If you've got a penchant for parchment, Pepe's Paperie is the perfect place to indulge in all your stationery needs. Pens, notebooks, journals, leather goods, and decadent gift wrap are in abundance in the Paddington store. Inspired by a love of fine Italian stationary, Pepe's Paperie prides itself on the quality, luxury and stylish nature of the products sourced and stocked from Australia and around the world. The Paddington store is housed in an old Queenslander, that oozes charm and inspires letter-sending.
There is no better feeling then rolling into a deliciously comfortable bed at the end of the day. Sheets on the Line is committed to helping Brisbane have the best night's sleep. Sheets, cushions and quilts galore, all products are designed in Australia and produced with the highest quality, certified organic cotton from India. But it doesn't stop at the bedroom, Sheets on the Line also stock towels and homewares to help customers achieve the comforable, home lifestyle they desire.
If you want to devour something a little different, be sure to check out Scrumptious Reads. Born out of a passion for food and books it is the perfect place to fuel your cookbook obsession and inpsire an appetite for the kitchen. A visit to this specialty culinary bookstore is sure to satisfy any hunger for gastronomical literature. Beyond the books, the store acts as a hub for the Brisbane foodie community, hosting culinary events such as wine master classes, and food and beverage pairing dinners.
Whether you're a city slicker or certified survivalist, enjoying life on an outback station is an unforgettable experience. Fortunately, the areas surrounding Cunnamulla are home to a number of historic farmlands that welcome visitors for outdoor adventures and backcountry camping. One such example is Franc Villers Station, which features serene unpowered camping sites alongside a picturesque dam. Here, you're welcome to fish, swim or just relax in the country air. Meanwhile, Nulla Station offers camping along the Warrego River right beside a wildlife reserve, with a network of tributaries and rocky outcrops offering self-guided explorations. Head to the website to choose from a variety of accomodation options. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
The Single Guys: not the latest dating app, but rather a local specialty coffee roasting company and cafe in Kenmore. The boys behind the business are dedicated to all things coffee and seek to supply the finest single-origin beans in Brisbane. You can purchase their products online or stop by their suburban cafe and let them do the brewing for you. If you find yourself in the 'hood, be sure to indulge in a frothy flat white, lavish latte or creamy cappuccino topped with real chocolate shavings. The Single Guys prove their place is in the kitchen. The menu is full of all-day fare, from humble sourdough toast with spreads ($6 for two slices) to a brilliant Bircher muesli with quinoa, chia seeds, coconut yoghurt, honey and nuts ($13). If there's one reason to keep coming back to the Single Guys, it's got to be the Fruity French Toast with rosewater rhubarb, pistachios, creme anglais and Persian floss. There's also a winning B 'HAL' T — a take on the classic BLT but with the very welcome additions of grilled haloumi and rocket pesto ($13.5). A selection of cakes and pastries adorn the countertop — sometimes including gluten-free, cake-like nodo donuts — which are as eye-catching as the men in aprons behind it.
When visiting East Brisbane's The Smug Fig, you might place your order in a shipping container; however the bright blue gateway to the cafe isn't a sign of stripped-back things to come. For those looking to grab a coffee and go, the counter doubles as an easy exterior access point. For those wanting to stick around for a meal, it's just the beginning of your breakfast experience. A spacious interior, set over a wooden deck and gazing upon walls painted with blue and white flora and fauna, greets those who venture inside for the latter. A small but delicious menu does as well. Here, it's the taste — not the size — that matters. Substantial lunchtime offerings will join the selection of taste bud-tempting cakes and other offerings later in September, though the brekkie lineup could easily satisfy stomachs hungry around midday for the moment. They include a brie and double smoked ham omelette, the Smug Bennie that adds asparagus to the usual mix, and the aptly titled BAE — because who doesn't love bacon, balsamic tomato and sourdough multigrain with your chosen style of eggs? Find The Smug Fig at 999 Stanley Street East, East Brisbane. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Get ready to chow down on mouthwatering Neil Perry hamburgers. Since opening in Sydney's World Square in October 2014, the celebrity chef's high-end fast food joint Burger Project has become a favourite with Sydney foodies, serving up a variation of his iconic Rockpool beef burger at a fraction of the price. The burger joint has since expanded to Melbourne and, after announcing back in May last year that Burger Project will be coming to Brisbane, Perry has finally opened the doors. You can find the new store on ground level at the new Southport precinct in South Bank. The venue, which boasts big floor-to-ceiling windows, has room for 60 burger fiends inside and another 30 outside. So, what exactly do they serve at The Burger Project, anyway? Well, Perry is sticking closely to the winning World Square formula, so you can expect a variety of tried-and-tested tasty burgers including the Magic Mushroom, the spicy fried chicken katsu and of course the classic American cheeseburger. For dessert, dive into one of their decadent ice cream creations such as the Blueberry Pie or The Bounty Hunter with vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate sauce, toasted coconut and crushed meringue. The Brisbane Burger Project will also be the first outlet to offer breakfast. They'll switch out their regular menu for bacon and egg (and mushroom and egg) burgers, BLTs, potato gems and coffee from Melbourne's Market Lane from 8–11am daily. The South Bank store is the eighth Burger Project to open around the country, and the first in Brisbane. Neil Perry's Rockpool Group was acquired by the Urban Purveyor Group last year, and, as the newly formed Rockpool Dining Group, they plan to open more stores here this year. By Tom Clift and Lauren Vadnjal.
No one has ever just wanted to eat one lonely little chicken wing. Few among us have ever stopped at two, three or less than half a dozen, for that matter. One of the easiest dishes to consume copious amounts of, wings have inspired many a dedicated eatery — and all-you-can-eat joint Chook Wings and Beer is Brisbane's latest such establishment. The newest eatery from the folks behind Phat Elephant, Phat Boy, Chapter IV, Asian Republic and Brisbane Chai Thai, this chicken haven is the city's new go-to for endless piles of its eponymous food. Now open in The Hamptons' former site on Gerler Road at Hendra, it serves up all the pieces you can handle (and, let's be honest, probably more pieces than you should) for $21.90. You'll also be feasting on unlimited sides as part of the buffet, which includes fries, fried rice and salads. And for covering and dipping those wings, eight sauces will be available, with buffalo, barbecue, and sour cream and chive all on the lineup. Fancy something other than wings? Both beef and chicken burgers are available, as well as teriyaki chicken and Japanese curry with chicken. And, with beer also part of Chook Wings and Beer's name, it's serving up a hefty selection of brews — think James Squire, VB, Corona and more, plus a selection of ciders.
When Sydney Film Festival looks backwards in 2025, as it does every year with a featured retrospective, it'll be following in its own footsteps several times over. The work of Iranian director Jafar Panahi has graced its screens again and again over the fest's history. More than a decade ago, in 2011, a retrospective just like this also highlighted some of his movies alongside those of his compatriot Mohammad Rasoulof, in fact. Long may this trend continue; a filmmaker this bold and daring should always be in the spotlight. Panahi's body work speaks for itself — and also speaks to his ongoing fight to chronicle contemporary Iran and the reality of life for its people, a battle that he's kept waging despite repercussions regularly coming his way. By his nation's ruling regime, the writer/director has been banned from filmmaking, and also from travel. He's been arrested and imprisoned as well. Indeed, it isn't just his movies that send a message of resistance; his quest to make them, to retain the right to do so, and the pursuit of freedom that goes with that ceaseless campaign, is also a statement. SFF's 2025 Jafar Panahi: Cinema in Rebellion program is celebrating its namesake with a program of all ten of his features, all screening across the festival's dates of Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15. From 1995's The White Balloon to 2022's No Bears, audiences can witness Panahi's progression as a filmmaker — and how his exploration of existence in Iran, especially for women and others suffering oppression and censorship (including himself), has evolved and solidified over almost three decades. With every one of his titles, SFF attendees will also watching be award-winning pictures. The White Balloon gave Panahi his first Cannes accolade, for best first film. Then 1997's The Mirror took home the Locarno International Film Festival's Golden Leopard, 2000's The Circle nabbed Venice's Golden Lion, 2003's Crimson Gold earned an Un Certain Regard prize back at Cannes and 2006's Offside collected a Silver Bear in Berlin. More Cannes love came for 2011's This Is Not a Film (the Carrosse d'Or at the Director's Fortnight) and 2018's Three Faces (for best screenplay), plus more Berlin recognition for 2013's Closed Curtain (another Silver Bear) and 2015's Tehran Taxi (the Golden Bear), and more again from Venice for No Bears (a Special Jury Prize).
There's something oh-so-relaxing about staring at the sea, even if you're feasting your eyes on the water via the big screen. That's the concept behind the Ocean Film Festival Australia. You can't always spend all your time at the beach, by the river or in a pool — but you can spend an evening peering at the next best thing in a cinema. For four nights in April, the festival will unleash a cinematic feast of water-focused wonders onto the silver screen at Brisbane Powerhouse. This is the event's 12th year, and it's heading by from Wednesday, April 2–Saturday, April 5. Sessions screen at 7pm each night, and there's also a 2pm session on the Saturday. Film-wise, viewers will spend time both above and below the ocean's surface thanks to a compilation of shorts from around the world. You can normally expect to chase big waves, explore a range of sea life and get a hefty ocean rush, plus a heap of other sea adventures. The full program is united by a love of the ocean, an appreciation of the creatures who dwell in its waters and a curiosity to explore the substance that comprises more than two-thirds of the earth. It's the next best thing to diving in, all without getting wet.
Consider Dine BNE City the festival that does both: kicking off winter, it gets Brisbanites eating and sipping out of the house, patronising the River City's restaurants and bars; it also serves up wallet-friendly deals that let you wine and dine without busting your budget. Luxe experiences are equally on the menu at this month-long event, but snapping up a special for lunch, dinner or drinks is the main attraction. For 2025, it's back for the entirety of June again, although it officially starts on Friday, May 30 with annual outdoor feast Fireside at St Stephen's Cathedral. This year's launch event will again combine openair dining — with dishes on offer from Dark Shepherd, Naldham House's The Brasserie and The Fifty Six, plus Doughcraft and Walter's Steakhouse; the drinks come courtesy of Club Felix — with entertainment under the stars. Expect to tuck into prawn saganaki, lamb souvlaki, baked Queensland blue swimmer crab and sweet treats from the crumble station, as soundtracked by DJs and live music. That's how Dine BNE City is beginning for 2025. Returning for the fifth time after initially starting in 2021 when Brisbane's dining scene was struggling through the early part of the pandemic, the festival's latest lineup spans more special events, plus reasons to make plans for every lunchtime, after-work drinks and dinner across the month. In the first category, the Urban Wine Walk is strolling around the CBD, Tillerman is doing banquet lunches, Gather Bistro is putting on Friday-night parties, and Naldham House has everything from five-course truffle dinners to high tea and bubbles on its itinerary. If lunch is your favourite meal of the day, the Let's Do Lunch program features specials for $25 and $35. The first price point includes two courses with a drink at Cheeky Poke, a BLT and a beer at Santa Monica, pinza and beer at Doughcraft, a burger and beer at Gather Bistro, and either slow-braised pork belly or golden skin chicken at New Shanghai, among other options. The second expands your picks to gnocchi at overwater restaurant Stilts, a Japanese set menu at Tenya, one of three mains choices at Brisbane Phoenix, the same with French-inspired Vietnamese at Longwang, chicken or beef shawarma at Little Miss Sunshine, and steak and salad at The Walnut, to name just a few deals. For dinner, prices vary — but you could be sharing paella at Mulga Bill's, also getting communal at Babylon Brisbane, tucking into a Donna Chang mini banquet, enjoying Boom Boom Room's yakitori showcase, digging into Harajuku Gyoza's salaryman banquet and seeing how much you can handle at Navala Churrascaria's all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ experience. A tasting menu at The Lex, Matt Moran's slow-roast lamb shoulder at Riverbar & Kitchen, $30 lobster brioche with bubbles at Hibiscus Bar & Terrace: add them to your list as well. Or, make the most of the city's after-work bar scene, including for bao and beverages at Luc Lac, wagyu beef sandos with Moscow mules at The Charles, skewer platters and umeshu at Bar 1603, a French spread with bubbles at Pompette, oysters and champagne at Rothwell's, and spritzes and charcuterie at Blackbird.
Maybe you really love Patrick Swayze. Perhaps you just need some more terracotta or ceramics in your life. Or, the idea of pottering around a clay-based showcase and finding pottery pieces — for yourself or as gifts — could just be your idea of a great Saturday. Whichever category you fall into, head on over to Clayschool's Summer Show for 2024. Browse, buy, support local artists — it's the ultimate exhibition-slash-market. In fact, the event's organisers have dubbed it "Brisbane's biggest day of pottery". 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 is less than a month away, so this timing is mighty handy for you to pick up something special for someone special (yes, that includes for yourself). It's all taking place at Vacant Assembly on Montague Road in West End from 8am–4pm on Saturday, November 30. Images: Jennifer Hillhouse.
When there's an occasion worth celebrating, Brisbane Quarter joins in. So, now that Lunar New Year is upon us for 2025, the inner-city precinct is doing just that. The CBD spot is marking the Year of the Snake with a day of roving lion dances and — in great news for your stomach — special menu options for a couple of weeks. For the dances, you'll need to make a date on Wednesday, January 29. The performance is free, taking place at 7pm. Between Tuesday, January 28–Monday, February 10, gathering the gang is recommended at Brisbane Phoenix. The restaurant is doing indulgent group feasts across the two weeks, including a ten-course version for six or ten people — for $1688 and $2288 respectively. On the menu: flaming lobster, salmon sashimi salad with flying fish caviar, steamed scampi, black moss dried scallop and oyster, slow-cooked pork hock with truffle oil and more. Fancy an a la carte selection instead? That's also an option. [caption id="attachment_939762" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Claudia Baxter[/caption]
It doesn't matter whether you’re a high school student and learning the ropes of Shakespeare, a connoisseur who reads him religiously in your past time, or simply someone with an affinity for charming prose - everyone can recognise Will’s signature words. If the quotes “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?”, “Out damn spot!” and “All the world’s a stage” pique your interest, how does a production of As You Like It sound? La Boite Theatre Company are putting on their third Shakespearean installment in as many years, and it's going to be a big one. For those who need a brush up on the storyline, As You Like It sees characters Rosalind, Cecelia and Touchstone the Jester flee into the Forest of Arden where love and lust, cross-dressing and mischievous activities occur. The cast chosen to bring this particular production to life are a mixture of professional actors such as leads Helen Howard and Thomas Larkin, plus the best QUT and SIT have to offer. Artistic Director David Berthold has said this is La Boite’s biggest production to date and many also regard As You Like It as Shakespeare’s most humorous work, so disregard Shakespeare’s cry about 'too much of a good thing' and pick up your tickets quick sticks.
Darlings, everyone knows fashion week parties are more important than the actual runway shows. The whole point of these annual get-togethers is to see who’s had plastic surgery recently and who is sleeping with whom. Just because Brisbane may not be on the same scale as New York doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the bitchy fun - this Friday night, Alhambra will come alive with champagne drinking, fashionably clad cliques for Just Another Fashion Weak Pardy. As with any good soiree, entertainment is a must and the organisers of this event have pulled through and booked some great local talent. The Jungle Giants will be launching their EP, with Tiger Beams and Galaxy supporting them. DJ sets from the John Steel Singers DJs, Lambda DJs and LL Cool James will ensure that lots of awkward dancing from people in high heels will ensue. Seeing as this event only happens once a year, do you really want to miss out on air kissing (and then silently judging people for wearing last season’s clothes)? Certainly not. Skip to it – fashion week’s not the same without it.
After a hugely successful season in 2010, Ursula Martinez invites you to meet the ordinary and extraordinary characters of her life and her inbox. After her infamous magic striptease act Hanky Panky found its way to the illicit realms of cyberspace, Martinez started receiving some unbelievable emails from perfect strangers. A combination of stand-up, live art and character comedy, this tale of confessions, obsessions, miscommunications, relationships, loneliness, sex and identity provide the framework for what happens when your privates go public. “Martinez’s stage performances look deceptively simple; but this is a contrivance that allows Martinez to undertake highly complex investigations into reality and fiction, autobiography and lies, and the nature of identity itself, her own most of all” – The Guardian. Please note: recommended for those over 18 years. May contain really boring nudity.
Darren Hanlon has been around awhile now. I remember seeing him play at the Paddington Workers Club (which isn’t there anymore) when I was twenty (which I'm not any more), and he was top notch then. I have changed significantly since I saw Darren play all those years ago, and it seems he has too. He is no longer playing small rooms at smaller bowls clubs – he's now rocking it at the Brisbane Powerhouse. On top of this, he has supported world renowned acts, including the glorious Bright Eyes, and toured the world, jet-setting as far as Latvia, Estonia and Broken Hill! Darren is a gifted storyteller, and wins over large and small audiences alike with his particular brand of gentle folk. He has released in excess of ten albums (including EPs), and this stripped back Christmas tour will see him playing a mix of songs from all of them. For this performance is he sans band, adding a little more intimacy to the gig as he serenades audiences solo. This will be the perfect little Christmas treat, relaxing with the lovely Darren, listening to his beautiful and funny stories, and sharing a little Christmas cheer. Enjoy!
Women do a multitude of things – they make up half the world’s population, carry babies until their ready to pop out into the world, and generally get a lot of good shit done. So you’d think then that they would be equally represented across all industries, especially now by the 21st century. Alas as we all know, that dream is still a tad further away but what’s helping ease the pain is GOMA’s new exhibition Contemporary Australia: Women. Celebrating the wide range of female artists, these collected works span diverse, energetic and innovative topics, and are sure to inspire all whom visit – male and female alike. It’s taking up the entire ground floor of GOMA, which for those who’ve been there can appreciate the enormity of the collection, but for those who haven’t – expect great, large things. It’s the second in the Gallery’s Australia triennial series, which has an overall aim to present a clear and coherent section of works that highlight how modern art has shaped and is continuing to shape our country. So what better opportunity to showcase and educate just how important women are in society, than by highlighting everything they’ve done so far.
If your pup has its own Instagram account and you refer to yourself as a 'fur parent', we're fairly certain you'll want in on this competition. Local pet food brand Ivory Coat wants to put your dog on the small screen. The luxe brand is currently running a Dog Search, which will see 20 lucky pooches featured in Ivory Coat's next TV commercial. All you have to do is enter your details here, along with a recent, personality-filled photo of your fur baby. All breeds and cross-breeds of all ages are welcome. Along with being featured on TV, your pup could win a portrait by a professional photographer, a pet profile on the Ivory Coat website and social media pages, and a one-year supply of Ivory Coat food. There is one catch, though: your dog needs to be an Ivory Coat consumer. So, if they've never tried the stuff, it's time to grab a bag online or head to one of your local stockists. If your pooch is a little hesitant about changing brands, Ivory Coat is made in Australia using locally sourced meat with no additives or fillers. Plus superfoods, fruits, veggies and wholegrains are mixed in or there's a grain-free option if you prefer. The pet food brand also has options for dogs (and cats) of every breed, size and age. The 20 lucky winners (humans and pooches) will need to be in Sydney for shoot between July 17–19. While NSW's borders are currently open to all domestic tourists, we suggest checking the Australian Government website before booking flights or locking in a road trip. Your doggo should be well-behaved and friendly, but it doesn't need to be dog show-level trained — understanding simple commands like 'sit' and 'stay' will do. If this sounds like your pup, now's the time to make 'em a star. Head to the Ivory Coat website for entry guidelines and T&Cs. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
As well as having a catchy name, Kangaroo Point's One Fish Two Fish always serves up a decent catch. And if you're fond of shellfish, you'll particularly agree with that statement this autumn. Throughout March, the seafood eatery is focusing on crab and crayfish. It's plating up its fancy feast for dinner on Wednesdays–Fridays and lunch on Fridays–Sundays, in fact — so get ready to treat yo'self with a five-course meal. This year's Crab and Cray Cray costs $95 per person. Tempting your tastebuds: Fraser Isle crab bruschetta (with fennel, lemon, caviar, olive oil and dill), mornay pastry triangles with crab and crayfish (served with house-made chilli jam), and grilled baby whiting stuffed with sand crab (plus pan-fried potatoes, pancetta and caramelised onion). There's also a palette cleanser of granita with blueberries and lemon between the pastries and whiting — and, for dessert warm chocolate fondant served with orange sorbet is on the menu. No, those two courses don't include crayfish or crab. Bookings are essential by contacting the venue — and drinks will cost you extra.
Heralding from Argentina, the enigmatic Juana Molina makes her Brisbane Festival debut in 2014 for a one-night-only performance guaranteed to dazzle. Described as "Spanish-sung folktronica", Molina's performances are as unique as they are playful; full to the brim with experimentation and honest passion in song. Continuing soundscapes full of surprises, never dull or anticipated. Some have attempted to pigeonhole Molina, tried to fit her into a niche genre or have compared her to other songstresses such as Beth Orton or Bjork while trying to describe her sound; one of the most admirable characteristics of Juana is her very selfness, her unique sensibilities and authentic original sound. Juana Molina is appearing in the Spielgeltent as part of Brisbane Festival 2015. Check out our wrap up of the ten best things to see at this year's festival over here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=UC2lFttTOIM
McDonald's has been serving up Big Macs and soft serve cones to Australians for 50 years, and it's been celebrating that fact throughout 2021. That's why the chain gave our tastebuds a Birthday McFlurry earlier this year, among other specials — and now the fast food giant is one-upping that limited-edition treat with a new Caramilk McFlurry. Macca's is no stranger to one-off McFlurry flavours, of course. So, you've probably tried both the good (apple pie) and the bad (bubblegum) varieties before. But Caramilk dessert mashups always take things up a few notches. That's why you've probably already sipped Caramilk cocktails, and eaten the Caramilk dessert jaffles and Caramilk Krispy Kreme doughnuts — and why you've now mentally scheduled in a date with a Caramilk McFlurry (or several). Obviously, this new sweet treat's ingredients are immensely straightforward. We all know what a McFlurry is. We all know what Caramilk is. Combine the two and voila! When it comes to this cult-favourite caramelised white chocolate, there's absolutely no need to overcomplicate things. You'll find the Caramilk McFlurry on the menu at all Australian Macca's outlets from Wednesday, October 13 — and for delivery, too. That said, it really is a limited-edition special, so it's only on offer while stocks last. McDonald's Caramilk McFlurries are available in stores Australia-wide from Wednesday, October 13 while stocks last.
If going to a theme park by day is your idea of fun and excitement, then prepare to experience your favourite pastime notched up a few levels. At Screamworld, you won't just visit Dreamworld by night, but enter a version of the famous destination overrun with zombies. Yes, the park's nine thrill rides — yes, nine — aren't the only things that will be giving your lungs a workout. Prepare to yell on the WipeOut, Giant Drop, Tower of Terror II, BuzzSaw, Cyclone, The Claw, Pandamonium, Motocoaster and TailSpin, of course. Then prepare to unleash a blood-curdling squeal as you walk through scare attraction Zombie Evilution. There, you'll wander through the town of Kevil Hill, which just happens to be teeming with undead nasties. For those less fond of such horrors, Screamworld also offers an illuminating laser show spectacular, plus music for you to dance the night away to. Yes, there really is something for everyone.
Ballet is one of those things I think every girl (and every second boy) starts when they’re little but only a few continue on once it gets hard. Luckily for us, the Queensland Ballet Company appears to have rounded up everyone who kept at it and bundled them all into their annual International Gala. This year as well as having all the homegrown talent on display, the company has hired Dutch choreographer Nils Christe to create a brand new program sure to thrill and astound fans. Of course, as usual the Artistic Director François Klaus has written an entire score that perfectly accompanies the night. There will also be guest dancers from China, Berlin, England and Singapore. Plus, you know, really pretty outfits. So if you always dreamed of being a ballet dancer, or, on the opposite end of the scale, you’re not the greatest fan of the genre, the International Gala is a great way to be introduced to what ballet can be like when it’s done well.
Brisbane's busy market scene loves an occasion. Mother's Day markets, winter markets, Christmas in July markets, spring markets, festive markets, Halloween markets — this city has seen them all, including in 2022, and will continue to do so. Accordingly, it should come as zero surprise that Christmas markets are a massive thing around town, including at Redcliffe's regular excuse to get shopping by the sea. Indeed, only the Redcliffe Christmas Twilight Market will take you browsing and buying by the Redcliffe jetty. Fancy a merry theme and an ace waterside location? That's on offer from 4–9pm on Saturday, December 10. Also on the bill: a whole Christmas wonderland set up, complete with fireworks, a sideshow alley, festive-appropriate decorations all over the place, and music and live entertainment to fit the mood. And, a heap of food stalls serving up bites to eat, and drinks, also to suit the theme. Entry is free, but you'll want your wallet for all that browsing and buying — there's usually hundreds of stalls to peruse. And yes, dressing up is welcome for this wander along Redcliffe Parade till 9pm.
Breakups do strange things to people. They have the ability to make the dumpee think that no-one in the history of humanity has ever been in a similar situation and no-one could possibly fathom the immense heartache that is being experienced. Directed by Claire Christian and Ari Palani, Escape from the Breakup Forest is a comedy that encapsulates that gut-wrenching feeling through the story of Josh. Emma, his first love, leaves him, and as a result his entire world shrinks to revolve around the sadness he feels. Refusing to leave the house, Josh battles with his anger and reduces himself to eating meals of cereal on his floor. Luckily for Josh, Curly, a hand puppet and somewhat counsellor, helps him to escape from Breakup Forest and to move on from Emma. Staring Steve Pirie, Ell Sachs and Dan Stewart, this play is a comedy about getting over yourself and realising that, as your mother has probably told you, the world does not revolve around you.
Once upon a time, an inner city coffee snob was on her way to visit family in the suburbs south of the Brisbane river. During her journey, a cute shop front on Holland Road caught her eye. Filled with vintage recycled furniture, fresh flowers and enough reading material to satisfy her magazine addiction it was the waft of freshly baked strawberry and apple muffins which lured her in. Two cups of perfectly brewed soy flat whites and a ham and cheese toasted croissant later, this little snob may have just fallen in love with Stomp Espresso, the name of this bright and cheery cafe. Moral of the story: never judge a suburb by it's fast food chains and mega malls, for a charming little cafe in the midst of all this adversity may just win your heart (and your stomach).
Written, directed by and starring Dax Shepard (Ashton Kutcher's wingman on MTV's Punk'd), Hit & Run is a romantic action-comedy that'll make you laugh just by watching dreadlocked Bradley Cooper as crazed gang member Alex Dmitri. Unable to escape their past, former getaway driver Charlie Bronson (Dax Shepard) jeopardizes his witness protection identity in order to get his girlfriend (Kristen Bell) to an important job interview. However, things don't go according to plan. Hit & Run is in cinemas from September 6. Concrete Playground has 10 double passes to giveaway to see Hit & Run. For a chance to win, make sure you're subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
Perpetually moody rockers Sonic Youth are selling some of their vintage equipment and gear in order to raise money for Shelter Box USA, a charity devoted to responding "instantly to natural and manmade disasters by delivering boxes of aid to those who are in most need." The band has already put several items up for sale on eBay with more expected to come in the next few days. For those interested there is a xylophone that was used in the recording of Daydream Nation's 'Kissability', a 1970s Rhythm Ace Drum Machine, a very odd looking glockenspiel, an array of guitar road weary guitar cases complete with band stickers and even a custom-made mixer that was built for the band and used on stage by bass guitarist and vocalist Kim Gordon. So far the best buy looks like the xylophone, which is by far the cheapest item going for just $50. But then again it is hard to go past a vintage 1970s drum machine. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rK9QkjXm0I8
It's just a jump to the left. And then a detour down to the Schonell Theatre for an evening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and Floor Show. Prepare for a debaucherous night courtesy of Dr. Frank N. Furter, as you marvel at vintage Susan Sarandon, and wish like hell you had legs like Tim Curry. Oh, and as any Rocky Horror fan worth their fishnets knows, the only way to see this Science Fiction Double Feature is decked out in full raucous regalia. Audience participation is actively encouraged, including dancing in the aisles, and the accompanying floor show comes courtesy of performance troop, Cards 4 Sorrow. Saucy good fun - bookings are essential. Image: 20th Century Fox.
UPDATE, December 24, 2020: The Lodge is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. When a horror movie takes its title from a house, home, cabin or other structure, nothing good will happen within those walls. Indeed, when a film boasts a name like The Cabin in the Woods, The Last House on the Left or The Orphanage, it starts creeping people out — or at least evoking a considerable sense of foreboding — long before the first frames even roll. Unsurprisingly, The Lodge fits the mould perfectly. There's a lodge, naturally. It's in the middle of nowhere, of course, and it's further isolated by the expanse of ice and snow that surrounds it for miles. Inside, strange things happen, too. But don't go thinking that Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala's (Goodnight Mommy) slow-burning psychological thriller just sticks to an easy formula. Before taking viewers to the feature's eponymous abode, the writer/director team visit two other houses: the home of journalist Richard (Richard Armitage), where kids Aidan (Jaeden Martell) and Mia (Lia McHugh) are being dropped off for the weekend; and that of his estranged wife Laura (Alicia Silverstone), who he's just told that he wants a divorce. Neither place particularly sparkles with joy, especially after Laura reacts to her marital breakdown — and the fact that Richard is planning to wed his younger girlfriend Grace (Riley Keough) within months — in a far more drastic fashion than just exclaiming "as if!". Afterwards, Aidan and Mia aren't thrilled about their new stepmother-to-be either, or the fact that she'll be joining them and their dad at the family lodge over Christmas. They're especially suspicious given that Grace isn't just the new woman in their father's life but, as a child, was the only survivor of a doomsday cult's suicide pact — which Richard literally wrote the book on. It's not hard to guess what happens next: they all go to the lodge, unease spreads and, after Richard heads back to the city to work for a few days, the situation explodes between Aidan, Mia and Grace. And while that may seem like as stock-standard a horror storyline (or family drama plot) as holidaying in a remote cabin, Franz and Fiala know how to mould even the most straightforward setup into something distinctive, chilling and disturbing. Their secret weapon: ambiguity. It's what made the aunt-and-nephew team's first feature, unsettling Austrian creepfest Goodnight Mommy, work such a charm as well. When The Lodge's central trio all awake to find a blizzard settling in, the power and water cut off, and all their food and warm clothes gone, there are a couple of perfectly reasonable explanations — but the possibility that something more sinister could be afoot also feels just as plausible. Cue a perturbing film that doesn't just ooze uncertainty, but embraces it, dwells in it and splashes it across the screen at every turn. That applies to the characters as well as to the audience, with mistrust and paranoia sparking plenty of questions on-screen and off. Grace wonders if Aidan and Mia are messing with her, the kids ponder whether their future stepmum's horrific past might be seeping into their present, and they all eventually suspect bigger, stranger causes. And, intimating that more than one answer might apply, Franz, Fiala and their co-writer Sergio Casci keep absolutely everyone guessing. Also adding another layer of queries: the movie's frequent, lingering glimpses at Mia's astonishingly detailed doll's house, which is filled with miniature versions of the exact same sights and scenes playing out in the lodge. If said doll's house reminds you of Hereditary and its disquieting diorama, that's understandable. They're made by different filmmakers, and The Lodge was in the works long before Hereditary premiered and became an instant cult horror hit, but the two films are kindred spirits. There's no limit on tragedy-fuelled explorations of family tensions, grief and distressing occurrences, after all — and no limit on atmospheric explorations of all of the above, either. Indeed, seeing how Franz and Fiala twist these familiar elements into something unique ranks among The Lodge's highlights. Mood-driven filmmakers, they ratchet up the eeriness with skill and style, firmly taking the film in its own direction. That said, for all its pinpoint-effective ambiguity, needling sights and sounds, and agitating ambience, The Lodge might've still proven generic. It could've just come across as a routine mashup of Goodnight Mommy and Hereditary, too, albeit an assured and eye-catching one. That's if it didn't have Keough at its core — and her impact in this supremely well-crafted film cannot be underestimated. As a horror device, uncertainty only works if audiences genuinely believe that multiple outcomes could be possible, which is the case here thanks to Keough's rattling performance. In her bone-chilling stare and gut-wrenching screams, Grace is a clear trauma victim. In her jittery behaviour, she's also a source of immense stress and apprehension for Aidan and Mia. Viewers never quite know whether to be frightened of Grace or to be frightened with Grace, with the Mad Max: Fury Road, American Honey and Logan Lucky actor selling both options. Serving up a nerve-shattering onslaught of psychological thrills, The Lodge leans into that anxiety-sparking uncertainty as far as it can go. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN4E-NV2bpo
UPDATE, November 25, 2020: The Man Who Killed Don Quixote is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, SBS On Demand, Google Play and YouTube Movies. Has there ever been a filmmaker more suited to a story than Terry Gilliam and Don Quixote? In trying to get his adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes' 16th-century novel off the ground for three decades, the Monty Python alum shares many a trait with the literary hero — they're both dreamers driven to persevere, and to see the world as they choose, regardless of the factors stacked against them. Given that Gilliam's The Man Who Killed Don Quixote has been in and out of production since 1989, the odds were rarely in the film's favour. Given that he turned a past failed shoot into making-of documentary Lost in La Mancha, it seemed like this movie would never come to fruition. But Gilliam kept toiling as funding came and went, and cast members too. Everyone from Johnny Depp, Ewan McGregor and Jack O'Connell to Jean Rochefort, Robert Duvall, Michael Palin and John Hurt have been attached to the project at various points. Starring Adam Driver and Jonathan Pryce, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote now definitely exists, as if Gilliam willed it into being with the sheer force of his undying dedication. If you still feel like you need to see the film with your own two eyes to believe that it has finally been unleashed onto the world, that's perfectly understandable. Awaiting in this comic adventure is an obvious passion project — the clear product of a single-minded talent with a specific vision, boundless enthusiasm and the willingness to devote a big chunk of his life to a particular cause. It's also gleefully anarchic, a missive on both making and being transformed by movies, and a romantic ode to the unflinching combination of fantasy and fortitude. A straightforward version of the tale, this isn't. Instead, Gilliam steeps his filmmaker protagonist, Toby Grisoni (Driver), in several layers of Don Quixote connections. (If you're wondering how much humour the writer-director brings to the movie, he co-wrote the screenplay with his Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas scribe Tony Grisoni, who, yes, has an immensely similar name to The Man Who Killed Don Quixote's main character.) In Spain shooting a Quixote-themed commercial and sleeping with his boss' (Stellan Skarsgård) wife (Olga Kurylenko), Toby is reminded of his last visit to La Mancha, when he made a black-and-white version of the classic story for his student film. Alas, journeying down memory lane, and reuniting with shoemaker-turned-leading man Javier (Pryce), has repercussions. As Toby discovers, Javier has spent the past decade or so thinking that he really is the chivalrous knight. Spying the director's familiar face doesn't snap him out of it; rather, he believes that Toby is his squire and sidekick Sancho Panza. When Pryce's Javier bellows "you think you can hide from me?" while immersing Toby in his fanciful quest, it doubles as The Man Who Killed Don Quixote's statement of intent. This flick spent so many years eluding audiences, and now it's determined not only to exist, but to go forth and prosper on its own terms. Go forth, Gilliam does — with the feverish inventiveness that made his early greats such as Brazil and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen such delights, and with a sense of spectacle and occasion to go with it. But there's no mistaking that the filmmaker has much in common with the movie's cynical on-screen filmmaker, too. He knows the reality of his chosen business, and how difficult and convoluted it can be. He also knows what's at stake when you don't follow your dreams. Perhaps that's why The Man Who Killed Don Quixote is so joyous, even when it's ambling about and feeling more than a little shambolic in sections. The film is the product of a guiding hand who's pursuing his passion, is aware of the costs and challenges, and knows that anything worth having is worth working and fighting for. More than that, he's decided that the fruits of his sacrifice and labour are worth sharing as well. As a result, every frame, whether rollicking across dusty plains or literally tilting at windmills, is infused with a can-do, must-do, never-say-die attitude. And while they mightn't have been the director's original choices, Driver and Pryce's intensely committed performances possess the same spirit. After spending so long lost in La Mancha, Gilliam has found his way out, and he's in great company. The twist: even when this loony labour of love proves unsurprisingly indulgent, audiences will still want to get lost in the madcap epic along with him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pf17xRtthc
If you're one to track down wholesome treats on Instagram — particularly sweet bites of the vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free variety — then you've probably come across Ines Scholtes's feed. But sharing an image of an aesthetically advanced dish is one thing — whipping them up everyday and selling them in a cafe is quite another. But with Mylk + Ko, Scholtes is setting out to do just that. The New Farm cafe opens its doors on Sunday, February 5, and aims to bring the aspiring pastry chef-turned-lawyer-turned cafe owner's nourishing, dietary requirement-friendly fare to the hungry Merthyr Road masses. That includes caramel slices, cookies, cakes and more in a significant range of raw, vegan and gluten-free varieties. Snickers mousse, anyone? How about Nutella cake, or raw peanut butter and jelly cheesecake? Red velvet waffles? "You should be able to nourish your body and make your tastebuds dance at the same time," says Scholtes of Mylk + Ko's menu, which also features its namesake mylkshakes, using almond and soy milk, plus other non-dairy alternatives. Allpress coffees, smoothies and fresh cold-pressed juices help round out the selection, making the cafe a daytime pit-stop dream for anyone after something indulgent but healthy. Plus, consider Mylk + Ko's initial offerings just the beginning of a broader range of all-round goodness. In the future, Scholtes plans to add cooking classes and talks to the eatery's array of delights, plus something to satisfy sweet cravings when evening hits: a nighttime dessert bar. Mylk + Ko opens on Sunday, February 5 at 1/148 Merthyr Road, New Farm. Keep an eye on their website and Instagram feed for further details.
When it's summertime and the weather is fine, W Brisbane puts its poolside area to work hosting shindigs with a splash. Now that the frosty seasons is definitely upon Brissie, however, it's going in the opposite direction. At Winter Reloaded at Wet Deck, rugging up, getting cosy, eating stomach-warming bites and knocking back toasty cocktails are all on the agenda — and making the most of an après-ski pop-up, too. Pretend you're in the Swiss Alps without leaving Brisbane, with ski gondolas, firepits and wintry decor all part of the fun. To hang out in one of the gondolas, though, you'll need to book in for a VIP experience. It costs $89 per person, requires between two and four people and will get you your own gondola for 90 minutes. And, it includes gruyere fondue, plus Veuve Clicquot Brut with spoons of yuzu and orange caviar. Otherwise, you can simply stop by until Wednesday, August 31, get comfy under knit blankets and on cushions, and make your way through the menu. As well as that fondue, which comes with sourdough, chorizo and broccolini dippers, there's also prawn and chorizo paella, lamb shepherd's pie, slow-cooked brisket cheeseburgers, lobster mac 'n' cheese, and baked brie with caramelised onions and pistachios, pickled figs and baguette crisps. Drinks-wise, opt for a pumpkin spice cocktail made with rye whiskey, pumpkin, pineapple, five spice, egg whites and toasted marshmallow — or a miso old fashioned made with whisky, sake, miso, shitake mushroom, soy milk, seaweed and narutomaki. There's also a French-spiked chocolate chaud, which takes a Valrhona hot chocolate topped with hazelnut orgeat foam, and adds Hennessy cognac and Frangelico. Entry to the ski lodge-style experience is free — other than that aforementioned VIP package — and you'll pay as you sip and eat.
Stuart Ringholt is an artist that specialises in a few bizarre forms of creation. In addition to his ‘conventional’ work (sculpture, video, collages), Ringholt also enjoys interactive performance art, where the line between artist and audience blurs. His participatory approach to art sets him apart from many artists of his generation. Utilising guided tours of his own work, Ringholt engages his audience in workshops and performances aimed at evoking emotion. His latest exhibition, Kraft, includes two ambitious works, 'Untitled (Clock)' and 'Club Purple'. Each work reportedly is shown with a selection of recent videos and drawings to provide context. The works were made to hopefully elicit emotional responses such as embarrassment and fear while prodding thoughtfully at insecurities. Members of the public are welcome to attend the opening night preview of the exhibition at 5pm on Saturday, August 9. Stuart Ringholt will be on hand to conduct one of his famous Anger Workshops. Kraft will be running until September 20. Be sure to check it out while you can.
Blues, Booze and BBQs is coming to MANIAX Newstead on Sunday, July 27. The event, which runs in two separate, two-hour sessions, combines axe throwing, ice-cold beers, good tunes and a barbecue showdown. The first round of the barbecue battle sees Flaming Horns Barbecue take on Peteʼs Barbecue Catering. All you have to do is taste test and vote for your favourite. The winner earns the right to return for the next showdown and has a shot at being crowned Brisbaneʼs Barbecue Champion. Once you're fuelled up and well and truly in the competitive spirit, head to the axe range and test out your range while channelling your inner Viking. Along with axe-throwing and barbecue battles, there will also be live music from Jake and the Cadillacs, and two tasting plates from Brisbaneʼs top barbecue crews. Keep yourself quenched with booze from Black Flag Brewing and Travis Fimmel's Travla. Two sessions are available from 12–2pm or 2.30–4.30pm. Spots are limited, so booking is recommended. Images: Supplied.
2014 has been a massive year for Sonic Masala. Originally started as a humble local music blog, Sonic Masala has slowly become a reputable and respected presence in the ever expanding music blog community. For a while now Sonic Masala have been hosting live shows around Brisbane with some of the coolest bands around and have even started their own record label; releasing some critically acclaimed albums this year from Roku Music and Tape/Off. Sonic Masala Fest is the biggest and most ambitious project from the blogging team to date, with heaps of local and interstate bands set to perform at Greenslopes bowls club this Saturday. If you are fan of local music you cannot pass up an opportunity to attend. The line-up is massive, seriously. Check this out: TURNPIKE ROKU MUSIC (Pictured) NARROW LANDS TAPE/OFF SPARTAK GAZAR STRIPS THE STEADY AS SHE GOES COBWEBBS SEAPLANE THE STRESS OF LEISURE BRAINBEAU BARGE WAAOI TINY MIGRANTS ANDREW TUTTLE GHOST NOTES PALE EARTH NANA VIGILANTE EL MOTEL SECRET BIRDS BOSS FIGHT + MYSTERY GUESTS... Tickets are $10 on the door. What great value for money!
Rhys Lee is a colourful artist in the most exciting way. Planes and shapes leap from the canvas, lines engage the eyes and the mind. Ethereal, transcendental subjects are mysterious yet familiar, abstract in appearance yet welcoming in a way no other artist can achieve. The works of Lee are very much to do with psychology than you might realise. They trick, refocus and absorb within the mind, forcing a second look upon subjects that are usually considered outside the societal norms yet are key components of the human condition. For Lee’s works, the significance lies not in the subject that is constructed on the plane but the process of construction itself. He lets his instincts and whims guide him; what you see is by chance, an unveiled image that was somehow guided from subconscious to physical expression. Whether his art is an attempt to cover darker meaning, or is an intriguing invitation to the deeper unknown, that is for you to decide.
Oktoberfest is in the haus! It's Brisbane's version of the German beer fest, and it's as close as you can get to the real thing without stepping out of your hinterhorf! Brisbane Oktoberfest is back at the RNA Turniergelände (show grounds) for another year of schnitzels, beer and zeitgeists galore. The origins of Oktoberfest date back to 1810, and rules from back then still apply today - like that only beer brewed in Munich can be consumed, and everyone has to wear long socks and suspenders (loljokes). Us dirty thieves have recycled the event's premise and have made it our own, although not as long, but still with a hear, hear! to all things German. There'll be plenty of Schweinebraten (roast pork), Würstl (sausages) and Brezn (pretzels), not to mention the ridiculous amount of classic German beers to go around. Also a crowd favourite is the Miss Oktoberfest competition, with the title going to the candidate that can wear the traditional dress (dirndl) with pride, be strong enough to carry numerous steins, can master new German skills quickly and who knows the most about Oktoberfest and Germany. Similarly, the Bavarian Strongman contest is a test of the true German man within (hint, there's keg rolling and a bucket race involved). Even if you don't like the taste of beer, the spirit of Brisbane's Oktoberfest is calling you to its doppelganger event for two weekends (7-9th and 14-16th). I promise it won't be shizenhousen!
When it comes to eating dessert in Brisbane, it's worth remembering two things — particularly if you're partial to hefty helpings of frozen dairy products. Firstly, there's never a bad time for ice cream or gelato. Secondly, you can never have too much ice cream or gelato. Indeed, it was the city's insatiable appetite for frosty, creamy goodness that helped La Macelleria expand its dessert-slinging footprint to four stores, and now it's upping the ante with its best invention yet. Behold: All-You-Can-Eat Gelato day, taking place from 12–5pm on Sunday, October 27 to mark the chain's first year in Coorparoo. $15 gets you as much deliciousness as you can handle — in cups and cones only — so we'd suggest blocking out plenty of time. As well as just generally feasting your way through its usual flavours, it'll have five newbies only available on the day: maple pecan pie, coconut white chocolate and lime, saffron cream with dark rum and pistachios, and lemon lime and bitters, plus an Earl Grey and yuzu sorbet. Tickets are limited to 300 people this time around, so getting in quickly is recommended.
In 2013, 300 people danced to Kate Bush's 'Wuthering Heights' in a field — and in 2023, the idea is back and bigger than ever. Yes, The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is happening in Brisbane again from 2pm on Saturday, July 29. 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 Milton 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 usually flooded with orders for the day) and ready yourself to roll and fall in green, out on the wily, windy moors of Frew Park. If you need an incentive — other than the event itself, of course — it's now 45 years since the song was first released. Also, this year's celebration of all things Kate Bush is taking place on the British musician's birthday. Running up that hill beforehand (whichever hill you like) isn't compulsory, but it feels fitting. And yes, when it comes to Kate Bush worship, she sang it best herself: don't give up.
We didn't think it was possible, but West End is about to get more colourful. The vibrant inner city suburb, known for its eccentric charm and character, will host the West End Street Art Festival on Sunday, October 22. West End will be transformed by some of Brisbane's most talented street artists with large-scale murals, over 200 market stalls to explore, live music and a live painting exhibition. By joining the festivities, not only will you be surrounded by the best arts and culture Brisbane has to offer, but you will also be contributing to an extremely worthy cause. The festival aims to raise $10,000 for Orange Sky Laundry to support their work in preventing youth homelessness.
Putting yourself in someone else's shoes is what empathy is all about. Wondering how a stranger's life plays out is one of the most common ways to kick your imagination into gear. Combine the two with artist Fiona Tan and an exploration of the concept of representation — both how we choose to portray ourselves to the world, and the way that we perceive others — and you have the video work Nellie. Exhibiting at the Institute of Modern Art from April 1 to 29, Nellie focuses on Cornelia van Rijn, a real-life figure largely overlooked by history. She was the daughter of seventeenth century painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, and moved to Batavia — which is now Jakarta — when she was 15. The rest of her tale, well, through a combination of film and photography, as well as research and storytelling, that's where Tan's piece comes in.
Got a hankering for hot cinnamon doughnuts? The colder weather will do that. Luckily, you can get your hands on a free sweet treat in the coming days, as Donut King is giving away free hot cinnamon doughnuts for National Donut Day on Friday, June 6. There's no catch to speak of — all it takes to score a free doughnut is to head along to your nearest participating Donut King store on the day. There are over 200 locations nationwide, so finding a store filled with tantalising sugary aromas shouldn't be too hard. "The magic of our hot and fresh cinnamon doughnuts bouncing along the conveyor belt and landing in a delicious carousel of sweet cinnamon is the moment we seek to share with our loyal fans every day," says Raquel Hine, Marketing Manager at Donut King. As for what else Donut King is getting up to for National Donut Day, check out the 'Hot Cinni Hotel' — a limited-time collaboration between Donut King and Ovolo Hotels. Taking over suites and several spaces at Ovolo Woolloomooloo in Sydney, expect cinnamon-coloured walls, spice-led cocktails and doughnut-inspired bites for guests and visitors alike.
Everyone has a favourite kind of cocktail — and if yours is the good ol' trusty tipple that is the old fashioned, November is your time to shine. Every year, Woodford Reserve hosts Old Fashioned Week, which is about putting the brand's booze to work in a classic concoction. In 2023, it runs from Saturday, November 4–Saturday, November 18. Hailing from the alcohol label and showcasing one specific type of drink, the fest is popping up at more than 40 bars across Australia, including nine in southeast Queensland. Even better: there's a complimentary Woodford Reserve old fashioned up for grabs for everyone. To claim your sip, you will need to head to the event's website, enter your details, then activate your voucher when you're in one of the participating watering holes. Your places to hit up: The Press Club, The Jubilee and Caxton Hotel in Brisbane, as well as Boston Shaker on the Sunshine Coast — and The Roosevelt Lounge, Loose Moose, Bine, Hideaway and Den Divine on the Gold Coast. And, of course, whether you're drinking your free beverage or not, old fashioneds are firmly on the menu.
Fitz (Jason Priestly), a devilishly handsome low-life of a used car salesman, is missing something. After years of womanising and substance abusing, he's on the hunt for his long-lost conscience. Fitz just didn't think he'd find him sitting at the office desk opposite his. Never much concerned with ending his sleazy ways, Fitz has a change of heart when, during a test-drive he is sure will secure him 'Employee of the Month' status, he crashes. The accident unleashes something with Fitz, a twinge of guilt and emotion we didn't know he had, that comes embodied in his conscience-turned-business partner, Larry (Ernie Grunwald). Now forced to face Larry each and every day, Fitz must (unwillingly) reexamine his dodgy ways. The hilarious pair and their bickering antics lend a humourous twist to this black comedy of a 'buddy' TV series. To win one of four Season One Call Me Fitz DVDs, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=MKEZS6DoX3E
If you ask me, there is nothing at all to fault about the 90s. Back in the days when you could catch The Fresh Prince, Saved by the Bell and The Secret World of Alex Mac on Nickelodeon every afternoon, you could get around in a pair of jeans that didn't cost you your bank account and you would actually pay for CDs to play in your discman. Health Ledger was still alive, Macaulay Culkin wasn't all coked up and Justin Timberlake wasn't trying to spam the genres. It was a good decade, best spent riding bikes or figuring out cheats on Nintendo games, not lurking Facebook and reblogging memes on Tumblr. It’s time we all got together to appreciate the good things that decade gave us. This Thursday is your chance to get nostalgic and up in the 90s grill. Childhood 4 Change is a 90s party committing to two good deeds - it gives you the excuse to dress up as you long lost 90s hero whilst also raising funds for the Oaktree Foundation’s Ba Futuru Project in East Timor. Don’t be clueless. Head out to Limes Hotel this Thursday for discounted drinks and a night of the nineties.
Fans of Tom Cruise, actors doing their own stunts and impressive action setpieces, prepare to take a trip to the cinema. If you've seen a Mission: Impossible film over the past two decades (or the television series before that), you know what to expect. In fact, if you've watched any of the previous installments, you've essentially already seen this one as well. A different writer/director takes the helm this time around, and a fresh foe threatens the Impossible Mission Force. Yet it still feels like a case of new movie, same ol' stuff. Cruise's super spy Ethan Hunt is hot on the trail of a shadowy, multinational organisation called the Syndicate, chasing a cluster of seemingly unrelated disasters, and hopping from London to Vienna to Casablanca and back again trying to track them down. There's more to Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation, of course — including an unhappy CIA boss (Alec Baldwin) intent on closing the IMF; the Syndicate's ever-crafty, always-one-step-ahead head honcho (Sean Harris); and the intriguing Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson), who could be either friend or foe. Hunt's trusty colleagues Benji (Simon Pegg), Brandt (Jeremy Renner) and Luther (Ving Rhames) help out, particularly after he goes rogue. But the details don't really matter. They're simply the filler that joins the film's standoffs, heists and fist fights together. That's not to say that filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie, reteaming with Cruise after directing Jack Reacher and writing the scripts for both Valkyrie and Edge of Tomorrow, doesn't craft an engaging-enough and unexpectedly lighthearted feature. It's just all too obvious that he's adhering to a tried-and-tested formula, leaving everything else — the characters, especially, as well as the dialogue — feeling a little too thin. That Baldwin both seems like he's reprising 30 Rock's Jack Donaghy and is forced to claim that "Hunt is the living manifestation of destiny" with a straight face provides the perfect example. Thankfully, what the Mission: Impossible franchise does often (and over and over again), it does well. Zipping through the slick mechanics of a never-really-impossible mission proves as well-handled as ever, notably in opera-set and underwater sequences that are sure to become the film's calling cards. Exuding an energy and urgency that the rest of the movie is lacking, the choreography of the action and the camerawork that captures it is in top form. The same can also be said for the returning cast, including the almost instantly shirtless Cruise, all playing to their strengths even if they are saddled with one-note roles. When Ghost Protocol arrived in cinemas in 2011 after a five-year gap in the series, its pace, smarts and thrills both surprised and impressed — and while none of those stand out in Rogue Nation, the feature does have one trick up its sleeve other than its spectacle. That would be Swedish actress Ferguson, last seen in Hercules, and the welcome addition that the film sorely needs. In an effort that's largely going through the motions, she is certainly not. Enjoying her time on screen is easy; finding anything more than been-there, done-that antics otherwise — now, that's your mission, should you choose to accept it.
Yabun — which means "music to a beat" in the Gadigal language — is an annual festival featuring a wide range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent. Held each year on January 26 in Camperdown, Sydney, on Gadigal Land, the festival consists of Corroboree, performances from First Nations musicians, a marketplace, discussions and speeches. After two COVID-impacted years, the festival is returning to its regular programming in Victoria Park. The musical lineup features a mix of up-and-coming and longstanding songwriters and performers. Heading up the musicians are Tia Gostelow, Aodhan, Denni and DRMNGNOW, who will be joined by Robert K Champion, Kyarna Rose and Matty Walker. In addition to the live music, there'll be traditional cultural performances, panel discussions and heaps of activities for adults and kids alike. There will also be a bunch of art, design and activist stalls for you to peruse. If you can't make it down, you can also watch via a live stream on the festival's website or tune into the yearly broadcast of the festival on Koori Radio 93.7fm. It all kicks off at 10am and will run until 10pm.
Flowstate, South Bank's new temporary creative precinct, isn't just adding another artistic space to the inner-city — for its first year of operation, the venue is hosting all of its shows for free. That means that you officially have no excuse not to stop by. But more than that, it means Brisbanites can access a heap of inventive performances that they mightn't otherwise see. Take Mixed Reality, for example. It's not your usual production — in fact, you probably haven't come across anything like it. Painting in virtual reality isn't the kind of thing you see every day, after all. Nor is watching sculptor Briony Law paint in 3D while a drone replicates exactly what she's doing. A work in progress, the piece will be presented to audiences on Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16 with sessions between 6pm and 9pm. If you'd like to hear more about this unique effort, head by on the second night, with a Q&A taking place at 7.30pm.
