the Lunar New Year Festival features a variety of traditional events and activities for all, including: Lion and dragon dances; Martial arts displays; Vietnamese and Khmer folk dancing; Fire crackers; Asian food stalls; Games and rides; Children’s magic shows;Activities for all the family.
January 2012 ? Cnr. Buckingham & Belmoral Aves, Springvale

Croatian Festival

A festival celebrating Croatian culture. Join the Victorian Croatian community for a celebration of Croatian customs and traditions at this one day festival. Enjoy music and dance performances, including Croatian folklore dancing, admire traditional Croatian dress, observe cooking demonstrations and taste the exciting flavours of Croatian cuisine.
June 2012 ? Immigration Museum

Blessing of the Waters

The traditional ceremony of Blessing of the Waters which includes the ritual of young people diving into the waters to retrieve a crucifix.
January 2013 ? Station Pier

Anatolian Culture and Arts Festival

The taste of Anatolia comes alive once again at the Federation Square, Melbourne on 4-5 February 2012. The event will include live concerts from international and local artists, live art exhibitions, folk dances, whirling dervishes, oil wrestling, and replicas of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, Ottoman and Seljuk gates and the most popular Trojan Horse. It is an event for the whole family and everyone is invited. Come and join us celebrate the Anatolian Festival with exotic cuisines from the Anatolian kitchen. Istanbul Culture and Arts Centre in collaboration with Melbourne International Business Association invites all Melbournians and to participate in this family event that attracts more than 50,000 visitors.
February 2013 ? Federation Square

Buddha's Day Multicultural Festival

The 17th annual Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival at Federation Square celebrates the Buddha’s Birthday and Melbourne’s distinct inclusive and culturally diverse community. Victoria’s largest Buddhist festival features Buddhist traditions, ceremonies, events and activities for all ages.
May 2012 ? Federation Square

Holland Festival

The Annual Dutch Festival celebrates all things Dutch and associated with Holland and has stalls, entertainment and activities.
February 2014 ? Sandown Racecourse, 591-659 Princes Hwy Springvale

Annual Thai Culture and Food Festival - Songkran

Come and join the Thai Community celebrate Thai New Year.
March 2012 ? Federation Square

Victoria Street Lunar New Years Festival

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at this festival on Victoria Street. Enjoy the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese culture. Two stages featuring Chinese and Vietnamese Opera, Karaoke, fashion parades and bands.
January 2014 ? Victoria Street (between Hoddle & Church Streets), Richmond

Full Moon Festival

The traditional Vietnamese children's lantern festival.
Footscray CBD

Hispanic Latin American Festival (Johnston Street Fiesta)

Sexy and vibrant, Johnson Street’s Fiesta promises more kick than a tequila sunrise. Every year thousands of Melburnians are lured to Fitzroy for a weekend fiesta of food, music and dancing. The street is lined with stalls serving paella, chorizo sausages, sangria, tapas and other taste sensations. A giant stage offers entertainment for all ages. ( Please note - This festival has previously been known as the Spanish Festival or Hispanic Festival. )
November 2013 ? Johnston Street (between Nicholson & Brunswick Streets, Fitzroy

Japan Festival

The 11th Japan Festival organised by Japan Club of Victoria will be held at Box Hill on Sunday, May 16th 2010. The venue for the Japan Festival is the Town Hall which has been newly renovated this year. The TAFE Car Park will be the location of the food court, where visitors can try many Japanese foods.
May 2012 ?

Osaka Festival

Take part in a traditional tea ceremony, try on a kimono or enjoy interactive Japanese dancing and music. Fun for the entire family with children’s activities and games as well as a chance to experience the taste of Osaka with traditional foods on offer. This year’s festival will see an eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese music and culture. With special thanks to the Japan Club of Victoria.
February 2012 ? Treasury Gardens

Melbourne Latin Summer Festival

Melbourne Latin Summer Festival is a multicultural festival, free event in the heart of Melbourne that focus purely on varying aspects and different contributions of Latin Culture within Melbourne and Victoria. The event has been created to include all categories and genres of entertainment from Latin America including but not limited to;

  • Cuisine, Art
  • Kids Area
  • Night Life {Bar/Fonda Atmosphere(s)}
  • Family Entertainment/Activities

as well as differing hand crafts, jewellery, educational and other stalls will be exhibited at the festival.

February 2014 ? Federation Square

Anatolian Alevi Festival

Anatolian Alevi Festival celebrates the culture of Anatolia giving Melbournians chance to experience elements of Anatolian music/dance, heritage/culture of Alevis. Allows communities to bring cultural exhibition focusing on showcasing their culture through traditional dance/ music, which is the common language of all cultures, along with Alevi cultural practices and beliefs.
November 2013 Coburg Lake Reserve, Coburg

Japanese Summer Festival

When White Hat attended last year's Japanese Summer Festival, or Natsu Matsuri (the celebration of Japanese culture and traditions) we were part of a crowd of over 10,000 in the ideal location of Docklands in Melbourne.

Japanese Summer Festival at Docklands from White Hat on Vimeo.

The Natsu Matsuri is a festival held right across Japan and the Melbourne version will include a huge Bon Odori, the dance which is a traditional part of the Summer Festival. The dance is easy to learn and anyone is welcome to join in. The Natsu Matsuri is famous for its carnival atmosphere and the event will feature many terrific performances including a taiko drumming display. A raffle will also be held on the day with a wide range of prizes including a return trip for two to Japan!

This is a great chance to experience a traditional Japanese festival and to celebrate Melbourne's vibrant multiculturalism. With lots of Japanese food and drink stalls and a fantastic atmosphere, the Natsu Matsuri is an event not to be missed for Japanese people living in Melbourne or for those with a love of Japan and its culture.

Our rating - 4 Hats

Hat Hat Hat Hat  
February 2014 ? Waterfront City Piazza, Docklands

Peruvian Festival

A host of Peruvian food and entertainment, There will be a children's parade featuring the various costumes of the departments of Peru and entertainment from the best Peruvian folklore groups in Australia from both Melbourne and Sydney. Peruvian Food from 2pm to 7:30 pm  with Peruvian Folklore Show at BMW Edge from 6pm to 7:30pm. Full information at Peruvian Festival
September 2014 ? Federation Square

Timor-Leste Festival

Celebrate the diversity and rich culture of the East Timorese people with the third annual Timor-Leste Culture and Food Festival. Featuring traditional dance, music, and Timorese inspired food.
February 2013 ? Queen Victoria Market

Melbourne Chinese New Year Celebrations

The annual Chinese New Year celbrations in Melbourne's Chinatown. The parade starts at 12.30 in Little Bourke Street and there will be stalls, dragons firecrackers and all the excitement of welcoming in the Year of the Snake.
February 201$ ? Chinatown, Melbourne

La Faya Festival

La Faya, meaning to party is set to do just that! In 2010, this colourful & exotic community festival will be taking place at Federation Square. A celebration of Cultural Diversity in harmony. Join us for this special community event organised by a dedicated team of volunteers and supporters showcasing the rich & colourful culture of people from the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues and Seychelles & other communities in Victoria. The programme will include:

  • The History of Migration & Settlement of Mauritians & Rodriguans in Victoria Exhibition
  • Down Memory Lane - display of historical photographs
  • Talks, cultural workshops and traditional games
  • A variety of exotic, traditional and contemporary songs and dance
  • A Kids Corner and a Health Corner • Food Stalls selling traditional delicacies and more.

The La Faya Variety Concert will be held inside BMW Edge from 7.00pm. In order to help CHARM cover any shortfalls of festival expenses there will be a charge of $5 per adult over 15, under 15 free, to attend the concert. Note on pricing

March 2012 ? Federation Square

Ventana Latina Festival

A lively Latin Festival (is there any other sort?) held annually in Frankston. Ventana Latina is a boutique fiesta that provides an intimate and authentic experience of Latin American dance, music, food, art, crafts, poetry and more.
Saturday March 2012 ? Bayside Entertainment Centre, Wells Street, Frankston

Hawkers' Bazaar

An annual event on the banks of the Yarra to celebrate Chinese New Year is the Hawkers’ Bazaar, featuring traditional Asian food and merchandise stalls, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment and spectacular firework displays on Saturday and Sunday nights.
  • Live entertainment on two stages
  • Asian dancers and musicians including the Dragon Tenors and fire dancers
  • Enjoy Asian delicacies or learn the secrets of Asian cooking with demonstrations
  • Chinese New Year decorations
  • Chinese tea making
  • Feng Shui and fortune telling
  • Roving entertainment along the Riverwalk
  • Animal Farm, arts and craft workshops and face painting for children
  • Traditional Chinese arts and crafts including Chinese calligraphy
  • Tommy Chung, the Noodle Man
  • Annual Karaoke competition

Fireworks at 9.30pm on Saturday and 10.45pm on Sunday

February 2014 ? Riverwalk outside Crown Casino

The Piers Festival

The second Piers Festival is a celebration of cultural diversity that reflects the rich history of Melbourne's ports precinct. From the goldrush to wartime, from post-war migration to cruise shipping, Station & Princes Piers have played a pivotal role in Victoria's growth and offered a gateway to the diversity of cultures that enrich our community.

  • 2 - 5pm: SONGS & STORIES STAGE Hosted by Vasili (from Vasili's Garden) Enjoy some of Melbourne's finest harmonies from culturally diverse artists and communities including: The Austrian Choir - Danny Spooner - Young At Heart Choir - The Russian Senior Citizens Choir - Valanga Khoza - The Melbourne Samoan Choir - The Lost Clog Lithuanian Choir.
  • 2 - 5pm: MIGRATION FORUMS Hosted by Diana Nguyen Did you or your parents arrives as migrants? Hear some incredible stories that draw out the universal experience of the migrant with guest spearkers from some of Melbourne's key migrant communities. Forums will be held upstairs in the historic Princes Pier gatehouse at 2-3pm and 3:30 - 4:30pm
  • 2 - 6pm: CULTURAL BOATS Discover beautifully decorated, cultural baots and their strong connection to spirit and community. Boats will be rowed in and displayed at the Beacon Cove beach beside Princes Pier. MAORI WAKA: An 8 metre, hand carved canoe traditionally called Te Karangatahi, meaning voice of the people. HMAS CEREBRUS NAVY DRAGONBOAT: An 8 metre racing canoe with dragon head and tail that originated in China over 2000 years ago.
  • 5 - 9:30pm: MAINSTAGE CULTURAL CONCERT & FIREWORKS Hosted by Carmelina Guglielmo
  • 5:00 Chinese Dragon Dance 5:05 Welcome to Country 5:10 Uncle Herb Patten - renowned gumleaf player 5:15 Dalouna - Lebanese dabke youth dance 5:30 Meyhane - Greek and Anatolian music 6:05 Manasis - Traditional Greek dance 6:20 HKUD Lado - Croatian music and dance from Geelong 6:40 Maltese Musings - folk tunes from the Mediterranean 7:05 Vardos… Hungarian music with the Gyongyos Bokreta dancers 7:40 TumbaRumba - lively Brazilian beats for dancing 8:10 Lowicz - Dynamic Polish dance ensemble 8:30 Lamine Sonko & The African Intelligence - Afro-Latin dance party 9:20 Fireworks
  • 2 - 9:30pm: EXHIBITIONS, FOOD & CRAFT The beautifully restored Princes Pier will come to life with food and crafts from around the world, stilt walkers, the Connies roving characters and children's craft tent. Upstairs in the historic boathouse, don't miss the photographic exhibition titled 'Migrant Fathers' by artist Nik Buttigieg and the fascinating collection of artefacts by the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society.

For your comfort: Bring a folding chair or cushion and small umbrella

Fireworks at 9.20pm

January 2014 ? Princes Pier & Station Pier

Box Hill Chinese New Year Celebrations

The Asian Business Association of Whitehorse in conjunction with Council will again host one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations in Melbourne. Held in the Box Hill mall precinct, this multicultural celebration includes traditional lion dancers, a Buddha stage, SBS broadcasting on site and heaps of other entertainment. A ‘count down’ to New Years Eve at midnight on the Main Stage will usher in the Year of the Rabbit. Souvenir and merchandise stalls will line Box Hill malls and Whitehorse Road is partly closed to become a food market and amusement carnival. Parking in the area will be extremely limited so why not use public transport.
February 2014 ? cnr. Station St and Whitehorse Rd Box Hill

Anatolian Arts & Cultural Festival (Turkish festival)

Celebrating more than 40 years of Migration from Turkey to Australia. Turkiye is a culturally diverse country just like Australia. People from hundreds of different nations and ethnic backgrounds live in Turkiye. This cultural diversity dates back thousands of years which has created a unique cultural blend. As an indicator of international acceptance of this cultural wealth, Istanbul has been selected as the cultural capital of Europe for 2010. Melbourne accommodates the biggest Turkish minority of Australia with an estimated number of 50.000. The Anatolian Culture and Arts Festival is the biggest organisation of Melburnians who have migrated from Turkiye. All nations and identities of Turkey like Turkish, Kurdish, Turkman, Alevi, Tatar will be invited to the event and be given opportunities to perform. The event aims to present the best of Culture and Art of Turkiye to all the people of Melbourne. For this reason, the Docklands Waterfront City has been chosen as the venue. The main attractions of the event are:

  • A concert from Fatih Kisaparmak, Turkish celebrity singer who will be coming to Australia just for the event.
  • Kurdish traditional music and celebration show
  • Folk dance performances of three different regions of Turkiye
  • A March of the historical military band of Turkiye
  • Turkish classic and folk music choir performance
  • Traditional Turkish wrestling
  • Live performances of Traditional Ottoman Arts
  • Exhibition of pieces of Turkish arts
  • Mevlavi “Sema” presentation and music
  • 1Musical drama performance
  • Presentation of video clips via big screens
  • Stalls of traditional Turkish Food.
March 2012 ? Waterfront City, Docklands

Viva Victoria

A multicultural festival celebrating the many ethnic groups which have enriched the Victorian community. With entertainment, food and a world market.
March 2012 ? Federation Square

Diwali in The West

In thye morning there will be activities and food stalls. In the afternoon there will be a cricket match at the Whitten Oval. In the evening, this being Diwali, there will of couse be fireworks.
October 2012 ? Neighbourhood House & Whitten Oval, West Footscray

Vietnamese Tet Festival

The Tet Festival celebrates Vietnamese New Year with an exciting array of stalls, cuisine and entertainment.
February 2012 ? Sandown Racecourse

Festival Malaysia

A festival will serve to demonstrating that Malaysia is a land of diverse races, languages, religions and a varied and remarkable cultural heritage.
March 2014 ? Queensbridge Square, Southgate

Buddhist Spring Festival

Meditations & talks on Buddhist philosophy . Tours of gardens & Tibetan temple . Market . Children’s activities . Vegetarian food, fresh chai & organic products . Second hand bookstall to raise funds for the homeless. Entry $5. Family rate $10 for parents and school age children or younger. Facility charge for talks is $10 for one class, $15 for two and $20 for three or four talks a day. Temple tours are $5. Photo exhibition and garden tours are free. All proceeds support the temple.
November 2013 ? Tibetan Buddhist Society, 1425 Mickleham Rd (enter by Cookes Rd), Yuroke

Swiss Festival

The Swiss Festival is Australia’s largest Swiss event so White Hat suggests that if you had better head along to Southbank if you want to experience a day of Swiss-ness including traditional and modern dancing, yodelling, singing and music as well as authentic Swiss food and drinks. Groups, organisations and companies representing all four national languages and all 26 states of Switzerland are part of the Swiss Festival 2013, where the Swiss community showcases its unique culture and traditions.

February 2014 ? Queensbridge Square, 1A Queens Bridge Street Southbank

Echuca-Moama Celtic Festival

This Celtic Festival of dance and music is only new but White Hat notes they have secured the domain name of celticfestival.com.au which might some indignation with longer established Celtic festivals. However that should not be a problem since Celtic peoples are renowned for never being argumentative -well, hardly ever.
March 2012 ? Echuca-Moama

Viva Italia Wangaratta

A festival celebrating the Italian heritage of the region.
March 2013 ? Wangaratta

International Tartan Day

Aussie Scots invite you to attend our Tartan Day Spectacular Celebrations. There will be Pipe Bands, Highland Dancing, Scottish Country Dancing, Scotty Dogs Mascots, static displays by Clans, Genealogy/Family History Groups. There will also be many stalls selling Scottish Ware.
July 2012 ? King George Square, Brisbane

Colombian Festival

The Colombian Independence day Festival is one of Brisbane's major community festivals.
July 2012 ?

Brisbane French Festival

Experience French culture, cuisine, entertainment, champagne and music Brisbane;s annual French Festival. A French market will also be operating with a range of French gifts and delicacies.
July 2012 ? Cultural Forecourt, cnr Melbourne & Grey St, South Bank

Gnatannwarr Multicultural Festival

This festival (previously known as the Tarerer Festival) promotes local indigenous culture through song and dance.
March 2013 ? Warrnambool Performing Arts and Conference Centre, Warrnambool

Maryborough Highland Gathering

Highland bands, sports and family activities
January 2013 ? Princes Park, Maryborough

Geelong Highland Gathering

Geelong Highland Games

The Geelong Highland Gathering, will include Scottish Heavy Games, including caber tossing. The Victorian Pipe Band Championships will be held a feature of the Gathering, first held on the plains of South Geelong, then open space and now a heavily populated Geelong suburb, in 1857. The Gathering went into recess during the Depression, but was revived by the then Newtown City Council in 1957 and has been held continuously ever since at picturesque Queens Park, often referred to as “the Braemar of Australia”.

It has grown into the biggest and most diverse celebration of Scottish culture in Victoria and one of the major Scottish events in Australia attracting interstate and sometimes overseas bands and Scottish and other overseas judges. The Gathering, from 9.30am to 5.30pm, attracts upwards of 6000 people annually. Scottish historic military re-enactment groups, massed pipe bands displays, Highland Dancing competitions, Scottish Country Dancing displays, a Celtic Market, Scottish Folk Music, Scottish dogs and horses and Highland Cattle are all a part of the traditional mix. There will also be clan and other cultural and genealogical displays, wood-chopping competitions, archery, children’s activities and a children’s farmyard. A great family occasion, entry charges apply/p>

Full information at Geelong Highland Gathering. Details may change so check closer to the event.

March 2014 ? Deakin University Waurn Ponds Campus

Beechworth Celtic Festival

An annual festival celebrating all things Celtic with dance, music, comedy, buskers, drama and displays.
November 2013 ? Beechworth

Wonthaggi Italian Festa

This is an Italian cultural event showcasing hours of entertainment and activities for the whole family. Whether it's the fencing demonstrations, Spaghetti eating competitions or cycling criterium this is "by far" one of the most entertaining Italian events in Australia.
October 2012 ? McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi

Pako Festa

A multicultural festival with entertainment, demonstrations and stalls.
February 2013 ? Packington Street, Geelong West

Beechwoth Chinese Lantern Festival

A festival celebrating the role of the Chinese in the history of Beechworth with entertainmnt, refreshements and displays.
October 2012 ? Beechworth

Festa Carmine

An aftrennon of activities, games, and Italian food.
July 2012 ? Ken Harrison Sports Complex, Yarra Street, Swan Hill

Koroit Irish Festival

Poetry, history music and dance highlighting the Irish heritage of the area.
May 2012 ? Koroit

 

You can find a comprehensive guide to markets around Australia at The White Hat Guide to Markets in Australia.