By Nicole Landerer, The Culture Vulture

The year is coming to an end and silly season is just around the corner. Make the most of longer days and balmy nights with photography & art exhibitions, music festivals in the forest and comedy for a cause.

Doll up and pop open the bubbly, it’s time to celebrate.

Happy New Year,

Culture Vulture

Australia Wide

What: International Day of People with Disability

Help raise awareness about living with disability and demand equal rights for all. There are a range of events happening across the country including lawn bowls, cocktail parties, and film festivals – so get involved show your support.

When: 3rd Dec

More info: http://www.idpwd.com.au/

NSW

What: Star Spotting in Saint-Tropez

The glitz and glam of celebrity hotspot, St Tropez, comes to life in this photographic exhibition. Celebrating the pop icons of our time, the exhibition features photos of Elton John, Karl Lagerfield, Sting, Bono and more.

Where: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Phillip Street, City

When: 25th Nov – 31st Jan

More info: http://au.franceguide.com/Saint-Tropez-and-its-stars-come-to-Sydney-and-Melbourne.html?NodeID=1&EditoID=237466

What: Finders Keepers Markets

Xmas is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, there’s lots of xmas shopping still to be done. Find a special gift for a special someone at the finders Keepers Markets, showcasing designs from 60 emerging Aussie designers.

Where: Carriageworks, Wilson Street, Eveleigh

When: 3rd Dec

More info:thefinderskeepers.com

What: Moonlight Cinema

Grab the girls, pack a picnic and enjoy an evening under the stars. From films still in theatres like Twighlight and The Debt to classics like Grease and Dirty Dancing – there’s something for everyone.

Where: Centennial Park

When: 8th December – 25th March

More info: http://www.moonlight.com.au/

VIC

What: No Laughing Matter

Approx 2500 people take their lives in Australia each year. To raise awareness, some of our funniest Aussies including Peter Helliar, Corrine Grant, and Josh Thomas come together to make you laugh until you cry.

Where: Athenaeum Theatre

When: 2nd Dec

More info: http://www.nolaughingmatter.org.au/

What: Falls Music and Arts Festival

Shake your booty in the rainforest, sing beneath the stars. Nestled in the Otway rainforest, Falls is a unique festival where major musical talent takes to the stage against the backdrop of natural beauty.

Where: Erskine Falls Road, Lorne

When: 28th Dec – 1st Jan

More info: www.fallsfestival.com.au

What: ADEC ArtAbility

Artists of all ages showcase their talent. This year, artists explore the idea of Freedom through painting, sculpture, photography and tapestry. With artists from all walks of life, the exhibition is sure to offer a unique and diverse perspective on what it means to be free.

Where: The Atrium, Federation Square

When: 5th – 12th Dec

More info: www.artability.org.au

ACT

What: Renaissance Exhibition

Marvel at masterpieces by European greats, Raphael, Botticelli, Bellini and Titian. With more than 70 works on display, the exhibition evokes the classic beauty of the fourteen to sixteen hundreds.

Where: National Gallery of Australia

When: 9th Dec – 9th April