VENUES KEY:
ACC – Ashburton Community Centre, 160 High St, Ashburton.
AL – Ashburton Library, 154 High St, Ashburton.
BFM – Boroondara Farmers’ Market, 484 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn.
BHCAC – Box Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Station St, Box Hill.
BYH – Boroondara Youth Hub L1, 360 Burwood Road Hawthorn.
BTH– Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill
BHAC – Box Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Station St, Box Hill.
CFFM – Camberwell Fresh Food Market, 519-525 Riversdale Rd Camberwell.
CFS – Camberwell Film Society, Camberwell Community Centre, 33-35 Fairholm Grove, Camberwell.
CL – Camberwell Library, 340 Camberwell Rd.
CMS – Camberwell Music Society, Camberwell Uniting Church, 314 Camberwell Rd.
CT&T – Car park adjacent to Station St and Riversdale Rd, Camberwell (behind Burke Rd shopping strip).
HAC – Hawthorn Arts Centre, 360 Burwood Rd. Ph. 9278 4770.
HTSH – Holy Trinity Surrey Hills, Cnr Union Road and Montrose Street.
MTB – Melbourne Tramways Band, cnr Riversdale & Warrigal Rds, (stop 59). Free weather permitting; limited parking.
NM – Nunawading Market – Craft & Produce, Whitehorse Civic Centre, 397 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading.
PT – Peridot Theatre, Clayton Community Centre, 9 Cooke St. tickets@peridot.com.au or 0429 115 334.
R – The Round (Located behind the Whitehorse Civic Centre (see WC)
SHOP – Strathdon House & Orchard Precinct 449-465 Springvale Rd, Forest Hill
SHNC Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre 157 Union Rd
THG – Town Hall Gallery, 360 Burwood Road Hawthorn.
WFM – Whitehorse Farmers’ Market, Whitehorse Civic Centre, 397 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading.
WC – Whitehorse Centre, Rear 379 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading
WFS – Whitehorse Film Society, Whitehorse Centre, 379 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading.
REGULAR EVENTS (MARKETS)
Fourth Sun each month 9am–2pm Arts Nunawading Market Shop local at the Make it, Bake it, Grow it, Nunawading Market. Free entry/ample free parking. [WC]
1st, 3rd & 5th Sat 8am–12.30pm Boroondara Farmers’ Market Patterson Reserve, Auburn Rd, Hawthorn East. No 5th week market in December. Cost $2.
Every Sun 6:30am–12.30pm Camberwell Trash & Treasure About 370 stalls; second-hand goods, antiques, bric-a-brac, collectibles, hardware, preloved, vintage/retro clothes & shoes, books, music. [CT&T]
Every Sun 10am–3pm Hawthorn Makers Market Curated designer market selling a wide range of individually designed and handcrafted items. [HAC]
Third Sat each month 9am–1pm Treasures and Tastes at Trinity Hand-crafted items, baked treats & plants. Sausage sizzle & Treasures cafe. Fun kids’ craft table, free activities, plus chance to win a $30 voucher at each market. w: treasurestastestrinity.com.au [HTSH]
Second Sun each month 9am–1pm Whitehorse Farmers’ Market Organised/managed by Whitehorse Rotary & Rotaract Clubs, features stalls selling fresh seasonal produce in front of the Civic Centre building. [WC]
REGULAR EVENTS (OTHER)
Third Tues each month 2–4pm Family history group. Learn about the resources available for family history research & how to use them. Share family history stories/help each other with ideas for what to do next. [CL]
Every 1st Mon 4–5pm STEAM Club for kids – Ashburton. Fun session of science, technology, engineering, arts & maths. Each month we will explore different topics by getting hands-on. Age: primary school. Please book tickets for each child attending. [AL]
Every 2nd Sat Feb–Dec 10am–2pm healthAbility/Whitehorse Repair Cafe. Instead of feeding landfill, bring your broken items to be fixed whilst sharing a cup of tea/coffee. Gold coin donation. Strathdon House Orchard Precinct, 449-465 Springvale Rd, Forest Hill
Tues Mornings 10:30am–12pm Burwood Walking Football. Low-impact, modified version of soccer where players walk instead of run. Ideal for seniors, injury recoverees. Synthetic Pitch, Sixth Avenue, Burwood. Contact Mick at m.trim@wf4hvic.onmicrosoft.com
JUNE
Wed 18 Jun–Sat 26 July ‘Impressions of Place’ By Melbourne and Victorian Artists Inc. From textile portraits to abstract paintings, the artists’ practices span a wide range of mediums. Free. [THG]
JULY
Fri 11 Jul– Sat 30 Aug Annemieke Mein: Nature Revealed. Poetic and imaginative, yet creating with empirical accuracy, Annemieke Mein’s place is cemented as one of Australia’s most popular artists. [BTH]
Thur 17 Jul–Sun 20 Jul The Mikado. An entertaining, innovative look at one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular works. Alexander Theatre, Monash University 48 Exhibition Walk, Clayton. Full $66 Conc. $60 U16 $30. Tix https://www.monash.edu/performing-arts-centres/event/the-mikado/
Fri 18 Jul 7:30pm ;Sat 19 Jul 1:30pm Sun Rise: The Story of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Australian theatre star Zoy Frangos brings to life the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. Cost: Full $62; Conc. $59; U30 $30 [R]
Sat 19 Jul 2pm Fallen Leaves (Fin/Ger) 2023 M. In modern-day Helsinki, two lonely souls in search of love meet by chance in a karaoke bar. However, their path to happiness is beset by obstacles. [WFS]
Wed 30 Jul 6:30pm LinkedIn for sales. Whether you provide goods or services to your target audience, this workshop is for you. Presented by Sue Ellson. Cost $15. Camberwell Civic Centre, 8 Inglesby Rd. Contact Nickie Wainwright 9278 4081.
AUGUST
Sat 2 Aug 2pm The Peanut Butter Falcon (USA) 2019 M. Zak, who is Down syndrome, runs away from a residential nursing home to pursue his dream of becoming a wrestler. [WFS]
Mon 4 Aug 7pm Strathcona Parent Seminars – self compassion as an antidote. Dr Eleonora Cattini will talk about self-compassion as an antidote to self-criticism. Free. Strathcona Girls Grammar School 34–38 Scott St Canterbury.
Wed 6 Aug–Sat 20 Sep Viola Ayling and Grace James Retrospective. This exhibition highlights the works of two local, yet largely unknown practitioners, Viola Ayling, a ceramicist from Kew, and Grace James, a dressmaker from Surrey Hills. Free. [THG]
Wed 6 Aug 11am & 2pm The Australian Ballet School. Enjoy a diverse program of dance presented by The Australian Ballet School’s talented young performers, who demonstrate their masterful skills and dedication to the art form. Tix $24 [R]
Wed 13 Aug–Sat 1 Nov Plural Selves: David Rosetzky. Exhibition features some of Rosetzky’s most iconic works alongside a newly commissioned series that directly engages with the LGBTQIA+ community of Boroondara. Free. [THG]
Wed 13 Aug–Sat 27 Sep ‘NAIDOC 2025’ by Moondani Toombadool Centre. Community exhibition at Hawthorn Arts Centre by Swinburne University of Technology Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Free. [THG]
Fri 15 Aug–Sun 24 Aug “Frankenstein” by Nick Dear. Stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Check Peridot Theatre website for times. [PT]
Sat 16 Aug 2pm The Velvet Queen (France) 2021 M. High on the Tibetan plateau lies one of the last sanctuaries of the wild world for rare and undiscovered fauna. Two men explore the high-altitude wilderness, filming wildlife and searching for the rare snow leopard. [WFS]
Mon 18 Aug 7pm Strathcona Parent Seminars – growing up, not too fast. Join Dr Celeste Merrigan for a workshop to help parents understand the impact of emotionally overburdening children. Free. Strathcona Girls Grammar School 34-38 Scott St Canterbury. Contact Nicole Subhani 8779 7500.
Wed 20 Aug 7:30pm It Must Be Heaven (Qatar/Germany/France/Canada/Turkey) 2019 M. Palestinian comedy. Many have compared Elia Suleiman’s directorial style to those of Buster Keaton or Jacques Tati as the audience sees the world through his alter-ego. [CFS]
Wed 20 Aug 1pm, Thur 21 Aug 10am Yong Set against the backdrop of the Australian Gold rush of 1857, Yong is a play by Jenevieve Chang mixing historical fact and narrative fiction. Cost $22 [R]
Thur 21 Aug 6pm Artist Lecture – David Rosetzky. Experience the work of Melbourne-based contemporary artist David Rosetzky in this major retrospective exhibition. Free. [THG]
Mon 25 Aug 7:30pm, Tue 26 Aug 1pm 1984. (NZ) 2024 PG. Strap in for an electrifying take on the George Orwell classic – from the creative minds at Shake & Stir. Cost: Full $58; Conc. $55; U30 $30 [R]
SEPTEMBER
Mon 1–Sun 7 Sep Judy Woods – The Essence of Joy. Deeply inspired by the natural world and its ever-shifting beauty, Judy’s exhibition explores the interplay of texture, form, and emotion. Free. [BHCAC]
Fri 5–Sat 30 SepWe Share the Same Moon. Exhibition uniting three acclaimed artists in an exploration of connection, nature and renewal. Tues–Sat 11:30am–5pm, Ladder Art Space, 81 Denmark St, Kew.
Sat 6 Sep–Sun 16 Nov Thomas Cook: A Century of Craftsmanship. Join us for a century of history in this exhibition, which includes archives and props from The Man from Snowy River II collaboration. FREE. Schwerkolt Cottage & Museum Complex 2–10 Deep Creek Road, Mitcham.
Sat 6 Sep 7:30–9:30pm Eishan Ensemble. ARIA-nominated Eishan Ensemble draws on contemporary and classical music traditions of both East and West. Cost: $45. Camberwell Council Offices, Boroondara Rm, 8 Inglesby Rd. Book: 9278 4740 e: events@boroondara.vic.gov.au
Sat 6 Sep 7:30pm Romantic Piano Trios. Three of Australia’s most distinguished musicians present a concert book-ended by Beethoven’s Clarinet Trio Op 11 and Brahms’ Clarinet Trio in A minor, Op 114. Camberwell Uniting Church, 314 Camberwell Rd. Book on-line: www.Trybooking.com/CVUUS
Sat 6 Sep 7:45pm Compartment Number 6 (Fin/Russ) 2021 MA. A young Finnish woman escapes a love affair in Moscow by boarding a train to Murmansk. Forced to share the long ride with a Russian miner, the unexpected encounter leads each to face their yearning for human connection. [WFS]
Sun 14 Sep; Sun 21 Sep Dog Wellbeing Workshop. Discover how support your dog’s health and wellbeing in this two-part workshop, presented by qualified Canine Myofunctional Therapist! Cost Full $75. Details www.creativewhitehorse.vic.gov.au/whats-on/dog-wellbeing-workshop [SH].
Sun 7 Sep 1–3pm ‘Wheel Workshop for Beginners. Come and experience the pottery wheel! All materials, firing, and glazing are included. Cost $80. [BHCAC]
Sat 13 Sep–Sat 25 Oct Finding the One: Wedding dresses from Whitehorse. Exhibition of wedding dresses from the collection of the Whitehorse Historical Society. Free. [BTH]
Sun 14 Sep 11am–4pm Schwerkolt Cottage Heritage Family Day. Fun-filled day of free activities. Food available. Free. Schwerkolt Cottage & Museum Complex 2–10 Deep Creek Road, Mitcham.
Wed 17 Sep 7:30pm Chicago (Germany/USA) 2002 PG. Murderesses Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart find themselves on death row and share lawyer Billy Flynn to fight for the fame that will keep them from the gallows in 1920s Chicago. [CFS]
Sat 20 Sep 10am–2pm ACRA Ashburton Artisan Market. Alamein Neighbourhood & Learning Centre 49 Ashburn Gve, Ashburton. High quality Australian handcrafted products. Contact via www.Facebook.com/AshyCRA. or acraashburton@gmail.com Come & support the local Neighbourhood House & crafters.
Sat 20 Sep 7:45pm Aftersun (UK/Turk) 2022 M. Sophie reflects on the joy and melancholy of a holiday she took with her father twenty years earlier, trying to reconcile the father she knew with the man she didn’t. [WFS]
Sat 20 Sep 9:30am–2:30pm Ashburton A Fair. Fun day for all ages with large market, art & craft activities & workshops. Refreshments incl. sausage sizzle & Devonshire tea. [ACC]
Wed 24 Sep–Sat 8 Nov ‘Opportunity’ by Ellen McKenna. McKenna’s distinctive designs embrace colour, movement, and balance, showcasing the beauty and utility of sustainable reuse. Free. Boroondara Arts 9278 4770 e: townhallgallery@boroondara.vic.gov.au [THG]
OCTOBER
Wed 1 Oct–Sat 15 Nov ‘A View’ by Andrew Li. Featuring works by local artist Andrew Li, this community exhibition celebrates the everyday beauty that surrounds us. Boroondara Arts 9278 4770 e: townhallgallery@boroondara.vic.gov.au Free. [THG]
Sat 4 Oct 7:45pm The Great Escaper (UK/Fra/Swe) 2023 M. Biographical drama of an 89yr-old British WWII navy veteran, Bernard Jordan, who “broke out” of his nursing home to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in Normandy, France in 2014. [WFS]
Sat 4 Oct 10am–2pm Come and Explore Eggshell Artistry. Exhibition, demonstrations and sales of artworks from real eggshells, plus craft de-stash stall. The Craig Family Centre, 7 Samarinda Ave, Ashburton. Free entry. Enq: Helen 0409 589 424 Web: victorianeggdecoratorsguild.com.au Instagram @vic.egg.decorators.guild.inc
Fri 10 Oct 7:30–9:30pm Cash: A journey through the American Recordings. Australian outlaw country founding-figure Henry Wagons presents the depth, enigma and songwriting weight of Johnny Cash. Free. Ph. Boroondara Arts 9278 4770. [HAC]
Sat 11 Oct 2pm & 8pm Domesticity. Fred Smith brings his trademark subtlety and wit to a cycle of deeply personal songs about marriage and the complexity of modern life. Cost: Full $52; Conc. $49; U30 $30 [R]
Wed 15 Oct 7:30pm Perfect Days (Japan/Germany) 2023 PG (Subs). Hirayama works as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. He follows a structured everyday life and dedicates his free time to his passion for music and books. More of his past is revealed through a series of unexpected encounters. [CFS]
Sat 18 Oct 7:45pm Past Lives. (USA/Kor) 2023 M. Childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung are wrested apart after Nora’s family emigrates. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week. [WFS]
Sun 19 Oct 10am–4pm Spring Festival. Community celebration bringing together live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and local food and market stalls. Free. [WC]
Sat 25 Oct 4– 6pm Boroondara Brass Milestones – Celebrating 25 years. Milestone celebration honours the dedication, talent, and passion that have defined a quarter-century of brass band excellence. Cost $30 adults, $25 conc. and children. Contact Boroondara Brass admin@boroondarabrass.org [THG]
NOVEMBER
Sat 1 Nov 10am–2pm ACRA Ashburton Artisan Market. Copland Room, Ashburton Library. High-quality Australian handcrafted products. Contact via www.Facebook.com/AshyCRA. or acraashburton@gmail.com Come and support local crafters. [AL]
Sat 1 Nov 7:45pm The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. (UK) 2023 M. The wonderful story of Harold Fry who decides to walk 500 miles to visit an old dying friend. [WFS]
Thur 13 Nov–Wed 17 Dec Pathways: Art quilts from AQIPP. Quilts on display contain imaginative and expressive interpretations executed in an array of quilting techniques and methodologies. Free. [BTH]
Thur 13–Sun 23 Nov Talking Heads Three plays by Alan Benett. South Oakleigh Bowling Club, North Rd. Further details https://www.peridot.com.au/season-four
Sat 15 Nov 7:30pm Konstantin Shamray. This acclaimed Russian concert pianist makes his debut performance for CMS with a recital of works by Mozart, Schumann, Debussy and Scriabin. Camberwell Uniting Church, 314 Camberwell Rd. Book on-line: www.Trybooking.com/CVUUS
Sat 15 Nov 7:45pm Wicked Little Letters. (UK/USA/Fra) 2023 MA. A 1920s English seaside town bears witness to a dark, absurd scandal in this riotous mystery comedy. Based on a stranger-than-fiction true story. [WFS]
Sat 15 Nov 2–4pm Exhibition Opening – ‘OBJECTIVE’ and ‘Boroondara Summer Salon’. Official opening of two new exhibitions at Town Hall Gallery. Free. Bookings essential. Boroondara Arts 9278 4770 e: townhallgallery@boroondara.vic.gov.au [THG]
Wed 19 Aug 7:30pm Leave No Trace (USA/Canada) 2018 PG. Will, a military veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder and his young daughter are living an ideal existence in a vast urban park in Portland, Oregon when a small mistake derails their lives and both are put into social services. [CFS]
Wed 19 Nov–Sat 7 Feb 2026 The wonderful diversion: Helen Maudsley works from the Town Hall Gallery Collection. From delicate drawings to larger, immersive paintings, Maudsley invites viewers to see the familiar with fresh eyes. Free. Boroondara Arts 9278 4770 e: townhallgallery@boroondara.vic.gov.au [THG]