Melbourne International Arts Festival

Melbourne International Arts Festival has an outstanding reputation for presenting unique international and Australian attractions in the fields of dance, theatre, music, opera, visual arts, free and outdoor events. In 2008, the event runs for 17 days from 9 - 25 October, with performances throughout Melbourne.

Melbourne Fringe Festival

Dive into Melbourne's very own celebration of a curious and brilliant independent arts scene. Artists staking their claim in Melbourne's artistic landscape, creating some airspace in which to shout or whisper their most crucial thoughts, ideas and visions for the universe. Lifting the lid on Melbourne's artists' ideas, sifting through the jokes, stories and passions that have recently consumed them.

Victorian Seniors Festival

The main Festival venue is the Melbourne Town Hall. Other highlights of the festival include the Seniors Film Festival at ACMI, Chapel Off Chapel Seniors Festival Theatre Week, Country Concert Series, a range of active living activities, organised tours and sight-seeing, and educational programs. All Victorian Seniors Card holders will travel free on the metropolitan public transport network and regional bus services. Seniors in country Victoria can take advantage of free travel on V/Line rail and coach services.

Mental Health Week

Aims to promote community awareness of mental health issues. A range of activities are coordinated across the state by local community groups and services and involves significant volunteer commitment. The theme "Mental Health: What Do You Know?", asks each of us to expand our awareness and knowledge of mental health.

Melbourne Cycling Festival

Ride to Work Day (15 October 2008) aims to encourage first time riders and to develop cycle-friendly workplaces supported by policy and facilities. Federation Square is the central event location with lots of people gathering for breakfast, activities and entertainment, which includes a diverse main stage program, cooking demonstrations, radio personality MC; a healthy breakfast; hair repair station; massage; bike security engravings; bike parking and cycle Angels along main route. Other events include Around the Bay in a Day (19 October 2008), Go Bike Expo (17 - 19 October 2008).

Sustainability and technology

Hear a panel of local experts discuss how technology and sustainability intersect. What does a sustainable city look like and how do we marry that vision with the available technology? Speakers include: Eric Bottomley, Sustainability Projects Team Leader at CERES Community Environment Park; Stephen Ingrouille, proprietor of Going Solar; and Professor Frank Fisher from the National Centre for Sustainability, Swinburne University of Technology. Tuesday 14 October, 2008.

Sport and War: An Australian War Memorial travelling exhibition

This inspiring free exhibition explores how sport and war have helped to define what it means to be Australian. Discover remarkable stories of courage and achievement on the nation's battlefields and sporting fields; meet champions like footballer Keith 'Bluey' Truscott and cricketer Bert Oldfield; and see unique images and objects on display - from original posters and photographs to a 'Brownlow' medal presented in Changi POW camp. Time: 11 July-26 October, 10am-5pm daily (to 9pm Thursdays)