May 1-7
Best of Brunswick
A weekly guide to what’s on and things to do in Postcode 3056 and surrounds. Compiled by Poppy Searle
FUNDRAISER
What: World Press Freedom Day fundraiser for Julian Assange
When: 5pm, Friday, May 3 to 3am, Saturday, May 4
Where: Bar Oussou, 653 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Cost: $20
On World Press Freedom Day, show your solidarity for publisher and Australian citizen, Julian Assange, as he remains in prison in the UK pending potential extradition to the US on espionage charges related to the work of WikiLeaks. This night of DJs and live music aims to raise awareness and funds for the Assange campaign, and will feature an appearance and speech by his father, John Shipton at 9pm. Food will be provided by Very Good Falafel.
WINE
What: Brunswick Urban Wine Walk
When: 12-4pm, Saturday, May 4
Where: Begins at Hotel Railway, 291 Albert Street, Brunswick
Cost: $82
The streets and laneways of Brunswick will come alive as a line-up of nine venues each transform into an Urban Cellar Door and host a winemaker as part of a self-guided wine trail. After picking up your event wristband from Hotel Railway, you can choose your own adventure as you and your friends move from venue to venue tasting delicious wines. The ticket includes complimentary wine tastings, a $10 food voucher and a complimentary tasting glass. NB: this is an 18+ event and children are not allowed to participate.
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FOOD
What: Olives to Oil Northside
Where: CERES Community Environment Park, Stewart and Roberts streets, Brunswick East
When: 11am to 3pm, Sunday, May 5
Cost: Fee-$50 depending on weight of olives
Olives to Oil is an annual event run by CERES, bringing people together to harvest olives and have them pressed communally into delicious, extra virgin olive oil. Every year, the community scours their backyards, local parks, or greenspaces to collect olives in the thousands to bring to one of several CERES drop-off sites. The olives are then delivered to Barfold Olives to become a fruity and unique blend of oil. On collection day in June, participants return home with the fruits (or oils!) of their labour. In 2023, CERES processed 26 tonnes of olives, yielding over 2000 litres of oil. The community produced oil was later awarded a silver medal at the Royal Adelaide Show. This year, capacity is increasing to accept 40 tonnes of olives. As a general rule, 10 kg of olives equates to one litre of oil. To accommodate the event’s growing popularity, pre-registration is essential and participation in the pressing process is now only for residents of the cities of Merri-bek, Yarra, and Darebin.
MUSIC
What: Xani
When: 8pm, Friday, May 3
Where: Tempo Rubato, 34 Breese St, Brunswick
Cost: $30/$20 concession: $20
Xani is a contemporary violinist based in Naarm/Melbourne, who specialises in spontaneous composition and improvisation on the electric violin. She incorporates techniques like live looping and electronic effects into her performances. Her music transcends traditional genre boundaries, drawing from her roots in folk and classical music, as well as her exploration of jazz, rock, and improvised music. She also experiments with electric guitar effects, electronics, and surround sound, adding layers of complexity to her sound.
FILM
What: Star Wars weekend
When: 1pm, Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5
Where: FoMo Cinemas, 5 Bluestone Way, Brunswick East
Cost: $35/$30 concession
This weekend, FoMo Cinemas will celebrate Star Wars Day (May the Fourth) with an epic marathon and a special menu. On Saturday, they will be screening back-to-back episodes IV (A New Hope), V (The Empire Strikes Back) and VI (The Return of the Jedi); and on Sunday it’s time for episodes I (The Phantom Menace), II (Attack of the Clones) III (Revenge of the Sith). The films are paired with curated food and drinks including red Sith Slushies and Ham Solo Pizza. Don your best Star Wars attire and stand a chance to win a free meal with staff on the lookout for the three best-dressed during each screening.
SINGING
What: Celtic Club Choir in a Pub
When: 6.30-9.30pm, Wednesday, May 8
Where: The Wild Geese Hotel, 29 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Cost: $15 members/$20 non-members
Each month the Melbourne Celtic Club brings together a community choir led by a talented conductor to practice and record a tribute song by an Irish artist. In May, the choir will learn a song first written and performed by the legendary frontman of The Pogues, the late Shane MacGowan (pictured). This is an opportunity to celebrate the power of music and community. No singing expertise is required! Whether you’re a shower singer, car crooner, or just love a good old Irish tune, this is a therapeutic experience and a fantastic way to connect with others.
We are keen to promote genuine community events and happenings, big and small, so if you have know of something coming up, or of a venue that you think deserves to be promoted to a wider audience, submit the details here no later than COB on Monday. Priority will be given to events scheduled over the next seven days.
Don’t hesitate to also contact us any time with other feedback, news tips or if you would like to contribute to the site by contacting editor@brunswickvoice.com.au.
The deadline for submissions for this weekly column is close of business on Monday. Priority will be given to events scheduled over the next seven days.