Hispanic, Polish & Big West Fests, Prosecco Road, Pop Up Gallery, Old Dog’s Dinner this Weekend

Melbourne. Last weekend was so huge that I needed a weekend from my weekend, only I didn’t get it and just like the pounding in my head as I pay the price for too many promo priced Sailor Jerry’s at The Tote last night it doesn’t seem to want to stop. For me this week I think I’m going to have a long bath and watch the entire second season of Party Down. For you, you might consider the following:

HISPANIC FIESTA
Inspired by the commemoration of One Thousand years of the Spanish Language, the annual Johnston Street Fiesta will be held this weekend on…Johnston St, Fitzroy. Sure it’s overcrowded but it’s iconic and a heck of a lot of fun. No bull. Grizzly Espresso’s having their own fiesta down the laneways off 7-11 if you want to skip the crowds.
What: Street Party
Where: Johnston St, Fitzroy
When: Nov 19 – 20
Web: www.hispanicfiesta.com.au

POLISH FESTIVAL
Cross from Spain to Poland this Sunday the seventh annual Polish Festival at Fed Square. It’ll be a great place to find the ever delicious but (in Melbourne at least) ever elusive pierogi.
What: Pierogis and beer
Where: Fed Square
When: Sunday 20 Nov
Web: www.polishfestival.com.au

BIG WEST FEST
If you thought the Hispanic and Polish fests were big, think again! This Big West Festival is a community-based, contemporary arts festival that’s back with the theme UNCONTAINED! The festival includes pop up performances, free family/children’s days, visual arts exhibitions, music performances, literary events and world premiere performances! Check out the website to see what’s on and where, and experience the vibrant cultures of the west!
What: 12 days, 67 events, 26 locations across the Western Suburbs
When: Now unti Nov 27
Where: Various locations
Web: www.bigwest.com.au

WINE AND BOCCE
Primavera del Prosecco translates as Prosecco in Spring, but what it means is a weekend of wine in the country. The Dal Zotto family were the first to produce Prosecco in Australia, a white sparkling wine best guzzled in the warmer months. This weekend the family are throwing open their doors for a mini-fest based around their signature drop. They’ll be Italian food, music, bocce and plenty of booze in the King Valley. I’ve heard worse reasons for a road trip.
When: Nov 18 – 20
Where: Dal Zotto Trattoria, Main Rd Whitfield (3 hours from Melbourne)
Web: www.dalzotto.com.au/index.php?id=40

FLYING NUN TURNS 30
Punk rock inspired label Flying Nun will be celebrating their 30th Birthday with an array of fine local artists playing songs from the label’s back catalogue that inspired them most.  The label represents various styles of music including the much-debated Dunedin Sound high-end pop with a twist, lo-fi experimentation, strongly Velvet Underground influenced pop, minimalism, industrial and rock-electronic crossover. And apparently there’ll be a very special guest.
What: Flying Nun 30th Anniversary
When: Friday 18 Nov
Where: The Workers Club, Cnr Brunswick & Gertrude Sts Fitzroy
Web: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=254271994623787

DANGERFORK POP UP GALLERY
Italian born, Melbourne based artist Andrea Prosciutti, aka Roman, is showing his wares in Dangerfork’s Pop Up Gallery in Collingwood. The self taught artist manifests his work in an array of mediums from comics and picture books to paintings and illustrations. He’s also the man behind Roman Skateboards, along with the guerrilla advertising campaign on the streets of Melbourne.
What: Roman: The Green Robot exhibition
When: Thursday 17 Nov
Where: Dangerfork Pop Up Gallery, 143 Johnston St, Collingwood
Web: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=209554629116288

OLD DOGS, NEW TRICKS
‘Old Dog’ is a terrible name for a night dedicated to culinary talent because it unavoidably makes you think the main dish will be an old dog; and no matter how new the cooking technique or how sound the environmental argument for eating stray dogs instead of putting them to death may be, to most people old dog will remain an unappealing dish. Dog will not however be on the menu. What does sound appealing is the list of chefs, cooks, cocktail bartenders in this one off event. Head here for more information
What: Dinner
Where: Cutler and Co, 55-57 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
When: Mon 21 Nov
Web: www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=15549

Plus Stevie Nicks, and Eddie Izzard are in town doing shows. Separate shows. But you knew that right.  I mean one’s a comedian and the other is a singer.