A handy little guide to some of the best entertainment coming your way this month.
It is a fine season for festivals, folks. Some of you may be making your first festival appearance, while others may be cool-hand festivalists. According to Etymology Corner (blog.collinsdictionary.com), the word festival can be traced to the Latin ‘festa’, meaning a religious holiday. Festa is connected to ‘festivalis’, a word that came into English via French.
Festa can be found through the French fête, which we’ve come to know as a large outdoor gathering. There is also the Spanish ‘fiesta’, which is familiar as a carnival, and the Italian festone, a word used to describe garlands of flowers used in religious holidays. Festone has come into English as festoon. And festoon is a fun word to say.
We sure hope you have fun at these festivals…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
British Film Festival
The Astor Theatre, St Kilda – until November 16
A festival for the greater good
The Cunard British Film Festival returns for its tenth year, once again celebrating Britain’s finest filmmakers and actors. November screenings include double-billings of 007 with You Only Live Twice and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, GoldenEye and The World is Not Enough, Casino Royale and Skyfall and The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill. You can also enjoy screenings of Emily, Living, Fisherman’s Friends 2: One and All, What’s Love Got to Do with It? and centrepiece premiere, Empire of Light.
More through britishfilmfestival.com.au
Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival
Bendigo and surrounds – November 3-6
Blues that won’t get you down
It’s blues and roots heaven in Bendigo with a four-day program of performances, open mic opportunities, jam sessions and workshops. One of the festival’s highlights is the family-friendly concert held on Saturday, November 5 that features more than a dozen acts performing across two stages. Events will be held in the heart of Bendigo, White Hills, Golden Square, Quarry Hill, Long Gully, Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat, Ravenswood, Chewton, Cornella and Maldon.
Performers include Adelle Davis, Leslie D. King & the Trembling Shakes, Grim Fawkner, Charlie Bedford, Mariah McCarthy, Steph Bitter, Kerryn Fields, Don Morrison, Andy Garlick, Geoffrey Williams, Hannah Acfield, Fiona Boyes, Piano Wizard Andrew Farrell, Rory Phillips, Sherri Parry, Rattlin’ Bones Blackwood, Rambal and many more.
More through bendigobluesandroots.com.au
Mountain Writers Festival
Macedon – November 4-6
Place. Story. Nature
The inaugural Mountain Writers Festival is keen to make a great first impression by being the first Australian writers’ festival to focus exclusively on the environment. Guests include Peter Garrett, Tim Flannery, Sarah Wilson, Evelyn Araluen, Scott Pape, Costa Georgiadis, Dr Joëlle Gergis, Tom Gleeson and Aaron Fa’aoso. A highlight is the Saturday night of the festival which features a play-reading reimagining the night of Ash Wednesday when 300 locals and their animals sheltered in the Macedon Railway Hotel.
More through mountainwritersfestival.com.au
Summerwave
Atkinson Park, Kerang – November 5
Ride the wave
The all-ages Summerwave is waving you in through the gates for a line-up featuring Reece Mastin, One More Weekend, Blck Vibe, Seven Car Pileup, Ivy Black, Grace Frost, Elias Lanyon, Tom Harrington, Amy Tie, Daniel Aaron, The Known and Dillmac.
More through allfestivals.com.au
Flow
Footscray Community Arts, Footscray – November 5
Be the flow
Flow is a one-day festival exchanging aural and kinetic energy that is part of ALWAYS LIVE, a state-wide celebration of music supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria. The line-up is DancingWater, Elsy Wameyo, Emelyne, Kamaal Williams, The Far Side (FKA The Pharcyde), THNDO, The Tony Allen Experience and Wayne Snow.
More through alwayslive.com.au
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Buddhist Spring Festival
Peaceful Land of Joy Meditation Centre, Yuroke – November 5
May all beings have happy minds
For the first time in almost three years, the Buddhist Spring Festival returns on-site. Running under the theme ‘Still Mind, Warm Heart: The Path to Happiness’, attendees will be able to enjoy ten acres of gardens, a temple viewing and quiet reflection with the 12-foot statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The festival also includes the Ceremony for World Peace with keynote speaker Ms Jennifer Greenham, as well as light vegetarian refreshments.
More through tibetanbuddhistsociety.org
Luliepalooza
Lulie Street, Abbotsford – November 5
Taking it to the streets
Abbotsford is rolling out the sticky carpet for the best rock and rock street party in town. The line-up is RVG, Pist Idiots, Children Collide, Grace Cummings, Mini Skirt, Caitlin Harnett & the Pony Boys, Smooch, Rot TV, Alex Hamilton, Eaglemont, Queenie, Spunk and Copper Feel, along with DJs Georgia Maq and JD.
More through lulietavern.com
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Latin American Film Festival
Melbourne School of Architecture & Design, Melbourne – November 10-20
The power of Latin American film
The Latin American Film Festival is an initiative between the Australian Government and fifteen Latin American Embassies including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia. Films to be screened include El Empleado y El Patron (Uruguay), Mangoré (Paraguay), Martin & Margot (Guatemala), Inocencia (Cuba), Tropical Iron (Costa Rica), Algo Azul (Panama) and Hoy se arregla el mundo (Argentina).
More through laffunimelb2022.com
Backyard Fest
Lot 19, Castlemaine – November 11 & 12
The fest with the best
Bringing together good music and good people is the simple philosophy of the team behind Backyard Fest, originally held when three housemates decided to throw a shindig in their backyard. This year’s event features Alice Skye, Babe Rainbow, Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird, Andras, Aplegate, Ausecuma Beats, Barefoot Bowls Club, Bones and Jones, Delivery, Donald’s House, Dorsal Fins, Folk Bitch Trio, The Groove Dudes, The Maes, MAMI, MOD CON, Moody Beaches, Our Carlson, The Slingers, The Stroppies, Sunfruits, Tiff Cornish and WHARVES.
More through backyardfest.com.au
New music and arts festival Backyard Fest brings Babe Rainbow, Alice Skye and more to Castlemaine
Ballarat Spring Show
Ballarat – November 11-13
It will put a spring in your step
Presented by the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society, the Ballarat Spring Show is three days of joy. Enjoy your favourite ride and pick up a showbag or two as you wander around and take in performances, animal farms and show dogs, competitions, face painting and balloon artists – not to mention members of the Western Bulldogs. The local services will also be out in force to say g’day to, including the SES, Ballarat Fire and Rescue, The Royal Flying Doctors and the Ballarat Local Police.
More through ballaratshow.org.au
Birregurra Art Show
Birregurra – November 11-13
Their art becomes your art
What began as a fundraising initiative by a group of primary school parents (with the encouragement of the teacher) in 1992 has become an integral part of the region. Old-hands and emerging talents are welcome to display their works, with a cool $2000 awarded to the ‘Best in Show’ artwork.
More through birregurraartshow.com.au
River Rocks
Barwon Club, Geelong – November 12
If the River is rockin’, please come knockin’
Others have tried, but no one rocks quite like River Rocks. The line-up is The Mark of Cain, Hard-Ons, HITS, The Casanovas, Fridge, Rocket Science, Blacklist, Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, Jackson Firebird, The Glycereens, Split System, Digger & the Pussycats, Babymachine, Blowers, Emu, The Stripp and Grytt. Note that each ticket purchase puts you in the draw to win a Popcultcha pack.
River Rocks Rehab follows on November 13. Your line-up is Beastwars, Fridge, Drunk Mums, Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, Blowers, The Unknowns, The Glycereens, Glitoris, Thee Cha Cha Chas, Emu Persecution Blues, Eyeroll, Smoke Witch and DJ Chunky Love.
More through barwonclub.com.au
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Alpine Valley Vibes
Pioneer Park, Bright – November 12
Good vibes everywhere
ALWAYS LIVE, Live Nation Special Events and Alpine Shire Council have come together for Alpine Valley Vibes, a celebration of home-grown talent that doubles as a way to revitalise a community hit by the 2019/20 bushfires and the compounding effects of COVID-19. The line-up includes Jessica Mauboy, Illy, Gretta Ray and The Buoys.
More through moshtix.com.au
Bendigo Swap Meet
Bendigo Showgrounds, Bendigo – November 12 & 13
No trash, all treasure
Held since 1975, the Bendigo Swap Meet is one of the largest swap meets in the country. From small back-yarders to commercial sites, the Bendigo Swap Meet is your chance to pick up a hard-to-find part for your car, something for the shed or a special Christmas present for those who otherwise prove difficult to purchase for. You never know what you’ll find.
More through bendigoswap.com.au
Festival of the Cows
Hare Krishna Valley, Bambra – November 13
For all the cows
The Festival of the Cows celebrates the significance of the cow and bull in traditional and modern culture. With origins 5000 years old, the festival will be honoured by the Hare Krishna community of Victoria. Beginning with a blessing ceremony, attendees are encouraged to walk with the cows accompanied by singing and musical instruments. This is then followed by gifting the cows garlands and treats. Finally, a vegan/vegetarian feast will take place as everyone mingles as family.
More through eventbrite.com.au
Ballan Autumn Festival
Ballan – November 13
It’s blooming lovely
At more than four-decades old, the Ballan Autumn Festival is one of the oldest regional country festivals in the Moorabool Shire. This year they are ‘Spring-ing’ back into action with a feast of live music, roaming acts, tasty grub, market stalls, pony rides and the popular Grand Street Parade. Enjoy plenty of colour and flower power.
More through ballanautumnfestival.com.au
Circus Mania
Castlemaine – November 17-20
Step right up, step right up
Big Tops & Tiny Tots is aimed for littles ones aged between three and six and combines entertainment and education through plate-spinning, hula-hooping and unicycling. Suitcase Circus is for the whole family, complete with acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and balancers. Rogue is a circus for grown-ups, an 18+ visual spectacle of circus and cabaret.
More through circusmania.com.au
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Loch Hart Music Festival
Great Ocean Road, Princetown – November 18-20
Taking place from Friday, November 18 to Sunday, November 20, the grassroots BYO event will be bringing more than 20 world-class acts over one November weekend to one stage in a natural amphitheatre at Kangaroobie Camp, situated a stone’s throw from The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge along Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road. Harvey Sutherland, Peter Bibby, Kylie Auldist, Gordon Koang and Party Dozen lead the lineup, with the grassroots BYO event also featuring comedy, glamping, morning yoga sessions, giant games and an outdoor cinema
More at www.lochhart.com
Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch – Bendigo
Red Energy Arena, Bendigo – November 18
Share a bite and a story
The Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch hits Bendigo this month. Unable to be staged for the past couple of years due to COVID-19, the Lunch aims to raise funds and awareness of prostate cancer in order to help ease the impact on Australian men, their partners and their families. Lunch, drinks, entertainment, raffles and auctions are all part of the day. Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton and Des Dowling are among the guests.
More through ticketek.com.au
Ballarat Cabaret Festival
Ballarat – November 18 & 19
Life is a cabaret, old chum
In the times of Ballarat’s Gold Rush, their halls were filled with cabaret. Now, thanks to Issie Hart, cabaret is back on the menu. Shows include Ballarat’s Rising Stars, Vivian Fonteyn’s Born in a Trunk, Miss Frisby’s Mile High, LGBTQIA+ event Brunch Darling!, Glee Club, Trevor Jones by Request, Family Show featuring Dandyman, Glamour Pussy and Club Cabaret with Issie Hart.
More through ballaratcabaretfestival.com
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Jazz in a Hat Spring Fest
The Heights Heritage House and Garden, Newton – November 19
We’re talking all that jazz
So, you select a bunch of local musicians and get them to throw their name in a hat. From there, names are plucked out to form a band to play a live improv set. The Jazz in a Hat Spring Fest features JIAH alumni and their bands for performances across four stages. Bring the family and enjoy a picnic.
More through geelongaustralia.com.au
Crowded House – A Day on the Green
Mt Duneed Estate, Waurn Ponds – November 19
This is something so strong
Crowded House is one of the most beloved Australian bands of all time, and following a COVID-related delay they’re ready for A Day on the Green. They will be supported by Angus & Julia Stone and The Waifs.
More through mtduneedestate.com.au
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Daylesford Collectables Fair
Victoria Park & Daylesford Town Hall, Daylesford – November 19 & 20
Spruce up the place
Entering its second year, the region’s best dealers will display prized antiques, collectables, vintage and retro. Get something to tie the room together.
More through heydayeventsaustralia.com
Traditional Arts Fair
Buda, Castlemaine – November 20
Old skills in a modern world
For more than 100 years, the Leviny family lived at Castlemaine’s historic Buda. Matriarch Bertha and her daughters Gertrude, Hilda, Mary, Dorothy and Kate were all creative spirits and it was Hilda who had the foresight to preserve Buda as a house and garden museum. The Traditional Arts Fair honours the sisters through displays of patchwork, weaving, knitting, printmaking, painting, metalwork, pickling, cooking, handmade body products, macramé and more. You can also enjoy hand-crafted ice cream, coffee, gourmet BBQ and Devonshire tea, as well as demos, activities for the kids and music.
More through budacastlemaine.org
Geelong Revival Motoring Festival
Geelong Waterfront – November 25-27
Hear the purr of 800 engines
More than 800 competition and motorshow cars and bikes will decorate Geelong’s waterfront this November as the Geelong Revival Motoring Show gets your motor running. For the speedsters, Ritchie Boulevard will host some 300 classic and exotic cars as they test out their goods on a quarter-mile. The Vintage Caravan Display and National Vintage Fashion Awards are festival favourites, while live music, displays, trade stalls and good eats make for a festival with the lot.
More through geelongrevival.com.au
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Queenscliff Music Festival
Queenscliff – November 25-27
Small town, big festival
First held in 1997, the Queenscliff Music Festival remains as loved as ever. Friday’s line-up includes Ben Mastwyk & His Millions, Bones and Jones, Steph Strings, Daddy Long Legs, Folk Bitch Trio, Inn Echo, John Butler and Mark Seymour & the Undertow. Saturday’s line-up includes Emma Donovan & the Putbacks, Sam Teskey, The Beanies, William Crighton, The Bamboos, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham and Georgia Rodgers. And Sunday’s line-up includes Kee’ahn, Vika & Linda, The Bad Dad Orchestra, Nathan Seeckts, Mia Dyson, The Mojo Corner and Watty Thompson.
More through qmf.net.au
Queenscliff Music Festival unveils final lineup for sold-out November event
Bones Fest
Secret Warehouse Location, Melbourne – November 26
Feel it in your bones
A bone-crunching show hosted by I.E and featuring Boo Seeka, Eliza & The Delusionals, Jordan Burns, Dear Sunday, Pvcker Up, Ned Kelly, Butters, Mikalah Watego, Elijah Edwards and 5AM, plus a special guest. There will also be a photoshoot, vinyl releases, unreleased merchandise and more.
More through tickets.oztix.com.au
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Annual SoupBus Ball
Mercure, Ballarat – November 26
Keep the wheels turning
Staffed by volunteers, The SoupBus aims to create dignified and respectful interactions with those in need. Each evening, a local restaurant cooks up a fresh batch of soup to provide an after-dark meal of soup and bread to Ballarat’s homeless and less fortunate. This is their largest fundraiser of the year.
More through facebook.com/pg/TheSoupBus
Ballarat Rock N Roll Festival
Ballarat Showgrounds, Ballarat – November 26
Put your glad rags on
The Ballarat Rock N Roll Festival kicks off with a family-friendly day event from 10am to 4pm. Enjoy dancing, live entertainment, activities for the kids, stalls, food trucks and a ‘show and shine’ car display. Following that will be a ticketed dance night featuring Itchy Fingers and The Fender Benders from 6-11pm. $30pp. BYO alcohol and nibbles. See if Lady Luck is on your side with door prizes and a raffle. No lifts or jumps are permitted.
More through trybooking.com
Make-Shift Picnic in the Park
Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, Castlemaine – November 26
Life is a picnic
As the birds chirp, the ducks waddle by and the breeze rustles the leaves, Castlemaine ensemble Make-Shift will provide a hypnotic soundtrack. So pack up a picnic rug and an Esky full of nibbles, and enjoy a (hopefully) sunny day of sweet eats and musical treats.
More through allevents.in
First & Forever
The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock, Macedon Ranges – November 27
A celebration of Blak excellence
First & Forever is a new, day-long festival that celebrates contemporary First Nations culture and music. Hand-picked by Briggs, the line-up is Baker Boy, Budjerah, Jess Mauboy, King Stingray, Sycco, Thelma Plum, Alice Skye, Busby Marou, Christine Anu, Dan Sultan, Electric Fields, Emma Donovan, Tasman Keith, Ziggy Ramo, Barkaa, dameeeela, Jess Hitchcock, JK-47, Kardajala Kirridarra and Kobie Dee.
More through firstandforever.com.au
First & Forever is the new festival bringing a huge First Nations lineup to Hanging Rock
Japanese Film Festival
Palace Kino Cinemas, Melbourne – November 30-December 4
The power of imagination
Presented by The Japan Foundation, Sydney, the Japanese Film Festival made its debut in 1997. Today, it is one of the largest screenings of Japanese films in the world. Films include And So the Baton is Passed, Blue, Baby Assassins, The Pursuit of Perfection, Lesson in Murder, In the Wake and Floating Clouds.
More through japanesefilmfestival.net
