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

There are so many good things to do in Melbourne this week that I won't waste any more of your time talking about it.

• Dine Out to Help Out
  Don't be confused if a '$2 voluntary donation' appears on your restaurant bill in the next few weeks. Until December 24, participating restaurants will be collecting donations in support of homeless refuges and other local charities. See website for details.
  
  November 9 - December 24
  At participating restaurants
  Streetsmartaustralia.org/findrestaurant
  
  
• Craft Market
  The Craft Hatch Emerging Artisans Market features metal and wooden jewellery, leather accessories, books, vintage things, felted clothing, homewares, et cetera. Sure to be a good place to find some unique Christmas gifts. Second Saturday of every month.
  
  November 14, 11am - 4pm
  City Library
  253 Flinders Ln, Level 1 gallery
  
  
• The (bizarrely-dressed) mother of all garage sales
  MTC headquarters are moving and selling their props, costumes, accessories, furniture, old computers, stagecraft and technical equipment. If nothing else, this sale promises to be a really interesting sight.
  
  November 14, 9am - 3pm
  129 Ferrars St, Southbank
  Entry by gold coin.
  MTC.com

Vox Pop

Gaby P has lived in Melbourne for the better part of her 24 years. With a couple of semesters to go before she finishes her Commerce/Law degree, Gaby admits that she will be living here for a while longer. Despite a real desire to travel and live overseas again, Gaby says she is happy to call Melbourne home.

1. Best area: Brunswick Street because it has a bit of everything, and Richmond because it feels social and casual at the same time.
2. Best nightspots: Der Raum, award-winning cocktail bar, Richmond; the reviving house parties.
3. Best eating: Momotaro Ramen, Bridge Rd, Richmond.
4. Best shopping: Anywhere with cheap, good stores! Melbourne Central has a bit of everything.
5. Melbourne tip: Have picnics in the Alexandra Gardens in early summer. It's lovely.

And for Gaby, Melbourne in a word: Entertaining. 'I can always find something to do, somewhere to eat and someone to hang out with. If the public transport was better it would be super city,' she says.

The multi-award winning Der Raum

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

So here it is, one of this city's Big Weeks. The Melbourne Cup Carnival and the first week of November. For many of us, the smell of freedom is palpable. Summer is almost upon us, with all its gorgeous mornings, afternoons and evenings to look forward to. Not yet in the mood? Here's a taste of the interesting things on offer this week...

•  Movember
  The Mario, the Chad, the handlebar, the curly French chef style one...the list of moustaches goes on well beyond my naming abilities. 'Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men. Mo Bros, supported by their Mo Sistas, start Movember (November 1st) clean shaven and then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache.' On a side note, what exactly is a Mo Sista? Those ladies able to join the activity? If you can't get involved yourself, then at least support your Mo Bros with donations!
  
  November 1-30
  Wherever a legit. mo' can be grown
  Movember.com
  
  
• Melbourne Cup Carnival
  Socialising, fashion, alcohol, punting...that's about the sum of it. There are some locals who faithfully attend the Spring Carnival every year, there are others who know it will always be there and only get into it when the mood strikes them. This week's events (in case you don't know):
  
  Tuesday Nov 4 : Emirites Melbourne Cup Day - for those serious about getting into the event.
  Thursday Nov 5: Crown Oaks Day - for the ladies, and their escorts.
  Saturday Nov 7: Emirites Stakes Day - a.k.a. family day.
  All days are held at Flemington Racecourse with regular services from Flinders St Station.
  
  
• Upstream 50 km Run Walk Challenge for Charity
  Unlike 50 m, which is what I thought I read when I first saw advertising for this event, 50 km is a pretty long walk, and is the distance between Docklands and Donvale, in fact. The route follows the picturesque tracks by the Yarra River. If you don't think you are up to the challenge, you can share the load with a team. There is no registration fee, however the catch is that each participant must collect a min. of $200 in donations. One hundred per cent of donations go to the beneficiaries: Camp Quality, Samaritan's Purse, Leukaemia Foundation and The Leprosy Mission Australia.
  
  November 7, depart 7am - 8.30am
  Start: Waterfront City - Docklands Drive
  Melways Ref 2E D4
  Upstreamfoundation.org
  
  
• Sumatran Earthquake Benefit Concert
  In the mood for something out of the ordinary? 'Dance till the earth moves beneath your feet' at what promises to be a lively and enjoyable cultural event. The night includes an array of musical and dance performances, an art and artefacts auction and gourmet Padang food. All proceeds go to the West Sumatran rebuilding projects. Everyone welcome.
  
  November 8, 5pm - 8pm
  Northcote Uniting Church
  251 High Street  Northcote
  $10 poor/$20 comfortable/$50 Samaritan
  Bookings queries (sms only): 0402 820 173