When it comes to winter nights out, cosying up with a warming beverage is pretty ideal. Luckily, the riverside Regatta Hotel is transforming its openair courtyard into a wintry lit-up floral wonderland this chilly season. The hotel's Winter Woodlands pop-up is open every lunch and evening, Sunday through Thursday. For $49 per person, you can settle into a garden booth (furry blankets included) among fragrant masses of lamb ear, spray fern, eucalyptus, wisteria, fox gloves and magnolia. Surrounded by all that greenery, you'll be tucking into share platters packed with hearty snacks — think fried haloumi, smoked chorizo, salt and pepper squid and rich lamb curry. You'll also get a drink of choice, either a mulled wine or the Spiked Apple Pie cocktail with vanilla liqueur and spiced cider. But if you're more of an early bird than a night owl, you can head in for a Sunday bottomless brunch from 11am–1pm. Take your pick between two share platters — one meaty and one vegan — and enjoy bubbles, wine, mulled wine and beer for just $55 each. So round up your mates for a night — or morning — of magic. Regatta's Winter Woodlands is open Thursday through Sunday, from 11.30am til 8.30pm. Bottomless brunch sessions will run from 11am–1pm every Sunday. To book, head here.
Come Friday, September 6, it's time for a night at the museum — but you won't find Ben Stiller roaming the halls here. Rather, given what'll be on display at Queensland Museum at the time, the revelry will feel a little out of this world. Walking, talking, drinking and partying like you're on the moon is on the agenda at QM's latest After Dark shindig, which is all about soaring beyond the earth as part of the museum's NASA — A Human Adventure showcase. There'll be music, drinks and demonstrations — plus attendees will get free reign, peering not only at the a whole host of exhibits about space featuring more than 250 items, including pieces that have actually been to space, but also feasting your eyes on the rest of the joint's displays. You'll be knocking back beverages; examining rocket engines, space food, space suits, lunar cameras and moon boots; and just generally pondering life beyond our pale blue dot. A word of warning: these shindigs often sell out so you'll want to nab a ticket quickly.
Most food festivals offer a variety of dishes, ranging from snacks to mains to treats. Sweet As, Brisbane's returning dessert fest, will too — as long as you're fine with meringues, marshmallows and macarons as appetisers, cakes and doughnuts for a hearty meal, and ice cream, sorbet, gelato and dessert cocktails to wrap it all up. That's just our suggested order. With all of the above on offer — plus everything from brownies and waffles to cheese and chocolate — there's no right or wrong way to work your way through the menu. All of the treats will be served up by a range of the city's best dessert-makers, with The World Food Markets overseeing the event. And while Brisbane is no stranger to sweet-filled festivals, it really is a situation where the more, the merrier applies. With the festival running from 10am until 5pm on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15 at Musgrave Park, that means dessert is on the menu for a late brunch, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea — and if you opt for to stick around for a few of those meals, there'll be no judgement. You can also pretend it's breakfast with Gelato Messina's special festival menu item, a sundae that combines fior di latte gelato, housemade milo cake, salted caramel chantilly, chocolate-covered coco pops and dulce de leche sauce. For those with dietary requirements, there'll be lactose-free, gluten-free, nut-free and vegan options across the board as well. Yep, that truly is sweet as. Also on offer: non-sugary street food, pop-up bars, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment. Just nab your $5 (plus booking fee) early bird ticket in advance, as they're likely to get snapped up fast. Afterwards, entry will cost $10 online and $15 at the gate. Updated September 12.
Brisbane doesn't quite boast a pub or bar on every corner, but it feels like it sometimes. With a hefty number of watering holes to choose from, it's easy to get overwhelmed. We've all done it — and just headed to our trusty favourite spot rather than try somewhere new. The Brisbane Pub Crawl hopes to change that. It wants Brisbanites to hop between venues, getting cosy in more than boozy establishment. And, it also wants to make a weekly thing out of sending brew-loving locals touring the homegrown bar scene. Returning from 5pm on Saturday, July 20, the event will take attendees to Blute's Bar in Fortitude Valley. Then, an hour later, it'll head to another spot. When the next two hours tick by, the same thing'll happen, with drinks on offer at each one (obviously). Specifically, your ticket includes a cold one at each location — and discovering where you're going is all part of the fun on the day. You'll also get access to drinks specials, should you fancy more than one beverage at a particular bar, and you'll be surrounded by fellow Brissie pub aficionados. Image: Blute's Bar.
Once a year, when June 1 rolls around, Four Pillars releases its latest batch of Bloody Shiraz Gin. It's a date not only worth marking in your calendar, but worth setting an annual reminder for. This year, the boozy occasion arrives with extra fanfare — if you like tucking into endless drinks over your first meal of the day, that is. To celebrate the 2019 launch of this bloody good tipple, the Osbourne Hotel is joining forces with Four Pillars and letting the gin flow. Book into for this Bloody Bottomless Brunch from 11am on the day in question, and you'll get plenty of beverages, including gin and tonics, gin spritzes and bloody marys. If you're not a fan of the shiraz, you can also sip the same cocktails made with Four Pillars' Rare Dry Gin. As for the food, you'll tuck into pulled pork waffles, toasted eggs benedict croissants and maple smoked bacon, with the two-hour spread costing $60 per person.
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 by, well, serving up a seafood extravaganza. And it's doing so across three days, from Friday, June 7 (actual World Fish 'n' Chip Day) till Sunday, June 9. Head in for lunch or dinner, and more than just your usual fishy spread aways. Specifically, the $35 per person meal includes panko-crumbed mahi mahi, battered cod with vinegar, and mushy peas and finger sandwiches with barramundi and bacon. Also on the menu: grilled prawn bao, plus chunky chips served English-style with curry sauce. And there's dessert too, in the form of a deep-fried Mars Bar ice cream sundae, as topped with chocolate sauce and pistachio floss.
UPDATE: July 13, 2020: 2040 is available to stream via DocPlay, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. When An Inconvenient Truth ostensibly turned a PowerPoint presentation into an Oscar-winning film, the world took notice. An impassioned overview about the biggest threat to the earth that humanity is ever likely to face — that is, climate change — will do that. But it also set a precedent for eco-conscious documentaries, stressing the undeniable, existence-shattering doom and gloom of the situation. The reasoning is simple, not to mention completely justified: what else but the worst possible scenario could convince everyone to drastically alter their ways? (As history has shown to the planet's detriment, not even that is proving enough.) Arriving 13 years later, after a sequel to Al Gore's movie and countless other environmental docos too, 2040 adopts a different approach. This time, it's both personal and positive. Of course, the fate of this giant rock we all live on has always been personal, however director Damon Gameau frames his plea for change as a letter to his now-four-year-old daughter, hypothesising how the state of the environment could potentially improve in the next 21 years for her benefit. It's a smart, savvy move, asking viewers to similarly think about the world they want to leave for loved ones, kids and future generations in general — while offering solutions that, as based on technology available today, could genuinely make an impact. Gameau previously put himself front and centre when he made That Sugar Film, acting as the doco's own Super Size Me-style sucrose-guzzling guinea pig. That movie was not only a record-breaking box-office smash, becoming the highest grossing non-IMAX Australian documentary in history at the time, but also sparked a widespread dietary movement. Once again venturing around the world to speak to the brightest minds on his chosen subjects in episodic segments, the actor-turned-filmmaker certainly makes a compelling case in 2040. Choosing his examples wisely, each technology he champions basically sells itself. From community-level solar electricity grids in Bangladesh and self-driving cars in Singapore, to marine permaculture off the US coast and innovative agriculture practices in Australia, it's impossible not to see how Gameau's proposed solutions would enact considerable, much-needed change. To make his points crystal clear — and to firmly demonstrate how they could make a difference — he intermittently cuts to an idealised version of the future, complete with actor Eva Lazzaro playing his daughter, to literally show how life in the year 2040 could look. While these crystal ball moments sometimes overplay their earnestness and attempted humour to the point of becoming clunky, they tie into another of Gameau's key skills as a documentarian: presentation. Global warming is a daily topic of conversation for many, as it should be, and yet a constant stream of news headlines and cries from scientists can be all too easy for both the masses and their elected representatives to ignore. In addition to its unfettered optimism, 2040 packages its segments in engaging ways, whether discussing alternative energy solutions by placing its talking heads atop a towering wind turbine, or using animated dioramas. It's another technique brought over from the similarly bright, breezy, accessible yet informative That Sugar Film, and once again, it works. Also effective is 2040's overall aim, with the film staring climate change in the face, slapping on a smile and striving to get people motivated about such a crucial matter. The doco provides an upbeat top-level view, as well as an easy-to-glean list of talking points — favouring the bigger picture, plus a few case studies, over the bleak current-day political, social and economic reality. And yet, that's also what leaves a strange sensation. 2040's vision of the future is so welcome, but it's also just that: a vision. Even if you're not innately cynical about the world, there's a difference between knowing what's possible and thinking that it'll actually happen. 2040 trades in hope, which will never fail to be important, however there's still no escaping reality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-rTQ443akE
Don't stop MELT now — it's having a good time celebrating late great Queen frontman and queer icon Freddie Mercury. Across one crazy little show, Killer Queens will task five fantastic female performers to step into the singer's shoes (and shorts, leather jackets and leotards) to give his legendary music a new interpretation. Sure, you've been rocked by 'We Are The Champions', 'Another One Bites The Dust', 'Somebody to Love' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody' before, but you haven't heard them sung like this. Playing for one night only, on Friday, July 5, the production combines prog rock, heavy metal, vaudeville, astonishing vocals and camp theatrics — and throws in a few tracks by other glam rock stars, like Prince and David Bowie, too. Image: Wikimedia Commons.
Brisbane Comedy Festival has been and gone for 2019, but Brisbane Powerhouse still wants to tickle your funny bone. As part of MELT, you'll laugh, giggle and guffaw at the country's best queer comic talent. It's the first time that the festival, and the venue, has put together a showcase of this type — so the comedy gala will make history and shower you with humour, all at once. Spanning familiar names and faces, plus bona fide up-and-comers, the event boasts a stacked lineup, starting with Rhys Nicholson on MC duties. From there, you'll split your sides watching Tom Ballard, Demi Lardner, Jude Perl, Alex Ward, Sam Bowden and Cassie Workman, with the cackles echoing from 7.30pm on Sunday, June 30.
For its latest excuse to eat, drink and feel mighty fine, the Treasury Casino is taking note of the season. Over one cheese and wine-filled evening, the CBD hotspot will be serving up the best dairy and vino that it can get its hands on — and a whole heap of warming beverages. Between 5pm and 8pm on Friday, June 28, your tastebuds will be feeling extra toasty, thanks to a slate of fortified wines such as sherry, port and oloroso — and, if you can find it, courtesy of the secret mulled wine room as well. Should you be keen on a white or sparkling drop, they'll be on offer too; however indulging in several glasses of hearty and heated reds is the main item on the menu. The tastiness takes place in the Treasury's courtyard, so expect a starry backdrop and some live music. And if you're feeling extra peckish, there'll be antipasto, charcuterie, assorted dips and artisan breads, plus a range of soups at a dedicated soup station. Of course, you could just do the natural thing — and dive deep into as much cheese as you can. Sip and sample away for three hours for $59 per person.
In 2013, 300 people danced to Kate Bush's' 'Wuthering Heights' in a field — and in 2019, the idea is back and bigger than ever. Yes, The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is happening in Brisbane on Saturday, July 13. Yes, everyone should be dressed as Kate Bush, complete with a red dress, red stockings and black belt (men, that means you as well). On the day, a clowder (that's the collective noun for Kate Bushes, just FYI) will descend upon the park and copy Bush's swaying, kicky dance in unison just for the pure joy of it. Support for this weird and wonderful outing has been widespread, and Kate Bush fans from around the world have been inspired to create events in their home cities. So get your gear together (dressmakers are being flooded with orders for the day, check it out here) and ready yourself to roll and fall in green, out on the wily, windy moors of Bedford Park. If you need an incentive — other than the event itself, of course — it's now 41 years since the song was first released.
Whether you're thumbing through well-worn pages, pouring over your Kindle or flicking through your phone, reading is usually a solitary activity. Once a year, however, Brisbane's biggest literary buffs — and plenty of the people responsible for keeping them glued to the page — all assemble at the State Library of Queensland. The occasion: Brisbane Writers Festival. In 2019, the four-day festival returns from Thursday, September 5 to Sunday, September 8 with more than 160 writers, thinkers, storytellers and opinion-makers on its program. Prepare to hear plenty of words uttered about words that've been written, covering topics like climate and race, genres including dystopian fiction and young adult literature, and speakers from both around Australia and overseas. High-profile standouts include Jasper Fforde, author of the Thursday Next series; best-selling historical fiction scribe Ann Weisgarber (The Glovemaker); and Joanne Ramos, whose book The Farm has been compared to The Handmaid's Tale. With this year marking the UN Year of Indigenous Languages, BWF is also showcasing Indigenous Australians in a big way — with Baker Boy, writer, actor and comedian Steven Oliver (A Chance Affair), Aussie slam poetry championships winner Solli Raphael and Indigenous slam star Melanie Mununggurr-Williams all on the bill. The ongoing list of guests also includes Benjamin Law, Walkley Award-winning journalist Hedley Thomas, Tomorrow, When the War Began's John Marsden and The Dressmaker's Rosalie Ham. Plus, installation space Angel's Palace will return, so get ready to revisit the 7.5-metre dome decorated with original art by Brisbane artist Gordon Hookey.
What do Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney all have in common? For the period between 1989–1997, under the direction of Tim Burton and then Joel Schmacher, they each donned Bruce Wayne's slick suits by day and Batman's cape by night. Sure, everyone from Adam West to Christian Bale to Ben Affleck has played the Dark Knight, too; however this four-movie Batman series stands out. It's over-the-top, and yet not as campy as the original TV series. It enjoys its time in Gotham City, even if it's not as detailed — or serious — as Christopher Nolan's films. And it has more villains than the current DC Extended Universe. 2019 marks 30 years since Burton's first Keaton-starring Batman flick (and since its ace Prince soundtrack, too), and Dendy Coorparoo is celebrating, naturally. On the menu across four huge days: the highs of the original and Batman Returns, plus the lows — and silliness — of Batman Forever and Batman and Robin. Prepare to get comfy between Thursday, May 23 and Sunday, May 26, with each film screening on all four days — but at a different time each day. If you're keen on watching them all in order, Thursday is your time to follow the bat signal.
Stare at Artisan's latest exhibition, and it'll stare back — and serve up plenty of eyes looking your way. They're artificial, they're made for people who need them, and they come in all kinds of colours and variations, because replacing someone's peepers isn't a one-size-fits-all activity. Demonstrating how expressive design is essential for people living with disability is Agency by Design's aim, exploring a range of items including jewellery and prosthetics, apparel and furniture, and helpful technology. These objects aren't just functional. More than that, they allow users to control their identity, display their personality and show the world how they want to be seen, which is something we all strive for every day. Free to attend, with work on display by designers such as Leah Heiss and Carol Taylor, and companies including Bravery Co and Artificial Eyes Australia, Agency by Design runs until Sunday, July 14. And if you're keen to keep exploring the world from a diverse, differently abled perspective, the exhibition pairs well with QUT Art Museum's Vis-ability, which runs until August.
Expanding your wine horizons isn't always as easy as it sounds. You know what you like and you're not so keen on branching out on a bottle that mightn't suit your palate — which is perfectly understandable. But there's plenty of new, boutique, different and small-production drops out there just begging to be sipped, especially from Australian producers. Enter Unknown Pleasures, Wandering Cooks' afternoon-long vino showcase. One glass. Plenty of Aussie up-and-comers. Oh-so-many wines to sip. With everywhere from Margaret River to Canberra to McLaren Vale to the Granite Belt represented, that's what's on offer from midday on Saturday, May 25. Tasmania's Stargazer Wine, Bendigo's Sutton Grange Winery and regional Victoria's Dirty Black Denim Winemakers are just some of the places serving up their tipples. Your $60 ticket not only gets you unlimited sips, but food and live tunes as well. Arrive looking for a new go-to drop — then leave with a heap of fresh favourites.
Art is a highly visual medium, but feasting your eyes on a painting, sculpture, ceramic piece, etching, watercolour or photo only uses one of your senses. And, for audience members who are blind or have low vision, the focus on aesthetics means that they can't enjoy these carefully crafted pieces of creativity. That's not the case at Vis-ability, QUT Art Museum's new sensory showcase. Specifically designed with the vision-impaired in mind, it re-imagines the exhibition experience. To ensure that everyone can enjoy the items on display, the pieces have been given a new tactile and audio dimension. Visitors can feel tactile models and listen to descriptions — which is perfect if you've ever wanted to reach out and touch a painting, or felt as though an artwork was speaking to you. Free descriptive tours will also be available throughout the exhibition program, while sighted attendees can don augmented reality goggles that'll display the museum-going experience just as someone with limited vision would experience it. Vis-ability runs until Sunday, August 4, open from 10am–5pm Tuesday–Friday and 12–4pm on weekends. Artwork image: Elisa Jane Carmichael. Can we see the burst of colours of wildflowers amongst the landscape? 2018. Synthetic polymer on canvas, 200 x 148cm. QUT Art Collection. Purchased 2018. Photo courtesy of Onespace Gallery, Brisbane. Installation images: Thomas Oliver.
Winter isn't for everyone, but it does have its perks. You can't sit by the river and enjoy a hot boozy beverage in the middle of a sweltering Brisbane summer, for example. (Sure, you wouldn't want to when it's 35 degrees outside, but you get the picture.) Now that the frosty weather has arrived, Riverland is taking the colder climes to heart by slinging warm tipples all season long — serving dry spiced hot-buttered rum, hot mocha espresso martinis, mulled apricot red wine sangria and hot toddies, to be exact. It's all part of the Eagle Street venue's Tiki-themed pop-up butter bar, which runs from 5pm Thursday through to Sunday throughout winter. The main attraction is those toasty, buttery rums, which also come flavoured with cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and star anise — plus cloudy apple juice for an apple pie taste. But the martini is no slouch either, featuring a mocha hot pot filled with chocolate, espresso, sugar and vanilla vodka. Hot food will also be on the menu thanks to Phil from Phil's Kitchen, who'll be doling out a hearty Malaysian-style laksa. Pair your warm drink with a steaming soup made from spicy coconut cream, noodles, wilted Asian greens and your choice of duck, chicken, vegetables or seafood, and you'll forget all about the temperature.
Like eating? Like South Bank? Then you're going to love the combination of the two. Yes, it's Regional Flavours time again. If you haven't made it along to the inner-city precinct's signature food and wine festival over the past ten — yes ten — years, don't make that same mistake again in year ten. And, as always, entry is free. For two days across Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21, the length and breadth of the parklands will become a culinary wonderland, complete with different spaces serving up different taste sensations. At the Queensland Taste Marketplace, you'll find market stalls, demonstrations and live music. At The Hunting Club, which will kick things off a little earlier on Friday, July 19 from 5–10pm, you'll find woodfired and smoked meat matched with beers. Plus, there will be areas dedicated to street food and picnics. In addition, there'll be classes, demonstrations, presentations and signings from a huge range of chefs — such as Poh Ling Yeow, George Calombaris, Matt Preston, Justine Schofield, Reynold Poernomo, Dan Churchill, Ellie Bullen and more. The bulk of Regional Flavours runs from 10am–5pm on Saturday and Sunday, however River Quay will operate until 7pm and The Hunting Club will stay open until 10pm.
Brisbane has long been partial to a party boat. The Island did the honours from the 80s through until early this decade, and Seadeck has cruised the river over the last couple of years. Now Yot Club is sailing into the city's waters, and it's set to make quite a big splash — as you'd expect from a huge yacht with two bars, a stage, a dance floor and a 400-person capacity. Throwing a few pre-launch shindigs on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, as well as across the following weekend of Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, the glamorous, custom-built vessel is calling itself "the world's first super yacht entertainment venue". It's certainly something that southeast Queensland hasn't seen before, at the very least. Sprawling over two levels, it measures nearly 40-metres long and over 22-metres wide, and blends a licensed floating club and a luxe function space, including room for 200 people to enjoy a sit-down meal. With lounges across an open deck and undercover, a VIP room in the hull, both general and ticketed events set to welcome guests, and the promise of bands and DJs on its lineup, Yot Club wants to be the region's one-stop watery hangout. It serves up more than water, of course, thanks to a menu of classic and creative cocktails, plus brews chilled in the 45-keg-capacity cool room. Yot Club's first Brisbane shindigs set off from South Bank's Ferry Terminal One — and there's two ticketing options for zooming down the river. $49 gets you access to the main deck, while the $69 VIP option lets you party upstairs (and board early). Images: Yot Club.
Saturday mornings are tailor-made for brunch. The weekend has just begun, you have two whole days off ahead of you and absolutely no one is in any kind of hurry. Throw in mimosas and bloody marys, and it's a particularly stellar way to start the day. Add arcade games and vegan food, too, and you really do have a reason to jump out of bed early. Netherworld usually serves up button-mashing aplenty — as well as booze and meals — however the Fortitude Valley venue is going animal product-free between 9–11.30am on Saturday, May 25. Cocktails will hit come 10am, and you also grab a cup of Bunker and Bessa Coffee's batch filter brews for a caffeinated buzz. While the Vegan Brunch menu will be revealed closer to the date, expect a full comfort food experience. There's no reservations, so turning up early is a smart plan. To cater for a crowd, Netherworld will even be bringing in extra seating.
When it comes to history's legendary painters, Claude Monet's name stands out above most. Now, for the first time ever, Australian audiences are invited to experience the painting that the entire Impressionist movement was named after as the National Gallery of Australia exhibits Monet's world-famous masterpiece, Impression, sunrise. As well as a striking collection of other Monet paintings — including the instantly recognisable Waterlilies and On the Beach at Trouville — the exhibition features works by an array of artists who inspired or followed Monet into leaving behind the studio and painting 'en plein air'. From JMW Turner to James McNeill Whistler and Eugène Boudin, other contemporaries of Monet featured at the NGA include Alfred Sisley and Berthe Morisot, one of the few female painters among the Parisian Impressionists. With their visible brush strokes and incredible depictions of light and its subtle changes, many of these works have been gathered from the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, which almost never loans its collection. Running until Sunday September 1, Monet: Impression Sunrise is undoubtedly worth taking a wintertime road trip to Canberra for, so grab your pals and hit the road. Images: Claude Monet, Impression, sunrise (1872), courtesy Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris and Christian Baraja SLB; Claude Monet, Waterlilies (1914–17), courtesy NGA; Claude Monet, On the beach at Trouville (1870), Courtesy Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris and Bridgeman Images.
It's time for another food-focused celebratory day, with fried chicken in the spotlight. At its Myer Centre store in the Brisbane CBD, NeNe Chicken is naturally celebrating its main culinary attraction. Not only is it giving away freebies, however — it's also giving away gold-dusted poultry pieces. Head on down from midday on Saturday, July 6, and a free serving of Korean-style original-flavoured wingettes and drumettes will be waiting if you're one of the first 100 people through the door. If you like fried chook and free lunches, you'll want to be one of them. And honestly, who doesn't love both? By nabbing a serving, you'll also go in the draw to receive a free dish of pieces coasted in edible 23-karat gold. Yes, really. That said, you will need to hang around until 12.30pm to see if you're one of the five winners — and if your National Fried Chicken Day will be extra shiny.
Little Valley, Fortitude Valley's late-night, Chinese-influenced eatery, already boasts ex-Rick Shores head chef Jake Pregnell in its kitchen. As part of its ongoing culinary series, it's also bringing in some additional cooking firepower. Collab is just what it sounds like — a chance to welcome guest chefs into the fold for a one-night, multi-course feast — and it's teaming up with Ben Williamson for its second outing. Yes, the ex-Gerard's Bistro chef is making his way up to Little Valley on Wednesday, July 24, teaming up with Pregnell for eight delicious dishes, including canapes. Over each course, both chefs will present their own creation, which will be designed to share. Two sittings are available, at 5.30pm and 8.30pm, and multiple packages are on the cards as well. You can tuck into the feast for $95 a head, or pair it all with matched wines, with $49 and $69 drinks options on the cards. Bookings are essential by contacting the venue.
When it comes to spotting the show's 80s movie references, watching an episode of Stranger Things is like taking a quiz. Which poster will we spy on someone's wall? Which films will get a nod? Which flicks will you feel a need to watch immediately afterwards? How much do the Duffer brothers, aka the folks behind the series, love Steven Spielberg and Stephen King? As well as proving a rather fun viewing experience for movie buffs, all of Stranger Things' nodding and winking also serves another purpose. If you've been paying close attention while you binged and re-binged on the first two seasons, you probably know the program back-to-front. And, as a result, you're ready to enter the upside down of the trivia world — aka Fritzenberger's latest evening dedicated to the show. Head along from 6.30pm on Wednesday, July 10 to slay the demogorgons — i.e. your fellow competitors — with your knowledge of Hawkins' geography, the recipe for Eggos and #justiceforbarb. Here's hoping that you'll be able to communicate your answers via Christmas lights. And yes, this quiz night is timed perfectly, given that the show's third season drops on Thursday, July 4.
Whether you're a seasoned traveller or an occasional hotel guest, one part of the process never gets old: tucking into a buffet breakfast. At the Hilton Brisbane in the CBD, Vintaged Bar + Grill serves up an all-you-can-eat buffet feast not only for guests staying onsite, but for the public — and on weekends, you can now pair your omelettes, granola and croissants with unlimited mimosas. The mid-morning special runs every weekend — and, for $39 per person, you won't leave hungry or thirsty. Or quickly, because free car parking is included until 2pm if you book for two people. While you can hang out in the city until well past lunch, the one caveat at this boozy breakfast is time. Specifically, the unlimited meal runs from 10–11am, so you'll want to eat and drink all you can within that period. Honestly, once you've done a couple of passes at the buffet and paired it with more than a couple of combos of juice and sparkling, you'll probably be more than satisfied anyway. Updated October 15.
Eager to add a new dog to your family? Keen to adopt a cute pooch in need? Fancy making your latest life-changing decision over a few beers? Then look no further than Puppies and Pints, which delivers exactly what it sounds like — including adorable fluffballs that you can take home afterwards. Happening from midday–3pm on Sunday, July 7, the event sees Semi-Pro Brewing Co and the RSPCA join forces — bringing four-legged friends to the East Brisbane watering hole, welcoming local dog-centric businesses as well, and letting you meet your next barking bestie. For those who want to help a good cause but can't become a new pet parent for many reasons, you can also lend a hand just by drinking, with Semi-Pro putting on a karma keg and donating the proceeds to the RSPCA, too. And if you simply have a better time when you're sipping brews and looking at gorgeous little pups, that's catered for also.
If you've had one high tea, then you know what you're in for — right? That's not the case at W Brisbane's High Tea of Aus. It comes with a distinctively local flavour. As great at scones and sandwiches are (and then more scones and more sandwiches), this weekend feast takes its cues from Aussie favourites, although not as you know them. Serving up meat pies, lamingtons and milo as part of its spread, the hotel is calling its dishes 'reimagined versions' of these trusty favourites — and you can't go wrong where all three are concerned. Keeping the theme going, other treats feature Toowoomba free-range eggs, Fraser Island crab and quandong. Running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for two-hour sessions between 11am–2pm, the high tea comes with unlimited tea for $55 per person, but can also include Veuve Clicquot Champagne, a martini or a strawberry sour — which'll cost up to $79 per person, including food. Bookings are necessary, and can be made online. Images: Nikki To.
When Prince told us he'd be partying like it was 1999, he probably figured he'd get a few good years out of the song. And yet, 37 years after his single was first released back in 1982 — and nearing two decades since the year in question passed — we're all still following in his footsteps. At The Elephant's third annual All 90s All Nighter on Saturday, July 6, the venue will be doing the purple one proud; however, that's not all it's doing. Thrusting 1999 and the nine years prior into the spotlight, it's serving up the next best thing to time-travelling back to the era that gave us everything from grunge to girl power to tamagotchis. Wear something made out of flannelette. Stick some butterfly clips in your hair. Sure, it's winter, but a slip dress would definitely fit in here. There'll be prizes for best 90s wardrobe, and you'll be wanting to give the DJs prizes for cranking out some retro hits. The drinks will also be 90s-themed, and entry is free.
The most envy-inducing time of year is here, dividing music lovers into two camps. Either you're literally going camping in Byron Bay or you're moping around Brisbane wishing that you were. Don't worry, non-Splendour-bound folks — The Flying Cock's Splendour in the Cock has you covered once again. On Saturday, July 20, the Valley pub is pretending it's at the centre of the music universe with a playlist of Splendour in the Grass greats not only from this year, but also spanning previous ace lineups. Close your eyes, and you might just think you're at the real thing while DJs spin the likes of Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, Lorde, Flume, Kanye, Bloc Party, Florence and the Machine, The Strokes and more. Wearing something glitzy and flashy is recommended — when you're acting like you're at Splendour, you have to dress the part. Entry is free, so as well as helping cure your desire to be dancing in a muddy field, the shindig will also be kind to your wallet.
If you like roast pork topped with plenty of crackling, then you're probably a fan of the Brisbane German Club's pork knuckles. Slow-cooked, weighing in at one kilogram, and served with fried potatoes, sauerkraut and smoked beer gravy, these authentic-style pork hocks are one of the city's iconic dishes — and, no matter when you head by the Woolloongabba spot, they're always popular. Expect them to be flying out the kitchen on Sunday, January 26, though. Between 12–2.30pm, the German Club is dubbing the occasion $20 Pork Knuckle Day. The details are self-explanatory, and you'll be nabbing this tasty, crispy meal for a considerable discount. [caption id="attachment_622731" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Anwyn Howarth[/caption] Bookings are essential — again, these pork knuckles have many, many aficionados — by contacting the venue in advance. You'll likely want to make your reservation for an early time, because this is a first in, best dressed offer. Sipping your way through the bar's hefty range of German beers and schnapps will cost you extra, of course, but it'll be well worth it. Top image: Brisbane German Club.
Every balanced diet recommends eating sweet treats in moderation. It's probably best you don't think about that at the Sunshine Coast Dessert Festival, though. No one is being sensible at a fest dedicated to cakes, brownies, ice cream, doughnuts, crepes and lollies, after all. Thanks to a hefty lineup of dessert food trucks, you'll have plenty of dishes to choose from. Also on offer: dessert dumplings and dessert wine tastings. Demonstrations, live music and artisan markets are on the bill as well, so you'll have something to do when you're not gulping down the sugary stuff. It all takes place on Saturday, February 15, running from 10am–7pm. Head north and make a day of it, with the fest taking over Aussie World. That means you can just nab a $10 ticket (with all food bought for separately), or pay $40 and get access to the venue's rides as well. Mini golf and a sideshow alley are also part of the Palmview spot, too.
Usually, Sonic Masala rolls around in the second half of the year, filling Club Greenslopes with local bands for a huge — and hugely affordable — day-long music festival. But little about 2020 has proceeded as usual so far, especially with bushfires ravaging the country. So, come March, the event's powers-that-be are putting on an early gig to raise money for disaster relief. Sonic Masala Fest: Bushfires, Rack Off! takes place from 11am on Saturday, March 7, once again combining everything that a 4ZZZ-presented music festival at a bowls club should: bowls (obviously), Brissie bands (of course) and brews (naturally). And, it's bringing a packed lineup, all for the entry price of $25, with The Double Happiness, Majestic Horses, Flangipanis, Melaleuca, Minor Premiers, Relay Tapes, The Cutaways, McKisko, Spirit Bunny, A Country Practice, Marville and Tape/Off among the acts on on the bill. Once 53 tickets have been sold and the event has recouped its running costs, every single cent will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Young Henrys is supplying brews, with all proceeds going to the same worthy cause. And, every band has pledged its performance fees and their riders to the fundraiser as well. In other great news, you can also bring your dog along.
Most folks will tell you that there's no bad time for a margarita, and they'd be right. But there is a particularly great time to grab a glass and enjoy a sip or several: February 22, also known as National Margarita Day. To celebrate the occasion in 2020, the Osbourne Hotel is throwing a Saturday fiesta. It's a two-stage affair — head by from 6pm when the party really gets going, or drop by during the day to get the drinks and Mexican snacks started early. Five different types of margs will be on offer, including a classic, a strawberry variety, a spicy concoction with jalapenos, a frozen passionfruit version and one that goes heavy on melon. There'll also be four kinds of tacos, Mexican-style pizza, and both chicken and vegetarian nachos. Those making a night of it will also find themselves dancing to a mariachi band — combine their music with a few salty tipples, and you'll be making shapes in no time. Images: The Osbourne Hotel.
It's Brisbane's only inner-city winery, making its own vino and serving it to tipple-loving drinkers right on Wandoo Street — and, on Wednesday, January 29, the Fortitude Valley spot is sharing the love. For one night only, City Winery is letting Tomich Wines run the show. Head by from 4pm and you'll be sampling and sipping the Adelaide Hills outfit's finest concoctions. Yep, it's a good ol' fashioned cellar door takeover — for a good cause, too. With more than half of Tomich's 230-acre vineyard affected by this summer's bushfires, City Winery is helping out by showcasing its wares to Brisbane vino aficionados. Expect to try Tomich's chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir — with tastings free, and bottle and glass sales also available in the winery and restaurant. City Winery's takeovers are a monthly occurrence, with highlighting fire-affected wineries on its agenda for the next 12–18 months.
Beer, that refreshingly boozy amber liquid, is a versatile drink. There's a brew for every occasion, including a sit-down, multi-course, winter-themed dinner. Sure, when you think about going out for a meal and pairing it with a tipple, you're usually thinking about wine. But don't discount a cold one with your culinary spread — the right beer matched with the right dish is quite the winning combination. Trust a brewery to lead the way, with Felons Brewing Co hosting its next feast from 7pm on Tuesday, July 23. All three courses will come with just the right beer, all of which has been brewed on the premises. And if you need more convincing about the merits of pairing these beverages with your meal, head brewer Tom Champion and Howard Smith Wharves executive chef Patrick Friesen will be on hand, chatting about the topic. Tickets cost $80 — and as for what you'll be eating, get ready for the likes of artichokes with parmesan and chives, a chicken liver parfait and country terrine, smoked black Angus prime rib drizzled with jus, and smores you'll cook yourself at your table. Drinks-wise, Felons' dark ale, Double Dry Hopped Pale Ale, Imperial Stout and raspberry sour are all on the menu as well.
What's better than one weekly food market in the heart of Brisbane? Two, of course — and, to spread the love, this one is over the other side of the inner city. It's great news for anyone who works at the Spring Hill and Fortitude Valley end of the CBD, and really for everyone who wants double the chances to grab a tasty lunch, some top fresh produce and all kinds of other edible bites to take home. A weekly Thursday affair, Brisbane City Cathedral Square Markets will kick off on July 25, running from 8am–2.30pm. Because it's organised by the same folks behind the Wednesday markets at Reddacliff Place, then you know what you're in for — just on a different day. As well as farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, artisanal breads and baked goods, and local seafood and meats, you'll find a range of vendors selling meals you can eat while you're there. That's handy, because we all know that it's best not to shop for food on an empty stomach.
Whether your shelves are filled with records or you're just embracing the joys of vinyl, everyone's music collection has a few gaps. That's where record markets come in — but Brisbane's latest isn't about trawling through dusty vintage discs to find old school gems. It's about supporting and celebrating local sounds. Taking place on Saturday, August 25, the Brisbane Indie Music Market will be packed with original music by local musicians and artists. With local labels also a focus, you're also likely to find supporting merch too. Love a Brissie band? Nab the record and the t-shirt. Entry is free, with the market making taking over The Triffid from 12–6pm. This afternoon-long event isn't just about shopping, though, with live bands playing so you can hear them at their best, then buy their record.
Flowers aren't the only things that'll be blooming when spring comes around — at Newstead House on Saturday, September 7, botanical-based spirits will be as well. The juniper juice will be flowing as Brisbane celebrates its second Jacaranda Gin Festival, this time in a new location. The event will also take over the historic spot for a day of gin-fuelled boozing, with more than 25 Australian and international distillers serving up their beverages for your tasting pleasure. One of the great aspects of the setting ties into the fest's name, so prepare not just to down botanical drinks, but to be surrounded by jacarandas. Entertainment-wise, expect DJs, demonstrations and discussions, so that you can dance, learn more about gin and chat about it — or all three, of course. Expect food trucks as well, because you can dedicate a day to this delicious spirit without lining your stomach. A number of ticketing options are available, starting at $35 for early birds and $45 afterwards, with ten tastings included. If you'd like to hang out in a dedicated lounge area and receive a welcome cocktail, nab a $88 ticket — or if you're feeling flush and really love your gin, $220 lets you sample until your heart's content.
It's that time again, seafood-loving Brisbanites, with the Sandstone Point Hotel hosting its annual Oyster Festival. If you're a fan of slurping down molluscs, prepare to be in your element. The fact that you'll be doing so while you're on Bribie Island adds to the fun, of course. Taking over the venue on Saturday, October 19, the day-long celebration of salty, slimy deliciousness will treat your tastebuds to oysters from all around the country, asking whether you can discern the difference. They'll be freshly shucked at the fest's oyster bars — and if you need something to snack on in-between, you can feast on the rest of the ocean's finest (and sip a few beverages) at an array of seafood and wine stalls. Anyone that really, truly loves their oysters can also take part in the competitive portion of the day, because it wouldn't be a food festival without a contest. Chef demonstrations and live music are on the bill as well, alongside a cruisy day hanging out off the Brisbane mainland, with entry costing $5. Image: Sandstone Point Hotel.
You can never have too much greenery in your life, both inside and outside your house. And, whether you're decking out your interiors or setting up a luxe outdoor hangout zone, you can never have too many homewares either. At least that's what you'll keep telling yourself while you're browsing around The Home Collective, with the northside market offering up an array of plants, pots, furniture, cushions, art and other items that belong in your house or garden. If you're keen for a sneak peek, or some design inspiration, check out the event's Instagram page. That'll motivate you to head along, we're certain. Taking place at the Wavell Heights Community Hall from 9am–1pm on Sunday, July 28, the market will kit out your abode with plenty of choices, with more than 50 stalls ready for you to peruse. Sure, there's an excuse to boost your garden and homewares cred every weekend in Brissie, or so it seems, but you just can't have to much of a good thing. Entry is via gold coin donation, which'll go to the folks at Animal Welfare Queensland.
He cultivated his love of movies by working in a video store, jam-packs all of his films with references and homages to genres and flicks he loves, and once committed one of the worst Australian accents ever heard to celluloid. If you already knew all of the above — and know how much a shake costs at Jack Rabbit Slims, where to get the best sword in Japan, and which stuntman you should never get into a car with — then you're all set for The Brightside's Tarantino Movie Trivia. On Friday, July 5, end your working week with plenty of questions about the distinctive filmmaker. It'll cover everything from QT's highly quotable lines, to his soundtracks, to every other tidbit that's relevant, and justify all that time you've spent watching Reservoir Dogs, Jackie Brown and Inglourious Basterds. And we're not saying it'll definitely be relevant, but you can always study up by reading our chat with the director, from back when he came to Australia for the release of The Hateful Eight. Entry is free, it all kicks off at 6.30pm, and you'll be able to nab pizzas from Holey Moley, too. And the timing couldn't be better, with Tarantino's latest flick, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, due in cinemas in August.
Why drink at one watering hole, when you can head to two, three, six or more? That's always been the motivation behind everyone's favourite boozy journey, aka a pub crawl. And, it's the exact same type of thinking behind the Urban Wine Walk. Taking another wander around Brisbane, it's the bar-hopping excuse every vino lover needs — if you need an excuse, that is. From midday until 4pm on Saturday, August 31, you'll saunter around the city — and between the likes of John Mills Himself, Grape Therapy, Cloakroom Bar, Super WhatNot, Greenglass, the Embassy and more — sampling wines and having a mighty fine time. As for the tipples, they'll be taken care of by a heap of top wineries, so prepare to get supping. Tickets cost $75, and are on sale now, with places limited. This moving cellar door will not only serve up more than 30 wine tastings, but also your own tasting glass — plus a voucher for another beverage, and a guide to help you plan your mosey between bars.
What's better than one party? Two. The answer is always two. You know it, we know it, and the folks at both Green Beacon Brewing Co and the Teneriffe Festival know it. Just like in previous years, the former joining isn't just joining in the fun of the latter — from midday on Saturday, July 6, it's shutting off Helen Street and throwing its shindig as well. Yep, it's a good ol'-fashioned Green Beacon block party (and yep, something can still be classed as old-fashioned even if it's only the third time it has ever happened). Expect everything a brewery get-together should have, aka multiple beers and bars, a feast of food trucks and plenty of live music. King Of The Wings, Pizzantica and Brisket and Co will be on culinary duties, so expect chicken, slices and meat galore. And because it's often sunny in Brisbane, even in the middle of winter, there'll be shady seating so you can get comfy. Image: Green Beacon Brewing Co.
Does scouring the city for secondhand threads get you out of bed in the morning? If so, come Friday, July 26 and Friday, September 6, you'd best stay up and shopping until well into the evening. That's when Studio Thrifty 4 is hosting its next Late Night Thrifting sessions — and while hitting the racks between 6.30pm and 10pm isn't all that late in most circles, it is when it comes to the vintage and pre-loved game. In fact, the store is only normally open during the daytime on weekends, so these Friday night shindigs are special for them. If that doesn't all sound great enough, in keeping with the venue's usual set-up, everything on offer costs $5. No more, no less. Trawl through clothing and accessories, nab a bargain, and start your weekend in style. Even better: all proceeds will go to Pay A Sack Forward, meaning that more than your wardrobe will thank you.
If you haven't already dropped by West Village, West End's newest spot at the old Peter's Ice Cream Factory site, then here's your new excuse: pizza and vino. For one tasty night, the inner-city site is combining two staples. The word you're looking for? It's bellissimo. From 7–9pm on Sunday, July 14, Italian-loving Brisbanites will get cosy at the precinct's Garden Pantry, sip vino and sling back slices. Salt Meat Cheese will be providing the woodfired pizzas, as well as a cheese platter filled with chilli-stuffed burrata, truffle pecorino and manchego — and, of course, your choice of wine. Tickets for this event cost $25, which is a very reasonable outlay for your Sunday night dinner. And, obviously, it's much more affordable than what we'd all like to be doing when we're tucking into an Italian feast — aka flying overseas.
Were you the kind of kid that couldn't wait to be a grown up? Now that you're an adult, do you wish otherwise. In the words of a certain TV theme tune that's been stuck in everyone's heads for a quarter-century, no one told us life was going to be this way — and so Tash York is tackling the subject in her latest cabaret, Adulting. All those parts of being an adult that get on your nerves? That's what the After Hours Cabaret Club MC will be singing and chatting about. All those silly mistakes you've made, chores you can't stand and the fact that you actually have to cook each night? They're on York's agenda, too. Adulting comes to Brisbane Powerhouse during this year's Wonderland festival, playing from Thursday, November 28–Sunday, December 1. Image: Wade Ranson Photography.
Your next bottomless boozy brunch is definitely going to feature alcohol. Depending on what you're hankering for, it could also include oysters, prawns and salmon sashimi — or Japanese egg sandwiches and strawberry French toast. They're all on the menu at Devon every weekend, alongside endless mimosas, prosecco, Devon lager and wine. As part of the Garden City eatery's just-launched bottomless brunch menu, you can pick from two options. If you're feeling hungry, the $60 Fisherman's Basket includes the aforementioned seafood, as well as grilled Harvey Bay scallops; fried calamari, hake and chips; and smoked salmon with tzatziki — and your choice of soft serve or crème brulee for dessert. Or, you can spend $40 for The Modern Aussie, which serves up the above bread products, plus cheesy mushroom arancini, smoked salmon, and your pick of barramundi or steak. As for the drinks, opt for just mimosas for an extra $29, or the whole boozy deal for an additional $39. Devon's Bottomless Brunch runs from 11am–1pm every Saturday and Sunday. Image: Jasper Ave.
This time last year, Felons Brewing Co. gave Brisbane a gift we didn't know we needed: the city's first riverside brewery. And since its doors have been open for 12 months now, the boozy Howard Smith Wharves spot is throwing a big party to celebrate. Come Friday, November 22, it's time for a whole day of beer-filled shenanigans. Running from 11am, the event will take beer-loving patrons on a tour of its limited-edition tipples from across the past year. That includes a strawberry watermelon beer, a raspberry sour and a red ale, as well as something new to mark the moment: a charcoal pineapple sour beer that's been made from more than 250 kilograms of Queensland pineapples. Attendees can also expect pineapple-flavoured birthday cupcakes, plus live entertainment — complete with a live art installation.
Come quitting time on a Friday, everyone has a spring in their step — an extra bounce, plenty of zest and the energy to tackle the weekend. With that in mind, you probably don't need an espresso martini. Still, you likely want one anyway. Enter Espresso Martini Fridays. It might be what you call your Fridays without any prompting, but at Ivory Tusk, it means $10 drinks. Taking place from 5–7pm weekly, it also means churros to snack on, as well as an end-of-week afternoon party atmosphere in a colourful Palm Springs-inspired bar with a garden terrace. As for what you'll be drinking, Ivory Tusk's espresso martinis come with La Bottiglia espresso, vanilla syrup, plus the boozy part. You can also pair it with a more substantial bite from the food menu — think tostadas, tacos, ceviche, sliders, corn grits and steak skewers.
When it comes to exercise, we all need motivation. Making sure you're healthy works, but sometimes even the best among us need a bit more of a nudge — like a great view, for example. Leafy greenery does the trick. Water, too. If you're an early bird who starts their weekend the absolute first second they can, so does soaking in the morning sunshine. Grass, the river, the sun — yep, they're all on the agenda at Newstead's Waterfront Sunrise Yoga. Taking place from 6.30am on Saturday mornings until November 30, it's a reason to roll out of bed with the sparrows. And, to pump up your energy, make the most of spring's glorious weather and feel fighting fit for summer. Sessions are free, with Newstead Harlow Hot Pilates & Yoga leading attendees through an hour-long workout. You will need to bring your own mat, and you'll want to bring a water bottle as well — all those sun salutations are bound to make you thirsty.
