City of Canada Bay Seniors Festival 2017
3 – 12 March
This years Seniors Festival theme is ‘Let’s Do More Together’, so in that spirit, let us tell you about some of the things you can do during this 10-day event. Our picks; ‘Give Croquet a go!’ because who doesn’t want to pretend to be royalty for a day, ‘Premier’s Gala Concert’ for which bookings are essential and ‘Guitar group lessons’ because it is never to late to join that rock band you always dreamed of. The festival is open to people aged over 60, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged over 50 and those 50 or older with a lifelong disability. All events are free or discounted.
The Laugh Stand with Fiona O’Loughlin
Tuesday 7 March, 8-10.15pm
Fiona O’Loughlin is one of the most in demand comedians in the country, with a huge following across the road developed over her career spanning 15 years. And she is here, in the little old Harold Park Hotel – how did that happen? Never mind how they managed it; this is a great opportunity to see some world-class comedy for the price of a local gig and the effort it takes to head down the road. Emcee David Smeidt brings his own to the table, with a unique brand of warm, inclusive and intelligent comedy – a rare find.
Harold Park Hotel, 70A Ross St, Glebe
Relay for Life Sydney
11-12 March
Each year, thousands of Australians come together to show support and raise much needed funds for the Cancer Council by committing to a two-day walk-a-thon, Relay for Life. The Sydney chapter of this event is conveniently held in the Inner West, meaning we can all jump on board and tag along. Aside from raising money for an important cause, the relay provides a unique chance to socialise, meet new friends and even get some exercise while you are at it. Think of it as a giant, community sleepover. BYO snacks and PJ’s. Join a team today.
King George Park, Manning St, Rozelle
Bairro Português Food and Wine Fair
Sunday 12 March, 10am-6pm
This March take a trip to sunny Portugal without ever leaving the Inner West. OK, maybe not exactly, but we promise the Bairro festival is pretty damn close. Australia’s largest Portuguese cultural fair will feature the very best of authentic Portuguese cooking, culture and entertainment right from our own little Portugal: Petersham. While you’re stuffing your face with chorizo rolls, paella, garlic prawns and Portuguese tarts, you can feast your eyes on traditional dance performances and live music. Multiple licensed bars will be serving drinks to make sure you stay hydrated. Did someone say sangria?
Audley and Fisher St, Petersham
Carnival of Cultures (pictured top)
Sunday 19 March, 10am-4pm
Here in the Inner West we have many cultural groups and even more cultural festivals (see Bairro Português above) but we only have one that brings them all together: Carnival of Cultures. This festival celebrates just what it says – cultures – and the great things that come from a truly multicultural Inner West. With a variety of cultural performances running all day long, free children’s entertainment, activities and market stalls, I wouldn’t worry about getting bored. Come for the food alone, with a wide variety of international food on offer, there’ll be something for even the pickiest eater in your family.
Ashfield Park, corner of Parramatta Rd and Orpington St, Ashfield
Creative Non-Fiction Festival
Saturday 25 March, 10am-6pm
Trust us when we say there are so many big name journalists, editors and authors on this line-up, under the direction of award-winning author Mark Dapin, that we couldn’t possibly fit them all. Seriously, check the website. This festival is a space for writers of all kinds to connect with the community, learn a little something, but most importantly, to be inspired by the power of words. What a perfect time to explore the different ways we writers can tell the truth through words considering the 24/7 media environment and the recent calls of ‘fake news’ from a certain angry man.
NSW Writers’ Centre, Callan Park, Balmain Rd, Rozelle