Mantra on Russell - Melbourne, Melbourne & Surrounds

Local Events

With so many entertainment and sporting venues close by and competitive rates available all year round, Mantra on Russell is the perfect base when attending a sporting event, festival or concert. 

Below is a calendar of Melbourne’s annual events:

Australian Open (17-30 January 2011)

Held annually in January, the Australian Open is one of four Grand Slam tennis tournaments held around the world. The 14 day showdown demands the full attention of the global sporting fraternity right up to its stunning climax. The Australian Open tennis tournament attracts over 500,000 people for the fortnight and is Australia’s single largest sporting event. For more information on the Australian open visit www.tennis.com.au  

St Kilda Festival (2011 dates TBC)

Turning 30 in 2010, St Kilda Festival is one of Australia's best known and Melbourne's most loved events. It utilises St Kilda's stunning foreshore and celebrates the cream of Australia's musical talents. For more information on St Kilda Festival visit www.stkildafestival.com.au

Summerdayze

Summadayze starts Melbourne's year off with a huge dance party at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Together with the cream of Melbourne's dance music scene, a hand-picked selection of the world's finest talent ensures 12 hours of non-stop entertainment. For more information visit www.summadayze.com

Parklife

Early each year PARKLIFE makes the most of the beautiful outdoors at Birrarung Marr Melbourne. PARKLIFE is Australia’s most forward-looking music festival, bringing you a lineup of artists who completely define the moment in music. For more information on this festival visit www.parklife.com.au 

Victorian Caravan & Camping Show (15 March 2011)

Held at the Caulfield Racecourse just out of Melbourne, Victorian Caravan & Camping Show is the very best in camping, caravans, vans and all things outdoorsy. The Victorian Show is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Over six days, visitors will have the unique opportunity to view hundreds of the very latest industry products at the one venue while also learning all about caravanning, motor homing and camping in Australia. For more information visit www.caravanshow.com.au.

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (2011 dates TBC)

This annual festival showcases produce, talent and the lifestyle of Melbourne. Visit Melbourne in March and you will find every nook of this tasty city housing a unique event in celebration of the Festival. From whirling fiestas, long lunches and leisurely dinners in our labyrinthine network of laneways, to cocktails and canapés on our giddying rooftops. www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au

Melbourne International Flower Show (2011 dates TBC)

Melbourne explodes with colour and design at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show where you see the best of the ornamental horticulture industry. After 14 years, the Melbourne International Flower Show proudly remains the biggest annual flower and garden show in the Southern Hemisphere! Held at the Royal Exhibition & Carlton Gardens. For more information visit www.melbflowershow.com.au

FORMULA 1™ Australian Gand Prix (2011 dates TBC)

The first event on the Grand Prix calendar, the Forumla 1 Australian Grand Prix sees thousands converge at Albert Park to see the action on track. For more information visit www.grandprix.com.au

Melbourne International Comedy Festival (2011 dates TBC)

An annual event, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival literally takes over Australia's comedy capital, Melbourne, each autumn with an enormous program of stand-up comedy, cabaret, theatre, street performance, film, television, radio and visual arts. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world, alongside Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Montreal's Just for Laughs Festival. For more information visit www.comedyfestival.com.au

Melbourne Boat Show (1-5 July 2010)

If you’re a water buff or looking to purchase a new boat this is the place to see the latest and greatest in boating updates. For more information visit www.melbourneboatshow.com.au.

Melbourne International Film Festival (23rd July – 8th August 2010)

The Melbourne International Film Festival is Australia’s largest film festival program and showcasing the screening of films from 50 countries. For more information visit www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au

Gift Fair (7-11 August 2010)

Reed Gift Fairs is the ultimate event for those in the homewares and gift industry. Held five times a year it offers retailers a chance to come together and source the latest products from the best suppliers in the market place. For more information visit www.reedgiftfairs.com.au

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (1-6 September 2010)

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week is one of Australia's largest celebrations of consumer fashion and takes place 1-6 September, 2010 at Melbourne Town Hall and venues throughout the city. For more information visit www.msfw.com.au.

AFL Final Series (4–26 September 2010)

See this spectacular crescendo of 22 weeks of fiery competition in the 2010 Australian Football League Finals Series. Games will be held at the MCG and Etihad Stadium. For more information visit www.afl.com.au.

AFL Grand Final

Held annually on the last Saturday of September, the AFL Grand Final is the pinnacle of Australian Rules Football, where the two best teams of the season compete for the Premiership Cup. The AFL Grand Final is the highest attended single sporting event in Australia, with the attendance generally reaching 95,000 to 100,000 people. For more information visit www.afl.com.au.

Melbourne International Arts Festival (8-23 October 2010)

Melbourne International Arts Festival is Australia's premier celebration of international performing and visual arts and Melbourne's flagship cultural event. See the cream of Australian and international theatre, dance, visual arts, opera and music over 17 days at various venues across Melbourne. For more information visit www.melbournefestival.com.au .

Spring Racing Carnival (Melbourne Cup) (30 October – 6 November 2010)

The race that stops the nation occurs on the first Tuesday in November where Victoria enjoys a public holiday, ladies don hats, men day suits and the fortunes of many rely on the best horse on the day! The entire carnival runs for a month with the major Melbourne meets beginning on Derby Day the Saturday before Melbourne Cup and finishing at Stakes Day the Saturday after Melbourne Cup. For more information visit www.racingvictoria.net.au

Equitana Asia Pacific (November 18-21 2010)

Equitana Melbourne is four days of everything equine featuring horses, Olympic gold medallists, stunt riders, world renowned educators, aussie cowboys, world cup dressage an elite equine competition program, Australian and international educators and over 300 exhibitors making up the largest equine shopping spree in Australia. For more information visit www.equitana.com.au

Carols By Candlelight Christmas Eve (24 December 2010) 

A family tradition held at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl every Christmas Eve and raising funds for Vision Australia's Children's Services. For more information visit www.visionaustralia.org.au/carols

The Ashes Cricket Series & Melbourne Boxing Day Test (26-30 December 2010)

In 2010 the Fourth Test of The Ashes Cricket Series will being on Boxing Day in Melbourne. More than 160,000 passionate cricket fans will attend the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground to support Australia in the world’s largest Test Match. For more information visit www.cricket.com.au.

New Years Eve Celebrations in Melbourne (31 December 2010)

Every year, the City of Melbourne presents an exciting line-up of free New Year’s Eve celebrations across the city. Yarra Park, located near the Melbourne Cricket Ground, will be the centre for family entertainment, including viewing of the 9.15pm fireworks. For more information visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au