FESTIVAL FEVER

DANDENONG FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

Dandenong Festival of Light celebrates Chinese culture by turning the switch on over 500 colourful silk lanterns, from giant dragons to zodiac animals. Expect carnival rides for the kids, a dumpling bar and more. dandenong Showgrounds, Greaves Reserve, Bennet St, Dandenong 3175. lightfestival.com.au. 6-10pm. $20. Until Oct 9.

SAY CHEESE FESTIVAL

Prahran Market’s annual cheese festival is an entire day dedicated to the dreamiest dairy product humanity has created. Look out for free tastings. prahran Market, 163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra 3141. prahranmarket.com.au. Free. 10am. Sat Oct 22.

CAKE BAKE AND SWEETS SHOW

Keen bakers, pastry cooks and cake decorators share their talents and treats. Those seeking healthy baking alternatives will not be forgotten either with demonstrations on sugar-free and gluten-free cooking. ´ Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf 3006. www.cakebakeandsweets.com/melbourne. $23-$69. Oct 21-23.

MELBOURNE SALAMI FESTA

Last year 6,000 people sampled more than 30,000 slices of homemade salami. The big competition for the best salami is back this year, and choosing the winner will be experts, including Rosa Mitchell of Rosa’s Kitchen and Frank Camorra from Movida. northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote 3070. melbournesalamifesta.com. 10am-6pm. $0-$15. Oct 8-9.