What’s on: The best events happening in Melbourne this November
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEKHENA PORTER
WORDS BY FASHION JOURNAL
No boredom November.
With Melbourne Fashion Week in the rearview and the December holidays ahead, November can easily feel like the forgotten middle sibling. But with mild days, cool nights and plenty of events throughout, it’s shaping up to be one of the busiest calendar months this year.
Stay updated on the latest fashion and design events at FJ’s Events section.
The next few weeks are fully loaded, from DIY workshops to keep your hands busy, to cultural events to help you see the world from a new perspective, to a festival celebrating our city’s most beloved beverage. Below, find our guide to the best events happening in and around Melbourne this month.
DIY Daisy Bead-It-Yourself Workshop
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When: November 6 to 8
DIY Daisy is returning to Melbourne with her beginner-friendly Bead It Yourself necklace-making workshops. Spend two hours designing and making your own one-of-a-kind necklace using a collection of secondhand beads sourced from op shops, markets, pre-loved jewellery and donations. Designed as a relaxed, communal activity, the workshop is perfect to attend solo or with a friend.
Find more here.
Palestine Cultural Festival
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When: November 7
Celebrate Palestine’s vibrant culture at the Palestine Cultural Festival, now in its 10th year. Experience authentic Palestinian cuisine, join in traditional dance and artwork workshops, listen to the sounds of local talent and enjoy the rich feeling of community at this free event at Federation Square.
Find more here.
Melbourne Coffee Weekend
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When: November 7 to 8
If you’re not a coffee snob, are you even from Melbourne? At the city’s biggest filter coffee tasting festival, you can find out just how much of a connoisseur you are. Try over 100 types of coffee from roasters far and wide, join a workshop hosted by a barista champion and and dance off your caffeine jitters with a live DJ.
Find more here.
Exhibition: A Bird Sang Outside My Window – Did You Teach Them That Song?
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When: November 7 to 21
A Bird Sang Outside My Window – Did You Teach Them That Song? is a group exhibition inspired by cross-cultural communications via WhatsApp family group chats. Featured at Gama Studio, the exhibition will be a collection of stories shown through visual and immersive art. For more information, head here.
Find more here.
La Bohème Pop Up Performance
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When: November 10
Opera Australia is bringing a free lunchtime performance of La Bohème to the city – no ticket required. Anyone who attends can purchase a discounted ticket to the full show before it closes on November 18.
Find more here.
Last Run Sale
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When: November 13 to 15
The Last Run Sale is bringing together nine local labels for a three-day event. Shop a mix of archival pieces, samples and last-chance items from Base Range, Sabi the Label, Arthur Apparel, Verner and more. Plus, treats and refreshments from Gruel Club. Who can resist?
Find more here.
Writing Place and Belonging Workshop
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Japanese Film Festival
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When: Ends November 16
Mid-November marks the finale of the Japanese Film Festival, a celebration of the best contemporary cinema coming out of Japan. With romantic films, an animation showcase and samurai dramas galore, the festival offers something for everyone.
Find more here.
Merry Ugly Market
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When: November 28 to 29
For two days only, step into the wonderfully unusual world of Ugly Cutie at its Merry Ugly Market. Bringing together more than 130 independent artists and makers, such as DIY Daisy and Tiny Pots Ceramics, and a free photo booth, there’s a range to do, see and shop. For a calmer market experience, head to the market on Sunday morning during its Quiet Hour.
Find more here.
Barbie: The Exhibition
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When: November 28 to May 16
Barbie is coming to Melbourne! In this exhibition, attendees can experience the story of one of the most recognisable cultural icons in the world and her decades-long contributions to design, fashion, representation and identity.
Find more here.
Kuwaii Market
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When: Ends December 16
Kuwaii Market is a concept the label is bringing to life to give pieces that don’t fit into their usual collection a home. From secondhand pieces to small-run garments to bundles of fabric and off-cuts, this market is a natural extension of the label. The market will be open every Friday and Saturday until the end of the year.
Find more here.
Passage: The Art of Atong Atem at the NGV
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When: Ends June 17
Melbourne-based South Sudanese artist Atong Atem is presenting their first major solo exhibition of new and existing photographic works at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Her work explores traditions and ancestral memories, and norms surrounding gender and race.
Find more here.
To explore more events in Melbourne, head here.
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