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

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When Melbournians become homesick during a long stint elsewhere, what is it that they want to do?

Hop on a tram, wander along Southgate, smell the burning autumn leaves and look at the cars parked on the lawns of suburban homes as they make their way to the footy, have a barby down by the Yarra, indulge in an Acland Street cake, dodge the spray-and-squirt brigade at the entrance to Myers, dance at a Greek wedding, feed the possums in the park, abuse the umpire at the Gee, pick up a bargain at Forges or Dimmeys, meet someone under the clocks, listen to a mixture of traffic sounds, bagpipes and St. Paul's bells at the corner of Swanston and Flinders streets, be individually humiliated at a comedy venue, do the block, endure wax burns at Carols by Candlelight, drink champagne in the mud in the carpark at the Melbourne Cup, see the latest blockbuster at the Princess, imagine the photos hidden away in the Grainger Museum, go to a fashion parade in the Mural Hall, watch the old diggers make their way to The Shrine on Anzac Day, have a pizza in Lygon Street at 2 in the morning, talk to a stranger in the street, visit Chloe at Young and Jacksons, enjoy a Leunig cartoon, jostle through the crowds at the Vic Market, have afternoon tea at the Windsor, visit Pharlap in the museum, not have to make an appointment before dropping in on friends, sip champagne under the stars at the Music Bowl, endure (and enjoy) four seasons in one day, BYO, take a guided tour of the cemetery, watch the wedding photo circus in the park, look at the iron lace on the balconies, watch a Franco Cozzo ad, take the kids to see the Myers Christmas windows, visit the Weary Dunlop statue, have a game of backyard cricket, bag Sydney, wear what you feel like, listen to the bag lady play the piano in David Jones, row your special friend up the Yarra at Studley Park, worry about the bushfires, potter about in the backyard - and eat some great, fresh cheap food at any time of day!

We're a weird mob - but we enjoy life.

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

Inaugural Professorial Lecture Professor Deborah Cobb- Clark (The University of Melbourne) speaks on 'Disadvantage across the Generations: What do We know about Social and Economic Mobility in Australia?'. Bookings required by 15 July cche@unimelb.edu.au or (03) 8344 3507 Theatre 1, ICT Building, 111 Barry St, Carlton - Free

Poetry at Fed Square Enjoy free poetry readings at Fed Square. 2pm, second Saturday of month Federation Square - Free

Passionate Tongues Poetry Enquiries: (03) 9328 8080 First and third Monday of each month Noise Bar, 291 Albert Street Brunswick (next to Bruswick Station) - $2.50 (includes door prize ticket)

Free Salsa Classes The Salsa Foundation offers free beginners salsa classes every week, Come for a drinks, meet new people, and learn to dance salsa. Dress comfortably and casual, call or SMS 0400 933 285 for venue details and to book your place. Numbers are limited! Bring a friend too - the more the merrier. (enter via the alleyway next to Hungry Jacks) 5.30 to 7.30pm, Wednesdays & Thursdays Syn Bar, Level 1, 163 Russell Street, Melbourne - Free

Free Sunday Talks at ACMI Scoring a Story (Unclassified 15+) In film, music often speaks in ways which its characters cannot. The composer’s role is to really ‘score’ the emotions of a story by creating the sounds and tone of a world. For many directors, like Tim Burton, this creative collaboration with a composer is crucial. Dale Cornelius has been writing music for Film and Television for the last 17 years to much acclaim. From Mary and Max to Till Human Voices Wake Us, Dale’s diverse and accomplished soundscapes have been described as ‘stunning’ and ‘hauntingly beautiful’. This talk provides a rare opportunity to hear about how sounds and music are created and produced to tell a story, to evoke a feeling, and to show us the presence or absence of beauty. Hosted by writer and broadcaster Richard Watts 2pm, Sunday 22nd August 2010 Studio 1, ACMI - Free tickets available on the day from the Information Desk Enquiries: (03) 8663 2583

Melbourne Conversations: Melbourne Day 175th Anniversary A panel of well-known Melburnians will celebrate the city and its diverse communities and try to look over the horizon to the next 25 years. Join in and give us your contribution on the night. 6pm to 7.30pm, 30th August 2010 Melbourne Recital Centre - Free

Free Sunday Talks at ACMI Creating The Grimstones (Unclassified 15+) The Grimstones is the creation of Deaf Circus performer turned puppeteer Asphyxia. Since its Melbourne launch mid 2008 The Grimstones - Hatched has toured Australia constantly to rave reviews. In this magical Gothic fairytale about the Grimstone family, there is a girl who reads dreams, a baby boy with three legs, a mother who sews garments lined with warmth and joy, and a grandfather who heals people with his magical concoctions. Join Asphyxia, who will take us behind the scenes of this beautiful and dark production, and find out about how Tim Burton has influenced her own work. Hosted by writer and broadcaster Richard Watts. 2pm, Sunday 12th September 2010 Studio 1, ACMI - Free tickets available on the day from the Information Desk Enquiries: (03) 8663 2583