If you live in Brisbane and you were born from 1997 onwards, you've never known life in the River City without the Valley Fiesta. Twenty-six years back, Fortitude Valley put on a big celebration of live tunes in the inner city, starting an event that's still going strong in 2023. Sure, last year's fest marked a milestone, hitting a quarter century — but every Valley Fiesta is always a huge party. This time around, Valley Fiesta will run for two days across Friday, November 3–Saturday, November 4, once again getting Fortitude Valley echoing with music. As always, the QMusic-produced lineup spans a whole heap of musicians to see, plenty of stages around both the Valley and Bowen Hills, a food fiesta and a bar trail. Leading the music bill: Mallrat, Mildlife and Hatchie, all as part of an entirely free program, and also on a lineup that's been curated by the team at The Tivoli. Skeleten, Miss Kaninna, First Beige and Party Dozen will join them, as will Selve, Middle Name Dance Band and JayBird Byrne — and also Ixaras, Kuzco, Taitu'uga and Lucy Korts. If you're keen on DJ-spun tracks, the roster of talent also features names programmed by Quivr. So, that's where David Versace, Eljae, Greer and Hol Hibbo come in, plus Jake Amy, Jimmy Ellis, Kodos and Moths to a Flame. Rounding out the list so far: Nejmere, Quiet Storm DJs, Ryzen Shine and Squidgenini. As it did in 2022, King Street will host the King Street Food Fiesta on the Friday night to get this year's Valley Fiesta started. Expect a culinary fest featuring the precinct's eatery and soundtracked by two stages of live tunes. Bringing the fun to the Winn and Bakery laneways is the Hidden Lanes Bar Trail, highlighting venues in each stretch and featuring DJs. Then there's the part of the program called The After Parties, which is exactly what it sounds like in spots around the Valley until late. VALLEY FIESTA 2023 LINEUP: Mallrat Mildlife Hatchie Skeleten Miss Kaninna First Beige Party Dozen Selve Middle Name Dance Band JayBird Byrne Ixaras Kuzco Taitu'uga Lucy Korts DJ lineup: David Versace Eljae Greer Hol Hibbo Jake Amy Jimmy Ellis Kodos Moths to a Flame Nejmere Quiet Storm DJs Ryzen Shine Squidgenini + with more acts to be announced Valley Fiesta 2023 takes place from Friday, November 3–Saturday, November 4. For further information and to buy tickets, head to the Brisbane City Council website. Images: Dave Kan.
Every year, when spring hits Toowoomba, the regional city becomes the brightest place in southeast Queensland. Blooms blossom, greenery sprouts and flora reaches towards the sun — that's right, it's Carnival of Flowers time. Running from Friday, September 18–Sunday, September 27 at a variety of Toowoomba locations — including Laurel Bank Park and the Botanic Gardens of Queens Park — the annual event showcases all of the gorgeous florets, growths and gardens around town. On the agenda: everything from park tours to kaleidoscopic arrays of tulips, petunias and poppies. In total, more than 170,000 blossoming bulbs and seedlings have been planted, so this huge — and free — carnival won't be short on natural splendour. Outdoor dwellers can also expect live music in flower-filled parks, food trucks slinging bites to eat, a food trail showcasing more than 60 local eateries and a ferris wheel with a blooming great view, while pub, dinner, art and architecture-focused walks are also on offer. Celebrating its 71st year, the carnival features an illuminated night garden, too, which'll be on display for its entire ten-day run. Yes, that means there's no bad time to visit — and you might want to make the trek more than once. Indeed, when it comes to scenic spring sights, there's no prettier place to be. And, given it takes less than two hours to head up the mountain from Brisbane, it's perfect for a weekend day trip. Make a playlist, take a picnic and there's your Saturday or Sunday sorted. Naturally, this year's event will be adhering to COVID-19 requirements — so expect some social distancing with your bouquets. Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Sometimes, it's easy to overlook the practical, logistical side of international art exhibitions. Before all those paintings, sculptures and pieces can travel to our shores, they have to be packed and shipped — and it is hardly a quick or cheap endeavour. Artists Simon Goldin and Jakob Senneby, aka Goldin+Senneby, have come up with an innovative solution to this predicament for their Brisbane showcase. Rather than bring their retrospective Standard Length of a Miracle to Australia, they're presenting bootlegs and replicas of their original work. It's an intriguing way of dealing with the problem, as well as one that fits in perfectly with their penchant for probing late capitalism. And, the end result comes complete with a few additions when it displays at the Institute of Modern Art from November 18 to March 10, with the duo getting a little help from their friends. As well as the main attractions, SLOAM also includes Camila Marambio and Amaara Raheem's Meth(odology) Lab for the first week of the exhibition. Further, Headless will feature Goldin+Senneby spokesperson Angus Cameron in conversation with Mary Graham, while Acid Money, Malin Nilsson's magic demonstration, will bring the showcase to a close. Image: Goldin+Senneby, "Headless. From the Public Record" with Angus Cameron (economic geographer), K.D. (fictional author), Kim Einarsson (curator/writer), Anna Heymowska (set designer), Marcus Lindeen (director), Eva Rexed (actor). Installation view: Index, Stockholm, 2009.
Bangarra Dance Theatre is celebrating its 25th anniversary with another masterful fusion of storytelling and contemporary dance. Building on one of the earliest collaborations between Aboriginal people and the new settlers, Patyegarang traces the relationship between a spirited young indigenous woman and an English astronomer. It's a little bit like Australia's own Pocahontas adaptation but with cutting edge choreography. As the colonial fleet arrived on Eora country in the late eighteenth century, Patyegarang befriended Lieutenant William Dawes and in a courageous display of trust, began teaching him her local language. Lifted from the pages of Dawes' notebooks and modelled into an endearing portrait of friendship and cultural exchange, this production encourages a more nuanced understanding of 'first contact.' It also enlivens the legacy of Patyegarang as a striking visionary and educator. Assured by the experienced hand (or foot) of artistic director Stephen Page, along with a deeply moving soundscape by David Page, this is Bangarra's first full-length Sydney story. Imbued with a spirit of optimism and collaboration, Patyegarang promises an electric tribute to our first people, excavating an overlooked historical tale and providing an opportunity to reflect on Australia's future as a new nation.
Long before Toombul and Nundah were regular old north Brisbane suburbs, they were home to a commercial pineapple farm. So, when it comes to picking a food to celebrate for a three-day festival, Toombul's recently opened upstairs dining precinct had a pretty easy choice on its hands. From Friday, January 31–Sunday, February 2, Upstairs at Toombul is hosting Pineapple Palooza. If you don't like the tropical fruit, stay away. If you love it — even on pizza — then get ready for a heap of pineapple dishes from the venue's eateries. On the food menu: sweet and sour pork and chicken served out of hollowed-out pineapples, pineapple burgers, chocolate pizzas with pineapple, fondue with pineapple, and pineapple and prawn salad. As for drinks, you can sip pineapple-topped pina coladas and other pineapple-filled cocktails, plus pineapple iced tea, pineapple frappes and pineapple soda water. Everywhere from Archie Brothers Cirque Electrique and Max Brenner to Little Red Dumpling and Jackpot Noodles are getting involved, plus Hello Harry, Espresso Max and Dapple + Weaver, too. There'll also be pineapple-themed photo opportunities around the place, should you want to snap some pics for social media — and a pineapple planter pot workshop as well.
SNOOOOOOOOOP! I could end this article right here and that could actually be enough to make people go to Summafieldayze. That's right, the S n double oh p D oh double gee is in the hizzle, right off the shizzle on the Gold Kizzle aka Snoop Dogg is playing the Gold Coast next week and you actually need to be there. Alongside the big Doggy Dogg is a number of surprisingly good acts, despite Summafieldayze being deemed as a sort of write-off festival that no one is usually interested in. Well! You can change your tune now, because Justice, Pendulum, the Scissor Sisters (who put on one helluva good show) and Calvin Harris will be on the GC pumping out the tunes on Monday, and did I mention that Grand Master Flash of “It's like a jungle sometimes; it makes me wonder how I keep from going under” (The Message) fame will be there? He will. The whole day is situated at Doug Jennings Park which is close to the beach and close to the after parties, which are sure to go off. This line up doesn't come along very often so if you have some spare Christmas money lying around and some days off next week, then why not? SNOOOOOOOOOP!
Board games are something I have a love-hate relationship with. If I’m in a good mood, which usually occurs by me winning, I adore them - if however I’m at the bottom end of the scorecard, I generally don’t find them as fun. Fortunately for everyone else in the world, the majority of people who like board games are mature adults and can handle a little loss without sulking. Brisbane’s cohort of these mellow folks congregate once a month in King George Square to play whatever takes their fancy, and now you are invited. The evenings are bring-your-own board game, meaning the night’s playing options are as vast as the world’s collection of board games is. What better opportunity to make friends and learn a new game? On the other hand, if you are one for an audience or you love novelty-sized items, never fear as Brisbane City Council also provide super sized board games of classic games for your disposal - which is enough incentive to make me not care if I lose. The cost of the night is also free, making it a perfect opportunity to get out of the house and do something a little bit different. Grab a coffee and your favourite game, and let the fun begin!
If you're a fan of wine, you live in Brisbane and you're always up for an excuse to sample plenty of tipples, then you probably know that the Treasury Casino regularly wraps up the working week with wine and cheese shindigs. But who says you can only sip multiple kinds of vino when the weekend is here? Not World of Wine at the Treasury Hotel. From 6–8pm on Monday, September 19 — with entry from 5.45pm — the CBD spot will be pouring tastings and making the beginning of the week more bearable, all thanks to plenty of plonk. How much wine, you ask? More than 90 vino producers will be serving up 500 drops. On the featured list: tipples from Brokenwood, Chaffey Bros, Heggies Vineyard, Jansz Tasmania, Jim Barry and La Vieille Ferme — and from Mt Difficulty, Pewsey Vale, Vasse Felix, Wirra Wirra, Yalumba, Antinori, Ata Rangi and Bleasdale as well. The lineup goes on, spanning Bodegas Valdemar, Dandelion Vineyards, Domaine Faiveley, Freycinet Vineyard, Hay Shed Hill, Langmeil Winery and more. Tickets cost $55 per person, which includes sampling vino, a tasting glass to keep, and a selection of breads, oils and other bites to line your stomach. And if you've never been to the Treasury Hotel before, entry is via Queens Park.
I think Bansky put it best when he said ‘some people become cops because they want to make the world a better place. Some people become vandals because they want to make the world a better looking place.’ Where would we be without our vandals? Looking at boring city walls and buildings all day? No way, they have better ideas. You don’t have to travel around Brisbane to see the work of our graffiti greats though. A few of them have been working on some art that’s a little more law abiding. To coincide with the National Gallery of Australia’s Space Invaders exhibition at The University of Queensland art Museum, The Edwina Corlette Gallery gives us Super Heroes. The exhibition features recognisable favorites including Anthony Lister, Georg Whelan, Nails, HaHa, Vexta and more, all who have migrated from the streets to canvas in order to make your personal space a better looking place. A great opportunity to invest in some iconic street art and support local artists.
About an hour south of Brisbane, you'll find Tamborine National Park. Part of the Gold Coast hinterland, this eight-kilometre mountain plateau is home to countless waterfalls, gorges, heritage-listed sites and a botanical garden — plus, plenty of native wildlife. The best way to experience it is on foot, with a number of tracks between one and five kilometres available, which you can find here. If, however, you're looking for all the reward without the effort, there are a couple of lookouts that you can directly to and marvel at the epic views across the Scenic Rim and Great Dividing Ranges. Images: Tourism and Events Queensland
We’ve all seen a little bit of Cirque du Soleil at one point or another – for some reason it’s incredibly difficult to avoid. My experience with it involves a ten year old version of myself veging out with my Dad on the couch and watching the colourful acrobatics play out on TV, then attempting to replicate their routines on the living room “stage” (note: I definitely do not recommend doing this, especially if you are unfit/not flexible/clumsy). Even now, ten years later, watching Cirque du Soleil doesn’t fail to inspire awe and amazement in me - though I’ve stifled my dreams of joining them on the high wire. Who knows, though, my acrobatic hopes may be rekindled when I see the antics of Saltimbanco play out in real life. Fellow aspiring acrobats, pencil this in your diary: for a limited season, one of the Cirque’s most loved shows, Saltimbanco, is arriving in Brisbane. It’s the perfect occasion to see the eclectic performance in the flesh, but personally I’m going to pick up some new moves.
West Village is already one of the greenest parts of West End, and now it's letting you take some plants home with you. No, you can't raid the precinct's garden — but you can browse the stalls at the spot's returning Plant Market. Looking for something leafy to sit on your window sill? A statement plant for your back deck? Terrariums and kokedamas to place (and hang) wherever fits? Then you're headed to the right place. Keen on ceramics to spice up your shelves? Succulents and cacti, because they brighten up any space? Good ol' fashioned flowers, just because? Again, you'll find them here. The long list of participants includes All the Green Things, Harris Farm Markets, Elle's Balcony Garden, Billeta Ceramics Succulent Mummas, Makers of Something Special, Luvia Designs and Craft Chino. The market will also include workshops, as well as live tunes. Just head on down to the free event from 10am–2pm on Sunday, August 28 — and if you have some plants at home that don't quite suit, you can bring them along to the onsite greenery adoption centre. It works the other way, too, so you can pick up a plant that someone else didn't want and take it home with you for free.
The Lego Ninjago Movie is the third Lego-based feature in a franchise that shows no signs of slowing down. It's also the first to take place entirely within an original Lego trademarked setting – the city of 'Ninjago' – and for its first half-hour feels like little more than an extended, big-budgeted commercial. Indeed, with the appearance of each new character, don't be surprised to see kids jumping out of their seats and pointing at the screen with gleeful recognition Still, while the film does its job as a marketing exercise from the get go, in terms of plot it takes a while longer to find its feet. Every day the evil Lord Garmadon (Justin Theroux) launches attacks upon the city from his evil villain volcano, and every day he's repelled by the colourful school-kids-cum-ninjas, the leader of whom is secretly Garmadon's own son Lloyd (Dave Franco). It's only once the lad's secret identity is revealed that the story shifts gears into something of a father/son reconciliation story – and while that's pretty familiar territory for the Lego franchise, it also provides the best material for the remainder of Ninjago. As with The Lego Movie and Lego Batman, this third movie utilises remarkable technology wherein almost everything on screen is assembled from computer-generated Lego pieces. Like the previous films, too, Ninjago is very self-aware, particularly regarding the Lego-ness of things like the absence of fingers and the way a Lego head can become stuck in the base of a Lego foot. It's these little flourishes that immediately feel familiar to anyone who's played with the toys before and, especially for adults, spark a pleasing nostalgia-based smile whenever they arise. The characters themselves, however, are noticeably less nuanced this time around, with only Lord Garmadon (played as a none-too-subtle parody of Donald Trump), Lloyd and Master Wu (Jackie Chan) offering any semblance of depth. The other five ninjas do provoke the occasional laugh but seem well below the calibre of the actors voicing them (Kumail Nanjiani, Zach Woods, Michael Peña, Abbi Jacobson and Fred Armisen). And yes, for those playing at home, you did count that correctly: six heroic ninjas, five of them male, which raises the age-old LEGO question: "uh...where are all the girls at?" It's a problem with which Lego is all too familiar. An internal review conducted by the company in 2008 revealed the damning statistic that 90% of its sales were directed towards boys rather than girls. Lego's response was to launch Lego Friends in 2012 – a toy line specifically intended for girls. Pretty smart move as it happens, with the company's annual profits shooting up by around 15 percent ever since. It's therefore both surprising and extremely disappointing that that same approach isn't being seen in the films. The Lego Movie's most kick-arse character was Elizabeth Banks' Wyldstyle, yet she was the only notable female in an otherwise male-driven story whose live action component centred upon a father/son bonding experience. Lego Batman, too, included only one notable female character in Rosario Dawson's Batgirl, and focused on the relationship between Bruce Wayne and the orphan boy Dick Grayson. Now we have Lego Ninjago, which not only suffers from a dearth of female characters but again deals largely with the father/son relationship between Garmadon and his estranged kid Lloyd. The only bright light in this situation is the announcement that The Lego Movie sequel will focus specifically on gender issues and the way boys and girls play with the toys in different ways. Solid fun for the kids and amusing enough to keep adults interested, whilst The Lego Ninjago Movie is the weakest entry in the franchise, it's still entertaining enough to satisfy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJBS1ogEVHE
What starts with a 6am First Nations ceremony on the beach, sending smoke spiralling into the sky as the sun rises? What fills 11 days from there with everything from free opera in the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens and thousands of cardboard boxes on North Burleigh's Esplanade to Kate Miller-Heidke singing while you picnic and eavesdropping on phone calls? That'd be the Gold Coast's Bleach* Festival, which is returning from Thursday, August 11–Sunday, August 21 after a pandemic-affected couple of years — with a huge lineup, naturally. In 2022, this arts fest will feature 233 artists, 94 performances and 36 events — which is plenty of reasons to head along. Bleach* focuses its program around four hubs: North Burleigh, for events by the beach; the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, which means that grassy shows await; Miami, with its hefty lineup of hospitality venues, including Miami Marketta; and Mudgeeraba, bringing the hinterland into the fun. But they're not the only places that the festival is headed, with HOTA, Home of the Arts and Burleigh Brewing also welcoming in the the event's program. Among the events that North Burleigh will be hosting, there's First Light, that opening kickoff event; interactive virtual reality experience VOLO: Dreams of Flight, which is inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's flying machines; all the cardboard thanks to the aforementioned We Built This City; and The Nightline, which seats you at an old telephone to listen to switchboard calls. Or, there's Feast at Bleach*, featuring a three-course meal heroing native flavours by Quandamooka chef Kieron Anderson — and Unsettle, which sees Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people respond to the cultural landscape via public art, film, theatre, visual art, music and dance. [caption id="attachment_859849" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Home Grown Opera, Art Work Agency[/caption] Over at the gardens, Opera Queensland's Home Grown Opera will echo among the greenery for three nights, while Miller-Heidke will do the honours on one afternoon. Miami will host Mi Amor Miami, with the suburb's bars, breweries and distilleries pairing live performances with drinks; Roller Coaster, which includes strapping on your own stakes and taking part; and Bliss, a blend of performance art and electronic music. The list goes on — and, over at Burleigh Brewing, Back to Back Theatre's Radial will mix video art, dance, music and fashion. As for Mudgeeraba, that's where Acoustic Life of Sheds will set up — in four different sheds. Four artists will set up in one location each, and attendees will travel between them to head vocals by Christine Johnston, Karl S Williams on piano, percussion by Michael Askill and Loni Fitzpatrick on the harp. Back at North Burleigh, Bleach* will also feature six groups of artists-in-residence both prior to and during the fest: Lenine Bourke and Nathan Stoneham, Lawrence English, Rising Tide Artists, Liesel Zink, Lisa Smith and Emily Grace Taylor. They'll premiere new works during the event's second week — and you can watch them in action beforehand, too. [caption id="attachment_786592" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Art Work Agency[/caption] Top image: Radial, Jorge Serra.
January might be in full swing and the memories of your summer holiday may be fading, but that doesn't mean you have to stop celebrating — and saying cheers to the new year. Your latest excuse comes courtesy of Pint Palooza, The Osbourne Hotel's new five-day beer festival, which is serving up brews and more from Saturday, January 22–Wednesday, January 26. A constant across the whole event: beer, obviously, with Young Henry's doing the honours at a pop-up bar at the Fortitude Valley venue. You'll be able to sip the brewery's tins, play games and even win prizes, all while listening to tunes. The fest kicks off with two Hottest 100 countdowns — music and the Gabs Hottest 100 Craft Beer Countdown — with the lineup also spanning live performances from 4–8pm on the Sunday afternoon, DJs from 9pm on the Tuesday, drag queen bingo and an 80s-themed glow party. Entry is free, but contacting the venue in advance to book a table is recommended.
“Australia’s clown prince of polyester”, Bob Downe, is coming back to Brisbane to melody his way through his latest solo show, 20 Golden Greats. This show has proved a hit through Edinburgh, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide thanks to its plethora of pop, disco and rock hits. Downe promises that there “won’t be a single song you haven’t heard”. The nightly performances offer a cabaret-style menu to add an extra dimension to your experience, information on which can be found here. The familiar face of Bob Downe is the creation of journalist, comedian and actor Mark Trevorrow. He’s demonstrated his talents on ABC local radio, our own Kath & Kim, as well as adding a host of critically-acclaimed stage shows to his name. For fans of the stage, screen and those who love to sing, put your night in the theatrical hands of Bob Downe.
Labour Day 2022 might be several public holidays away, but it's worth marking in your diary right now. Across the long weekend leading up to the May day off, southeast Queensland's newest music festival will unleash three days of live tunes on the Gold Coast — on Surfers Paradise beachfront, and with a jam-packed lineup. Between Friday, April 29–Sunday, May 1, Golden Shores will make its debut right by the water. Yes, it's making that moniker count. Attendees will check out Youngn Lipz, HP Boyz, Safia, The Presets, Vera Blue, San Cisco and more, all while getting some sand between their toes — and dancing against a killer backdrop. The new fest comes from Cross Promotions, the Gold Coast entertainment outfit who were originally behind festivals such as Beachlife and SummaFielddayze. And while giving music lovers a stellar three-day festival experience by the sea is one of the event's key aims, so is helping the local entertainment industry recover after a difficult couple of years. Tickets start at $89 per day, with Youngn Lipz and HP Boyz headlining the Friday bill, Safia and The Presets (doing a DJ set) hitting the stage on the Saturday, and Vera Blue and San Cisco doing the honours on Sunday. They're joined on the lineup by Triple One, Wombat, Lastlings, Motez, Winston Surfshirt and Last Dinosaurs — with the list going on. Check out the full details below. GOLDEN SHORES 2022 LINEUP: Day one: Youngn Lipz HP Boyz Triple One Wombat Day1 Jesswar Barkaa Skrub YNG Martyr Yung Gwopp Day two: Safia The Presets (DJ set) Lastlings Motez Stace Cadet Young Franco Dena Amy DVNA Day three: Vera Blue San Cisco Winston Surfshirt Last Dinosaurs King Stingray Teenage Joans Yorke Golden Shores hits Surfers Paradise Beachfront from Friday, April 29–Sunday, May 1, 2022. For more information, or to buy tickets from Thursday, November 25, head to the festival's website.
As anyone who has made use of the in-flight booze menu will tell you, beers tend to taste better at high altitude. But before you go quitting your day job and cashing in all your frequent flyer points, let's consider a more accessible and cash-friendly approach. We can't get you on the next flight out of Brisbane, but we can suggest a rooftop bar for your next night out — sure, they won't get you 35,000 feet in the sky, but it will take you up a couple of storeys at least. Brisbane's got a steady cohort of rooftops currently jostling for attention, so with the help of Heineken, we've rounded up the five best picks for a sky-high night out with friends.
The latest venture from the folks behind West End's Morning After, Yolk is bringing a heap of tasty dishes to the other side of the river. Expect a menu that plays with the egg theme — and chicken, naturally — plus plenty of coffee, too. The cafe only has six egg-based items on its all-day menu, and you can count on them to deliver the good every day of the week. Coffee is by Five Senses and there's a small section of juices on the menu, too.
If you're a fan of rockabilly and hot rods, there's a good chance you'll already be aquainted with Rocklea's annual Greazefest. For the unacquainted, Greazefest Kustom Kulture Festival is a celebration of all things 50s-era; hot rod cars, pin-ups, vintage bikes, rockabilly musicians, and tattoos. In its 12th year, the left-of-centre festival has become a key date on grease-lovers calendars. This year there'll be California's James Intveld (Johnny Depp's singing voice in Cry Baby) and Tennessee's Jason Lee Wilson, who are very well-known in rockabilly circles here and abroad. To add pack to the punch, the highlight of the Greazefest weekend is the Hot Rod Show on Sunday, as well as the retro and vintage Fashion Show at noon, plus the Kustom Art Show. It'll be like a combination of Grease (the movie) and The Outsiders! Oh yeah! Even if pin-up chicks and muscle cars aren't your type of thing, you can at least guarantee you will be entertained by the sweet greaser hairstyles and the sure to be large amount of tattooed ladies and gents. Image Credit: Matt Black
The past few weeks have taken folks in the Greater Brisbane area on a bit of a rollercoaster ride. The past 13 months have, too, but Brisbanites have just been through a snap three-day lockdown right before Easter, and lived with increased restrictions over the past few weeks. But, come Thursday, April 15, a heap of current rules and caps will ease. When the region came out of lockdown a fortnight ago, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk foreshadowed that the new restrictions would be in place for two weeks; however, as the stay-at-home conditions did, the current rules will now be easing a little early. Instead of lifting at midday on April 15, they'll stop at 6am. Accordingly, you'll be able to do a number of things that've been off limits recently — including having up to 100 people over to your house, which is an increase from 30. And, you'll be able to gather outside without any restrictions, although music festivals will have to have a COVID-19-safe plan in place. Stadiums, theatres and cinemas are going back to 100-percent capacity as well, so expect to have plenty of company next time you see a movie, a gig, a show or the footy. That specifically applies to ticketed venues. Visitors can see loved ones at hospitals, and aged and disability care facilities again, too. Also returning: standing up to eat and drink in bars, pubs and clubs, something we didn't know we'd ever miss until we weren't allowed to do it. And, dancing is back, both indoors and outdoors — and at venues and weddings alike. Before 2020 hit, who knew that being permitted to make shapes would be news? https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1382107083324084225 Mask rules are changing as well, with covering your face no longer required unless you're at an airport or you're flying. The Queensland Government still advises that folks should carry a mask with them, though, to use in crowded places when you're not able to social distance. The new eased rules will apply statewide, and the usual requests regarding social distancing, hygiene and getting tested if you're feeling even the slightest possible COVID-19 symptoms still apply — as they have since March last year. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1382107089640726529 Announcing the news today, Wednesday, April 14, Premier Palaszczuk said that "it has not been easy over these past two weeks" but the easing of restrictions could be brought forward based upon the government's health advice and the lack of recent community transmission following the most recent outbreak. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Queensland, head to the QLD COVID-19 hub and the Queensland Health website.
When it comes to taking to the streets, spraying some paint around and stencilling up a storm, Banksy isn't the only artist worth celebrating. In fact, street art is thriving in Brisbane — so much so that there's now a returning festival dedicated to it. That'd be the Brisbane Street Art Festival, which unleashes its fourth iteration around the city from Saturday, May 4 to Sunday, May 19. If you're wondering just what it involves, let us throw a few numbers and details your way: 46 large-scale murals will pop up around town, all from Australian and international artists, including 27 prominent female street artists. They'll take over 16 different spots, too. And, the two-week fest will also include music, several showcases, talks and workshops. The full rundown includes a launch party in a riverside brewery, scribble slam sessions, live tunes, an aerosol masterclass, an exhibition about climate change and a street art cycling tour — plus art in places as varied as the Valley Mall, Howard Smith Wharves, West Village, the Wharf Street Tunnel, and many a street around the city, too. If that all sounds rad — and it really does — then you have no excuse not to take part. Images: Aimee Catt. Artists: Gus Eagleton / Drapl and Treazy Updated April 8.
Every single suburb in Brisbane will be treated to its own intimate live music gig this September, as Brisbane Festival brings mini concerts to 190 suburbs to create festivals in the streets and concerts in cul de sacs. When it first joined the fest lineup back in 2020, free live music showcase Street Serenades was inspired by the community responses to the global pandemic — in which Italians sang on their balconies and Americans choreographed TikTok dances. So, think of this as the Brissie version. For the second year running — this time, from Friday, September 2–Sunday, September 25 — Brisbanites can set up chairs in their front gardens or driveways to listen to acoustic performances, classical music, cabaret singalongs and DJ sets. And, you won't pay a thing for this extremely close-to-home affair. The 2021 lineup features pop-up performances from a hefty range of talent, including Kate Miller-Heidke, Cheap Fakes, The 7 Sopranos, Sampology, Minor Premiers, Katie Noonan, Hello Jane, Camerata and Emma Dean, Beddy Rays and Babushka — and the list goes on. [caption id="attachment_824345" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Morgan Roberts[/caption] Top image: Atmosphere Photography.
We may laugh at our neighbours across the ditch about the way they pronounce words with the letter I in them and sheep relations and other things like that, but the fact of the matter is that our Kiwi friends are pretty good at – if not better – at a lot of things than we are. They’re more successful with PSAs than we are, and their drum n’ bass scene 1UPs us every time, thanks to Shapeshifter. The Christchurch quintet have been bringing the dub since 1999 and have been hailed as the pioneers of modern music due to their unique approach to the genre – most likely stemming from each members varied musical background, mixing funk, electronica, metal, jazz and hip-hop to create that unique Shapeshifter sound. They’ve skipped the Christchurch winter to hang out in their Berlin studio for the past six months, creating new sounds and touring Europe along the way, but now they’re returning back to their antipodean roots, doing a mini-tour before they head back to New Zealand for the festival season. Catch them at the Hi-Fi, but maybe avoid asking them about their fush and chups – I’m sure they’ve heard that one before.
Ethel Carrick and Emmanual Phillips Fox’s marriage in 1905 was the beautiful beginning of Australian’s most prominent relationship in the art world. They spent their early years travelling the world and interpreting the sights into impressionist paintings. Now, for the first time both artist’s works will be presented together at the Queensland Art Gallery as the exhibition Art, Love and Life: Ethel Carrick and E. Phillips Fox. QAG has collected over 100 paintings, works on paper and related paraphernalia from their lives that will be on display from April 16 to August 7. The couple’s work is noted for its reflections on culture at the beginning of the last century, depicting what life was like at that time. Several prominent paintings were completed during their time overseas and heavily feature North Africa, as well as Italy, France, England and Spain. This collection is truly worthwhile and a loving tribute to a couple that had equal dedication to each other, their work and the art industry. Even if art isn’t your thing normally, love should be, and this collection is a wonderful celebration of two lives and their shared passions.
"Let's head to the casino for a nice dinner," said nobody, ever. Until recently, that is. Fat Noodle has been open in Brisbane's Treasury Casino since late 2012 and if you haven't visited yet, it's high time you got around to it. Celebrity chef Luke Nguyen — known for his SBS show Luke Nguyen's Vietnam and appearances on MasterChef — has created a dining hub where freshness and flavour are the priority. Start off the meal with a bowl of steamed edamame ($7.00) and some salt and pepper tofu ($10.00). You certainly don't have to be a vegetarian to enjoy these dishes; the edamame is as moreish as a bowl of potato chips (but healthier!) and the sweet, salty taste and fried texture of the tofu will have you weak at the knees, even if you've never been a fan of the ol' bean curd. Other options on the small plates menu include salmon sashimi ($14.00), pork skewers ($12.00) and Vietnamese chicken salad ($14.00). Larger meals are broken down into the categories 'rice', 'noodle soups' and 'woks'. Luke Nguyen's signature dish is the Fat Pho Noodles — beef broth, sliced Angus sirloin and brisket, bean sprouts, fresh Thai basil, chilli and rice noodles ($18.00). However, another standout on the menu is the Singapore laksa with prawns, fish cake, scallops, chicken breast, rice noodles, tofu and egg in a rich, coconut-spiked broth ($19.00). You better be hungry before you tackle this delicious bowl of goodness, because it is absolutely packed to the brim with seafood and chicken. The prawns and broccoli with rice ($19.00) is another nice, fresh-tasting dish, although lacking the punch of the laksa (to be fair, most dishes everywhere lack the punch of the Fat Noodle laksa). If you have any trouble deciding what to order, ask for a recommendation from the wait staff. If by some miracle you are still hungry after the main course, there are a couple of dessert options available: a jasmine tea-flavoured crème brulee ($12.00) and a lemongrass and perilla leaf-infused panna cotta with pandanus and coconut sago ($12.00). The panna cotta on its own could be more flavoursome, but is delicious with the sago accompaniment. Fat Noodle has a wide selection of drinks, including draught and bottled beer, wine, fresh juices, and cocktails.
After the work-week marathon, holing up at home all weekend can be mighty tempting. And while technology has gifted us with the amazing ability to get both food and entertainment without changing out of our PJs, it's no replacement for sunshine and socialising. So once a month, swap the hermit life for an outside hangout. The Sound Society is an initiative that fills two of Brisbane's most beautiful parks with music. It all kicks off at South Bank Parklands on Saturday, March 2 with singer-songwriter Graham Moes performing at 4pm, followed by folk-rock band Boatkeeper at 5.15pm and Cheap Fakes at 7.15pm. You're welcome to pack a picnic but onsite food vendor The Plough Inn will also be dishing up smoked brisket and slaw rolls. The tunes will continue to roll out quarterly so check back in here in a few months to see who will take the stage at Rainforest Green next. If a slow Sunday morning is more your style, meander down to Roma Street Parkland between 9am and noon — picnic blanket in hand. The lineup is equally eclectic here with local Brisbane four-piece Pending? slated to perform on March 3. The free music is a monthly occurrence here. Yas Queen will take the stage on Sunday, April 7, followed by Kayleigh Pincott Quintet on May 5 and The Brookes St Grind on June 2. Plus, food truck Juice Power will have your brunch sustenance sorted with fresh juices, smoothies, salads and more. Embrace the outdoors this summer. The Netflix marathon can wait for nighttime.
When life is bleak, art reacts. When the world went through the Great Depression in the 1930s and then went back to war before the decade was out, filmmakers responded with dark cinematic tales. That's when the genre of film noir was born, and it has been showering viewers with stories of crime, gangsters, double-crossing, femme fatales, private detectives and gritty streets ever since — whether following two lovers scheming to be together in 1944's Double Indemnity, unleashing violence upon New York in 1976's Taxi Driver, or pondering just what happened when a wife goes missing in 2015's Gone Girl. They're just three of the titles on offer at the Gallery of Modern Art's Film Noir program, which runs through classics old and new between March 31 and May 21. Come Wednesday and Friday evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday afternoons, GOMA's Cinematheque will be stepping through the essential flicks from both the genre's heyday and the decades that followed. Yes, this is a lineup that features Underworld, 1927's silent crime effort that's considered to be at the forefront of mobster cinema, as well as Goldstone, Ivan Sen's Aaron Pedersen-starring outback thriller from 2016. Hitchcockian hijinks in Strangers on a Train, Jack Nicholson being a nosy investigator in Chinatown, a young Natalie Portman in Leon: The Professional, Fargo's snowy antics and Drive's seductive sheen are all on the bill too, as is a big-screen revisit of Blade Runner before the sequel hits later this year
If you're a fan of author, comedian and NPR humorist David Sedaris, then you'll know that he's a frequent visitor Down Under. Missed him on his last trip in 2023? 2025 is your latest chance to experience his snappy wit, as well as his discerning and astute ability to observe life's moments — both trivial and extraordinary — in both an observational and unique way. This is Sedaris' seventh trip Down Under, spanning stops in both Australia and New Zealand — including at Brisbane Powerhouse on Thursday, February 13–Friday, February 14. If you haven't seen Sedaris live before, his shows are part of the reason that he's built up such a following. Onstage, he regularly weaves in new and unpublished material, too — and the satirist will throw it over to the crowd for a Q&A as well, and also sign copies of his books. [caption id="attachment_862849" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anne Fishbein[/caption] Sedaris has more than a few tomes to his name, so you have options for him to scribble on, including Happy-Go-Lucky, Calypso, Theft by Finding, Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Holidays on Ice, Naked and Barrel Fever. Sedaris is equally celebrated for his constant This American Life appearances and must-read pieces in The New Yorker, and boasts everything from the Terry Southern Prize for Humor and Jonathan Swift International Literature Prize for Satire and Humor to the Time Humorist of the Year Award among his accolades. If you've been searching for a supportive environment to use the phrase "how very droll", this is it. [caption id="attachment_862850" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anne Fishbein[/caption] Top images: Jenny Lewis, Prudence Upton.
When you head to the theatre, you see something made from nothing. A previously empty stage comes alive with actors, and becomes the setting for any story that a creative mind can whip up. At Home, attendees will literally see something come from nothing, with a house built on-stage as part of the show. Coming to Brisbane from the US — and enjoying its Australian premiere at Brisbane Festival between September 12–15 — Home combines choreography, construction, live documentary and more, conjuring up its setting room by room. You'll discover what makes a house a home as the minutiae of daily life fills the abode and, naturally, you'll also get to take part in a huge house party. Image: Jacques-Jean Tiziou.
Love is in the air at Metro Arts until Saturday, March 16. It's also on the walls, too. Fresh from returning from a Tokyo residency, Olivia Lacey takes inspiration from that great source of romantic expression — pop songs — by turning their lyrics into into artworks. Love Me, Love Me isn't just about finding a new way to use crooned missives of devotion and adoration, however. And it's not just about revelling in your favourite tracks either. She might be using confetti, balloons and streamers, but Lacey is interested in exploring why romantic language has such an impact. And, how it changes. The Queensland University of Technology-trained artist is also keen to ponder just who sappy love songs are speaking to, a question many a radio listener has no doubt contemplated. With that in mind, taking pride of place is central piece Baby, I'm All Yours, which puts Lacey's penchant for party decorations to great use — and the insightful side of her work as well. Image: Callum McGrath.
Can it be? Looks like your favourite black comedy of the late '80s — full of suicide, scrunchies and Christian Slater’s dazzling smile — has been remade into a glam and glitter musical. Heathers, the 1988 cult film, is arguably the edgiest of the high school satire canon. Telling the story of two high school students who unwittingly turn suicide into a popular teen craze, Heathers makes Clueless and Mean Girls look like after-school specials. Complete with double murders and underage terrorism, this brutal take on teenage groupthink is hardly a likely candidate for the jazz hands of musical theatre. And yet… brimming with romance, brilliantly brutal insults and teens wearing colour-coordinated powersuits to school, something tells us this creepy Tim Burton-esque tale has always been waiting to be set to music. How very.
Chicken lovers of Brisbane, rejoice — there's no shortage of places to get your poultry fix around the city, and plenty of them are kind on your wallet. Add Brooklyn Depot to the list every Monday to Friday thanks to their weekday $1 wing deal. That's $1 per wing, so bring a handful of gold coins if you're feeling particularly hungry. The offer runs from 3pm until 6pm, which means they've got you post-work snacking needs well and truly taken care of. And, if wings aren't your thing — or if you're eager for an early dinner to go with those pieces of chook — then you'll also find $6 cheeseburgers and $8 chicken or veggie burgs on the menu. Drinks-wise, $5 house beer, wine and spirits will take care of your thirst as well.
Great news, dog lovers of Brisbane: you can now expect to see more pups at more pubs. Across the country, 18 venues are serving pooches their very own version of charcuterie — adorably dubbed 'barkuterie' — including at BrewDog's DogTap Brisbane Australian base in Murarrie, the Crown Hotel in Lutwyche and Everton Park Hotel. If you spend your life with a canine companion, you'll be able to take your barking buddy on a bar date from Saturday, September 16. On the menu: barkuterie boards created in collaboration with online pet supplies retailer Pet Circle, featuring three dog treats from Nature's Cuts and Zignature paired with seasonal fruit and vegetables. So, while you drink and graze, so can your pupper. Just don't go giving your dog any beer to go with their barkuterie board, of course. The canine snack plate comes in at $12, and arrives to celebrate spring. It's a limited-time special, however, getting tails wagging for four weeks — or until stocks last. 2023 has already delivered doughnut-shaped biscuits for dogs — now this is your next excuse to treat your pet.
Comedians might not like to brag about their achievements (well, some comedians), but there's no mistaking that Nazeem Hussain has had quite the exciting time over the last few years. The facts speak for themselves: sell-out tours of Australia and Europe, Helpmann and Logie award nominations and hit TV shows aren't the type of things that happen to just anyone. Of course, Hussain's ascent to stardom is just beginning — even if he is already a regular presence on our airwaves and television screens. At his first solo Brisbane shows at this year's Brisbane Comedy Festival, you won't just see this talented comedian live on stage before he gets even bigger — you'll also witness an evening of cerebral and challenging comedy from a performer that tackles politics, race relations and riffs on Cypress Hill song lyrics. Nazeem Hussain is one of our top ten picks to see at the Brisbane Comedy Festival.
UPDATE, May 21, 2021: Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles is available to stream via Docplay, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Marie Antoinette didn't actually say "let them eat cake", no matter how often the statement is misattributed to the 18th-century royal before her date with the guillotine. But New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art was surely hoping she would've approved of its hedonistic June 2018 food gala, which tied into the venue's Visitors to Versailles exhibition in the same year — and, in line with the place and period under the grill, put decadence on the menu. Overseeing the spread of desserts fit for a queen: renowned Israeli English chef and restaurateur Yotam Ottolenghi. He didn't make the Feast of Versailles' lavish cakes himself; instead, he trawled Instagram to source and select five pâtissiers known for delicious, innovative and aesthetically appealing wares. He found them, too, enlisting Dominique Ansel, the NYC-based French pastry chef who invented the cronut; Sam Bompas and Harry Parr, the London food artists known for their striking jellies and unique food events; architecturally trained Ukrainian Dinara Kasko, who approaches her desserts with the same design principles; Ghaya Oliveira, an award-winner and veteran at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Daniel; and Singapore's Janice Wong, who aims to turn chocolate into edible art. The exacting theme that approaches art and history through an untraditional lens, the melding of varying creative arenas, the roll call of significant names in their field, the theatricality on display, the iconic setting — if it all sounds a bit like a culinary version of The Met Gala, that was undoubtedly the intention, too. Celebrities didn't attend, paparazzi weren't on hand to snap photos, fundraising wasn't the name of the game and no one broke the internet, but this was no ordinary serving of sugar. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that, as the venue's fashion-focused event did before it, Feast of Versailles has also earned the documentary treatment. Where The First Monday in May chronicled the preparations for 2015's Met Gala, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles does the same with the quest to recreate the Palace of Versailles' gardens with chocolate and multi-coloured fondant, whip up a tiered mousse cake that resembles the French castle's sculptured detail, and pair them all with swan-topped pastries, wobbling palace-shaped jellies and a cocktail-filled whirlpool fountain. Viewers of cooking-focused reality television will know what's in store. That may not be the comparison one expects with a doco about a Met event, but it fits. Documentarian Laura Gabbert (City of Gold) deploys the personable Ottolenghi as her guide, and gets him to chat through the task at opportune moments. Her film also spends time first introducing Ansel, Bombas and Parr, Kasko, Oliveira and Wong, then watching them work towards the big gala evenings. Periodically, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles has Ottolenghi chat with Met staff about logistics as well, and to historical experts. The former reveal their horror at having liquid anywhere near the gallery's exhibits, and the awareness that events with a live component are so much trickier to control than inanimate displays; the latter discusses 18th-century Versailles in general, the culinary excesses of the royal courts, the fact that chocolate was used for drinking long before it was eaten and, only briefly, the fate that befell Versailles' most famous figures in the French Revolution. Combine all of the above ingredients in a 75-minute documentary, and it's as formulaic as it sounds — even if the gala itself, the chefs behind it and their dazzling desserts could never earn that description. The First Monday in May was helmed by a different director to Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles; however, both films struggle to bring their concepts to life. As a mere record of occasions that happened, they do a fine job of showing what goes into staging these types of extravagant events. They also capture the tension and drama beforehand, and the indulgence and luxury when everything comes to fruition. But it seems that docos about Met galas are fated to take a superficial and straightforward approach, despite striving for more, and attempting to mimic the layers and textures of the venue's exhibitions and festivities. In Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles' case, the NYC institution clearly didn't hold a lavish Versailles-themed feast without intending to get everyone involved and in attendance thinking about the vast disparities between the haves and have nots — aka the whole reason that the "let them eat cake" misquote exists. Alas, Gabbert's film is mostly content to depict rather than interrogate this idea. A few very late shots, including of Trump Tower's garish gold interior, endeavour to stress modern-day parallels between Versailles and today's one-percent, but hardly delve deep. Accordingly, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles is glossy, gleaming eye candy for those with a sweet tooth. It never feels like a full meal, though. That may be apt given that it's about dessert, but there's more substance in the tables piled high with cake and confection seen within the movie's frames than in the documentary's examination of its subject — and of the topic driving Feast of Versailles, and therefore sparking the film in the first place. While interesting tidbits pop up frequently, relating to food and history alike, they're akin to an entree. Viewers keep expecting something heartier, only to be left intellectually hungry. The audience is left physically ravenous, of course, because roving over all those spectacular dishes is a sure-fire way to whip up an appetite for a treat. This pleasant, palatable but slight movie obviously can't leave stomachs satisfied either, but it will make mouths water. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uan6MDxf3wU
Despite our country being stereotyped as 'always sunny', us Aussies know it can get pretty cold mid-year. So, if you're currently trying to warm up your toes next to your office heater, dreaming about the return of summer, you're in luck. We've teamed up with travel company Klook to give away a four-night getaway to a tropical oasis: Bali. If you're the lucky winner, you and your partner in crime will be heading off on a short flight headed for Bali's stunning beaches, hot weather and next-level food. As well as flights and four nights of four-star accommodation in Seminyak, Klook — being an activities and tours booking platform — will also organise day trips for you and your bestie, plus airport transfers to and from your hotel and SIM cards. So, all you'll need are your cossies, sunscreen and a good read. It won't be your typical Bintang-fuelled Bali trip, either. The folks at Klook work with local vendors to uncover hidden gems and offer trips to many of the surrounding islands (there are more than 17,000 in total). So, expect plenty of off the beaten track adventures and get ready to unearth some undiscovered parts around the island. One day, the two of you will be heading off to West Nusa Penida and its crystal clear waters, so you can expect plenty of swimming and snorkelling. The next, you'll be trekking up an active volcano — Mount Batur — to watch the sunrise over the island. An early morning start will reward you with sweeping mountain views and a visit to a coffee plantation afterwards. Plus, don't forget all the poolside cocktails and Balinese feasts you'll be having. You'll be on holiday, after all. You've got anytime before the end of the year to go, so you can escape Australia's cooler weather ASAP. If you're keen to head off on a trip to Bali — which obviously you are — enter your details below to be in the running. [competition]731537[/competition]
There's no wrong way to visit a winery, whether you choose to participate in a boozy fun run within the grounds, cycle between a couple of wine-slinging spots, or simply stop by for a few hours, taste some tipples and make a few purchase. Or, you can stay for the night, which isn't a new concept — but one South Australian vineyard is letting folks sleep right next to the vines in a luxury pod. Wineries from Queensland to Victoria boast glamping facilities; however The Vineyard Retreat McLaren Vale now has an Escapod. As the name suggests, it's all about escaping from the hustle and bustle, which is definitely on the agenda in what's essentially a luxury detached cabin right in the heart of the vineyard. Measuring 72 square metres, the pre-fab structure includes an open-plan dining and lounge room, a king-sized bed, an open fire and two small external decks, plus a fully functioning kitchen, a separate bathroom and a storage room. On the mod cons front, it also has the requisite appliances, under-floor heating, reverse-cycle heating and cooling, and automated blinds — although you'll want to keep them open to enjoy the vineyard views. Furthermore, the pod can be connected to the main power or can go off the grid via a solar power battery, rainwater tanks and a wastewater treatment system. Built off-site then brought to the winery, the Escapod can also be moved again in the future if needed. It'll be available for bookings from September — and it's one of two pods destined for the McLaren Vale spot, although just when the second will arrive is yet to be determined. If the pod has you planning a boozy getaway, there's some other good news — more are planned. In total, Escapod is hoping to roll out 20 pods across South Australian sites across the next year. Find the first Escapod at The Vineyard Retreat McLaren Vale, 165 Whitings Road, Blewitt Springs. Visit the retreat website for further details. Via The Lead. Images: The Vineyard Retreat / Escapod.
Hailing women shouldn’t really be cause for a special celebration, but any excuse for an art exhibit is good, right? Lust For Life's latest art exhibition, Viva La Femme, takes an empowered, Beyonce-style approach to promoting women in art. The showcase features a number of local artists so talented, they'd have Patti Smith and Gwen Stefani collaborating to rejoice the qualities of these gifted women. But wait, the female-singer-references don't stop there. In the wise words of Shania Twain, “the best thing about being a woman, is prerogative to have a little fun” (open the link at your own peril), and that's exactly what this exhibit is all about – showing Brisbane, in a fun and lively display, that our local female artists have really and truly got it going on. This showcase is all about empowerment and support, second to showing off an artistic collaboration that may currently be one of Brisbane's best. With contributors like Symone Male, Nila Vanwolf and Kristy Chambers - how could it not be. So pop into Lust for Life and have a squizz at an art collection that roars "I am Woman".
There's one thing most of history's greatest artists had in common — they knew how to hit the bottle. Picasso used to get on the grog with Henri Matisse, Joan Miro and Georges Braque, proving there's no sweeter combination than a paintbrush and pilsner. Now Junky Comics are getting behind the combo with their latest event, Drink and Draw. The premise is super casual, so if you're wont to show off your superior shading skills to all and sundry, maybe sit this one out. It's completely free. All you need to do is BYO drinks, sketch book and pens. You don't need to be as skilled as any of the aforementioned artists; you've just got to love drawing and be open to meeting people who share a similar passion. This event is limited to 15 people, so get in quick by emailing junkycomics@gmail.com.
UPDATE: Unfortunately due to various circumstances, VAN JAM has been cancelled. However, all the performers you're excited to see will still be playing, now at the upcoming event The Round Up at the Racehorse Hotel in Ipswitch. Attention van-lifers and festivalgoers alike – a brand-new music festival is coming to Queensland: VAN JAM 2023. Organised by Caravanning Queensland, they're reorganising and evolving their wheelhouse of trade shows into an Australian-first hybrid concept, part music festival and part caravan/RV expo taking place at Willowbank Raceway from Thursday, September 21 to Sunday, September 24. On the storied ground of Willowbank, also home to country music celebration CMC Rocks, VAN JAM is turning up the volume with a lineup of Aussie Rock legends, including Eskimo Joe, Daryl Braithwaite, Thirsty Merc and Russell Morris. For any junior attendees, there will also be miniVAN, a dedicated kids zone full of games, crafts and activities plus the Bluey Live Interactive Experience. Alongside the entertainment is the OFF ROAD OFF GRID EXPO, hosting a variety of interactive displays, vehicle testing on an off-road track, masterclasses and more. The festival site also includes camping sites galore among the trees, both powered and unpowered and flexible for arrangements big and small. If you're a fan of off-grid life, camping and caravanning trips with family and friends or legendary Aussie rock, there's something for you at VAN JAM. VAN JAM runs from Thursday, September 21 to Sunday, September 24. For more information and to get your tickets, visit the website.
The Brisbane CBD doesn't currently boast a waterpark, an underground shopping arcade, a waterfall, or a nightly 3D light show — but these wistful dreams might soon become a reality. The final two proposals for the Queen's Wharf precinct have been revealed, with a decision due to be made by mid-year. Both options promise to completely transform the area contained within the borders of Alice, George, Queen and William Streets. Those familiar with the city space on the north side of the river will know it as the home of the Treasury Casino and Hotel, a whole heap of government office buildings, some neglected land underneath the Riverside Expressway, and not a whole lot else. Two consortiums are doing battle to claim the development and associated casino license, creating what the state government called "a world-class integrated resort". Each proposal shares a number of elements, including the office tower currently being built on William Street. In radically reshaping the inner city, Brisbane's first six-star hotel (it's a thing), ample new cafes and restaurants, a new cinema, residential apartments and a connecting bridge to South Bank also feature in both plans. Greenland Crown, comprised of Greenland Group and Crown Resorts, has highlighted the idea of an active waterfront, sprawling around a new sub-tropical public space that can accommodate 8000 people. Culinary experiences led by famed chefs Neil Perry and Guillaume Brahimi, along with a rooftop garden, infinity pool and luxury spa, rank among the other indulgent inclusions. The Destination Brisbane bid from Echo Entertainment Group, Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, plans to build a brand new casino, turn the existing site into a shopping centre, add a skydeck, and create an inner-city beach with river access for kayaks and the like. With a microbrewery, art gallery, markets and cooking school as well, their space favours an arc shape that will create a distinctive look. Whichever plan wins, it'll still be quite some time until Queen's Wharf comes to fruition, with construction expected to commence in 2017. Either way, Brisbanites can look forward to a plethora of new CBD hangouts. We've waited decades – what's another few years?
This global pandemic might have us cooped up at home, but it sure hasn't dulled our penchant for online shopping. Without the bottomless brunches, bar hopping adventures and retail therapy sessions of regular life, many of us have a little extra in the savings fund and a whole lot more time for scrolling. And of course, those package deliveries are all the more thrilling when your social life is taking an enforced hiatus. An offshoot of Bendigo and Adelaide Banks that's built for the digital world, Up is one of the new kids on the banking block. Its focus is on offering a primo mobile banking experience — the kind that fits into your real life with minimal hassle, leaving you more time to worry about the important stuff (like which of the 19 items in your basket will be making it to the checkout). As an online shopping companion, Up's ticking plenty of boxes, thanks to a suite of features designed to keep things simple. For example, it'll show actual business names, locations and company logos in your spending history, so you're not left doing mental gymnastics trying to guess the story behind that $45.50 you dropped at 3am last Saturday. It's also got an automatic transaction categorisation function, to help keep your balances and budgeting in tip-top shape, without too much effort. https://www.instagram.com/p/Btw0EVqn2fE/ Shopping on international sites can normally be a bit fraught, what with the extra charges and conversion dramas. But Up is being a mate and passing on zero fees on all overseas purchases, both online and IRL. It displays both the local and foreign currency on your receipt and app, and will even send you an immediate purchase notification in Aussie dollars. Throw in a bunch of nifty savings functions — like the ability to instantly round up your spare cents — plus upcoming bill predictions and a 1.85-percent interest rate, and you've got yourself one nice, breezy banking situation. For more information about Up and to sign up for an account, jump over to the Up website. 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. General advice only. Please consider your personal circumstances before making a decision to join Up. Conditions https://up.com.au/hook_up_a_mate/. Product issuer Bendigo & Adelaide Bank.
Singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov is a bit of an anomaly in the music world. Despite his success in music (he has clocked over 300 million streams on Spotify), Isakov still spends as much time as possible on his land, sewing seeds, growing crops and recording in his home studio. It's a testament to Colorado's beauty — the US state is famous for its vast prairies, rugged mountains and tumbling waterfalls. It's also a musical paradise, with 360 festivals held every year. And we want you to experience all that this state has to offer. So, to celebrate Isakov's upcoming Australian tour, we're giving away a trip to his homeland. For five days, you and a mate will get to explore some incredible scenery, plus see Isakov live in concert at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver. This epic prize, worth a cool $5596, includes return flights to Denver, Colorado, three nights in a loft-style room in lower-downtown hotel The Maven, tickets to Isakov's show and a bunch of other local adventures — all thanks to Visit Denver. Next up, thanks to Colorado Tourism Office, you'll have two days of free exploration around Colorado with a rental car and accommodation in a town of your choice (within two hours' drive of Denver). And if you don't land the main prize, we also have tickets to give away to his concert here in Brisbane on Wednesday, March 6. Enter with your details below for a chance to win. [competition]709429[/competition] Image: Colorado Josh.
First, Australia got a Harry Potter-themed brunch and dinner. Now, we're getting a wizarding beer festival. If the boy who lived's flicks were still gracing cinemas, exploring his adult life, we're certain he'd be keen on this magical festival. Whether you're still not over Harry or you just wish you'd had the chance to attend Hogwarts because you know you're destined to be in Gryffindor (and to be seeker on the quidditch team, obviously), you'll want to make a date with this event. You'll sip brews in a wizarding wonderland, while making your way between wand-making classes, DJs and tarot card readers. There's no word yet on exactly what beers you'll be drinking — local numbers? international favourites? alcoholic butterbeer? — but your ticket does include a 12-ounce (355-millilitre) brew on entry, and five tokens you can use on beers and the aforementioned activities. The Wizard's Beer Festival is set to hit Sydney at a soon-to-be announced location on March 1, 2020, then do the same in Melbourne on March 8, 2020, before heading to Brisbane on March 15, 2020. Folks in costumes pretending to be Hermione, Dumbledore and others isn't really our idea of a magical HP experience, but perhaps a few boozy butterbeers will get you in the right mood. And if not, you can organise a trip to see the Cursed Child stage show in Melbourne, if you haven't already. The Wizard's Beer Festival will hit Sydney on March 1, 2020, then Melbourne on March 8, 2020 and finally Brisbane on March 15, 2020. You can sign-up via the website to be notified when tickets go on sale. Top image: Wizard's Brunch UPDATE, NOVEMBER 16: This article was updated to include details of The Wizard's Beer Festival's planned events in Melbourne and Brisbane.
360 is not just a moniker, it’s actually what the Melbourne rapper has done in the past couple of years. Hailing from the eastern suburbs, this Aussie hip hop pioneer probably had no idea in 2012 he’d be one of the biggest names in Australian music, or that he’d sound a whole lot better than his peers – ahem, Hilltop Hoods and Bliss n Eso. Much like the beginnings of a relatively unpopular guy called Marshall Mathers III, 360 gained leverage in the hip hop community because of his skills at rap battling. Imagine an underground club with a chanting group and you probably get the picture. He is best known for his collaborations with Pez, for example The Festival Song. The track did surprisingly well on the Australian charts and Triple J’s Hottest 100 of 2008, despite almost completely consisting of bogan-esque lyrics and rhyming eBay with BPay. Since emancipating himself from Pez (the artist, not the lolly), 360 has gone on to enjoy success all on his lonesome. His second album, Falling & Flying, topped the iTunes charts in 2011, as well as putting him in good stead to nab the Channel [V] Oz artist of the year award. In an arguably better honour, 360 also had two singles feature in last week’s Triple J Hottest 100 countdown; #84 Throw It Away, featuring the amazing Josh Pyke and #9, with Boys Like You, which features the vocal stylings of Gossling (not Ryan). Now that you’ve been schooled in all to do with 360, it's probably best that you catch the man in action at The Zoo this Friday and see what all the fuss is about.
Weddings: on one side, they are events of great joy, love and happiness. On the other side, there’s drama - great, great drama. If you’ve ever been a bridesmaid you’ll know that you get to experience the best and the worst of both worlds, but mainly the drama-filled side: worrying about the bride’s hair, make up and shoes; checking that the flowers are perfect and that tissues, lip balm and breath mints are at hand. Meg Bacon’s wedding is no exception. It is the night before the big day and Meg, her two bridesmaids, and her Mum are having a final girls night of decadence at a fancy hotel. Sound like fun? Not for Meg’s bridesmaids, Angela and Lucy, who have heard a gossipy story about the groom, one that threatens the pending marriage. Now, instead of worrying about lipstick and nail colour, the bridesmaids have to ponder whether to keep this as ‘secret bridesmaids’ business’ or reveal all?
We all know how fast Splendour tickets sell out. It’s an often heartbreaking ordeal getting in the queue and then finding yourself ejected out of line or just missing out on tickets entirely! Some of us don’t have the cash to buy tickets either, and some others are just after some live music that’s a bit more on the alternative side. Too Poor For Splendour is the perfect event if you are one of the types of people mentioned above. The festival is on again this Splendour weekend for all you Brisbane music fans and the line-up is absolutely packed with great local talent. The line-up includes Tiny Migrants (Pictured), Cannon, The Otchkies, Cheap Fakes, Running Gun Sound and many, many more. Bonus information in case you aren’t convinced: the event is all ages, they have food stalls and the venue has a licensed bar on premises. Get a ticket, get yourself to Davies Park in West End and enjoy 12 hours of Brisbane’s best music. Please take note: Tickets are only available in-store at select locations.
