Moomba, Melbourne Flea, Ukulele Fest, Richmond Weekender and more this long weekend

MOOMBA
Have you ever seen the Birdman contest in person? Definitely worth a look, although sometimes you may want to look away. Moomba’s world class waterskiing competition is running all long weekend, wakeboarding, jumps, tricks and slalom for your perusal. Among Moombas classic events: the Carnival, Trapeze and parade on Monday, there will skate shows and lots of music. Also fireworks, three nights in a row!
WHAT: Moomba
WHEN: Fri 9 March – Mon 12 March
WHERE: Alexandra Gardens, Birrarung Marr and the Yarra between Princes Bridge and Swan Street Bridge
WEB: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Whatson/Festivals/MoombaFestival/2012/Pages/Moomba.aspx

MELBOURNE UKULELE FESTIVAL
Those who enjoy the sounds of the guitar’s smaller cousin should check this big festival out. Beginning with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain playing at The Arts Centre, the rest of the festival takes place at Trades Hall, where there are beginner’s workshops, ukuleles for sale and heaps of local and international ukulele acts showing their skills with the quirky instrument.
WHAT: Ukulele Festival
WHERE: The Arts Centre, St Kilda Road, and Trades Hall, Carlton
WHEN: Thurs 8 March – Sun 11 March
WEB: www.muf.org.au

PEOPLE’S FLEA MARKET
Those who thought flea markets were a thing of the suburbs will be proven wrong once Melbourne Flea opens at Docklands. With several undercover areas and shipping containers, this open-air market has hundreds of stalls covering everything from vintage clothes and food stalls to a farmer’s market. Booze and music too at 1000 Pound Bend’s container. Worth checking out if city shopping centres bore you.
WHAT: Flea Market
WHEN: Every Saturday between 9am – 9pm
WHERE: Western end of New Quay, Docklands, almost under the Bolte Bridge
WEB: peoplesmarket.com.au

RICHMOND. WEEKEND.
The Richmond Weekender building, once a piano manufacturer, Heinz factory but most recently Channel 9 TV studios, is making a comeback in March. It’s hosting the “Graham Canteen” a tip of the hat to The King. Rob Cattanach and Kent Bell of Cavallero will be cooking up their new Fancy Hank’s BBQ. Think southern style BBQ at its best: spicy ribs, slow cooked brisket and smoked pork. If you’re just after a drink, there is a selection of specialty coffees plus the “speakeasy cinema” will appear on Saturday nights, playing a select pick of contextual films. You might want to duck into the Graham canteen for some fancy popcorn before the show.
WHAT: Richmond Weekends
WHERE: 22 Bendigo St, Richmond
WHEN: Saturday and Sundays in March, Speakeasy Cinema screenings 8:45pm, Saturdays
WEB: therichmondweekender.com.au

LMFF SWAP SHOP
If you like boutique wear, the barter system and a bargain (as well as alliteration) this one’s for you. The Clothing Exchange is setting up a swap shop at BMW Edge as part of Fashion Week on Monday. For the price of admission and bringing six items you no longer want, you get to take home six items that once belonged to someone else. Simple and sweet.
WHAT: Barter town
WHERE: BMW Edge at Fed Square
WHEN: Mon 12 March, 6.30pm check in
WEB: Tickets are $25 and available at www.clothingexchange.com.au

BONNIE PRINCE BILLY
Legendary indie – folk song master Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy aka Will Oldham is known for a number of things, one being his droolingly good beard that makes all the hipsters green with envy. But notably, it is his song writing ability that makes you quiver at the raw emotion wielded in each verse.
WHAT: Music and beards
WHERE: The National Theatre, St Kilda
WHEN: Fri 9 March
WEB: http://venue.nationaltheatre.org.au/?page=whats_on