Hobsons Bay has long claimed a strong industrial history, as well as an ever-growing cultural presence. From Friday 16 November to Sunday 26 November, manufacturing and the arts collide in a unique festival – the Art & Industry Festival.
Art & Industry Festival celebrates and investigates the changing industrial and manufacturing heartland of Australia – Melbourne’s western suburbs – through some very special events and exhibitions.
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Here’s a list of the best events for families and kids. Many of them are free, some required pre-booking.
1. The Lighting of the West Gate Bridge
For the ten days of the Art & Industry Festival, a section of the West Gate Bridge will be lit at night. Contemplate and photograph this icon of the western suburbs.
Fri 16-Sun 26 Nov
West Gate Bridge, Douglas Parade, Spotswood
View nightly from dusk to late
Free
2. C Blunt Boatbuilders Open Day
Visit the working shipyard of C Blunt Boatbuilders. Greg Blunt is the 5th generation of Blunts to work at Williamstown’s 160 year-old C Blunt Boats.
Sat 17 Nov 2018. 10am-4pm.
Gold coin donation
3. A Night in Altona
Altona will be transformed into a mini-festival for one night only. Enjoy art installations, live music and family entertainment in Pier Street and surrounds. I’m looking forward to the Container Cinemas!
Sat 24 Nov, 6-10pm.
Logan Reserve, Pier Street and surrounds, Altona.
Free
4. A Night in Newport
For one night only from dusk to dark, the park next to Leroys Café on Mason Street will be transformed with artworks that GLOW. There will also be a launch of The Outside Gallery, a new permanent fixture of eleven light boxes next to the Newport Bowls Club.
Sat 17 Nov, 8-10pm.
Paine Reserve, Newport
Free
5. Williamstown Italian Social Club Open Day
The Williamstown Italian Social Club offers social, cultural and recreational activities for its members and their families. They will open their doors during the Art & Industry Festival to share stories of industry, food and family. The Open Day is free and you can also book into ‘Taste of Italy’ sessions for $20 per person.
Sun 18 Nov, 12-6pm. Taste of Italy sessions 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.
Williamstown Italian Social Club, 30 Garden Street, Williamstown
Free.
6. Mesh Mash Woods Street Printing
Join the Mesh Mash crew for an experimental printing day at the Woods Street Arts Space. You can try your hand at printing a tote bag or fabric samples.
Sat 24 Nov, 1-3pm.
Woods Street Arts Space, 44 Woods Street, Laverton.
Free.
7. Fire Services Museum of Victoria in Newport Open Day
Visit a fleet of rarely seen, immaculately restored firetrucks from the Fire Services Museum of Victoria‘s Newport branch. The Newport MFB Museum is usually only open by appointment.
Sat 17 Nov, 10am-4pm.
Fire Services Museum of Victoria, Champion Road, Newport (next to the water tower).
Gold coin donation.
8. Truganina Explosives Walking Tour
Take a walk in an old explosives facility. Truganina Explosives Reserve was established in 1901 for the storage and handling of commercial explosives, including gelignite and dynamite.
Sun 25 Nov, 12-3pm.
Truganina Explosives Reserve, Queen Street, Altona
Free
For full program details, visit http://artandindustryfestival.com.au/program/