Australia's upcoming "State of Design" 2009 festival has dozens of events on the docket, but two jumped out at us:

Iron Designer II: Revenge is Best Served Cold

Inspired by their Japanese cooking counterparts, design contestants work individually or in teams of 2–3 in a pressure-cooker, style design-off. Responding to State of Design's Festival theme, design contestants will receive a 'Sample of the Future' and the battle's key ingredient will be revealed.

So Buono! A Cultural Design Feast

Born out of the unique sister-city relationship and strong cultural links between Melbourne and Milan, the 'So Buono! A cultural feast' exhibition will showcase the latest work from emerging Italian, German and Australian craftspeople and designers.

The exhibition will showcase an array of design and craft, 'morphing' the design cultures of the two cities in a dining room environment – featuring furniture, lighting, tableware and fine craft.

"State of Design" runs from July 15th through the 25th in Melbourne.