Events
There are so many fantastic events in each state we just cannot keep up listing them all, so we’ve decided to list our top 3 pics to help you find just the right event in your state and suburb. Each link will take you to a Smorgasbord of events from art exhibitions, strawberry picking to Celtic festivals! These sites are really worth a look into.
So whether you are looking to meet some new people out and about or take a friend you’ll love what is on offer. Enjoy!
Find out what events are coming up closest to you by clicking on any of the following states
- ACT
- Victoria
- Tasmania
- South Australia
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- New South Wales
- Western Australia
ACT
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What’s on in Canberra
Yuletide Ball at the Albert Hall
When: Saturday 6 December 2008
Where: Albert Hall Commonwealth Avenue Barton
For more information: Barbara & Lance 02 6161 2426, dance@pcug.org.au, http://dance.pcug.org.au
Please click here for Yuletide Ball attachment
Bush dancing is Australian traditional social dancing. It's fun and friendly and new people are always welcome. All dances are taught and there is no need to bring a partner.
We have workshops on most Monday evenings and have a Saturday night dance in most months, usually on the frst Saturday - check the dance calendar.
NOTE: Yelutide Ball
On Saturday 6 December we will be having the Yuletide Ball at the Albert Hall.
Check out theYuletide Ball site for more information
What dances do we do?
There is lots of variety in the dances. We do longways sets (such as Strip the Willow and Virginia Reel), quadrilles (such as Cumberland Square 8 and The Lancers), couples dances (such as Pride of Erin and Brown Jug Polka), around the room dances (such as The Dashing White Sergeant and Margaret's Waltz), and many others.
What should I wear?
This is one question that is answered at this dance FAQ (yes, it's a contra dance FAQ, but the info is equally applicable to bush dancing). I'll just add that you should wear flat, comfortable shoes and please, no hand cream, perfume or after shave.
The music
We dance to live music, the Bush Dance Group Band led by Bob Hodgson. This is an open stage so anyone is welcome to join in. Because of this the line up is wonderfully varied and includes violins, accordions, guitars, flutes, harmonicas and penny whistles. If you would like to be part of the band, contact Bob at bobhodg@grapevine.com.au.
Victoria
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Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition and Awards 2008
When: October 26th 2008 – 7th December 2008
Where: Yering Station – Yarra Valley
Contact: Ph: 03 9730 0100, Mobile: 0418 389 964, Fax: 03 9730 0135
The Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition is an established event on the Victorian Arts calendar. The exhibition is held in the magnificent gardens of Yering Station Vineyard in the heart of the Yarra Valley. The show features both indoor and outdoor sculptures from October through to December. The exhibition opens with an award ceremony and all prizes are non acquisitive. The opening also encourages our visitors to picnic on the lawn and absorb the art and music provided. Free catalogues are provided and our visitors can vote to select the People's Choice Award. The profile of the exhibition and the awards is enhanced by the participation of an independent selection and judging panel from established galleries and universities. These judges are able to relate to our vision of making a contribution to the Australian cultural landscape and provide a professional platform for scultptors to exhibit, and the public to enjoy.
Eltham Jazz and Blues Heritage Festival
When: Saturday 24th Jan 2009 – Sunday 25th Jan 2009
For more information: Ph: 03 9431 4498
In its ninth year, the free Eltham Jazz and Blues Heritage Festival transforms the Eltham township into a vibrant centre of jazz, blues and gospel music. Along with the music, locals and visitors can enjoy the great mix of food, wine, art and shopping available in the Eltham shopping precinct.
Highlights of the 2008 program included:
* The Nillumbik Collective, a series of performances from local musicians who all work at the musical frontiers where jazz meets folk/world music.
* Mainstream jazz with Ted Hamilton and The A Team. Ted has got together with some of Melbourne's finest musicians to perform a concert of classic jazz standards.
* Hot Latin rhythms and swinging grooves from the 20 piece big band The Movin' and Groovin' Orchestra will get the Town Square jumping on Saturday night.
* Rodney Waterman and Joe Chindamo will combine for a very exciting and unique misical collaboration to present a concert of Brazilian, European and original material.
* The Melbourne Singers of Gospel will perform as part of the traditional Sunday parade and gospel service.
* Vocalist/musician Michelle Nicolle and percussionist Ronnie Ferella will work with the Youth Work Ensemble and will be presenting a concert of new work for the Festival.
Tasmania
Tasmanian events
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South Australia
South Australian Events
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Sunday Market at the Adelaide Festival Centre
When: Sundays, Every Week
Opening Times Sunday: 10am to 4pm
Car parking: Free parking for the first two hours - entry between 9am and 5pm
Soak up the atmosphere at our Sunday Market, which presents a mix of fine quality arts and crafts, all made by local and Australian artists.
Great gift ideas including handmade textiles, jewellerey, woodwork, pottery, glassware, gourmet produce, photography, Aboriginal artworks and much more.
Experience and engage with the artists at work, while enjoying the free entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere. Receive a free espresso coffee with every purchase.
Open from 10am until 4pm, the Sunday Market is an ideal destination for families, tourists and the general public, with wares to suit all tastes and budgets. Pop in for an hour or stay all day – the choice is yours.
Willunga Quarry Market
When: Ongoing till 31st Dec 2008 For more information: Ph: 08 8556 2502, Fax: 08 8556 2502
The Willunga Quarry Market is a monthly event suitable for the whole family, no matter their vintage. There is something for everyone. Many stallholders grow, produce or make their products, giving you the opportunity to buy direct and interact on a personal level with people skilled in their particular field. Shop regularly for local and regional, fresh and homemade produce such as almonds, honey, eggs, jams, bread and cakes, brighten up your garden with hardy plants, treat yourself or purchase a handcrafted gift for someone special. Seasonal events such as Easter and Christmas catered for. Refreshments include vegetarian, Chinese food and organic coffee. Shaded tables and seating provided. Enjoy relaxed, stress free shopping at a friendly country market.
Volunteers manage the Willunga Quarry Market. Any profit is donated to local projects that provide opportunities for the township's youth.
Adelaide International Guitar Festival 2008
When: 29th Nov – 7th Dec 2008
For more information: Ph: 08 8216 8699, Mobile: 0423 324 288, Fax: 08 8212 7849
The second annual Adelaide International Guitar Festival will again be held in the centre of the city for eight glorious days at the end of the year. Preparations are in full swing for an exciting line-up to tempt any music-lover. Musicians and fans that attended the 2007 event were glowing in their praise of the inaugural festival, the organization, and the facilities - even the weather!
The full program will be launched on Wednesday 20 August 2008 in the Piano Bar at the Adelaide Festival Centre and will retain many of the winning elements of last year. Multiple-player line-ups, a broad cross-section of styles and world-class, international artists plus loads of Aussie guitar gods and goddesses will again feature prominently.
Confirmed genres include roots, blues, classical, country and rock plus interesting collaborations and programming that defy description.
Our series of outdoor concerts are scheduled in the magnificent Elder Park, located next to the Adelaide Festival Centre on the banks of the River Torrens. These concerts will be themed to specific styles of music and our end of festival finale - a tribute to a well-loved music icon - is guaranteed to be an absolute highlight. The Festival Theatre complex will host multiple concerts from the more intimate performances in the Space Theatre to the magnificent surrounds of the Festival Theatre itself where classical music should always be heard at its best (and the seats are very comfy!) The popular "Late Nights at the Wah Bar" is back where solo and duo performances cater to the late-night crowd in often surprising and unexpected ways...plus so much, much more.
To keep up to date with Guitar Festival news, exciting competitions and "early-bird" ticket offers subscribe now at our website to receive Twang! the official monthly e-newsletter.
It's time to plan your itinerary to be in Adelaide this November and December - the 2008 Adelaide International Guitar Festival will be another exceptional event that all music lovers (and guitar-heads) will only miss at their peril!
Adelaide Film Festival 2009
When: 19th Mar – 1st Feb 2009
For more information: Ph: 08 8271 1029, Fax: 08 8271 9905
Catch movie world premieres, special screenings, film forums and more at the Adelaide Film Festival – the only Australian festival that both screens and finances films.
The Adelaide Film Festival celebrates the big screen with a dynamic program attracting thousands of film lovers and film makers to the heart of Adelaide's East End.
In 2007, the festival presented films from 37 countries including 15 world premieres and 60 Australian premieres. It was also named winner of The Inside Film Magazine IF Award for Festival of the Year, amongst a field of 22 film festivals. Coming hot on the heels of the Adelaide Film Festival’s inclusion in Variety’s Top 50 International Film Festivals, the IF Award for Festival of the Year was another ringing endorsement of one of the youngest but most dynamic and innovative festivals in the world.
Stay tuned for the launch of the 2009 program, to be confirmed.
Northen Territory
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Queensland
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Australian Explorer QLD
Alhambra
Where: 12 McLachlan Street
Open every night from 8pm to late, Alhambra is characterised by its lavish interior and high-class atmosphere. Each night has a different musical theme. Thursdays it’s urban essence with the emphasis on rhythm and blues. Friday and Saturdays feature the best in soul, hip hop and house, while Sundays sees live bands provide the backdrop for frenzied Latin dancing. Something for everyone as long as you like to move your feet.
Carols In The City
When: Sat 6th Dec 2008
For more information: Ph: 07 3831 1613, Mobile: 0431 092 939
Carols in the City, previously the Golden Casket Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols, is a celebration of Christmas for Brisbane's whole community. It is an event for the entire family, with a range of outstanding artists performing your favourite Christmas carols.
Whatever you plan to do this Christmas, don't miss this night of inspiration and entertainment for the whole family. This premier free Brisbane Christmas event showcases outstanding artists who will please all ages.
The event is held at Brisbane's Botanical Gardens at the River Stage; a perfect venue for live outdoor entertainment. You can access the River Stage via Alice Street or through the Queensland University of Technology Gardens Point Campus.
New South Wales
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Australian Ballet Season 2008
Enjoy a breathtaking performace by The Australian Ballet in 2008.
National Parks Discovery Walks - Blue Mountains
When: Ongoing
For more information: Ph: 02 4787 8877
All year round it is a great time to experience the seasons in your National Parks. Whether it's early morning, in a canyon environment or indoor, join a Discovery activity to find out more about habitat in the World Heritage Blue Mountains and Australian Wildlife.
Further information is available on the National Parks website.
Tours and activities can also be tailored to suit the needs of particular individuals, groups and tours. Call 02 4787 8877.
Wagga Wagga Farmers Markets
When: Running till Sat 13th Dec 2008
For more information: Ph: Toll free: 1300 100 122
Held on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Featuring over 30 stalls selling gourmet and organic products, set around the picturesque Wollundry Lagoon, Civic Centre.
Western Australia
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Australian Explorer WA
Wildflower Season
When: 1st July – 30th Nov 2008
For more information: Ph: 08 9483 1111
The wildflower season ranks as one of Western Australia’s most fascinating and precious natural treasures. For several months of each year wildflowers are scattered across 2.5 million square kilometres of mysterious terrain. As diverse and colourful as the locals, the uniqueness and natural beauty of the wildflowers attract thousands of tourists and scientists every year.
With up to 12,000 species found within its borders and many unique to the state, Western Australia’s wildflower season draws visitors from all over the world. Species to keep an eye out for include the magnificent purple fire bush, flowering wattles, native foxgloves and blue leschenaultia.
Rains and sunshine greatly influence the timing of the wildflower season, causing it to span several months and regions. In the north of the state, wildflowers will appear in July with early rains hastening their arrival. As late as November a blaze of wildflower colour will take over the south where the warmer weather produces a totally different collage of species.
While a tour of regional areas is a popular way of experiencing wildflowers, visitors to Perth in September need only go as far as Kings Park in the heart of the city to view a stunning selection. The Kings Park Wildflower Festival is an annual event which showcases the best of Western Australia’s wildflower varieties and draws more than 50,000 visitors. The Park’s 400 hectare Botanic Garden has more than 1,700 native species and more are grown in display glasshouses and an endangered flora garden.
With warm daily temperatures around 20 - 25 degrees Celsius, springtime (September – November) is a perfect time to enjoy the incredible unique beauty of nature in Western Australia.
To see the flowers, you can take a guided tour from Perth or hire a car and explore the wildflower covered countryside for yourself.
We are in the process of developing this list of events around Australia of interest to Over 50s. If you have an event you would like listed on the site please contact marketing@forever-young-club.com.au.