You've probably heard of starting your day as you choose to go on, but how about starting your month in the same fashion? In the return of its popular series from the past few years, Fortitude Valley's Institute of Modern Art wants you to kick off each portion of the annual calendar in an engaging and artistic fashion — and it has curated the perfect events to help. At First Thursdays, artists are invited to step into the IMA spotlight for a party-filled night — and you're invited to enjoy the fruits of their efforts. Participatory art experiences will take over the Brunswick Street venue, be it performance, dance, visual art, food or music, for a fun night of experimentation from 6–9pm. Because the lineup for First Thursdays changes each month, it's never the same shindig twice — and in November, the event is joining forces with Lawrence English's MONO for a night of experimental sounds. Del Lumanta and Primitive Motion will be taking care of the sonic details, with free tickets available by registering online. Updated November 4.
It's the business with one of the best names we've come across — and it's been one of Brisbane's favourites for a few years now. On Sunday, March 31, it'll also be one of the reasons you should mosey on over to Portside Wharf for the precinct's annual Cheese & Champagne Pop-Up. Yes, we're talking about The Cheese Pleaser, those purveyors of a certain dairy product. If you've bought any of its sharp or creamy wares before, you'll know that it well and truly lives up to its moniker. At Portside, this cheese fiend store isn't just showcasing artisan cheeses, although it'll be doing plenty of that (don't worry). It's also teaming up with Gusto da Gianni and Moët & Chandon to showcase great bites and beverages, all set to the sounds of some rocking live music. The result is the kind of event that you'll want to bring a picnic blanket to, then settle in for an afternoon of drinks, tunes and $15 French cheese platters. That's right, this pop-up won't just be yum — it'll be fun, too. And, it's taking place on the wharf. If you're in the area in the week leading up to the pop-up, too, Portside's retailers will be offering cheesy specials all week. Think cheese platters, cheese gnocchi, cheesy naans, smoked salmon and parmesan sushi, and haloumi breakfast burgers. Image: Portside Wharf.
All dogs go to heaven, or so 80s animated movies have taught us. All Brisbane dogs and their pooch-loving owners can also go to the city's one-day canine-centric market, aka Paws-Fest — aka pupper heaven on earth. A non-profit affair raising funds for RSPCA Queensland, this market will be filled with more pet fare than a furry woofer can shake its tail at. There'll be more than 50 stallholders slinging their wares, so your cute pooch won't go home with empty paws. Expect everything from treats to toys, plus food trucks serving snacks for humans, when the event takes over Eagle Farm's Paws & Relax from 9am–3pm on Sunday, March 17. All two-legged attendees are invited to pay a gold coin on entry, and to bring their four-legged besties on leashes, too; however if you're a person in need of a pooch, the RSPCA will be on hand. We're not saying that this is the excuse you need to adopt a pupper, stock up on everything it needs, contribute to a very worthy cause and then start living your best dog-filled life – but we're not not saying that either.
If the words 'sharing feast' usually send you running, we bet we know why: you don't eat meat, animal products, nuts or something else, and trying to make sure you can actually enjoy the food is frequently harder than it should be. Once a month, vegans can put those fears aside at Covent Garden, with the West End gin joint serving up a vegan feasting evening. Spread over two sessions — 6–7.30pm and 7–8.30pm — the plant and floral wallpaper-filled hangout's Garden of Vegan will dish up four courses of vegetable-heavy dishes. It all starts with crispy salt and vinegar kale, plus pickled carrot, ginger &andcaraway, before moving on to stacked mezze platters. Next, mains include a trio of mushrooms with garlic and herbs, plus beetroot and mint black risotto. As for dessert, ginger cake with chocolate glaze and caramelised tamarillo. That's just a sample of the food on offer on Thursday, February 28, when this year's Garden of Vegan evenings get started for 2019. Bookings are open for tables of two at $74 per couple — and the event regularly sells out, so reserving early is recommended. There'll also be Garden of Vegan cocktails available, though they'll cost you extra.
Shaken, stirred, with olives, without — they're just some of the ways that you can enjoy a martini. It's an adaptable tipple, and there's no need to be as stringent with it as 007. You can also sip the flavoured variety, mixing vodka with mango or passionfruit, which is exactly what's on the menu at The Defiant Duck each Saturday. Pay $35, take your pick or alternate between options, and then keep drinking them for two hours. Yes, the Newstead venue is giving Bond's favourite beverage the same treatment is also gives spritzes and margaritas, so arrive thirsty. You'll also receive a couple of sliders to help line your stomach, with vegan and vegetarian options available. And if $35 Martini Saturdays needed an extra attraction, live music is also on the agenda — because every drinks session needs a soundtrack. The event runs weekly from 4–6pm, and bookings are recommended.
There really is a festival dedicated to everything you can think of. We've said it before, and we know we'll say it again. Still, given that Redcliffe has a two-day fest dedicated to flying kites, we know that the statement is accurate. Yep, it's the event your inner seven-year-old will love — and, let's be honest, your adult self will too. It's a breezy way to spend the weekend, that's for sure. It's also a celebration of the simple pleasure of letting the wind catch a brightly coloured combination of wood, string and fabric, and then watching it soar. Running across Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 in Pelican Park at Clontarf, KiteFest is exactly what you make of it, whether something peaceful or action-packed is on your personal agenda. If you just want to stare at the sky, you can do that. If you want to browse market stalls, listen to live music, hop on a few carnival rides, watch roving performers and more — including world-class professional kite flyers, high-flying fly board performers, back-flipping sky skis and high-speed jet ski routines — you can do that too. Image: Redcliffe KiteFest.
With its latest film festival, Dendy Coorparoo isn't reaching for the stars — instead, it's happy with making it to the moon. Celebrating 50 years since the lunar landing, as everywhere in town seems to be, the cinema chain is screening a heap of flicks about the Earth's only natural satellite. Love in-depth documentaries? Twisty sci-fi? Feel-good dramas? They're all on the lineup. The newest movie on the bill is Apollo 11, aka the latest doco to ponder the enormous feat of sending humanity where it had never gone before. Naturally, it's worth seeing on a big screen. Other highlights include Duncan Jones' Moon, starring Sam Rockwell as a man working at a lunar base; Aussie comedy The Dish, about the Parkes Radio Telescope's role in broadcasting the huge event; and Ryan Gosling-starring Neil Armstrong biopic First Man. You can also explore the impact that three women had on the mission thanks to Hidden Figures, and relive Apollo 13's struggles in the Tom Hanks film of the same name. Thanks to documentaries Moonscape, Moonwalk One, The Other Side of the Moon and Armstrong, the list goes on, with the Moon Film Festival running from Tuesday, July 16 to Wednesday, July 24. Times and dates for each individual flick vary, so start planning if you're keen on looking up while looking at a cinema screen.
America's supposed home of little green men has been getting a significant amount of attention lately, all thanks to a joke proposition to storm the highly classified US Air Force base. If you've always wondered what goes on at Area 51, have more than a little interest in extraterrestrials and would rather put your efforts into dancing, then there's an alternative to playing along with the highly publicised gag. Instead, Brisbanites can head to The Valley Drive In's Area 51 Party. Being held on the same date as the satirical US raid, this three-hour celebration will scratch your otherworldly itch with a combination of out-of-this-world theming, a UV light show and plenty of tunes, all taking over the venue's huge outdoor stage. Sure, it's not the middle of the desert, but doesn't embracing this kind of shindig require more than a little bit of imagination? Fittingly, there'll also be a Daft Punk appreciation set, because who better to dance to at this type of party? An Alien vs Predator DJ set might just be on the cards — and if it comes down to a battle, we think the xenomorph will mean business. Image: The Valley Drive In.
Food. Drinks. Music. Doggos. It's a recipe for a great Friday evening, and it's what's on offer at The Sunset Social. Every fortnight, Davies Park welcomes stalls, street food, live performers, beverages and some fun for the family. That means that littlies can have fun on the jumping castle, at the animal farm, or playing giant Jenga and Connect 4 — and the adults with them, of course. On July 19, the West End get-together will boast an extra reason to drop by, all thanks to a Christmas in July celebration. As well as food trucks, there'll be other themed bites, mulled wine, Christmas-inspired beverages and a live choir. Otherwise, the usual applies. The event is fully licensed and completely pet-friendly, with the likes of The Roaming Pig, Gelato-a-Go-Go, Flavours of Eataly, Shanks' A Lot and Wild Rissole usually found among the vendors. Drop by from 5–9pm for a relaxing end to the working week. Plus, entry is free, which means you'll have more cash for everything else.
It only took one song for The Spice Girls to become a hit — and what a hit they became. Since you started reading this article, one of their songs has become stuck in your head, hasn't it? If you wannabe our lover, you'll admit it. In fact, we're guessing that your toes still tap whenever you hear a Spice Girls tune. And they went into overdrive when the group reformed and teased a potential Australian tour, too. There's no need to contain your Spice love at Black Bear Lodge's latest event. It is an appreciation evening celebrating all things spice all night — and playing all of their perky, catchy pop tunes. The only response to news of such a Spice-tastic shindig? Say you'll be there, of course. Dressing like Posh, Baby, Sporty, Scary or Ginger isn't required, but you know plenty of folks probably will anyway. Head along from 8pm on Thursday, June 27. Entry is free.
No one really knows when alcohol-loving humans first started mixing their booze with other ingredients, but we do know when they first started referring to the resulting concoctions as cocktails. It was in 1806, so more than 200 years ago. There's some food for thought next time you mix up or knock back a drink — or for when you're making the most of Jade Buddha's returning cocktail markets. What's a cocktail market? A chance to try plenty of different types, all in sample-sized tastes so you really can wet your lips with more than a few. The event will serve up plenty of classics and you can sip them, all from 4–8pm on Friday, June 28. While entry to the riverside bar is free, $40 will get you ten cocktail tickets, plus access to a selection of matching canapes. And it's worth remembering the golden rule of cocktails: they always taste better when you're drinking them with other people, so gather the gang. Images: Jade Buddha.
For the past few years, the One Day crew has been hitting the road, bringing its famous daytime block parties to live music venues around Australia. Now it's time for another round, with DJs from the beloved Sydney hip hop collective bouncing back to Brisbane for a One Day Sundays session on June 16. Taking place at — and taking over — X Cargo, One Day Sundays will see the One Day crew team up with local DJs and artists as they roll through the Fortitude Valley shipping container hangout. Expect food, booze, live graffiti and a whole bunch of hip hop, with Adit and Lupi, Sir Likwish, Cheq, Shyne and Finehouse on the bill. Even better — this day-long shindig is free, because the best things are as the song goes. Bring your wallet to grab a few drinks, as well as a bite to eat. Making shapes is hungry and thirsty work, after all.
Sick of looking at the same old walls? In dire need of some creative new threads? Eager to find a few crafty trinkets to pop around the house? Desperately keen for some new reading material? From prints and clothing to homewares and zines, Hidden Gems Arts Fair is bringing a heap of arty pieces to Metro Arts. The new one-day pop-up is all about showcasing local artists, businesses and entrepreneurs, which means that heading along helps a creative Brisbanite — and helps your wardrobe, empty picture frames and waning reading pile. Illustrator Sonya Kate, Brissie publication Kindred, Chloe and the Paper Pots' recycled paper pots and Cactei's fashions are just some of the items vying for your attention. Just head up to level four at 109 Edward Street in the CBD, with the market running on Sunday, May 19 from 10am-4pm. As well as plenty of stuff to buy, there'll also be live music as well. As for entry, it'll set you back $2. Image: Metro Arts.
That soothing feeling that sweeps over you when you spy a cute canine, spend too much time watching internet cat videos or even just spot a picture of a newborn animal — that's the feeling at the heart of Australia's newest wellness sessions. Sure, you've been to kitten yoga and puppy pilates, and they're both great. But we're guessing that you haven't tried meditating with baby goats or getting mindful with soft, cuddly lambs. Currently held in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, attendees at Karmably's classes attempt to find inner bliss while they're surrounded by rescued baby farm animals. In short, it's the best way to de-stress when life's got your goat. After all, who can remain overwhelmed, exhausted or annoyed when they're sharing their chill-out session with actual goats? The classes focus on relaxation techniques, like Breathe In & Bleat Out, which gives you an idea of just what's in store. Those heading along can expect three parts to the session: mindful stretching, meditation and snuggling the four-legged participants. If you're wondering where the concept came from, it was inspired by organiser Berenice Tan's own experiences trying to find something other than the usual mindfulness classes within Australia. Unimpressed with the options already available, she flew to Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco "and experienced every meditation class under the sun," she explains. "Funnily enough, I heard about goat yoga and laughed it off as something ridiculous I wasn't interested in trying." Upon returning to Brisbane, Tan began to research animal therapy and, after learning of the benefits (and realising that everyone loves cute critters), her sessions with goats, lambs and even piglets were born. The bliss goes both ways, too — with Karmably not only helping humans to relax in a fun manner, but also assisting animals in need. Tan works with sanctuaries, rescue centres, and organisations such as Harmony Hooves Healing Hearts, Brisbane Pony Parties and My Little Farm Friends. They're all outfits that raise baby creatures who have either been rejected by their mothers or lost their mums in other ways, and hand-rear them until they can be adopted out as pets to families who live on suitable properties. After setting up shop last year, classes are already selling out months in advance — but there's currently spaces for the latest Brissie session at 2.30pm on Saturday, July 13. The calming cuteness takes place at Bend and Fly Yoga in West End.
Whether it's turned into a rave, accompanied by plenty of booze or features music instead of numbers, bingo isn't just a game for your nan. But, even if you've been making the rounds of Brisbane's various new versions of this old-school pastime, you probably haven't given loteria a whirl. It's the traditional Mexican take on the same kind of fun, but it uses pictures. Come Thursday, June 27 — and monthly afterwards — Bowen Hills' El Camino Cantina is the place to play, so get ready to get matching. And drinking, because margaritas are on the menu too. While the game starts at 6pm, if you arrive early (between 4–6pm), your frosty drink will only cost $7.50. Thursdays are also half-price fajita day, should you be feeling peckish. Loteria itself is free to play, although bookings are required. If you're wondering exactly how you play, you'll be asked to mark off four pictures in a row on your card, with each corresponding to an image from a quirky Mexican deck. Once you've stamped your sheet, you need to yell "loteria", of course. As for prizes, you could nab restaurant voucher, bottle of Jose Cuervo or a t-shirt.
Sweet-toothed Queenslanders, rejoice. Australia's dessert museum is returning for a second round of sugary fun this winter. After doing the rounds of the country over the past year, Sugar Republic is heading to the Gold Coast for four sweet weeks, complete with three huge zones, colourful installations and free desserts. This time, the pop-up is taking over a trio of spaces at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, complete with a bubblegum pink ball pit, a giant giant birthday cake, a sweets-inspired neon installation, a confetti shower and a liquorice playroom (the sugary list goes on and on). There'll also be a swimming pool filled with giant sprinkles, as well as a human-sized gumball machine. Yes, it sounds like the kind of place that Willy Wonka might own. Throughout the colourful exhibition, you'll find many edible treats, including free candy samples, free soft serve ice cream and free fairy floss. Just don't tell your dentist. Worried the installation will be filled with littlies? It's also opening on Friday and Saturday nights for adults only — so you can jump in the pit without fear of crushing a small one. Sugar Republic will pop up at Pacific Fair from Sunday, June 30, and run through until Sunday, June 28. Times vary daily, with the installation open every Thursday–Sunday, plus Mondays and Tuesdays during the school holidays. Images: Lucas Dawson and Sherbet Birdie Photography.
Sometimes, even the most adventurous among us need a little push, a dash of motivation or some extra incentive to take a particular leap. So you've always wanted to wander around southeast Queensland's Scenic Rim region, but have never found the time? Well, consider the area's annual Eat Local Week all the reason you need. If exploring, eating and drinking can't get you in the car and down the highway, then nothing can. Unsurprisingly, that's just the big-picture view of this nine-day festival. Promoting Scenic Rim produce and the people behind it, the program includes everything from a winter harvest festival, olive grove tastings, ice cream masterclasses and artisan markets to brewery banter, a day dedicated to street food, wine and tapas in a vineyard, and cheesemaking classes. Camel training, bush tucker, country cooking and a picnic in an alpaca farm are also on the bill — as is a festival at a bowls club. Basically, if it's an event in the Beaudesert, Boonah, Beechmont and Mt Barney area between Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, July 7, it's on the agenda. Image: Scenic Rim Eat Local Week
International headline acts are fun and all, but if you like your festivals with a little more adrenaline, this one's for you. The inaugural Seal Rocks Adventure Festival is crashing onto the mid-NSW coast later this month. Descending on Seal Rocks Treachery Camp, about 90 minutes north of Newcastle, it's set to deliver a weekend of hands-on blood-pumping fun over the weekend of May 17–19. The program of this boutique BYO camping festival is jam-packed full of activities, balancing out an after-dark schedule of live tunes and film screenings. By day, you'll have the chance to battle your mates in an interactive game of Archery Attack, learn some new moves in a circus skills workshop, go deep with a free-diving short course, and flit between rock climbing, surfing, slacklining, yoga and zorbing — yep, this one involves crashing around a field in a giant bouncing bubble. There'll be a disco-themed 'doofercise' workout class to kick things off each morning, classes to teach you how to start fire with just a couple of sticks, and an ongoing challenge to see who can fit the most humans on a giant stand-up paddleboard. Booze is BYO, but vendors like The Perfect Paella, Dr Drool and Tim's on Treach will have pop-ups to help fuel your adventures — and a restaurant will pop-up on the Saturday night for a four-course Saturday feast. Or, you can boost your own cooking skills at a pizza making class. By night, there'll be moongazing tours and campfires, while the stage heats up with local acts like Thunder Fox, The Regime, Elaskia and Belle Badi. And if you're after more inspiration, there's the Adventure Film Festival, emceed by Alice King in the Talking Tent each night. Adult camping tickets clock in at $340, which gets you an entry pass, a campsite and access to as many of the weekend's activities as you can handle. Groups of mates and families are welcome, and capacity is capped at 500. There are glamping and cabins options, too, for those who want a little more comfort at the end of a long day of adventuring (and have extra cash to spare).
It's the studio that's given Brisbanites the gift of puppy pilates and kitten yoga; however with Stretch Yoga's community classes, it's sharing the love around. On Thursday nights in Holland Park and Sunday mornings in the CBD, sessions will only cost $6 — and all of the proceeds will be donated to a selection of charities. You'll benefit from bending and stretching for less than the cost of a glass of wine, which is perfect if you're a newcomer keen to finally try yoga, or you're just feeling a little less financial. Good causes will benefit, obviously. And Stretch Yoga's graduate instructors will benefit, as they'll be teaching the classes. The Holland Park sessions run from 7.30–8.30pm every Thursday evening, with the next sessions lined up for November 21 and 28, as well as December 5 and 12. If you're closer to the CBD, drop by from 8–9am on Sunday mornings, with classes on December 1, 8 and 15. Places are limited, so bookings are essential, with all yoga skill levels welcome. Image: Stretch Yoga. Updated November 18.
Maybe you really love Patrick Swayze. Maybe you just need some more terracotta or ceramics in your life. Maybe the idea of pottering around a clay-based showcase, finding pottery pieces and sinking a few pots at the bar is your idea of a great Saturday afternoon. Whichever category you fall into, coast on over to Clayschool's Winter Show. Browse, buy, sip beverages — it's the ultimate exhibition-slash-market. Indeed, while we're talking multi-tasking, Clayschool's students are hoping to show off their unique, handcrafted designs, and sell some as ace one-off wares. Christmas might be quite a few months away, but you can start planning already — or pick up something special for someone special, just because (including for yourself). Given that it's all taking place at Wandering Cooks from 11am on Saturday, June 29, that means food and drinks will be part of the fun as well. East by Pie Town and East By Middle East will be among those in the kitchen whipping up their best eats, while the usual coffee and tipples will be available, of course.
Calling all early birds — especially eager Brisbanites who don't getting mind getting their Saturdays started as soon as they possibly can. If you're not usually fond of rolling out of bed on a weekend before mid-morning hits (or possibly even later), then this could just be the energetic motivation you need to greet the day long before you usually would. Every Saturday from 7am, Woolloongabba's Eden Lane is playing host to free yoga classes, thanks to the precinct's Kiss The Berry store and fellow onsite spot Science of Fitness Platinum. The latter will be taking you through more than a few flow moves over a 60-minute session. As for the former, everyone who heads along will also receive a voucher to redeem on tasty bowls afterwards.. While the class is free, you will need to register in advance as spots are understandably limited. Then, just remember to set your alarm, head on over to Gibbon Street and bounce — and bend and stretch — into your weekend.
Trash Taco, the latest venture from the Lucky Egg crew, is serious about its titular dish. The Fortitude Valley spot doesn't serve enchiladas or burritos, or a whole menu of Mexican items. Along with a few snacks, it focuses on tacos. And, one day a week, it wants hungry Brisbanites to be serious about the eatery's main attraction, too — and tuck into as many as possible. That's where All-You-Can-Eat Taco Sundays come in. Head along between 5–9pm on the last day of the weekend, and you won't leave with an empty stomach. As long as you keep eating them, Trash Taco will keep cooking them. If you'd been looking for an excuse to drop by the new venue, which is located inside Warner Street bar Barbara, now you have one. Five varieties are available: pork, lamb, beef, vegetable and bean, all served with onion, coriander and salsa. The deal will cost you $20, although you might want to bring a few dollars extra to pair your endless taco feast with a beer, wine or cocktail. Yes, Barbara slings margaritas, if you really want to cap off the Trash Taco experience.
It has been a year since Ballistic opened their second Brisbane location and started pouring their brews in West End. The brewery doesn't really need a reason to celebrate — it's a brewery, so there's always a reason to say cheers to something — but this is as good an excuse as any. And, to make the shenanigans extra special, it's doubling as a throwback to the So Fresh era, and a barbecue as well. In other words, you know what you'll be drinking, listening to and eating at the free party, which kicks off at midday on Saturday, May 25. Bring your wallet to pay for your booze and food, including a few special concoctions. Fancy a fairy bread cocktails or a drunken spider? Of course you do. If you don your best 90s threads, you can also win a four-pack of Ballistic beer, so start scouring your wardrobe. And if you arrive early and manage to be one of the first 20 people through the door, you'll also nab a party bag. Image: Ballistic West End Alehouse & Kitchen.
It's birthday time at the Bavarian Beerhaus, with the Bowen Hills' drinking spot celebrating a year of slinging German food and booze on King Street. To mark the occasion, it's throwing a weekend-long party across Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. Prepare to eat, drink, toss sausages and hold steins. On the food lineup, you'll be able to tuck into 10-cent wings and $5 giant pretzels — or, if you buy a selected beverage between 4–6pm, grab some loaded fries, buffalo wings and mini dagwood dogs for free. On the fun lineup, you can enter a heap of food challenges. Can you scoff down more pretzels than anyone else? Chug more non-alcoholic beer? Feed yourself sausages using someone else's hands? Here's your chance to find out. If you're also wondering how well — and far — you can throw a snag, that's another contest. So is bobbing for apples, holding glasses, playing ping pong and competing in an egg-and-spoon race. Entry is free, with the festivities kicking off at midday each day. On Saturday, there'll also be live music and free cupcakes.
The perfect outfit could be out there, waiting for you. For the last few months, years or longer, it could've just been hanging in someone else's wardrobe. Isn't that the thrill that gets everyone heading to a secondhand market? We're all thinking the same thing: what if someone else's trash really is our very own treasure? Excess Baggage operates on that idea, filled with stalls and tables of pre-loved wares looking for a new home. If you're keen to pick up a bargain while browsing through fashion, homewares, books and more, then make a beeline to Paddington's BrisWest Centre. The secondhand sale runs from 9am–3pm on Saturday, August 24, with music setting the mood. And if all of that perusing makes you work up an appetite, there'll also be everyone's favourite market snack — a sausage sizzle.
Music and movies — if there's been a hot trend in cinema lately that doesn't involve superheroes, this is it. Of course, films about musicians, concerts and songs aren't new, and nor are flicks filled with tunes, but they've been on everyone's minds lately thanks to the likes of Bohemian Rhapsody, A Star Is Born, Rocketman and Yesterday. Getting in on the action, Palace Cinemas is doing what it does quite often, aka hosting a whole film festival dedicated to concept. At the Palace Touring: 2019 Music Film Festival, you'll get cosy in your seat, catch an ace movie and hear the speakers echo with fantastic music. Running at Brisbane's Palace James Street site from Thursday, August 1 to Wednesday, August 14, the inaugural fest will showcase a different film every night, with a range of genres — in terms of both movies and music — covered. Val Kilmer swaggers his way through The Doors: Final Cut on opening night, Anton Corbijn's black-and-white Joy Division biopic Control is also on the bill, and so are beloved hits such as Once, This Is Spinal Tap and Saturday Night Fever (on a Saturday night, obviously). On the doco front, you can also catch The Beatles: Eight Days a Week, 20 Feet From Stardom, Searching for Sugarman, Gurrumul, 20,000 Days on Earth and Amy, because the last few years have been stellar for music documentaries — or, head back to the 70s with Martin Scorsese's concert film The Last Waltz.
If you didn't already have plans from 10.30pm on Thursday, September 12, you do now. And if you did, change them — or factor sending a whole lotta love Queen Bey's way into your schedule. Reacting promptly, impulsively and passionately is just something Beyoncé inspires, and has been doing so for almost two decades. You probably don't even remember a time before Bey ruled our airwaves and screens — and thanks to Black Bear Lodge's latest appreciation night, you won't have to. There's no specific reason; the venue is just celebrating all things Bey, because it's just that drunk in love. We're guessing you can expect her solo tracks, and even some songs from her Destiny's Child days — plus all of the epic dance moves that go with them. You'll be feeling like Sasha Fierce, as well as crazy in love with the pop idol in the spotlight. The joint will be jumpin' jumpin', and we're not telling you what to drink to celebrate the occasion; however you might want to mix it with lemonade.
Between Thursday, August 8 and Saturday, August 24, wandering around West End is about to get a whole lot better. We're not dissing its usual eclectic vibe, or its bustling array of bars, shops and eateries — but when an art exhibition takes over an entire suburb, we're going to get excited. A biennial event, TRACE returns for 2019 with a fresh showcase of creative pieces popping up in unexpected places. Expect the 4101 postcode to be showered with artworks by Tony Albert, Vernon Ah Kee, George Gittoes, Natalya Hughes, Madeleine Kelly, Ross Manning, Judy Napangardi Watson, Sebastian Moody and Tyza Stewart, among others — with their paintings, drawings and the like gracing Avid Reader, Ralph's Garage, West End Bakery, Hong Lan Vietnamese Grocer, Jet Black Cat Records and more. In total, 34 artists, including one artist-in-residence, will display their work in 19 locations in Boundary and Vulture Streets. Quite a few of those folks should sound familiar, as many of them have ties to West End. Taking a stroll through the streets, ducking into local establishments and scoping out their work is just one way that you can support their love of the area, however, whether you mosey at your own leisure or join a TRACE walking tour. As well as the exhibition, TRACE features a silent auction, with some of the funds going back to the creatives, and the rest helping out community development organisation Community Plus+. To snatch up something for your own walls, just view the featured artworks online between Thursday, August 8 and Saturday, August 31, then place your bid, watch and wait. Beats getting mass-produced stock pics from IKEA, hands down.
Pre-loved fashion is the gift that keeps on giving; one person's sartorial trash really is another's stylish treasure, after all. Hopefully, you'll find the latter at Revive Fashion Festival. Yes, it's an event dedicated to all things vintage and secondhand — or a way to spread the pre-loved love. Yes, it's now in its third year, because celebrating all things old never gets old. Popping up at the Cultural Centre Forecourt at South Bank for one day only, Revive is a chance to grab a bargain and garner a heap of great outfit ideas all at once. The city's best best pre-loved and revived clothing stalls will be selling their wares at a pop-up market, but that's only part of the fun. Who doesn't want to watch a fashion parade filled with secondhand savvy, enjoy some live entertainment and feast on bites to eat from an array of the city's best food trucks as well? Taking place from 11am–7pm on Saturday, August 17, you can also get some sewing and style tips from the experts to ensure you really are making the most of your wardrobe.
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? And which one of the latter duo has a twin? 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 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, and is thankfully coming back for a seventh 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 register in advance for Fritzenberger's trivia night at its Petrie Terrace joint, and then Wednesday, July 31 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 at each eatery, and entry is free. Bring your wallet for burgs, obviously, plus beers. If all this sounds rather noice, get in quick as spots are limited.
It's been a big few years for fans of The Handmaid's Tale, whether you've been obsessed with Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel since before the Elisabeth Moss-starring television show or you just discovered all things Gilead back in 2017. There's something particularly special about 2019, however — 34 years after the original book, readers will finally be able to pore over Atwood's long-awaited sequel. To celebrate the arrival of The Testaments, and to just spend more time in The Handmaid's Tale's world in general, Avid Reader is hosting a one-off book club. Head along at 6pm on Tuesday, September 10 to chat about Offred, the handmaids, and the tale's unnerving relevance to life today, all over a glass of wine. The timing couldn't be more perfect, with The Handmaid's Tale Book Club taking place on the same day that The Testaments hits shelves. Blessed be the fruit, indeed. Tickets cost $10 to attend, $25 if you'd like to buy a copy of The Handmaid's Tale at the same time and $44.99 with a just-released copy of The Testaments.
After opening several German-themed beer halls around the city, plus a colourful Mexican cantina, Rockpool Dining Group continues to expand its Brisbane footprint — this time, with a European and American-inspired joint that specialises in wings. Named Winghaüs by Bavarian, seating 240 both inside and out, and headed to Edward Street in the CBD, the new concept is an offshoot of the hospitality empire's popular Bavarian spots. Opening on Saturday, September 28, it'll be the first venue in the country. If you're a fan of poultry, then you might want to drop by that day, especially if you like plenty of chook pieces for cheap. From the moment that Winghaüs opens at 12pm, you'll be able to nab some wings for ten cents each. You'll have just over two-and-a-half hours to tuck in, with the special on offer until the first point is scored in the day's AFL grand final — which starts at 2.30pm. Winghaüs' buffalo wings come with a choice of eight hot sauces and six dips, including teriyaki, blue cheese, ranch dressing, and honey and mustard.
It's been two years since the folks at La Macelleria came to a very sensible conclusion: the more gelaterias, the better. And if it feels like the frozen dairy joint has been on Montague Road forever, we have a simple explanation — time flies when you're eating all of the ice cream, naturally. To celebrate scooping up its frozen dairy wares in West End for the past 24 months, La Macelleria is giving everyone a gift. That gift is $2 gelato. You just need to drop by between 12–6pm on Saturday, September 21. There'll also be a special flavour available on the day — that's yet to be announced — but you won't have any trouble finding something that tempts your tastebuds. This is a place that serves up Italian-style choc chip, rum and raisin, ricotta with caramelised figs and roasted almonds with roasted coffee beans gelato regularly, after all.
They're taking the hobbits to Isengard at Palace Cinemas James Street again this spring, with one movie marathon to rule them all. Round up the Fellowship, stock up on lembas bread for sustenance and hide your finest pipe-weed from the Southfarthing for another sitting of all three of Peter Jackson's beloved OG Tolkien film adaptations. The venue's September marathon proved such a hit, it's doing it all over again on Sunday, October 20 — and yes, you'll be watching the trio of Lord of the Rings movies in their extended forms. Kicking off with The Fellowship of the Ring and ending with The Return of the King, this cave troll of a marathon clocks in at 686 minutes, starting the journey at 10am and including 20-minute breaks between each (for breakfast and second breakfast, if you will). If you make it to the final handful of endings, you can pat yourself on the back and smash a ringwraith screech at the nearest Fortitude Valley resident on your way home (note: do not actually screech at the residents). Without a ticket, expect at least one overenthusiastic cinema staff member to make an example of you, thundering "you shall not pass!" to raucous applause. So buy a ticket, precious, for $25 (or $20 if you're a Palace movie club member).
Chop Chop Chang's banquets hold a special place in many Brisbanites' stomachs, serving up a feast of the West End eatery's dishes over one delicious and affordable meal. But if you don't eat animal products, you probably haven't experienced these culinary delights — which is where the restaurant's vegan banquet comes in. On September 17 and 24, anyone looking for a more ethically conscious option can eat their way through six vegan courses for $35. If you missed out on past vegan banquets, don't make the same mistake this time — it's not always on offer. As for the menu, you'll start with lotus root chips before digging into a tasty spread. The likes of fresh tofu and coconut miang kham, king brown mushroom yakitori and a Thai yellow curry should all get your tastebuds salivating.
Keen to celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes of Thailand, but can't make the trip abroad at the moment? Whether you're lamenting your inability to head to southeast Asia, getting your fix in-between sight-seeing visits, or simply a fan of Thai culture, cuisine and traditions, the annual Brisbane Thai Festival has you covered from 10am–7pm on Sunday, September 14. The event is expected to attract more than 15,000 patrons, so you certainly won't be alone. Don't worry — with food, booze, performances and Thai boxing demonstrations on offer, there's plenty for everyone at Brisbane's largest Thai-focused event. Indulging in all the Massaman curries you can eat, iced teas you can drink and traditional dances you can watch is only part of the equation, of course. As run by the Thai-Australian Association of Queensland Inc, the festival aims to promote and strengthen ties and harmony between the Thai and Australian communities. By heading along, you'll not only get a feast of food and entertainment — you'll be doing your cross-cultural part.
The 90s were great. That shouldn't be a controversial opinion. Whether you lived through them or have spent the last couple of decades wishing you did — aka binging on 90s pop culture — this late-night shindig at The Foundry will indulge your retro urges. Drinks, tunes, fashion: expect all of the above at the No Scrubs: 90s and Early 00s party from 11pm on Saturday, September 21. Of course, it's up to you to make sure the clothing side of thing is covered, and to get into the spirit of the party. If you want to use Mariah Carey as a style icon, it'd be fitting. Expect to unleash your inner Spice Girl and Backstreet Boy too. TLC, Destiny's Child, Savage Garden, Usher, Blink-182, No Doubt — we'd keep listing artists, but you all know what you're getting yourselves into. Tickets are $12.25 online, with the fun running through until 3am
The tequila is always flowing at El Camino Cantina, with the King Street Mexican joint well-known for its margaritas. But, as anyone who loves the agave spirit knows, there's never a bad reason to keep pouring more — and International Tequila Day couldn't be a more perfect excuse. Happening on Wednesday, July 24, the commemorative date will see everyone's favourite tequila cocktail flying off the bar. When $7.50 margaritas are on the menu, that's bound to happen. Choose from the slushie or liquid form depending on your preference, and from four flavours: mango, strawberry, tropical and spicy (with Red Bull) and the regular ol' variety. Because the occasion falls on a Wednesday, you'll also be able to tuck into $2 tacos. Even better — this is an all-day affair, so if you have time for a few drinks over lunch, or can get away from work for a chilled afternoon, then you won't go thirsty.
What do John Williams' Star Wars theme, his music from the Harry Potter franchise, Howard Shore's Lord of the Rings score and Hans Zimmer's droning Inception tunes have in common? When you hear each and every one, they instantly transport you into the world of their respective films. That's what a good piece of movie music does — whether or not the accompanying images are playing in front of you. On Saturday, November 30, all of the above pieces will also echo through QPAC's Concert Hall, with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra putting on a Blockbuster Movie Music show. You won't be watching the relevant flicks, but rather soaking in their sounds as they're all played live. Other highlights include Danny Elfman's Batman theme, the work of Howard and Zimmer across Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, Alan Silvestri's ditties for The Avengers and even a bit of John Powell's finest from How To Train Your Dragon. QSO will be performing two concerts, at 2pm and 7.30pm.
If the words 'sharing feast' usually send you running, we bet we know why: you don't eat meat, animal products, nuts or something else, and trying to make sure you can actually enjoy the food is frequently harder than it should be. Once a month, vegans can put those fears aside at Covent Garden, with the West End gin joint serving up a vegan feasting evening. Spread over two sessions — 6–8pm and 8.15–10pm — the plant and floral wallpaper-filled hangout's Garden of Vegan will dish up four courses of vegetable-heavy dishes. It all starts with tapas of celeriac and artichoke cannelloni, plus chilled tomato consommé, before moving on to stacked mezze platters. Next, mains include king brown mushroom with garlic flowers and mushroom dust, and baked potatoes with spring onion, olive oil and herbs. As for dessert, expect banana bread, mango and coconut. That's just a sample of the food on offer on Thursday, October 11, with bookings taken for tables of two at $74 per couple — and last time, the event sold out, so reserving early is recommended. There'll also be Garden of Vegan cocktails available, though they'll cost you extra. Updated October 7.
If you're a fan of Nutella, then you likely live by one rule: when it comes to the chocolate-hazelnut spread, you can never have enough. Of course, just how you interpret that idea is up to you. Maybe you slather your bread with it every morning for breakfast. Perhaps you always opt for whichever Nutella dessert is on any given menu. Or, you could head down the highway for a dedicated Nutella Festival. Helensvale's NightQuarter is throwing the latter from 2–8pm on Saturday, September 15. We recommend arriving hungry. Entry costs $3 and you'll need to pay for whatever Nutella creations you'd like to eat or drink, but this fest is rather devoted to combining its favourite ingredient with, well, everything. On the sweet side, there's Nutella doughnuts, gelato, ice cream cookie sandwiches, churros, mousse and fudge. From the usually savoury camp, there's Nutella pizza, toasties, calzone and sliders, too. Drinks-wise, there'll be Nutella milkshakes, shots and cocktails. There's more to eat and drink — but if you're wondering what else there could possibly be, just think of a dish and imagine adding Nutella to it.
We're all sculptors. Don't believe us? If you've ever taken a bucket, filled it with sand, plonked it onto the shore and shaped it with your bare hands, then you've sculpted something. With that it mind, it makes sense that part of the Gold Coast would celebrate the art form on its beach — but there's more than just sandcastles on offer. Returning for its 16th outing from September 14 to 23, SWELL Sculpture Festival features everything from salvaged items to installations to small-scale sculptures, plus projection art, live music, guided twilight walks and artist talks as well. In total, the ten-day festival brings over 45 works to Currumbin Beach for an event that attracts more than 275,000 visitors each year. While most of the program is free and simply involves walking along the sand, if you'd like to spend some cash, you can also learn a few new skills. The ticketed lineup includes classes on life drawing, sculpting from reality and painting the landscape while you're out amongst it. Image: Rowly Emmett Photography.
You don't have to go to Tokyo to enjoy an immersive Japanese experience. You can, of course. You should — at some point. There's really nowhere else in the world quite like it. But if you're eager to eat like you're already there, watch performances and take part in cultural activities, you can save yourself the airfare at the Matsuri Japanese Festival. Your bank account will thank you, and you'll take care of that travel nagging envy for an afternoon. A one-day celebration coming to Mount Gravatt Showgrounds from 12–5pm on Saturday, September 8, it's Brisbane's own ode to the country that brought us sushi, katsu, yakitori, sake, matcha lattes and more. Expect to find more than a few things from that list on offer, and plenty of things to see and do as well. Admission is free and, like every great cultural festival, you can expect a little bit of everything that makes Japan so ace.
Sushi is a great all-occasion meal — it suits for a quick lunch on the go, a last-minute takeaway dinner or casual catchup with a mate. And this Redcliffe joint will work for any of the above. When it comes to feasting, Sushi Nikko's fresh sushi will have you and your friends flipping a coin over the last piece. There's something on the menu for everyone from miso soup to rice bowls and everything in between. The sashimi and sushi bento box is deservedly popular and the spicy karaage chicken is a winner for those who like things a little fiery.
It's happening again. Another one of those dates dedicated to a specific dish is upon us, this time National Carbonara Day on Thursday, April 6. As usual, no one needs an excuse to enjoy this pasta option. If you prefer your spaghetti or fettuccine with eggs, hard cheese, cured pork and black pepper, go forth and devour whenever you like. Still, when there's a whole Carbonara Festival on offer, that's worth marking the occasion. Fortitude Valley's La Costa is your new home for all things carbonara from Tuesday, April 4–Sunday, April 9. And it isn't just sticking with the classic spaghetti carbonara option, although that's definitely on the menu — including as a set dish with a carbonara entree and a glass of wine for $29. Fancy trying carbonara arancini, bruschetta and loaded fries? That's what a carbonara fest is all about. Pick one to go with your spaghetti and you'll be in carbonara heaven. You'll also say the word "carbonara" so much that it'll begin to mean either everything or nothing. The set menu can also get paired with bottomless wine or beer for an extra $20, and you'll have 90 minutes to get sipping. Prefer to at your way through a one-kilogram pan of spaghetti carbonara for $35? That's also on the cards.
Late in 2018, Felons Brewing Co gave Brisbane a gift we didn't know we needed: the city's first CBD riverside brewery. Since then, there's never been a bad time to stop by the boozy Howard Smith Wharves spot, especially if you like brews and waterside views — but on Tuesday, April 25, it'll be throwing two-up into the mix as well. Running from 11am, Felons' ANZAC Day event will let beer-loving patrons mark the day with games and beers. Attendees can also expect to see historical cars on display throughout the precinct, especially if you spend the day hanging out on the brewery lawn. The usual menu will keep your stomach satisfied, which means tucking into pizzas, burgers, steaks, meatballs, wings and prawn cocktails. And, you can also do more than raise a glass to Australia's servicemen and servicewomen by donating to the folks from the New Farm RSL, who'll be on hand all day.
As part of the flurry of streaming services always competing for our eyeballs, FanForce TV joined the online viewing fold during the COVID-19 pandemic as a pay-per-view platform. The service runs all year round, of course, but it goes the extra mile for National Reconciliation Week, which is when it hosts the First Nations Film Festival (previously known as the Virtual Indigenous Film Festival). In 2023, that event will take place between Tuesday, May 30–Saturday, June 3, all solely online. The returning fest will focus on something different on each of the five days, starting with the Richard Bell-focused documentary You Can Go Now, then moving onto documentaries Alick and Albert and The Lake of Scars. There's also shorts by up-and-coming First Nations talent, plus anthology feature We Are Still Here as the fest's big finale. At this at-home screen celebration, you'll enjoy watching your way through an array of Aussie content focused on Indigenous stories, spanning both dramas and documentaries — and exploring race relations in the process. Viewers can tune in on a film-by-film basis, or buy an all-access pass to tune into everything. Movies screen at set times, running twice each day: at 1pm and 7pm AEST.
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 Every Day 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 has since expanded the deliciousness across all of July, which remains the case in 2024. From Monday, July 1–Wednesday, July 31, the Italian chain will be adding truffles to crostini, arancini, lasagne, raviolone and pizza — so that's five Italian staples covered. And, you can add shaved truffles to any a la carte menu item for $12 as well. You'll need something to wash all of the above down with, so truffle negronis and truffle sours are also on offer. Every Day We're Truffling is taking place at all SMC venues during its month-long period, which spans 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.
Ever wanted to see your favourite bands kick a few goals, and help support a good cause at the same time? For more than three decades, the Reclink Community Cup has been turning musos into footy players for an annual charity Aussie rules match. Before the pandemic, the Melbourne game would draw more than 10,000 people and raise over $100,000 each year. Sydney's match had been going strong for years too — and the cup finally came to Brisbane in 2016 (if you're wondering, the musos took it out). Now, for Brisbanites, the Reclink Community Cup is back again for another round. Come Sunday, July 28, 2024, the city's music community will descend upon Enoggera Memorial Park to put their sporting prowess to the test. Two teams will take to the field: The Rocking Horses, featuring players from an array of Brissie acts; and the Brisbane Lines, filled with a crew of journos, industry staff general music-related folks. Playing for the musos: members of Powderfinger, The Church, Birds of Tokyo, Tape/Off, Nice Biscuit, First Beige, Whalehouse, Flamingo Blonde, Shag Rock, Mitch, Please and more. Staff from 4ZZZ, ABC Sport, Rebel FM, Dew Process, Gyrostream, QMusic, The Princess Theatre and Incremental Records — among others — make up the opposition team. The Community Cup isn't just about getting another dose of the live AFL action, though (as ace as the prospect of more footy always is). Given that rock stars are involved, live music is part of the proceedings as well, with Full Flower Moon Band, Betty Taylor and S.A.B on the bill. And, food-wise, expect food trucks ready to fill your ravenous stomachs, plus bars to quench your thirst. Watching bands play both music and footy is hungry work, after all — and goes down well with a cold one. Every dollar raised from ticketing goes towards Reclink's efforts to improve the lives of Queenslanders suffering from disability, homelessness, substance abuse and economic hardship through participation in sport and the arts. Yep, whoever emerges victorious from the game, a heap of deserving folks will be the real winners. Images: NJA Photography, Allan Allport and Firemark Media. Updated Monday, July 22, 2024.
Three decades ago, slipping into a habit and singing turned out mighty well for Sister Act. The music-filled comedy became the sixth biggest box-office hit of 1992, slipping in behind Aladdin, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Batman Returns, Lethal Weapon 3 and A Few Good Men. It also spawned a sequel and a musical, while word of a third movie has been floating around for years. Filled with songs like 'Rescue Me', 'My Guy' and 'I Will Follow Him', the soundtrack was also a smash — and that's what Naomi Price and Adam Brunes' theatre outfit The Little Red Company is paying tribute to with Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves. The show busts out the tunes, including 'Oh Happy Day' and 'Joyful, Joyful' from Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, in an energetic and affectionate stage celebration. This is The Little Red Company's familiar remit; see also: Christmas Actually and Skyfall: The Music of James Bond. Here, Prinnie Stevens, Angela Fabian, Irena Lysiuk and Alisha Todd are doing the singing, backed by a live band. Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves' 2023 season at Brisbane Powerhouse runs from Wednesday, July 26–Saturday, July 29. Images: Steph Do Rozario.
