Europe's chilly weather has already been and gone for the year — and no one can currently leave Australia to take a holiday, anyway — but, Brisbanites, you can still hit up a festive winter market. Taking place in the Tamborine Mountain area between Friday, June 18–Sunday, June 20, Evergreen Festival will make you feel like you've ventured far, far away. That's the aim, at least. The mulled wine will surely help. When you're not wandering around the market and shopping for food to eat straight away — including cannoli — plus knickknacks to take home with you, you can also sip steamy, stomach-warming vino at the Scandinavian-inspired dining village. It'll be doing a number of different dinner options, including a three-course feast using fresh produce from the Scenic Rim. And if you're wondering about the theme, it'll come through in the furnishings. Entry to the market will be free, but everything else will obviously require your wallet. Expect trees adorned with lights to really set the mood — and live entertainment as well.
It's festival time at Brisbane Powerhouse once again, all thanks to the return of the venue's MELT: Festival of Queer Arts and Culture. Since 2015, the riverside New Farm spot has celebrated the city's LGBTIQ+ community, as well as queer creativity in general — and in 2021, that means hosting 15 events over the 11 days between Thursday, May 20–Sunday, May 30. On the bill this year: cabaret God is in the House, which ponders and probes society's notions of morality; Lesbian Love Stories, which shares romantic tales through song (and with a rock band); People of Colours, a conversation-driven show about diversity and what it means to be home; and Jeremy Goldstein's Truth to Power Cafe, a participatory performance event that's all about the titular concept. Or, you can enjoy the crazy little thing called Killer Queens, a tribute to glam rock icon Freddie Mercury (with a bit of Prince and David Bowie thrown in), and see Showguys, an ode to 1995's Showgirls with a male and drag queen cast. And, it wouldn't be a MELT without two of the festival's long-term favourites. So, you'll be seeing who emerges victorious at the MELT Beauty Pageant once more, and checking out visual celebrations of LGBTIQ+ during the MELT Portrait Prize exhibition. [caption id="attachment_716453" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Dylan Evans[/caption]
UPDATE, May 29, 2021: With Victoria in lockdown, the St Kilda Film Festival isn't hosting any physical screenings on its final day — but you can watch Australia's Top 100 short films for free online until 11.59pm today, Saturday, May 29. You'll find big things in small packages at the St Kilda Film Festival this year. That's true every year — even last year, during lockdown — but you'll also find some changes on this year's program as well. Australia's oldest short film festival, the massive event will once again physically descend upon St Kilda in 2021; however, as it did in 2020, the lineup is also jumping online and screening to movie buffs nationally. The hybrid version of the festival will still showcase works by some of the best up-and-coming filmmakers in the country, which you can watch at 11 physical events or via 15 digital sessions. Running from Thursday, May 20–Saturday, May 29, it all kicks off with opening night at The Astor Theatre, then gives student animation, family-friendly animation, Victorian-made shorts, women filmmakers and directors under the age of 21 their time to shine at ticketed screenings. As always, the backbone of the festival is Australia's Top 100, featuring filmmakers from every corner of the country competing for prizes. You can view these short flicks online this year — and for free — as broken down into themed packages. The Australian Animation Showcase highlights Aussie animation, 'Dark Matter' showcases horror, thriller and dystopian tales, 'Suburban Keyholes' is all about life in the suburbs and 'Age of Innocence' focuses on coming-of-age stories, for instance. Image: Jim Lee
Forget finding a golden ticket — while scoring a free pass to a chocolate factory was everyone's dream as a kid (and, let's face it, is still a dream now), there are other ways to indulge your Willy Wonka fantasies. Cakes as far as the eye can see, classes on how to make them and a dedicated sweet zone aren't just things that floated through your head while you were asleep. They're real, and they're part of the International Cake, Cookie and Sweet Show at Brisbane Showgrounds. From Friday, May 14–Sunday, May 16, the Ekka precinct becomes the sweetest place in the city, so prepare your tastebuds and stomach accordingly. The three-day show will feature a mixing bowl worth of live cake-making and decorating sessions, how-to demonstrations, hands-on classes and a two-day cake sculpture challenge — as well as hosting the Australasian Cake Oscars, the tastiest awards you're ever likely to come across. Other highlights include stalls and shops, which'll help you bake up a storm at home, as well plenty of tasty fare to devour. Basically, when you're not learning how to make sweet treats, you'll be eating them.
If you're a fan of poultry pieces, then you might want to mark Thursdays in your calendar. Circle them on your wall, put a reminder in your phone, drop them into your work schedule and, if you really don't want to forget, set an alarm, too. The reason: that's when Beerhaüs in Bowen Hills is doing one-cent wings — each and every week. Nope, that figure isn't short a numeral. The special runs all day, as well, through until 7pm. You can even choose between seven different sauces, including teriyaki, barbecue and chipotle. The catch? Yes, there is one, but we don't think you'll mind. You have to buy a full-priced drink to access the oh-so-cheap wings, and you can only get ten wings per beverage. Want more? Buy another beer, cocktail, wine or soft drinks, then pay another ten cents for ten more wings. Updated November 1.
Back in May, just in time for Mother's Day, Brisbane scored a new riverside market. That was handy then, but it wasn't a once-off. Yes, the Portside Local Markets are returning — because everyone likes shopping by the water, even when they don't have an excuse. If you really like browsing and buying, taking in the riverside air, and having a reason to stop for a bite and a drink, you'll want to head to Hamilton on Sunday, July 25. From 11am–3pm, you can shop, stroll and sip, which sounds like a mighty fine weekend itinerary. A sizeable lineup of stalls will offer up plenty for you to browse and buy, including art, plants, ceramics, accessories and more. If you've been to markets at the Gasworks, or in Fish Lane, Coorparoo and Gabba South City, you'll have a firm idea of what you're in for — because The Market Folk is behind all of the above, and is running this returning Portside event as well. To give your shopping a soundtrack, live piano tunes will echo through the Hamilton precinct. And, if those hunger pangs strike — or you're just keen on having a drink — everywhere from Pineapple Express Cafe, Bamboo Basket, Burrito Bar and Ginga Sushi to Mr & Mrs Jones, Belvedere Bar 'n' Grill, Byblos Bar and Restaurant, Gusto da Gianni and Sono will be open. Images: Claudia Baxter.
First, the bad news: Christmas isn't here just yet. Now, the better news: because it's July, and that's when the world has decided that it's also acceptable to celebrate the festive season, you can spend the entire month getting merry and pretending. One way to indulge your yuletide yearnings: the Surfers Paradise Christmas in July Markets. And, while more than a few similar events will be jingling bells and popping up wreaths across the month, this one also happens to be by the beach. Head on down to The Esplanade from 4–9pm on Saturday, July 10 to shop, soak in the scenic setting, listen to festive tunes and be jolly. There'll be a heap of stalls selling everything from handmade goods and fashion items to pet accessories and sweet treats, as well as roving entertainment to help spread the Xmas mood as far along the beachside as possible.
Leisurely lunches might not be a daily occurrence – or, for most of us, a regular part of our routines — but The Inchcolm Bar wants to change that. Because getting through another working week is always something to celebrate, the revamped spot is serving up a three martini lunch special every Friday. For $59, you'll sit down to a two-course lunch between 12–3pm. As the event's name makes plain, you'll also get three martinis for your trouble. That's reason enough to zip from the CBD to Spring Hill — or to head in from wherever you're spending your Friday. Food-wise, you can choose from escargot, chicken liver pate and three natural oysters for your entree, with steak frites, Moreton Bay bug chilli pasta, fish and mushroom gnocchi on offer for your mail. And, as for those 'tinis, you can take your pick from the venue's signature martini menu. After kicking off in July as part of this year's Brisbane Good Food Month, this deal is sticking around for the rest of 2021. Updated August 24.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all people of Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In the past, the "National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee" were responsible for organising the events of NAIDOC Week, and since then the acronym has become the name of the event itself. The theme of NAIDOC Week this year is 'Heal Country!'. Grounded in Country, this theme calls for the recognition, protection and maintenance of all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. But in order to achieve this, it's essential that historical, political and administrative settings adapt in order to empower and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Did you know the Aboriginal flag is currently under copyright? Clothing The Gaps are leading the campaign to have the Aboriginal flag freed. Join them for this lunchtime yarn to learn about the Aboriginal Copyright issue and the progress of the Free the Flag campaign. Head to Clothing the Gaps Instagram to keep up-to-date with everything the organisation is doing this NAIDOC Week and view its 'Heal Country!' collection. [caption id="attachment_817386" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Supplied by Clothing The Gaps.[/caption]
Fantastic shows and performances are one part of MELT, Brisbane Powerhouse's annual queer arts and culture festival. Vibrant and diverse art is another. Simply take a look at the the venue's walls until Sunday, June 13 and you'll understand — with the venue decked out with a showcase of MELT creativity for the duration of the fest, and also for a few weeks after the main event ends. As it does every year, the annual MELT Portrait Prize celebrates LGBTIQ+ heroes. Paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and digital images are all in the running, with submitted works competing for the judge's choice and people's choice prizes (and for a highly commended slot as well). This exhibition displays the shortlisted works, so you'll be seeing the best of the best as you wander through Powerhouse's Turbine Foyer. Just make sure you don't drop by too early in the week to check out the free showcase — because the MELT Portrait Prize is on display from 11.30am–5.30pm Wednesday–Sunday. Top image: MELT Portrait Prize 2019 People's Choice Winner — Tim Wang 'Becalmed'.
Following a year's delay, the biggest event in global sport has returned. That'd be the Olympics, obviously. After being postponed due to the pandemic, the 2020 Tokyo games are finally taking place from Friday, July 23–Sunday, August 8. There aren't any spectators onsite due to the pandemic, with neither overseas travellers nor local residents permitted to attend; however, Queenslanders can still watch along locally — including when they're out of the house. Pubs will be screening the Olympics, of course, and so will a heap of pop-up sites around the state. As part of an event called Olympics Live, screens will be set up at a number of locations, including at South Bank's Riverside Green from Wednesday, July 21. Also getting into the spirit: Kurrawa Beach on the Gold Coast, Kings Beach Amphitheatre on the Sunshine Coast and The Esplanade in Cairns, which'll also celebrate the games for the same period. The event will pop up at Tulmur Place in Ipswich's Nicholas Street Precinct and Walton Stores in Toowoomba from Friday, July 23–Sunday, August 8, and in the Bloomfield Street Park in Cleveland from Saturday, July 24–Sunday, August 8 as well.
Add another date into your doggo's diary — the NewBARKet Markets are upon us. On Sunday, July 18, Newmarket Village is going to the dogs, but in a good way, with the adorable event taking over the inner north shopping centre. Take your pupper along from 10am–2pm, with everything from a pooch photo booth and plenty of pats on offer. You can get your canine's portrait painted as you wait, spoil them with a puppy massage and hit up the bone bar — where free bones will be given out to all good woofers (while stocks last). The main attraction: stalls selling all kinds of goodies for your four-legged friend. Expect dog treats, accessories, threads and grooming, as well as dog ice cream and pupcakes. For attendees of the two-legged variety (no, your clever canine standing on their two back legs doesn't count), there'll also be food for humans. And if you're sadly lacking in the pooch department, don't worry — everyone else will have you covered, so you'll be in for a top day of dog-watching.
Parcels of pastry stuffed with savoury fillings go by many names — and, no matter which version is your favourite, they're immensely easy to eat in big numbers. No one orders a serving of dumplings, gyoza, wontons, jiaozi or momos and only tucks into a couple. Even if you set out with that explicit aim, holding back really isn't possible. If your tastebuds are known to water for Nepalese dumplings in particular, unlimited momos are on the menu at 8848 Momo House in Nundah — but only for one night. You'll need to make a date to head by from 5pm on Tuesday, May 11, which is when you can feast your way through all of the steamed, fried and chilli-flavoured momos that you can handle for just $30. The deal includes soft drinks, too, and there'll also be live music to give your dinner a soundtrack. Wearing something stretchy is obviously recommended — as is contacting the Sandgate Road eatery to book in advance.
On a couple of occasions over the last year or so, McDonald's has spread some lockdown cheer by offering burger-loving customers free delivery. Now, with stores open for in-person dining around the country, it's doing something different — because there's a mighty big milestone to celebrate. Those golden arches have been towering over Australia for 50 years now, so of course Maccas is marking the occasion. On the bill: various different promotions, specials, deals and collaborations, starting with 50-cent Big Macs. You'll want to make a date with your local store on Friday, June 18, because that's when burger lovers can pick up the chain's best-known burg for just a dodecagonal coin at any of the brand's 1009 restaurants around the country. All you need to do is order through the My Macca's app, select the deal, then mosey on down to your closest McDonald's to pick it up. There'll be more promos to follow, too. This isn't the first time that the chain has run a heap of deals in a short span; however, these ones are hanging around for a while. When it comes celebrating a birthday, going big is the only option, so Macca's will be rolling out other yet-to-be-announced specials between right up until the end of August — with the details revealed each week from Friday, June 18.
Not that long ago, the narrow spaces around Fortitude Valley were just that — spaces, not vibrant laneways. These days, the area boasts not one, not two, but now four jam-packed alleys. Yes, that's a development that's worth celebrating. In fact, it's a change worthy of a day-long festival, which is exactly what the returning Hidden Lanes Festival is all about. On Saturday, August 14 from 9am till late, Bakery Lane, Winn Lane, California Lane and Lucky Lane will turn into a flourishing — and free — party, complete with markets, beverages, art, food, fashion and more than 45 live musical acts. Here, you'll eat, drink, listen, shop, chat, learn something, marvel at art and restock your wardrobe, all across one huge day and a quartet of busy spaces. Naturally, the event will definitely involve the long list of businesses who call the four laneways home — and, tunes-wise, the lineup is headlined VOIID, The Chats, Connor Brooker and Buttercats, who'll hit up across multiple stages with plenty of company. Also, due to Brisbane's current COVID-19 restrictions, there'll be some rules in place. Dancing is off the cards, you'll need to sit down to eat and drink, and masks are mandatory. [caption id="attachment_742156" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Alvaro Mayorga[/caption] THE HIDDEN LANES FESTIVAL 2021 LINEUP: VOIID Connor Brooker Buttercats The Riot Perve Endings Melaleuca Pocketlove Miranda Vs. Arizona Beks Tomtom Freight Train Foxes Nicole Mckinney Sachem Fraser Bell Lucy Francesca Dron Eleea Rich Uncle Oh Bailey Hope One Sofia Isella Bunny Racket Cloud Tangle Hannah Sands Straight Girls Buttered Brooke Austen Lilly Sage Bella Amor Khara Van Park Evie Luate Sidewalk Assembly Juniper Stone Paulina Welcome To Country — Songwoman Maroochy DJ sets: The Chats Ra Ethan Greaves Romiindahouse Scalymoth Flex Cop Jamie Forson Daddy Olive Chelea Sharne Tantrum Luke Brazier Cheek2cheek Black Amex B2B Sweaty Baby Dos Fangs B2B Hibboh Oh Shit Shanai Top image: Markus Ravik. Updated August 10.
A couple of years back, VEND Marketplace added a new space dedicated to plants. Its mission: to help you fill your home with all types of greenery. And to help you do just that, it's hosting another of its regular — and huge — sales. Welcome to the Greenhouse, as the area is aptly known. The place where gardeners' dreams come true, it's upping the ante from 8am–4pm on Saturday, February 29. That's when the 250-square-metre indoor garden will be slinging its green babies at a special one-day event — and yes, there'll be succulents, cacti and indoor-friendly plants, plus pots as well. Thanks to the onsite cafe, there'll also be juice, smoothies, tea, coffee, beer and wine to drink — and meals to eat if all that shopping gets your stomach rumbling VEND is also doggo-friendly, should you want to bring your four-legged pal with you. And getting in quickly is recommended, because these plant specials are on offer on a first in, first served basis. Images: VEND Marketplace.
Maybe you'll see a glowing giraffe. Perhaps you'll spy a dazzling koala. Or, you might find yourself peering at the sun — but much closer than usual. They're just some of the lanterns that could be brightening up the inky night sky at the 2021 Luminous Lantern Parade, with the event making its return to South Bank Parklands from 6pm on Friday, June 4. The parade doesn't just give the riverside spot a new glow for the fun of it. It celebrates multiculturalism, and has for 14 years now. Over that time, it has grown to become quite the hefty event. This year's crowd might be a little more spread out than usual, but the parade will still champion diversity — and also welcome new Queenslanders, including migrants, refugees, international students and people seeking asylum. As well as the main event — which is free to attend — there'll also be live music and performances in the South Bank Piazza afterwards. Following a Welcome to Country by Nunukul Yuggera, The Mad Mariachi, Unbreakable Dance Crew, Sahara Dance Company and Brisbane North Chinese Group will all take to the stage, as will Imanzi Rwandan Drumming Group, Cachicamo Latin Harp and Bolivia Marka.
In your time, you might've made some mighty fine tacos. You could be great at it. You may have found a recipe that you love, and you could follow those steps to absolute perfection. But two other things can also be true — namely, that it's always great to taste different versions of this Mexican staple, and that restaurant-quality tacos really do tend to stand out. On the latter point, Fortitude Valley's Baja does make top-notch tacos. During lockdown, it also wants you to enjoy those tacos — and to whip them up yourself. So, the Brunswick Street spot has started serving up Baja at Home kits, which are exactly what they sound like. Available from Thursday, August 5–Saturday, August 7, these packs give you everything you need to make Baja's SoCal-style tacos. A two-person kit will set you back $45, and comes with tortillas, escabeche, jalapenos, your choice of either smoked salsa roja or green salsa, and your pick of slow cooked pork, roasted mushroom with miso mole, and braised wagyu beef. You can also get two kits for $80, and add on kingfish ceviche ($18) and guacamole for two ($10). Folks who live within a five-kilometre radius of the restaurant can get their kits delivered, or you can head in and pick them up from 3.30–7.30pm each day as long as you order before 2pm. And, Baja is also selling tres leches milk cakes, margaritas, mezcal negronis, and takeaway sauces and condiments if you need something to pair with your tacos.
If there's ever a time to treat your tastebuds, it's during lockdown. Do just that by ordering something special from a local eatery, and you're also doing Brisbane's hospitality industry a solid. And, if you need any other motivation to nab something to eat from One Fish Two Fish — as long as you live within ten kilometres of the Kangaroo Point fish 'n' chippery, of course — then its Lock & Roll menu should do the trick. Available between Saturday, August 7–Sunday, August 8, this lockdown lineup is all about seafood sandwiches. They're not just any old sangas, though. No one is spooning tinned tuna onto some store-bought white bread here. Instead, you can choose between New York-style lobster sub (made with lobster pieces, burnt butter and saffron mayo), prawn sandwiches (featuring banana prawns, Virgin Mary sauce and celery salt on a floured bun) and the 'Double Quarter Flounder' (which doubles the flounder, obviously, and also adds twice as much cheese, all on a brioche bun with tartare). The one item that stands out above the rest: the mac and schnitzel burger. It uses fish schnitzel, mac 'n' chowder and bacon bits, and then slides them all between two potato scallops. Yep, that fish 'n' chips staple is now doubling as a bun. The word you're looking for: yum. Orders can be placed online or by calling the eatery, for pick up between 12–8pm on both days. And if you need some wine to go with it, One Fish Two Fish is also doing a lockdown vino range.
In cinemas, on TV and on the page, the past decade or so has served up more than a couple of Nordic noir hits. It's also left audiences wanting more. So, when Australia's annual Scandinavian Film Festival rolls around each year — sitting out 2020 for obvious reasons, though — it tends to deliver a few twisty thrillers from that part of the world. In fact, when 2021's fest kicks off in Brisbane on Thursday, July 15 — screening at Palace Barracks and Palace James St until Wednesday, August 4 — it'll start with a must-see new entry in the Scandi-noir genre. Hailing from Denmark, opening night's Wildland stars Sidse Babette Knudsen (Borgen, Westworld) as the head of a family crime syndicate. She's charged with looking after her teenage niece and, in a movie that instantly brings Australia's own Animal Kingdom to mind, the latter soon learns more about the family business. Also on this year's Scandinavian Film Festival lineup: Knudsen again in Copenhagen-set psychological thriller The Exception; masterful and engaging Norwegian film Disco, about an evangelical dance champion who finds her faith tested; and surreal mother-daughter drama Psychosis in Stockholm. Or, for fans of Nordic cinema's big names, relationship drama Hope co-stars Stellan Skarsgård (Chernobyl), musical comedy A Piece of My Heart sees Swedish-born actor Malin Akerman (Rampage) back on home turf, and The Country hails from Icelandic filmmaker Grímur Hákonarson — who directed Rams, which was remade in Australia last year. Other highlights include Icelandic box office hits Agnes Joy and The Last Fishing Trip, the latter of which has been compared to The Hangover; Finnish biopics Helene and Tove, about painter Helene Schjerfbeck and visual artist and author Tove Jansson, respectively; Tigers, which tells the true tale of former Inter Milan player Martin Bengtsson; and closing night's 50th anniversary-screening of The Emigrants starring Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann.
The Gold Coast, with its enviable combination of good weather and beaches, already gives off festival vibes all year round. But the real kicker happens when you add beer to all of that goodness. Add vitamins B (beer) and C (cider) to the vitamin D you cop on the coast with the Crafted Beer and Cider Festival, which takes place for 2022 across two huge days for the first time ever — from 11am–8.30pm on Saturday, August 27 and 11am–6.30pm on Sunday, August 28. Held at Kurrawa Park in Broadbeach each year, the beer festival will unite more than 50 of Australia's top craft breweries, over 300 different brews, and some good food and live music to line your stomachs and ears. Yes, it's as good an excuse as any for a cheeky getaway to the Goldy. Locals like Balter Brewing Company, Black Hops Brewing and Currumbin Valley Brewing will be joining up with visitors from elsewhere in Queensland and interstate, such as Aether Brewing, Easy Times Brewing, Slipstream Brewing and Revel Brewing — and that's but a few of the many beer houses to be represented on the day. More of a cider person? Expect a range of cideries making the pilgrimage to the coast, too. Although the focus on beer and cider is right there in the name, Crafted will also welcome Granddad Jack's Craft Distillery and Carafe Wine — for cocktails, craft spirits and vino. Food-wise, there'll be food trucks and other street food eats, spanning tacos, wings, bao, burgers, doughnuts and more. As for music lineup, British India, Bobby Alu, Hallie, Melaleuca and Beatniks DJs are among the acts providing the soundtrack to the two days. Also on the fest's agenda is beer yoga, where you can perform a few downward dogs before you down your beer — it's all about balance, after all. Or, play ping pong instead. CRAFTED 2022 LINEUP: SATURDAY British India Hallie Melaleuca Big Wheels Electric Church Beatniks DJs SUNDAY Bobby Alu Make The Moon Hollie Joy Beatniks DJs
Everyone in Brisbane has been to the Ekka on more than one occasion, but have you heard of the food and drink-focused equivalent? There mightn't be any rides, sideshows, goldfish, fireworks or flu at the Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show; however, there are plenty of tasty delights of the edible and drinkable kind, all vying to be crowned the state's finest in their respective category. Don't worry — if you're wondering why you haven't come across RQFWS before, that's because it's not open to the public. Well, not usually, anyway. Grape Grazing by Night is a delicious, alcohol-infused exception. Yes, it's all there in the name. Here, vino is in the spotlight. That's the case for one celebratory evening in the Exhibition Building at Brisbane Showgrounds — although this year's event will also showcase award-winning brews from the Royal Queensland Beer Awards for the first time. The big boozy evening takes place on Friday, July 15, and hundreds of wines have been submitted for the judges' seal of approval. Now, they can also compete in another taste test: yep, that'd be yours, for $98 a ticket. You'll sample award-winning tipples, snack on cheese, beef, lamb and other canapés, and chat with the experts, too — all while raising your glass, or several, to the best boozy grape drinks in the country.
Usually, we're sure that the folks at The Brightside love their Fortitude Valley location. For the venue's latest late-night shindig, though, the Brighty crew must wish they were located in a graveyard. So, that's the bad thing about the Warner Street spot's Running Up That Hill Stranger Things Party. Still, given the theme, there's obviously plenty that's eerie and awesome. If you're already excited, that means that you've watched Stranger Things season four — and probably did so in record time. It also means that you've likely been obsessed with Kate Bush's 'Running Up That Hill' ever since. Consider this your ideal event, then. From 11pm on Friday, July 1, The Brightside will bust out two kinds of music: the synth-heavy Stranger Things soundtrack, of course, plus all things Kate Bush. You'll listen, you'll dance, you'll drink and you'll know what you'll be watching afterwards. The first hour will be all about Stranger Things, the second will worship Bush, while the rest of the night will adore witchy pop tunes in general. Themed cocktails will be on the menu as well, and there'll be a photobooth — with first-release tickets costing $12.25, then going up to $15 and finally $19. Stranger Things images: Netflix © 2022.
Christmas means many things: chaos in the shops, carols invading your brain, and a focus on all things red and green. In Brisbane, it also means Queensland Ballet's final production for the season, with The Nutcracker brightening up the QPAC stage every year. It really wouldn't be the festive season without it. Whether you've experienced the Tchaikovsky-scored two-act performance about sentient toys, dancing snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy before, or you're joining little Clara on her Christmas Eve journey for the first time, you're certain to get swept up in the show's magic. And if you don't already have a ticket, don't delay — selling out is also an annual tradition. Queensland Ballet's The Nutcracker dances across the Lyric Theatre stage from Thursday, December 16–Thursday, December 23 — and, depending on the day, you can either hit up an evening session or a matinee. Top image: David Kelly.
In case you've somehow missed the fact that it's nearly Christmas, the Brisbane Quarter precinct is reminding everyone in a big way. And in a twinkling way, too, covering 175 square metres of the CBD site with more than 8000 glowing lights. If bright bulbs make you feel merry, then head to the corner of Adelaide and George Streets, look up, and prepare to be wowed by digitally controlled, low-voltage LED pebble lights. Even better — they're being programmed to flash in various colours and patterns (think reindeer, stars, candy canes, Christmas trees and other jolly configurations). The luminous sight is currently on display, adding some extra Xmas cheer to its patch of the inner city; however you might want to stop by from 6–7pm between Tuesday, December 14–Thursday, December 16. That's when the Brisbane Quarter Christmas Pop-up will also feature Christmas carols. And if all this festive spirit is making you peckish, the precinct's bars and restaurants are doing Christmas menus.
If you've ever spent a day on your towel at the beach, wished you had something comfier to sit on and dreamed of getting a drink from a bar right there on the shore, you definitely aren't alone — and, on the Gold Coast this summer, your fantasy has just become a reality. Meet Kurrawa Beach Club, which has set up shop on Kurrawa Terrace in Broadbeach until Sunday, January 30. First announced back in November, and now open and welcoming in beach-lovers, it's serving up all the things that its moniker promises. Think: cabanas, daybeds, volleyball nets, cocktails, live tunes, seafood and salads, and just generally having a cruisy yet still luxe trip to the seaside, all while surrounded by oh-so-much sand, Queensland's dazzling sun and plenty of blue salty water. The venue is the latest venture by Australian Venue Co, who've been awarded the opportunity to host a trial beach club run over the summer. At this stage, it has settled in for a two-month stretch — and whether it could lead to a permanent beach club hasn't yet been revealed. Across its test stint, Broadbeach's European-style stint of lounging, sipping and relaxing by the ocean is pairing cocktails and brews — including margarita slushies, plus sips from Black Hops Brewing, Wheel & Spoon and Hard Fizz — with a food menu from its container kitchen. So, you'll be tucking into prawn and Moreton Bay bug rolls, fried haloumi with watermelon, seafood skewers, salads, burgers, and other summer-friendly snacks made using local and seasonal produce. Grab one of those prawn and bug rolls on a Sunday, and you'll also be helping Albatross Nippers, a Gold Coast-based nipper program for children with special needs — with a dollar from each sale going to the initiative. Also on the agenda: live tunes from Gold Coast locals, pilates brunches and beach volleyball games, as well as hanging out on those aforementioned daybeds and in the VIP cabanas. The space is family-friendly, too, so you might have pint-sized company while you're getting comfy and getting drinks from the bar. Kurrawa Beach Club's opening dates and hours varying each week, so head to its website for further details.
Explore the connection between the online and IRL, as well as the role of the internet in societal inequality, all thanks to the latest production from Sydney theatre gems Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Green Door Theatre Company — plus Brisbane's own La Boite Theatre, which is bringing it our way. Co-directed by Bardi and Jabirr Jabirr woman Shari Sebbens (Top End Wedding, The Sapphires) and actress and musician Zindzi Okenyo (Wakefield), and starring Moreblessing Maturure, and supported by an all-female production team, Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner follows an argument between two friends over the eponymous influencer and her supposed 'self-made billionaire' status. Exploring the commodification of Black women and exploitive nature of white capitalism, as well as the politics of social media activism, the production combines on-stage performances with gifs and memes. "Racial gaslighting. Colourism. Homophobia. Online trolling. Cultural appropriation. Memes. This play leaves no stone unturned," says Green Floor Theatre Company Co-Creative Producer Bernedette Fam. Penned by Jasmine Lee-Jones, the Olivier Award-nominated play heads to Brisbane from Thursday, February 24–Saturday, March 19. Images: Teniola Komolafe.
When the Regatta wanted to mark Brisbane's cooler months midyear, it threw a Harvest Festival. Now that the warm weather is in full swing, it's opting for a Seafood and Spritz Fest. The seasons may change, but the Toowong pub sure does like hosting temperature-appropriate parties — and giving Brisbanites an excuse to hit up its courtyards for an afternoon of eating and drinking. This time around, the festival takes place within the venue's broader spring and summer-long In Full Bloom pop-up, so expect to be surrounded by plenty of eye-catching flowers, too. And, as it's doing every Sunday at the moment, the Regatta will be rolling out the spritz cart from 12–5pm, and letting you not only pick your beverages — including lychee spritzes, bush apple spritzes and piña colada spritzes — but also your garnishes. To line your stomach, oysters, cajun-spiced calamari, beer-battered barramundi and prawn tacos will all be on the menu. Entry is free, reservations aren't required, and live music will provide your Sunday afternoon snacking and sipping session with a soundtrack. [caption id="attachment_794007" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Creative Commons[/caption]
They're entertaining to watch, and fun to play along with from the comfort of your own couch. But music quiz TV shows like Spicks and Specks and Never Mind the Buzzcocks always leave even their biggest fans wanting more. Who hasn't wished that they could show off their own music trivia knowledge in the same kind of setting? (And not just down at the local pub with your mates.) That's where Not On Your Rider comes in. A music trivia game show, it's hosted by The Creases' Aimon Clark, and features Velociraptor's Jeremy Neale and The Grates' Patience Hodgson as team captains — and it happens live in Brisbane. Also, while the two on-stage teams are always filled with musos, comedians, drag queens and other guests, anyone can buy a ticket, sit at a table and play along with them. Thats how the event plays out every month, but the December outing will be a bit different — because Not On Your Rider is getting festive. This time, Megan Washington, The Jungle Giants' Sam Hales and Australian Idol's Ian 'Dicko' Dickson will be joining in the fun. And, because Christmas is a big occasion, it's all going down on Saturday, December 18 at Fortitude Music Hall. If you're a NOYR newcomer, the quiz itself is accompanied by chats about the music industry, as well as other mini games involving attendees. Plus, resident one-man house band Simi Lacroix will be taking care of the tunes, with help an all-star band who'll be busting out quirky covers. Because it's the season of giving, you'll also score a karaoke afterparty — and the chance to get photos with NOYR's very own version of a shopping centre Santa, with stand-up comedian Aaron Gocs doing the honours. Images: Bianca Holderness.
Cheese and pasta go together like few food combinations. As great as they both are individually, a particularly enticing alchemy of flavours occurs when they join forces. But simply sprinkling grated mozzarella or ground parmesan over your spaghetti is definitely yesterday's news. Eating pasta served out of a cheese wheel is what it's all about now. Salt Meats Cheese has been hopping on everyone's current favourite Italian culinary bandwagon for a while now, so its weekly night dedicated to the dish isn't new — but it's still tasty. Drop into the chain's Gasworks eatery on Wednesdays from 5pm, and you'll tuck into the cheesiest bowl of pasta you're ever likely to taste for $25. Flavour-wise, there's a few available, because even a meal like cheese wheel pasta can use a few additions. Just classic cheese is still on the menu, as are two other varieties each week. In the past, everything from truffle and carbonara to pesto genovese, gorgonzola and smoked mozzarella have been dished up, so arrive hungry. Bookings are essential and can be made online.
It's the studio that's given Brisbanites the gift of puppy pilates and kitten yoga; however with Stretch Yoga's March special, it's sharing the love around. Head along to the chain's CBD and Holland Park sites throughout the month and you'll only pay $10 for a casual session of bending, stretching and finding your inner bliss through movement — wherever you head, whichever class you take, on whatever day and at whichever time. You'll benefit from getting active for less than the cost of a glass of cocktail, which is perfect if you're a newcomer keen to finally try yoga, or if you're just feeling a little less financial. You're spoiled for choice when it comes to times and days, but places are limited, so bookings are essential. All yoga skill levels welcome — and class options include simple, deep, gentle and flowing stretch (all separate sessions), as well as pilates. Images: Stretch Yoga.
A lot can happen in ten years. Peer around Brisbane and you'll spot the new venues, closed favourites, plethora of rooftop bars and riverside breweries, and growing skyline to prove it. For music curators and party crew A Love Supreme, the past decade has been an evolution from block parties held in carparks — as happened at its very first event — through to bigger and bolder shindigs, and quite the reputation and following. And yes, to mark its massive milestone, it's celebrating. First came a party at the Princess Theatre. Now, on Friday, March 25, A Love Supreme is taking over The Tivoli for a night of stellar tunes. The lineup is filled with favourites, so odds are you've seen one, two or more of them at the crew's get-togethers over the years — such as headliners Floating Points, plus Ruby Savage, DJ JNETT, Mike Who, Sophie McAlister, Lori and Respect. Tickets cost $89 — and whether you're a veteran or a newcomer, you'll be treated to a night of partying, dancing and ace electronic tracks to get you in the mood for both.
Emporium's Piano Bar glitters every day of the year, all thanks to its cascading gold and crystal chandelier, as well as its sizeable array of shiny black mirrored surfaces. Come special occasions, it doesn't need to do much decorating to sparkle as a result. Still, with Easter almost here, the luxe South Bank spot is serving up a special themed boozy beverage to get you in an extra-sweet mood. From Friday, April 1–Tuesday, April 19, you can hop on in for Hot Cross Bunny cocktails. They combine vanilla vodka, applejack brandy, hot chocolate, cinnamon syrup and dark chocolate liqueur, and they're the $20 Easter treat that you didn't know you needed until now. Timing your visit to coincide with the venue's regular live music lineup is recommended — hear pianist and live jazz from 5pm on Thursdays, 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3pm on Sundays. And if that's not enough Easter-themed sipping for you, upstairs at The Terrace — yes, 21 floors up, and with striking views over Brisbane to prove it — you'll have two more choices. The Cold Cross Bun cocktail mixes spiced rum, cold butter and saffron syrup, while the Holiday Hopper goes with white cacao and Mount Tamborine Crème de Menthe.
Gone are the days when South Bank was Brisbane's only food-, drink- and entertainment-filled riverside precinct, with Portside, Northshore Hamilton and Howard Smith Wharves all popping up over the past decade or so. Here's another: Rivermakers Heritage Quarter, which has turned a patch of Colmslie Road in Morningside into a new must-visit destination. If you haven't had the chance to stop by the heritage-listed spot yet, here's an excuse, too: the Rivermakers Heritage Quarter Open Day from 11am on Saturday, April 9. That's when the eastside precinct wants you to head along to check out its sights — and everything you can eat, drink and do, from sipping brews and taking brewery tours at Revel's second site through to dancing to DJs and playing lawn games on the grass. Also on the agenda at the riverfront spot across the day, as part of an event that wants to become Morningside's answer to the James St Food and Wine Festival: drinking gin at Bavay Distillery, tucking into free sausages thanks to Low n Slow Meat Co, taking a steak workshop at the latter as well, and hitting up Mas & Miek Ceramic House for some ceramics. There'll also be art on display, showcasing Max Bennett — and a Heritage Quarter archives exhibit that'll step through the location's and Morningside's past. And, the event will be raising donations as well, with everything going towards flood-relief efforts in Queensland and New South Wales.
As dairy fiends already well and truly know, adding burrata to any meal automatically levels it up several notches. Add the delicious blend of mozzarella and cream to every dish as part of a five-course dinner and, well, you've got yourself quite the cheesy, indulgent and delicious feast going on. That's what's happening at Burrata Night. Nope, that name doesn't disappoint. Salt Meats Cheese's Newstead store is whipping up a heap of burrata-topped options on Tuesday, April 5, then letting you eat your way through them. This is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of dinner, so you can pick as many — or as few — options as you like, and pay accordingly. Your options include burrata on top of meatballs, burrata with gnocchi sorrentina, a burrata version of spaghetti carbonara, and paired with shortbread and berries. Yes, there's dessert burrata this time around (because SMC hosts burrata nights every now and then, and the menu always changes). Taking the plate-by-plate approach, you'll pay between $16–26 a pop. It all kicks off at 5pm, and booking in advance for this one-night-only menu is essential.
If you're looking to expand your palate, enhance your culinary skills and be inspired by idyllic natural wonders, look no further. Taste Port Douglas is back this year with a four-day festival of the senses. From Thursday, August 11 to Sunday August 14, a dynamic program, curated by founder and culinary director Spencer Patrick, will showcase local produce and industry-leading chefs at the Sheraton Grand Mirage. If feasting on unforgettable culinary delights isn't enough to get you excited, you can't look past the location. Between meals, you can explore all this tropical paradise has to offer, including incredible access to two of Australia's best natural gems: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The full lineup is expected to drop this month, so stay tuned for more info. You can register your interest here to receive more information on early bird releases.
When the city floods, there aren't many bright spots to be found — but seeing Brisbane band together to support each other and raise cash for those that need is definitely one of them. At The Brightside from 5.30pm on Saturday, March 5, a heap of bands will be doing just that, too, all as part of a huge 11-plus act, two-stage gig that the venue has dubbed Flood Relief. Taking to the decks: Spacey Jane, Shag Rock, Sweater Curse, VOIID and Great Sage, all doing DJ sets, while Hope D, Melaleuca, Flamingo Blonde, Dopamine, Lucy Francesca Dron and Pure Milk will be performing live as well. The lineup is also set to keep growing, given that this show has been put together mighty quickly to mobilise music fans after such a chaotic week of devastating weather. Tickets cost $34.70, all of which is being donated to GIVIT — which is using all funds to support folks affected by the floods. You can throw some more love towards the cause at the venue, too, with karma kegs and cases courtesy of Philter and Jameson — and all proceeds also going straight to GIVIT — plus donation tins onsite as well. [caption id="attachment_801821" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Spacey Jane by Daniel Hilderbrand[/caption]
But out your red beanie, pop on your Team Zissou sneakers and, if you're gathering the gang, make sure you're all wearing matching tracksuits. Milton bar Mongrel is throwing a fundraiser for flood relief, and it's also having fun with the concept — especially if you're a Wes Anderson fan. Given the recent weather — rain, floods, water everywhere and the like — this benefit party takes its cues from the filmmaker's The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. Dressing up is encouraged, and we can only assume that Mongrel will be making everything as symmetrical and pastel-hued as possible. Live tunes are also on the bill, so fingers crossed that you'll be listening to Bowie tunes. Moonboot and Kim & BVJ are on music duties, and there'll be karma kegs pouring Sea Legs Brewing Co session ale, Catchment Brewing Co pale ale, Black Hops Brewing Lay Day lager and Slipstream IPA. Tickets cost $10, with all funds — from entry and from the kegs — going to support Loop Growers, Belvedere Farm and Almanac Coffee.
It's not every day that you can help your fellow Brisbanites by having a couple of brews, but come Saturday, March 5 at Oche in Fortitude Valley, that's exactly what's on the agenda. After a tough week of wild weather and flooding, the Constance Street spot is putting on a karma keg, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross Flood Disaster Appeal If you grab a brew any time on Saturday, 100-percent of your money will be donated to this very worthy cause. Buy several — whether you're shouting your mates or settling in for the long haul — and you'll be putting even more of your cash in the hands of those who need it. Oche is teaming up with Stone and Wood on the karma keg, so that's the beer you'll be drinking. And, as comes with the concept, it's a pay-what-you-like setup — but the more you splash out, the more cash will be raised. Oche opens from 12pm–12am on Saturdays, if you're wondering when to pop in.
Penélope Cruz didn't score an Oscar this year for Parallel Mothers. Her husband Javier Bardem didn't win one for Being the Ricardos, either. And, just a couple of years ago, Antonio Banderas also didn't nab a shiny Academy Award for Pain and Glory — but the three acclaimed actors are all winners at the 2022 Spanish Film Festival. The annual cinema showcase spotlights not just Spanish but also Latin American cinema, and it's back for another Aussie tour throughout April and May — hitting up Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from Thursday, April 28–Wednesday, May 18. On the bill: 34 movies that hail from both regions, or tie into them in one way or another, including several with Cruz, Bardem and or Banderas at their centre. Kickstarting this year's Spanish Film Festival with the Cruz- and Banderas-starring Official Competition must've been the easiest programming choice in the fest's history. A filmmaking satire, it casts Cruz as a famous director entrusted to bring a Nobel Prize-winning novel about sibling rivalry to the screen, and enlists Banderas as a Hollywood heartthrob. Throw all of that together and it's clearly film festival catnip, as the movie's berths at overseas fests such as Venice, Toronto and San Sebastián have already shown — and it'll enjoy its Australia premiere as the Spanish Film Festival's opening night pick. The aforementioned — and sublime — Parallel Mothers is also on the lineup after releasing in Aussie cinemas earlier this year, if you missed it then. And, so are two Cruz-Bardem collaborations: Jamón Jamón, the pair's first film together, which marks its 30th anniversary in 2022, and 2017's Loving Pablo, which sees Bardem play Pablo Escobar. Of course, the Spanish Film Festival spans plenty of movies that don't star Spanish cinema's best-known acting names, too — with 2022 Goya-winning political drama Maixabel, fellow Goya-recipient Mediterráneo: The Law of the Sea, psychological horror flick The House of Snails, road-movie comedy Carpoolers, and the coming-of-age-focused Once Upon a Time in Euskadi also on the program. Or, there's Girlfriends, about childhood pals reuniting; dramatic thriller The Daughter, which hones in on a pregnant teen; mother-daughter drama Ama; the Himalayas-set Beyond the Summit; and The Cover, about a pop star impersonator. From the Cine Latino strand, ten films hail from the likes of Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic — including rom-com The Big Love Picture, thriller Immersion, the footballer-centric 9 and Goya-winner (yes, another one) Forgotten We'll Be. Plus, the lineup also includes Language Lessons, which is directed by and starring Natalie Morales (The Little Things), and also features Mark Duplass (Bombshell) — with the pair navigating an online setup to play a Spanish teacher and her student. And, there's sessions of the Spanish-language version of Disney's Encanto as well.
The 90s were great. That shouldn't be a controversial opinion. And whether you lived through them or have spent the last couple of decades wishing you did — aka binging on 90s pop culture — this late-night shindig at La La Land in Fortitude Valley will indulge your retro urges. Drinks, tunes, fashion — expect all of the above at the No Scrubs: 90s and Early 00s party from 10pm on Sunday, April 17. Of course, it's up to you to make sure the clothing side of thing is covered, and to get into the spirit of the party. If you want to use Mariah Carey as a style icon, it'd be fitting. Expect to unleash your inner Spice Girl and Backstreet Boy too. TLC, Destiny's Child, Savage Garden, Usher, Blink-182, No Doubt — we'd keep listing artists, but you all know what you're getting yourselves into. Tickets cost between $12–20 online, with the fun running through until 3am. And if you're wondering why it's happening on a Sunday, that's because it's kickin' it old-school on Easter. Image: No Scrubs.
Whenever Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art fills its walls and halls with a new exhibition, it's always worth checking out — but the late-night parties that accompany its major exhibitions are especially exciting. They're the shindigs that give Brisbanites a chance to scope out art, sip drinks and party in the sprawling South Brisbane gallery after dark, and they're back for The 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art. While APT10 spans both GOMA and Queensland Art Gallery, its sibling venue, you'll only be partying at the former at APT10 Up Late. So, get ready to spend two nights in March seeing some of the best new Asia-Pacific art, drinking, tapping your toes to DJs and listening to live music. Obviously, until late-April, the full exhibition is showcasing its wares — which you can spy everyday. But turning a trip to GOMA into a big night out is always a delight, which is what you'll find on offer from 6pm on Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19. There'll four bars around the place, so a tipple won't be hard to find. On Friday evening, you'll also be able to listen to tunes by L-Fresh the Lion, Barkaa and Lâlka, with Boom Boom Bean Selecta, RedBelly, Scalymoth and Zed Mero on DJ duties. Or, if Saturday better suits your diary, prepare for Ashwarya, 1300 and Birds, plus Babymama, Dameeeela, Dentallplan, J Alexander and Luke Brazier on the decks. Tickets cost $42 per night, and there'll also be drop-in art making workshops designed by APT10 artists Phuong Ngo and Vipoo Srivilasa — focusing on making plasticine mooncakes and crafting wearable animal deity headpieces. Images: The 10th Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, APT10, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, C Callistemon
A tried-and-tested trick for making most foods better: add chocolate. That life hack applies within reason, of course, but if you've ever tucked into chocolate on a pizza — a dessert pizza, obviously — then you'll know that this piece of advice has merit. Hopefully your special someone thinks the same way, and they also like the holy grail of putting chocolate on things. Yes, we're talking about chocolate fondue. You know how it works: you get a platter of bites to dip, such as marshmallows, fruit and pretzels, and then you pop them on those tiny forks and plunge them into the gooey chocolate. Because it's the time of year when couples and sweet treats get some extra love, Emporium Hotel's Belle Epoque is doing chocolate fondue specials for two — and for just $25. You'll need to make a date of it at South Bank between Friday, February 11–Monday, February 14, so that gives you four days to get dipping. And if you fancy a glass of champagne each to go with it, it'll cost you $75 instead.
How long did Charles Boyle spend dreaming of Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago's wedding? What did Rosa Diaz do before she was a cop? Who keeps swooping in and taking the Nine-Nine crew's cases? Which one is Scully and which is Hitchcock? And which one of the latter duo has a twin? If you can answer all of the above — and name Captain Holt's dog, Terry's kids, Gina's dance troupe and Jake's favourite movie — then you're set for this trivia night. Yes, it's all about the hit cop sitcom we all know and love. You know, the one that was cancelled and then resurrected in the space of 36 hours, and is not only thankfully coming back for a seventh season, but has been renewed for an eighth season before its next one even airs. 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 Burger Urge's B99 trivia night in advance, and then Tuesday, February 11 can be your night to shine (that can also be the title of your sex tape if you'd like). It all starts at 6pm at each of the joint's venues across Brisbane, and entry is free — but Salisbury and South Bank have already booked out. Bring your wallet for burgs, obviously, plus drinks. If all this sounds rather noice, get in quick as spots are limited.
When William Shakespeare wrote A Midsummer Night's Dream, he was obviously in a good mood. The bard's famed comedy is lively, upbeat and incredibly funny as it follows four young lovers, a group of actors and the meddling of forest fairies. Understandably, it ranks among his most popular works — and his most-performed. Still, even if you've seen this play hit the stage or screen many times before, you haven't experienced it quite like this new version. Brisbane Immersive Ensemble's The Midsummer Carnival lives up the troupe's name, immersing the audience in the thick of the action. 'Immersive' is a term that can get overused, but this group turned a mystery board game into Cluedo: The Interactive Game — so they don't use the word lightly. Get caught up in the carnival, the intertwined stories and the gypsy jazz at Brisbane Powerhouse from Friday, January 24–Saturday, February 8, with shows running at 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 6.30pm on Sundays.
It has been three years since Ballistic Beer Co started serving up its yeasty goodness to Brisbanite's brew-loving masses, and that means two things. Yes, time really does fly when you're sinking — and making — cold ones. Also, the brewery is celebrating the occasion in style and throwing a huge shindig. While the beer company has two locations across the city, this one is happening at its home base in Salisbury. Anyone hankering for a beverage will find the brewery's usual tasty tipples and a heap of special-edition beers on offer from 1pm on Saturday, February 8, so prepare to settle in for a relaxed afternoon. In between sips, there'll be cake, plus activities to keep all attendees occupied (even those too young for a brew). And, because a hard-earned thirst needs a chilled drink and a hungry stomach needs something to line it with — other than dessert — expect a heap of food trucks as well.
When Welcome to Bowen Hills was first announced, the new permanent food truck hub promised to drive a truckload of deliciousness into Brisbane's food scene — not only courtesy of their regular meals-on-wheels lineup, but via its special events as well. It's safe to say that the space has delivered over the past two years. Case in point: its returning rosé and cheese festival. Pink vino lovers and gooey dairy fiends, prepare to head just north of the CBD on Saturday, February 22 for a whole day dedicated to quite the culinary pairing. You'll drink the tipple in question. You'll eat oh-so-much cheese. It's simple, really. The local winery list is still be to announced, but you won't go thirsty — and sparkling rosé and frosé will both be on offer. Food-wise, prepare for another feast of cheesy goodness. Fingers crossed that flaming cheese wheels, raclette burgers and deep-fried camembert all make a return, ready to be washed down with local and international pink-hued tipples.
Can your canine companion cut a rug, instead of just lazing about on one? Is your four-legged bestie as good at boogying as it is at barking and being cute? If you don't know the answer, now might be the time to find out, because Prohibition is hosting another Dogs & Beats silent disco. First, take a second to marvel at the concept. We're guessing that headphones will be reserved for humans, not puppers — but hitting the dance floor with your doggo isn't something that you get to do everyday. If you'd like to take a few seconds to wonder just how it's all going to turn out, that's fine, too. Again, making shapes while surrounded by mutts isn't on the regular agenda for most folks. There are a few caveats, of course, with the event restricted to small and medium pooches up to 25 kilograms in weight. Your dog will also need to stay on a leash the whole time. [caption id="attachment_758290" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Prohibition[/caption] If you're as keen as Fido at dinner time, the silent disco will take place in the Fortitude Valley's garden bar from 12–6pm on Sunday, February 23. Tickets cost $15, with $10 from each going to the RSPCA.
If you're a firm believer in the boozy potential of high tea, then make a date with West Village on Saturday, February 29. For one bubble-filled afternoon, the West End precinct is pouring champagne, serving snacks and inviting Brisbanites to enjoy the combination — and the site's leafy surroundings, of course. Those finger sandwiches, scones and other canapes will go down extra smoothly with an effervescent splash of alcohol, which is clearly what Champagne Garden is all about. Running from 3–6pm, your $49 ticket includes a glass on arrival, a traditional high tea and a leisurely afternoon. And, if you have dietary requirements, both vegetarian and gluten-free options will be catered for. If you fancy really steeping yourself in champers, you can spend $98, which'll get you access to a champagne class — complete with tastings — and a Q&A session with champagne experts. It'll also mean that your afternoon starts a little earlier, kicking off at 2pm.
Perhaps you're feeling so much love this Valentine's Day that you're eager to share some of it with a new four-legged friend. Or, if you're flying solo at the moment, you might be ready to open your home to a barking or meowing cutie. Either way, the Animal Welfare League Queensland has you covered at its Be My Valentine festivities. To celebrate the date — and to help you spread some affection around — it's adopting out cats for $29 and dogs for $99. All animals are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and registered. In other words, if you're keen to welcome a new companion, almost everything is taken care of. Just head on down to AWLQ's animal rehoming centres — at 523 Telegraph Road in Bracken Ridge and 501 Gooderham Road in Willawong — before Sunday, February 16. Valentine's Day only pops up once a year, but a cat or dog will make your heart flutter every single day.
