7 Days in Melbourne (where to find your culture & entertainment this week)

Another week, another bunch of fun stuff to do. Here's a snapshot:

• Spring Racing Carnival
  Magazines, newspapers, Facebook pages and Twitterers are going nuts over the annual Spring Racing Carnival. And though I haven't been a patron since my mid-teens, it is not difficult to understand the excitement. Attending the races makes for an out-of-the-ordinary day, where you get to pull out not only your finest attire but also the stuff you wouldn't get away with anywhere else, drink from 10 am and 'cruise' the semi-above average looking crowd. If you can, talk your way into the exclusive Birdcage marquee to see celebs of all grades and the handpicked mandatory spray-tanned young men who serve them.
  
  October 1 - November 19
  Springracingcarnival.com.au

• Ride to Work Day
  This event proves popular ever year. And why not? It's for a good cause, it's good for you and then there's breakfast. Register at the website today and tomorrow claim your free breakfast, including Bakers Delight, Australian bananas and Vaalia yoghurt. There will also be fete stalls, bike engraving and a tyre changing challenge. Note: helmet hair is no excuse, as the organisers have promised a 'helmet hair repair' stand.
  
  October 14,  6-9am (breakfast)
  Federation Square, City
  Bv.com.au/ride-to-work
   
• Style After Dark
  South Melbourne Market's night market is currently running on Thursday evenings, under the usual wide verandas. 'Stalls will emphasise locally-designed, locally-made, vintage and collectible clothing and all things associated with it – accessories, jewellery, and headwear. Original artworks, photography, homewares and children’s clothing and accessories will also be on offer,' organisers say.
  
  Thursdays till November 26, 5.30-9.30pm
  Cecil and Coventry Streets, South Melbourne
  Southmelbournemarket.com.au/night_market
  
  
• Kinki Gerlinki 'garage' sale
  After the success of this event last year, the girls at Kinki Gerlinki are - somewhat paradoxically - advertising this year's sale with a cutesy 'keep quiet, don't tell your friends' line. But it's OK, they can get away with being cutesy (and quiet) because their stuff is sure to be interesting, and sure to sell. Note: sales are cash only, so come prepared!
  
  October 17 - 18, 9am-5pm
  Trades Hall, 2 Lygon Street, Carlton
  Kinkigerlinki.com.au
  
  
• Also on this week:
  Girls Night In (Cancer Council Victoria) - throughout October
  Melbourne International Arts Festival - until October 24
  OzKinkFest ('celebrating the kinkier side of life') - October 17 - 27