The 7 Best Things To Do In Melbourne This April
There’s never a dull month in old Melbourne town, and April’s shaping up to be a corker. As we slowly creep into cooler weather there’s never been a better time to check out some film, up skill or just spend your days drinking wine and eating cheese. So buckle up and head out there; there’s plenty to see.
#1 A hot tub cinema
Ahuh. You read that right. Probably one of the coolest ways to enjoy a flick, hot tub cinemas have been taking over London and New York in recent years so it’s high time us Melburnians got in on the action. Splash Out Hire will be hosting a hot tub cinema in South Wharf and are set to show a collection of your favourite (and extremely quotable) movies right from the comfort of your own piping hot hot tub. Hop in the warm bubbly waters with the likes of Bad Boys, 21 Jump Street, Labyrinth, White Chicks and Step Brothers. The cinema kicks off on April 21 and runs through ’til May 29. Grab your tickets here.
#2 Strike a pose with Marilyn Monroe
Bendigo Art Gallery is hosting one hell of a cool tribute to iconic film actress Norma Jean Baker, better known as Marilyn Monroe. The exhibition, which will include more than 20 original film costumes from some of Marilyn’s greatest films (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Marry a Millionaire and Love Nest) alongside some of Marilyn’s favourite dresses and accessories from the late actress’ wardrobe.
There’ll be something for the film buffs too – Twentieth Century Fox is allowing unprecedented access to 12 of Marilyn’s films, including studio portraits, wardrobe test photographs, lobby cards and film posters. If you’ve ever wanted to see inside the life of one of cinema’s most iconic actresses, now’s your chance. And don’t worry about looking for directions once you get to Bendigo; there’ll even be an eight metre high sculpture of Marilyn hanging out outside the gallery – it’ll be hard to miss it!
#3 Creative workshops with flair
Northcote based Put Your Heart Into It is all about creating a collaborative and creative space for friends to hang out, kick back and make exceptionally cool artistry using their hands and minds. From terrariums courses to basket weaving how-tos, photography and styling classes and wellbeing seminars, PYHII offers so much to choose from, and with the recent release of their new Autumn workshop series, there’s really no excuse to not pick up those tools and start creating. Your mind will thank you later.
#4 Film, film and more film
Australia’s largest and longest-running queer film festival, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival is hitting ACMI’s main stage for a presentation of more than 100 films from across the world. Showcasing the best in LGBTQI features, shorts and documentaries, the MQFF will feature the likes of Lily Tomlin’s remarkable turn in Grandma, as well as Judy Greer and Natasha Lyonne in Addicted To Fresno. Grab your tickets here.
The 11th annual Young At Heart Seniors Film Festival will be hitting Melbourne this April with a sparkling showcase of films at Palace Cinemas Balwyn and Brighton Bay. This unique festival caters specifically to film lovers over the age of 60, with a week-long showcase of film premiers, beloved classics and social events. Grab your Nan and Pop for an afternoon of film, food and seriously good company.
#5 Your two favourite things, together again
This is not a drill: Melbourne’s Wine & Cheese Fest is back again for another round of devilishly good cheese and wine. This year they’ve taken the event to new heights and a new location: The Meat Market in North Melbourne. See 40+ exhibitors of cheesy delights, live entertainment, competitions and even a cheese making course! It all takes place on Sunday April 10, with ticket prices starting at $26 (it even includes a complimentary festival wine glass!)
#6 Don’t stop retrievin’
The Dog Lovers Show is back, you guys! For every pooch/hound/pup lover out there, you’ll be able to get your kicks on once again at the Royal Exhibition Building for a day of dog lovin’ and huggin’. Kicking off on Friday April 29, the Dog Lovers Show will include performances, breed showcases, an adorable rescue dog zone, a celebrity vet stage (yup, Dr. Chris Brown will be there) and the holy grail of dog shows, the pat-a-pooch area. It’s basically heaven for dog lovers, and it’s all under one wroof! (sorry) You can grab your tickets in advance for a special discount too. So. Damn. Excited.
#7 An autumn of theatre
Tim Minchin joining forces with The Royal Shakespeare Company can only mean great things, so we’re stoked to hear that their unique musical retelling of Roald Dahl’s classic Matilda is finally arriving on our shores. Playing at the Princess Theatre, Matilda the Musical promises a colourful, fun and subversive look into a creative girl and her imaginative childhood. (It didn’t win seven Olivier Awards for nothing!)
If you’re after something a little more interactive, set your sights on the ingenious Mr.G Summer Heights High Singalong that’s hitting the Comedy Theatre on Saturday April 2 for two shows only. Hosted by triple j’s Alex Dyson, you’ll be able to relive all your favourite moments from the spectacular Aussie masterpiece Summer Heights High and celebrate everyone’s favourite drama teacher, Mr. G. You’ll be in e-e-e-e-ecstacy for weeks to come.
(Lead image: Put Your Heart Into It/Facebook)
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