What’s On In Melbourne In August

For want of a non-swear word – there’s a myriad of things to do in Melbourne in August. Whether you’d rather fill your free time with eating, drinking, watching, wiggling or general swanning around town, there’s a long list of things to conquer before one could even consider being bored.

We’ve had a long, hard look at what’s on in Melbourne in August. And can confirm that these are the 4 things you should add to your to-do list.

Japanese Art at its Best

If you know anything about Japanese art, you’ll know the name Katsushika Hokusai. The self-described “old man mad about drawing” was one of the most significant artists that has come out of the Land of the Rising Sun and is the genius behind the instantly recognisable, The great wave off Kanagawa (The great wave).

The Hokusai exhibition spans the artist’s illustrious seventy-year career, featuring 176 works from the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum and the NGV Collection.

Donuts and Beer

Australia’s only donut and beer festival returns and why the hell wouldn’t you want to go? The glorious glutton fest will be held at Batman Market August 19 and 20. Do Homer proud.

Tattoos and Rum

Origins of Original is an art exhibition, pop-up tattoo parlour and pop-up bar. What a combo, where do we sign?

The travelling exhibition is a shout-out to the original Sailor Jerry – Norman Collins – a legendary American tattoo artist, famous for inking sailors. The event at Kustom Kommune will take place August 19, include art from both Collins and Aussie artists, and promises to be rum-soaked.

Melbourne International Film Festival

The MIFF has been bringing international films to the film-loving masses since the 50’s, and you don’t become one of the oldest film festivals in the world without doing something right.

Running from August 3-20, the Melbourne International Film Festival boasts a huge list of premieres, screenings, marathons, masterclasses and talks.

The program of films is 357-strong this year and includes rippers like The Killing of a Sacred Deer (Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman), Beatriz at Dinner (Salma Hayek, John Lithgow) and Loving Vincent, the world’s first painted movie (each of the film’s 65,000 frames is an oil painting).

Bingo Raving

Leave your grannies at home, they say. Taking Australia by storm, they say. Bongo’s Bingo is part rave, part bingo and last time it was in town it sold out in less than 5 minutes.

If you’re looking for a chilled night playing an old favourite, this isn’t for you. If you’re looking to get loose, dance on tables and try something totally different, this is 100% for you.

Bongo’s Bingo will take place August 31at Collingwood Town Hall.

words by niall roeder