Why Head West this Autumn
There are plenty of reasons to head west this autumn, as Melbourne’s west puts on more than its fair share of vibrant events, covering everything from fine food and cheese, to music, artisan markets and more.
Add to the mix a steady influx of hip new cafés, bars and restaurants, along with new tourism attractions and tours and you’ll soon realise you don’t have to venture far from the city centre for a memorable mid-week or weekend experience in the west.
Read on for a selection of what to see and do in Melbourne’s west over the coming months.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Moonee Valley Festival
The Moonee Valley Festival takes place throughout Moonee Valley neighbourhoods during March, delivering an exciting program of live performances, food and art.
A highlight of the program is Food Fair Festival (15 March) at Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre, where guests can enjoy cooking demonstrations, interactive showcases and tastings from local Moonee Valley chefs and restaurants.
WHEN: now until end-March
WHERE: various locations within Moonee Valley City Council
Riverside Nights Festival
Riverside Nights will transform Wyndham Park into an eclectic fusion of music, food, markets and great entertainment.
The new and beautifully designed, state of the art parklands will come to life Friday nights in March. The festival has been created by the team behind Torquay’s popular Nightjar Festival.
WHERE: Wyndham Park, Werribee City Centre, Werribee
WHEN: Friday 13, 20 and 27 March 2020 from 4pm-10pm
W: facebook.com/riversidenightsofficial/
Eat Drink Westside
Eat Drink Westside is a unique collaboration between Melbourne’s western region councils and Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, shining a light on the area’s culinary gems and enviable food community.
A regular fixture of the Festival, the 2020 Eat Drink Westside program features 17 enticing events that are as diverse as the west itself. Spanish, French, Ethiopian, Indian, Vietnamese, Turkish, Italian and Lebanese cuisines are represented, as well as street parties, cooking classes, decadent dinners and more.
Discover why so many food-lovers, trailblazers and game-changers are being drawn to the west.
WHERE: various locations across Melbourne’s west
WHEN: 19-29 March, 2020
TICKETS: Available through the Melbourne Food & Wine website:
W: melbournefoodandwine.com.au/program/eat-drink-westside
Flavour Fest
Discover a delicious blend of fiery, sweet and smoky sensations at Flavour Fest – a new music and food festival in Rockbank which celebrates community, culture and cuisine.
Listen to live music from headline acts, witness live cooking demonstrations from leading Melbourne chefs and enjoy tasty treats from some of Melbourne’s most popular food trucks and restaurants.
The music program includes British India, Caravans Sun, Merci Merci, Jakubi, Clews and more.
WHERE: Frontier Park, Rockbank
WHEN: Saturday 21 March
TICKETS: Flavour Fest is a free event
Fromage a Trois Cheese Festival
A day filled with cheesy indulgence returns to Werribee Park Mansion when the annual Fromage a Trois Cheese Festival takes place.
The Great Lawn in front of the Werribee Mansion will be home to an array of amazing cheeses, cheesy dishes and cheesy surprises, along with fine artisan food, and delicious craft beverages; all available to sample and purchase.
Watch chefs and cheesemakers in action, enjoy the live music and indulge with your cheese-loving friends, old and new.
WHERE: Werribee Park & Mansion, K Road, Werribee
WHEN: Sunday 22 March, 2020 from 11am-6pm
TICKETS: $33 + booking fee – available through: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Flavours of St Albans, Twilight Market
Melbourne’s most ethnically diverse array of flavours are found on the streets of St Albans, from Europe to Asia and everywhere in between.
Whether it’s sizzling, steamed or slow-roasted, taste sensations abound at this evening event as you take a cultural journey with our local food experts.
For one evening, Flavours of St Albans will take over the St Albans Market. Local community groups will share their stories and recipes, while live entertainment, face painting, balloon twisting and pony rides will keep the whole family happy.
Flavours of St Albans is part of the Eat Drink Westside program.
WHERE: St Albans Market, 3 St Albans Road, St Albans
WHEN: Friday 27 March, from 6pm-10pm
TICKETS: This is a free event
W: https://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/program/flavours-of-st-albans-twilight-market-7522
Wominjeka Festival
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020, the annual Wominjeka Festival is a celebration of the local environment and culture-sharing in the West.
Wominjeka is a Ngargee, a Kulin cultural event, teaching and sharing from the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri peoples of the greater Kulin nation.
Held on the banks of the Maribyrnong River at the Footscray Community Arts Centre, the three-day event includes a welcome ceremony and campfire, community concert, live music and talks from celebrated and emerging First Nations artists.
WHERE: Footscray Community Arts Centre, 45 Moreland St, Footscray
WHEN: Friday 3 to Sunday 5 April, 2020
TICKETS: this is a free event
W: footscrayarts.com/event/wominjeka-festival-2020
Momo Fest Melbourne
Momo Fest is an event entirely dedicated to momo – the Nepalise version of dumplings. Momo is known as the food that brings families and friends together like no other food does. It is more than a food, it is a symbol of unity and celebration of togetherness.
Footscray Park and Gardens will come alive for two days with plenty of varieties of momo to taste, along with live music, world music DJs, multicultural performances, roving performers, rides and games and competitions.
WHERE: Footscray Park and Gardens, Ballarat Road, Footscray
WHEN: Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 April, 2020
W: facebook.com/events/2469398283188610
High Tea at Overnewton Castle
For a slice of local history, join a guided tour of Overnewton Castle, which sits atop a hillside overlooking the town on Keilor (easily accessible off the Calder Freeway).
This Scottish Baronial Castle was built in the 1850s, by Scotsman Harry Taylor, in the Victorian Tudor style, inspired by 16th century English and Scottish architecture.
Lovingly restored and maintained by its current owners, the Castle gives a rare glimpse into the life of wealthy pastoralists in Victoria’s goldrush era days.
You can join the owners on a fascinating tour through what is now their family home, followed by a high tea in the grand parlour.
WHERE: Overnewton Castle, 51 Overnewton Road, Keilor
WHEN: Tours and high tea take place on a regular basis, upcoming dates include 22 March, 5 April, 3 May and 10 May (for a special Mother’s Day High Tea)
W: overnewtoncastle.com.au/best-high-tea-venue-north-melbourne
Do you love the west? See more of what’s on here.
Looking for family friendly events? Check out our list of 30 Autumn School Holiday Events here.
Media contacts: For additional information, images or familiarisation opportunities, please contact:
Madeleine Blake – MBPR Amy Gardner
E: madeleine@mbpr.co E: amy@melbourneswest.com.au