Your weekend: Our guide to what's on

ROCK

Award-winning Australian performer Paul Capsis recently played the gender-exploring Quentin Crisp in a one-man show. This weekend, he explores the music of Patti Smith, Tom Waites, The Doors, Janis Joplin and more, performing in his unique style of androgynous gothic rock and roll. Capsis is joined by Nick Batterham.

Today, 7.30pm, tomorrow, 2pm, Memo Music Hall, 88 Acland Street, St Kilda, $30-$50, 9534 3556, memomusichall.com.au

INDIE

Gabriella Cohen appears at the Gasometer Hotel with support from Broads and Bonnie Love to launch her album Pink Is The Colour Of Unconditional Love. Recorded and self-produced with help from Kate Dillon, the pair worked on the album partly in country Victoria and completed the candid self-portrait on a US tour.

Today, 8pm, The Gasometer Hotel, corner of Smith Street and Alexandra Parade, Collingwood, $20-$25, 9416 3335, thegasometerhotel.com.au

CLASSICAL

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's Mid-Season Gala marks superstar violin soloist Anne-Sophie Mutter's first Melbourne performance. Under the guidance of Chief Conductor Sir Andrew Davis, the MSO will perform Stravinsky's Le baiser de la fée: Divertimento, Nielsen's Symphony No.3 Sinfonia Espansiva and Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto.

Today, 7.30pm, Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, city, $94-$199, 1300 182 183, artscentremelbourne.com.au

LIVE

STAGE

At Last – The Etta James Story has been delighting audiences around Australia, New Zealand and the UK since its premiere in 2013. Vika Bull stars as legendary soul singer Etta James, pouring her heart into beloved songs such as Tell Mama, Something's Got A Hold On Me and the iconic At Last.

Today, 8pm, tomorrow, 3pm, Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, city, $69-$89, 1300 182 183, artscentremelbourne.com.au

MUSICAL

Today presents the last chance to catch the Tony Award-nominated Bring It On: The Musical, inspired by the hit film and featuring an original story and music from Broadway heavyweights Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton), Tom Kitt (Next to Normal) and Amanda Green (High Fidelity).

Today, 2pm and 7.30pm, Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street, city, $59-$119, 132 849, ticketek.com.au

BALLET

From the Australian Ballet, Verve showcases innovative choreographers Tim Harbour, Stephen Baynes and Alice Topp. Through three pieces the program embraces the best aspects of contemporary ballet, drawing inspiration from dark aggression, neo-classical techniques and intense emotions.

Today, 1.30pm and 7.30pm, State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, city, $35-$225, 1300 182 183, artscentremelbourne.com.au

BALLET

Prima ballerina Irena Kolesnikova stars in the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre's world-renowned production of Swan Lake. Following sold-out seasons in London and Paris, this is the first time a traditional production of the Russian classic has been staged at the Princess Theatre in 65 years.

Today, 2pm and 7.30pm, tomorrow, 1pm and 5pm, Princess Theatre, 163 Spring Street, city, $69-$145, 1300 111 011, ticketmaster.com.au

FOOD

CHICKEN

The kings and queens of obscure and specific food festivals, Welcome to Thornbury hosts Wings and Tins, slinging the best chicken wings, sauces and tinnies of beer available in Melbourne. The food truck line-up includes Roadrunner Fried Chicken, The Real Jerk, Nem N' Nem and more. Belles Hot Chicken and Pirate Life Brewing are also teaming up for a ticketed Wing and Tin Degustation.

Today and tomorrow, noon-10pm, Welcome to Thornbury, 520 High Street, Northcote, free entry, 9020 7940, welcometothornbury.com

WINE

Over the shortest weekend of the year, 12 wineries of the Yarra Valley open their doors for the Shortest Lunch, a progressive food and wine event where guests create their own paths. Guests can purchase a $15 souvenir tasting glass, which allows access and tastings from all participating wineries, and select delicious entree-size dishes for up to $18. Wineries involved include Billanook Estate, Payne's Rise, Yering Farm Wines, Whispering Hills Vineyard and more.

Today and tomorrow, 10am-5pm, various times, locations and prices, yarravalleysmallerwineries.com.au

FIRE FEAST

Duncan Welgemoed of award-winning Adelaide restaurant Africola unleashes his skills on Melbourne at Fire Feast for Good Food Month. A cocktail-style event, there will be canapes, succulent and smoky mains from grazing stations and a selection of beer and wine. Menu highlights include smoked mussels with tahini, fermented habanero and dill oil, chargrilled peri peri chicken, and smashed cucumber salad with toasted dill and labneh.

Today, 6.30pm, Melbourne Palms, Fed Square Car Park Rooftop, Russell Street Extension, city, $120, goodfoodmonth.com

ELSEWHERE

MARKET

ALPHINGTON

At the plastic bag-free Alphington Farmers' Market, purchase reusable glass milk bottles from Schulz Organic Dairy, along with cream, yoghurt and butter. Other traders include Tallarook Meat Co., who sell alpaca meat, biodynamic grower Save Our Soils and the friendly crew at Kinglake Vegetables. The market is the first stage of the Alphington Community Food Hub, set to include a commercial kitchen and a farmers' depot.

Tomorrow, 9am-1pm, Melbourne Innovation Centre, 2 Wingrove Street, Alphington, free entry, vfma.org.au

ABBOTSFORD

In its third iteration, the West Wind Collector market brings together independent designers and makers, with a focus on handmade and locally produced items. Visitors can purchase stylish reusable shopping bags from Soopa Bags, ceramics from Dawn Vachon Pots or Alterfact, statement jewellery from Lock Curiosity Assembly or Abby Made, vegan soap and candles from Soap Club and comic art by HTML flowers.

Today and tomorrow, 9.30am-5pm, Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, free entry, 9415 3600, abbotsfordconvent.com.au

OUT OF TOWN

Across the next four weekends, Queenscliff's inaugural Low Light Festival embraces the senses with a program of local and international artists and culinary talents. Perfect for a weekend away, the festival features exhibitions, film premieres, literary readings, degustation dinners and wine tastings. This weekend, catch a screening of I Am Not A Witch, attend a high tea on the high seas, and attend Vida Pearson's lino print making demonstration.

Today and tomorrow, various times, locations and prices, Queenscliff, 5258 4843, lowlightqueenscliff.com.au

FESTIVAL

In the second weekend of events for the Port Fairy Winter Weekends festival, visitors can fill their days with exhibitions, craft, yoga, and warming foods. Catch the Port Fairy Theatre Group's Short Play Festival, a community market, a winter solstice feast complete with bonfire, and have a Sunday roast for lunch. There's also the Topographical art exhibition, crocheted cakes and pastries in Sweet Yarns, and works from local painter Brett Jarrett.

Today and tomorrow, various times, locations and prices, Port Fairy, portfairywinterweekends.com.au

FAMILY

Honouring the longest night of the year, Beautiful Darkness provides the fire, mulled wine, tea and a locally-made feast to warm up the community. This family friendly event includes fire performances, live music, kids' activities and a spectacular fire finale. The Merri Table provide mulled wine and cider and homemade soup, Tamil Feasts provide dinner and hot chai and Naughty Frenchy serves up sweet and savoury crepes.

Today, 4.30pm-8.30pm, CERES Environment Park, corner of Roberts and Steward streets, Brunswick East, $5-$20, 9389 0100, ceres.org.au

FAMILY

Sugar Republic is an immersive, pop-up museum of all things sweet. This exhibition will take over Instagram feeds this winter, with 14 sensory rooms and art installations to entice fans of Mr Whippy or a classic Tim Tam slam. There's an adult-size pink ball pit, a fairy floss room, a real-life Dolly Varden birthday cake, a giant gum ball machine and more. Edible lollies, ice cream and snacks are available alongside sweet art.

Today and tomorrow, 10am-5pm, MacRobertson's Factory, 379 Smith Street, Fitzroy, $25-$35, sugarrepublic.com.au