There's a film festival for everything, or so it can sometimes seem — and that includes science fiction cinema. Like flicks about the future, artificial intelligence, where technology might take us and dystopian worlds? That's what's on the bill at the Sci-Fi Film Festival. The event has been going strong in Sydney for more than a few years; however, in 2021, it's making two big changes. Firstly, it's jumping into the online realm. as plenty of other fests have been already this year. Secondly, because that's one of the perks of being digital, it's streaming its 80-film program nationwide. Even better: you can access that huge number of flicks with a $29.99 all-access pass. No, you definitely can't say you don't have anything to watch between Friday, October 15–Sunday, October 31. That lineup includes 13 features and 67 shorts, and spans films from 28 different countries — including Say Yes Again, a Taiwanese title that riffs on Groundhog Day; Tales of Tomorrow, which sees a teenage boy from 1999 tasked with saving human civilisation in 2165; Steampunk Connection, a Canadian documentary about the titular blend of sci-fi and Industrial Revolution-era technology; and Infinite Light, about possibly bringing back the dead. Or, if you like your movies short, you can dive into seven different sessions. The themed programs cover everything from animation, dystopian dreamscapes and the future to humanity's battle against technology and the dark side of our nature.
Last Christmas, Woolloongabba's South City Square did what plenty of other patches of Brisbane tend to when things get festive. Yes, it played host to a sprawling market setup. It isn't that time of year again yet, but the site is still welcoming in a collection of stalls selling plenty of items — this time from 9am–1pm on Sunday, September 26. That's when The Market Folk will once again take over the place, putting on a spring pop-up. We hope you like clothes, jewellery, ceramics, plants, pots, homewares and art, because you'll find it all here. Expect a big focus on design — so you won't be browsing and buying just any old wares. It all tales place in a brick-lined, industrial-style space, which'll make you feel like you're wandering around a European-style market. As well as the shopping, there'll be live music and creative workshops. There'll be bites to eat as well, thanks to a range of food trucks.
To the surprise of exactly no one: many of us are looking to upgrade our home comfort level at the moment. Aussie furniture brand Koala is keen to help you do just that, with its sixth birthday sale. Nab up to 20 percent off mattresses, sheets, sofas, desks and armchairs to help you upgrade your pad or improve your night's sleep. A heap of products from across the brand's range are on sale from Monday, September 20 through until Sunday, September 26, including Koala's new range of mattresses. You can take your pick from the freshly unveiled range of mattresses which are 15 percent off and have your new sleep set up delivered to you later that day with free express delivery. Also on offer is the WFH desk, which is made from Forest Stewardship Council certified wood, easy to assemble and designed with a home office in mind. If your home office set isn't quite doing the job, you can pick up the desk for a sweet 15 percent off. Comfy Koala armchairs, sofas, silky bed sheets, dining tables and more are going with a 20 percent discount, too, so you can give your whole house a makeover. And everything comes with a 120-night trial — though, it might be hard to give any of these up after four months of comfort. The party doesn't stop at the sale though, with Koala collaborating with Jimmy Brings to put on a birthday giveaway, hosting a cupcake class and a whole bunch more on the brand's Instagram account.
First, the expected news: if you'd like to check out the latest and greatest in Irish cinema in 2021, you'll need to do so virtually. Now, the exciting news: returning for another year, and for its second virtual fest in a row, the Irish Film Festival will unleash an impressive and varied lineup upon your small screen of choice from Friday, September 3–Sunday, September 12. Wolfwalkers, one of the best movies of the past year and an absolute gem of an eco-conscious animated feature, sits at the top of IFF's must-see list. Set centuries ago, and following a young wannabe hunter by the name of Robyn Goodfellowe (voiced by Honor Kneafsey), it charts a friendship with a girl called Mebh (Eva Whittaker) who just might be a member of a mythical tribe that's able to shapeshift into wolves while they're dreaming. Other highlights include Wildfire, about a dramatic reunion between sisters; Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan, which lets the punk poet and The Pogues frontman tell his own tale over a few brews; the Australian premiere of Phil Lynott: Songs For While I'm Away, about Thin Lizzy's lead singer and songwriter; and horror-comedy Boys from County Hell, which sees a father-son duo accidentally awaken an ancient Irish vampire in rural Derry. Or, as part of a 12-film program, there's also the Gabriel Byrne (Hereditary)-starring Death of a Ladies Man; Deadly Cuts, about Dublin hair salon stylists who take on a criminal gang; and The Bright Side, which focuses on a cynical comedian tackling cancer.
Pairing wine with cheese happens so naturally that you've probably found yourself pouring a glass, then reaching for a cheese knife, without even thinking — and you've likely done so more than once. This dynamic duo is also a festival favourite, because event organisers know the same truth as the rest of us: this combo just never gets old. The latest excuse to head out of the house, sip vino and tuck into slivers of dairy: The Sound Garden's wine and cheese festival. Given the venue, this event also adds live music to the mix, all from 12pm on Sunday, September 12. Tambourine Cheese and Little White Goat will be among the stalls serving up cheese, cheese and more cheese — including freeze-dried goat feta — while wineries on drinks duty include Craggy Range, Mountadam, Yangarra, AIX and Taittinger Champagne. Entry is free and, from there, you can plan your eating and drinking however you like. A single wine token will cost you $10, or you can get five for $50 — or opt for cheese and vino bundles from $55–65. Tambourine Cheese is also hosting a masterclass, if you'd like to learn something amid the fun.
Comfort food season is almost behind us, but there's never a bad time to tuck into a bowl of gnocchi. Salt Meats Cheese isn't just spending a night celebrating one of the most stomach-warming dishes there is in its regular guise, though. This time, it's dedicating an evening to vegan gnocchi — and lots of it. From 5pm on Tuesday, August 24, the Italian eatery chain's Newstead outpost is hosting a vegan gnocchi night. Prices start at $12 per dish, and there'll be five different types available, as well as a vegan gnocchi dessert. On the menu: deep-fried gnocchi with eggplant and sweet and sour tomato salsa, sweet potato gnocchi topped with shaved truffle, ragu gnocchi with braised shiitake mushroom and napoletana sauce, gnocchi verdi and a hazelnut pesto gnocchi. Ever had dessert gnocchi? That's on offer as well, all thanks to SMC's gnocchi doughnuts — which come with wild berries, jam and vanilla custard. Bookings are recommended, as this is a one-night-only affair.
No one likes eating just a couple of wings. Those easy-to-devour poultry pieces aren't really designed with restraint in mind anyway — they're so small and tasty and moreish, and they come in so many different flavours, that keeping munching just comes with the territory. So, at Fritzenberger every Friday–Sunday, you can just keep eating. Don't know how many wings you can feast on in two hours? This is your chance to find out. Each weekend — and yes, the weekend starts on a Friday — the burger chain is doing bottomless beer and wings at its Petrie Terrace, South Bank and Wilston stores. You will need to head in before 6pm, though, so you'll be devoting your time to chicken while the sun is still shining. The deal will set you back $48 per person, which includes bottomless pints of Fritzenberger's own pale ale, lager and dry apple cider — and Aperol spritzes and house wines as well. Booking is obviously recommended, because this town sure does love chook pieces, brews and indulging in plenty of both.
"So delighted." They're the words that Alex Honnold used when he climbed Yosemite's epic El Capitan without ropes — and on camera — in the excellent Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo. That might seem like an understated reaction, but it's an astonishing moment to see on the big screen. Whether you've watched the exceptional doco before or you're catching it for the first time, you can enjoy every tense second of Honnold's quest at the new To the Limit Adventure Film Festival. Screening at Dendy Coorparoo from Thursday, August 12–Tuesday, August 31, this fest is all about movies that come pulsing with adrenaline and action — sometimes thanks to stunning sports feats, sometimes due to gripping tales. Nine films are on the lineup, spanning new, recent and classic titles. And, whether you're fond of towering mountains, hitting the waves or hopping on a skateboard, plenty of different fields are covered. Other highlights include Sherpa, which delves into the avalanche that struck Mount Everest in 2014, plus Tall Poppy — A Skater's Story, about recent Olympian and talented skateboarder Poppy Starr Olsen. Or, you can check out The Dawn Wall, another thrilling climbing doco — and The Endless Summer, the iconic surfing flick that dates back more than five decades, and that everyone should see at least once on the silver screen. Top image: National Geographic/Jimmy Chin.
The seventh season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is currently dropping new episodes weekly via SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand — which means you're either eagerly catching each fresh instalment every Friday, or you've got some catch-up binging to do. Either way, if you've been watching and rewatching the hit cop sitcom since it first premiered back in 2013, then you also have something else to pop in your calendar: Isolation Trivia's upcoming B99-themed online quiz evening. How long did Charles Boyle spend dreaming of Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago's wedding? What did Rosa Diaz do before she was a cop? Who keeps swooping in and taking the Nine-Nine crew's cases? Which one is Scully and which is Hitchcock? And which one of the latter duo has a twin? If you can answer all of the above — and name Captain Holt's dog, Terry's kids, Gina's dance troupe and Jake's favourite movie — then you're set for this trivia night. And, because these fictional TV cops wouldn't want you breaking Australia's current social-distancing guidelines, it's all taking place virtually. Live-streaming from 6.30pm AEST (7.30pm AEDT) on Thursday, April 2, this online trivia contest is completely devoted to the show that was cancelled and then resurrected in the space of 36 hours, then was renewed for an eighth season before its seventh one even aired, and features more Die Hard references than you'd think possible in one sitcom. We'd keep asking Brooklyn Nine-Nine questions and dropping tidbits, but we'll save some for the big night. If you're as keen to take part as Terry is about a tub of yoghurt, you just need to head to the Isolation Trivia Facebook page, click 'get reminder' and clear out your Thursday night. That'll be your time to shine (and that can also be the title of your sex tape if you'd like). Images: SBS
Fashion, art, homewares and handcrafted goods as far as the eye can see — that's usually what's on the agenda at The Village Markets on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. The event is taking a break under current circumstances; however that doesn't mean that you can't shop from home. In fact, that's where its first Insta Market comes in. Across the weekend of Friday, March 27–Sunday, March 28, the Village Markets Insta Market is showcasing designers, artists and curators — and highlighting just what you can buy with the click of a few buttons while sitting on your couch. Whether you're after new threads, something to pop on your shelf or some goodies for your pet, you'll find it here, as well as special offers and discounts. And, because it's all online, it's available to everyone — even if you're not in southeast Queensland. By taking part in the Insta Market, you'll also be supporting more than 70 creative small businesses — who, like many folks across many industries at present, have seen their whole lives change suddenly. If that's not a great excuse to spend a couple of days scrolling through your Instagram, then we don't know what is.
It's time to mark another food-based commemorative occasion. Yes, another one. By now, we all know that they're just excuses to eat more of a certain dish — and there's so many of them that you really could use them to plan your daily eating choices. But we keep celebrating dates like World Fish 'n' Chip Day because they're both tasty and fun. At Kangaroo Point, One Fish Two Fish is getting into the spirit of this seafood extravaganza in 2020 by, well, serving up seafood. And it's doing so across three days — from Friday, June 5–Sunday, June 7 (which is actual World Fish 'n' Chip Day). Make plans for lunch or dinner, with $12 takeaway cod meals on offer. For less than a lobster, you'll eat your way through a serving of battered, grilled or crumbed cod (your choice), shoestring fries, garden salad and housemade tartare sauce. You can pre-order in advance if you like, but you don't have to — so you can either book the special, then head by to pick it up, or drop in, order and take your classic fish 'n' chip feast home with you.
Things are getting creepy at Fortitude Valley's Institute of Modern Art, with a horror movie marathon taking over the Brunswick Street venue for a whole day. Just because it'll still be light outside, that doesn't mean this feast of fear-inducing cinema won't scare up a few frights. Get things started at 11am on Saturday, April 18 with a bona fide classic — and a film that is a whopping 98 years old. Silent German Expressionist masterpiece Nosferatu isn't quite Dracula, but Count Orlok is clearly inspired by the world's most famous vampire. And what better to pair it with than another absolute pioneer of the genre (and based on another seminal gothic horror text, too), aka the 1931 version of Frankenstein at 12.30pm? That's the black-and-white part of the proceedings. When 2.30pm rolls around, colour will hit the IMA's big screen via buckets of blood. That's what Brian de Palma's adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie splashes about — and its supernatural story will be followed at 4.30pm by the series of Australian Indigenous ghost stories that is Tracey Moffatt's BeDevil. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VggXS-6_-YU Entry is free — and you can settle in for the whole marathon or just drop by whenever suits you. Image: Carrie, 1976, Director. Brian de Palma, courtesy of NFSA.
Given the current state of the world, holidays aren't on many folks' agendas at present — but, as always, you can pretend. For the entirety of March, Riverbar and Kitchen wants Brisbanites to feel like they've ventured to Latin America, turning the whole month to one huge Cuban Nights party. Every day of the week, that means cocktails and Cubano sandwiches. Sip your way through a Stormy Spritz with white rum, triple sec, coconut syrup, lime juice and ginger beer, or opt for a Malecon Mai Tai with white rum, orgeat, orange juice, yuzu soda and grenadine — all while you're eating a sanga stuffed with smoked ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. If you're just in the mood for a snack, there's also plantain chips with mojito dip. Why just drink mojitos when you can eat them, obviously. From Thursday–Sunday each week, Cuban Nights is also putting on live music — and if you're keen on doing the salsa (and learning how), you'll want to end your weekend there. On Sundays from 4pm, you can take a free dance class, with a three-piece Latin band playing live afterwards from 5–7pm. If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
For years, Brisbanites keen to watch movies in their cars have zoomed down the highway to Yatala. Lovers of the drive-in experience now have another option, though — Park-In Pictures, a 75-vehicle pop-up drive-in by Get Parked that's taking over a vacant parking lot in Hendra. On Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 — and on future dates as well, if it's popular — Park-In Pictures will set up a ten-metre-wide, six-metre-high big screen at 490–500 Nudgee Road. And, it'll play a number of recent flicks. If you fancy a bit of candy-coloured, female-focused comic-book action starring Margot Robbie, you can watch Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). Other options include Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen, so break out your tartan tracksuits and prepare to start speaking in Cockney rhyming slang — plus the family-friendly My Spy, the latest movie to pair a big burly action hero (Guardians of the Galaxy's Dave Bautista, in this instance) with a kid for comedic purposes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygzqL60kvwU There'll also be snacks on offer, with popcorn, lollies, ice cream, hot dogs, burgers, chips and drinks all brought to your vehicle. Social-distancing measures will be in place — although many are already part and parcel of the drive-in concept — and your ticket covers up to six people. It'll cost you $39 if you want a 'gold' parking bay to watch the film, or $33 otherwise.
Get your dancing shoes on, because one big ol' glittery party series is headed to your living room. LGBTQI+ club night Poof Doof is throwing weekly digital dance nights — so expect to get down to anthems by the likes of Gloria Gaynor, Madonna, Pet Shop Boys and Cher, 'cause this party is here, loud and (very) queer. The legendary Melbourne party collective is streaming Poof Doof Direct every Saturday from 9pm via Facebook, Twitch and YouTube. Each week, you'll be treated to pumping tunes from a range of DJs. And of course, it wouldn't be a proper Poof Doof party without some drag performances, too. Coming up on Saturday, May 2, is a massive one-off Poof Doof Sydney party live streaming straight from The Ivy. Poof Doof took up residency in the Sydney institution last November and has been dishing up a weekly dance-heavy night ever since. Not even COVID-19 can keep it completely quiet. Expect to be dancing to a packed lineup of DJs, including headlining act Sneaky Sound System, Sveta, Troy Beman and James Alexandr. Plus, catch dazzling drag performances from queens Danni Issues, Hannah Conda and Faux Fur, with Jimi The Kween hosting the entire night. For Sydneysiders wanting to take their night in to the next level, you get a Poof Doof Party Pack ($75) delivered to your door. It'll be filled with vodka, two cans of red bull, some soda water and two Hahn Super Drys. Orders can be made here prior to 9am on Saturday. To catch a glimpse of what you're in for, check out the video below. https://www.facebook.com/PoofDoof/videos/1048635328855408/
Four Australian female composers. Four singers. Four dramatic operatic works inspired by mythology, literature and rare Australian birds. World premiering on one night. Streaming on the Carriageworks Facebook page at 7.30pm AEST on Saturday, April 25, the four-part Breaking Glass was meant to be performed inside the physical arts precinct from March 8–April 4, but its temporarily closure forced the show's premiere online. Presented by Sydney Chamber Opera and Carriageworks together with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music's Composing Women Program, Breaking Glass is broken into four one-act operas by female composers. There's Commute by Peggy Polias, which combines Homer's Iliad with a modern women's uneasy walk home at night; Josephine Macken's terrifying The Tent inspired by Margaret Atwood's writing; The Invisible Bird by Bree van Reyk, telling the true tale of a rare Australian parrot; and Georgia Scott's Her Dark Marauder, which uses Sylvia Plath's poetry to explore a women's battle for identity. If you can't already tell, these aren't your typical operas. Expect electronic music, "abstract aural soundscapes", smoke surrounding performers, kaleidoscopic digital projections and stories firmly planted in the 21st century. Breaking Glass world premieres on Carriageworks' Facebook page at 7.30pm. Images: Daniel Boud
Forget worms — the early bird gets gourmet bites to eat, farm-fresh produce to line the cupboards, and an enjoyable morning of browsing and shopping at Milton Markets. Every Sunday morning, more than 80 stalls descend upon the corner of Cribb and Little Cribb streets in the inner western suburb to sell tasty wares. From 6am–12pm in warmer months and 7am–1pm, you can wander through massive fig trees to join them. Once a season, the Milton Markets also celebrates the change of weather — and all of the food that goes with it. On Sunday, March 29, it's doing so with Milton Markets: Autumn Seasonal Flavours, which'll showcase the tastes that make everyone think of this time of year. If fresh seasonal fruit gets your stomach grumbling, you can stock up here. If vegan eats do as well, you're in luck again. Expect themed gourmet food stalls, plus decorations to suit the occasion — and live entertainment and music are on the agenda too.
If you like words and you live in Brisbane, the last month has been mighty spectacular. First, Brisbane Writers Festival returned for 2022. Now, Emerge — Queensland Poetry Festival is back as well — because this town is home to multiple citywide celebrations of literature and language. As always, this tribute to waxing lyrical has compiled a diverse program that showcases the artform in a number of ways. Focused around the titular theme — that'd be 'emerge' — the lineup ponders coming out of the chaos of the last few years, how poetry itself breaks into the world, plus talents emerging to prominence themselves. After an online lineup in March, Brisbanites can now head to the in-person component from Friday, June 3–Sunday, June 5 at the Judith Wright Arts Centre. On the program: readings of Indigenous poetry to kick off the fest, an up-late poetry lounge, a chat about LGBTQIA+ poetry, pondering poetry's power when facing climate change and the pandemic, a session on erotica, a focus on mental health and more. And, doing the speaking and performing: a roster of talent that includes Busty Beatz, Madina Ahmad, Lisa Fa'alafi, Hot Brown Homies, Simone King, Jazz Money, Janaka Malwatta, Tony Norris, Felicity Plunkett, Samuel Wagan Watson and Nicholas Powell. Yes, the list goes on. [caption id="attachment_812379" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maeve Baker, 'Do Your Chores, Try Not To Think Too Much, And Repeat', 2020, IMA Belltower Façade Projection. Commissioned by the Institute of Modern Art for 'Making ArtWork'. Photo: Charlie Hillhouse.[/caption] Top image: Queensland Poetry Festival.
For more than six decades, the eastern suburbs of Brisbane have celebrated a red, juicy and delicious fruit. RedFest Strawberry Festival is about more than its eponymous foodstuff; however it's definitely the place to be if you're keen on strawberry sundaes — and strawberries in all kinds of other foods as well. In 2022, RedFest is back. Now it's called RedFest by the Bay, and it's taking place around the Raby Bay Harbour. And if you think that you can eat more strawbs than anyone else, an eating contest forms part of the fun. Want to wander around the Redland Showgrounds dressed as a strawberry? You'll also be in your element. And yes, the word strawberry will be uttered so many times that it'll lose all meaning. Running over three days from Saturday, October 1–Monday, September 3, the full program also spans general show shenanigans — such as live music, arts and cultural displays, carnival rides, a sideshow alley, showbags and fireworks. Oh, there will be a heap of food other than strawberries, although they can still be your main attraction.
Did you spend every single spare moment during your childhood mashing buttons at Timezone? Have you been living out your boozy adult dreams — and your nostalgia — at Brisbane's arcade bars? Whichever of the above applies, or even if video game arcades have only been a minor part of your life so far, you haven't experienced anything like Eephus & Sudo's Funderdome — an immersive installation that comes complete with interactive games and friendly monsters. Part of this year's Brisbane Festival, but running a little longer — from Friday, September 2–Saturday, October 1 — this exhibition turns a love of gaming into an all-ages-appropriate entertainment arena at Metro Arts. You'll wander, you'll play, you'll hang out with flesh-and-blood humans and digital critters, and you'll stare longingly at the prize wall. Eephus & Sudo's Funderdome hails from Tara Pattenden and marks her first solo show in Brisbane — and merging the DIY with the industrial is also a big focus. Join the fun from Tuesday–Saturday, with hours varying per week. Or, you can check out the window gallery exhibition at all times. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Phantom Chips (@phantom_chips) Top image: Gameplay photo of Unreal Engine by Adam Raboczi, drawings by Tara Pattenden.
After dinner, you're sure to need supper. Billed as "the ultimate nightcap", the Vivid Sydney Supper Club will transform Mary's Underground into a cabaret club on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the festival. Like any cabaret worth its salt, there's a wide range of entertainment disciplines on the roll call: musical theatre, dance, comedy, burlesque, jazz, DJing and more (think Mahalia Barnes with her soulful music and theatrics and singing from First Nations actress and singer Ursula Yovich). Legendary local drag artist Trevor Ashley (pictured above) has the unenviable task of keeping all the plates spinning and, according to the Vivid Sydney website, "he'll leave the stage door ajar in case special guests drop by for an impromptu jam". Quelle intrigue! Image: John McRae
One day, in the not-so-distant future, perhaps Brisbanites will take their pet puppers with them everywhere. For now, we'll all just have to grab our four-legged best friends and head to another doggo market. It's the trend that won't go away, and we'd all be barking mad if we wanted it to. More excuses to take energetic ol' Rufus places? More chances to go "awwwww" over other people's pooches? Count us in. The Doggo Day Markets are the latest such event, taking over Virginia's VEND Marketplace between 8am–2pm on Saturday, June 18. The shindig's name also acts as your instructions, so round up your woofer and take them on an outing. There's even a dress-up competition, as there usually is at these things. That's how adorable pups get even cuter. Also on the agenda: doggy stalls, a dog play area, a dog wash and dachshund races. And the northside spot's general array of markets and greenery, too.
UPDATE, MAY 13, 2022: Due to forecast wet weather, Brisbane Kite Festival has been postponed from Sunday, May 15 to Sunday, August 21. This article has been udpated to reflect that change. Brisbane's big blue sky is about to get brighter — no, summer isn't here again, but Brisbane Kite Festival is. From 10am–3pm on Sunday, August 21, the high-flying event will take over the Murarrie Recreation Reserve, filling the air with colourful structures flapping in the wind. It's a family-friendly affair, but kids small and big are welcome to roll out their kite and watch it float in the wind — and, if you need some help, there'll be kite workshops onsite, too. Plus, if you want to be part of the fun, but don't have your own kite, there'll be some for sale on the day, as well as professional kite flyers (yep, that's a thing) to give you a hand. When you're not holding a string and staring at the clouds, you can also grab something to eat or do a little browsing, with the festival also featuring markets and food stalls. Entry is free — and pets are welcome, so bring your doggo along.
Yatala's latest retro movie night poses a dilemma. Will you show your 90s love, chat about Bettys and Baldwins, exclaim "as if?" and remember that Paul Rudd doesn't age? Or, will you wish 00s-era Lindsay Lohan was your best friend, wear pink even though it's not a Wednesday and write in a burn book? Of course, if there's a way to show your affection for both Clueless and Mean Girls, then that's an option — both films are on the bill, after all. One borrows from Jane Austen and made a star out of Alicia Silverstone, the other is based on a self-help book and boasts Tina Fey as a screenwriter, and they're each considered high-school movie classics for a reason. They'll also be playing from 7pm on Sunday, October 2 — the day before Mean Girls day, as fans will know — which sounds like a fetch way to spend your Sunday night. Tickets cost $50 for a carload of six, so gather the gang, jump in the car and motor down the highway.
Don't let anyone tell you that lager and lemonade don't mix. Someone who utters such a silly thought clearly hasn't tried a shandy, the boozy drink you have when you want a beer, but you also want something citrusy — and sip that's perfect for spring and summer. Throughout September, BrewDog is bringing shandies back — not that they ever went anywhere. And you can try its new shandy tipple for free every Sunday throughout the month. That brew: BrewDog's Shandy Shack. It's made with homemade natural lemonade mixed with the brewery's Lost Lager, and it's available in cans. So, once you've tasted it without paying a cent at BrewDog's Murarrie base, you can pick up some to take home. Just added a Sunday sipping session to your September plans? That's understandable. BrewDog's taproom is open from 11am–11pm, and serves up river views right under the Gateway Bridge. Bookings are recommended, or you can just rock up.
It's a great time to be a dog in Brisbane, with events dedicated to tail-wagging canines popping up seemingly every weekend (or thereabouts). Here's the latest: a market that's all about humanity's four-legged friends, but by twilight. Yes, your pupper likes shopping under the evening sky, too. Obviously, don't forget to take your pooch with you to this event. No one needs an excuse to treat their doggo to some time out of the house; however, Paws Under the Stars really is their moment to shine. And to frolic, too — and to eat some dog ice cream, because that isn't just for humans, either. Alongside dog grooming, a photo wall, live tunes and, obviously, oh-so-many stalls, all of the above is on the agenda from 4–8pm on Saturday, October 8 at the Gasworks in Newstead. Entry is free, as is parking for two hours — and dogs of all sizes are welcome.
In need of some new procrastination material? Well, you're in luck. Google image search 'Banff' and spend a few minutes (or half an hour) taking in the gorgeous pictures of snow-capped mountains, aqua water and towering pines. It's impossible to not daydream about holidaying somewhere far-flung and exciting while ogling these picture-perfect views, as we're sure you'll agree. Thankfully, you'll have the opportunity to slip into this magical world without ever leaving Brisbane. A selection of venues are hosting Banff Mountain Film Festival's 2022 tour — the event's latest stopover, after beginning back in 1976. Its stunning cinematography attracts film buffs and adventurers alike, making the festival mighty popular across the world today. Every November, hundreds of films enter the competition with the cream of the crop chosen to entertain and amaze festival goers. Some of the featured flicks battled it out in categories including Best Film on Mountain Sport, Best Film on Mountain Environment, Best Film on Mountain Culture, Best Film on Exploration and Adventure, People's Choice Award and more. Check out nine of them at Brisbane Powerhouse from Thursday, June 2–Saturday, June 4.
Film-loving Brisbanites, prepare to start wishing you're in Italy. Yes, it's Italian Film Festival time again, and it's heading to Palace Barracks and Palace James Street with quite the lineup. On the bill from Wednesday, September 21–Sunday, October 16: everything from Italian box office hits and Sophia Loren-starring classics through to a documentary about a shoemaker to the stars helmed by Call Me By Your Name and Suspiria's Luca Guadagnino. This year's IFF will open with Belli Ciao, which did huge box office business in Italy. It both stars and is co-written by comic duo Pio D'Antini and Amedeo Grieco, who play once-inseparable friends who went their own ways after high school — Pio leaves for Milan, Amedeo stays in their hometown — and now reunite, complete with a north-versus-south culture clash. From there, highlights include The Hummingbird, an ensemble drama with Nanni Moretti (Three Floors) and Berenice Bejo (Final Cut), which hits IFF fresh from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival; drama Lord of the Ants, about the controversial 1960s trial of intellectual Aldo Braibanti, which screens direct from its Venice Film Festival competition debut; and The King of Laughter, which features Toni Servillo (The Hand of God) as actor and playwright Eduardo Scarpetta. Among the documentary selection, two big titles stand out. The aforementioned Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams focuses on Salvatore Ferragamo, while Ennio — The Maestro sees director Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso) pay tribute to legendary Italian composer Ennio Morricone (The Hateful Eight). Elsewhere on the bill, there's rom-com Breaking Up in Rome, homecoming drama Nostalgia, play-to-screen adaptation The Great Silence, the fairground-set Swing Ride and prison The Inner Cage — the latter of which also features Servillo. In fact, he pops up again in Casanova's Return, as an acclaimed Italian director making his last movie about Casanova. More than 25 films grace the full lineup — including blasts from the past, such as closing night's Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni-starring Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. To celebrate the centenary of filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini's birth, three of his iconic movies — all adaptations of literary works — will screen as well, with The Canterbury Tales, Arabian Nights and The Decameron all getting big-screen showings.
Spring Hill Reservoir is one of those Brisbane spaces that everyone really should've been to — but when you live in a city, rather than play tourist in one, it's easy to miss some of the regular must-see sights. Consider Opera in the Reservoir just the excuse you need to venture six metres below Albert Park, then. On the agenda: a night of arias and duets deep underneath Wickham Terrace. The concept is all there in the name, and this is one of those events that owes an enormous debt to its location. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or a first-timer, there's really nothing like watching a show in a heritage-listed subterranean space that's more than a century old — and in the middle of the city at that. Underground Opera's latest season of Opera in the Reservoir shows runs until Sunday, November 21. Head along to listen to a greatest hits tour of opera classics, all while spending time in the historical depths of Brissie. Images: Underground Opera.
Forget decking the halls with boughs of holly — from 9am–2pm on Saturday, November 20, Bakery, Winn and California lanes and the Brunswick Street Mall are decking out four stretches of Fortitude Valley pavement with other kinds of festive cheer. At A Very Valley Market Christmas, a whole heap of markets — plus plenty of permanent shops to browse through — are on the bill. Located in the mall (obviously) and around the stretch of Ann Street right near it, this event won't be short on stalls, gifts and reasons to rifle through racks and shelves. In fact, there'll be so much to browse your way through that the event is also setting up shop in the Institute of Modern Art's foyer and forecourt. There, you'll find wares from makers from IMA's own store, plus goods from some of the market's regulars as well. 'Tis the season to amp things up, however, so that's just what'll be happening at this market day. Each spot will play host to its own festive fun, including live tunes — because every Christmas shopping trip needs the requisite soundtrack. In the mall, it'll be all about the markets. At Bakery Lane, expect food galore, plus a Christmas parade for dogs. Winn Lane is putting a particular focus on baked goods, while California Lane is serving mimosas, doing Santa pet photos and teaching you how to make your own wreaths.
When the end of the year hits, do you get 'Christmas is All Around', as sung by Bill Nighy, stuck in your head? Have you ever held up a piece of cardboard to tell the object of your affection that, to you, they're perfect? Does your idea of getting festive involve watching Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Rowan Atkinson and Martin Freeman, all in the same movie? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you clearly adore everyone's favourite Christmas-themed British rom-com, its high-profile cast and its seasonal humour. And, you've probably watched the beloved flick every December since it was first released in cinemas back in 2003. That's a perfectly acceptable routine, and one that's shared by many. But this year, you can do one better. A huge success during its past tours of the UK and Australia (to the surprise of absolutely no one), 'Love Actually' in Concert is returning to make this festive season extra merry. And, to the jolly delight of Brisbantes, to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre at 3.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, December 18. Here, you'll revisit the Richard Curtis-written and -directed film you already know and treasure, step through its interweaved Yuletide stories of romance, and hear a live orchestra play the movie's soundtrack. And, yes, Christmas (and love) will be all around you. Tickets go on sale at 4pm local time on Thursday, November 11, with presales from 10am local time on Tuesday, November 9.
Spend a lobster, get a lobster — and get some change as well. If you fancy treating yourself to an indulgent but affordable seafood bite, you can nab a lobster roll from Motto Motto from Tuesday, November 9 for just $16. The Japanese chain is adding the limited-edition menu item to its range at all stores Australia-wide, which includes Carindale, Chermside, Garden City, Indooroopilly, Sunshine Plaza, Pacific Fair and Robina in Brisbane and southeast Queensland. Whether you're levelling up your lunch or you're hankering for a seafood dinner, your next roll just got a whole lot fancier. Motto Motto's version comes with lobster — of course — as well as shallots, avocado, black fish roe and yuzu dressing. If that's started your tastebuds watering, you'll want to get in quick, as it's only expected to be on offer for around a week. And, obviously, you don't need to pay for your purchase with a $20 note — but when you're buying lobster, you know you want to.
Margaritas remind us of warm summer breezes, tropical vacays and bevvies in beachside cabanas. While jetting to an overseas island is still off the cards, at least it's summer and the salty-sour cocktail tastes just as good here. And now is the perfect time to head to your favourite tequila watering hole to order a marg in celebration of National Margarita Month, running throughout February. To celebrate, top-notch tequila brand — and one of the last tequila-producing haciendas in the world — El Jimador is getting behind bars across the country by offering a heap of drink deals over the next 28 days. Whether you want to celebrate with a classic margarita, try a spicy watermelon number or stay cool with a Tommy's, all participating bars are slinging them — and some for a steal. And, you can bet your fine tipple will be made with El Jimador's range of 100 percent agave tequilas. This means you can knock off work and make a beeline to the local pub, or head to a riverside bar to catch the sunset — with a cheeky marg in hand, of course. Or, go all-in and head to a neighbourhood Mexican restaurant that's serving up margies galore. Wherever you want to go, just be sure to check out this handy map showing all the participating venues around town. To check out the full list of participating venues, head here.
If you've ever wondered why we all love watching superheroes fly across the screen, seeing fantastic worlds and creatures come to life, and witnessing Dwayne Johnson somehow manage to save the world again, it's simple: cinematic escapism. We devote our attention to the film in front of us, and we ignore whatever else is going on — in our lives, in our ordinary routines and in our brains. Taking your thoughts off matters of the mind won't be so simple at the Gallery of Modern Art's next film program, though. Running as part of this year's World Science Festival Brisbane, All in the Mind explores the cerebral side of cinema. Across three days and six films, Brisbanites can feast their eyes on movies about psychological and neurological conditions, psychedelic and medical treatments, mental health in general, and the way our brains work. It all kicks off on Friday, March 26, which is when you can go gonzo with Hunter S Thompson in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Or, if you're a documentary buff, you can choose between Dosed, which is about the use of psychoactive substances to treat mental health; Oliver Sacks: His Own Life, which tells the famed neurologist's story; and Hunting for Hedonia, which delves into the medical technique known as deep brain stimulation. Screening until Sunday, March 28, the lineup also includes 2019 festival hit System Crasher, about a nine-year-old placed in foster care when her mother can't handle her. Want to give your brain a jolt? You can get spooked out with exceptional Australian horror film The Babadook and its eerie pop-up book creature, too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boc6M81eV1s
Yeerongpilly's Plant Empire sells greenery every day of the week, helping folks with green thumbs — and those who wish they had them, too — fill their homes with leafy babies. But on Sunday, March 7, it's doing something more than that. You can still browse the store's shelves for plants, of course; however you can also head round back to check out the pop-up autumn market. As well as plants, you'll be able to peruse a range of pots. If you're going to buy some greenery, you'll want something to put it in, obviously. Also on offer: ceramics, jewellery and other handmade crafts. And if you happen to arrive hungry — Sunday mornings can do that to even the most satisfied stomach — there'll be food and coffee available as well, all while you listen to live tunes. Just drop by the Station Road spot between 9am–1pm, when the morning-long market and its 50-plus stalls will be in full swing. The usual advice applies here, as it does to all plant markets: yes, more greenery is always a good thing. Images: Plant Empire.
Debuting in line with this year's BrisAsia Festival, but also remaining on display until Sunday, April 18, the Museum of Brisbane's latest exhibition explores an emotional and important topic with far-reaching repercussions. The artist behind it, documentary photographer Tammy Law, draws from her own family's history with Fractured Dreams & Indefinite Scars — which tackles forced migration and displacement, the ripples it causes and the fact that the aftermath can linger even among those who didn't experience it firsthand. When Law's mother Jenny Phang was pregnant with her in 1986, three generations of her family were deported from Queensland. So, this exhibition cuts close to home in multiple ways. Law has also called upon her siblings Michelle and Benjamin for assistance, with the MoB showcase aiming to get people talking about her subject matter, and to explore the topic from a personal perspective. Fractured Dreams & Indefinite Scars is part of a broader residency, too, with Law hosting open studio sessions from 10am–2pm every Wednesday and Sunday. Accordingly, you can head along to see her work, or to see her in action. An interactive paper-folding activity is also part of the exhibition, if you'd like to take part as well. Images: Tammy Law.
Remember when Saturday mornings were all about cartoons, cereal and not having a care in the world? Netherworld does. At the Fortitude Valley bar, you're never too old to kick back in the arcade room for some serious kidulting — or to start the day just like you did when you were a kid, but with beer. That's what its regular Saturday Morning Cartoons event is all about (in case the name didn't already give that away). And it doesn't just play any old cartoons. While the selection changes with each outing, the Saturday, February 27 event will be enjoying a heap of duck-themed animation for two hours. Yes, you'll be watching Duck Tales and Darkwing Duck, among other things. From 9am, you can pair your nostalgia with a milk-filled bowl of cereal. From 10am, you can grab a frosty brew, too, when the bar opens. Both your breakfast and your beverage are included in the $20 entry price. And, because we know you're wondering, wearing your pjs is fine.
Take a deep dive into the wondrous cinematic worlds of Wes Anderson — symmetry, quirkiness, pastel cinematography and all. From Thursday, February 4–Wednesday, February 24, Dendy Coorparoo is falling head over heels for the acclaimed director's work. The series is called Fantastic Mr Wes: A Wes Anderson Retrospective, because of course it is. Film buffs can enjoy Anderson's distinctive visual stylings, compelling soundtracks and all-star casts, with the eastside venue playing different flicks multiple times across the three-week period. First up, catch 1996 crime-comedy Bottle Rocket, followed by the Jason Schwartzman-led hit Rushmore, the family dramas of The Royal Tenenbaums and the stop-motion animation delight that is Fantastic Mr Fox. Also on the bill: The Darjeeling Limited (which'll help you vicariously indulge your wanderlust), The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (if you feeling like wearing matching tracksuits with your movie date) and Isle of Dogs (because no one does animated canines like Anderson) — plus Moonrise Kingdom's tale of young love and the exceptionally cast The Grand Budapest Hotel as well. Fingers crossed that 2021 is the year we all finally get to see Anderson's latest, the pandemic-delayed The French Dispatch, too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs7mIoG8ffI
If you've worn that one summer outfit to death, are in need of a new set of sandals for all the beach trips you've got planned or are looking to start prepping your winter wardrobe, it might be time to pick up some new threads. Luckily, you can currently refresh your wardrobe with this huge 40 percent off sale over at The Iconic. There are hundreds of items on sale from a range of sought-after brands including Dazie, M.N.G and Commune as part of the site's Exclusive Edit Sale. Pick up a silky slip dress for your next night out, a tan overshirt that can slip over any autumn outfit or a black leather pair of sandals from Atmos + Here. You can browse the full selection of both women's and men's outfit as well as shoes, jewellery and accessories here. Once you find what you're looking for, the 40 percent discount will be applied on any sale items at the checkout. The sale is running through until 11.59pm on Monday, March 8. Find all the details here. 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.
When Murder on the Orient Express became a big box office hit back in 2017, it wasn't the first time that the Agatha Christie novel had reached the silver screen. That honour goes to the 1974 movie of the same name, which starred Albert Finney as Hercule Poirot, and featured everyone from Sean Connery and Lauren Bacall to Vanessa Redgrave and Ingrid Bergman. And if you're keen to explore its whodunnit thrills, you can at Dendy Coorparoo's new Murder Mysteries Film Festival. From, Thursday, March 18–Wednesday, March 31, this six-title fest is all about sleuthing through blasts from the past. Before the next new Poirot flick, Death on the Nile, reaches cinemas — hopefully at some point this year — you can see the 1978 version with Peter Ustinov, Angela Lansbury, Mia Farrow and Maggie Smith, too. Also on the bill: Humphrey Bogart-starring classic The Maltese Falcon, Orson Welles in The Third Man and the aristocratic dramas of Kind Hearts and Coronets. There's also Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece North by Northwest, which everyone needs to see at least once on the big screen. Like all of Dendy Coorparoo's festivals, different movies screen on different dates — and multiple times — so checking out the session listing is the best way to schedule your viewing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek7T9Gyl_J4
UPDATE, March 16, 2021: Due to forecast wet weather, the Howard Smith Wharves Music Trail has moved from its original dates of March 20–21 to Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28. The below information has been updated to reflect this change. A visit to Howard Smith Wharves can often incite a bout of indecisiveness. Where do you start? What do you eat and drink first? Which patch of grass by the river has your name on it? Expect those kinds of questions to keep coming on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28, because the inner city precinct is hosting the Howard Smith Wharves Music Trail — so you'll need to choose between more than 30 performers playing across eight stages. The likes of Yossa Haile, Matthew Armitage, Estampa, Soulergy, Trio Balanco, No Way Jose and Peaches & The Alphasonics will be crooning tunes, spanning funk, jazz, soul and Latin music — and more. Everyone heading along will receive a passport upon arrival, which you can get stamped at each performance spot. Collect 'em all, and you'll win a prize. Between 2–10pm each day, you'll also need to choose what to snack on and sip, with more than just the usual lineup of food and beverages on offer. Hit up the pop-up gin bar, head by the oyster shack (which'll also be serving champagne) or get a snag at the sausage sizzle. Greca will be doing loukoumades, Yoko is hosting a yakitori barbecue and Goodtimes Gelateria will be getting on its bike. Entry is free, but you'll obviously need your wallet for whatever tempts your tastebuds and quenches your thirst.
Since November 2020, Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art has been all revved up about motorbikes. That mightn't be the kind of thing you'd generally expect to find at the South Bank spot; however, GOMA is an eclectic venue. The exhibition runs through until the end of April, so all those engines aren't going anywhere for a couple of months — well, other than outside and onto the gallery's patch of grass by the river. From 10.30am on Saturday, February 27, The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire is morphing into Motorcycles on the Green. Brisbanites, you have two choices: simply hang around outdoors and enjoy the free activities, or combine it with a ticket to the exhibition. Outside, there'll be motorbikes — obviously — plus custom motorcycle builds and DJ sets from Patience Hodgson and Lori Lee. Indoors, the Queensland-exclusive showcase explores the two-wheeled vehicle's enduring appeal — from the way it looks and how it has evolved over the years, to the way it's portrayed in popular culture and how it makes people feel — with more than 100 motorcycles on display. Images: Installation view. The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire. 28 November 20 – 26 April 21 Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane Photographs: Chloë Callistemon and Brad Wagner, QAGOMA
How long did Charles Boyle spend dreaming of Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago's wedding? What did Rosa Diaz do before she was a cop? Who keeps swooping in and taking the Nine-Nine crew's cases? Which one is Scully and which is Hitchcock? Which one of the latter duo has a twin? Who has won the most Halloween heists? If you can answer all of the above — and name Captain Holt's dog, Terry's kids, Gina's dance troupe and Jake's favourite movie — then you're definitely set for this trivia night. Yes, it's all about the hit cop sitcom we all know and love. You know, the one that was cancelled and then resurrected in the space of 36 hours a few years back, and has now announced that it's wrapping up for good after its next season. We'd keep asking Brooklyn Nine-Nine questions and dropping tidbits, but we'll save some for the big night. Every time evenings dedicated to B99 hits town, places are snapped up faster than Terry can snap open a tub of yoghurt. This time, you need to book a place for The Sound Garden's B99 trivia night in advance, and then Thursday, February 25 can be your night to shine (that can also be the title of your sex tape if you'd like). It all starts at 6.30pm, and entry is free. Bring your wallet for bites to eat, obviously, plus drinks. If all this sounds rather noice, get in quick as spots are limited.
If you've been dreaming overseas holidays lately (and doing so a little bit more than normal), there's a good reason for that. Every February, the annual BrisAsia Festival takes over Brisbane, showering the city in Asian food and culture — and making us all wish we had a getaway in our future. The month-long fest is comprised of heaps of smaller events and mini festivals, and one of them is particularly tasty. Head along to the BrisAsia Food Festival to tuck into everything from dumplings to curries, plus Chinese dishes and Filipino cuisine as well. Rather than just happening in one place on Saturday, February 20–Sunday, February 21, this festival will see you jumping between participating venues across the two days and enjoying their specials. So, you could start off with a snack at 8848 Momo House, then have lunch at Chu the Phat, and later pop into Kubo's Bar and Grill for dinner. Curry 'n' Cask, Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant in Fortitude Valley and Fat Dumpling Bar are all taking part, too, as are Madame Wu, Super Bowl, and Indian Brothers in Taringa and Annerley.
Everybody, be cool. This isn't a robbery — but it is a raucous rush through the filmography of one of the most distinctive directors of the past three decades. Two Man Tarantino is exactly what it sounds like, with two people hopping up on stage to re-enact diamond heists, twist dancing contests, blowing up bad guys, hunting down the hateful and more. Running between Thursday, March 18–Sunday, Saturday, March 27, it's a 70-minute-long recreation that also has the perfect framing device: it's set in a video store. Everyone knows that's where Quentin Tarantino's love of movies blossomed long before he was asking Samuel L Jackson to wax lyrical about royales with cheese — and revisiting the kind of shop that has died out in recent years is also part of the fun. Two Man Tarantino first hit up Brisbane a couple of years ago, but now it's back for a return season at Brisbane Powerhouse. Get ready to fly, folks. If you need some motivation — or just a refresher on one of the filmmaker's very best movies — check out the trailer for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELeMaP8EPAA
Once, not that long ago, Brisbane had never played host to a gin festival. Now, that's definitely no longer the case. They seem to pop up rather frequently, alongside plenty of other regular gin-focused nights, gatherings and parties. We do have several bars solely focused on gin in this city of ours, after all. They all have one thing in common, of course: oh-so-many juniper spirits. And another: oh-so-many G&Ts. That's exactly what's on the menu at Pig 'n' Whistle Brunswick Street's gin-fuelled addition to the fold, aka its returning Ginfused Festival. Taking place from 1–6pm on Saturday, March 27, this patch of the Valley will become a gin mecca — complete with plenty of artisanal gins, a heap of cheese and charcuterie to help soak up the botanical booze, cocktail masterclasses and live music. Distilleries including Brookie's, Winston Quinn, Four Pillars, Australian Distilling Co and more will be slinging drinks, and entry is free. You can also purchase a $40 or $45 package in advance, because there are multiple options for attending this fest. A $40 ticket can either include five drink tokens — or access to a masterclass, gin tastings and a cocktail. For $45, you'll nab two beverage tokens and a charcuterie plate to share.
If your job sees you doing the Monday–Friday grind, then we're betting that you love Friday afternoons and evenings. That's when you're filled with relief that the working week is done once again — not to mention overflowing with enthusiasm for the two-day reprieve you're about to bounce into. So, it isn't hard to make a Friday night feel special. They just have that inherent feel from the moment that you clock off. But if you'd like to do something extra exciting on Friday, January 29, you can make a beeline to Ivory Tusk's Cocktail Hour with the Queens from 6pm. Thin Lizzi, Kim Shotte and Karmin Dioxide will be your entertainment for the evening and, while you're watching their drag performances, you'll sip your way through a couple of cocktails. Two are included in your ticket price, and you can keep paying for more from there — and checking out the venue's food menu as well.
Usually, you don't go to someone's house to see a live theatre show. You don't normally go to an underground reservoir, head to a church, wander around an old paint factory, pop into a plant nursery or sit on a jetty, either. But, as its name suggests, performances can happen in plenty of places at the Anywhere Festival. Indeed, bars, restaurants, sports clubs, cafes, universities, laneways and shops are some of the more ordinary locations. From Thursday, May 5–Sunday, May 22, this huge fest takes over Brisbane — after kicking off on the Sunshine Coast since Friday, April 29, and later heading to the Moreton Bay region from Saturday, May 14–Sunday, June 5. That means that you have plenty of places to visit in more ways than one, whether you're eager to make the most of the fest's Brissie season or head north. If you're new to Anywhere Festival, the key part really is all there in its moniker — and this year, for the Brisbane run, that means 60 productions putting on more than 500 shows during the event. It also means turning any space possible into an arts space, including backyards, World War II aircraft engine testing facilities and senate rooms. The one kind of spot you won't see an Anywhere Festival performance, however? A traditional theatre. At its creative and makeshift venues around town, on the bill is everything from theatre, comedy, dance and cabaret to music, circus, spoken word and poetry. The 2022 fest kicks off with a big laneway party on Fish Lane, complete with pop-up performances — then spans cabaret under a 117-year-old church roof, French tunes and treats in a garden centre, and a show at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium that's focused around the Northern Lights. Also on the lineup: a series of intimate circus performances in parks in Moorooka, Morningside, Nudgee and at Northey Street City Farm; an escape room-style show in a cafe; a rendition of Little Shop of Horrors; a whodunnit delightfully called Murder at the Bowlo; and a 1920s-style murder-mystery that takes cues from Agatha Christie. Or, there's a roaming and immersive performance that turns that aforementioned paint factory into an intergalactic prison, plus sea shanties in the Spring Hill Reservoir. [caption id="attachment_852663" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bruce Heath[/caption] Top image: Geoff Lawrence.
Once a year, Monster Fest treats cinemagoers to a weird and wonderful film festival filled with genre and cult movies — but that's obviously not often enough. So, behold Monster Fest Weekender, aka the fest that the Monster team hosts midyear when it's not rolling out the full shindig. Hitting Brisbane's Event Cinemas Myer Centre from Friday, May 13–Sunday, May 15, this three-day affair will screen the films you can't wait till later in the year to see — such as Sundance oddity Hatching, a body-horror flick about a girl nursing an egg: documentary The History of Metal and Horror, which spans everyone from Alice Cooper to John Carpenter; and monster- and OTT scientist-filled stop-motion effort Mad God. Other highlights: a 35th-anniversary session of Miami Connection, a cult martial arts movie that really has to be seen to be believed; a 4K restoration of 1985's Cat's Eye, a Stephen King adaptation starring a very young Drew Barrymore; and Pennywise: The Story of It, which takes a making-of look at the Tim Curry-starring TV miniseries that first brought the creepy clown to screens.
Your tastebuds are hankering for a soft drink, you also feel like something boozy, and no, a vodka and lemonade just won't cut it. The new solution to this relatable dilemma: El Camino Cantina's Not So Soft Drink Series. You mightn't have even contemplated sipping creaming soda or frozen cola-flavoured margaritas before, but that's what this new short-term menu is all about. Also on offer at the lively Tex-Mex chain's Queensland venues at South Bank, Bowen Hills, Chermside, Robina and Sunshine Plaza: Pasito-flavoured margaritas, plus a Mountain Dew version as well. You'll be able to knock them back between Tuesday, June 1–Sunday, August 1 — in 15-ounce and 25-ounce glasses topped with a Grand Marnier float, in tasting paddles that'll let you sample all four varieties, and out of two-litre towers if you're gathering the gang. If you're a fan of its margs, you'll probably have noticed that El Camino mixes up its menu regularly with specials like these — which gives you more excuses to try more flavours. And if you're keen on a few other varieties, making the trip to South Bank is recommended. That's the only place in town where you'll also be able to nab ginger beer, pub squash and an orange 'sun kissed' version, too.
