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.
Have you spent the last decade popping your colleagues' staplers in jelly, or covering their desks in gift wrap? When someone makes a comment — any comment — do you answer "that's what she said"? Do you a soft spot for paper company employees, or for anyone who gets married at Niagara Falls? As soon as you meet people who work in HR, do you expect them to be called Toby? If so, then The Office — the US version — has changed your life, and now it's time to put your secret skills to the test. Michael Scott won't call everyone into the Shady Palms conference room on Thursday, June 28; however Man vs Bear will host a trivia night from 6.30pm, so it's almost the same thing. Because Brisbane loves trivia evenings based on sitcoms that Mike Schur had a hand in (think Parks & Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine) more than it loves pulling pranks, the first night has already booked out, so don't miss out on this one. The quiz session will run for 90 minutes, and someone had better break out Jim and Pam's wedding dance — and bring something beetroot-flavoured, ideally from Schrute Farms.
Terrariums: everyone's selling them. But why buy one when you can make your own? Whether your apartment needs a low-maintenance patch of green, or you're in need of a gift that keeps on giving season, learning how to turn a glass container into a succulent-filled mini-garden is an essential skill. Let Work-Shop show you how at their Succulent Terrarium Workshop — and what the classes lack in inventive names, they'll make up for in imaginative plant creations. Taking place on June 6, the sessions will impart you with the knowledge to whip up a garden in a fishbowl, candy jar or any other sizeable glass receptacle that you have. The class costs $80 per person, and bringing your own non-coloured container is essential. Botanicals by Bella will provide the know-how, and succulents, soil, stones, shells, moss, charcoal, bark and the requisite tools will be supplied.
"Luke, I am your father" might just be one of the most famous line ever uttered in a movie — except, of course, that's not actually what Darth Vader said. If you're pedantic about the exact phrasing of iconic Star Wars dialogue, or just brimming with Jedi-focused tidbits, then here's your chance to put those skills to the test. Given the date, it's the trivia night that had to happen — and an evening of fun that no one can have a bad feeling about. Yes, The Brightside is delving into the series that has spanned nine films to date and inspired a host of new instalments to come. If you have a Chewbacca costume in your wardrobe, you're destined to be there. As always, dressing up is heartily encouraged. As for prizes, they'll be on offer for your mastery of Star Wars info. And, because it's all taking place at ol' Brighty, drinks are on the menu too. Sure, it's not quite the Mos Eisley Cantina, but you can pretend.
Ever loved a TV show, movie or band so much, you've just had to pick up a pencil or paintbrush and whip up your own tribute? You know the feeling, even if you haven't followed through. It's the same sensation that gets you rushing to The Room trivia nights, Daft Punk listening parties and Mean Girls brunches — and it's on display at Church Brisbane on March 24, whether you're showing off your own fan art or appreciating someone else's. Kicking off at 6pm, A Fan Art Exhibition will highlight your faves, everyone's faves and possibly a few faves you didn't realise people had. Think: Rick and Morty and Stranger Things, local legends Violent Soho and even Jimmy Barnes. More than 5o artists are on the bill, in fact, so expect a whole lot of pop culture love. Plus, to get the affection flowing even more freely, the Church bar will be open, and a heap of theme songs will be pumping through the stereo.
With breweries seemingly popping up on every corner, it's no wonder that Brisbanites have an appetite for a few cold ones. And given the city's close proximity to plenty of waterways, it's no surprise that we're rather fond of seafood either. Sure, Brissie residents like other things as well, but we're particularly fond of spending entire days devouring drinks while eating the ocean's finest bounty. Waves & Haze is your latest opportunity to do just that, with Bacchus Brewing Co in Capalaba throwing a free one-day festival from midday on March 24. They'll be pouring their own New England-style IPAs — up to nine, in fact, including old faves, some newbies, and tipples to enjoy on the spot and take away. There'll also be games to keep everyone entertained, Ballandean Estate Wines if you need something other than a brew, and the other part of the beer and seafood equation: the seafood. If you like oysters, mussels and prawns, then Mussel Brothers will have you covered, while Salts Food Truck will be serving up fish and chips, and burgers too.
Brisbane's near year-round balmy weather, climbing up high and drinking all go hand-in-hand. That's true in general, and true at Brisbane's latest sky-high seasonal shindigs: The Society Autumn Series. Yes, the rooftop fun was such a hit over summer that it's back for another run. Every Saturday in April, Eagle Farm Racecourse's rooftop bar is throwing open its doors and throwing quite the celebration. Think weekend afternoon hangouts, general revelry and enjoying a couple of hours worth of beverages with a view. Plus, it wouldn't be a party without DJs spinning tunes to set the mood. Tickets cost $69, with drinks and food included. Attendees will sip their way through Aperol Spritz, Chandon Brut and rose, house beers, Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon and a selection of soft drinks for two hours, and snack at charcuterie stations as well, while eating cured meats, roasted vegetables, dolmades, dips, olives, breads, grissini and cheese. Arrive hankering for a bev, and hungry.
New month, new excuse to eat, drink and be merry. At the Treasury Casino, that means a new Friday night shindig. Once again taking inspiration from Australia's south, the CBD hotspot will be serving up the best dairy and vino that Victoria and South Australia have to offer — and pairing their cheese and wine-filled evening with mimosas. Yep, between 5pm and 8pm on March 23, your tastebuds will think they've ventured to the other end of the country, thanks to a lineup of wares from the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills. Your wallet, however, will thank you — sip and sample away for three hours for $49 per person. The tastiness takes place in the Treasury's courtyard, so expect a starry backdrop and some live music as well. And if you're feeling extra peckish, there'll be chargrilled vegetables, assorted dips and artisan breads too — or, you could just dive deep into as much cheese as you can.
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 Mother's Day. Forget picking up some flowers in a rush on the actual occasion — there'll be plenty of homewares, ceramics, cheese and more to stock up on from 7.30am to 2.30pm on April 28. Succulents, fashion, art, jewellery, tableware and textiles are also on offer, with the stallholder lineup featuring everyone from Emile and Solange to Tawny Threads to Grace Candles. 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 give your mum. And seriously, who doesn't want cheese as a gift? Plus something for your mother to serve it on, cut it with, and wear while she's eating it, as well. Image: Vieille Branche.
There's plenty of reasons to love degustation dinners. Who doesn't want an excuse to try new things? Or eat many, many courses, and then many, many more? Or dedicate an entire meal to a specific ingredient or pairing? We all do — but Saccharomyces Beer Cafe might've outdone themselves with their latest culinary offering. At Beer & Bacon: A Degustation, there's no prizes for guessing what's on the menu. Given the dinner really is all about beer and bacon, we're all winners regardless. And while the five-course feast doesn't just involve a five bottles of brews and five plates of bacon, we're betting you're already salivating just thinking about it. Taking place on April 19 and setting eager attendees back $95 per person, pork and pint lovers can expect seared scallops with crisp prosciutto, pancetta wrapped jalapeños stuffed with bacon cream cheese, twice-cooked pork belly and more. Drinks-wise, the selection will include beverages from Lost & Crowded, Sierra Nevada and Ballistic — and yes, that's just the beginning.
Fancy a beer with Bill Murray? If Lost in Translation has taught us anything, it's that you can do just that if you hang around the Park Hyatt Tokyo (which we recommend visiting anyway, if you ever get the chance). Or, later in the year when he comes to Brisbane, you can try to pull off the local equivalent. A third option: Brewsvegas' Beers with Bill, which will just involve a short road trip to Limelight Cinemas in North Ipswich on March 14. Groundhog Day will play on the big screen, All Inn Brewing will provide three tasty craft brews, and you'll also get a selection of food — all included in the ticket price.
Gather the gang, grab your best red beanie and lace up your limited-edition Team Zissou sneakers: there's a quiz to be won. If you know what all of the above refers to, then you're in prime position to shine at Southside Tea Room's Wes Anderson trivia night. With the director's gorgeous stop-motion animated Isle of Dogs releasing in Australian cinemas on April 12, the Morningside bar is teaming up with Man vs Bear to dedicate April 13 to his entire filmography. From Bottle Rocket to The Darjeeling Limited to The Grand Budapest Hotel, everything is bound to get a mention — and maybe even the art exhibition he's about to curate in Vienna, the cafe he designed in Milan and the auteur's proposed theme park. It's the kind of event that Max Fischer would love (even if he wasn't very good at it), the Tenenbaums would probably try to avoid, and Sam Shakusky and Suzy Bishop might run away from Camp Ivanhoe to attend. If you're a fan, you'd be barking mad to miss it, so register in advance and get ready to outfox your opponents with your fantastic knowledge.
The '90s really are the decade that just keeps on giving. You lived through the outfits and the music, then looked back with astonishment after they passed. Now, enough time has elapsed that you can embrace them again with the affection you've always been secretly harbouring. You know it's true. That's where the '90s Music Video Party comes in, as it has so many times over the past few years, celebrating the decade everyone once pretended to forget but now loves to remember. Nostalgia is unavoidable as three hours of your favourite tunes set a retro mood, accompanied by the corresponding music videos on the big screen. It often sells out — that's how much everyone wants to pretend to travel back in time. And, this'll be the last time the shindig is held at the New Globe before the venue closes. Here, the bubblegum pop of Aqua and the grunge of Soundgarden will combine, and the MMMbop of Hanson and the room shaking of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince too. Hop on to the event's Facebook page in advance to request your must-hear track, then make like The Spice Girls and say you'll be there.
Over the weekend of April 14 and 15, if you'd like to accuse Riverland of winging it, that's okay — they are, but with plenty of effort and planning. Getting into a flap about chicken pieces for two days requires more than a little preparation, after all, particularly when it involves 13 different varieties from four different street kitchens. That's Wing Weekender, the riverside venue's celebration of poultry. Its onsite food vendors will be dedicating their time to cooking wings, wings and more wings, and you're invited to feast upon the results. Wing Fix, Little Saigon, Phatboys and Carolina Kitchen are doing the honours, so expect a range of different styles and flavours, be it crispy, saucy, spicy, sticky, American-style or something unexpected. The cluck-tastic deliciousness runs from 11am until 9pm on both Saturday and Sunday, with live music and DJs also part of the fun.
How do you show your love for your favourite filmmaker, particularly when the director in question is none other than John Waters? Sure, you could watch a stack of DVDs in the comfort of your own home. Or, you could head to Brisbane's one and only John Waters Fest. Returning for its third year, expect the kind of fun-filled screenings only cult cinema guru Kristian Fletcher could've thought of. And expect to enjoy the experience in a concentrated block, with the fest taking place on April 11. It all starts with Female Trouble. That's the name of the film, aka one of Waters' Divine-starring flicks, and also a fitting description of antics that ensue. Follow it up with Desperate Living, which involves murder, maids and mayhem — and enjoy two of the director's features that don't regularly show on the big screen.
Fancy filling your house with locally made art, crafts, homewares, ceramics, stationery or jewellery? Or learning how to make your own? From April 13 to 15, the Museum of Brisbane can assist with both — it's holding a three-day artisan market in the middle of the city, and free workshops to go along with it. If it's browsing and buying that you're after, head along to BNE Design from 4-9pm on Friday or 1oam-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. That's when you'll find a curated range of 30 Brisbane artists and designers showcasing their wares, with the market celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship of the city's best creative folks. Or, if you're keen on discovering to follow in their footsteps, book in for a class on earring design, rubber stamps or textiles. We're clearly a city that loves jewellery hanging from our faces, because there's not one, not two, but three sessions on decorating your ears in the program. Images: Ivy & Wood / Little Urban Oasis / Two Warm Hands - Tammie Joske / Yippywhippy.
If you live in Brisbane, love live music and don't have a crazy story about a wild night spent at The Zoo, then you're doing it wrong. Over the years, every local band has played there at least once — and plenty of national and international acts as well. Over the past 25 years, actually. Yes, the Ann Street mainstay is having a birthday, and it's quite the milestone occasion. They're celebrating the only way they know how, of course. Expect bands playing full sets and plenty of high-profile special guests, as more than 25 Brissie musos come together to take part in one heck of a party. Dubbed "The Zoo 25", the lineup includes Resin Dogs, Isis, Sabrina Lawrie and Sissybones leading the bill, plus The Go-Betweens' Adele Pickvance Powderfinger's Ian Haug, Regurgitator's Ben Ely, and Screamfeeder's Tim Steward and Kellie Lloyd all popping up. Tickets cost $28.60, with the event also supporting music charities Support Act and Feed Music.
If you're a wine lover, the third Thursday in November is rather special. It's Beaujolais Nouveau day — aka the day that the new batch of Beaujolais Nouveau is first made available. If the name doesn't ring a bell, it's a vintage red wine that's best served chilled, is full of fruity flavour, and is bottled only six-to-eight weeks after harvest. Basically, it's not just any old plonk. While we can't all spend the occasion in France, Brisbanites can get in on the grape-fuelled action at the city's Parisian-style restaurant and bar. Trust Madame Rouge to host a Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Lunch behind their flowing crimson curtains — and, to make the occasion an ideal, affordable midday date for two. If they can serve up $1 oysters with the purchase of a drink, they can also offer up two glasses of the vino in question, with a picnic board, for $60. Eat a French selection of charcuterie, terrine and cheese, as accompanied by artisan breads, pickles and condiments. Drink some Beaujolais Nouveau. And given that it is happening from midday on a Thursday, perhaps plan a light afternoon afterwards.
Drinks, food, tunes. If there's a recipe for the perfect summer evening, that's it. And that's exactly what's on the agenda at Two Donkeys over summer. They're calling it their version of a backyard party. We're calling it a cruisy way to hang out when the weather is warm but the sky is dark. At Spring Hill Summer Nights, the Astor Terrace cafe and bar will be serving up live music, refreshing beverages and tasty snacks for your listening, sipping and eating pleasure. It all kicks off on November 17 with The Fergies in the performing hot seat, before bringing duo Brad and Brodie in for some fun on November 18 — and then keeping the series running across the sweltering season. A cider and mojito pop-up bar, tapas and more are also on the bill, keeping things zesty yet relaxed. And as for just what the rest of the lineup will entail, keep an eye on Two Donkeys' Facebook page.
First, there was the Weekend of Darkness. Then came the Weekend of Tartness — aka the sister festival The Scratch just had to have. Where the former has celebrated ales, porters, stouts and other tipples at the dark end of the spectrum since 2013, the latter cartwheels to the opposite end of the extreme spectrum of beer styles. If it is tart and tangy, it is likely to be on the menu. Over the two days of December 2 and 3, 20 of the funkiest, sourest, most refreshing beers being produced in Australia and around the world will take over the taps of the Milton hangout. It might sound like a gimmick, but these biting brews have been around longer than you might think. In fact, historically, all beers used to be sour. Drinking is only part of the fun, with tasty food and a pumping soundtrack adding to the atmosphere. Mongrel will be taking care of the former, the bar itself is known for always delivering on the latter — and as for what you'll be drinking, keep an eye on the event's Facebook page.
Terms like #BlackLivesMatter and alt-right didn't exist in 1967. As such, they're not mentioned in Detroit, a film based on the infamous race riots that gripped the titular town 50 years ago. Instead, we hear other telling words and phrases. Words like "you people". Words like "them". When a racist cop compares the city to 'Nam, when offensive slurs flow freely, and when scared black men openly pray for their lives in front of white police officers, there's no mistaking the climate of hatred and fear they're all inhabiting — or the parallels with the United States today. In a film of talk as much as action, these moments shudder with significance. Often, they make the audience shudder as well. Director Kathryn Bigelow, who remains the only woman to win an Oscar for direction, wants the violence, the slurs and the sense of anxiety to stand out. At the same time, she demonstrates just how commonplace it all was — and still is. As they did with The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, Bigelow and writer Mark Boal serve up an eye opening account of how America operates. Only this time, as they delve into racial, societal and institutionalised conflicts, they're working on home soil. Accordingly, Detroit pieces together a picture of a city and a nation seething with disharmony, weaving seemingly disparate stories together to recreate one specific incident. On the night of July 25, 1967, cops respond to reports of a sniper at the Algiers Motel, but can't locate the culprit or a weapon once they arrive. Already full of bluster from an earlier altercation, Officer Krauss (Will Poulter) and his colleagues (Jack Reynor and Ben O'Toole) aren't prepared to leave empty-handed. So the trio interrogate and intimidate a group of black men, plus two young white women, determined to put somebody in handcuffs. Among their detainees: The Dramatics singer Larry (Algee Smith) and his pal Fred (Jacob Latimore), who are staying the night en route home from their cancelled gig, and happen to cross paths with the attractive Julie Ann (Hannah Murray) and Karen (Kaitlyn Never). They're in the vicinity of the shots simply because they've followed the girls into their friend Carl's (Jason Mitchell) room. He's hanging out with a few mates, while returned soldier Greene (Anthony Mackie) is also down the hall. Arriving with the national guard, part-time security guard Melvin Dismukes (John Boyega) tries to assist in the aftermath. Detroit lets viewers get to know these characters — and to know them well. You can tell a lot about a person by the way they react when times get tough, and everyone here is swimming in pressure. After backstories are laid out in the film's first quarter, the movie spends its terse, tense mid-section in the hotel, watching the various figures face off. The camerawork is jumpy, intimate and urgent, as are the performances. Poulter is unnerving in his venomous conviction, while Smith is heartbreaking as the aspiring talent seeing his dreams fade away. Boyega, meanwhile, is a ball of internalised turmoil as the man caught in the middle. With the aforementioned war films as well as Point Break and Strange Days on her resume, Bigelow has consistently proven herself to be one of the best action directors working today, and Detroit only solidifies that status. Just as the film initially bounces around the riots to establish Detroit's volatile intensity, it also gets up close and personal with its main players, crafting a brutal snapshot not only of the events in question, but the city at the time and America as a whole. In the process, it serves as both an immersive picture of history and a horrific cautionary tale. Archival footage is used to amplify the grim mood, but it isn't really needed. Detroit would be a stunning piece of cinema either way. https://youtu.be/yv74LqiumXE
When Montrachet makes the move to King Street in Bowen Hills, they'll be marking their arrival in sparkling style. If you're one of Brisbane's favourite French restaurants, and you're shifting across town to brand new digs, that's how you celebrate — with a Champagne laneway party. Expect three bars pouring 12 different tipples for four hours on December 9, with the fun taking over Machinery Street from 10am until 2pm. For $49, attendees receive a glass of NV Louis Roederer Brut Premier upon arrival, plus brunch canapes ranging from almond croissants and coffee éclairs to double smoked ham cruffins and baguettes filled with charcuterie, grilled vegetables and fresh mozzarella. Then, it's all about making your way through the other bubbly vintage, non-vintage, and rosé beverages on offer, at a per glass price. If the menu sounds like a delicious treat, that's because it is being whipped up by Lyonnaise baker, Patrick Delbar, who is making his first baking departure from his homeland in over 35 years in the business. Anyone eager to test out his wares before he's unleashed on Montrachet's new all-day takeaway patisserie, here's your chance — but get in quick, because only 200 tickets are available.
From drones to cute Japanese animation to movies from almost every corner on earth, there's a film festival for everything — or so it seems. Thanks to the latest event to join Queensland's jam-packed cinema calendar, there's also a film festival for just about everywhere as well. The Noosa International Film Festival kicked off in 2016; however it's still a new kid on the movie-going block. For its 2017 iteration, it aims to entice cinephiles away from the Sunshine Coast's many beaches and into darkened rooms to watch survivalist dramas, artistic experiments, riveting race relations docos and plenty of shorts. Taking place at BCC Noosa, Noosa Arts Theatre, The j Theatre and Eumundi School of Arts Hall from October 26 to 29, the fest includes Daniel Radcliffe battling the elements in Jungle, the world's first painted feature in Loving Vincent and the Samuel L. Jackson-narrated I Am Not Your Negro. Other highlights range from Isabelle Huppert in musical romance Souvenir to Academy Award-winning cinematographer John Seale introducing The English Patient.
Fancy a trip to Melbourne, but can't fit it into your busy schedule? Let the Victorian capital come to you for one art, music, food and cocktail-filled evening. It's called Melbourne After Dark, but it should probably be called Melbourne On the Road After Dark given that the shindig is bringing a sample of the city's finest to the other end of the country. On the menu come 6pm on November 29: the oh-so tasty burgs Huxtaburger are known for, which come to Brissie all-too-rarely; a tipple by Carlton's The Beaufort, to get you nice and relaxed; and tunes by Remi, Saskwatch and The Delta Riggs DJs. Plus the usual fun vibes at Lefty's Old Time Music Hall, of course — and, it's free to attend. While you won't have to spend a cent to get in the door, registration is required in advance. Now, when someone asks you where you're going on Wednesday night, you can answer "Melbourne" and it'll be somewhat accurate.
Forget decking the halls with boughs of holly — this November and December, Fortitude Valley's Bakery and Winn lanes are decking out their stretches of pavement with other kinds of festive cheer. At A Very Laneway Christmas, free live music, plenty of shops to browse through, markets and pop-ups are all on the bill. Located on different sides of Ann Street, there's no shortage of spots luring people into both locales each and every day, whether you're keen for a bite at Ben's Burgers, The Apo or I Heart Brownies, a gig at The Zoo, or rifling through the shelves at Tym's Guitars or Phase 4. 'Tis the season to amp things up, however. And that's just what'll be happening between November 15 and December 23 Free tunes will be wafting through each roadway from midday each Saturday, but keep an eye out for a few special additions. Micro-markets will rotate through young and emerging designers, some retailers will be offering up Yuletide specials, and bringing your pet is always welcome.
In the Iranian feature Subdued, a recently divorced woman tries to carve out a single life, but finds her quest for independence far from easy. The there's The Home, in which a daughter struggles with the contents of her recently deceased father's will. Depicting the tumult of everyday Iranian existence — the oppression, the judgement, the unfair treatment of women and the impact of unjust bureaucracy — is something that the country's cinema output has become particularly known for. Indeed, films and tales like these (and, of course, including these) abound at this year's Iranian Film Festival Australia. In fact, they're just two of the ten flicks on offer in 2017, the fest's seventh year. Nodding to the past, a retrospective session of 1997's Leila shows how little has changed in the middle eastern nation. Celebrating a filmmaking master only recently lost, Abbas Kiarostami's final short Take Me Home finds joy in repetitive actions with unexpected outcomes. Iranian Revolution dramas, musicians travelling abroad and a tale of friends torn apart by an organ donation request help round up the lineup. You'll find them all at New Farm Cinemas from November 2 to 5, with IFFA demonstrating that good things come in compact packages.
A day of revelry is coming to Woolloongabba — and despite the suburb's most prominent landmark, it has nothing to with sport. Instead, The End of the Line Festival is returning for another massive outdoor outing. It's free, it'll be jam-packed with music, performance and art, and it also aims to showcase the best restaurants and eateries the area has to offer. In its fourth year, the fest is going boutique in terms of its band setup, with one stage, no clashes and an afternoon-to-evening format. WAAX leads the cohort heading to Jurgens Street from 2pm on November 4, alongside fellow Brisbanite Jeremy Neale, Sydney's Flowertruck, and Melburnians Terry, Slow Dancer and Loose Tooth. As curated by Jet Black Cat Music's Shannon Logan, locals Nice Biscuit, Future Haunts and Spirit Bunny are also on the bill. Those after something other than ace tunes can experience a unique performance that blends live painting, Japanese butoh and singing, thanks to Zoe Porter, Megan Janet White's Theatre of Thunder featuring Stormbodies and guest, Zen Master Jinen Nagai and a few monks that will be visiting from Japan. Or, if visual art is more your style, POP Gallery will be hosting an exhibition overseen by American-Australian artist Bill Platz. Food-wise, the on-site likes of Pearl Cafe, Canvas, Sorelina, Enoteca, ABFab and Electric Avenue will be serving up their finest food and beverages, in the part of the street party fun that you'll need your wallet for. The End of the Line Festival takes place from 2pm on November 4 at Jurgens Street, Woolloongabba. Head to the festival website for further details.
At Netherworld on Monday, October 22, you have two options. You can either party like you're running for your life from teeming hordes of ravenous undead, or you can pretend that you're one of the shuffling masses yourself. To be honest, you can really just enjoy the night however you like, but you now know the theme: yes, it's all about zombies. At The Dead Will Walk The Valley, the Brunswick Street venue will be making sure that's the case — within the confines of its arcade bar, at least. Kicking off at 6.30pm, there'll be zombie virtual reality games, zombie pinball, zombie RPGs and zombie board games, plus zombies just generally roaming around. And yes, dressing up and muttering "braaaaaaaaains" is heartily encouraged. You'll be able to get your gory makeup done onsite and take a stint of zombie avoidance training, too, while The Hellmouth Diner will be cooking up a themed menu. Drinks-wise, Netherworld will whip up an appropriate cocktail list — and serve up White Lies Brewing's one-off zombie fightin' beer. Entry will set you back $15 per person, and you'll need a ticket as the bar won't be open to the public otherwise. As part of the price, you'll also nab a schooner of beer, five tokens and a zombie enamel pin.
There's a moment in everyone's life when they come to a profound realisation: that all of those board games we played as kids are even more fun with booze. You know that you've enjoyed a few hands Uno over a few beers, paired a game of Scrabble with some scotch and combined Jenga with gin. We all have. Now, once a week, you can blend games in general with gimlets. That's the intention at Dutch Courage Officer's Mess every Tuesday until the end of September. They'll supply both the activities and the alcohol, and you'll only need your wallet for the latter. And if you're wondering what a gimlet is, it combines gin and house-made lime cordial — so you really will get more than a few flashbacks to your childhood. The evening kicks off at 6pm each week, and if you're bringing a group of five or more, then bookings are recommended.
If you're a fan of films both new and old, then you've probably experienced an increasingly common problem: scrolling through your streaming platform of choice and being underwhelmed by its rather small retro selection. Or, maybe you've just worn out your Fame or Cry Baby DVDs. Or perhaps you've always wanted to see Life Is Beautiful or discover why Crocodile Dundee was such a hit, but have been waiting until you could catch them in a cinema. Whichever category you fall into, Dendy Coorparoo's returning Cult Classics programs is here to help every Monday, with the spring season running until November 26. Each week, the eastside cinema will serve up a new blast from the past — at 10.30am, in case you have the day off, and at 7pm too, for those who've been working. Tickets cost $8 for members and $10 for everyone else, and the lineup is stacked full of old faves. Let's face it — any film program that busts out the original Point Break has plenty going for it, including Keanu Reeves on a surfboard, obviously.
At some point during your high school years, a thought ran through your mind: will I ever use this knowledge? Whether you were learning algebra, ancient history or astrophysics, the answer is always yes — but at Newstead Beer School 101, you won't even be asking the question. Every Saturday morning at 10am between October 6 and November 10, Newstead Brewing Co is hosting the types of classes you wish you could've taken back in the day: beer classes. Across two hours, you'll get your very own beer handbook, as well as a guided walk-through of six of the brewery's beers. No, there's no test at the end. You will also receive a beer when you arrive and one to finish off the class, however, which we're sure no other school you've ever attended was able to offer. Each session costs $20, and is limited to ten people, so booking as soon as possible is recommended.
PARK(ing) Day is back and, as always, it has a fantastic aim: to turn regular old car parks into vibrant pop-up parks for a few hours. It's an international affair, with Brisbane getting involved between 11am–2pm on Friday, September 21 at a number of sites around the city. Mosey on down to Market Street, and you'll find chairs under umbrellas, grass to kick back on and yoga mats. You'll also come across an art studio, too. Or head down Charlotte Street, where a theatre production, jazz music and art classes will be waiting. Over on Albert Street, there's plants, stories, a coffee shop and a daisy chain made out of recycled materials. You can also make music, as well as hear it. And if you find yourself in West End rather than the CBD, wander across Sussex Street. Not only can you can surround yourself in greenery, but you can learn about heritage trees and listen to tunes. Image: Brisbane PARK(ing) Day.
Trekking across Middle-Earth is a big job. Trying to keep a precious ring safe from an evil lord is too. There's much that's massive about The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Peter Jackson's first screen adaptation of f J. R. R. Tolkien's beloved novels, so you'll want to revisit it on a particularly huge screen — one that measures 44 metres long, perhaps? Set up in the middle of Eagle Farm Racecourse, the aptly named Big Screen on the Green is that giant screen. It hosts films regularly, and from 6.30pm on Friday, September 21, it'll bringing hobbits, elves, wizards and more to its sizeable expanse. Tickets cost $10, which gets you a spot on the public lawn — or you can spend $20 and get a large popcorn as well, plus your choice of wine, sparkling, house beer or a non-boozy beverage. You can't BYO food or drinks, but there'll be more available to purchase. Or if you'd like a picnic, bring a pal and nab a $55 gourmet hamper package for two, which includes charcuterie, a cheese platter and breads. Image: Big Screen on the Green.
What a difference a few drops of water can make. In The Insult, a spurting drainpipe sparks an altercation across religious and cultural lines, a highly publicised court case, and a probing look at Lebanon's volatile political climate. There's more to Ziad Doueiri's Academy Award-nominated drama, including the heated exchange of words that gives the film its title. But at the movie's heart, a simple situation embodies the tensions in the writer-director's fraught, fractious homeland. Just as right-wing Christian mechanic Tony Hanna (Adel Karam) is watering the plants on his Beirut balcony, Palestinian construction crew foreman Yasser Salameh (Kamel El Basha) walks underneath. Annoyed about getting wet and eager to do a good job around the neighbourhood, the latter knocks on the former's door and advises him to fix his drainage. When Tony refuses in an overt display of belligerence, Yasser takes matters into his own hands, repairing the pipe himself. Still irate, Tony then smashes Yasser's handiwork to pieces. In response and in obvious frustration, Yasser calls Tony a "fucking prick". Despite the film's moniker, that's not the only insult hurled throughout the course of the narrative, or the only display of violence. Whether the central duo are tussling on the street, facing off in Tony's workshop or watching their respective lawyers (Camille Salameh and Diamand Bou Abboud) duke it out in court, The Insult hinges upon exchanges steeped in anger, as well as the unrest ignited by a society simmering with division. Indeed, from the moment that Doueiri opens the movie with a Christian political party protest, he doesn't shy away from the broader context that's so pivotal to his plot. And while the filmmaker doesn't avoid emotive touches either — Tony has a heavily pregnant wife (Rita Hayek) as well as a tragic background, while Yasser has been a refugee in the country for decades — every aspect of the storyline helps flesh out the movie's many complexities. Doueiri's approach should feel familiar, and not just because he traversed comparable thematic terrain with terrorism drama The Attack back in 2012. Using a specific scenario as a stand-in for the Middle East's wider troubles is hardly a new cinematic tactic, as Iranian director Asghar Farhadi continually illustrates — and comparing The Insult to the likes of Farhardi's A Separation and About Elly is certainly a compliment. Like his fellow filmmaker, Doueriri possesses a way with words, both in slinging them between characters and in understanding their importance in trying circumstances. He similarly has an eye for nuanced performances, as El Basha demonstrates with a fine-tuned, lived-in portrayal that won him the Best Actor award at the 2017 Venice Film Festival. Furthermore, Doueriri knows how to unpack a moral quandary, sometimes bluntly but always effectively. If there's another filmmaker that The Insult also owes a debt to, it's a seemingly unlikely one: Quentin Tarantino. Doueriri was the first assistant camera operator on Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown, and clearly learned a few lessons in visual storytelling from all three movies. There's much greater restraint evident in his work with cinematographer Tommaso Fiorilli, of course, however movies so focused on searing dialogue rarely feel as fluid and energetic as this. A picture doesn't speak a thousand words here, given that so much conversation is flung about. But each frame lends weight, power and a crackling atmosphere to this riveting exploration of both everyday and historical conflicts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fd6gDd2f2k
We can't all see in spring in Italy, sorry, but Brisbanites can do the next best thing. And even if you managed to hop over to Europe when their flowers were blooming earlier in the year, you can pretend you're still there when the season hits the southern hemisphere. There'll be colourful Italian cocktails and plenty of Italian cuisine when the two-day Spring Spritz Party comes to Welcome to Bowen Hills across the weekend of Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2. Clearly you know what you'll be drinking, with different varieties available — at $12 each, or four for $40. Food-wise, the lineup includes Parma Street Food, Salt Meats Cheese, Nonna's Masseria, La Cucina Mobile, Abbiocco Food Truck, La Macelleria, Gerbino's, Don't Gnocc It, Porky's Porchetta and Mr Burger, so you'll be able to feast your way through pizza, burgs, gelato and more. Capping things off, the joyful refrain of an accordion player will echo throughout the precinct, providing the soundtrack to the cries of "saluti!".
If Brisbane's latest food event needs a theme song, it has plenty of options to choose from. Sure, most tracks that reference wings in their name come soaked in emotion (we're thinking about Jeffrey Osbourne's 'On the Wings of Love' and Bette Midler's 'Wind Beneath My Wings', for starters, because 80s tunes are just that impossible to forget). But hey, who isn't in love with crispy, deep-fried chicken wings? We're going on about potential anthems because the Australian Buffalo Wing Festival will make you want to sing an ode to its titular dish, we're betting. That's what showcasing all the great places in Brissie that sell these delectable sites of poultry does. Well, that and fill your stomach. Featuring everywhere from Green Beacon and KaiKai Chicken to Fritzenberger and Greaser Bar among its 18 locations — and King of the Wings, Seoul Bistro and Newstead Brewing's two locations, too — the fest is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of affair. Basically, pick an eatery from one of the four regions highlighted on the four days from August 29 to September 1, and start munching. Or, go on a buffalo-crawl in search of the many deals on offer. Each joint will be serving up their own flavours, so you really will want to taste them all. There's also a VIP tour on Friday, August 31, which will take you to three spots, pair beer with your wings, and load you up with some merchandise — for $70 per person, with attendance limited to 30 chook-loving punters.
Already home to a picturesque and peaceful Japanese garden, the Brisbane Botanical Gardens at Mt Coot-tha is ramping its cultural appreciation up a few notches. Visitors will do more than soak in the greenery-fuelled serenity from 10am on Sunday, August 19, courtesy of an entire day of Japanese-themed celebrations. From rice cake making and calligraphy sessions to kokedama classes and taiko drum performances, the Gardens' Japanese Cultural Day will steep you in the sights, sounds, tastes and activities of Japan — like a good tea ceremony, which is also on the agenda. Other highlights include make-your-own sushi classes, bonsai demonstrations, ikebana flower arranging, a Japanese choir singing traditional tunes, plus kites and origami for younger attendees. Entry is free and no tickets are necessary — except for the kokedama workshops, which cost $10 and require booking in advance. Image: Brisbane City Council.
Everyone loves a comedy festival, but sometimes being so spoiled for comic choice isn't just amusing — it's overwhelming. That's where comedy festival showcases come in. They add laughs to the lulls between annual fests, plus they offer a bite-sized sample of the up-and-coming comedians you might not have seen live yet. The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase certainly promises both, serving up the brightest and most buzz-worthy performers from the 2018 event. If it's highlights of hilarity you're after — from international and local funny folks alike — then this is the place to get it. US comedian Michael Goldsten tops a packed bill, alongside Cam Knight, Greg Sullivan, Chris Ryan, John Cruckshank and Shayne Hunter. Check them out now during one side-splitting show — and for just $39 — before putting their solo shows on your must-see list for the 2019 festival circuit.
If the words 'sharing feast' usually send you running, we bet we know why: you don't eat meat, animal products, nuts or something else, and trying to make sure you can actually enjoy the food is frequently harder than it should be. On Thursday, August 9, vegans can put those fears aside at Covent Garden, with the West End gin joint serving up its first vegan feasting evening. Kicking off at 6.30pm, the plant and floral wallpaper-filled hangout's Garden of Vegan will dish up four courses of vegetable-heavy dishes. It all starts with tapas of taro crisps with Jerusalem artichokes and mushroom rillettes with poached rhubarb, before moving on to a stacked mezze board with baba ganoush, olives, pickled vegetable and more. Next, mains include fried cauliflower with wild rice, and butter and borlotti bean cassolette with truffle oil. As for dessert, it combines poached beets, strawberries, toasted almond mousse and candied buckwheat. That's just a sample of the food on offer, with bookings taken for tables of two at $74 per couple. There'll also be Garden of Vegan cocktails available, though they'll cost you extra.
Roll up, roll up, it's show time — and not just in the obvious spot. The Ekka isn't the only place for games and fun in August, and it's not even the only place in and around Fortitude Valley, with Netherworld arcade game bar upping the ante for two weeks of the month. From August 7 to 19, the St Paul's Terrace hangout is hosting its very own Netherworld Sideshow, combining the usual offerings with a few extra special inclusions. Expect their existing array of tables, machines and consoles, plus added carnival games, guest machines, fairy floss — and even creepy clowns and a creepy clown-filled sideshow pageant. We'll let you decide if the last two are a good or a bad thing. The on-site cafe, aka the Hellmouth Diner, will also be cranking out show-style fare, so your stomach can get in on the action as well. And, you'll also be able to buy Netherworld showbags filled with merchandise and goodies. Plus, we're guessing you have a better chance of avoiding getting the flu here.
It's beginning to feel a lot like... that time of year when everyone pretends it's Christmas, even though it's not. And while plenty of places around town are getting into the July festive spirit, only one is giving away free mulled wine. From 3pm on Saturday, July 28, Beyond the Pale at Coorparoo Square will be serving up free steaming vino to the first 100 customers — which is an excuse to get there early, obviously. Among the precinct's other eateries, there'll also be seasonal dishes such as Christmas chicken, Turkish hot chocolates and Christmas cakes. The culinary part of the Christmas in July Laneway Party is an all-day affair, and your now-hungry stomach can also expect food tastings. From 5–8pm, live music will also float through the centre. It's not snow, but this is Brisbane after all. Or come back on Sunday, July 29 and head over to Dendy Cinemas, where the Bill Murray-starring Scrooged will be playing — and saying "bah humbug!" — at 6.30pm.
There are many, many reasons to be excited that summer is just around the corner. Two big ones: beachside hang-outs and pool parties. So, if you've started thinking about swimwear, we have something relevant to your interests — renowned boho label Tigerlily Swimwear is holding a massive four-day warehouse sale, so get ready for some unprecedented bikini bargains. The Aussie brand has been around for just shy of 20 years and is still creating timeless prints and flattering shapes — and getting it 70 percent off makes it even better. This is Tigerlily's biggest ever warehouse sale with prices starting from just $30. Tigerlily collections from previous seasons will be on offer for you and your Vitamin-D-deficient body. And, it isn't just swimwear — playsuits, dresses, shorts, kaftans and other clothing will also be reduced to help you get your summer wardrobe sorted. The Tigerlily warehouse sale will take place at Brisbane Showgrounds from October 4–7, running from 8am–7pm on Thursday and 8am–5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Everybody loves degustations. If you like food — and who doesn't? — then you obviously like eating several courses of it, and then several more. All those plates of deliciousness can't make you forget one simple truth, however: even when you're feasting on six different delectable savoury dishes, you're still looking forward to dessert more than anything else. The solution? Make sweet treats the main attraction. And, if you're Woolloongabba's Jack Rabbit's Whiskey Bar, enlist a Brisbane chocolate-maker to help. Together, the bar and BASIK are unleashing a secret chocolate degustation upon the city on Tuesday, September 25. Tickets cost $120, and they're limited, unsurprisingly. Attendees will receive four ruby chocolate bon-bon to start with, then enjoy dinner over a drink — because everyone has to eat something sensible. Finally, everyone will work through another set of four bon-bon chocolates, but this time matched with the perfect alcohol pairings.
If the end of times means endless kegs of beer, then count us in. We're certainly willing to pretend the former is the case if the latter is the reward — and so are the folks at Archive Beer Boutique. That's why they call their signature annual event Armakeggon after all, though you, the tasty brews and the bar will all be around long after the 2018 shindig is over. Well, that and it's a catchy name to describe two days that feature more than 50 extra special, often one-off beverages poured through the West End establishment's taps until their beer-loving hearts are content. For those after more than an out-of-the-ordinary drop of the yeasty good stuff, the affordable price of admission — $15 for early-bird tickets and $20 afterwards — includes food, brewery stalls, live music and more. And, it gets you in on both days. Oh, and there'll also be activities and talks on site, too, because the only thing better than spending the day drinking is winning prizes and learning something new while you're doing it.
Anyone's day could be improved with cheeseburger spring rolls, the food mashup that everyone needs, even if they don't yet know it yet. It's one of Heya Bar's signature dishes — and on Thursdays, the venue is looking to not only improve your day, but keep your wallet in check as well. With a name like $5 Thursdays, you know what you're in — or how much you'll need to spend, more accurately. From 5pm until 1am each week, the Fortitude Valley joint is serving up its beloved snack at a bargain price, and its entire menu as well. If you're not so keen on spring rolls stuffed with the kind of things that spring rolls aren't normally stuffed with, you can also feast on karaage chicken and cauliflower, panko prawns, pork bao and several types of dumplings. Almost everything is half price or less, which is great if it's not yet pay day — or if you're on a budget but have a spare lobster for a bite and a drink.
Nothing says you're sorry like a pom pom. If you haven't heard that saying before, don't worry. We might've just made it up, but we're simply following in Rachel Burke's footsteps. Since September 2015, Burke has been the go-to gal for woollen tokens of apology after making her own, letting it loose on Instagram and watching the world take notice. Her fluffy balls of remorse inspired others to follow suit, resulting in an ongoing community art project, an exhibition in 2016 and now another follow-up at the Redland Art Gallery in Capalaba. The project, like the underlying concept itself, is as straightforward as it sounds: all manner of people craft their own pom poms, attach their candid confessions, and then post them off to be included in the artwork. In fact, Burke has received more than a thousand of them since she started. As for the exhibition, it showcases Apomogy as it currently stands, complete with multi-coloured bundles and hand-scrawled notes galore. Who knew saying sorry could be so much fun? Image: Rachel Burke, Apomogy 2015.
A long-term Friday night favourite, the Treasury Casino has been ending the working week with a series of wine and cheese shindigs — and its latest event has a little extra fizz. On October 19, the CBD venue's blend of dairy and drinks also includes bubbles, with a dedicated Champagne cocktail bar bringing a big splash of effervescence. Cheese, Wine & Bubbles goes down between 5–8pm, and features Australian wine tastings, a cider bar, cheese stations, and chargrilled vegetables, assorted dips and artisan breads too. The tastiness takes place in the Treasury's courtyard, so expect a starry backdrop and some live music as well — with the three-hour package costing $59 per person. If you're feeling extra flush, nab a $125 ticket for access to the Moët & Chandon Room in the Lab Bar. There'll be more live entertainment, but the main attraction comes from a number variety vintage and non-vintage Champers. Prepare to hear plenty of popping corks.
