Opera Australia is holding an exclusive behind- the-scenes opportunity to dine on the stage of the State Theatre. The black tie event, hosted by Classic FM presenter Mairi Nicolson, features performances by some of OA’s best performers. Tickets are $300 and are on sale now. At the Arts Centre. For more information, call 9685 3781.

November 13

To a tea

Bayside Council will celebrate this year’s Seniors Festival with a bus tour, film and health expo. A highlight will be the free seniors tea dance at

the Brighton Town Hall on the corner of Wilson and Carpenter streets. Enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing, afternoon tea and bonus tea pot exhibition from 2pm until 4pm. To book, call 9599 4370.

October 19

Growing green

Permaculture Melbourne will hold a three day conference at South Melbourne Commons. The line-up includes presentations by gardeners, educators, designers and activists, as well as site visits, a market and a birthday party celebrating 30 years of Permaculture Melbourne. The Commons is on the corner of Bank and Montague streets, South Melbourne. For information, visit permaculturemelbourne.org.au

September 30 – October 2

Muddy melodies

Glen Eira Council will hold the Springtime Music Festival on Sundays throughout October and November. The series begins with The Mudcakes, performing from 2.30pm in the Carnegie Library forecourt, 7 Shepparson Avenue, Carnegie.

October 23

Showing his metal

Glen Eira Council will host an exhibition of works by renowned jeweller and goldsmith Robert Baines. Baines is a professor of art, gold and silversmithing at RMIT and his works are represented in galleries internationally. A Visible Likeness will be held at the Glen Eira Council Gallery, corner of Glen Eira and Hawthorn roads, Caulfield.

Until October 16

Great night in

Ladies, enjoy a night in with your girlfriends and raise money for Cancer Council Victoria. The annual Girl’s Night In is on again to raise funds for research, prevention and support for women’s cancers. Have a night in and put the money usually spent out on the town to good use. For more information and to register, visit girlsnightin.com.au

Throughout October

Ride choice for health

Leave the car at home and get on your bike for this year’s National Ride to Work Day. The event encourages people who don’t normally ride to give it a go and gives a round of applause to those who choose this healthy and sustainable mode of transport. For more information and to register, visit ride2work.com.au

October 12