Whatever kind of workout gets your blood pumping and pulse racing, it does your own health and wellness a big favour. Exercise: it's a wonder, and it's always recommended by doctors and health experts for a good reason. Your next stint of getting sweaty could assist others in need, too, however — and you can drop in to bend and stretch all day and night. 24-Hour Pilates for Mental Health makes its case right there in its name. Accordingly, KX in Newstead is hosting pilates classes for 24 hours to raise money for Lifeline's 24/7 support services. The sessions kick off at 7am on Saturday, July 22, and run in 50-minute blocks — with ten-minute breaks between each — all the way through to the next morning. Whether you're keen on the initial class, eager to join in on a Saturday night, wondering about 2am pilates or curious what the last session at 6am on Sunday, July 23 will be like, you've got options. Also, you don't need to be a pilates expert — all sessions are set at the beginner level, and cater to first-timers, casual attendees and seasoned pros alike. You'll pay $39 to head along, 100-percent of which will go to Lifeline. And why that fee? Because that's the average cost to fund one call to the organisation's support lines.
Take American cinema's many depictions of suburbia, splice them together, but morph them into a savage musing on America's political landscape between 2016–21. Hello film lovers, you now have one of the most stunning Australian movies of 2023: Hello Dankness. Hailing from Soda Jerk and marking the duo's first feature since TERROR NULLIUS roared across screens in 2018, it's another treasure trove of clips edited together to make a statement. It's "a suburban stoner musical rendered in the form of a cybernetic Greek tragedy" as well, as Soda Jerk themselves have dubbed it. More than 300 film and TV clips get a spin, plus around 250 audio grabs. Among those featured: everything from The Burbs, Wayne's World, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar and The Social Network to American Beauty, Friday, Napoleon Dynamite, This Is the End, Euphoria and PEN15 as well. Hello Dankness also includes Donald Trump's Access Hollywood tape and Kendall Jenner's Pepsi ad, and features songs from Cats, Les Misérables, Annie and The Phantom of the Opera, all across a wild 70 minutes. The film has been doing the festival rounds, enjoying its international premiere at the 2023 Berlinale, winning the Best Narrative Feature Award at this year's Atlanta Film Festival, then hitting Dark Mofo and the Sydney Film Festival. Now, it's Brisbane's turn at the Gallery of Modern Art's Australian Cinematheque on Saturday, July 1. Head by at 1.30pm for a free screening, plus a Q&A session with Soda Jerk in-person. We guarantee that you'll have plenty of questions. We did too — read our interview with Soda Jerk.
Treating yo'self to tastebud-tempting dishes is what winter is all about — and for one entire month, Salt Meats Cheese is serving up a rather appetising menu that'll do the trick. That'd be its Everyday We're Truffling — Truffle Month lineup, with truffles popping up in all kinds of dishes. Yes, that includes truffle cocktails. Before 2022, SMC only celebrated truffles for a week of the year. But, to the delight of your stomach, it expanded the deliciousness across all of July last year — and it's doing the same in 2023. Accordingly, from Saturday, July 1–Monday, July 31, the Italian chain will be adding truffles to crostini, cacio e pepe, lasagne, pizza and porchetta — so that's five Italian staples covered. And, you can add shaved truffles to any a la carte menu item for $9 as well. You'll need something to wash all of the above down with, so truffle margaritas and truffle martinis are also on offer. Or, you could opt for a non-boozy hibiscus cooler. For dessert, there's truffle cheesecake, aka your new favourite type of cheesecake. Everyday We're Truffling is taking place at all SMC venues during its month-long period, which spans Newstead and Surfers Paradise in Queensland, although the menu varies per venue. And if you're wondering why the Italian chain has suddenly gone truffle crazy, it's to celebrate the Australian truffle season — which is as good a reason as any.
When a food-themed day is worth celebrating, it's usually focusing on a dish you'd eat any day (and wish you could tuck into every single day, in fact). World Burger Day is one such occasion, and it's coming in strong for 2023 with free burgs. The catch? You do have to buy a glass of wine, which you'll surely be fine with. If you usually pair your burgers with beer, wine label Greasy Fingers is well-ware. That's one of the reasons that it's behind the giveaway. This drop is made to go well with burgs and whichever other greasy meals happen to tempt your tastebuds, no matter whether you opt for the shiraz, shiraz grenache or chardonnay. [caption id="attachment_902457" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Will Salkeld Photography[/caption] So, buy a glass at Virtue Bar & Eats on the Sunshine Coast and Tropic Vice on the Gold Coast on Sunday, May 28, then get your free burg. That's all there is to it, although you'll need to get in quick. The other key caveat: there are only 100 free burgers available at each venue, so it's a case of first in, first served.
The strangest public holiday of the year is upon us, Brisbanites: the Ekka public holiday. August is here, the Royal Queensland Show arrives with it, and we all get a day off to celebrate and eat strawberry sundaes. It's still all a bit odd, though — as smacking a public holiday in the middle of a late-winter week has always proven. No, that isn't a complaint. Yes, if nothing feels ordinary around your Ekka day off, thats understandable. Here's something that'll help you kick things off in style the night before, though: the return of the Hekka Festival to Greaser. Live tunes will hit the Fortitude Bar's garage stage, with the fest starting at 5pm and keeping on keeping on till late. On the bill: The Dandys, LOVELOVELOVE, Cry Baby, Somewhat Strange and Indigo Hue. This year, entry is free, too, if you need any more of an incentive. Images: Anwyn Howarth.
2023 marks has been nine years since La Macelleria set up shop in Brisbane, gifting the city's residents with an array of inventive gelato and sorbet flavours. Over that period, it has taught ice cream lovers how to make their own, served up all-you-can-eat sweet treats and expanded its footprint by adding more than a few new shops — and, as it likes to whenever it's birthday time, now it's throwing a big Italian fiesta on Sunday, July 23 to celebrate. To mark the latest huge milestone, La Macelleria will spend a day doing what it does best, but also doing more than that. Gelato will be on the menu, obviously. The venue will be pump out signature flavours such as stracciatella, pistachio, coconut white chocolate and raspberry IPA. Also, it's whipping up prosecco sorbet, with 100 servings on offer 5pm till they've all been snapped up. Why drink your favourite sparkling tipple when you can eat it in frosty form? With the merriment running from 11am, there'll also be Scugnizzi serving up Roman-style pizzas, and Casa Motta stretching mozzarella and burrata live. And, expect gifts — aka giveaways, such as winning a year's supply of gelato or a behind-the-scenes tour of La Macelleria's workshop.
NAIDOC Week festivities at Queensland Museum are a two-for-one affair in 2023. Not only is the South Bank venue marking the occasion, and embracing this year's theme 'for our elders' — it's also farewelling its Connections Across the Coral Sea: A Story of Movement exhibition. How? QM is ticking both boxes with three-day celebration Mangal Bungal: Clever Hands. From Friday, July 7–Sunday, July 9, the museum's cultural events will be by the Dingaal community, which sits at the heart of Connections Across the Coral Sea. The exhibition, which wraps up on Sunday, displays archaeological findings about Papua New Guinea, Torres Strait and the northeast coast of Queensland's seafaring cultures. Here, diving into how people moved across the titular waterway — and how trade occurred — is on the agenda. Attendees can plunge into both scientific evidence and the Dingaal clan's traditional knowledge. Free to attend — although some events do require bookings — the Mangal Bungal: Clever Hands lineup starts with a Welcome to Country on the Friday, complete with traditional dance and didgeridoo performances. Storytelling by elders, including hearing Dreamtime tales firsthand, is on offer on both Friday and Saturday. The On Country planetarium experience over the entire three days will see you surrounded by Dingaal Country's sights and sounds, with the dome-style setup taking participants to Jiigurru (Lizard Island). Also on offer: a drop-in zone dedicated to Dingaal totems, stories and artworks; ceremonial jewellery making with Dingaal women; and a closing ceremony headlined by Dingaal men doing traditional dances. Images: Queensland Museum.
Soaking away the day, your troubles and your worries is Soak Bathhouse's speciality. At the chain's venues in Mermaid Beach and West End, heading in for a dip means seeing your woes dissipate in warm water — at least temporarily. As everyone who has sat in heated H2O knows, there are other few things as calming in life. On Wednesday nights all throughout winter, however, this wellness brand has found a way to ramp up the relaxation even further at its Gold Coast site. From 5–8pm each hump day, to help you forget about your midweek work stresses, Soak Bathhouse is doing Winter Soak & Sound sessions in Mermaid Beach. On offer: a soak, of course, plus calming live music and hot drinks. The event takes its cues from après-skí hot-tub sessions — and, while there's no snow, you will still get the warm water part of the equation, plus acoustic tunes and beverages. Bookings are required, just for a $49 soak session during the three-hour window. Do that and you'll get the Winter Soak & Sound experience thrown in at no extra cost.
Thanks to the success of Beef, the past year has been huge for Ali Wong. It was back in April 2023 that the hit series arrived, getting audiences obsessed and sparking plenty of accolades coming Wong's way. She won Best Actress Emmy, Golden Globe, Film Independent Spirt and Screen Actors Guild awards for playing Amy Lau, who has a carpark altercation with Danny Cho (Steven Yeun, Nope) that neither can let go of — and that changes both of their lives. The last 12 months have also been massive for the American actor and comedian onstage, all thanks to her Ali Wong: Live tour. Wong has been playing to full houses in the US, and also in Paris and London — and Brisbane audiences can see her this winter at two gigs from Monday, July 22–Tuesday, July 23 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. [caption id="attachment_893741" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Cooper/Netflix © 2023[/caption] Behind the microphone, Wong's comedy career dates back almost two decades, including three Netflix stand-up specials: 2016's Baby Cobra, 2018's Hard Knock Wife and 2022's Don Wong. And, as an author, Wong also has 2019's Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life to her name. On-screen, Wong doesn't let go of grudges easily, at least in Beef. In rom-com Always Be My Maybe, she's also been romanced by Keanu Reeves. Tuca & Bertie had her voice an anthropomorphic song thrush, while Big Mouth sent her back to middle school. Beef, on which Wong was also an executive producer, earned just as much love for the show overall — including the Emmy for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series; Golden Globe for Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television; Gotham Award for Breakthrough Series under 40 minutes; Film Independent Spirt Award for Best New Scripted Series; and PGA for Outstanding Producer of Limited or Anthology Series Television. [caption id="attachment_946690" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Cooper/Netflix © 2023[/caption]
No one ever needs an excuse to escape their daily routines with a stint of mini golf, ten-pin bowling or sleuthing through a challenge room, but on Tuesday, September 5, Funlab's venues are giving you a mighty great reason to anyway. That's when the company's Day of Fun rolls around for 2023, and lets you get putting, rolling and puzzle-solving for $5 a pop — all to help Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation. All day at 44 venues Australia-wide, including in Brisbane, Funlab will donate all of its proceeds to the charity, which provides early-intervention mental health services to 12–25 year olds across Australia. So, you'll be aiding your own headspace — tap, tap, tapping your way around an indoor mini golf course will do that, for instance — and also showing some love to a great cause. Funlab's Brisbane's sites include multiple Holey Moley and Strike Bowling joints, plus B. Lucky and Sons and Chermside's Hijinx Hotel — and the $5 deal covers bowling, darts, laser tag, an hour of games and nine holes of golf (all at $5 per activity). Booking in advance is recommended, but Archie Brothers and B. Lucky are doing walk-ins only. Obviously, if you'd like to add a few drinks — these venues serve plenty — that'll cost you extra. [caption id="attachment_681171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption]
Here's something that you don't get to do every day: see the latest film from Japanese filmmaker Ryûsuke Hamaguchi before it hits cinemas in general release, and fresh from it winning a Silver Lion — for the Grand Jury Prize, in fact — at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival. After nabbing the Oscar for Best International Feature in 2022, and also being nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay — all for Drive My Car — the director is back on-screen with Evil Does Not Exist, which closes out 2023's APSA screening program. Every year, southeast Queensland plays host to the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, which hands out gongs to the year's best films from around the region. There's a star-studded ceremony, which takes place at HOTA, Home of the Arts on Friday, November 3 in 2023, and celebrates movies specifically from the 70 countries and areas within its chosen remit. If you're keen on catching some of the flicks nominated (and hopefully, some of the winners), there's a cinema program as well — including Evil Does Not Exist. The 2023 film screenings lineup is also gracing HOTA from Wednesday, November 1–Saturday, November 4, and it's well worth a trip down the highway. Kicking things off: body-horror film Tiger Stripes, which is set in the Malaysian jungle and won the 2023 Cannes Critics' Week Grand Prize. Elsewhere on the bill, there's Riceboy Sleeps, which spends time with a Korean single mother and her son as they start a new life in Canada in the 90s; Tora's Husband, about the titular character's quest for self-improvement, and to handle everyday ups and downs; and coming-of-age drama A Song Sung Blue. Top image: 2023 NEOPA, Fictive.
In The Hunger Games and its sequels and prequels, a post-apocalyptic totalitarian state enforces order by murder, picking children via lottery to compete until just one remains standing. Before it reached pages and screens, The Running Man, Battle Royale and Series 7: The Contenders were among the stories that got there first, always with kill-or-be-killed contests at their cores. Now Boy Kills World enters the fray, but in a city ruled over by despot Van Der Koy matriarch Hilda (Famke Janssen, Locked In), with a group of candidates chosen annually, then slaughtered at big televised display that is The Culling no matter what. The titular Boy (played by the US Goodnight Mommy remake's Nicholas and Cameron Crovetti as a kid) is the rare exception: after witnessing his sister and mother's execution in this nightmarish realm, he's simply left for dead. Making his feature debut, director Moritz Mohr (TV's Viva Berlin!) holds tight to another big-screen staple: a revenge mission. As an adult, that the role of Boy falls to Bill Skarsgård fresh from John Wick: Chapter 4 says plenty. The vengeance that's always fuelled that Keanu Reeves (The Matrix Resurrections)-led franchise, and fellow influence Oldboy as well, mixes with cinema's wealth of fight-to-the-death tales. Also thrown in with the fervour of a fan mixing together his favourite things — which is Mohr's unapologetic approach from start to finish — is a colour scheme that Kill Bill also deployed, Deadpool-style humour and violence, notes cribbed from Matthew Vaughn's Kingsman movies and Argylle with its carnage, and nods to video games and Hong Kong action fare plus Looney Tunes and anime. Accordingly, the make-what-you-adore school of action filmmaking gets another spin with a first-time helmer in 2024, alongside Dev Patel's Monkey Man. Revelling in cartoonishness is unique to Mohr's flick, however — right down to enlisting H Jon Benjamin, aka the voice of Sterling Archer and Bob Belcher in Archer and Bob's Burgers, respectively, as Boy Kills World's narrator. He's Boy's voice, in fact. When we said that Skarsgård's casting says much, it has to; his steps into the red vest of a protagonist who is deaf and mute, and his is a physically expressive instead of vocal performance. Cue Benjamin to utter Boy's explanatory inner monologue, and cue the makings of a modern-day silent-film star in Skarsgård (his next part is a remake of silent classic Nosferatu by Robert Eggers, who directed his brother Alexander in The Northman, and it has the perfect lead if ditching dialogue like the OG movie was on the cards). As penned by Tyler Burton Smith (2019's Child's Play remake) and Arend Remmers (Oderbruch) — based on a story by Remmers and Mohr, and also a proof-of-concept short that helped the pair get iconic Evil Dead filmmaker Sam Raimi (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) onboard as a producer — Boy Kills World's script is as busy as the movie's list of influences. Mostly, it's packed with characters, and mainly with adversaries for Boy to smash, crash and bash his way through. After experiencing the life-changing trauma of losing his kin at such a young age, he gets set on his course for retaliation by training in the forest with the Shaman (and yes, that The Raid, The Raid 2 and John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum's Yayan Ruhian is in the role is also telling about Mohr's inspirations). Boy is primed for clash after clash (after clash after clash), then, as his campaign for eye-for-an-eye retribution kicks into gear. Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey: A New Era) as Hilda's sister Melanie, Sharlto Copley (who was also in Monkey Man) as Melanie's husband Glen, Jessica Rothe (the Happy Death Day franchise) as family enforcer June27: they're all in Boy's way. By his side, he has a hallucination of his sister Mina (Punky Brewster), as well as resistance fighter Basho (Andrew Koji, Warrior) in the flesh. A knack for casting also pumps through Boy Kills World beyond its star, but this is always Skarsgård's show. Bill kills. He's traversed dystopias before in Allegiant, grappled with the complexities of a ruling class in Anna Karenina, been immersed in a single-minded mission in Atomic Blonde, given the Deadpool vibe a spin in Deadpool 2, and conveyed everything through his eyes as IT and IT: Chapter Two's Pennywise — and, sporting an action-star physique, he's a find-someone-who-can-do-it-all lead as Boy. If you need an actor to play a literally silent-type hero and play the hell out of it, Skarsgård is clearly your man. Three questions linger at the heart of Mohr's film, though, two within the storyline and themes, and one for audiences. The first: what makes the action archetype at Boy Kills World's centre truly tick? The second: in a bloodthirsty crusade for reprisals, what's genuinely right and what's wrong? And the third: although this is an impressively choreographed affair that values stunts as much as The Fall Guy (Black Widow and Kingsman: The Golden Circle alum Dawid Szatarski is responsible for the flick's spectacle as its action director and designer, and also fight co-ordinator), would its genre mashup work without Skarsgård's magnetism? The initial pair of queries are thought starters rather than inquiries that receive a firm answer; they're Boy Kills World's efforts to note that revenge tales and their unspeaking protagonists could use some unpacking. The third question, unsurprisingly, earns a hearty no. Skarsgård gives Boy Kills World its strongest element, and leaves it with a calling card as both an action force and a silent wonder. Mohr ends the feature with his own as an enthusiastic filmmaker giving his all to a highly stylised and slapstick love letter. And for viewers? The quippy humour is spotty, as is the relentlessly frenetic cinematography (by Dark Satellites' Peter Matjasko) that can swing from feverish to exhausting — and, while jam-packed, the film feels its 111-minute length. Still, being entertained by the sheer delirious display of it all, with the picture's B-movie energy, love of gore and unwillingness to hold back, is as easy as inserting coins into an arcade machine.
Have you ever poured frozen gin made using oyster shells into an oyster shell that's freshly empty — because you've been a-slurping — then knocked it back? It's called a shelly, and it's one way to consume Never Never Distilling Co's Oyster Shell Gin. It's also on the menu at Frog's Hollow Saloon on Wednesday, April 17, at an event that the Brisbane CBD bar is calling Foursies at Frog's, given that it kicks off at 4pm. Here's a reason to call it quits early for the day, and a way to liven up the middle of your work week. For the afternoon until 6pm, you can learn about Never Never's unique tipple from Head Distiller Tim Boast and Brand Director Sean Baxter over martinis, oysters and shellies. Entry is free, but you'll be paying for whatever you drink while enjoying full bar service — and, as the brains behind the South Australian spirits outfit will be behind the bar, chatting with them about gin production as well. If you're new to Oyster Shell Gin, Kangaroo Island oyster shells do indeed go into making it, as well as waxflower, Tasmania wakame and coastal daisy bush, plus saltbush and round mint. Oyster Shell Gin images: Meaghan Coles, Now and Then Photography.
The weekend blues don't exist — but if they did, this Saturday afternoon snack and a spirit-heavy session would banish them. Like dumplings? Like martinis? So does Chu the Phat, which is pairing them from 3–5pm weekly. Dumplings and martinis: that's the menu for the arvo, and for just $25. The deal nabs you one drink as well as a selection of those delicious parcels that no one can ever get enough of. And, if you have a big night planned, it won't put much of a dent in your budget. The regular menu will be on offer as always, so you can always stop by the South Brisbane joint for a bite and a beverage, see whether your hunger (and thirst) grows, and then settle in for the longer haul. When it comes to dumplings, Chu the Phat serves up wagyu with XO and lime, as well as sweetcorn with coriander.
If you're of an age when you can remember burning your friend's So Fresh CD so you could stay up to date with the coolest songs of the season, congrats. You're old now. But also, congrats, because you will seriously enjoy this So Fresh shindig. Returning for yet another round, the old-school get-together to end all old-school get-togethers is coming to Eaton's Hill Hotel on Saturday, December 11, and it'll be playing bangers strictly of the 2000s vintage. You can expect a disturbing percentage of Channel 10 alums (Australian Idol winners/losers and ex-Neighbours actors) as well as way too much Nickelback for polite company. Also, just throwing this out there: we're desperately hoping for a timely comeback of the Duff sisters duet 'Our Lips Are Sealed'. As always, the retro tunes will come with plenty of party fun — there's usually a ball pit, jumping castle, silent disco and face-painting, and even free fairy floss and lollipops. Tickets are on sale now, and of course it's obviously 18 and over — because if you're under 18 you definitely don't know what So Fresh is. Or CDs, probably. And if you need some motivation, let the Duff sisters take care of that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRfvBPkIQ9M
Brisbane's picnic baskets have had quite the workout so far in 2021, but one of their biggest moments to shine is about to arrive for another year. When Moonlight Cinema sets up its outdoor screen in Roma Street Parkland from late November, it's officially cheese, snack and openair movie-viewing season. The end-of-year mainstay returns from Friday, November 26–Sunday, February 20 with an impressive batch of films gracing its outdoor setup. Get ready to catch a heap of recent blockbusters, a smattering of brand new flicks and a lineup of Christmas movies. You can't run an openair cinema at the jolliest time of the year without the latter, obviously. The Suicide Squad opens the bill, with the lineup including Cruella, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Free Guy, Black Widow, Jungle Cruise, A Quiet Place Part II, Eternals, Red Notice and The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard as well. Also screening: Edgar Wright's new movie Last Night in Soho, animated sequel The Boss Baby: Family Business, Disney newbie Encanto, stage-to-screen musical Dear Evan Hansen and the family-friendly Clifford the Big Red Dog. Among the retro fare, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Greatest Showman and Dirty Dancing are all on the program; it would't be a Moonlight Cinema season without them, either. And, for your merry outdoor movie-watching pleasure, the Christmas selection includes Love Actually, The Holiday, Elf, The Grinch, Die Hard and Home Alone. It's also worth remembering that there'll be food, snacks, a bar and (if you'd like to pay for them) bean bags as well. And, in great news for movie-loving pooches, you can bring them along, too.
If your idea of comfort viewing involves gorgeous, heartwarming animated movies that instantly conjure up a big dose of nostalgia, you're not alone. And while you can easily revisit these kinds of flicks at home thanks to the wonders of streaming, watching a beloved film on a big screen will never get old — especially after 18 months or so spent glued to our TVs a little more often than usual. Enter the Pixar Film Festival, Dendy Cinemas' latest excuse to get everyone heading to either Dendy Portside or Dendy Coorparoo. Make the trip to either between Saturday, September 18–Sunday, October 3, and you'll be able to treat your eyes to a heap of the acclaimed animation studio's movies, including it's greatest feat yet — that'd be Wall-E —plus Inside Out, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo and Onward. Tickets only cost $10, or $8 if you're a Dendy member. The one caveat: this is a family-friendly festival, so you might have plenty of pint-sized company. But no one ever grows out of Pixar flicks, to this event is definitely for viewers both young and young at heart
If you're making the trip to one of Harajuku Gyoza's Brisbane eateries — in Albert Lane in the CBD and at South Bank — then you're probably hankering for its titular food. But the dumpling chain doesn't just serve up bite-sized savoury dishes, or just gyoza. And if you're fond of its desserts, you can tuck into them for half the usual price during the entire month of September. From Wednesday, September 1–Thursday, September 30, the chain is celebrating Sweet Treat Month and serving up its desserts for $5 a pop. The catch: you do have to buy something else, so you really will be having its dessert dishes to cap off your meal. On the menu: the brand's famed raindrop cake, which has earned Harajuku Gyoza fans for years now, and two types of sweet gyoza. The salted caramel gyoza comes in serves of five, and features fried dumplings filled with salted caramel filling, then topped with popcorn and honeycomb pieces. Or, there's the adzuki bean gyoza, which arrives in the same serving size — this time filled with adzuki beans, then nestled in a pot of warm matcha, and finally covered in white chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
For two nights in October, your plans can include checking out some of the best European art that's ever been made. While the Gallery of Modern Art had to ditch its Up Late sessions during its current European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York exhibition due to lockdowns and restrictions, it's still staying open after hours on Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10. On both days — across a weekend GOMA has dubbed Met Mega Weekend — you can rove your eyes over the exceptional exhibition between 9.30am–9.30pm. And, if you'd like to combine all that art with dinner and drinks, the Bodhi Tree Terrace Bar will also be open from 5–9pm. Given that works by Titian, Caravaggio, Vermeer, Turner, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh and Monet form part of the exhibition — and they're just some of the names of the list — you won't be short on things to look at. In total, 65 different masterpieces are currently on display. But if there's one way to make this impressive showcase better, it's by keeping the doors open late, obviously. European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York closes on Sunday, October 17, so this is one of your last chances to head along, too. Images: European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. 12 Jun 2021 – 17 Oct 2021, Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane. Photographs: Chloë Callistemon / K Bennett, QAGOMA.
There are two ways that you can spend a Thursday night: wishing it was Friday already, or pretending that it is. The latter is much more fun, clearly, and it's exactly what overwater bar Will & Flow is serving up at its new weekly Beats and Eats sessions. Here, you'll sit atop the river — on the CBD side, opposite South Bank — and you'll pair pizzas, cocktails, a DJ-spun soundtrack and that killer view. It all kicks off at 4.30pm each week, which is perfectly timed to stop in after work and make an evening of it. On the food menu, five types of slices will tempt your tastebuds. Whether you fancy pepperoni, ham and mushroom, chicken and bacon, all-vegetarian toppings or meat, meat and more meat, you can nab a pizza and a glass of prosecco for $20. The rest of the drinks lineup includes passionfruit spritzes, elderflower spritzes, blood orange cosmopolitans, gin fizzes and espresso martinis, and you'll find DJs Nik Conomos, Alexander J and Marea on the decks, depending on the week. Entry is free, but you'll pay for whatever you'd like to eat and drink.
Have you ever lost an entire evening to watching Rage? Have you stumbled in after a night out, turned on the TV, spied a few songs you love and just kept watching? Of course you have — because we all fall into that category. So, you already know just how ace music videos can be, and that they're an artform all by themselves. Taking over The Tivoli on Wednesday, October 27, Reel Music Video Festival is all about that winning combination of sound and vision. It's also a bit of a combo event itself. You'll watch music videos, see bands play live and also be on hand to find out who wins a heap of the fest's awards. Those gongs are all about celebrating Queensland's best new music vids, including the people behind them — as is the entire one-night fest, too. Tickets cost $35, creative discussions are also on the bill, and you'll see prizes awarded for Best Direction, Best Regional, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Student, Best Creative and Audience Choice — with Cub Sport, Jarryd James, JFDR, Clea and All India Radio among the nominees.
Floral bursts of sunshine are blooming all across a farm in the Scenic Rim, and they're ready for you to wander through, take plenty of snaps and pick till your heart's content. We're talking about sunflowers, of course — the undeniably cheeriest of all flowers — which are currently on offer just under 90 minutes drive from Brisbane. Exactly what a visit to Kalbar Sunflower Farm entails is rather obvious. Prepare to get frolicking — and picking — among 80,000 flowers. You'll need to pay $2 per sunflower on top of your $12.64 entry ticket, but you can nab as many as you like. You'll also want to wear boots, and bring your own secateurs or scissors — and a bucket to take your flowers home in. You'll be on a farm, so be careful to look out for bees in the field as well. Other than that, you'll have some eye-catching Instagram photos and a bunch of golden flowers in no time. Kalbar Sunflower Farm is opening to the public across three weekends: Saturday, October 23–Sunday, October 24, Saturday, October 30–Sunday, October 31 and Saturday, November 6–Sunday, November 7. Two sessions run daily, from 8.30am–12.30pm and 12.30–4.30pm. And, if you'd like to do more than nab golden-hued flowers, look at them, walk among them and take photos of them, yoga sessions, car rides with grazing platters and picnic boxes are all on offer for an extra cost.
Back when Welcome to Bowen Hills was up and running, the inner-city spot was also home to the annual Brisbane Gin Festival. The venue has had a name change and a revamp in 2021, but it's still showing the love for juniper spirits — this time, thanks to the Summer Gin Festival. The rebranded fest will make a boozy comeback from 12–6pm on Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6, with tickets costing $20 per session. Plenty of gin will be flowing, all thanks to a heap of different stalls serving up tastings and bespoke cocktails. So, if you're a fan of Australian Distilling Co, Cape Byron, Long Rays, Wolf Lane, Larrikin and more, your tastebuds will be happy. There'll be food onsite as usual, with Zero Fox doing the honours. Obviously, gin lovers can expect to get sipping and sampling, and to chat with the makers behind the tipples as well. Plus, Lyre's range will also be on offer, if you heading to a gin fest but won't be hitting the hard stuff. Top image: Wolf Lane Distillery.
On any given Saturday morning across Brisbane, plenty of pooches can be found descending upon the city's markets. Come 6am–12pm on Saturday, October 9 in Carseldine, dog lovers and their furry four-legged BFFs will be doing what they usually do — with the added bonus of attending the northside spot's returning Barktoberfest. What do cute canines have to do with celebrating this time of year? Nothing, but don't let that get in the way of a dapper doggo-friendly morning out. As well as the usual food and fresh produce, an array of pet-related stalls will ramp up the fun to barking great levels. There'll also be a pupper fashion parade and a pawparazzi photo contest — to determine just which canine cutie friend is the most adorable. New this year is a pooch splash zone, which is being set up by the Animal Welfare League Queensland. Yes, that means pools for your doggo. It is getting warm again, after all, and we're betting that your pupper also feels the heat. Entry is free, and live entertainment is part of the market as well.
When a story hasn't just been around for a while, but is actually considered a myth, something exciting happens each time that it's retold. No one wants to merely recreate the same narrative twice and relay it in the same way as everyone who has come before them, of course, because no one overly wants to see that happen. So, this is how creative interpretations that tinker with the details, adapt and reshape entire classics, and work out how to tell familiar tales in a particularly striking way are all born. Maze definitely definitely doesn't treat its dive into Greek mythology as just another standard show, for example. This eye-catching visual theatre work dives into the story of the minotaur with light-wire puppets and striking LED lighting design. Accordingly, even if you think you've heard all the details about Pasiphae, King Minos of Crete and Asterion before, you're in for a surprise. Created by theatre collective The Naughty Corner — and initially getting support from Dead Puppet Society — Maze takes over Brisbane Powerhouse's Underground Theatre from Wednesday, September 29–Saturday, October 2. [caption id="attachment_827164" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Top image: Sean Dowling.
As dairy fiends already well and truly know, adding burrata to any meal automatically levels it up several notches. Add the delicious blend of mozzarella and cream to every dish as part of a six-course dinner and, well, you've got yourself quite the cheesy, indulgent and delicious feast going on. That's what's happening at Burrata Night. Nope, that name doesn't disappoint. Salt Meats Cheese's Newstead store is whipping up a heap of burrata-topped options on Tuesday, September 28, then letting you eat your way through them. This is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of dinner, so you can pick as many — or as few — options as you like, and pay accordingly. Your options include burrata on top of meatballs, burrata on rigatoni nduja pasta, and burrata paired with salted caramel sauce and honeycomb. Yes, there's dessert burrata this time around (because SMC hosts burrata nights every now and then, and the menu always changes). Taking the plate-by-plate, you'll pay between $14–24 a pop. It all kicks off at 5pm, and booking in advance for this one-night-only menu is essential.
There's a film festival for everything, or so it can sometimes seem — and that includes science fiction cinema. Like flicks about the future, artificial intelligence, where technology might take us and dystopian worlds? That's what's on the bill at the Sci-Fi Film Festival. The event has been going strong in Sydney for more than a few years; however, in 2021, it's making two big changes. Firstly, it's jumping into the online realm. as plenty of other fests have been already this year. Secondly, because that's one of the perks of being digital, it's streaming its 80-film program nationwide. Even better: you can access that huge number of flicks with a $29.99 all-access pass. No, you definitely can't say you don't have anything to watch between Friday, October 15–Sunday, October 31. That lineup includes 13 features and 67 shorts, and spans films from 28 different countries — including Say Yes Again, a Taiwanese title that riffs on Groundhog Day; Tales of Tomorrow, which sees a teenage boy from 1999 tasked with saving human civilisation in 2165; Steampunk Connection, a Canadian documentary about the titular blend of sci-fi and Industrial Revolution-era technology; and Infinite Light, about possibly bringing back the dead. Or, if you like your movies short, you can dive into seven different sessions. The themed programs cover everything from animation, dystopian dreamscapes and the future to humanity's battle against technology and the dark side of our nature.
Last Christmas, Woolloongabba's South City Square did what plenty of other patches of Brisbane tend to when things get festive. Yes, it played host to a sprawling market setup. It isn't that time of year again yet, but the site is still welcoming in a collection of stalls selling plenty of items — this time from 9am–1pm on Sunday, September 26. That's when The Market Folk will once again take over the place, putting on a spring pop-up. We hope you like clothes, jewellery, ceramics, plants, pots, homewares and art, because you'll find it all here. Expect a big focus on design — so you won't be browsing and buying just any old wares. It all tales place in a brick-lined, industrial-style space, which'll make you feel like you're wandering around a European-style market. As well as the shopping, there'll be live music and creative workshops. There'll be bites to eat as well, thanks to a range of food trucks.
First, the expected news: if you'd like to check out the latest and greatest in Irish cinema in 2021, you'll need to do so virtually. Now, the exciting news: returning for another year, and for its second virtual fest in a row, the Irish Film Festival will unleash an impressive and varied lineup upon your small screen of choice from Friday, September 3–Sunday, September 12. Wolfwalkers, one of the best movies of the past year and an absolute gem of an eco-conscious animated feature, sits at the top of IFF's must-see list. Set centuries ago, and following a young wannabe hunter by the name of Robyn Goodfellowe (voiced by Honor Kneafsey), it charts a friendship with a girl called Mebh (Eva Whittaker) who just might be a member of a mythical tribe that's able to shapeshift into wolves while they're dreaming. Other highlights include Wildfire, about a dramatic reunion between sisters; Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan, which lets the punk poet and The Pogues frontman tell his own tale over a few brews; the Australian premiere of Phil Lynott: Songs For While I'm Away, about Thin Lizzy's lead singer and songwriter; and horror-comedy Boys from County Hell, which sees a father-son duo accidentally awaken an ancient Irish vampire in rural Derry. Or, as part of a 12-film program, there's also the Gabriel Byrne (Hereditary)-starring Death of a Ladies Man; Deadly Cuts, about Dublin hair salon stylists who take on a criminal gang; and The Bright Side, which focuses on a cynical comedian tackling cancer.
Comfort food season is almost behind us, but there's never a bad time to tuck into a bowl of gnocchi. Salt Meats Cheese isn't just spending a night celebrating one of the most stomach-warming dishes there is in its regular guise, though. This time, it's dedicating an evening to vegan gnocchi — and lots of it. From 5pm on Tuesday, August 24, the Italian eatery chain's Newstead outpost is hosting a vegan gnocchi night. Prices start at $12 per dish, and there'll be five different types available, as well as a vegan gnocchi dessert. On the menu: deep-fried gnocchi with eggplant and sweet and sour tomato salsa, sweet potato gnocchi topped with shaved truffle, ragu gnocchi with braised shiitake mushroom and napoletana sauce, gnocchi verdi and a hazelnut pesto gnocchi. Ever had dessert gnocchi? That's on offer as well, all thanks to SMC's gnocchi doughnuts — which come with wild berries, jam and vanilla custard. Bookings are recommended, as this is a one-night-only affair.
No one likes eating just a couple of wings. Those easy-to-devour poultry pieces aren't really designed with restraint in mind anyway — they're so small and tasty and moreish, and they come in so many different flavours, that keeping munching just comes with the territory. So, at Fritzenberger every Friday–Sunday, you can just keep eating. Don't know how many wings you can feast on in two hours? This is your chance to find out. Each weekend — and yes, the weekend starts on a Friday — the burger chain is doing bottomless beer and wings at its Petrie Terrace, South Bank and Wilston stores. You will need to head in before 6pm, though, so you'll be devoting your time to chicken while the sun is still shining. The deal will set you back $48 per person, which includes bottomless pints of Fritzenberger's own pale ale, lager and dry apple cider — and Aperol spritzes and house wines as well. Booking is obviously recommended, because this town sure does love chook pieces, brews and indulging in plenty of both.
Fashion, art, homewares and handcrafted goods as far as the eye can see — that's usually what's on the agenda at The Village Markets on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. The event is taking a break under current circumstances; however that doesn't mean that you can't shop from home. In fact, that's where its first Insta Market comes in. Across the weekend of Friday, March 27–Sunday, March 28, the Village Markets Insta Market is showcasing designers, artists and curators — and highlighting just what you can buy with the click of a few buttons while sitting on your couch. Whether you're after new threads, something to pop on your shelf or some goodies for your pet, you'll find it here, as well as special offers and discounts. And, because it's all online, it's available to everyone — even if you're not in southeast Queensland. By taking part in the Insta Market, you'll also be supporting more than 70 creative small businesses — who, like many folks across many industries at present, have seen their whole lives change suddenly. If that's not a great excuse to spend a couple of days scrolling through your Instagram, then we don't know what is.
It's time to mark another food-based commemorative occasion. Yes, another one. By now, we all know that they're just excuses to eat more of a certain dish — and there's so many of them that you really could use them to plan your daily eating choices. But we keep celebrating dates like World Fish 'n' Chip Day because they're both tasty and fun. At Kangaroo Point, One Fish Two Fish is getting into the spirit of this seafood extravaganza in 2020 by, well, serving up seafood. And it's doing so across three days — from Friday, June 5–Sunday, June 7 (which is actual World Fish 'n' Chip Day). Make plans for lunch or dinner, with $12 takeaway cod meals on offer. For less than a lobster, you'll eat your way through a serving of battered, grilled or crumbed cod (your choice), shoestring fries, garden salad and housemade tartare sauce. You can pre-order in advance if you like, but you don't have to — so you can either book the special, then head by to pick it up, or drop in, order and take your classic fish 'n' chip feast home with you.
Things are getting creepy at Fortitude Valley's Institute of Modern Art, with a horror movie marathon taking over the Brunswick Street venue for a whole day. Just because it'll still be light outside, that doesn't mean this feast of fear-inducing cinema won't scare up a few frights. Get things started at 11am on Saturday, April 18 with a bona fide classic — and a film that is a whopping 98 years old. Silent German Expressionist masterpiece Nosferatu isn't quite Dracula, but Count Orlok is clearly inspired by the world's most famous vampire. And what better to pair it with than another absolute pioneer of the genre (and based on another seminal gothic horror text, too), aka the 1931 version of Frankenstein at 12.30pm? That's the black-and-white part of the proceedings. When 2.30pm rolls around, colour will hit the IMA's big screen via buckets of blood. That's what Brian de Palma's adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie splashes about — and its supernatural story will be followed at 4.30pm by the series of Australian Indigenous ghost stories that is Tracey Moffatt's BeDevil. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VggXS-6_-YU Entry is free — and you can settle in for the whole marathon or just drop by whenever suits you. Image: Carrie, 1976, Director. Brian de Palma, courtesy of NFSA.
Given the current state of the world, holidays aren't on many folks' agendas at present — but, as always, you can pretend. For the entirety of March, Riverbar and Kitchen wants Brisbanites to feel like they've ventured to Latin America, turning the whole month to one huge Cuban Nights party. Every day of the week, that means cocktails and Cubano sandwiches. Sip your way through a Stormy Spritz with white rum, triple sec, coconut syrup, lime juice and ginger beer, or opt for a Malecon Mai Tai with white rum, orgeat, orange juice, yuzu soda and grenadine — all while you're eating a sanga stuffed with smoked ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. If you're just in the mood for a snack, there's also plantain chips with mojito dip. Why just drink mojitos when you can eat them, obviously. From Thursday–Sunday each week, Cuban Nights is also putting on live music — and if you're keen on doing the salsa (and learning how), you'll want to end your weekend there. On Sundays from 4pm, you can take a free dance class, with a three-piece Latin band playing live afterwards from 5–7pm. If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
For years, Brisbanites keen to watch movies in their cars have zoomed down the highway to Yatala. Lovers of the drive-in experience now have another option, though — Park-In Pictures, a 75-vehicle pop-up drive-in by Get Parked that's taking over a vacant parking lot in Hendra. On Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 — and on future dates as well, if it's popular — Park-In Pictures will set up a ten-metre-wide, six-metre-high big screen at 490–500 Nudgee Road. And, it'll play a number of recent flicks. If you fancy a bit of candy-coloured, female-focused comic-book action starring Margot Robbie, you can watch Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). Other options include Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen, so break out your tartan tracksuits and prepare to start speaking in Cockney rhyming slang — plus the family-friendly My Spy, the latest movie to pair a big burly action hero (Guardians of the Galaxy's Dave Bautista, in this instance) with a kid for comedic purposes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygzqL60kvwU There'll also be snacks on offer, with popcorn, lollies, ice cream, hot dogs, burgers, chips and drinks all brought to your vehicle. Social-distancing measures will be in place — although many are already part and parcel of the drive-in concept — and your ticket covers up to six people. It'll cost you $39 if you want a 'gold' parking bay to watch the film, or $33 otherwise.
Forget worms — the early bird gets gourmet bites to eat, farm-fresh produce to line the cupboards, and an enjoyable morning of browsing and shopping at Milton Markets. Every Sunday morning, more than 80 stalls descend upon the corner of Cribb and Little Cribb streets in the inner western suburb to sell tasty wares. From 6am–12pm in warmer months and 7am–1pm, you can wander through massive fig trees to join them. Once a season, the Milton Markets also celebrates the change of weather — and all of the food that goes with it. On Sunday, March 29, it's doing so with Milton Markets: Autumn Seasonal Flavours, which'll showcase the tastes that make everyone think of this time of year. If fresh seasonal fruit gets your stomach grumbling, you can stock up here. If vegan eats do as well, you're in luck again. Expect themed gourmet food stalls, plus decorations to suit the occasion — and live entertainment and music are on the agenda too.
Did you spend every single spare moment during your childhood mashing buttons at Timezone? Have you been living out your boozy adult dreams — and your nostalgia — at Brisbane's arcade bars? Whichever of the above applies, or even if video game arcades have only been a minor part of your life so far, you haven't experienced anything like Eephus & Sudo's Funderdome — an immersive installation that comes complete with interactive games and friendly monsters. Part of this year's Brisbane Festival, but running a little longer — from Friday, September 2–Saturday, October 1 — this exhibition turns a love of gaming into an all-ages-appropriate entertainment arena at Metro Arts. You'll wander, you'll play, you'll hang out with flesh-and-blood humans and digital critters, and you'll stare longingly at the prize wall. Eephus & Sudo's Funderdome hails from Tara Pattenden and marks her first solo show in Brisbane — and merging the DIY with the industrial is also a big focus. Join the fun from Tuesday–Saturday, with hours varying per week. Or, you can check out the window gallery exhibition at all times. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Phantom Chips (@phantom_chips) Top image: Gameplay photo of Unreal Engine by Adam Raboczi, drawings by Tara Pattenden.
One day, in the not-so-distant future, perhaps Brisbanites will take their pet puppers with them everywhere. For now, we'll all just have to grab our four-legged best friends and head to another doggo market. It's the trend that won't go away, and we'd all be barking mad if we wanted it to. More excuses to take energetic ol' Rufus places? More chances to go "awwwww" over other people's pooches? Count us in. The Doggo Day Markets are the latest such event, taking over Virginia's VEND Marketplace between 8am–2pm on Saturday, June 18. The shindig's name also acts as your instructions, so round up your woofer and take them on an outing. There's even a dress-up competition, as there usually is at these things. That's how adorable pups get even cuter. Also on the agenda: doggy stalls, a dog play area, a dog wash and dachshund races. And the northside spot's general array of markets and greenery, too.
Yatala's latest retro movie night poses a dilemma. Will you show your 90s love, chat about Bettys and Baldwins, exclaim "as if?" and remember that Paul Rudd doesn't age? Or, will you wish 00s-era Lindsay Lohan was your best friend, wear pink even though it's not a Wednesday and write in a burn book? Of course, if there's a way to show your affection for both Clueless and Mean Girls, then that's an option — both films are on the bill, after all. One borrows from Jane Austen and made a star out of Alicia Silverstone, the other is based on a self-help book and boasts Tina Fey as a screenwriter, and they're each considered high-school movie classics for a reason. They'll also be playing from 7pm on Sunday, October 2 — the day before Mean Girls day, as fans will know — which sounds like a fetch way to spend your Sunday night. Tickets cost $50 for a carload of six, so gather the gang, jump in the car and motor down the highway.
It's a great time to be a dog in Brisbane, with events dedicated to tail-wagging canines popping up seemingly every weekend (or thereabouts). Here's the latest: a market that's all about humanity's four-legged friends, but by twilight. Yes, your pupper likes shopping under the evening sky, too. Obviously, don't forget to take your pooch with you to this event. No one needs an excuse to treat their doggo to some time out of the house; however, Paws Under the Stars really is their moment to shine. And to frolic, too — and to eat some dog ice cream, because that isn't just for humans, either. Alongside dog grooming, a photo wall, live tunes and, obviously, oh-so-many stalls, all of the above is on the agenda from 4–8pm on Saturday, October 8 at the Gasworks in Newstead. Entry is free, as is parking for two hours — and dogs of all sizes are welcome.
Film-loving Brisbanites, prepare to start wishing you're in Italy. Yes, it's Italian Film Festival time again, and it's heading to Palace Barracks and Palace James Street with quite the lineup. On the bill from Wednesday, September 21–Sunday, October 16: everything from Italian box office hits and Sophia Loren-starring classics through to a documentary about a shoemaker to the stars helmed by Call Me By Your Name and Suspiria's Luca Guadagnino. This year's IFF will open with Belli Ciao, which did huge box office business in Italy. It both stars and is co-written by comic duo Pio D'Antini and Amedeo Grieco, who play once-inseparable friends who went their own ways after high school — Pio leaves for Milan, Amedeo stays in their hometown — and now reunite, complete with a north-versus-south culture clash. From there, highlights include The Hummingbird, an ensemble drama with Nanni Moretti (Three Floors) and Berenice Bejo (Final Cut), which hits IFF fresh from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival; drama Lord of the Ants, about the controversial 1960s trial of intellectual Aldo Braibanti, which screens direct from its Venice Film Festival competition debut; and The King of Laughter, which features Toni Servillo (The Hand of God) as actor and playwright Eduardo Scarpetta. Among the documentary selection, two big titles stand out. The aforementioned Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams focuses on Salvatore Ferragamo, while Ennio — The Maestro sees director Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso) pay tribute to legendary Italian composer Ennio Morricone (The Hateful Eight). Elsewhere on the bill, there's rom-com Breaking Up in Rome, homecoming drama Nostalgia, play-to-screen adaptation The Great Silence, the fairground-set Swing Ride and prison The Inner Cage — the latter of which also features Servillo. In fact, he pops up again in Casanova's Return, as an acclaimed Italian director making his last movie about Casanova. More than 25 films grace the full lineup — including blasts from the past, such as closing night's Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni-starring Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. To celebrate the centenary of filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini's birth, three of his iconic movies — all adaptations of literary works — will screen as well, with The Canterbury Tales, Arabian Nights and The Decameron all getting big-screen showings.
Spring Hill Reservoir is one of those Brisbane spaces that everyone really should've been to — but when you live in a city, rather than play tourist in one, it's easy to miss some of the regular must-see sights. Consider Opera in the Reservoir just the excuse you need to venture six metres below Albert Park, then. On the agenda: a night of arias and duets deep underneath Wickham Terrace. The concept is all there in the name, and this is one of those events that owes an enormous debt to its location. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or a first-timer, there's really nothing like watching a show in a heritage-listed subterranean space that's more than a century old — and in the middle of the city at that. Underground Opera's latest season of Opera in the Reservoir shows runs until Sunday, November 21. Head along to listen to a greatest hits tour of opera classics, all while spending time in the historical depths of Brissie. Images: Underground Opera.
Forget decking the halls with boughs of holly — from 9am–2pm on Saturday, November 20, Bakery, Winn and California lanes and the Brunswick Street Mall are decking out four stretches of Fortitude Valley pavement with other kinds of festive cheer. At A Very Valley Market Christmas, a whole heap of markets — plus plenty of permanent shops to browse through — are on the bill. Located in the mall (obviously) and around the stretch of Ann Street right near it, this event won't be short on stalls, gifts and reasons to rifle through racks and shelves. In fact, there'll be so much to browse your way through that the event is also setting up shop in the Institute of Modern Art's foyer and forecourt. There, you'll find wares from makers from IMA's own store, plus goods from some of the market's regulars as well. 'Tis the season to amp things up, however, so that's just what'll be happening at this market day. Each spot will play host to its own festive fun, including live tunes — because every Christmas shopping trip needs the requisite soundtrack. In the mall, it'll be all about the markets. At Bakery Lane, expect food galore, plus a Christmas parade for dogs. Winn Lane is putting a particular focus on baked goods, while California Lane is serving mimosas, doing Santa pet photos and teaching you how to make your own wreaths.
When the end of the year hits, do you get 'Christmas is All Around', as sung by Bill Nighy, stuck in your head? Have you ever held up a piece of cardboard to tell the object of your affection that, to you, they're perfect? Does your idea of getting festive involve watching Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Rowan Atkinson and Martin Freeman, all in the same movie? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you clearly adore everyone's favourite Christmas-themed British rom-com, its high-profile cast and its seasonal humour. And, you've probably watched the beloved flick every December since it was first released in cinemas back in 2003. That's a perfectly acceptable routine, and one that's shared by many. But this year, you can do one better. A huge success during its past tours of the UK and Australia (to the surprise of absolutely no one), 'Love Actually' in Concert is returning to make this festive season extra merry. And, to the jolly delight of Brisbantes, to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre at 3.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, December 18. Here, you'll revisit the Richard Curtis-written and -directed film you already know and treasure, step through its interweaved Yuletide stories of romance, and hear a live orchestra play the movie's soundtrack. And, yes, Christmas (and love) will be all around you. Tickets go on sale at 4pm local time on Thursday, November 11, with presales from 10am local time on Tuesday, November 9.
Margaritas remind us of warm summer breezes, tropical vacays and bevvies in beachside cabanas. While jetting to an overseas island is still off the cards, at least it's summer and the salty-sour cocktail tastes just as good here. And now is the perfect time to head to your favourite tequila watering hole to order a marg in celebration of National Margarita Month, running throughout February. To celebrate, top-notch tequila brand — and one of the last tequila-producing haciendas in the world — El Jimador is getting behind bars across the country by offering a heap of drink deals over the next 28 days. Whether you want to celebrate with a classic margarita, try a spicy watermelon number or stay cool with a Tommy's, all participating bars are slinging them — and some for a steal. And, you can bet your fine tipple will be made with El Jimador's range of 100 percent agave tequilas. This means you can knock off work and make a beeline to the local pub, or head to a riverside bar to catch the sunset — with a cheeky marg in hand, of course. Or, go all-in and head to a neighbourhood Mexican restaurant that's serving up margies galore. Wherever you want to go, just be sure to check out this handy map showing all the participating venues around town. To check out the full list of participating venues, head here.
Remember when Saturday mornings were all about cartoons, cereal and not having a care in the world? Netherworld does. At the Fortitude Valley bar, you're never too old to kick back in the arcade room for some serious kidulting — or to start the day just like you did when you were a kid, but with beer. That's what its regular Saturday Morning Cartoons event is all about (in case the name didn't already give that away). And it doesn't just play any old cartoons. While the selection changes with each outing, the Saturday, February 27 event will be enjoying a heap of duck-themed animation for two hours. Yes, you'll be watching Duck Tales and Darkwing Duck, among other things. From 9am, you can pair your nostalgia with a milk-filled bowl of cereal. From 10am, you can grab a frosty brew, too, when the bar opens. Both your breakfast and your beverage are included in the $20 entry price. And, because we know you're wondering, wearing your pjs is fine.
When Murder on the Orient Express became a big box office hit back in 2017, it wasn't the first time that the Agatha Christie novel had reached the silver screen. That honour goes to the 1974 movie of the same name, which starred Albert Finney as Hercule Poirot, and featured everyone from Sean Connery and Lauren Bacall to Vanessa Redgrave and Ingrid Bergman. And if you're keen to explore its whodunnit thrills, you can at Dendy Coorparoo's new Murder Mysteries Film Festival. From, Thursday, March 18–Wednesday, March 31, this six-title fest is all about sleuthing through blasts from the past. Before the next new Poirot flick, Death on the Nile, reaches cinemas — hopefully at some point this year — you can see the 1978 version with Peter Ustinov, Angela Lansbury, Mia Farrow and Maggie Smith, too. Also on the bill: Humphrey Bogart-starring classic The Maltese Falcon, Orson Welles in The Third Man and the aristocratic dramas of Kind Hearts and Coronets. There's also Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece North by Northwest, which everyone needs to see at least once on the big screen. Like all of Dendy Coorparoo's festivals, different movies screen on different dates — and multiple times — so checking out the session listing is the best way to schedule your viewing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek7T9Gyl_J4
How long did Charles Boyle spend dreaming of Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago's wedding? What did Rosa Diaz do before she was a cop? Who keeps swooping in and taking the Nine-Nine crew's cases? Which one is Scully and which is Hitchcock? Which one of the latter duo has a twin? Who has won the most Halloween heists? If you can answer all of the above — and name Captain Holt's dog, Terry's kids, Gina's dance troupe and Jake's favourite movie — then you're definitely set for this trivia night. Yes, it's all about the hit cop sitcom we all know and love. You know, the one that was cancelled and then resurrected in the space of 36 hours a few years back, and has now announced that it's wrapping up for good after its next season. We'd keep asking Brooklyn Nine-Nine questions and dropping tidbits, but we'll save some for the big night. Every time evenings dedicated to B99 hits town, places are snapped up faster than Terry can snap open a tub of yoghurt. This time, you need to book a place for The Sound Garden's B99 trivia night in advance, and then Thursday, February 25 can be your night to shine (that can also be the title of your sex tape if you'd like). It all starts at 6.30pm, and entry is free. Bring your wallet for bites to eat, obviously, plus drinks. If all this sounds rather noice, get in quick as spots are limited.
Everybody, be cool. This isn't a robbery — but it is a raucous rush through the filmography of one of the most distinctive directors of the past three decades. Two Man Tarantino is exactly what it sounds like, with two people hopping up on stage to re-enact diamond heists, twist dancing contests, blowing up bad guys, hunting down the hateful and more. Running between Thursday, March 18–Sunday, Saturday, March 27, it's a 70-minute-long recreation that also has the perfect framing device: it's set in a video store. Everyone knows that's where Quentin Tarantino's love of movies blossomed long before he was asking Samuel L Jackson to wax lyrical about royales with cheese — and revisiting the kind of shop that has died out in recent years is also part of the fun. Two Man Tarantino first hit up Brisbane a couple of years ago, but now it's back for a return season at Brisbane Powerhouse. Get ready to fly, folks. If you need some motivation — or just a refresher on one of the filmmaker's very best movies — check out the trailer for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELeMaP8EPAA
