CLASSICAL

Time for Three describe themselves as "the world's first classically trained garage band" and have been known to perform everything from Bach and Brahms to Katy Perry. American Panorama: Bernstein, Gershwin, Williams and Brubeck sees the trio – Zach De Pue and Nick Kendall on violin, and Ranaan Meyer on double bass – lead an auditory passage through the US via classical, bluegrass and jazz, conducted by Keith Lockhart of the Boston Pops.

Today, 7pm, tomorrow, 2pm, Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, city, $25-$99, 1300 182 183, artscentremelbourne.com.au

SYMPHONY

Another Brick in the Wall, The Great Gig in the Sky, Money and other songs from English prog rock band Pink Floyd get an orchestral workover in Us and Them: Symphonic Pink Floyd. Conductor Michael Woods leads the Melbourne Ballet Orchestra through the songs, largely taken from classic Floyd albums Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall, reworked by Killing Joke's Jaz Coleman for the London Symphony Orchestra.

Today, 7pm, Melbourne Recital Centre, corner Southbank Boulevard and Sturt Street, Southbank, $30-$52, 9699 3333, melbournerecital.com.au

ROCK

Not into the Spring Racing Carnival? Try tomorrow's Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks Third Annual Spring Rockin' Carnival. With a 40-year career as a singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer fronting bands such as Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock, and producing albums for Skyhooks, Ross Wilson is a safe bet for a good time.

Tomorrow, 3pm, Flying Saucer Club, 4 St Georges Road, Elsternwick, $35-$45, 9528 3600, flyingsaucerclub.com.au

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 

THEATRE

THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY

The Australian premiere season of The Trouble With Harry continues this weekend. Written by Lachlan Philpott and directed by Alyson Campbell, the play explores the extraordinary story of Harry Crawford, a Sydney man who was convicted of the murder of his wife Annie. Crawford was in fact Eugenia Falleni, a female-to-male transgender man who shocked Sydney after his arrest in 1920. The season concludes November 9.

Today, 3pm and 8pm, tomorrow, 8pm, Northcote Town Hall, 189 High Street, Northcote, $25-$39, 136 100, melbournefestival.com.au

BLENDING

Earlier this year actor and dancer Darren Vizer established the Devize Physical Theatre Company in order to create work that fuses the separate disciplines of dance and theatre. The aptly titled Blending explores bullying, sexuality, desire and the process of turning everyday experiences into entertainment. Performed by Joel Fenton and Jean Goodwin as part of La Mama's Explorations season, Blending ends tonight.

Today, 6.30pm, La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday Street, Carlton, $15, 9347 6142, lamama.com.au

DANCE

CELTIC LEGENDS

Experience the unique culture of the Emerald Isle with Celtic Legends. Created in the wild surrounds of the west of Ireland in 2002, the show is an authentic Irish performance, complete with traditional jig and reel dances, and musicians playing national instruments including the fiddle, the bodhran drum and uilleann pipes. Choreographer Ger Hayes was lead soloist in Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance. The show continues a tour of regional Victoria following the Palais Theatre show.

Today, 7pm, Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda, $65-$85, 136 100, ticketmaster.com.au

KOSTROMA

Named for the historic town where it was first devised, Kostroma is a spectacular dance work that sees 45 professional dancers bring Russian culture to life, collectively donning 600 different costumes for more than 15 scenes set across Russia's diverse Arctic north, Steppes, Caucasus and Siberian regions. Having premiered in Moscow, London, Paris and Rotterdam, the Russian National Dance performance dazzles local audiences for the second of two shows tonight.

Today, 7.30pm, State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, city, $65-$95, 1300 182 183, artscentremelbourne.com.au

MUSICAL

CATS

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats will be staged by Nova Music Theatre at the Whitehorse Centre this weekend. Based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, the musical concerns a tribe of cats who must decide which member is to ascend to the Heaviside Layer of the atmosphere and return to a new life. The musical holds the distinguished title of the second longest-running Broadway show, surpassed only by Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera. The season ends November 9.

Today, 2pm and 8pm, tomorrow, 2pm, Whitehorse Centre, 397 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading, $35-$40, 9262 6555, whitehorsecentre.com.au

HANDSOME DEVIL

Jamie Burgess is one Handsome Devil and he knows it. While he dabbles in modelling, musical theatre has his heart – that's why it's the fabulous genre he's chosen for his latest show, which is all about being a man who's really good at pouting, pop music and personal grooming. The follow-up to Burgess's previous offerings, Gobsmacked: Showbiz and Dating and Once Were Warriors – The Musical, Handsome Devil ends tomorrow.

Today, 9pm, tomorrow, 8pm, The Butterfly Club, Carson Place, off Little Collins Street, city, $34-$38, 9663 8107, thebutterflyclub.com

COMING UP 

FESTIVAL

The Queenscliff Music Festival returns on the final weekend of spring with an impressive line-up of live music, comedy and more. This year's program includes The Church, Dan Sultan, Xavier Rudd, The Waifs, Stonefield, Husky and D.D. Dumbo, along with comics such as Colin Lane, Claire Hooper and Dave Thornton.

November 28-30, various venues, Queenscliff, $35-$425, 5258 4816, qmf.net.au

EXHIBITION

Mambo: 30 Years of Shelf-indulgence charts how a humble Aussie surf and skate brand dreamt up over "a slab of beer and a plate of cheese squares and Jatz biscuits" in a Redfern motel circa 1984 came to be an international household name.

December 6-February 22, The Ian Potter Centre, NGV Australia, Federation Square, Flinders Streets, city, free, 8620 2222, ngv.vic.gov.au

OPERA

Famed Latvian soprano Inessa Galante visits Melbourne for a single performance later this month. Coming to the attention of international audiences following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Galante had a worldwide hit in 1995 with her rendition of Ave Maria. The considerable recital program includes works by Handel, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky and Albinoni.

November 23, 4pm, Melbourne Recital Centre, corner Southbank Boulevard and Sturt Street, Southbank, $85-$95, 9699 3333, melbournerecital.com.au

FILM

When it first launched in 1997, the Japanese Film Festival featured just three screenings. This year its diverse program showcases 50 of Japan's most interesting films, covering topics such as turf wars, homelessness, baseball and Buddhism. Melbourne is the final destination in the festival's Australia and New Zealand-wide tour. November 27-December 7, various times and cinemas, $15-$18, japanesefilmfestival.net

FOOD 

CLASS

Almond milk has been produced since the Middle Ages, when cow's milk was in short supply and religion placed restrictions on the consumption of dairy. Gourmet juicer Green Press keeps the process alive with its range of healthy products. The company hosts a Bachelor of Nut Milk and Cold Press Juicing class, at which participants will learn how to squeeze and juice like an expert, and take home a bag full of ingredients, a nut-milk bag and recipes.

Tomorrow, 6-8.15pm, Green Press, Shop 7, 525 Little Collins Street, city, $80, melbourne.goodfoodmonth.com

DINNER

Whether you love or loathe the races, back a winner at Monday night's Hats Off For Cup Eve dinner. Guests will be bolting out of the barriers to enjoy plentiful Champagne at on-site watering hole Hannah's Bar, before feasting on a six-course, European degustation dinner paired with thoroughbred wines.

November 3, 6.30pm-midnight, Epocha, 49 Rathdowne Street, Carlton, $160, 9036 4949, melbourne.goodfoodmonth.com

GIN

City den Gin Palace hosts a masterclass all about the juniper-flavoured spirit. Held in conjunction with Tanqueray, a London dry gin now produced in Scotland, the Tanqueray Gin Masterclass explores everything from the classic gin cocktail and making perfume from gin botanicals to the key to creating the perfect martini. Shaken or stirred? You'll have to attend the class to find out.

November 5, 7-9pm, Gin Palace, 10 Russell Place, city, $50, 9654 0533, melbourne.goodfoodmonth.com

MARKETS 

SOUTHBANK

Today's Southbank Farmers' Market caters to both the DIY enthusiast and lazy (and hungry) shopper. There's no excuse not to grow your own tomatoes, especially with today's tomato seedling, planting guide and recipe freebies. Outsource the gardening process with purple and green Raffa Asparagus, or enjoy Mr Duk's ready-made, free-range duck rolls and tarts.

Today, 8am-1pm, BOYD Community Hub, 207 City Road, Southbank, free entry, vicfarmersmarkets.org.au

ST KILDA

Veg Out Farmers' Market has an array of great fruit and veg, as well as Farmer Joe's fresh goat cuts, Golden Yolk free-range eggs and Locheilan Farmhouse Cheese, including award-winning brie and camembert made from their own cows' milk. Vegetarians will appreciate Verde Provedores dips, followed by a feed at Veg Out.

Today, 8.30am-1pm, Peanut Farm Reserve, Chaucer Street, St Kilda, free entry, vicfarmersmarkets.org.au

ELWOOD

Today's Elwood Community Market is the second-last chance for the year to support the fundraising efforts of Elwood Primary School's enthusiastic volunteers. Browse trash and treasure, plants, clothes and jewellery, then enjoy a sausage sizzle, barista-brewed coffee and sweet treats courtesy of the school's tuck shop angels.

Today, 9am-1pm, Elwood Primary School, Scott Street, Elwood, elwoodprimary.vic.edu.au

COBURG

Kick a goal for the environment with a visit to the Baby and Kids Market. The market is geared to secondhand goods for boys and girls aged up to seven years, stocking everything from prams and furniture to clothes and books. Divert goods away from landfill by reusing the quality brands available at this market.

Today, 9am-1pm, Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell Street, Coburg, free-$4, babykidsmarket.com.au

OUT OF TOWN

MILDURA

Feast and listen in unusual locations at the Mildura Jazz, Food and Wine Festival. Head to the Sunraysia Farmers' Market before 11.30am today to hear the Peter Hooper Quartet drown out the haggling, take a ride on Reuben's Riverboat Ramble this afternoon, or check out tomorrow's Jazz in the Church. Ends Monday.

Today and tomorrow, various times, venues and prices, Mildura, artsmildura.com.au

WANGARATTA

The Hoodangers, Sarah McKenzie, Paul Grabowsky, Enrico Rava and Joe Louis Walker are among the musicians performing at the Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival this weekend. The festival celebrates a quarter-century of live music and community events this year with a packed program that includes jam sessions, workshops, masterclasses, exhibitions and performances.

Today and tomorrow, various times, venues and prices, Wangaratta, 5722 8199, wangarattajazz.com

CLUNES

Today's Clunes Booktown for Kids festival sees the only official booktown in the southern hemisphere host a brimming program designed to teach youngsters about life in the 1900s through the written word. Head to the Children's Village of Lost Trades to find out how a cooper, fletcher and bodger made a buck.

Today, 10.30am-5pm, Fraser Street, Clunes, $23, clunesbooktown.com.au

DAYLESFORD

Take a sticky beak at the studios of some working artists as the Daylesford Macedon Ranges Open Studios begins for the first of three weekends. Taking in an area of 200 kilometres, including the towns of Woodend, Kyneton, Glenlyon and Musk, the initiative opens the doors to the working spaces of painters, sculptors, printmakers and photographers from the region.

Today and tomorrow, 10am-5pm, various venues, free, dmropenstudios.com.au

FAMILY 

HALLOWEEN

Locals have been reporting strange noises, sighting and disappearances at the Gables Mansion forever. This weekend's Spooktober Haunted House tours offer ghostbusters an opportunity to search for skeletons in the closet – if they dare. Come dressed as a Grimm's Fairy Tales character and be prepared for live actors, special effects and props direct from the US, the adopted home of All Hallows' Eve. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Today and tomorrow, various times, 15 Finch Street, Malvern East, $15-$20, spooktober.com.au

FESTIVAL

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is a chance to experience this important holiday and join in traditional celebrations. The Laverton Community Hub hosts a celebration today, with a chance to participate in traditional Indian games, see rangoli decorations, try lantern making and other crafts, and dine on Indian food.

Today, noon-4pm, Laverton Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton, free, hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

STAGE

If you're a muggle who never got around to reading all seven Harry Potter books, the Potted Potter stage show is a theatrical crash course in quidditch, dementors and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. While it might not be officially endorsed by J.K. Rowling, Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner's spin-off was a hit in New York and in London's West End and promises to delight magical creatures aged "six to Dumbledore". Ends tomorrow.

Today and tomorrow, various times, Playhouse Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, city, $60-$85, 1300 182 183, artscentremelbourne.com.au

ELSEWHERE 

LIVE ART

Classical musicians, artists and the audience get in on the action at the interactive live art event Silhouettes, inside outside. Created by Erica Rasmussen, the performance features classical musicians Andrea Keeble and Elisse Kleiner, and artists who will, with the help of the audience, create and colour silhouettes of the performing musicians. Bring an old shirt for protection if you would like to participate.

Today, 4.30pm, fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, city, $25-$30, 9662 9966, fortyfivedownstairs.com

TALK

NOVELLA

Somewhere between a short story and a novel, the novella sounds like Goldilocks' prose of choice – just right. Next week's The Novella: Forgotten Stories panel discussion brings five prominent literary figures – editor Julianne Schultz, publisher Aviva Tuffield and writers Jane Jervis-Read, Cate Kennedy and Megan McGrath – together to discuss the structure and significance of the novella. Think Breakfast at Tiffany's, Wide Sargasso Sea and Animal Farm. Bookings required.

November 6, 6.15-7.15pm, The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street, city, free, 9094 7800, wheelercentre.com

FASHION

The humble stripe is the focus of a talk by Dr Matthew Martin, curator of international art at the National Gallery of Victoria. Presented as part of the program attached to NGV's exhibition, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier, Martin explores the use of the stripe in fashion and dress. Used by medieval cultures to represent taboos and later by revolutionary societies to represent freedom, the stripe has a long and colourful history in the world of fashion.

Today, 1pm, NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, city, $18-$20, 8662 1555, ngv.vic.gov.au

ART

Beyond providing escapism and eye candy, art offers a platform to incite change. Right Here, Right Now is a live panel discussion, led by RMIT professor Linda Williams and comprising artists featured in the Incinerator Art Award exhibition, which examines how artists are incorporating sustainable practices to combat climate change. Gallery curator Richard Ennis will open with an address entitled What Will Utopia Look Like? Burley Griffin's Architecture and Social Change.

Today, 1-3pm, Incinerator Gallery, 180 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds, free (bookings essential), 8325 1750, incineratorgallery.com.au

CLASS

Girl Geek Academy, a technology training initiative founded by and for women, hosts a workshop all about 3D printing. She Makes: 3D Modelling and Printing for Women, presented as part of Melbourne Knowledge Week 2014, invites female makers and enthusiasts to a workshop all about designing and printing 3D objects. The workshop begins with demonstrations on 3D design before getting to the fun part with the 3D printers. Participants must bring a working laptop and mouse.

Tomorrow, 10am-1pm, Melbourne Town Hall, corner Swanston and Collins streets, city, $10, thatsmelbourne.com.au

CONFERENCE

Are your friends sick of your laments on the shortcomings of public transport? Alight at TransportCamp to voice your opinions on how Melbourne's trams, trains and buses might best respond to the city's rapid growth and implement mobile computing, open-source software, open data and spatial analysis. While transport professionals, researchers and technologists will be present at the "unconference", event attendees set the day's itinerary.

Today, 10am-4pm, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, University of Melbourne, 761 Swanston Street, Parkville, $15, transportcamp.org.au