CALENDAR

Plan early to join in the festivities when you are travelling at home or abroad. Compiled by Stephanie Thompson.

Editor’s Pick: BONDI

Sculpture by the Sea
18 OCTOBER – 4 NOVEMBER

Showcasing more than 100 works by Australian and international artists, Sculpture by the Sea returns for its 16th year. Enjoy the sun and surf while marvelling at the sculptures placed along the breathtaking Bondi to Tamarama coast walk.

www.sculpturebythesea.com

BALLARAT

Capturing Flora: 300 years of Australian botanical art
UNTIL 2 DECEMBER

With examples drawn from rare 18th Century prints to contemporary artists, the exhibition features a selection of work from some of
Australia’s best botanical art. There is a range of public programs running throughout the exhibition.

www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au

USA

Sandhill Crane Festival
2-4 NOVEMBER

Watch Sandhill Cranes arrive at the wildlife areas of Lodi, California. Some Sandhill Cranes travel from nesting grounds as far as Siberia and each year thousands of visitors come to Lodi to see these stunning birds fly through the Californian skies.

www.cranefestival.com

SWAN VALLEY

Viva Verdelho
4 NOVEMBER

Swan Valley’s premier wine is enjoyed in style at this ticketed event. Enjoy sampling Verdelho with delicious dishes designed to complement the wine and its flavours, prepared by some of Perth’s best chefs. The Verdelho judged by the critics to best match the dishes will receive The Viva Verdelho Critics Choice Award, and you can cast your vote for the People’s Choice.

www.swanvalleywinemakers.com.au

ITALY

Historical Carnival of Ivrea
6 JANUARY – 13 FEBRUARY

Bringing together history, tradition, spectacle and excitement in the lovely town of Ivrea, the Historical Carnival re-enacts the city’s liberation from tyranny in mediaeval times. When the festivities culminate with the Battle of the Oranges, the fruit becomes missiles hurled at the feudal lord’s army.

www.storicocarnevaleivrea.it

SCOTLAND

Celtic Connections Festival
17 JANUARY – 3 FEBRUARY
The annual folk, roots and world music festival in Glasgow brings together musicians from around the world to celebrate Celtic music. With a strong spirit of camaraderie among musicians, new performances and collaborations often evolve from the festival’s spontaneous sessions.

www.celticconnections.com

DARWIN

The Darwin Fridge Festival
12-27 OCTOBER

Looking for the world’s coolest festival? Come to Darwin and celebrate the humble fridge! The gradual expansion of this fun festival sees 2012 featuring free public workshops, live music, theatre, poetry, and the lantern-lit fridge walk.

www.darwinfridgefestival.org.au

NEW ZEALAND

Kerikeri Half Marathon Street Party
17 NOVEMBER

The main street of Kerikeri is closed off to traffic and filled with food and beverage stalls so you can feast upon delicious Kerikeri and Northland delights. An ‘after party’ following a scenic half marathon, the street party is an evening of food and fun that is sure to delight.

www.kerikeristreetparty.co.nz

NORWAY

Gingerbread Town (Pepperkakebyen)
25 NOVEMBER – 31 DECEMBER

The world’s biggest gingerbread town is found in Bergen where gingerbread connoisseurs will discover a breathtaking display of yummy gingerbread houses, people, cars, bridges, and other incredible feats of baked engineering. No resistance to gingerbread? Steer clear of Norway!

Sydney

St.George OpenAir Cinema 2013
10 JANUARY – 16 FEBRUARY

Sydney’s wonderful cinematic summer event, St.George OpenAir Cinema returns to Mrs Macquaries Point on 10 January for exceptional food, film and wine – with a view of the harbour. Full program available on 7 December and tickets on sale at 9am, 13 December from the website.