What a way to celebrate my bday. This festival blew my mind at every corner. I didn't want it to…read moreend! It's been a very long time since I went to a festival that was over the top spectacular. Nothing compares to Melbourne's special night. It felt like all of Melbourne came out to play and play nice! The city lights up even brighter in a family friendly event all across the city starting in the CBD. The news said about 650,000 came out but it looked like a million. Restaurants stayed opened, food trucks, so much entertainment. The artists in Melbourne are remarkable. So much to see and experience even down the Yarra river. The views from the bridge left me in awe. I was nerding out every other second. Fire breathing gigantic dragon, illuminated bird that flew along the river, projection art with a lovely message of friendliness love and togetherness. The frisky dancers and on my street corner. A young gentleman playing his sexyphone on the balcony. Across the street piano players and guitarists on a rooftop and so much more. All I could say is thank you Melbourne for an unforgettable bday at White Night. Mel M Yelp 18:42

Wow! First to review White Night?! This is one of my favourite nights in Melbourne. And I'm not…read morealone -over half a million people turn out for the all night art event this year. Running from sunset to sunrise, the event gets the creative juices flowing with music, dance, film, large scale art installations, performances, and projections. (Plus a number of unique quirky experiences - giant foam sculpture or 3am synchronised swimming anyone?) Many bars and restaurants stayed open late and food trucks were dotted around the city, helping revelers stay fortified throughout evening. A major tip for making the most of the evening is to stay up late or get up early. There are various hubs around the city, stretching from the Carlton Gardens, past Federation Square, and down to the NGV and Birrarung Marr. But expect large, dense crowds and long lines during prime hours before midnight. (There are 500,000 people out in the city!) By contrast, at 5am we waltzed right into the Melbourne Baths without a queue in sight. Central to White Night aesthetic are the spectacular, large scale projections on major city buildings. White Night is a memorable night out, with different experiences each year. I'll definitely be back in the crowd again next year!

I was lucky enough to read about the Melbourne International Jazz Festival while researching things…read moreto do during my visit to Melbourne. The Opening Celebration Concert at Federation Square was a lovely free event showcasing some of the artists and bands from around the world who would be playing some shows the week ahead. Can Melbourne get any cooler? I think not! Great jazz vibes on a beautiful day at the iconic Fed Square...definitely a bonus to my time here!

Bundle up and set out on an exploration of Gertrude Street. The Projection Festival features both…read moresmall and large scale projections - from small works lighting up shop windows to whole sides of buildings awash in colourful light. There are plenty of cosy venues along the route to duck into for a warming drink or a cold beer if you're feeling the chill in the air. The scale and 'wow factor' aren't as massive as the Christmas and White Night projections, but the crowds aren't as big either. This event is more suited to conversation and casual strolling at your own pace. With the bright lights and friends & families roaming the street, it almost feels like Christmas... in July!

This festival of light happens annually in July on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. I first heard about…read moreit through tram advertising and then read more advertising in the local street press. I highly recommend becoming a viewer next year. Whole buildings are turned into projection screens that have static and moving light displays. Also used are smaller projections within store windows and even projections on to the footpath and trees. No space is spared and the imagination of the artist is limitless. I love the concept of light as art and this festival has chosen wisely and collaborated with some fantastic artists. It is a fun and innovative festival that is free for the general public to view. Normally a five-minute walk form Nicholson St to Smith St - this exhibition takes about an hour to take in and appreciate. A small amount of time that will leave a large impression.

This 3 week-long annual festival around Melbourne and suburbs is an umbrella event, presenting a…read morehuge catalogue of local, and a few international, comedy, dance, drama, music, cabaret and visual arts. The Fringe has been going for 30 years and I don't remember how long I've been going to events that have been associated with it. This year I went to a few of the visual arts exhibitions because they were conveniently located for me: there was MoreArts along the Upfield bicycle path, ArtLand at RMIT in Brunswick, at Platform under Flinders Street and in the window at the Edinburgh Castle Hotel there was my favorite "I Heart Tintin", a great little exhibition about the cartoon character. Aside from the visual arts part of the Fringe I asked C. if she wanted to see anything in the Festival program. There is a lot of comedy but I'm didn't feel like any of that. She leafed through the 80 something page program, checked the online program and in the end decided booked tickets for a play: "Closed" by The Ministry of Drama. It was a terrible play - I reminded myself to avoid collaborative theatre as actors seldom make good playwrights. That was the random quality that I experienced from the Melbourne Fringe Festival 2011.

There are no superlatives in the English Language to adequately represent the awe inspiring…read moreperformance of the actors who performed the 2 character musical stage production of "Exposing Edith". Seeing as this critic is not bound by the usual impediments associated with rating class acts on a graduated scale of one to five stars, I am giving this show 6 stars. It is the first time I have awarded 6 stars to any live theatre production. Nevertheless, I was so moved by Michaela Burger's portrayal of the legendary Edith Piaf and equally impressed with her guitarist accompaniest Greg Wain, (who slso hsd a lovely singing voice), that I felt compelled to rate this show higher than any show I have ever rated in over 30 years. The show ran for 90 minutes non-stop, and the audience was mesmerized by the most clever way in which these two performers artfully told the tragic, yet inspiring story of the late great Piaf. Yes, I did say both performers...for one without the other could not have pulled it off. Aside from the fact that Michaela bore a striking resemblance to the late great singer, Michaela and Greg's relationship on stage seemed to be symbiotic. As a musician myself with over 50 years in Show Business, I can say unequivocally that I rate these two performers amongst the best I've seen. Michaela's vocal ability and pronunciation of the French lyrics and spoken words made it oh so real, as though Piaf were among us once more. The clever use of vocal enhancers and special effects, added to the brilliant and poignant depiction of the late great French Songstress. Greg's guitar playing was flawless and tugged at the heart strings of everyone in this grand heritage listed theatre in St Kilda. In my estimation, and without reservation, I believe this show, and these two performers, to be ready for the world stage. Furthermore, I am convinced their impeccable performance, musicianship, and interpretation of one of the most colourful and celubrious female performer's lives will leave an indelible impression on theatre goers the world over and catapult this Duo to fame & fortune.

The best cinema experience I have had in ages. My son goes here all the time and swore we would…read morehave a great time seeing a new film here, and he was absolutely right. We went to see "See How They Run" last year while in town and I had almost forgotten how enjoyable it is to experience a new film with an appreciative audience. Definitely plan to visit again. Plus, the neighborhood is delightful. You can't go wrong on Lygon Street.

Welcome to the art house complex for film! Do you feel like getting all dressed up as an ode to…read more being artsy? In the mood to watch a widely reviewed festival film? How about catching that movie you've had on your radar and it just so happens that it's not showing anywhere else, but Cinema Nova? What about that moment you just wanted to watch a movie make it a little bit better with some vino and a homemade choc top? Yes, yes! You can do all this and more when you come on down to Cinema Nova! No, this isn't the type of theater that feels the need to keep with the times trying to impress the audience with the wows of modern cinema. This cinema is too cool to even care that others are competing with each other. Cinema Nova sits back and does it's own thing. The hipster of cinemas, if you will. It smirks at the idea of fancy reclining seats, shrugs off allocated seating, laughs in the face of extra leg room, and rolls it eyes to 567000 surround sound systems. All Cinema Nova calls for is simple, film goers and what going to movies used to be all about, film. It's a classic theater and will continue to stay that way and stand it's ground, the exact way cinemas should be, focusing all about what's on the screen.

The Finders Keepers market offers a charming array of clever crafts to make you and your home a…read morelittle more unique. There is plenty of eye-candy from whimsical wall-hangings to beautiful bangles. With a range of prices, it's also possible to find quality items that won't break the bank. Although it's not hard to go a little craft crazy with so many delightful things for sale. I love shopping at markets like Finders Keepers for gift-giving inspiration, even if I end up giving most of the gifts to myself! The exhibition building certainly adds to the charm, as does the live music. For morning crowds in need of a pick-me-up, the Beaufort provides a different kind of shopping accessory - a Bloody Mary. I spent an enjoyable Sunday afternoon browsing through the stalls and came home with a stash of treasures. Finders Keepers gets a thumbs-up from me for their part in the Melbourne craft scene.

I had a great time at Finders Keepers! Heaps of small businesses and artists pack the Melbourne…read moreMuseum providing a variety of homewear, jewelery, art etc. Also included many food options. Your $5 ticket purchase allows you to re-enter the market all weekend-a great benefit if you want to go back for something. I ended up buying a ton of stuff for myself and as gifts. I'm in love- everything purchased is beautiful! There is so much that you can't go wrong- everyone will find something to suit them. Goods are on the pricey side, but that's to be expected when buying from small local makers. My purchases: Two ornaments from Marnin Studio ($25 and $30) 6 reusable produce bags in leather pouch from Simple Dimple ($35) Illustrated Tea Towel from Shuh. ($25 each or 2 for $40) Porcelain ring from Katherine Wheeler ($45) Porcelain Earrings from Katherine Wheeler ($45) Scrunchies from Renee Loves Frances (3 for $10) Marnin Studios is a social enterprise supporting female aboriginal artists. They give you a lot of information about the artist, which makes your purchase even more special when you know the story. Definitely would recommend visiting Finders Keepers, especially for gifts!

Formerly known as 'Top Shelf' (a much better name than the dry yet descriptive 'Australian Drinks…read moreFestival'), and with a few changes from its 2015 iteration, this festival remains the same at the heart of it - a great way to get to know some niche and up'n'comers of the booze world and find a few new favourites. There is still a ton of tastings built into the ticket price - too many to safely & responsibly try all of - so you need to hone in on your particular poison, and for me that was the gin & whiskeys. So much deliciousness on offer, and great to chat with (in most cases) the passionate people who make it. This year most stalls are also offering cocktails for decent prices, but my liver could only take so much, so I stuck to the tastings. Everything was cashless, but there were plenty of currency crew walking around and with a quick tap of your card you topped up your wristband and it was that easy - almost too easy some might say - to pick out a few bottles to take home at the end of the day. Only downside was less food inside the hall - last year's offering was by far superior - but other than that it was again a very fun way to spend a day with friends and a brilliant way to stock up that home bar with new delicious curiosities.