CLASSICAL

Tomorrow's Tognetti's Beethoven concert combines three of the influential German composer's central works with the Australian premiere of prolific film composer and Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood's collaboration with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Water. ACO artistic director Richard Tognetti will direct and play violin, alongside the ACO's Timo-Veikko Valve on cello and Yevgeny Sudbin on piano, direct from Russia. A second and final performance will take place on Monday night.

Tomorrow, 2.30pm, Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, city, $41-$129, 1300 182 183, artscentremelbourne.com.au

ROCK

Enduring rock frontman Tex Perkins brings his band to the Caravan Club for a headline show. Perkins has written himself into Australian rock history as the singer of The Cruel Sea and pub rock outfit The Beasts of Bourbon, and collaborator in Tex, Don and Charlie. The Dark Horses, made up of Charlie Owen, Joel Silbersher, Murray Paterson, Stephen Hadley and Gus Agars, play with the big man at the show, with support from Benny Walker.

Today, 8pm, Caravan Club, 95-97 Drummond Street, Oakleigh, $39-$52, 9568 1432, caravanmusic.com.au

JAZZ

New York-based bassist and composer Desmond White has certainly earned his musical stripes. After moving to Melbourne from Perth in the mid-noughties, White joined the rock group Washington, won a scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music and released two EPs, Open Land and Short Stories. He'll perform petite tales from the latter at tomorrow night's launch.

Tomorrow, 8.30pm, Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, 25 Bennetts Lane, city, $12-$18, 9663 2856, bennettslane.com

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 

THEATRE

META

Gregor Samsa, the everyman condemned to life as a cockroach in Franz Kafka's 1915 classic, Metamorphosis, returns. Melbourne theatre company The Second Cousin reimagine Samsa's journey of fear, isolation and family shame in META, the final offering of the Malthouse's Helium 2014 program of fresh Australian theatre. Will this cockroach inherit the earth, or get squashed? Find out, until November 1.

Today, 7.30pm, The Coopers Malthouse, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank, $25, 9685 5111, malthousetheatre.com.au

WHEN THE MOUNTAIN CHANGED ITS CLOTHING

When The Mountain Changed Its Clothing, a large-scale work by acclaimed musical theatre maker Heiner Goebbels, is an ambitious, genre-spanning work of music, theatre, dance, visual art and text about the transition from youth to adulthood. The production features 40 young singers from Vocal Theatre Carmina Slovenica and text by authors including Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Joseph von Eichendorff, Adalbert Stifter and Gertrude Stein. The Australian premiere season, presented by the Melbourne Festival, concludes this weekend.

Today, 8pm, tomorrow, 5pm, State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, city, $25-$129, 1300 182 183, melbournefestival.com.au

CIRCUS

If These Walls Could Talk is the theatrical parallel of wondering about the lives of the prior occupants of your house. Combining circus skills, slapstick theatre and complex storytelling, the production brings to life five generations of tenants of a single apartment and all the joy, despair, love and loss that take place within the same walls over time. Presented as part of the Melbourne Festival, the premiere season of Dislocate's elaborate production concludes this weekend.

Today, 6.30pm, tomorrow, 3pm and 6pm, Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, city, $25-$39, 1300 182 183, melbournefestival.com.au

OPERA

Lyric Opera's production of Werther concludes this weekend. Jules Massenet's opera is based on celebrated German writer Goethe's semi-autobiographical novel The Sorrows of Young Werther. The grand opera concerns a love triangle, as Werther, a young man who falls desperately in love with Charlotte, despairs at her marriage to Albert, with tragic consequences.

Tomorrow, 3pm, Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran, $35-$49.50, 8290 7000, chapeloffchapel.com.au

COMEDY

For one night a year since 2006, the Short and Girly Comedy Gala has been using laughter to raise funds for the serious and much-needed work of the Victorian Aids Council. Tonight's Short and Girly (With A Bit of Burly) theme sees funnymen join the ladies for the first time in a line-up that includes Rachel Berger, Hannah Gadsby, Claire Hooper, Fiona O'Loughlin, Tom Gleeson, Joel Creasey and Tom Ballard.

Today, 7.30pm, National Theatre, 20 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, $54-$60, 136 100, ticketmaster.com.au

DANCE

Following their namesake's retirement in 2011, the Trisha Brown Dance Company pays tribute to choreographer Trisha Brown's significant contribution to contemporary dance by performing 17 of her works as part of the Melbourne Festival. Today and tomorrow, part two of Pure Movement showcases a mixed bag of works produced from the 70s until 2011 – Watermotor, Newark, Les Yeux et l'ame, Rogues and Set & Reset. Pre-show discussions commence 45 minutes before each show.

Today, 8.30pm, tomorrow, 7pm, Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, city, $25-$89, 1300 182 183, melbournefestival.com.au

COMING UP 

FOOD

"Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what's for lunch." Orson Welles' quote is apt for November as The Age Good Food Month returns. Highlights include the Night Noodle Markets, featuring 50 food stalls and trucks in Birrarung Marr, and the Instant Expert program of masterclasses.

November 1-30, various venues and prices, melbourne.goodfoodmonth.com

WORLD MUSIC

While the words "musician" and "networking" don't normally go hand-in-hand, laid-back musos have to hustle too. The Australian World Music Expo is a four-day roots music event featuring workshops, conferences and public performance. Headline acts include Ash Grunwald, The Bart Willoughby Band and Bonjah.

November 13-16, various times, venues and prices, 9329 1533, awme.com.au

RACE

Graduate from the local park path to one of the most challenging endurance events around. Eureka Climb, Australia's biggest vertical race, sees participants climb the 1642 steps of Eureka Tower to the dizzying heights of the building's observation area, Eureka Skydeck, in support of charities Interplast and Whitelion.

November 16, Eureka Tower, 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank, varying prices, eurekaclimb.com.au

FILM

The Jewish International Film Festival brings 43  Israeli and Jewish-themed films to Australia for premiere screenings. Highlights include Zero Motivation, which offers insight into Israel's female soldiers, euthanasia drama The Farewell Party and showbiz doco The Outrageous Sophie Tucker.

November 5-23, varying times, Classic Cinemas, 9 Gordon Street, Elsternwick, $18-$20, 9524 7900, jiff.com.au

FOOD 

SALAMI

Expect big things from smallgoods at the Melbourne Salami Festa. The festival celebrates the practice of salami-making and the enthusiasts who keep the traditions alive in Melbourne. The highlight of the festival is the salami competition, with judges including Giovanni Brancatisano, Frank Camorra and Rosa Mitchell crowning the champion makers. There is also a People's Choice Award, demonstrations, workshops, entertainment and a gourmet salami market.

Tomorrow, 10am-6pm, Northcote Town Hall, 189 High Street, Northcote, $10, 9481 9500, melbournesalamifesta.com

CHEESE

Did you know it's Cheese Week? If you're passionate about brie, blue, soft, cheddar, tasty, hard and goats' varieties and think a cracker is just a vessel for your favourite dairy product, head to Cheesey Day at the Prahran Market. From 1pm enjoy tastings with cheesemonger Anthony Femia and "Alice in Frames" of Masterchef fame, or book early for a free cheese appreciation class (2.30-3.30pm) with Angelo from The Cheese Shop Deli. Cheese? Please!

Today, 10am-3pm, Prahran Market, 163 Commercial Road, South Yarra, free entry, prahranmarket.com.au

FESTIVAL

The arrival of sunshine means the return of sun-friendly pairings. Irish pub The Last Jar hopes to add two more to the list with the inaugural Sausage and Cider Taste Festival. The pub and rooftop garden will be transformed into an Irish street fair today with ciders from Mountain Goat, Harcourt, Magners and more, matched with homemade sausages by head chef, Tim Sweeney, served in house-baked potato bread. There will also be sausage-making demonstrations and music from Anne of the Wolves.

Today, 1-6pm, The Last Jar, 616 Elizabeth Street, city, free entry, 9348 2957, thelastjar.com.au

MARKETS 

ST KILDA

Quality produce prepared the good, old-fashioned way abounds at today's Fitzroy Street Farmers' Market.  Happy Fruit is grown and dried in the Sunraysia, Gamze Smokehouse chorizo, kabana, bacon and ham is free from chemicals and The Natural Pasta House cannelloni is simply delicious.

Today, 8.30am-1pm, corner Fitzroy Street and Lakehouse Drive, St Kilda, free entry, vicfarmersmarkets.org.au

ELTHAM

Eltham Farmers' Market's 40 stallholders, including Happy Valley Free Range Pork, Heidi Honey and The Mushroom Company, will haggle to the live music of Pablo Naranjo tomorrow. Elsewhere, learn how to build your own wicking bed, or if you already have one, bring your homegrown vegies for the food swap.

Tomorrow, 9am-1pm, Eltham Town Hall car park, 10-18 Arthur Street, Eltham, free entry, vicfarmersmarkets.org.au

HOPPERS CROSSING

The grown-ups behind today's All For Kids Market think the little ones (or those who buy for them) deserve their very own marketplace, filled with handmade new and secondhand clothes, books, toys and more. Forget the babysitter – prams are welcome, kids enter free and there's face painting.

Today, 9am-1pm, Mossfiel Primary School, Langridge Street, Hoppers Crossing, $3 entry, allforkidsmarket.com.au

CITY

The Little Sparrow Market swoops in to the Federation Square Atrium this weekend for a day all about Australian designers, makers and artists. The market showcases emerging and established designers with a focus on ethical production and sustainability. Stallholders include Bok Bok B'Gerk, a fun jewellery label from Ballarat, and Mandy Lamont, a lightbox maker from Sydney.

Tomorrow, 10am-5pm, Federation Square, Flinders Street, city, free entry, littlesparrowmarket.com

OUT OF TOWN

GEELONG

As part of an initiative to bring quality theatre to regional centres, Watch This theatre company performs the Green Room Award-nominated Assassins tonight. Set in an eerie travelling carnival, Assassins takes audience members into the minds of nine notorious individuals, each remembered for attempting to take out an American president.

Today, 1pm and 8pm, The Playhouse, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, 50 Little Malop Street, Geelong, $42-$69, 5225 1200, gpac.org.au

CASTERTON

Head out west to Casterton for MAGIC 2014. The acronym stands for Music Art Gardens in Casterton, and the event focuses on open gardens in the scenic town. Five notable gardens feature in the event, with exhibitions, live music, food and beverages, and plenty of historic buildings and views to soak in.

Tomorrow, varying times and venues, $20, casterton.org.au

SUNBURY

Head to Sunbury, where the sun always shines and the wine flows freely, for tomorrow's Sunbury Food and Wine Festival. Local winemakers Pitruzello Estate, Galli, Witchmount Estate, Arundel and Wildwood, food stallholders such as TOASTA, Easton Bloc, Hoy Pinoy and Timboon Fine Ice Cream, live music and children's activities make it a worthwhile drive.

Tomorrow, 11am-5pm, Living Legends garden, 207 Oaklands Road, Greenvale, $25, sunburywines.com

TALLANGATTA

Rock around the clock at the Tallangatta Fifties Festival. The north-east Victoria township welcomes beehives, pin-ups and Wayfarers to a festival that features classic car and motorcycle shows, fashion parades, rock'n' roll dances, live music, markets and more. Fire up the hot-rod and head to Tallangatta, Daddy-O.

Today (October 25) and tomorrow, various times, venues and prices, tallangattafifties.com.au

FAMILY 

WORKSHOP

More than just a pretty place to picnic, Cranbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens aims to promote plant appreciation, conservation and research. This weekend's Pot Up a Plant workshops put this message into practice by inviting the whole family to get their hands dirty potting up a native Australian plant to take home for the backyard or window sill. Bookings required.

Today and tomorrow, 11.30am-12.30pm, Australian Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, corner Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne, $8 a family, 5990 2200, rbg.vic.gov.au

FAIR

There's nothing like a good old-fashioned school fair and the east doesn't disappoint this weekend. The Auburn South Fair, one of the longest-running school fairs in inner-Melbourne and a biennial event for the area, features the familiar attractions such as carnival rides and activities, a variety of stalls and a broad range of food, as well as a Happiness Lounge and Devonshire tea at the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden.

Tomorrow, 10am-4pm, Auburn South Primary School, 419 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn East, free entry, auburnsthps.vic.edu.au

OPEN DAY

Housed in a restored pioneer cottage originally built in the 1840s, Box Cottage Museum pays tribute to a time when Bentleigh, Moorabbin and Ormond were market gardening communities and there were no Centre Road shops. Domestic artifacts and photographs donated by local residents piece together the history of William and Elizabeth Box, who lived in the cottage for nearly 50 years and raised 10 children there.

Tomorrow, 2-4pm, Box Cottage Museum, Joyce Park, Jasper Road, Ormond, gold coin donation entry, 9557 3488, historyweek.org.au

ELSEWHERE 

TALK

AMBITION

The School of Life, a cultural institution founded by philosopher Alain de Botton, welcomes Jack Fuller to the Melbourne branch for a talk about ambition. Fuller, an Australian writer based at Oxford University, explores the question, are we too ambitious or not ambitious enough? The talk covers the nature of ambition, why some people have more of it than others, why it is related to our work and why we need it in our everyday lives.

Today, 10am-noon, The School of Life, 669 Bourke Street, city, $65, 9077 8724, theschooloflife.com/melbourne  

HISTORY

Once upon a pre-women's liberation movement time, matters and sites of conflict were considered No Place For A Woman?. As part of National History Week, hear ABC Radio National's Michelle Rayner, writer Kaz Cooke and a panel of four historians pay homage to the strong females of Australia's past who refused to accept exclusion. Email bookings essential.

Tomorrow, 2-3pm, Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, free, historyweek.org.au

SALE

Australia brings out its bric-a-brac for the annual Garage Sale Trail today. The humble garage sale gets organised with a central online database of the myriad sales taking place simultaneously. From combined street sales to rummage shop sales, there is something for every buyer. Highlights include Frankie magazine's Frankie & Friends Garage Sale and the Community Mega Sale at Library at The Dock. The early bird gets the worm so start digging.

Today, varying times and venues, garagesaletrail.com.au

EXPO

The Stitches and Craft Show aims to revive an era before everything was outsourced, when school kids did woodwork and home economics classes at school and knitting circles were in vogue. Industrious, self-sufficient types (aspiring or otherwise) can learn how to hand-dye clothes, make a quilt or compile a Christmas album, and browse crafty stalls such as the Cake Decorators Association of Victoria, Eckersley's Art and Crafts and the Yarn Corner.

Today and tomorrow, 10am-4.30pm, Caulfield Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield, free-$16, (02) 9452 7575, stitchesandcraft.net.au

FESTIVAL

DIWALI FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

Explore the culture of the largest nation in the subcontinent as the Diwali Festival of Light takes over Federation Square. The Indian cultural festival celebrates inner light and the triumph of good over evil. The 2014 festival features authentic Indian food stalls, jewellery and fine fashion, Indian cinema and music. Discover the art of henna painting at the on-site demonstration areas, watch some classical Indian and Bollywood dance performances, and catch the fireworks and hundreds of lamps at the celebrations.

Today, noon-9.45pm, Federation Square, Flinders Street, city, free, fedsquare.com

DARE FESTIVAL

While your work doesn't have to define you, life's too short to despise your job. Dare Festival Melbourne is a one-day event dedicated to maximising workplace happiness, engagement and innovation. Seriously great bosses from companies including Etsy, Happy Melly and Futurespace will share stories and tips on how to implement best practice in the work place. Hint: a well-stocked snacks cupboard is the key.

October 27, 8am-5.30pm, Copland Theatre, University of Melbourne, 198 Berkeley Street, Carlton, $190-$490, darefestival.com.au