What's on in Melbourne this month

Events that cater to those who wish to eat, drink and write are springing up over the summer months.

■ City bar Madame Brussels has teamed up with the boys from Huxtaburger and Batlow Cider to serve burgers and cider each Sunday afternoon on the terrace from 3pm to 8pm until the end of February.

■ The Ballarat Beer Festival starts this Saturday at the City Oval where a bunch of Australian craft beer brewers will show off their goods, and chefs such as Stefano di Pieri will be cooking dishes to match various brews. Tickets are $45 for adults, $20 for juniors aged 13-17 and kids under 12 are free.

See a gallery of perfect food pairings for your favourite pint, as suggested by beer matching expert Pete Mitcham here.

For more information go to ballaratbeerfestival.com.au.

■ Food writer and Fairfax contributor Richard Cornish is holding a summer school workshop on ''The Power of Food Narrative'' at the Wheeler Centre in the city on January 23. Tickets start at $120 for concession members up to $180 for non-members. To find out more go to writersvictoria.org.au.