Brisbane has many claims to fame, and doubling as New York in the forthcoming Thor: Ragnarok is only one of them. Yep, before the city was known for being a Hemsworth-Hiddleston haven, it was known for plenty of things — such as pumping out video games like Fruit Ninja. That sounds like something worth celebrating, doesn't it? And isn't something as great and vibrant as Brissie's bustling game development industry worth honouring, too? The folks at the Brisbane International Game Developers Association certainly think so, which is why've they're heading to Brisbane Powerhouse for a day of home-grown gaming fun. Game On is the end result: a one-day pop-up exhibition of some of the fine titles made by local studios. Find out more about games as diverse as Ninja Pizza Girl, Assault Android Cactus and Steppy Pants, chat to talented people behind them, and even play one or more. It's the next best thing to spending all day in an arcade — and it's free.
If heading to a multiplex doesn't sound like your idea of a good time, then maybe the Institute of Modern Art's latest initiative does. At Green Screen, fans of experimental film and artistic performance will find a combination of both, featuring at both IMA and a range of off-site venues between September and December. First cab off the rank is Judy Watson's the names of places, a research-based mapping of Aboriginal massacre sites across the country. Launching with an opening event on September 10 and screening until October 8, the project is also participatory, asking anyone who might have any knowledge of the topic to contribute. Then, on September 17, Caitlin Franzmann, Dale Gorfinkel and Ross Manning offer something completely different: a selection of shorts curated by Queensland Film Festival's John Edmond, plus an accompanying audiovisual performance tied to artistic thinking and linked to artefacts from a 19th century warehouse found in Red Hill. Consider it a taste of what's to come, with a larger visual installation part of Green Screen's October lineup. And as for the exact details of the short film program that will roll out in November — well, that's a "watch this space" (or keep an eye on the IMA website for the next program announcements) kind of deal.
It was the scary sensation of 1999; a documentary-style freak-out that audiences were led to believe was real. A low-budget hit that reignited faux found-footage as an inexpensive but successful method of frightening filmgoers, without The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity and a spate of other imitators might never have existed. And while the original movie already spawned one follow-up back in 2000, it was really only a matter of time before a new sequel wandered out of the woods and back into cinemas. You could be forgiven for not knowing much about Blair Witch, however. Filmed in secret under a fake name, its true nature was only revealed in July. Other than the involvement of director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett (aka the folks behind playful horror effort You're Next and stylish action thriller The Guest) this initial misdirection is arguably the most intriguing part of a film that knows it has big shoes to fill, and tries to do so as faithfully as possible. Blair Witch treads a familiar path quite literally, sending a new group of camera-wielding college students back into the Black Hills Forest, albeit with some updated tech. For James Donahue (James Allen McCune), the creepy camping trip is personal, since it was his older sister Heather who disappeared in the original film. When his life-long quest to find out what happened leads him to an online video posted by fellow interested parties Lane (Wes Robinson) and Talia (Valorie Curry), he rounds up his pals Lisa (Callie Hernandez), Ashley (Corbin Reid) and Peter (Brandon Scott) to head off in search of answers. Decking everyone out with earpiece cameras and a short-range drone, Lisa films their trip for a class project. The on-screen characters mightn't expect the series of events that follows, but audiences certainly will. Immersed in their haunted surroundings, the crew soon starts hearing strange noises and begin to spy spooky stick figures suspended from the trees. When they inevitably try to flee, they end up getting lost and start walking around in circles. And yet, while Blair Witch mightn't chart new narrative ground as it constantly nods to its predecessor, it does conjure the requisite bumps and jumps. The range of visual sources at the film's disposal certainly helps, with Wingard employing urgent, erratic point-of-view shots, as well as lingering glimpses of the sea of trees captured by drone camera from above. Re-teaming with The Guest cinematographer Robby Baumgartner, enlisting seasoned television editor Louis Cioffi, and composing the score himself, where Wingard fares best is in evoking an unnerving mood. It doesn't always matter that you can see where the story is headed if you remain uneasy and anxious in the moment, with the sound design particularly unsettling. However that still only takes Blair Witch so far. When the third act drops its atmospheric ambiguity for more overt shocks, the movie suffers. Obvious dialogue and by-the-numbers performances likewise dull an otherwise effective rehash.
It's the typical culinary conundrum: sometimes, your taste buds are just screaming out for dishes from a few different restaurants. If you're in Brisbane, perhaps you feel like some French-leaning fare from Restaurant Two followed by a taste of Japan's best from Saké? Or maybe you want to munch on the much awarded and applauded goodness that is Esquire and Urbane's respective menus, one after the other? Thanks to a trio of local foodies, now you can (yet again). In fact, you can enjoy meals from all four — aka some of the city's best degustation places — at one event. If you missed it back in June, the unique eating experience is called Bite Sip Stroll after the European style of dining out. There, indulging in a plate at one place and then a drink at another, and just wandering between eateries in general, is a common occurrence. Basically, it's a moving feast of cuisine and wine pairings, as well as a brief walking tour of Brissie's best inner-city, river-adjacent spots. You'll pay $119 per head for the privilege, but when are you ever going to have a lunch like this again? Tickets are limited, so we suggest getting yours as quick as you can.
The weather might be heating up in sunny Queensland, but that doesn't mean you can't all spend a day pretending you're somewhere much, much cooler. How does an imaginary visit to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia and Iceland sound? All you need to do is head along to the Scandinavian Festival Brisbane. Now in its fifth year, the annual showcase of countries with colder climates offers a smorgasbord of authentic food, entertainment and shopping that'll make you think you're on the other side of the world. Yes, the festival does include two of the things Scandinavian nations are best known for: Ikea and Lego. It also includes more than 50 stalls serving up Swedish pastries, Finnish recycled products, Nordic homewares and other goodies, plus traditional folk dancing and music. There's even a Viking painting studio, which might be designed for younger patrons, but we think the young at heart count too.
How much do you know about this great city of ours? If you've lived here long enough, you might've picked up a few pieces of trivia; however even those with an encyclopaedic awareness of Brissie can discover a thing or two at Brisbane Powerhouse's latest offering. Think of The Story of Brisbane as a different take on the city's history — and one that shares the views of everyone from David Malouf to The Go-Betweens, while bringing you into the tale as well. With actors Therese Collie and Tim Mullooly as your guides, you'll embark upon a riverside tour based upon the words of Brisbane's great writers. As your feet are roaming around town, you'll delve into events spanning the original indigenous settlements to the state of the area today. A standard, school-style lesson, this definitely isn't, with Collie and Mullooly transforming themselves into a variety of characters during the wandering walk. You will need a Wednesday morning free to attend the monthly event — but if you're lucky enough to have a day off, you'll gain a unique insight into the city you call home.
If there's an event that'll sweep the clouds away this Saturday, it's this one. For those prone to mishearing song lyrics, Summer Dayz won't just get the theme from a muppet-filled children's television show stuck in your head. It'll also get you outdoors, fed and happy. Of course, you won't be spending time in the fresh air for the sake of it, even if the spring weather calls for it. You'll be celebrating the opening of the Jubilee Hotel's new beer garden, which means there'll be drinks aplenty. It is a party after all. And, as far as food is concerned, prepare you eat your way around the World Food Markets — and through the tasty offerings served up by This Little Piggie, Phatboys Truck, In Strada Wood Fire Pizzeria and KOMA Sliders in particular. If you've been to any of international cuisine-focused gathering's pop-up eating extravaganzas before, you'll know that's reason enough to stop by. Hope you're hungry as well as thirsty. Image: This Little Piggie.
If there's one thing Brisbanites like, it's watching Studio Ghibli films in a cinema. In fact, over the last three years, Dendy Portside has hosted a showcase, GOMA has put together a Hayao Miyazaki retrospective, and the Redlands Performing Arts Centre have held their own celebration. Now, it's New Farm Cinemas' turn. Screening on Sunday afternoons until October 23, it's not just the Japanese animation house movie buffs know and love that's the attraction here. Fans should be jumping for joy at the chance to see some of their lesser-known efforts on a big screen. You won't be watching Spirited Away, but you will feel like you've been transported somewhere magical. Catch The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, When Marnie Was There, Only Yesterday and brand new co-production The Red Turtle, with all four bound to rank among your new favourites. If you've missed their limited cinema runs or fest appearances in the past, consider this your chance to catch up. At only $13 per session, make like a moving castle and mosey your way over there.
When it comes to the works of the man known as the Bard of Avon, there's really only one way to get the real Shakespeare experience. Sure, you probably studied his plays at school, and likely watched one or two that have been turned into films — but have you witnessed his lines read live in a theatre production? That's how good ol' William intended his efforts to be consumed, after all, so one event is offering that chance to the masses. In its 11th iteration, the Brisbane Shakespeare Festival is back with another bustling program filled with flowery prose read aloud. Now that's how you commemorate more than four centuries years since his passing. See Julius Caesar, on of his historical epics, performed for free across the city's outdoor spaces in Newstead, Bulimba and Sandgate, and arrive early to enjoy the clash and clatter that comes with a demonstration of swordplay beforehand. Or, head to local libraries across town for readings of Antony & Cleopatra and chats about the famous Globe Theatre, which is actually popping up in Melbourne for the next two months. A ticketed night of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet-inspired piano rounds out the program.
When famed Chinese dancer and choreographer Yang Liping does her thing, audiences don't just take note — they watch in awe. Collaborating with Oscar-winning designer Tim Yip (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and Chinese-American installation artist Beili Liu, she's certain to evoke that response with her latest effort: Under Siege. In its Australian premiere run at Brisbane Festival, the production mounts the historic battle between Chu and Han armies, as well as a love story between a warlord and his mistress. If the story sound familiar, that's because it has already been seen in Farewell My Concubine. Still, with performers from Peking Opera, hip-hop, ballet, contemporary dance, and classical and folk music on the bill, this performance promises something both different and special.
Send in the clowns, Stephen King must have thought to himself back in the '80s at he put pen to paper on It. The prolific horror author wasn't the first to turn makeup-caked comic performers into nightmare fodder, but boy oh boy did he help make the concept stick. One glance at Pennywise — the white-faced, flame-haired figure who jumped from the novel to a '90s mini-series and now a feature film — and it's easy to see why the character has become so iconic. Even for those who don't suffer from coulrophobia, he's a terrifying sight that no one would want to spy peering out at them from a storm drain. As such, It is at its best when it embraces Pennywise's frightening presence and runs with it, whether he's roaming around a crumbling old house, splattering blood all over a bathroom or crawling out of a screen. It knows which buttons to push, and when to have the sinister villain appear suddenly to ratchet up the scares. That's to say nothing of the fact that, in addition to just being an inherently upsetting concept, an evil clown makes for a potent symbol of innocence corrupted. Indeed, when it comes to watching kids get spooked by not only a shape-shifting monster, but by a spate of dramatic and everyday childhood traumas, the film delivers. We first meet Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) on a rainy 1988 afternoon in Derry, Maine, as pre-schooler Georgie Denbrough (Jackson Robert Scott) floats a paper boat in the gutter. Needless to say, it doesn't end well for the curious boy. The next summer, his 13-year-old brother Bill (Jaeden Lieberher) still holds out hope that Georgie is alive, and enlists his pals to help in the search. From the outspoken Richie (Finn Wolfhard) and mama's boy Eddie (Jack Dylan Grazer), to the overweight Ben (Jeremy Ray Taylor) and rumour-plagued Beverly (Sophia Lillis), they're the picked-upon, self-named Losers Club of the school, each with their own set of troubles. Before long they all start seeing Pennywise — along with the unfriendly entity's various other guises — as they delve deeper into their small-town's death-ridden past. In a considerable step up for Mama director Andy Muschietti, It assembles a clown car full of effective elements: horrific imagery aplenty, the skills to make it stick, and the smarts to show that supernatural bogeymen and real-life bullies aren't all that different. Each does the trick, even when viewers can guess what's coming. It helps, too, that it's all paired with an impressive cast. Skarsgård, brother of True Blood's Alexander, is an unease-inducing delight as the murderous Pennywise, which might be the only acceptable way to say something nice about a character who's most definitely not. The kids all play their parts well, though relative newcomer Lillis steals the show from the teenage boys she finds herself sharing the screen with. Ironically, the inclusion of Stranger Things' Wolfhard draws attention to the film's main weakness: the demogorgon that is nostalgia. Swapping the book's '50s setting for the decade in which it was written smacks of jumping on the current '80s-loving bandwagon. It's a cycle as vicious as Pennywise feeding off the fear he creates: the Netflix series was influenced by King's body of work, and the new movie in turn tries to ape its success. Ultimately, it leaves It feeling suitably unsettling, yet all-too-familiar in its eagerness to copy recent retro-styled hits and era-appropriate horror fare. Even so, you'll probably still have clown-filled dreams after you finish watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulSJ1yQmZ5Q
If someone told you to imagine a combination of pinball and golf, plenty of possibilities might pop into your head. If you're pondering how golf balls might fit inside pinball machines, wondering if you can mash buttons with a putter or conjuring up visions of flipper-filled greens, you can stop, however. Someone somewhere might've made all of the above a reality, but Netherworld's Pin Golf session has something else in mind. Here, hopping between 18 of the venue's tables is just like stepping onto the course — each one has its own challenges, each ball counts as a stroke and emerging victorious under par is the aim. In that same spirit, hitting the mark first try is the event's equivalent of a hole-in-one, and wearing golf attire is so heartily encouraged, it'll be rewarded with a free drink. That's what's on offer between August 25 and 27, aka a three-day playful pastime mashup. Head on down anytime on Friday, between 9am to 6pm on Saturday or from 8am to 1pm Sunday to tap, tap, tap your way to glory (or smash, smash, smash), and maybe even make the Sunday arvo finals. Tickets cost $30, with $500 cash, a trophy and a year's membership to the Netherworld Club House awarded to the winner.
Riverbar and Kitchen, that cosy yet breezy haunt right by the river's edge on Eagle Street Pier, seems to have started a new tradition. They celebrated winter with a shindig, and now they're doing the same for spring. Sure, their Hello Spring Festival takes place on August 26, before the season officially starts, but Brisbane's weather has bid the cold farewell for quite some time. Those keen on rejoicing in advance can expect to drop by from 2pm for an afternoon and evening of food, drinks and waterside hangouts. Cocktails will bring some seasonal zest to your tastebuds, lamb on the spit will keep your stomach satisfied and Green Beacon will also be popping up onsite to serve up chilled brews. All that's left is to listen to live tunes and play giant games — and yes, they're on offer as well. As with seemingly every event in this town at the moment, dressing up to suit the occasion is highly encouraged, with prizes on offer.
There's a film festival for everything these days — and since 2016, there's an event not only dedicated to the shorter side of the medium, but to the field of video art. That's exactly what'll be showing at the New Globe Theatre on August 27, when the venue throws open its screens to the best in local sound and vision. Prepare to be glued to the tube as a whole heap of folks share their efforts with eager viewers. Of course, watching the AV wonders whipped up by Andrew Willis, Anna Litwinowicz, Ben Tupas, Dylan Nyerges, Elia Roehrs, Eve Longley, Feriadi Tan, Francisca Vanderwoude, Guy Lobwein, Jade Courtney, James Hornsby, Kirsty Lee, Maddy Power, Peter Kozak, Reina Takeuchi, Tayla Hyndman and Warren Handley is only part of the fun. First, audiences will be entertained by their short films and video art pieces. Then, they'll vote for their favourites. Yes, this night at the movies gets interactive — it is all about experimentation, after all. Image: Jonas Bengtsson.
Taking over the city during September, Brisbane Festival does many things. It gives everyone an excuse to devour entertaining cultural delights — and it serves up a new hangout. Actually, make that hangouts. Yes, Brisbane Festival's central hub offers multiple spaces in one. Revamping South Bank's Cultural Forecourt, Treasury Brisbane Arcadia boasts everything from six pop-up food stalls to the spiegeltent to everything in between. The good news keeps on coming, because the bulk of Arcadia's bustling lineup of fun activities is free. As well as offering a place to go when you need a wine, craft beer or food between shows, there's free gigs at the Brisbane Airport Music Runway, a riverside Pimm's picnic every Sunday, and burlesque and art in the Salome Lounge. And, over at Little Creatures LIVE, music, magic, comedy, improv, satirical songs, cracking covers and jazz will keep you entertained. Yes, Arcadia has something for everyone with, including top music acts and floor shows at The Courier-Mail Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent. That's where you'll catch many of the fest's headliners, including LIMBO UNHINGED, The Preatures, Thelma Plum and Ngaiire.
We don't need to tell you that Brisbane is a creative city — that's probably one of the reasons that you live here. Six times a year, however, RAW Brisbane puts on a showcase of local up-and-comers to highlight just how talent-filled the place is. Come September 21, their latest event will be Radiant by name and radiant by nature, with the indie underground artists in film, fashion, music, visual art, photography, performing art, hair and make up all shining bright. Expect a lineup of over 40 folks displaying a colourful array of sights, sounds, textures, performances and more. Expect Brissie's creative future taking over The Met. Tickets cost $25 on the door or $20 + booking fee in advance, but if you do the latter, you also get to give one of the artists some love. And don't forget that this is a regular occurrence, with a whole host of new artists set to take the stage next time. Image: Jasmine Pearl Schut.
Petrie Terrace — is it a suburb or is it a street? Actually, it's both. And, if that's not potentially confusing enough, only one provides the location for Punk Poets on Petrie Tce. (and, it's not the one that the event's name indicates). Taking place at Lefty's on Caxton Street, the Sunday evening gathering is happening in Petrie Terrace rather than on it, but the end result remains the same. Wise and witty word slingers Jud Campbell, Laura Mardon and Jai Sparks will take to the stage, spout some lyrical prose, and provide a night's worth of cracking entertainment. Plus, while you're settling into the Old Time Music Hall, you can take advantage of everything else the venue has to offer. That'd be whiskey and bar food, with their loaded quarter-pound cheeseburgers and spirits range worth the trip alone.
When We Will Rock You initially ventured beyond Britain, Australia was the musical's first stop. The year was 2003, and the Ben Elton-directed effort proved as much of a success here as it did in the UK. Spinning a show around Queen's hit songs, the production said it would rock us — and boy did it live up to that promise. That's the crazy little thing about jukebox musicals: with the right tracks, tale and talent, they can make audiences feel like they're the champions of the world. Who doesn't want to see a narrative set to their favourite tunes, and sing along as it all unfolds? Yes, this is real life. No, it's not just fantasy (although the resulting story of Galileo Figaro, Scaramouche and Killer Queen is, of course). Yep, the three iconic characters are back as We Will Rock You returns to Australia for the first time in more than a decade — and the iconic sounds of 'Radio Ga Ga', 'Under Pressure', Another One Bites the Dust' and 'Fat Bottomed Girls' do as well. With Gareth Keegan, Erin Clare, Casey Donovan and Brian Mannix among the cast, the new production is certain to break free of all expectations. Our tip: find somebody to love to take along. Image: Jeff Busby.
Three short years ago, Lefty's Old Time Music Hall changed Caxton Street for the better. If there was one thing the strip of bars, pubs and restaurants needed, it was a late-night hangout that made patrons feel like they were stepping into another world away from fancy seafood eateries, football crowds and the shadow of a stadium. Consider that feat achieved and then some, which is quite the significant endeavour. And consider Lefty's Third Birthday Bash the time and place to make your appreciation known. Just think — if there's cake on offer, we can only assume it'll be made out of green apples. Papa Pilko and The Binrats, Betty Smokes & The Forgetaboudits, Sahara Beck, P.C. & The Biffs and The Empresarios will all be doing their part by playing some tunes, and the venue itself will be adding a popup boilermaker bar and barbershop to their usual spirits-fuelled shenanigans. That just leaves you with the task of showing up, having fun, dancing up a storm and drinking all the apple-flavoured whiskey concoctions you can handle.
There's never a bad time of day for dessert, but if your sweet tooth kicks into gear late of an afternoon or sometime during the evening, then South Bank's Denim Co has just the new range for you. The Little Stanley Street spot has just launched a dessert lineup that's only available from 5pm daily. It's calling the selection a 'late-night' menu, too, because it's on offer right up until close. Denim Co clearly thinks this is an occasion worth celebrating — and it's doing so in a tastebud-tempting fashion. On Friday, March 6, once 5pm hits, the cafe is giving away 100 free brownies. Yes, having dessert before dinner is what being an adult is all about. These brownies come warm, as well as covered with vanilla ice cream, roasted pistachios and hot chocolate fudge — and we'd recommend being among the first in line to pick up a freebie. Can't make it along, but still interested in the cafe's new dessert options? The menu also includes banana split waffles, deconstructed pavlova, sticky date pudding and a lava cake with toasted marshmallows and caramel popcorn — with prices ranging from $9.50–16.50 for each dish. Images: Grace Elizabeth Images.
As well as having a catchy name, Kangaroo Point's One Fish Two Fish always serves up a decent catch. And if you're fond of shellfish, you'll particularly agree with that statement over the weekend of Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 17. That's when, for two days only, the seafood eatery is focusing on crab and crayfish. It's available for takeaway only — but that doesn't mean you can't treat yo'self. The affordable feast costs $39, and spans four courses — including three courses of seafood, plus dessert. First, you'll tuck into bao stuffed with crayfish, sriracha and lime slaw, and coriander. Then, you'll eat your way through a swimmer crab salad with avocado, tomato, cucumber, baby cos and mayo dressing. Also on the menu: Fraser Isle spanner crab ravioli, which comes filled with prawn and served in a lemon cream reduction. And, to finish it all off, there's vanilla bean and lemon curd layer cake. Orders must be placed in advance — by 4pm on Friday, May 15. Then, you can pick up your crab and cray cray on either Saturday or Sunday from 12–8pm.
This Friday, April 17, set your alarm for 5pm. Why? Gelato Messina is giving away free cookie pies — and delivering them to you. Hang on, cookie pie? Yes, it's a pie, but a pie made of choc chip cookie dough and topped with hazelnut crumble. And it serves two–six people — or just you. You bake it yourself, too, so you get to enjoy that oh-so-amazing smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. It's a novel concept, but one we're sure Gelato Messina will execute well — and one we're sure Dean Martin would possibly even approve, too. To score yourself one of these, you need to log on to Deliveroo from the aforementioned time — 5pm, Friday, April 17 — and spend at least $32 on Gelato Messina. And, boom, free cookie pie. You'll need to get in quick, though, as it's only on offer while stocks last. The free cookie pie deal is available at all NSW, Vic and Queensland Gelato Messina stores (except The Star, Circular Quay and Coolangatta) and Deliveroo pop-ups in Manly, Brighton-Le-Sands, Canterbury and East Brunswick.
If you dote over your vinyl collection with obsessive passion — or even if you just casually collect whichever albums you happen to come across whenever you're in your local record store — then you probably have one Saturday in April permanently marked on your calendar. That'd be Record Store Day, the annual celebration of ace music, a beloved format and the shops that trade in both. Sadly, RSD has been postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead of its usual timeslot, the huge vinyl event will now take place in June. But that doesn't mean that your record pile has to remain static for the next couple of months, with record companies banding together for a huge vinyl sell-off: The Great Australian Warehouse Sale. Across the weekend of Saturday, April 18–Sunday, April 19 — when RSD was originally scheduled — music aficionados will be able to snap up vinyl galore, plus CDs, DVDs, cassettes and even books as well, via indie record stores. Record companies such as Universal, Sony, MGM, Warner and more will be diving into their vaults, clearing out their warehouses and making as much stock available as possible, while individual shops will also be adding their own spin to the fun. Because we now live in social-distancing times, you'll be able to pre-order your purchases — then either have them posted or delivered to you, or, if and where stores are open, drop by to pick them up. For further details — including a rundown of what'll be available, and which stores are taking part — head to The Great Australian Warehouse Sale website.
On Wednesdays, you might be known to wear pink. With that in mind, breaking out your favourite not-quite-red shades on Wednesday, February 26 is perfectly acceptable. You'll need to look the part at The Boundary Hotel's Mean Girls trivia night, after all. Yes, not being there would be social suicide. Yes, revisiting the correct usages of 'fetch', 'grool' and 'ESPN' is just part of the fun too, as is channelling your inner queen bee. Yes, pretending it's the Spring Fling is encouraged. If all of the above means something to you, then this is your kind of event. Mathlete or plastic, if you're a fan of the now 16-year-old movie, then show your devotion by battling it out across trivia rounds. It all kicks off at 7pm and entry is via gold coin at the door — but registrations are essential. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAOmTMCtGkI
Fancy spending a day (virtually) partying in the Old Melbourne Gaol, popping over to Henry Head Battery for a sunset session, then ending the night with some psychedelic light shows and tunes inside a sprawling airport hangar? If so, you'd better clear your schedule for Untitled Group's upcoming Virtual Day Party. Following a blockbuster debut event, which was beamed into more than half a million homes across the world in April, the minds behind Beyond the Valley and Pitch Music & Arts Festival will host a second digital day party on Saturday, May 30 that'll have you cutting shapes in your lounge room. With sets by Hayden James, DJ Boring, Lastlings, Made in Paris, Cassettes For Kids and Adult Art Club, the virtual party will kick off at the Old Melbourne Goal (where Ned Kelly was hanged) at 1pm, then travel to Henry Head Battery for sunset and finish inside the 8400-square-metre Avalon Airport Hangar. The event will be free to stream via the Untitled Group Facebook page, but virtual partygoers are encouraged to chip in and support the stream over here. Plus, if you register over here you can go in the draw to win $1000 worth of Lee, a Jimmy Brings voucher or JBL speakers, among other prizes. While some of Melbourne's COVID-19 restrictions are easing, festivals and big parties don't look like they'll be starting again too soon, so we'll need to make do with some dancing in our lounge rooms for the time being. More time to get your sock slides perfected, we say. [caption id="attachment_771608" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hayden James by Pat Stevenson[/caption] Virtual Day Party #2 will run from 1–7.15pm. Top images: Lady Drewniak and Instant Crush.
Whether your shelves are filled with records or you're just embracing the joys of vinyl, everyone's collection has a few gaps. That's where record markets come in — but Brisbane's latest isn't about trawling through dusty vintage discs to find old school gems. It's about supporting and celebrating local sounds. Taking place for the first time on Saturday, December 22, the Brisbane Independent Record Label Market will be packed with original music by local musicians and artists. With local labels also a focus, it'll also boast plenty of supporting merch too. Love a Brissie band? Nab the record and the t-shirt. Entry is free, with the market making its presence known at The Triffid from 12–4pm. And if you don't just want to boost your own collection, don't forget that music — especially introducing your loved ones to local artists they mightn't know about — makes a mighty fine Christmas present.
Some films are long, slow and serious. Others are brief, quick and fun. There's a place for the former, of course; however Radical Reels champions the latter category, combining the most action-packed mountain movies it can find into a compilation of high-octane shorts. Radical Reels is the adrenaline-loving little brother of the Banff Mountain Film Festival, the most prestigious international film competition and annual presentation of short films and documentaries about mountain culture, sports, and environment. From the most recent festival's 300-strong submissions, a subset of daring displays have been singled out for not just one showcase, but three. Across the four nights between Tuesday, December 4 and Friday, December 7, ten shorts will approach the very edge of action sports and natural highs: the wild rides, long lines, steep jumps, and skilled stunts, as well as the rugged playgrounds thrill-seekers explore on their mountain bikes, paddles, ropes, skis, snowboards and wingsuits. Expect the world's best extreme athletes getting fast and furious when the Radical Reels Tour 2018 stops in at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
As its name suggest, this show searches for the elixir of life. That's where this circus show stops following the formula, however. Nutty professors, dedicated scientists and everything in-between have graced screens, stages and pages — but can you remember seeing three brainiacs do acrobatics while they're whipping up strange and important things in the laboratory? The latest piece from Head First Acrobatics, this performance is all about taking physical feats to the brink — and throwing in the laughs as well. It bounces across the Brisbane Powerhouse stage for Wonderland three nights only, between Thursday, November 29 and Saturday, December 1. Image: Sarah Tallott Photography.
At Invisible Things, what you'll see is important. You'll see a woman. You'll see a transparent cube measuring three metres by three metres. You'll see a heap of dance and circus moves. But, what can't be seen is also important here, as the show's star wrestles with 17 years of personal journals. At the heart of this piece is the idea that things that are invisible — thoughts, feelings and the like — can make a very visible and physical impact. The resulting performance has picked up a swag of awards at this year's Anywhere Theatre Festival, and it's hitting Brisbane Powerhouse as part of Wonderland festival between Thursday, November 29 and Sunday, December 2.
Australia's Cine Latino Film Festival is back for 2018, and in a big way. Returning for its third year, the annual showcase of cinema from Central and South America boasts two of the most notable flicks not just from the region, but from the international scene in general over the past twelve months. The first, Roma, is the latest feature from Gravity director Alfonso Cuarón — and this gorgeous, moving black-and-white tale of a domestic worker in Mexico City comes to Brisbane straight from winning the top award at this year's Venice Film Festival. The second, Birds of Passage, is a sweeping Colombian drug tale; however this Indigenous story is unlike any drug war flick you've seen before. In total, 23 movies from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Paraguay are on the CLFF's 2018 Brisbane lineup, with Cuarón's work bookending the fest. Not only is Roma the opening night pick, but the filmmaker's 2001 Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna-starring effort Y Tu Mamá También will close out proceedings. Other highlights include Bernal in The Accused, a drama about a 21-year-old woman on trial for murder; Westworld's Rodrigo Santoro in A Translator, playing a professor helping child victims of Chernobyl; and this year's Sydney Film Festival prize winner The Heiresses. Running from Wednesday, November 21 to Sunday, December 2, CLFF screens at Palace Centro.
Deck someone else's shelves, walls, tables and even ears with creative trinkets, all thanks to Artisan's one-off excuse to buy everyone arty presents for Christmas. On Friday, November 30, the King Street gallery-slash-store is hosting a festive sale — and it really wants you to be merry. Walk in the doors from 5pm, and you'll have extra reason to feel jolly, with everyone getting a glass of bubbles to sip while they browse. Even better — the drink is free. That way you can save your pennies for purchasing jewellery, ceramics and glassware, or maybe some fabric, weaved items or ornaments. As always, Artisan is all about handmade wares made by Australian designers and craftspeople, who you'll also be giving a gift to by buying their goods. If you're planning to head along, RSVPing is recommended. And in great news for everyone who loves shopping for their loved ones but hates wrapping, you can get your pressies all dolled up in store.
Anisa Nandaula's addition to this year's Wonderland just might be the festival's most exciting event: a one-night venture into an apocalyptic world where zombies roam freely — but they're no longer munching on the contents of your head. Instead, they're trying to infect your heads, with politicians and lawmakers joining in. Doesn't sound that far removed from reality, does it? Running across two shows at 6.30pm and 8pm on Sunday, November 25, The Grass Is Dead on the Other Side blends politics, poetry, rap, hip hop and the undead to make a biting statement. It's all written by Nandaula, who is the Queensland poetry slam champion — and the Australian poetry slam runner-up as well.
It's that time, Brisbanites — time embrace the sunshine and have brunch in beer gardens. We're well aware that you can basically do that all year round in our fair city; however when summer is in full swing, you might as well celebrate the season in the appropriate fashion. The Osbourne Hotel's Bottomless Rosé Brunch is definitely approaching the warm weather with the right spirit, with the Fortitude Valley venue rolling out quite the shindig from 10.30am–12.30pm on Sunday, January 20. For $55, attendees can choose from a range of luxe dishes and pair them with bottomless rosé. Yes, the drinks part of the event is unlimited, so prepare to sip your way through plenty of Villa AIX En Provence French Rosé. Food-wise, options include from truffle scrambled eggs, a smoked salmon and poached egg bagel, and maple-smoked bacon and haloumi on sourdough. There'll also be entertainment across the two hours, adding to your merry Sunday morning.
You've heard them before, you'll hear them again, but they're two words that never go out of style: free pizza. Pizza by itself is one of everyone's favourite terms, but it's so much tastier when it's free. Imagine how delicious it's going to be when it's not only available for nix, but counts as celebratory pizza as well. To get in on all of the above, head down to Neighbourhood Pizza in Kenmore from 4pm on March 24. They've been in business for a year, and they're throwing a shindig to mark the occasion. And while the slices are the only things that won't cost a thing, you're not going to mind spending some cash for a few Aperol spritzes, cocktails, wines or craft beers when you're at a free pizza party. A word of warning: Neighbourhood will be so immersed in party mode, that they won't be serving up their regular in-store pizza menu — but they'll be pumping out takeaway as usual. That means that if you haven't had enough 'za for free, or you want to take some home with you, that's always an option.
More than just a movie about robots battling monsters, Pacific Rim is one of the past decade's big-budget gems. It's a creature feature that isn't afraid to feel, or to match its big action scenes with big ideas and a big heart. Considering that the film was directed by Guillermo del Toro, that's hardly a surprise. As The Shape of Water demonstrated, the Oscar-winning filmmaker excels at telling rich, intricate tales that contemplate fantastic beasts and the relatable reactions they inspire. Viewers were treated to the same thing in Cronos, Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth as well. With del Toro opting to produce rather than direct Pacific Rim Uprising, however, it's hardly surprising that the sequel doesn't reach the same winning heights. Where the first film turned its Transformers-meets-Godzilla concept into a blend of earnest emotion and smart spectacle, the follow-up is content to adhere to mindless blockbuster formula. If the initial flick built a textured and thoughtful world, this one just rampages through it. Sadly, it does so with the same force as its jaegers, the human-powered giant robots at the movie's centre — and the same bluster as its kaiju, the alien creatures that emerge from the earth's core. Set ten years after the events of its predecessor, Pacific Rim Uprising shifts its focus to Jake Pentecost (John Boyega), son of Idris Elba's "cancelling the apocalypse" hero from the last movie. Jake is happy partying in the ruins of Los Angeles and scavenging old jaeger parts to sell on the black market, but when one scrounging mission attracts the attention of the authorities, he's forced to re-enlist as a jaeger pilot. He has company thanks to orphaned teenager Amara Namani (Cailee Spaeny), whose pint-sized homemade machine got them into trouble in the first place. With no kaiju to fight, their service under the stern Nate Lambert (Scott Eastwood) should be routine. Then, just as corporate head Liwen Shao (Jing Tian) is pushing for jaeger drones, a rogue robot pops up in Sydney and starts wreaking havoc. Don't worry, kaiju play their part — but people-piloted jaegers pummelling remote-controlled jaegers comprise a large portion of Pacific Rim Uprising. First-time feature director Steven S. DeKnight ramps up the action scenes, sticking with what he does best given his background on TV's Spartacus: Blood and Sand and Daredevil. And, to his credit, he does it well. Unlike Michael Bay's aforementioned fighting-robot franchise, the film's set pieces impress. They're smoothly choreographed rather than distracting and chaotic, even if Brisbane (where the movie was largely shot) can't convincingly sub in for Tokyo. Still, what Pacific Rim Uprising lacks is anything more than a boilerplate story or run-of-the-mill characters. Just a couple of decades ago, flicks like this were commonplace — sequels that jettisoned most of their main cast and creatives, trotted out a flimsy approximation of their predecessors, and didn't take things too seriously. Pacific Rim Uprising might have a US$150 million budget, but it still feels like an '80s and '90s-era, direct-to-video sequel in the vein of Tremors 2 or From Dusk Till Dawn 2 — right down to the cartoonish performances from its handful of returning players (Rinko Kikuchi, Burn Gorman and Charlie Day). And like those films, it's not without its very modest pleasures. Boyega oozes the same charm that served him so well in Attack the Block, The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, while one character's arc is so ridiculous that it can only be entertaining. If only we could say the same thing about the movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rU5wYV6X8s
Life is full of important questions. Why are we here? What does it all mean? Did the chicken or the egg come first? How quickly can you eat ten wings? Okay, so the latter doesn't quite match the first few, but it's the query Deathproof is pondering from 4pm on March 25 — and if you want to take part, it'll cost you $20. While a lobster might seem a bit steep for 10 pieces of poultry, the winner gets a quick feed, bragging rights and $200 in cold hard cash. So if your stomach is up to it, it just might be worth having a go. There's only ten spots available, however, so if you're keen, call into the Brunswick bar and let them know as soon as possible. And if you're keen to just watch instead, you're more than welcome. In fact, Deathproof will put on a few specials for those eager for some chook but needing to take their time with the eating process.
Albion's Vieille Branche knows how to give people what they want: not only a fabulously appointed warehouse-slash-event space, but a Makers Market just before Easter. Forget chocolate — there'll be plenty of homewares, ceramics, cheese and more to stock up on from 7.30am to 2.30pm on March 24. Succulents, fashion, art, jewellery, tableware and textiles are also on offer, with the stallholder lineup featuring everyone from Emile and Solange to Two Warm Hands to Rose Jensen-Holm Ceramics to Browns General Store. If you've been to a Vieille Branche market before, it's a blend of both old and new sellers, with the event endeavouring to showcase the city's newest emerging designers and makers Of course, you can showcase them too by finding something to take home with you. And seriously, who doesn't want cheese for Easter? Plus something to serve it on, cut it with, and wear while you're eating it, too. Image: Vieille Branche.
It has been 40 years since the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium opened at the base of Mt Coot-tha, and the domed building has played host to plenty of wonders since. Six days a week, it asks audiences to look up at programs on everything from the moon to stars to the dark universe, all featured on its 12.5-metre projection dome — and often with a guided run-through of Brisbane's own skies at the end. On selected Saturday nights, it also holds observatory tours. And, the site has even screened films as part of the Brisbane International Film Festival. Throw in its changing array of exhibitions, and it's safe to say the space has had a busy four decades pondering, well, space. To celebrate that milestone, the planetarium is throwing a weekend-long shindig on May 26 and 27. Attendees can view a Cosmic Skydome shows for 40 percent off the regular ticket price, or catch a free public lecture on astrovisualisation by Dr Carter Emmart, from the New York-based American Museum of Natural History. Or, patrons can stare up above as planetarium curator Mark Rigby conducts a tour of Brisbane's starry heavens. The other attraction is the current showcase Skylore, which delves into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander astronomy. The exhibition pays tribute to the first Australians who've been looking to the stars for tens of thousands of years.
Half a century ago, one of the greatest science-fiction films of all time made its cinematic debut. It might hail from a genre filled with plenty of excellent flicks — both then and now — but 2001: A Space Odyssey still remains one of sci-fi's best and most iconic efforts. And, one of the best and most iconic movies ever made, too. With Stanley Kubrick at the helm, adapting Arthur C. Clarke's short story The Sentinel with the author himself, it's easy to see why. Really, this isn't your usual jaunt into space. It was a mindblowing, groundbreaking feat at the time — and come June 29, Brisbane audiences will get the chance to watch the film in all of its original glory. While 2001: A Space Odyssey has remained a favourite pick for retrospective screenings around the city for years, the latest release will feature an 'unrestored' 70mm print of the movie — that is, it'll look just like it did 50 years ago. The version about to do the rounds was created using a true photochemical film recreation from the original camera negative without any digital tricks, remastered effects or new edits. After premiering at this year's Cannes Film Festival, it'll screen at Palace Centro for a limited three-day run, so you'd best open the pod bay doors, HAL, and hurry along.
If Christmas doesn't involve cheese and sparkling, is it really the happiest time of the year? No, no it isn't. And, if your combination of dairy products and effervescent wine doesn't involve three hours of the former and plenty of the latter, is it as joyful as it could be? No, it isn't again. Thankfully, Cheese Therapy is delivering on both fronts at their Bubbles & Brie session. Like many things in life, it really is all there in the name. For $59, every attendee will be able to munch away on their favourite cheese while the clock goes around not once, or twice, but three times. A tip: pace yourself. While you're flitting between separate brie stations (yes, that's a real thing), you can also enjoy four glasses of the bubbly stuff. Other drinks and food are available to purchase, should you need it — but who needs other edible morsels when there's cheese to devour?
First, Brisbane finally got its first day-long vegan festival. Then, the first monthly vegan market popped up. Now, keeping the trend going, it's vegan Christmas time. Yes, Brisbane Vegan Markets are getting festive for their December 10 event — so prepare to celebrate in healthy, sustainable, cruelty-free, meat-free and vegetarian style. On the second Sunday of each month, BVM celebrates ethical eating choices in the best way that anyone can: bringing together all of the stalls selling all of the vegan products. Given the season, their last 2017 outing will feature multiple food stalls and vendors for all of your Chrissie culinary needs, plus plenty of gifts to put under the tree. The extra present, of course, is your own peace of mind. Stallholders have changed each and every month, but around 40 are expected this time around. Based on past markets, expect guilt-free grab bites and wares from a rotating range that has previously included I Should Coco, Tibetan Momo, Kings Indian Fusion, Fire & Dough, Tapioca Traders, Organic Frog Doughnuts, Chai Cart, Vegan Van, Vurger, Green Street Foods, Flour of Life and Popcorn Downunder — and they're just some of the traders selling their animal-free goods. Plus, there'll be clothing and cosmetics on offer too, and live music as well.
It's been around for more than 150 years, and it still inspires plenty of conflicting opinions. Yes, we're talking about the martini, as favoured by fictional spies, served up in both fruity and caffeinated guises, and just generally considered a damn tasty tipple. Forget the tussle over shaken or stirred varieties, however. At The Great Martini Debate, Grape Therapy and Proud Henry will be waging a battle over plenty of the beverage's other contentious elements. 007 would be proud as they delve into gin versus vodka, classic versus modern, and clean versus dirty — and serve up a taste of different styles along the way. You'll also learn the tricks to making the perfect martini, whatever your favourite kind might be. Tickets cost $49, with the session taking place at 4pm on January 27 — aka, an ace mid-long weekend activity.
When the working week is done, folks just wanna have fun. We're paraphrasing Cyndi Lauper because she knows what she's singing about. If your idea of taking her advice involves listening to ace musos belt out a few tunes, then QPAC's Green Jam is the Friday afternoon session you're looking for. All about live music, tasty food and kicking back in a grassy spot a stone's throw from the inner-city, QPAC's Green Jam Sessions offer an ace start to your weekend every week. Held between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, the outdoor songfest takes over the Melbourne Street Green (aka that vibrant patch of turf just past the Cultural Centre walkway) for yet another year — and, in 2018, it'll feature the program's first international act, plus a Korean-inspired menu. So, who's on the bill? The lineup kicks off on February 2 and will be fleshed out as the year goes on, but expect local musicians and rising stars, plus talent from Queensland Conservatorium – Griffith University, Jazz Music Institute, JMC Academy and more. On February 23, the series partners with the BrisAsia Festival to spread its focus beyond our shores, while it'll take a break on March 30 for Good Friday. And as for your stomach, it can feast on bulgogi bao, kimchi pancakes, cabbage and mushroom dumplings with dipping sauce, and barbecue chicken skewers with gochujang mayo. You'll have to pay for the eating part of the evening (and any bevs you place in your hand), but it'll be worth it.
No one wants to do anything that requires effort on Sundays. That's what the last day of the weekend is all about. And, that's why Sichuan Bang Bang invented their weekly Endless Yum Cha sessions. All you need to do is drag yourself out of bed, roll over to their Paddington restaurant and prepare to eat, eat, eat. Taking place between 11.30pm and 3pm, it's the Sunday brunch (if you arrive before noon) or lunch everyone's stomach craves after a big night out. Or, if you're feeling bright and bouncy, a filling midday meal just because. Plus, it'll only set you back an affordable $35, which includes one beverage — be it a soft drink or hair of the dog. Expect dumplings a plenty, plus Bang Bang's famous prawn and tofu skin spring rolls, steamed pork buns (of course), and everything from oyster sauce-drenched pak choy to panfried shallot pancakes. Arrive hungry, but don't plan to leave that way.
Hoping for an ace bottle of plonk in your stocking this year? Eager for a glass of red, wine or rose to give your cheeks an extra-merry glow? Need a top tipple to go with lunch? Whatever your vino requirements, The Wine Room's Christmas Wine Fair has you covered — complete with free wine tastings. It's the Ashgrove establishment's largest get-together for the year, taking place over December 9 and 10, and they're making it count. In fact, there'll be over 70 types of grape-made beverages available to sample. And the best part? Like entry, getting a sip is absolutely free. How else will you know which wine goes best with a festive feast? Or which drinks you can enjoy all Christmas day? To help, there'll also be experts on hand to answer your questions, plus specials so you can stock up on your favourites. We'll say cheers to that.
What's better than the opening of a new Brisbane cinema? A weekend-long party to celebrate the opening of a new Brisbane cinema, of course. After Reading Cinemas Newmarket swings into action from 12.01am on December 14, Newmarket Village is dedicating two days to celebrating in film-themed style. Indeed, this isn't any old cinema shindig. Down in the precinct's basement from midday until 9pm on December 16 and 17, a Gelato Messina-run, Pulp Fiction-inspired Jack Rabbit Slims bar will be serving salted caramel, chocolate fondant, and coconut and lychee-flavoured $5 shakes (of course) aplenty — aka, getting you in the mood to break out your twist moves to soundtrack-heavy DJ sets. A Star Wars virtual reality game, Darth Vader doughnuts, and scenes recreated from Forest Gump, Indiana Jones and Up will also keep the movie love flowing. Then there's the cocktail classes. Shaun Byrne from Melbourne's Gin Palace will be on hand, hosting four different sessions filled with film-centric beverages. Fancy a boozy take on the $5 shake (it had to happen)? A Golightly Royale, Guzzolene Old Fashioned, Rum Spider, Silence of the Sangria, A Friend named Frank or Wayne Manor (yes, they're tipples nodding to Breakfast at Tiffany's, Mad Max, Back to the Feature, The Silence of the Lambs, Donnie Darko and The Dark Knight). If so, you can get a free taste and the know-how to make them, with bookings required.
They told us that boys don't cry and that they wanted things to be just like heaven. They fell in love on Fridays, hopped into a mint car and dialled a wrong number. They're The Cure, the enduring English rockers who helped define the gothic rock genre. They're also the well-deserving subjects of an icon-focused evening at New Globe Theatre. On January 20 — sadly, not a Friday — the Brunswick Street spot will break out the hairspray, black outfits and ample eyeliner for a night with a more melancholy mood. You know how it works. Sit, listen, relax and think about lovecats. Oh, and hear some ace musical talents take on The Cure's tunes. Indeed, expect a hefty lineup to share their interpretations, including Steve Kilbey from The Church, Kellie Lloyd from Screamfeeder, Sabrina Lawrie, Evil Dick from HITS and Kevin Lennon from Ghost Audio. In total, they'll play 25 songs over three sets spanning decades worth of tracks. Given the music they're working with, there's no doubt you'll want to be close to them — and who knows, they might want to take pictures of you.
"Show me what you got!" someone will yell at Southside Tea Room after 7pm on January 19. Don't worry, armaheadon isn't here — but you will want to get schwifty. The tune Rick and Morty came up with to appease song-loving aliens and save the earth is bound to come up. It's a Rick and Morty trivia night, after all. Channelling your inner Rick is recommended if you want to slay your trivia foes — and, like Rick, that probably means drinking a few brews as well. While you're living it up like an eccentric scientist and his constantly distressed teenage grandson, answering questions and showing your Rick-tastic knowledge, Man vs Bear will be overseeing the fun. And, if your response to every query is "nobody belongs anywhere, nothing exists on purpose, everybody's gonna die," we're guessing it'll probably be accepted. Donning some brown pants and a white lab coat is optional. Be there, or be Jerry.
Call it the Thursday night film club, the John Hughes club or the '80s movie club — when it comes to New Farm Cinemas' next special double feature, they all fit. And whether you're a brain, a beauty, a jock, a rebel or a recluse, you're going to want to be there. Yes, The Breakfast Club is coming to Brunswick Street on December 21, and it has company in the form of Sixteen Candles. Thanks to the late, great Hughes, they're two flicks that have defined everyone's teenage years. Even if you weren't the right age when they first hit theatres — or, even around yet — we've all seen them too many times to count. Admit it: you've either wanted to be Molly Ringwald, or you've had a crush on her. And, we know that you have 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' stuck in your head while you're reading this. Celebrate both, the filmmaker behind them and some glorious '80s fashions — all for $12 per movie.
Spend a winter Sunday by the river on June 24 — but leave your picnic basked at home. Instead, Flavours of Portside will have your food and drink needs taken care of. And, if you're keen for a spot of shopping, some live music or activities for any little ones you might have with you, that as well. From 10am until 2pm, the Hamilton precinct's one-day event will feature pop-up food stalls, markets and stomach-warming boozy beverages — plus acoustic sounds that might just get you dancing on the wharf. And if you're keen to hang around a little longer, the cocktail garden will stay open until 4pm. Afterwards, take your pick of one of the onsite bars and get comfy. Entry is free, in what's really an excuse to get reacquainted with the waterside spot. Still, as far as mini festivals go, this one does boast a stunning location and a view to match.
