All those years spent being forced to listen to your dad's favourite music are about to pay off. Actually, they might've already. Admit it — when it comes to the hair bands and heavy rockers of the '80s and '90s, you've probably already got a soft spot. The Brightside is certainly counting on your secret fondness for the likes of Alice Cooper, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard and Queen, and that's just the start of the list. At their Dad Rock Covers Night, they're recruiting the Ron Swansons — aka the band with the best TV dad name ever — to belt out hits by Warrant, KISS, Journey and more, before Serene joins the party to showcase the best of Bon Jovi. As well as promising all the lashing about of luscious locks that you could ask for, the one-night-only affair is an occasion that calls for double denim, headbands, boots and several cans of hairspray. And it wouldn't be a themed Brighty evening without a drink special to match, this time in the form of a sweet cherry pie bucket cocktail.
In Japan, the coming of spring means the blooming of a certain type of pastel-coloured flowers. That'd be the cherry blossom, or one of the symbols of the nation. In Brisbane, the streets may not be lined with the requisite flora as the weather gets warmer; however that's not stopping Sake Restaurant doing their best to pretend that's not the case. So, they're bringing a slice of the country that inspires their cuisine to Queensland in the form of a pop-up party. Interactive food stations are only the beginning of what promises to be an evening of relaxing revelry. A live DJ will keep things pumping, as will Sake's signature cherry blossom cocktail. The Cherry Blossom Pop-Up Party is part of a month-long Cherry Blossom Festival, including sake celebrations on Fridays and the best of Japanese whiskey on Wednesdays. Yes, it sounds blooming marvellous — and the ideal way to welcome a new season.
When it comes to Riverfire, only one event will take your breath away. First, you'll enjoy a drink and canapes. Next, you'll see the sky come to life. Then, you'll witness the movie that brought a uniform-clad Tom Cruise to superstar-level fame. That's right — for their annual screening to coincide with Brisbane Festival's yearly pyrotechnics extravaganza, Palace Barracks is celebrating Top Gun. You probably already know the story, following a young pilot feeling the need for speed. You can also likely quote many of the movie's lines. If so, you're primed for quite the evening of fireworks and film going. Given that Riverfire also features aerobatics from the Australian Defence Force as part of its sky show, the choice of movie really couldn't be more on theme. Dressing up isn't necessary, but you probably do want to don your aviator shades and take a wingman — and prepare to take a highway to the danger zone that is having too much filmic fun.
Sometimes, a film's premise is all there in its name. In 2008's Kung Fu Panda, a cuddly animal tried to master a skill he didn't appear all that suited for. His exploits blended an underdog story with physical comedy, wrapped up in vibrant animation and leaning on the voice talents of Jack Black. Of course, the movie that resulted hit all the anticipated beats: the training montages, the heart-warming journey from uncertainty to self-confidence, and the repeated sight-gag silliness of a panda showing off his martial arts prowess. Two films later, and not much has changed. Just as you can expect a movie called Kung Fu Panda 3 to feature 'Kung Fu Fighting' on its soundtrack, you can also expect it to stick to the established formula. That's how franchises are made, after all — if it ain't broke, don't fix it, as the old saying goes. When a series is built on little more than a one-joke concept boosted by its cuteness and saddled with a feel-good message, however, it's hardly surprising when it wears thin a few installments in. Po (Black) might have accepted his unlikely status as the Dragon Warrior — the sole kung fu master capable of harnessing limitless power — yet he's still not that comfortable in the role. In fact, he's daunted when he's told by his teacher, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), that he'll now be training his pals (voiced by Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen, Angelina Jolie and David Cross), and is thus happily distracted when his long-lost biological father, Li Shan (Bryan Cranston), arrives to whisk him back to a secret panda village. But when the menacing Kai (J. K. Simmons) breaks free from the spirit world with a mission to capture other kung fu warriors' chi, Po has to find a way to believe in himself, unleash his full potential and save his friends. With Po's adopted (James Hong) and birth dads jostling for attention, and a pretty panda (Kate Hudson) vying for his affection, there's plenty going on in the Alessandro Carloni and Jennifer Yuh Nelson-directed effort — though the fact that the duo have worked on the series before, as have writer-producers Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, is telling. The stakes might be raised, and many more pandas thrown into the mix, but even younger viewers will be able to see where it's all going, and how they're supposed to feel about it. As too often proves the case with all-ages animated fare, it's left to the film's images to brighten things up with colour and movement, and to add some personality in the process. Kung Fu Panda 3 may not offer up a new narrative, but it tries — and almost manages — to compensate with lively 3D visuals. The voice acting attempts to inject the same kind of energy, although a little bit of Black goes a long way. That said, if another round of laughing at pandas busting kung fu moves and listening to a message about being yourself is your idea of easy, undemanding entertainment, then the film's been-there, done-that approach won't worry you.
The early bird really does get the worm at The Regatta. Or gets to enjoy the American football fun, to be more accurate. Yes, the Toowong pub is kicking off their Super Bowl shindig around the time most of us are probably just getting up. Those who can't take the day off work but are willing to jump out of bed a bit earlier to get into the spirit of things won't be complaining. Neither will anyone who drops by the Regatta's corner of Coronation Drive over the weekend before, actually. The official shenanigans might be limited to the day itself, but they're unofficially spreading the love over the days prior as well. That's understandable — as well as a great excuse to offer up American food specials such as triple-stacked pancakes for longer. Drinks-wise, expect to knock back Samuel Adams and Coors beers as you're watching the Carolina Panthers face off against the Denver Broncos (and expect the latter team's inclusion to get you thinking about Homer Simpson and Hank Scorpio).
If there's something worth celebrating, The Flying Cock is always on the case. That includes U.S. sports events that take place when most people should be sitting at their desks and starting their working weeks. There was never any doubt the Valley hotspot would get into the swing of things, of course. Just what they'd serve up to mark the occasion — well, that's another matter. If a killer Americana-style brunch was your guess, then you'd best reward yourself by going along. Waffles topped with bacon, wraps filled with sausage, egg and hash browns, and curly fries are on the menu, so we'd recommend arriving hungry. Actually, we've worked up such an appetite thinking about it, we've almost forgotten that the Carolina Panthers will play the Denver Broncos to decide the league champion for the 2015 NFL season — and that the whole thing will be screened on The Flying Cock's four-metre projection screen.
It might seem like another festival pops up every weekend, but you won’t hear us complaining. The more the merrier, especially when they combine local bands, gourmet bites and craft brews into one fun package — which is exactly what Brisbane's latest returning event promises. The Bites and Brews Laneway Festival will take over the Shafston Hotel and its surrounding laneways from on February 27 for its second annual outing, and what a treat it is shaping up to be in 2016. Live performances from Millennium Band, J-Funk, Danny Kewell and John King will set a festive mood, but that’s only the beginning. Want a delicious meal? Of course you do — and food trucks such King of the Wings, The Bun Mobile, Vira Lata and Char Baby have your tastebuds covered. Want to wash it all down with a refreshing drink? That’s where stalls from everyone's favourite brewers come in, serving up Stone & Wood, Brews Brothers, Somersby, Cricketers Arms and more.
If you watch American movies, you've probably been brought up thinking that the end of summer is a pretty big deal. Incessant sunshine gives way to milder weather, and carefree days become weeks and months of work and responsibility. Alas, that's rarely the case in Australia, particularly in Queensland. The temperature dips slightly, and… that's all, really. Don't tell the folks at Brewski that, though. The Caxton Street bar is always keen on throwing together a celebration — and as February comes to a close, they've found an occasion that fits the bill. To mark the change of season, the Petrie Terrace hangout is embracing the tart, sharp, sometimes bitter, sometimes biting, often fruity end of the beverage spectrum. Here, cooler climes means sourer suds, courtesy of six tipples that are certain to put a spring in your step. Mango-flavoured ale, a hybrid of beer and sake, or a brew made with sauerkraut, anyone?
You've been to West End, but have you been to West Village? Given that the latter hasn't opened yet, that's actually a trick question — but come May 1, you'll want to flock to Brisbane's newest hangout. With apartments, shops, offices, bars and wide-open public areas built around the old Peters Ice Cream factory, the Boundary Street Markets site is about to become even more of a vibrant community hub than it already is. And with an official launch to end all official launches, it's going to start its new life in the style locals have become accustomed to: funky and fun. Live music from Bree de Rome, Henry James and TJ Quinton will transform the space into a ready-made celebration, while state-of-the-art light projections will provide visuals to match the smooth sounds. Roving performances from the Ice Cream Crew and Jaran Indigenous Dance Group will help every inch of the place burst with entertainment, and there are shows by the Ultrafantastics and the Rooftops at the Motor Room, too. Welcome to the neighbourhood indeed.
Chances are, if you were born before the dawning of Bratz, your first BFF was a blonde-haired, busty chick with pin legs and a (quite literally) killer waist. And she probably went by Barbie. Now she's back with a little more height on her side in Little Black Dress Creatives' latest production, Babushka: Doll. The Babushka girls are reinventing your childhood bestie in a musical dream house for a very grown-up play date. Forget the old Barbie and her childish catchphrases; these dolls have an endless drawstring and will be belting out tunes all night long. It'll be a little creepy, ocasionally cute and darkly comedic as they tackle opera, '80s pop, nursery rhymes and rock 'n' roll. Expect some Regurgitator and Offenbach in the mix. Whether you grew up with an Action Man, Cabbage Patch Doll or a bald Barbie because you were sure her hair would grow back, Babushka dolls will have you seduced, comforted and in touch with the sinister side of memory lane.
Bringing together three celebrated documentary photographers, The Hold Artspace's newest exhibition is life photography at its finest. Interruptions is a collection by Isaac Brown, Tammy Law and Nina White that link memory and place as an expression of family. Interruptions provides three different insights into family relationships and human stories from three photographers who've utilised their craft almost exclusively to document just that. Brown is a photography lecturer who has photographed for the Museum of Brisbane and Frankie and has worked extensively on his own projects that create an effective narrative in photographic representation. Law's work has appeared in Monocle, Jetstar Magazine, The Saturday Paper, Asia Geographic and The Big Issue, and inquires into the larger social context of the stories within people's lives. White is a Brisbane-based photographer who tells "stories visually in a way that makes people take notice." Interruptions runs from April 15 to 18, with opening night April 17 at 6pm, and artist talks April 18 at 10am.
Leave your Hunters and your oversized sunhat behind to spontaneously frolic and make out with strangers. Pepa Knight, Jinja Safari's co-frontman, is launching his solo career with the announcement of a 2015 album release. But fans won't have to wait until next year to take off their shoes and enjoy that unmistakably JS-popularised brand of atmospheric, drum-thumping pop. On Friday, November 28, the first collection of Knight's solo recordings, Hypnotized Vol. 1, will be released — following on from his two critically-acclaimed singles 'Rahh!' and 'Clams'. Throughout November, Knight will be performing a series of headline shows to celebrate this first half of his highly-anticipated double album. Presented by Artists Voice and Rare Finds, the confirmed dates include appearances in Melbourne, Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and this free show in Brisbane. Yep, totally free. In the coming weeks, Knight will also be releasing another single in support of the tour, giving fans a further insight into the infectious, whimsical sounds of his debut solo effort. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ysx8lssBeIE
Look, we’re not above this kind of humour — and, let’s be honest, neither are you. Comedian Jon Bennett isn’t either, and he’s beginning to make a blossoming career out of it, collecting awards on the international comedy circuit from San Diego to Perth. The show’s title may say it all, and his more than 15,000 Facebook fans already know and love it; however, there’s more to Pretending Things Are a Cock than photos of phallic shapes made prominent for puerile amusement. Expect a slew of heartwarming stories, and a healthy slice of insight into looking at the world differently. Still, mostly dicks though. Pretending Things Are a Cock is part of Wonderland at the Powerhouse. Check out our top five picks of the festival.
From Woody Guthrie telling us whose land is whose, to the Black Eyed Peas asking where the love is, the protest song is one that transcends generations and genres as the ultimate tool against oppression. Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and just about every band with a slither of social conscience has tried their hand at writing one, and now to celebrate a collection of songs that could make a genre of their own, The Triffid will be showcasing some of the best. Children of the Revolution: The History of the Protest Song will be held on the January 17, two days after what would have been the 86th birthday for civil rights leader Martin Luther King. The night will feature performances by Jackie Marshall, Luke Peacock (with his full band), Sahara Beck, Kahl Wallis of The Medics, CKNU, Lucy Star of Satellite and Celestino. All artists will be performing pieces of protest and passion that have inspired them. Between singers will be speakers to clue you in, with drinks will on tap until the night wraps up.
Irish-French singer Camille O’Sullivan left a burgeoning career as an architect after embracing the cabaret on display in Berlin and Dublin. Since then she’s won international acclaim for her singular interpretations of the songs of artists like Nick Cave, Kurt Weill, Tom Waits and Jacques Brel, drawing on the German tradition of “art song”, and the narrative music of Weimar composers. In O’Sullivan’s modern incarnation, this tradition manifests itself in radical retellings of classic songs — her rendition of Nick Cave's 'The Ship Song' is well worth a listen. On tour in Australia, for her show at the intimate Fairfax Studio at the Arts Centre O’Sullivan will be playing songs from her album Changeling, including works from Radiohead, David Bowie and Arcade Fire.
When is a flute recital not just a flute recital? Stick with us here. Brisbane-based flautist Janet McKay is dedicated to bringing new music to a wide audience, and her latest performance — Dreams, Layers, Obsessions — does just that. The award-winning contemporary musician takes the works of three fascinating and diverse young American composers, turning them into a triptych. It’s not just the sounds of their arrangements that take centre stage, nor the high level of collaboration between composer and performer. In their world premieres, each piece also goes on a visual and electronic journey. Then there’s the diversity of themes, topics and styles, in an eclectic mix if ever there was one. Jen Wang’s composition riffs on concepts of time derived from novel Einstein’s Dreams, Nomi Epstein’s piece plays with textured looping effects, while Jenny Olivia Johnson’s arrangement takes the perspective of an '80s sitcom fan. That this is no ordinary flute recital couldn’t be more clear.
If you drink beer, you’ve heard of hops. Even if you don’t drink beer, surely you have as well. Knowing the term is one thing — but do you really know what they are? And how they look, feel, smell and taste? Or what the secret is to 'New World' hops? And why there’s so many varieties available? Wonder no more, thanks to Milton’s favourite dive bar. The fine folks at The Scratch don’t just have a passion for pouring tasty brews but for teaching their patrons all about them as well. From that enthusiasm, Alementary was born. Each weekend, beer aficionados can learn the basics, as the series covers a variety of topics. On March 14, Croft Brewing head brewer Gavin Croft will step through everything hops-related, in the best excuse anyone has ever had to get up early on a Saturday morning and head to a bar. Yes, it’s educational. Yes, learning and drinking go hand in hand. Yes, you won’t only be talking shop — you'll also be sampling different beers to help put the theory into practice.
No sugar. Less fat. Organic. Locally grown. Seasonal. When it comes to what we eat, these are the things we’re used to thinking about. The fairness of how food makes it to our plate may not always cross our minds, but that’s where Food Connect comes in. Under the guidance of ex-dairy farmer Robert Pekin, they’ve been aiming to create a better food system since 2005. Ten years later, Food Connect is still going strong — and they’re throwing a real food street party to prove it. Think local bands, food-based trivia, and apple bobbing. Also think food and drink stalls spanning everything from gourmet ice blocks to Stone & Wood brews, as well as a celebrity chef cook-off pitting Matt Golinski against Josh Lopez from GoMA Bistro. Celebrating Food Connect’s role in pioneering the paddock to plate movement is the main attraction, and there’s plenty on offer for those interested in delving into the details behind their work. For $25, you can also attend a ticketed session, with TIME Magazine’s ‘World Number 1 Farmer’ Joel Salatin talking sustainability in the food industry. You’ll be thinking about food in a whole new way.
Once puberty wraps up, chances of touching your toes again are kind of nigh, so it’s best to join the circus while you’re young, right? Control Alt Delete is the latest performance by the Flying Fruit Fly Circus – the only circus troupe parents should happily let their kids run away to. This production is put on by some of Australia’s best young physical artists who’ve taken the traditional concept of the circus and boiled in down to a high-octane performance that stands, flips and delivers. Through circus acts, physical theatre and dance to an original soundtrack by Australian hip-hoppers Morganics, Control Alt Delete delves into the ideas and emotions of its performers. Every trick has a meaning, and every routine is a reflection – sure it’s all pretty impressive, but there’s underlying persuasions and plots to the remarkable acts on show here. Pay attention. Tickets range from $20 to $39, with family packages available – grab them here. Then, find out what you’re really in store for by checking out the preview for Control Alt Delete right here.
Good news for those of the hardcore punk generation — or those who wish they were. After the disappointment felt due to the cancellation of their scheduled 2013 tour, Dead Kennedys are returning with their Bedtime for Democracy tour, playing a comprehensive string of shows around the country. Dead Kennedys — in all their changing forms — have been galvanising the masses against political apathy since 1978. The current lineup is East Bay Ray, Klaus Flouride, D. H. Peligro and Ron 'Skip' Greer, who'll take tunes from the group's extensive back catalogue. Show them your support (and your utter disdain for The Man) at The Hi-Fi on October 3, and be more punk than anyone else you have met in your life. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ds_TRSoQkJ0
Gravity isn't just that Oscar-winning space film with George Clooney and Sandra Bullock that everyone was talking about back in 2012. It's also the force that keeps us anchored to the earth, and the one humanity is constantly trying to thwart. Artist Mira Oosterweghel understands this, as her latest exhibition, Unstable Moments, shows. Once again exploring the relationship between the body and its surroundings, she uses performance, play, sculpture and installation to tap into our psychological desire to exceed our physical bounds. The way people navigate sites and structures is her particular point of interest, as she puts to good use at Metro Arts. The gallery is more than just place to display her work, though it does that rather well, of course. The space is also a part of the presentation, as Oosterweghel engages with the architecture. How else can she create a situation steeped in our dreams of flying free, and in the reality of coming crashing back to earth?
In the ballad of the Barden Bellas, it's time for another verse. That gang of college pals is back — aspiring record producer Becca (Anna Kendrick), group stalwart Chloe (Brittany Snow) and outspoken Australian Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) included — and they're trying to sing their way to supremacy once more. Is their second outing a toe-tapping rehash of their catchy debut tune, or does it drag on past the natural fade-out point? The answer is both. Pitch Perfect 2 alternates between the cinematic equivalent of the catchy melody you don't mind having stuck in your head, and the earworm you quickly grow tired of. Just three short years ago, an a cappella comedy was considered a gamble, but now we don't just have a repeat effort — we have a ready-made formula to follow as well. With mashups of songs old and new, rivalries getting heated, against-the-odds challenges to overcome, and one-liners a plenty, there's not much that's different, save for a new character setting up for a potential third instalment. That'd be freshman Emily (Hailee Steinfeld), a wannabe Bella since birth thanks to her ex-member mother. Fresh blood aside, everyone is older this time around, given that three years have passed in the film as well. They're also clouded in scandal, after an important show exposes too much of Fat Amy, leaving the Bellas banned from performing as punishment. Chloe finds a loophole that will see them on stage again, but only if they can beat their stereotypically tough-talking German counterparts at the world championships. Becca's focus is elsewhere, though, as she's thinking of life beyond study and competitive singing. It was the jukebox-like playlist of tracks and the loveable cast playing quirky characters that helped Pitch Perfect hit the high notes the first time around, so here, it isn't surprising to see a whole lot of doubling down on both. Expect an eclectic compilation of Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus tunes, as well as '90s hiphop jamz and songs about butts. Expect Kendrick and the group cycling through sing-offs, fall outs, bonding sessions and realisations about what's really important — and copious amounts of harmonising. What you shouldn't expect is anything beyond a more is more approach — more music, actors, complications and reminders that it's all about a singing sisterhood, that is. If it sounds routine, that's because returning screenwriter Kay Cannon, once again taking inspiration from the book Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory, doesn't stretch anything very far. Pushing boundaries is left to Wilson, who steals the show all over again. In a lineup that includes Arrested Development's David Cross, Key and Peele's Keegan Michael-Key, Snoop Lion and the Green Bay Packers (yep, the American footballers), it helps that she's the only one who doesn't seem like she's just going through the motions. Of course, it's always difficult for a sequel to a breakout hit to pave its own way, a problem Pitch Perfect 2 clearly struggles with. Sitting in the director's chair as well as popping up again as sarcastic commentator Gail, Elizabeth Banks bubbles over with enthusiasm, but not with flair. She's pitch-slapping audiences and staying in key; however, her film isn't a fun new must-listen track — it's more like movie karaoke. The verdict (sing it with me): aca-average.
Peace aren't the kind of typical, indie rock band who want to make every party a downer. In fact, they really hone in on the sweet stuff, and the proof is in their debut album In Love and their recently released follow-up Happy People. Known for their indie anthems and youthful zing, Peace have really set themselves up nicely in the international indie scene. They hit the gold by working on their latest album, Happy People, with Jim Abbiss, who has worked with The Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian and Bombay Bicycle Club. This ten-track album has transformed these Birmingham lads into a band demanded by music fans around the world — and they're giving in to the demands of Brisbane fans this Wednesday. Peace will be supported by locals Rolls Bayce, and tickets will be for sale at the door for $50 (they're a little cheaper online though).
The Brightside is throwing a Mean Girls party, and not being there would be social suicide. Revising the correct usages of 'fetch', 'grool' and 'ESPN' is just part of the fun. So is channelling your inner queen bee and donning your best pink outfit. Okay, okay, it's not Wednesday, but we think you're allowed to break that rule just this once. The film will be playing on repeat, but watching and rewatching its blistering take on teenage life isn't the only way you can indulge your Mean Girls love. You can drink a punch concoction that may or may not be jungle juice. You can dance just like it's the Spring Fling to a live set of pop punk classics from Hollywood Heartache. And you can prove your devotion by battling it out in a Man vs Bear-hosted trivia quiz. Every team gets a plastic crown, of course.
Have you ever wondered whether there is something - someone - else out there? Joel Pinkerton believes there are no extraterrestrials, no life forms other than us. An insurance fraud investigator, Joel works for a company that has introduced UFO abduction insurance which, you know, is a bit weird. What’s even weirder is Joel’s call to the next investigation. Storm, a 16-year-old schoolgirl claims herself as the most recent victim of intergalactic intrusion, with the conspiracy theories to match. It would all be very easy to dismiss… except, how did Storm end up in that field far out of town? What happened during her 24-hour disappearance? As alien life grows more and more familiar for Joel, he finds himself alienated from his family. His wife, Holly, needs him back home - his bouncing baby girl is acting a little bit weird. Pale Blue Dot is the work of Kathryn Marquet. The story of togetherness and alien behaviour, what is real and what we wish to be; La Boite has taken on the tale, as foreign as it is relatable, and added their twist for modern audiences.
Electronic whiz kids don't come more stylin' than Sydney's multitalented Caitlin Park. With her 2011 debut album Milk Annual applauded Australia-wide and the 2012 Qantas Spirit Of The Youth Award under her belt, Park inked a deal with Create/Control in February this year (home to fellow Aussies Oliver Tank, Feelings, Go Violets and internationals Parquet Courts and Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros). Marking the team-up with the release of her second album The Sleeper, the smoky-voiced Sydneysider will bring her brand new tunes to The Hive on Saturday, August 2. Disarmingly catchy singles like 'Lemonade' are sure to get this all-ages gig significantly toe-tappin'. (She's releasing a just-announced EP of instrumental tracks and spoken word on July 11, so she's a busy lady.) Park toured recently to promote the album's first single, 'Hold Your Gaze', but we're certainly not objecting to more of her brand of dreamy folktronic. Park has been cranking tunes aroundaboutown of late, dominating East Coast stages as well as the UK's Great Escape, New York's CMJ conference and support slots for Butterfly Boucher. Headlining her own tour aptly dubbed 'The Sleeper Tour', Park is proud to present her super slick electro-meets-acoustic album to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane crowds. The Sleeper is a sharpening of everything her first album, Milk Annual, was about — slick production, soothing sounds and deep vocals that make me wish I could use the word husky without feeling like a creep. Listen out for 'Lemonade', the album's second single. The video is a woozy, aesthetically and sonically-pleasing journey through the main character's gender identity that should appeal to anyone who appreciates good-looking people in technicolour garb dancing in slow motion (that's everyone, surely?). "I am so proud and excited about this release!" said Park. "It's louder, more rhythmic, more energetic and more complex than anything I have written before. It was made in a quiet place, so I felt like we had to fill the space. It was made with love and light and darkness. I can't wait for people to hear it." Words by Jessica Surman and Shannon Connellan. https://youtube.com/watch?v=AS1htl7smnk
The pinnacle of Brisbane’s fashion events, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival is back for its ninth year, touted to be its most stylish event yet. The event will return to Brisbane’s City Hall for the second year in a row following the building’s make-over, once again injecting added class and awe to the festivities. Come along to see the work of our state’s creatives — including fashion designers, hair stylists and make-up artists - culminate in Queensland’s only major runway program. Every year the event marks the beginning of a new season, but also a boost for retailers and buyers who fall in love with the collections year in, year out. Six stylish days and nights comprise the fashion festival, of which the events are eclectic and the designs inspired. Art meets glamour meets opportunity; don’t miss your chance to see the best and latest in fashion, at the place where it all starts.
My my, at the Waterloo Hotel from Wednesday, April 5–Sunday, April 9, chocoholics can surrender to their tastebuds. This Newstead mainstay is doing Easter-themed food and drink specials — including Easter cocktails — for five days. Your next pub session just got 100-percent more chocolatey. What's better than Easter cocktails, though? Easter cocktails over an Easter egg hunt for adults. Usually, searching for foil-wrapped orbs of chocolate is for kids. Yes, you can create your own version at home, but we all know that that isn't the same. The Waterloo is also well aware that adults want in on the fun, too — and it's delivering. [caption id="attachment_896234" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption] While the Easter at The Waterloo festivities run across the full range of dates, that adults-only Easter egg hunt is taking place on Sunday, April 9. Pop by from 4pm each day from Thursday and you'll also enjoy live tunes at the Ann Street and Commercial Road spot, which comes with a history — it's been there since 1880. [caption id="attachment_746664" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] Top image: Markus Ravik.
Easter isn't just about eating all the chocolate in every form you can find. It's also about embracing rabbits however you can, too. At Victoria Park / Barrambin, that means catching a double feature of suitable flicks in the open air — because the Herston patch of turf is bringing back its outdoor cinema for an Easter Treats Movie Night. Taking place from 5.30pm on Saturday, April 8, this event is free to attend. The onsite food trucks will start serving at that kickoff time, however, so you will need your wallet for that. Or, you and your mates/date can pack your own snacks and drinks, and enjoy a picnic. Movie-wise, Disney's Zootopia will play from 6.30pm, while Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland then hits the screen with its imaginative antics from 8.30pm. And, if your dog likes flicks under the stars, too, you can bring them along — but they need to remain on a leash.
Everyone has a type of food that they just can't get enough off. We all have several if we're being completely honest. So, perhaps you adore sausages — or maybe you've never met a schnitzel that you can say no to. You could get salivating over meat platters, fancy feasting on ribs or get in a flap about chicken wings as well. If one of the above dishes is your favourite, so much so that you're keen to tuck into all that you can manage, The Bavarian has you covered Monday–Friday between Monday, March 20–Friday, March 31. Each weekday, it's serving up a different bottomless deal. Arrive hungry, whichever you pick — and especially if you opt for all of them. So, Mondays are all about non-stop snags (frankfurters, kielbasas and cheese kranskys with mash, rye bread and bier jus) for $28, while Tuesdays go all in on schnitties for $32 (with parmigianas, classic schnitzels and one with mushroom sauce to choose from). On Wednesday, the regular $35 all-you-can-meat platter special is still on — aka a glorious way to spend hump day. Come Thursday, there's ribs, ribs and more ribs (slow-cooked and coffee-and-spiced barbecue pork ribs, in fact, with coleslaw and fries) for $56. And on Friday, $20 gets you non-stop wings with either hot buffalo or barbecue sauce. In terms of caveats, you'll need to note a few, including the need to buy a full-priced drink to get each deal. The Bavarian also has a five-percent service fee, and you can't combine your chosen special with another offer, get it to take away or bring any leftovers home with you after your sitting. In Queensland, you'll find The Bavarian at Chermside, The Barracks, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Robina, Broadbeach, Coomera, Mackay and Rockhampton.
When you're a film festival that's all about the best cinema from Spain and Latin America, and you've been showcasing flicks from the two regions for a quarter century, how do you mark the occasion? If you're Australia's annual Spanish Film Festival, you put together a hefty 25th-birthday festival filled with 32 movies. That's the just-announced plan for 2023's event, which will take over the screens at Palace James Street and Palace Barracks in Brisbane from Wednesday, June 14–Wednesday, July 5 — complete with Spanish box-office hits, stars from beloved series, a focus on female directors and plenty more. Kicking off the fest is the Australian premiere of culinary comedy Two Many Chefs, which follows a father-and-son pair reuniting in the high-cuisine scene in Bilbao. Also a high-profile must-see is the festival's centrepiece selection Alcarràs, the winner of the Berlin Film Festival's Golden Bear in 2022. It popped up at a few local fests last year, and is now finally being made available to a wider Aussie audience. Other highlights include five-time Goya Award-winner Prison 77, a smash in its homeland starring Miguel Herrán from Netflix's Money Heist; The Kings of the World, which focuses on five Medellín teenagers; and Four's a Crowd, the latest from The Bar, Witching and Bitching and As Luck Would Have It filmmaker Álex de la Iglesia. Plus, there's thriller A Singular Crime, about a wealthy businessman's disappearance in Argentina in the 80s — and Staring at Strangers, where The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent's Paco León spies on a family from inside a closet (and yes, sounds like it takes its cues from Parasite). Film lovers can also look forward to rom-com My Father's Mexican Wedding, about two Spanish siblings travelling abroad for the titular nuptials; Mighty Victoria, which sees residents of a small town try to build their own steam train in 1930s Mexico; black-and-white horror film History of the Occult; and feminist Argentinian western The Broken Land. The 2022 fest boasts an Australian link as well via Greg Mortimer, about the passengers and crew on the Australian cruise ship that left for Antarctica just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic being declared. And, the Spanish Film Festival's survey of prominent Spanish and Latin American women directors includes seven movies, while its five-title 2023 retrospective is dedicated to iconic Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura, who passed away earlier in 2023.
If your ideal winter involves sipping warmed-up wine and getting cheesy in the tastiest possible way, then it probably also includes pretending that you're somewhere far frostier than Brisbane. Both are easy on King Street this June and July, with the Bowen Hills precinct serving up wintry dishes and taking its cues from the French Alps. All that's left is to dress as cosily as the River City's weather calls for at any given moment. This two-month-long excuse to embrace the season has been dubbed Après Ski — what else? — and it's all about bites and sips to suit the occasion. Head to King Street Bakery for a croque monsieur, then hit Il Verde for some mulled wine. There's also pork wonton noodle soup at Fat Dumpling and jalapeño cheese bites at Xin Chao. The menu features gravy-slathered black angus steaks at Winghaus as well, plus lamb ragu stirred through gnocchi at Kuhl-Cher. Whatever you decide to tuck into, and wherever, expect to find fur cushions and warm blankets to really lean into the European skiing-holiday vibes.
In 2023, Thursday, June 22 marks an important occasion: winter solstice, or the day with the shortest span of daylight and longest stretch of night for the current 12-month period. Since ancient times, it has been a time of celebration — and that's what Northey Street City Farm does each and every year. Hosting this stint of revelry on a Thursday wouldn't be much fun, though, so this year's Winter Solstice Festival will take place on Saturday, June 24. At the Windsor spot, everything from food and live music to talks and workshops is on the bill, and there's also a lantern parade and a sizeable bonfire. The leafy venue has been getting into the wintry spirit for more than 25 years now, so expect quite the party. Community fire-twirling, chats on a variety of topics, organic markets, poetry slam, building your own glow-in-the-dark coral reef and more than 60 musicians are all on offer as well. The event kicks off from 3pm, with $40 tickets on sale now. You can also purchase a pay-it-forward ticket for $25, which'll go to someone who can't afford one. And, this year's festival will also be a zero-waste affair, so bring your own reusable containers, crockery, cutlery and water bottles, as none will be given out at the food and drink stalls. Image: Northey Street City Farm.
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 just the second time. The big boozy evening takes place on Friday, July 14, 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.
Add another date into your doggo's diary — the NewBARKet Markets are upon us for another year. On Saturday, July 22, Newmarket Village is going to the dogs again, but in a good way, with the adorable event taking over the inner north shopping centre. Take your pupper along from 11am–3pm, with plenty of treats and pats on offer. Fingers crossed that your cute canine can hit up the bone bar again — in previous years, it has given out free bones to all good woofers (while stocks last). The main attraction, as the name makes plain, is stalls selling all kinds of goodies for your four-legged friend. Expect dog food, accessories, threads and grooming, and usually dog desserts as well — dog ice cream and pupcakes have also been on offer in past years. 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.
It calls itself a "micro mezcal mecca". It's small, adores agave spirits, and prides itself on being one of the best places in Sydney for a margarita (and for a drink in general). And, it's coming to Brisbane for one night only: Cantina OK!, that is, for a pop-up at Fortitude Valley's Savile Row that'll not only bring the former's top-notch cocktails north, but also raise money for a great cause. If you're wondering why Cantina OK! is considered such a standout watering hole, that's partly because the pint-sized bar's tequila and mezcal collection is that extensive, and also packed with both rare and wild varieties. The venue keeps earning worldwide acclaim, becoming a World's 50 Best Bars list mainstay since opening. In 2023, it came in at 41st, as one of only two Aussie venues on the list. Cantina OK! also placed 23rd in 2021 and 28th in 2020. [caption id="attachment_714476" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] So, behind Savile Row's orange door and beneath its eye-catching chandelier, that's what's in store for Brisbanites from 7pm on Monday, August 14. With Cantina OK!'s Creative Director Storm Evans and Group Manager Ryan Bickley in attendance, the Ann Street bar will pour a trio of cocktails from its Sydney guest: a margarita made with mezcal and orange oil; a sour with salted peanut and banana meringue; and the Nevada OK!, which features lime leaf, Thai basil, watermelon and jelly. All three will hero Los Arcos Tequila. The good cause mentioned above isn't just letting Brissie agave fiends sip Cantina OK!'s drinks. The evening will also raise money to help boost the quality of life in rural Mexico via charity S.A.C.R.E.D. Cantina OK! will whip out its seltzers, too, thanks to Seltzer OK!. The bar's own line of sparkling margaritas in a bottle, its sips come in regular and passionfruit flavours.
2024 marks ten years since La Macelleria set up shop in Brisbane, gifting the city's residents with an array of inventive gelato and sorbet flavours. Over that period, it has taught ice cream lovers how to make their own, served up all-you-can-eat sweet treats and expanded its footprint by adding more than a few new shops — and, as it likes to whenever it's birthday time, now it's throwing a big Italian fiesta on Sunday, August 11 to celebrate. For its latest huge milestone, La Macelleria will spend a day doing what it does best, but also doing more than that. Gelato will be on the menu, obviously. Also, it's whipping up gelato cocktails, with free sips on offer if you buy a pizza from Scugnizzi, which will be onsite with Roman-style slices for the occasion. The merriment runs from 12pm, which is when Scugnizzi will serve lunch, finishing at 2pm. If you're keen on pizza for dinner — and those gelato cocktails — that's available from 5–7pm. Also on the agenda: Casa Motta stretching mozzarella and burrata live, plus balloon art for kids, as well as supporting one of Brisbane's dessert havens.
Not content with terrifying southeast Queenslanders with their unsettling shipping container installations just once, the folks at Realscape Productions keep bringing back their disquieting Darkfield experiences again and again. The next chance to set your nerves on edge? HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast, and in the lead up to Halloween. The event inducing chills? Well, the fact that it's called Flight says plenty. This immersive favourite involves stepping inside a 40-foot steel box, sitting in pitch darkness and listening to a particularly heightened soundscape while the production plays with your sense of reality. For those who aren't fond of flying or don't cope well with the possibility of things going awry in the air, you might want to stay away. If your stomach can handle all of the above, step onboard. You won't actually be jetting anywhere, of course; however you will be strapping yourself into a section of a real commercial airliner, then pondering the many possible outcomes if the cabin suddenly happened to lose pressure. Created by Glen Neath and David Rosenberg, Flight draws upon the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics while taking attendees on a multi-sensory journey. If you're keen, Flight's latest run spans Thursday, September 7–Sunday, October 1 at the Surfers Paradise venue. Buckle up, and prepare to have your head completely messed with — unless you're claustrophobic, pregnant, or suffer heart or back conditions, in which case you'll have to firmly stay on the ground. So fare, more than 88,000 people have gone on the Flight journey — so expect to have company as well. Images: Mihaela Bodlovic / Realscape Productions.
On any given Saturday morning across Brisbane, plenty of pooches can be found descending upon the city's markets. Come 6am–12pm on Saturday, October 14 in Carseldine, dog lovers and their furry four-legged BFFs will be doing what they usually do — with the added bonus of attending the northside spot's returning Barktoberfest. What do cute canines have to do with celebrating this time of year? Nothing, but don't let that get in the way of a dapper doggo-friendly morning out. As well as the usual food and fresh produce, an array of pet-related stalls will ramp up the fun to barking great levels. There'll also be a pupper fashion parade and a pawparazzi photo contest — to determine just which canine cutie friend is the most adorable. Also on the lineup this year is canine cool-down station with pools. It is getting warm again, after all, and we're betting that your pupper also feels the heat. Dog-focused demonstrations, pupper prizes — they're all on offer, too. Entry is free, and live entertainment is part of the 200-plus-stall market as well.
It's the studio that's given Brisbanites the gift of puppy pilates and kitten yoga over the years; however, with Stretch Yoga's community classes, it's sharing its bending and stretching for free. On Saturday afternoons from 3–4pm throughout January and February in Holland Park, sessions won't cost you a cent. How's that for getting your 2024 fitness resolutions started? You'll benefit from a class without challenging your budget, which is perfect if you're a newcomer keen to finally try yoga, or you're just feeling a little less financial. And Stretch Yoga's graduate instructors will benefit, as they'll be teaching the classes as they approach their 350-hour teacher training certification. Beginners are welcome — in fact, they're encouraged — with the sessions taking you through vinyasa-style yoga. And gathering the gang to bring along with you is encouraged as well. That said, places are limited, so bookings online are essential, even though this won't cost you a thing. Top image: Stretch Yoga.
If you're all about thinking green, living in a more eco-conscious way and doing your utmost for the planet — as we all should be — then you likely already know about Brisbane's Green Heart Fair. Twice a year, the event takes over a leafy public space to celebrate sustainability, all by giving away plants, teaching attendees about beekeeping, serving up plant-based food truck dishes and hosting markets selling locally made wares. The next event takes place from 9am–3pm on Sunday, May 29, and all of the above is on the agenda once again. Also part of the fair, which'll be settling into Victoria Park in Herston: workshops on sustainability, gardening and other related topics; activities for kids; and live music. If adding some greenery to your yard has particularly piqued your interest, there'll be 3000 native plants on offer — all for free. They're available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended.
It's the time of the year when the days begin to shorten, the evenings get cooler and your stomach starts grumbling for comfort food. But, while that'll remain true for the next few months, only one particular working week will bring free tacos. Tex-Mex giant Taco Bell has been steadily opening stores around the country since 2017, including in Brisbane — and, to treat your taco-loving tastebuds, it's giving away freebies between Monday, May 9–Friday, May 13. If you haven't tried the chain's Taco Supreme, this is your chance. If you have and you just like freebies, count yourself in as well. There is a catch, though. This is a lunchtime taco swap — to replace whatever you'd usually eat in the middle of the day. So, to get a taco without paying a cent, you need to show a photo of your regular lunch at the counter. Also, there's a limit of one free taco per person, so you won't be able to stuff your stomach full of them. And, the deal is only available from 12–2pm daily — and in-person. What's a Taco Supreme? A crunchy taco, as filled with seasoned beef, sour cream, fresh lettuce, tomato and cheese — or black beans for vegetarians. Wondering where you're heading? Taco Bell has Queensland stores in Annerley, Beenleigh, Cairns, Cleveland, Currajong, East Ipswich, Eatons Hill, Keperra, Logan Central, Morayfield, North Lakes, Robina and Southport.
No one likes Mondays; however, everyone loves a bargain. Combine the two — and throw in vegan and vegetarian eats as well — and you have BrewDog's regular special. On Vegan Mondays, anyone who's keen to tuck into the riverside brewery's meat-free menu will score two dishes for the price of one. Yes, that's just the kind of news both your stomach and your wallet need to start off the week — and it happens all day every single Monday. Four types of burgers are on offer, so you can pick between two made with chicken-style patties ($22.95) — including a vegan parmigiana option — plus a Korean fried cauliflower burger ($22.95) and a beef variety ($22.95). They all come served on a beetroot brioche bun, and you can opt for sweet potato fries and a range of vegan sauces. Other choices include three types of pizza ($21.95–24.95), cauliflower wings ($10.95–32.95), black bean tacos ($21.95), a Thai noodle salad ($21.95) and a veggie sharing stack ($31.95). You'll pay extra for your brews, of course — but the waterside view that comes with them won't cost a thing. Images: Pandora Photography.
If there's one thing that sells a culinary experience to us that has nothing to do with the actual food or drinks we'll be consuming, it's the location. And, if the location is outdoors, under the stars and near a body of water, consider us sold. At the Barrington Coast Long Table Dinner that's exactly what you'll get. On Saturday, March 26, hatted First Nations chef Clayton Donovan will be at the helm of this one-off experience, curating an incredible dinner that champions produce local to the Barrington Coast region. Donovan has said the menu will tell a story of the region — "the place where the leaves touch the waters from the mountains to the sea" — and you can expect native ingredients to be incorporated throughout. The Barrington Coast Long Table Dinner will all take place at Yalawanyi Ganya (the Mid Coast Council Building) in Taree from 6pm. Tickets are $150 and the exclusive event is capped at 80 people. For more information and to book, the website.
Secret Sounds, the organisation behind some of the country's most beloved festivals and memorable tours including Splendour in the Grass, has announced a huge tour of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales to raise money for flood-affected communities. The tour promoter hopes to raise $1 million over a one-month period, with those funds donated to organisations such as Lifeline, GIVIT, Koori Mail Bundjalung Community Flood Relief and Northern Rivers Community Foundation. The Flood Aid tour will take place over three separate gigs — including one in Brisbane. Come Saturday, on March 26, at Fortitude Valley Music Hall, Brisbanites will be treated to sets from Bernard Fanning, The Rubens, Cub Sport (doing a DJ set), Last Dinosaurs, Stevan and Hanni. Spend a night soaking in live tunes, help folks in need — that's what this gig is serving. If you can't make it along, another way you can get involved is by buying merch from Secret Sounds. A special line of tongue-in-cheek 'Where the Muddy Hell Are You?' t-shirts and hats has been created, and a flood aid auction is also in the works. [caption id="attachment_734388" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Charlton[/caption]
Looking for an excuse to head north, up to the Sunshine Coast and into the hinterland? An afternoon of eating, drinking and wandering through a rainforest should do it. That's all on the agenda at the returning Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival, which takes over Maleny's Spicers Tamarind Retreat on Saturday, March 19 with plenty of food, booze and leafy greenery. The plant life is the easiest part to take care of, because it surrounds the hotel anyway — and provides quite the backdrop for all the culinary fun. As for what you'll be snacking on, ready your appetite for a feast of Asian street food. Tteokbokki, aka spicy stir-fried Korean rice cakes, will be on offer alongside Japanese tuna rice bowls, roast pork banh mis and Malaysian barbecue chicken. Obviously, arrive hungry. Drinks-wise, you'll be sipping wine from Brockenchack Winery, spirits and cocktails from Sunshine & Sons, and brews from Moffat Beach Brewing Co and Asahi. Your $125 ticket will nab you a dish at each of the five food stalls, two beverages, access to cooking demonstrations and live music. Bring blankets and cushions with you, too, for lazing around on the grass between bites.
What's better than one sprawling music festival taking over Fortitude Valley's streets? Two in the space of a month, obviously. Valley Fiesta will arrive at the end of October, delivering live tunes aplenty for three days — and then, come Sunday, November 28, it's Big Summer Block Party time. A new event from music industry development association Q Music, as well as the folks behind BIGSOUND — which was cancelled this year due to the pandemic — Big Summer Block Party is exactly what it sounds like. Sure, it's actually taking place a few days before summer officially starts; however, it'll see 21 different acts take over seven Valley venues, and shut down Warner Street for the occasion. BIGSOUND alumni such as Eves Karydas, First Beige, Jesswar, Sampology, Golden Vessel, Clea, Eliza & The Delusionals and LÂLKA lead the bill, and will take to the stage at Black Bear Lodge, Kickons, O'Skulligans, The Brightside, The Brightside — Outdoors, The Outpost and The Zoo. As for Warner Street, it'll shut down for the evening — with the party running from 4–9pm — to host tunes, food trucks and outdoor bars, as well as local DJs on the decks. And, in news that everyone's wallet will love, entry is free. BIG SUMMER BLOCK PARTY LINEUP: Eves Karydas LISI Jesswar Eliza & The Delusionals First Beige Sampology Golden Vessel Clea dameeeela Asha Jefferies Karl S Williams THE RIOT Hayley Marsten Moss LÂLKA Being Jane Lane Jelly Oshen Wildheart Beckah Amani Sachém Colie Images: Dave Kan.
Brisbane is already home to two mini-golf bars, multiple arcade bars, several axe-throwing bars and a digital ping pong bar — and it boasts a huge two-storey darts hangout, too. Usually the domain of old-school pubs, the projectile-flinging sport is the main attraction at Oche Brisbane, though it's had a thoroughly 21st-century update. Originally launching in Oslo in Norway, Oche (pronounced ockey) opened its first Australian digs in Fortitude Valley in 2019. Lining the walls are dart boards that look exactly how you remember — but they all have an electronic component. Each board comes with dozens of games built in, so you can pick between the knockout-style Killer, high-scoring High Striker and points-accumulating 201, among other options. The boards also keep score, so there's no need for a pencil and paper (and no room for arguments). And, for unknown reasons, some of them chat to you as well. Fancy having a throw, drinking brews, eating bratwurst hot dogs and mini pretzels, and celebrating this time of year? That's what the returning Ochetoberfest is all about. Running from Wednesday, October 13–Sunday, October 17, the five-day event features German beers on tap, German food and German tunes on Thursday, October 14 — combining boozy October shenanigans with an updated version of a favourite pub activity.
It's that time of year, Brisbanites — time to say goodbye to winter, cold weather and gloomy moods, and to offer up a big hello spring, sunshine and blossoming flowers. If the change of season has you feeling not only extra chipper, but also eager to get outside and make the most of it, Roma Street Parklands has just the event for you, too: its returning Blooms and Tunes event. For 2021, Blooms and Tunes is taking place from 1–5pm on Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12 — and combining live music, an immensely picnic-worthy spot and the Parklands' already impressive greenery. You'll sit, listen to music and have a bite to eat, and you'll also be able to check out the flowers blooming around the site's Celebration Lawn. Tunes-wise, the lineup includes Cigany Weaver, Mzaza and Jess Spina Quartet on Saturday, with CC the Cat, Steele Syndicate, and Birdman Randy and The Ivory St Preachers doing the honours on Sunday. You can bring your own snacks along, or order a $25–130 hamper from The Garden Room Cafe. [caption id="attachment_784308" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Brisbane Marketing[/caption]
Spring means different things to different people. Flowers, cleaning, spending more time outdoors, being pleased that winter is over for another year — they're all on the list. But, at both The Bavarian and Beerhaus on Thursday, September 9, the season also means tucking into $10 schnitzels. It's one of the tastiest ways to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather, and to also save your pennies while doing so. The occasion, other than spring: National Schnitzel Day. Both chains are putting their entire schnitzel menus up for grabs for $10 a pop, so you have multiple options if you're feeling particularly peckish — or, if you'd like schnitzel for lunch and then more for dinner. In other words, this is some good schnitz, and it's on offer all day long for one day only. To get your fix, you can head to The Bavarian venues in Eagle Street Pier, Chermside, The Barracks, Robina, Broadbeach, Sunshine Plaza and Toowoomba, or Beerhaus at Bowen Hills.
