Portland Hotel, Cnr Russell and Little Collins Sts, Melbourne

If theatre and stand up comedy met one night in a smoky bar and after a few drinks found themselves in a compromising position in the back of a clapped out ’67 Volks Wagon, the result of this sordid tryst would be The Big HOO-HAA!

Join fellow FunFF lovers of comedy for a great Friday night out with lots of fun and laughter at The Big HOO-HAA!

The Big HOO-HAA! is a night of comedy that will help you forget your troubles and have you laughing out loud from start to finish.

Two teams (the Hearts and the Bones) will battle it out against each other armed with only audience suggestions and a handful of props as they leave no song unsung, no joke undelivered and no pun unpunished in their mad dash for the punch line. The show is completely improvised therefore every performance is wonderfully unique and created just for you.

Meet Kerrie-Anne for a pre-show drink or two at the Portland Hotel bar. Doors for the The Big HOO-HAA! open at 7.30 and the show begins at 8pm. Prepayment is required to guarantee a seat.

Fri, 10 September

7.15pm - 10.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Astor Theatre, cnr Chapel Street and Dandenong Road, Windsor

Come and enjoy the hugely popular sci-fi adventure fantasy at a bargain price at the magnificent old Astor cinema theatre.

Avatar is the story of an ex-marine who finds himself thrust into hostilities on an alien planet filled with exotic life forms. As an Avatar in a human mind in an alien body, he finds himself torn between two worlds, in a desperate fight for his own survival and that of the indigenous people.

Look for Ian in the foyer. The Astor theatre is only 3 minutes from Windsor Station. Tickets purchased on the night. Film starts at 7.30pm.

Wed, 15 September

7.15pm - 10.15pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Tue, 14 September

Hofbräuhaus - 18-24 Market Lane, Melbourne

Come and join us for a fun night out to celebrate Oktoberfest with delicious German food, plentiful German beer, schnapps, dancing and live music in true Bavarian style at Hofbrauhaus, the only German restaurant of its kind in the centre of Melbourne.

Oktoberfest traditionally takes place during the sixteen days up to and including the first Sunday in October.

The Hofbrauhaus menu is packed with great German food including Schnitzels, Sausages, Potatoes and Meat in generous portions. On tap German beer favourites include DAB, Hofrbauhaus, HB Dunkel and Bavarian Weissbier. There is also a large range of local and imported bottled beers available.

A great selection of Schnapps is also on offer including fruit favourites like Apple Schnapps through to herbal Jagermeister Schnapps and extra strong Killer Schnapps.

Live German entertainment includes a floor show with Slap dancing, Yodeling, Cow bells and singing. Musicians clad in Lederhosen perform spirited German songs sweeping away the floor in polkas, marches and drinking songs.

Meet Kerrie-Anne at the table(s) for FunFF. All food and drinks at own expense. Live entertainment starts at 7pm.

Fri, 17 September

6.30pm - 10.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Wed, 15 September

Location details will be provided to participants prior to the event via email.

This month see us take our popular Afternoon Pub Crawl series to the other side of the river to Windsor.

We'll be sticking to our usual plan of keeping it simple and will visit 5 pubs all on Windsor's main drag. The route will suit those who prefer not to have to walk too far between beers!

As always, we will be making a mandatory dinner stop along the way to ensure we all remain in good spirits and last the duration of the event!

With luck, our final venue for the day will feature live music for those of you wanting to kick-on a bit. Otherwise, you can just soak up the vibes until you're ready to make your way home.

We will be restricting numbers to ensure we don't encounter any difficulties with entry to the selected venues, so be sure to book early to avoid missing out on the fun as places do tend to fill up quite quickly.

Participants will be provided with a proposed pub crawl map via email a day or so before the event, but please be aware that this is only a guide and may be subject to change on the day. You will also receive an SMS reminder with the address of our first port of call for the day.

Look for Kerrie-Anne at the bar of the first venue. All food and drink at own expense. FunFF encourages responsible drinking for all events involving alcohol - driving definitely not recommended, cycle at your own risk!

Note: As this is a limited numbers event, we ask that members please be considerate of other members when booking and be sure to let us know as soon as possible if you find you can no longer make it. This ensures that others get to participate in your place!

Sat, 18 September

3.30pm - 9.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Strike Bowling, Pran Central 325 Chapel Street, Prahran

Come and enjoy the bowling at this funky venue in Chapel Street. We had such a great time on our last visit to Strike that we are heading down to Strike again

The cost will include 2 games of bowling inclusive of shoe hire. Latest movie previews playing on screens.

Strike on Chapel completely redefines the fun and age-old bowling experience for the 21st Century: giant lane- end video projections, on-lane special effects lighting, comfortable soft seating, and a full service cocktail bar.

Venue is near the corner of Chapel Street and Commercial Road and Tram 72 stops at this corner.

Look for Ian and David and the FunFF table in the bar area on arrival.

Tue, 21 September

7.45pm - 10.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Mon, 20 September

Sotano, Ground floor of Hilton Melbourne, 29 Lorimer Street, South Wharf.

Come and enjoy the Salsa in the City experience at the gorgeous new wine & tapas bar Sotano incorporating a large open dancing space, stunning city views and an outdoor dance floor for those warm nights.

There are live Latin big bands, salsa DJ'S and a salsa dance class at 9:00pm.The dress code is sexy & sharp - no runners, shorts & singlets.

Sotano is located on the ground floor of the new Hilton. Secure car parking is available near entrance of the hotel and free street parking located on Munro street off Montague street (5 min walk). Entry fee is $15 on the door.

Meet Tamara near the entrance of Sotano at 8.45pm

Fri, 24 September

8.45pm - 10.45pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 23 September

The Order of Melbourne, Level 2, 401 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Be a part of the Grand final action with a sensational day of footy fun with a Grand Final Footy Feast.

The Order has a huge screen inside and a large LCD on the terrace for this event. It’s sure to be great place participate in football finals fever! Last year, about 250 people attended this event.

It’s one of The Order’s favourite events of the year and its one of our favourite bars!

Hot dogs, pies and a range of bar food like mini pizzettes, spring rolls and dips will be available to purchase. All food and drinks at own cost.

Places are limited so book early - your name will be added to the guest list on booking. The game starts at 2.30pm.

Meet Ian at the reserved seating / tables for FunFF on Level 2.

Sat, 25 September

2.00pm - 5.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 24 September

nr St Kilda

A group of recreational Melbourne cyclists from Fun, Food and Friendship meet up for an early morning monthly cycle ride from Melbourne and returns to the start point cafe to enjoy a fantastic breakfast that generally includes a mixture of fresh fruit salad, cereal, croissants, waffles, orange juice, tea/coffee.

We join a cycling breakfast club whose aim is to bring the European social experience surrounding the sport of cycling to Melbourne.

There is an annual fee of $30 that is payable on your first visit to the cafe. This fee will give you a complimentary breakfast each month (11 months of the year) and a selection of food/beer vouchers.

The ride takes us along the Beach Road until Black Rock and returns to the cafe start point (unless we decide as a group to complete an alternative route)

Meet David at the cafe. Details of meeting point will be given on booking.

Sat, 25 September

7.45am - 11.00am

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 24 September

Madame Brussels - Level 3, 59 Bourke St, Melbourne

Cucumber sandwiches and croquet anyone? Join fellow FunFFsters and FunFFettes for high tea at Madame Brussels with rounds of sandwiches, cupcakes, scones and sausage rolls. Also a glass of Madame Brussels’ secret home brewed punch.

Madame Brussels, named after the Melbourne brothel owner and entrepreneur from the 1830s, is a trip down the garden path into a world of whimsy, wonder and fruit punch. With staff in cricket whites, English garden party décor including artificial grass, vintage white metal chairs and colourful parasols, this bar is something special.

Meet Kerrie-Anne at the table(s) reserved for FunFF out on the terrace (or should the weather prove too cold for outdoors, in the garden settings upon the lush green grass indoors). All additional drinks at own expense.

Sun, 26 September

NOON - 3.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Thu, 23 September

The Bendigo Hotel - 125 Johnson Street, Collingwood

Shake it like a Polaroid picture with your FunFF friends at Anna’s Go-Go Academy!

Go-Go was the number one dance style of the 60s, and now it’s back and more fun than ever. From the cheeky moves of Ann-Margret and Elvis in Viva Las Vegas, to the super cool stylings of John Travolta and Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction, we will learn the exciting art of go-go dancing in a fun and social environment. No dance experience is necessary!

Meet Kerrie-Anne at the main bar area where you might like to grab a quick drink to loosen up before class. Class begins at around 7pm and lasts for about an hour (often longer due to all the fun being had)!

After class, you can choose to stick around for a drink or two to reflect, if you loved the first class, you can join the 8.30 class (at an additional cost of only $5). If you've had enough for the evening, you can of course go-go your way home using your funky new moves!

What should I wear?
Wear something you feel comfortable dancing in, and remember, we are in a venue, not the gym, there’s no need to wear gym gear unless you actually want to! Runners are not usually recommended as they can stick a bit when you’re doing the twist, but if you love runners, wear them anyway then twist in your socks!

Getting there
The Bendigo Hotel is located between Wellington and Hoddle streets, just past the now infamous Tote Hotel, a couple of blocks past Smith Street. Tram number 86 travels down Smith Street. There is also limited parking available in the area for those who prefer to drive.

Tue, 28 September

6.45pm - 8.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Mon, 27 September

Tuscan Bar, Level 1, 79 Bourke Street (near corner Exhibition Street), Melbourne

** BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!! Please DO NOT simply turn up on the night without booking. Show your membership card to get a free drink. **

Come and join the team at FunFF for our end of month drinks night at one of Melbourne's classiest bars, the Tuscan Bar. Enjoy a night of social networking and receive a complimentary of glass of premium sparkling, white or red wine for our members with their membership cards. There will also be complimentary nibbles for the group from chef’s selection for members and guests.

The Tuscan Bar is an upstairs lavish bar/restaurant with a rooftop terrace, heavily Florentine in its decor, with lots of sitting, drinking and snacking space. It is a sophisticated establishment that oozes Mediterranean cool so come and enjoy the taste and style of Tuscany.

Look for the groups of FunFF tables on Level 1 and if the weather is good, we can visit the terrace bar as well later in the evening for more networking on the rooftop.

All additional food and drinks at own expense.

If you are not a member, book in and join us at this end of month drinks night. Meet some of our hosts and members, learn more about the best and liveliest social activities in Melbourne and start enjoying a great social life.

Thu, 30 September

6.30pm - 8.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: FREE

Southern Cross Railway Station (V- Line Information Booth)

Come have a stein or two of beer with your FunFF mates and celebrate the final days of Oktoberfest at Otway Estate Winery and Brewery, located at the foot of the Otways in Victorias south-west.

The third annual Otway Oktoberfest is a feast of local and international beers - a day full of traditional German Culture with local and international beverages, cuisine, games and atmosphere.

Enjoy a great day out!! You'll have the opportunity to:

• Participate in tutored beer tastings and try the specially-brewed Oktoberfest Lager


• Enjoy traditional German Music with an authentic oompah band, Alpine Cocktail


• Feast on hearty Bavarian fare such as giant pretzels, schnitzel, strudel and much more!!

Sat, 2 October

7.45am - 8.30pm

Non-Members / Guests: $115

Prepayment required for this event

Booking closes on:
Thu, 30 September

Y Rowing Centre, Powerhouse Function Centre (cnr Queens Road and Lakeside Drive) Albert Park Lake

Come and try rowing at Albert Park Lake, and have fun learning about rowing.

During this introductory session you will receive basic tuition in crews of 4 in an olympic-style shell (boat).

The introductory session starts at 10am sharp and finishes at around 11.00.

Unlike canoes, rowing shells don't roll over. All you need is a thick pair of socks, t-shirt, bike shorts or track pants and a warm top if it is a cool day.

Look for Ian and his bicycle at the Rowing Centre. The Powerhouse Function centre is located near the Sebel hotel (old Carlton Crest Hotel) at the intersection of Kings Way and Lorne Street. Melways 2L A11.

Afterwards we can take a coffee or early lunch at a cafe on St Kilda Road. Lunch and drinks at own expense.

Sun, 3 October

9.40am - 11.30am

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Prepayment required for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 1 October

Station Hotel, 96 Greville Street, Prahran (next to the train station)

Come and enjoy Funky Bunch Trivia with your FunFF friends.

The trivia starts at around 8pm so dinner is available before trivia starts at own expense.

Funky Bunch Trivia is a multi media trivia night.. Watch video clips, listening to music, and test your general [& not so general] knowledge.. It's a great fun night out.....

$100 Bar tab up for grabs each week plus spot prizes

The Station Hotel has a selection of dishes and a great selection of beers and wines and usual special meal deals. Steaks were $14 and pizzas $8 on our last visit and $12 jugs of beer and $5 specials on glasses of wine.

Look for Ian and the table(s) for Funff. All food and drinks at own expense.

Tue, 5 October

7.30pm - 10.15pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Mon, 4 October

Brunch:The European - 161 Spring Street, Melbourne
Market: Shed 4 Docklands - Victoria Harbour, North Wharf Road, Docklands

Join FunFF for a cruisy Sunday morning brunch at The European, followed by a quick tram trip down to the Docklands to browse whats on show at the Finders Keepers Markets.

Sitting opposite the Victorian grandeur of Parliament House and reminiscent of old world Europe, The European mines the traditions of rural France, Italy and Spain.

The European serves honest, simple food, sourcing only the best produce from Australia and Europe. This institution is a must visit, even if it’s just for one of this cities finest coffees.

If you have never been to a Finders Keepers event you are in for quite a treat! The markets have a festival feel with live music, cafe & bar with thousands of people celebrating independent art & design.

The Finders Keepers Markets are a bi-annual event that showcases the work of emerging designers and artists from all around Australia & even New Zealand!

The first markets were held in 2008 in Sydney, followed by Brisbane in 2009. 2010 sees the Finders Keepers markets debut in Melbourne. The first Melbourne markets will be held at Shed 4 - a massive warehouse space in Docklands.

Meet Kerrie-Anne at the table(s) for FunFF at The European. All food and drinks at own expense. If you wish to meet us at the markets, you will need to call us on the FunFF mobile to see where we're at.

The markets are free entry and parking is available however it is limited. There is no ATM at the markets and most stalls will trade cash only, so please be prepared.

Sun, 10 October

10.00am - 2.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Fri, 8 October

nr St Kilda

Fun, Food and Friendship runs many sporting activities and some events require a longer commitment than a one-off activity and this is one of these activities.

Members of Fun, Food and Friendship will be playing near St Kilda on a Monday night for 10 weeks, so a commitment for 10 weeks is required. Although, if you are unable to make one week due to illness or work, a replacement will be found via the tennis centre.

We will create mixed teams (2 ladies and 2 gents) and if we do not have exact numbers we will create a team with other non FFF tennis players to create teams that will last the whole season.

The cost is $170 (to be confirmed - last year's price) for 10 weeks and is payable to the tennis centre on the day.

More information will be provided on booking. Meet Ian and Anna at the tennis centre.

Mon, 11 October

7.45pm - 10.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

Please book now & pay on the day for this event

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Sun, 3 October

Thanh Nga Nine Vietnamese Restaurant & Bar - 160 Victoria St, Richmond

Experience the authentic taste of Vietnam with FunFF members at Thanh Nga Nine, located in Victoria Street Richmond. This part of town is Melbourne's own slice of Vietnam where you'll see the Vietnamese language atop restaurant roofs, it'll be spoken loudly in the street around you and it will most definitely appear on your menu.

Thanh Nga Nine, is a family run restaurant where head chef, Nga Lieu, otherwise known as mum, works alongside with her son Tan Trieu in the kitchen & ensures the quality and taste of the food is nothing short of fantastic. The rest of the family can be found around the restaurant, maintaining the appetites and refreshment needs of all diners.

Thanh Nga Nine promises a traditional menu that includes many dishes to choose from, so pace yourself! Working through the menu will take through an array of entrees & soups, which is where you'll find their signature dish – mini pancakes with prawns served with a coconut & fish sauce! Other favourites include roasted quail and much more. Once you've sampled all the dishes be sure to save room for dessert that includes the favourite fried ice cream & Thanh Nga Nine's coconut cake.

To finish the night off, for those who are keen to exercise their vocal chords, this venue also has a function area that includes free karaoke!

Look for Kerrie-Anne at the table(s) reserved for FunFF. All food and drinks at own expense.

Getting there
Tram no 109 (from Collins Street in the CBD) travels along Victoria Street. Alternatively, the venue is a short walk from North Richmond Station on the Epping/Hurstbridge lines. For those who prefer to drive, parking can be stressful with only 1 hour parking along the Victoria Street – that is if you can find a park!

Thu, 21 October

6.45pm - 8.45pm

Non-Members / Guests: N/A

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

Booking closes on:
Tue, 19 October

Hotel Nest - 111 Victoria Ave, Albert Park

Do you fancy sipping Pinot Noir as you groove along to salsa music? Or perhaps you’d prefer a spot of Chardonnay as you tap your toes to the funky beats of Cuban jazz? Whatever your poison, music and wine always ensure a swinging day out so get ready to get down to some sexy and sultry beats among the vines at Vibes on the Vineyard Cuban Jazz.

Join FunFF and dance the day away upon the green lawns of Rochford Winery as you soak up the sounds of two live Cuban bands, Carlito's Way & Songo Sorongo belting out tunes on bongos, sax, trumpets and drums.

Grab yourself a dancing partner and brush up on your salsa dancing skills at one of the lessons held before each set, or funk it up a little for the DJs blending contemporary beats on the main stage.

All that dancing is bound to work up an appetite, so take a break on a picnic blanket and refuel with lunch and a glass of Rochford wine, or why not take some time out at the "Bubbles And Oyster Bar" where you can kick back with a glass of sparkling wine and a live funky vineyard jazz band.

Swing in the cane baskets, lay in the lounges or jump on the congo train with the live 5 piece bongo band performing all afternoon. Whatever your musical preference try all 4 entertainment areas and follow your own musical adventure around the vineyard to experience the vibe that is right for you...

Price includes:

• return coach transfers from Melbourne


• Cuban Jazz entry ticket


• 1 x lunch


• 1 x glass wine and vineyard entertainment

Sun, 24 October

9.00am - 7.00pm

Non-Members / Guests: $115

Prepayment required for this event

Booking closes on:
Fri, 22 October