The Best Things to Do in Brisbane Over the Easter Long Weekend

Some say it’s blasphemy. Others have branded it the funniest film of all time. When it was being made, the original backers were so worried about potential controversy that George Harrison — yes, The Beatles’ George Harrison — had to step in and stump up the cash. Of course, we’re talking about none other than Monty Python’s Life of Brian — aka the tale of the man mistaken for the messiah, even though his mother says that he’s just a very naughty boy. Nothing says Easter like viewing this comedy classic under the stars at the Eat Street Drive-In, no matter how many times you might’ve seen it before. They’re screening it at 7.30pm on Thursday, March 24.

The remainder of the Easter weekend will see a short run of Deadpool, playing on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday.

As fun as it is, Easter isn’t just about staying home and eating chocolate. Given that most of us have four days off, it’s also a great time for a road trip. In keeping with the eating and drinking theme, might we suggest a cheese, wine and food festival?

If heading to the Sunshine Coast sounds like your idea of fun, then the Kenilworth Cheese, Wine & Food Fest should be your first destination. Sample cheese and wine all day long, watch cooking demonstrations, and enjoy some live music. And then there’s the cheese rolling contest, which is exactly what it sounds like.

In his latest collection, Japanese-born, Australian-based artist Kenji Uranishi contemplates occurrences we all see but don’t always give them our utmost attention, all while working with his preferred medium. Across a series of handcrafted ceramic pieces inspired by his time in both countries and responding to the importance of place and the role of the city, he attempts to capture the short-lived interplay of light on the urban landscape.

The stunning presentation of 50 new shapes and forms that results might be called Momentary; however that’s a reflection of the passing seconds Uranishi’s work endeavours to immortalise, and not of a judgment of the exhibition’s impact. Indeed, whether you gaze upon the showcase of patterns and designs at your own pace, take a tour with the artist or participate in his first-ever solo masterclass, we’re betting that you’ll remember the experience for much longer than a moment. The gallery is closed on Good Friday but will be open for the rest of the long weekend.

If there’s one constant in Brisbane’s live music and party scene, it’s this: the good folks at the Brightside have never met an occasion they didn’t like. Whatever the date, there’s a Brighty celebration to mark it. Take their Easter Blowout, for example.

Yes, the Valley venue is getting biblical, and giving everyone’s Easter Sunday another purpose — other than consuming copious amounts of chocolate, of course. That just means they’re throwing an epic shindig. Expect themed cocktails, free chocolate eggs and live sets by She Cries Wolf, Stepson, Vitals and Ratking.

The title of Jake Connor Moss’ one-man show might sound like a joke; however Is There Pussy in Heaven? isn’t a stand-up gig. Through comedy, poetry and other performance tools, the writer, artist and filmmaker tackles many of the serious subjects that trouble young adults today.

Suicide, depression, homelessness and abuse are all on the agenda, with Moss chatting about his work and answering questions after the opening night performance. And, putting his money where his mouth is, he’ll donate all the funds raised from the three-day season to The Smith Family, Bris Youth, Headspace and Kids Helpline to help provide services and care to disadvantaged youth.

If enjoying live music while having a couple of pints is your idea of a perfect night out, then you’d best mosey on over to The Triffid on Thursday, March 24. Sure, both are on the bill at the Newstead venue most nights of the week, but their pre-Easter shindig has a little something extra.

On the tunes front, The Belligerents, Good Oak, Deena, Michael David Thomas, DEEDS, and DJ Black Amex will serve up a free sonic smorgasbord for your ears — but that’s still not the best part. Knock back a few of The Good Beer Co.’s Great Barrier Beer while you’re watching their sets, and help put your drinking money to good use. All proceeds from the beer go towards the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

Whether abstaining from red meat is part of your beliefs, or munching on the ocean’s finest just sounds like your idea of a good time, the Regatta Hotel is the place to be this Good Friday. Seafood, seafood and then even more seafood will be on the menu at their four-course drink-matched luncheon.

Start off with a chilled prawn cocktail and a glass of Moët, move on to seared scallops and a Peroni, get your fill of barramundi or salmon with a glass of red or white, and then top it all off with an Easter chocolate trio. This mouthwatering feast will set you back $150 per person, but, c’mon, it sure beats a backyard barbecue.

Real and imaginary. Animal and human. The everyday and the subconscious. Because life is about the in-between, not the extremes, these are just some of the divides interdisciplinary artist Zoe Porter considers in her latest exhibition.

Homunculi uses drawing, sculpture, installation and performance to create a hybrid of forms, myths, ideas and environments — and to explore the concept of solo work versus collaboration, too. The Powerhouse will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, but will be open on Saturday and Sunday for entry into the exhibition.

If there was ever a time for a beloved underground music celebration to make its return, it’s Easter. Yes, there’s more than one resurrection worth talking about this year — particularly if you’re a fan of garage, punk, rock and metal.

Taking over the New Globe Theatre on March 26 and 27, EarCandy #12: Resurrection features 50 bands playing on three stages over two days, in what just might be Brisbane’s biggest underground and alternative event ever. Think of it as a demonstration of the city’s musical vibrancy, variety and vitality; if you think the Brissie scene is dying, then you obviously haven’t discovered these talented folks yet.

Prefer to consume your art in moving image form? Keen on taking a cinematic trip through the Asia Pacific this Easter? If so, you’re in luck. The Gallery of Modern Art’s Australian Cinémathèque can assist with both via its movie offshoot of the 8th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, APT8 Cinema. Almost at the end of its five-month run, the Easter weekend will give you the chance to see Lav Diaz’s eleven-hour magnum opus, Evolution of a Filipino Family. Running over two days, Part 1 will be screened on Saturday, with Part 2 following on Sunday. Route 101: Fragments of a Journey in Israel-Palestine will also be screening on Easter Monday.