When Sunday, July 1 rolls around, it won't just mark the start of another month or another financial year, but it'll also see the beginning of a new eco-friendly regime. That's the day all Queensland stores will have to scrap single-use plastic bags; however that's only one step in the war against waste. From straws to plastic containers to water bottles, plastic is — sadly — everywhere. It won't be at Wandering Cooks on that particular date though, with the venue playing host to a day of talks, markets and workshops that are all about going plastic-free. Find out other ways to do the environment a solid, pick up supplies, learn how to make your own skincare products, discover what local businesses are doing and work towards reducing for plastic footprint. Entry is free, but if you'd like to take part in the workshops, they cost between $5–10 per person.
In French, the term raclette derives from the word for scraping. In German, the dairy delicacy was once referred to as roasted cheese. Combine the two together, and you get a great idea of just what this warm, gooey meal is all about — and Emile & Solange are serving it up for one delicious dinner. Taking place at Vieille Branche from 6.30pm on Thursday, September 27, this feast will see a grill placed in the centre of every table. Attendees can then melt their own cheese, pour it over boiled potatoes, vegetables, smoked ham, cured meats and pickles — and then, of course, tuck in. The $89 per person price includes a glass of sparkling on arrival, rum and vanilla-flavoured French custard pastries for dessert and a 375ml pitcher of wine per person. If you'd like more to drink, you'll need to plan in advance — you can order more for $20 per pitcher before the dinner, but you can't buy it on the night due to liquor licensing restrictions.
Chop Chop Chang's banquets hold a special place in many Brisbanites' stomachs, serving up a feast of the West End eatery's dishes over one delicious and affordable meal. But if you don't eat animal products, you probably haven't experienced these culinary delights — which is where the restaurant's vegan banquet comes in. On Tuesday, September 25 and October 2, anyone looking for a more ethically conscious option can eat their way through six vegan courses for $35. The menu includes pickled watermelon rind and sriracha salt, veggie pancakes with satay and miso, king brown mushroom yakitori and a Thai yellow curry, which should all get your tastebuds salivating. If you're keen to pair your meal with a few glasses of vino, the banquet comes with an optional vegan wine flight too. That'll set you back $55, and includes four Australian and New Zealand vegan drops to go with your dinner.
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 27 in Carseldine, dog lovers and their 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 bark-tastic levels — plus a petting zoo, a puppy kissing booth, a puppy parade and a pawparazzi photo contest to determine just which four-legged friend is the most adorable. And, if you don't have your own pupper nipping at your heels, and you'd like to, the Animal Welfare League Queensland will also be hosting a dog adoption zone on-site. Yes, you can take your pets to this market or come home with one. Or, if you're looking to add to your furry brood, you could even do both. UPDATE, OCTOBER 13: Due to wet weather conditions, Barktoberfest was moved from its original date of Saturday, October 13 to Saturday, October 27.
If you like your alcohol amber in colour and hoppy in flavour, you can fill most of your weekends with a Brisbane beer festival. There's usually one on somewhere around town, if not more than one — and Barrel Fest is the latest. From 10am onwards on Saturday, August 11, Newstead Brewing Co's new shindig will celebrate brews that have taken their time, and sat ageing in barrels in the process. In total, there'll be 24 barrel-aged tipples on offer across the day, split across two seven-hour sessions. Yes, that means you can sip your way through 12 different types between 10am–5pm, then back it up with another 12 across 5pm–12am. Newstead Brewing's own beers will be pouring through the taps at the brewery's Newstead site, and they'll have company from other Australian and international brews. Entry is free, although you'll need to purchase your drinks — with $15 getting you a commemorative glass and your first beverage.
Whether you're a seasoned opera lover, a casual fan, someone who has always wanted to give it a try but hasn't or something else, add this to your diary: an affordable night of opera under the stars in a rather unique location. Between 5.30–7.30pm on Saturday, September 8, West End's newest laneway — Laneway WV, in the space that's in the process of becoming the new West Village precinct — will play host to the aptly named Opera in the Laneway. And, it'll specifically host acclaimed star D'Arne Sleeman singing up a storm. Sleeman has performed with Opera Queensland since 1993, and has both local and international roles to her name, so you'll be treated to quite the show. Your $40 + booking fee ticket will also get you a complimentary drink on arrival, and a grazing table to keep your stomach satisfied. Image: West Village.
If it comes in a bowl, then it's about to become a bargain at Banoi, all in honour of the King Street eatery's first birthday. To celebrate the milestone, bowls of pho, vermicelli and salad will be on offer for just $7 from 11.30am on Saturday, July 7. Cheap lunch? Cheap dinner? You'd best pick one of the two, because it's a one-bowl-per-person kind of affair. And we'd recommend going early rather than later, as this affordable deal is only available until sold out. As for the rules, there's no alterations or substitutions, and you'll be charged accordingly if you want anything extra. As for what you'll be slurping, brothy beef or chicken pho makes a mighty fine winter meal, particularly if the weather's right. Elsewhere, the vermicelli options range from salt and pepper tofu, to chicken curry, to barbecue pork patties — or you can opt for a wagyu beef or chicken salad.
If life was a musical, there'd be a simple solution to most of your daily troubles: singing. It's too cold to get out of bed? Get crooning. You spilled your coffee on the way to work? Strike up a tune. You don't like Mondays? Start warbling. It's only noon but the day seems to be going on forever? Give your lungs a workout. Of course, life isn't a musical, sadly; however if you just feel like belting out a ballad to cope with the beginning of the working week, you can still do that at The Flamin' Galah's Bad Karaoke Mondays. On Mondays in July and August through until September 3, it's time to pick the one song that'll brighten up your day and do your best — or worst. As the name suggests, this isn't about becoming a star, with bad songs and not-so-great performances all welcome. It all kicks off at 7pm, and entry is free — although you'll probably want to bring your wallet for some liquid courage.
For its latest excuse to eat, drink and be merry, the Treasury Casino is taking inspiration from our neighbours across the ditch. Over one cheese and wine-filled evening, the CBD hotspot will be serving up New Zealand's best dairy and vino — and given the country's reputation on both fronts, it's certain to deliver. In a special Ekka holiday eve edition of the casino's regular cheese and wine parties, your tastebuds will think they've ventured across the ocean between 5pm and 8pm on Tuesday, August 14. With Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling on offer from Catalina Sounds, Matua Valley, Villa Maria, Squealing Pig and more, prepare to sip and sample away for three hours for $59 per person, which is definitely cheaper than jumping on a plane. So are the event's VIP $99 tickets, which include Cloudy Bay wines, chats with winemakers, and a premium cheese and canape selection. This time, the tastiness takes place not only in the Treasury's courtyard — complete with a starry backdrop — but also in The Lab, because there's just so much NZ-themed deliciousness to around. Live music from The Koi, New Zealand canapés, Pan Head craft brews and 42 Below feijoa vodka will all help round out the evening.
Visiting Tippler's Tap's new digs, it's okay if you feel a little deja vu — even if you haven't been there before. Setting up a second hangout on James Street in Fortitude Valley, the watering hole is also returning home in a way. As folks with long enough memories might remember, before it moved over to South Bank, the original Tippler's was located in Newstead. Doubling its footprint, the venue is now serving up drinks on both sides of the CBD — and, unsurprisingly, it's throwing a party to celebrate. From 5pm on Friday, June 15, thirsty patrons will find 14 beers from 14 Brisbane breweries flowing through the taps, kicking things off in style. End your work week with a beverage in a new spot, with the second Tippler's situated just up the road from the main James Street precinct. As well as local brews and local brews only, you'll also find spirits, cocktails and food all-day long.
Sipping on a cocktail is an end-of-week tradition. When the working week is done, everyone just wants to have fun — and, sometimes, on the day before as well. If Thursday or Friday afternoon beverages help you get through the 9-to-5, then let Madame Rouge make that cathartic tipple even better. Between 4pm to 6pm on both days, it's serving up $1 oysters. There's no missing numeral there. One shiny coin is all you'll pay for freshly shucked molluscs at Fortitude Valley's French bar and bistro. You will have to buy a drink as well to get the super cheap seafood — but, as we've already established, that's one of the main reasons you're in a watering hole for some post-work fun. As well as a range of made-to-order cocktails, drinks on offer include a two-page list of Champagne, reds, whites, rose, and sticky and sweet wines. Unsurprisingly, many hail from France — and some cost a pretty penny, if you're feeling flush — but you can grab a glass of pinot gris and oysters for $10, pair them with something crimson for $11, or opt for some champers for $13. UPDATE, JULY 24: As of July 21, Madame Rouge has closed its doors permanently, with management opting not to renew the restaurant's lease. Image: Madame Rouge.
If you're of an age when you can remember burning your friend's So Fresh CD so you could stay up to date with the coolest songs of the season, congrats. You're old now. But also, congrats because you will seriously enjoy this shindig — yep, it's another So Fresh Party. After partying up a nostalgic storm last month, the old-school get-together to end all old-school get-togethers is coming back to The Foundry on Saturday, July 28, and it'll be playing bangers strictly of the 2000-2009 vintage once again. You can expect a disturbing percentage of Channel 10 alums (Australian Idol winners/losers and ex-Neighbours actors) as well as way too much Nickelback for polite company. Also, just throwing this out there: we're desperately hoping for a timely comeback of the Duff sisters duet 'Our Lips Are Sealed.' Entry will set you back $10 on the door, and of course it's obviously 18 and over — because if you're under 18 you definitely don't know what So Fresh is. Or CDs, probably.
Meet Brisbane's longest continuously-running local film festival. While the Brisbane International Film Festival has stopped, restarted and moved venues over the years, the West End Film Festival is still kicking on. It's focused on short films rather than lengthier flicks, but it seems that good things come in small packages as the fest gears up for its tenth year. Taking place on June 23 and 24, WEFF once again shines a spotlight on homegrown talents keeping things short and sweet in the cinema, with their program split over four sessions. Sinister dolls, call-centre workers, superheroes, sensory deprivation tanks... they all get a mention. And, while the festival keeps its eyes on all things abridged and brief, it'll also screen a feature — Australian documentary After the Apology. First, head along to the Boundary Street Markets at 5pm on Saturday night to catch the feature, then stick around at 7pm to watch the year's best music video submissions. The next day, come back at 3pm and 6pm on Sunday for two stints focusing on shorts, shorts and more shorts, followed by the fest's annual awards after the later session.
It has been four years since La Macelleria set up shop in Brisbane, gifting the city's residents with an array of inventive gelato and sorbet flavours. During that time, it has taught ice cream lovers how to make their own, served up all-you-can-eat sweet treats and doubled its footprint by adding a second shop — and now it's giving away a free taste of a pair of particularly inventive flavours. To celebrate its birthday, La Macelleria will whip up Aperol spritz sorbet and Parmigiano Reggiano gelato, two varieties you've probably never even dreamed of. Sure, you've downed your fair share of spritzes and eaten plenty of parmesan — but we're guessing you haven't had them in frosty form. Leave your wallet at home and head on over to La Macelleria's Teneriffe store between 5–7pm on Sunday, July 1. Given how much Brissie loves gelato, not to mention free stuff, we'd recommend dropping by earlier rather than later.
Eight years after premiering her Music for Dogs piece at the Sydney Opera House, artist and musician Laurie Anderson is heading back to Australia to stage another Concert for Dogs — a gig that doesn't just let humans bring their four-legged friends along, but serves up melodies, frequencies and riffs have been composed specifically for pooches. Taking place on Sunday, June 24 at the Gold Coast's Home of the Arts, the 20-minute show combines low-decibel violin, vocals, keyboards and electronic sounds into a symphony certain to get puppers' tails wagging. Only held a handful of times before — including in Sydney, in New York's Times Square and in Brighton, England — the free event is open to all doggos, although they must play nicely with others and be kept on a leash. For both hounds and humans alike, the concert will be followed by Anderson's Heart of a Dog, her astonishing documentary tribute to her own furry BFF — and to all of dog kind. Anderson is in the country for a number of shows, including a virtual reality experience and a sonic installation at Dark Mofo. On the Gold Coast, she'll become HOTA's artist-in-residence from June 20–24, premiering new music pieces (including Songs from the Bardo, which uses texts from the Tibetan Book of the Dead), presenting multimedia work The Language of the Future, and chatting about stories and language in All the Things I Lost in the Flood.
It's round, crispy and a little tangy — and it's a great alternative to chips or wedges. And, on June 22, it's the food in the spotlight. The date does mark National Onion Ring Day, after all. If you need an excuse to devour as many onion rings as your stomach desires, then consider this it. That's what food-based days are all about, right? On this occasion, the Jubilee Hotel is getting into the swing of things with a Friday night party dedicated to the humble onion sliver. Yes, onion rings will be on the menu. So will a wheel of onion, whatever that happens to be, and a gum station — because if you're eating onion rings all evening, then your breath isn't going to smell minty fresh. There'll also be live music, a longer-than-usual happy hour and movies projected on the pub's projection screens. No word yet about whether The Onion Movie will be one of them.
Even when winter is in full swing, having a picnic is one of the best things you can do in Brisbane. The sun is usually out, the grass is typically quite the shade of green and we've got plenty of parks just begging for you to visit. Combine all of the above with a historic site, food trucks and jazz and you have Newstead House's Sunday by the River. A new one-off gathering from the folks at the Food Truck Collective, it'll take over the venue's stunning lawn from 11am on Sunday, July 1. Sunday by the River is the chilled kind of daytime hangout we all need every now and then (or maybe even more often), so bring your best picnic blanket, your mates, and some cash for something to eat, and let the event take care of the rest. There'll be live jazz tunes to set the mood; food from King of the Wings, Micasa, Rolls Pho Mi and more; and beers from Newstead Brewing Co. And, because a Sunday picnic is for everyone, doggos are welcome.
Like commemorating the birth and life of famous figures? Like multicultural festivities that shed a light on diversity and harmony? If so, it's party time. Brisbane's annual Buddha Birthday Festival is back for its 22nd year at South Bank — and yes, it is the biggest annual celebration of its kind in the world. The 2018 program certainly aims to prove that claim once again, courtesy of three jam-packed days of tree blessing, candle lighting, lion dances, dragon boat regattas, origami, calligraphy, fireworks and more. In fact, there's so much on the agenda that your best bet might be to head to South Brisbane and settle in for the long haul. 200,000 people are expected to do the same — and with more than 400 performers and 180 events on offer, you can't blame them. The festival isn't just about watching other people strut their stuff, though. With international food markets serving up culinary delights, tea ceremonies keeping you hydrated, meditation sessions taking care of your mental bliss and more than 2500 red lanterns on display, this isn't just a feast of entertainment; it's a complete mind and body experience as well.
In bringing one of their latest productions to the stage, La Boîte didn't simply take their pick of modern and classic theatre greats, or commission an veteran or emerging talent to write something new. When you're tackling subjects as topical as the refugee experience and the plight of people seeking asylum, you delve deeper. So, they collaborated with refugee resettlement agency MDA Ltd to use the real stories of folks in those situations. In The Village, their tales are told verbatim. A hit during its premiere season in 2017, the production is back for another run until May 5, taking over the La Boite Studio — and the end result promises more than your usual piece of entertainment. Thanks to those who've shared their journeys, much more, in fact. Viewers will watch and listen, of course, but The Village has been dubbed "an interactive performance experience" because it immerses everyone right in the thick of the narrative. It's designed to celebrate Australia's cultural diversity and showcase the strength of people who made this country their new home in trying circumstances. Serving an educational purpose as well, expect to find students in the audience — but this is the kind of performance that everyone should attend.
All manner of shows, concerts, plays, dance pieces and more come to life at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre — and now the history of all of those performances, and of the state's performing arts history in general, will too. Displaying in QPAC's Tony Gould Gallery, Show and Tell unearths a range of objects and artefacts from shows gone by, as selected from the QPAC Museum's 70,000-strong collection. Expect costumes and photographs, plus posters and programs, all chronicling the greats that have taken to the stage across Queensland over the years. Some pieces date back nearly a century. As well as delving into history, the exhibition aims to shed light on the behind-the-scenes action that goes into putting on a show. "A performance someone sees on stage is a fleeting moment that is the culmination of vast preparation, not only by the performer, but by networks of writers and composers, directors, designers and costumiers, scenery builders, makeup artists, staging technicians, theatre managers, photographers and producers," explains QPAC Exhibitions Manager Maria Cleary. Show and Tell is free, and displays across two periods: from May 1 to June 16, and again from July 10 to September 1.
It's official: low and slow barbecuing has become Brisbane's favourite style of food preparation. In fact, there's a festival to prove it. Come June 30 and July 1, the Victoria Park sporting fields will be engulfed in the kind of smoky, spicy taste sensations that can only come from taking your time to lock in as much goodness as possible. Following on from sold-out fests between 2015 and 2017, the fourth annual Brisbane BBQ Festival will once again see a convoy of food trucks, burger joints and more converge upon Herston to prove their culinary patience. They'll be starting up their ovens long before their doors open, and you'll get to devour the long-simmering rewards. Between sampling from the likes of That BBQ Joint, Ze Qickle and How We Rolls — and Sydney's Parrilla Argenchino, Get in the Q and Rangers Texas BBQ too, just to name a few — you'll also watch teams of professionals battle it out to be crowned the low and slow champions, all while scoring free samples of their creations. Or, sip frosty bevs at pop-up bars, learn new skills at masterclasses and workshops, and browse the marketplace for barbecue-related products to help you whip up a storm at home. There's also a chilli eating contest and a mechanical bull rodeo contest, and the ultimate live music barbecue soundtrack, too.
When it comes to spirits, do you have clear priorities? Is your go-to drink the fruity tipple that has made many a glass of tonic taste great? Can you taste the difference between Tanqueray and Hendricks? Is sipping gin all day your preferred way to spend a weekend? If you answered yes to any of the above, then you'd best mark June 2 in your calendar. Because there's a special date for everything, that's when Dutch Courage Officers' Mess is celebrating World Gin Day, albeit a week earlier than everyone else. Still, you'd better believe that the venue has put together a day-long gin festival, aptly called Gin Mania, to commemorate the occasion. That's what you'd expect from a bar that has more than 120 gins on its menu, but they really are getting into the spirit of the event. From gin tastings to special cocktails to meet-and-greets with gin distillers, all things juniper are on the bill. There'll also be live entertainment and DJs, food to line your stomach and a dedicated upstairs cocktail lounge. Tickets cost $15, with the fun running from 11.30am till 5.30pm, and the doors opening to the public afterwards.
Combining the savage and the sublime, On Body and Soul enters a slaughterhouse to tell an unconventional love story. Here, animals become meat for humans to consume, while people become animals to live out their deepest fantasies. The first part is literal, as depicted in stark abattoir scenes that don't shy away from blood and butchering, and might make carnivores think twice about their eating habits. The second part doesn't really involve the movie's characters turning into actual critters, but to the film's star-crossed protagonists, their animal transformation might as well be real. Human resources manager Endre (Géza Morcsányi) and new hygiene inspector Maria (Alexandra Borbély) work at the facility in question, with chopped-up cattle an ordinary aspect of their everyday routines. Both are unfazed about the gory nature of their workplace, although neither are particularly happy in general, gravitating towards each other because they're each a little lost and more than a little lonely. During the day, their conversations are polite and restrained, but loaded with unspoken emotions. By night, it's another matter entirely. In their own beds and their own apartments, they both dream of deers running around a snowy forest, doing what deers do. More than that, they dream that their respective deers are frolicking together in a shared dreamscape. Everyone has had the experience of waking from their slumber feeling like they've just lived another life. Everyone has felt a bond with someone else that they couldn't quite explain. Everyone has felt detached from reality and much more at home in their own head. Combine all of the above, and that's still just the beginning of On Body and Soul's surreal, slow-building romance — the relatable starting point for a weird and wonderful exploration of what it means to be human. If the narrative had appeared to writer-director Ildikó Enyedi in her own dreams, that wouldn't be a surprise, but her blend of beauty and brutality burrows deep into weighty existential matters. Forget androids pondering electric sheep (sorry Blade Runner); this thoughtful movie wants to know if mankind can ever truly get a reprieve from our unforgiving world, or if becoming animals in our dreams is the closest we'll come to real happiness. The questions keep flowing, seeping into the audience's mind like a well-deployed Laura Marling track, although Enyedi is refreshingly unconcerned with serving up answers. Furthermore, her on-screen lovers are just as uninterested in finding them. While a contrived development takes Endre and Maria from colleagues to something more in their waking life, there's nothing convenient or artificial about their yearning to belong — or about the performances that breathe life into these restless souls. Quiet and unflashy yet nonetheless compelling, first-timer Morcsányi and the more experienced Borbély achieve what every actor strives for, offering a window into their characters' inner worlds. Of course, the film's entire premise does exactly that in its dreamy deer sequences, but its stars are crucial in making the fantastical concept work. If this moody, musing movie belongs to anyone, however, it's Enyedi. Nearly three decades after nabbing the Cannes Film Festival's Golden Camera award for her first feature, she has scooped up a spate of shiny trophies for On Body and Soul, and it's easy to see why. The winner of the 2017 Berlinale Golden Bear and the Sydney Film Prize, as well as a nominee at this year's Oscars, Enyedi's latest feature mightn't suit everyone's tastes, but it's an immersive, distinctive deep dive into familiar basic themes — love, life and loneliness — that looks and feels like it couldn't have been conjured up by anyone else. Pay particular attention to the director's exacting images, with every splash of blood, frosty field and clinical workspace making a statement both visually and emotionally. The way the film contrasts the horrors of slaughter with the serenity of nature, and uses them both as metaphors for life's difficult extremes, might all seem obvious on paper. And yet it couldn't be more affecting or arresting on the screen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoQAm-E85bY&feature=youtu.be
For its latest excuse to eat, drink and be merry, the Treasury Casino is taking inspiration from Europe. Over one cheese and wine-filled evening, the CBD hotspot will be serving up the best dairy and vino that the continent has to offer — and given Europe's reputation on both fronts, it's certain to deliver. Yep, between 5pm and 8pm on June 15, your tastebuds will think they've ventured to the other side of the world, thanks to a lineup of wares from Tuscany, Paris and more. Your wallet, however, will thank you — sip and sample away for three hours for $49 per person, which is definitely cheaper than an overseas trip. Serving up Gris, Grigio, Fume, Prosecco, Syrah, Chianti and real Champagne, plus reggiano parmigiano, triple cream brie and gorgonzola, the tastiness tastiness takes place in the Treasury's courtyard, so expect a starry backdrop and some live music as well. And if you're feeling extra peckish, there'll be olives, chargrilled vegetables, arancini, assorted dips, artisan breads and tiny profiteroles too — or, you could just dive deep into as much cheese as you can.
Since opening back in 2017, Super Combo has boasted all the right moves when it comes to making burgers — and the Street Fighter-themed burg joint has the super-sized Spinning Piledriver, all-veggie Yoga Flame and the smokey-flavoured Hadoken on its menu to prove it. When it comes to marking National Burger Day, it's following through in the same fashion. Why show your love for meat (or a vegetarian alternative) between two pieces of bread for just one 24-hour period when you can extend the deliciousness? Sure, loving burgers is an all day, everyday obsession, but Super Combo are diving deep into their passion between May 25 and June 1. And for you, the burg connoisseur that you are, the King Street store's celebration comes cheap. For $8 across the eight days, you can pick up any burger on the menu. If you're instantly thinking about grabbing two, that's completely understandable. Or, pair your Beet Down, Electric Thunder or Sonic Boom with a super shake — the salted caramel and pretzel really goes include real pretzels.
Some lights burn bright but fast. Rainer Werner Fassbinder's was one of them. The German filmmaker made 39 films — including six television movies and series — and four video productions during his 17-year career. And, because he clearly wasn't busy enough, he also directed 24 stage plays and four radio plays, and managed to act, shoot, compose, design, edit and produce, and work as a theatre manager. Phew. If his life hadn't been cut short by a drug overdose at the age of 37, who knows what else he would've made — or how much lazier he would've made everyone else feel. Alas, that's not how things turned out for the provocative, prodigious, prolific, probing writer/director, but 35 years after his death, his immense body of work lives on. In the first major retrospective of Fassbinder's output in Australia, the Gallery of Modern Art is dedicating two separate months to the New German Cinema pioneer, and for free. After the first part ran in late 2017, the program is back again from June 1 to July 4. Highlights include a restored version of his iconic post-war drama The Marriage of Maria Braun, sci-fi series World on a Wire, and his final effort, Querelle — plus documentary Fassbinder: To Love Without Demand, which takes the form of a personal cine-essay about the director. Or, catch Fassbinder's final screen appearance in Kamikaze '89, as — as the program describes — "an alcoholic, leopard-print wearing rogue detective in retro-futuristic Germany".
Brisbanites, it's time to grab your binoculars. And, to grab a beachside spot with a view over Moreton Bay. In other words, it's whale-watching season. The migration period is upon us, so expect to see our coastal waters dotted with the majestic sea creatures as they swim their way to warmer pastures. As well as offering an ace way to spend any weekend afternoon for the next few months, the annual occurrence is the reason to head to Scarborough Beach Park on one particular arvo, thanks to their Welcome to the Whales shindig. A family-friendly affair on Sunday, May 27, it'll combine food trucks, sand sculptures, fire pits, live music and outdoor cinema, as well as a mini science festival. When you're not watching environmental doco A Plastic Ocean or grabbing a bite — or eating your own, if you go the picnic basket route — then you can take part in the whale wishes ceremony. It just involves lighting a candle and offering good tidings to the ocean giants, in keeping with the spirit of the occasion.
Move over, cheese and wine — it's cheese and tea's time to shine. If you've ever wondered what to drink with your dairy when you don't feel like a vino, or it's the middle of the day, then this pairing has the answer. Still skeptical? Love tea and cheese separately, but aren't quite sure how they'll go together?When you sip one and then eat the other, the warmth from the tea make the cheese literally melt in your mouth — and The Steepery, cheese shop Emile and Solange and Shawty's Espresso are ready to show you how over five brews paired with five slices of dairy. A regular event, the Tea and Cheese Pairing Night is set to take place at Shawty's on June 5, June 27 and July 25, with tickets costing $60 plus booking fee. That's less than you'd pay for five cuppas and five pieces of cheese — and you'll get expert advice about your new food and beverage combo.
Remember when Saturday mornings were all about cartoons, cereal and not having a care in the world? Netherworld does. At the Fortitude Valley bar, you're never too old to kick back in their arcade room for some serious kidulting — or to start the day just like you did when you were a kid, but with beer. That's what their latest regular event, Saturday Morning Cartoons, is all about (in case the name didn't already give that away). And they won't just be playing any old cartoons. While their selection changes with each outing, the May 12 event will be saying cowabunga to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for two hours. Pair your nostalgia with a milk-filled bowl of cereal and a frosty brew, both of which are included in the $10 entry price. Wearing your pjs is fine — in fact, you'll get an extra treat if you do. And if you have a hankering for a pizza lunch afterwards, that's obviously completely understandable.
Can't make it down south for the Sydney Writers Festival? Counting down until Brisbane's own writers fest comes around later this year? There's one thing that's cheaper than a plane fare and quicker than simply waiting: Brisbane Powerhouse's Sydney Writers Festival Livestream. While the full fest isn't being beamed into the New Farm venue, seven sessions across May 5 and 6 will be streamed live on the Turbine Platform. And attendees can also ask questions, which'll be sent directly to the Sydney stage. The Live & Local lineup includes sessions on a range of topics, whether you want to catch a chat about the interplay between technology and power, or ponder economic disparity — or just settle in all day Saturday and until lunchtime on Sunday. Specific highlights include a panel on women in technology, bestselling author Johann Hari presenting a talk on depression and anxiety, and Annabel Crabb's BooKwiz featuring ABC 7.30 anchor Leigh Sales, ABC radio's Richard Fidler and RocKwiz host Julia Zemiro.
All good things come to an end, and that includes much-loved and short-lived watering holes, sadly. Yes, New Farm's Deathproof is shutting up shop on April 28 — and it's throwing one last big blowout that very night. It's a party right on through until the very last minute, really; however the big closing celebration will take place on on the last evening of trade. Drink, devour a burger, be merry and maybe even pick up a piece of the bar to take home with you. The Deathproof gang is currently selling off bits and pieces via Instagram, and there's bound to be stuff left on the night. And while this is farewell to the Brunswick Street space, it mightn't be farewell forever, so don't go crying over spilled whiskey. Popping up anywhere and everywhere is part of artist and owner Steen Jones's future plans for Deathproof's future, so keep your eyes peeled. Image: Deathproof / Declan Roache.
Tibet is the type of place everyone wants to visit — and the kind of destination few of us will actually make it to. Don't worry, the Festival of Tibet offers up the next best thing. It'll either help ease the pain of not jumping on a plane, or make you book a ticket overseas as soon as you can. Learning how to practice meditation, paint, cook, do yoga and make sand mandalas, all Tibetan-style, will do that of course. And there's more where that came from. For the tenth year running, the event celebrates the resilience and optimism of a people and culture under threat through a showcase of the country's way of life. That includes the panel The Story of Us, which asks three young Tibetan activists to tell their tales, plus the festival exhibition by Tibetan artist Karma Phuntsok. Or, head along to the Mystical Tibet Concert, which includes a very special guest: Jetsun Pema la, sister of the Dalai Lama and an UNESCO medal winning educational reformer. Image: Festival of Tibet.
If there's one thing Brisbanites like, it's watching Studio Ghibli films. Understandably, a whole heap of cinemas around town have been happy to obliged, hosting their own events dedicated to the Japanese animation house. The Elizabeth Picture Theatre joined in last year, and it was such a hit that the venue is brought the film festival back for two more seasons. Now, it's bringing the whole thing back in 2019 as well. Screening twice a week from the end of February until August — on Thursday evenings at 6.30pm and Sunday afternoons at 4pm, to be specific — fans will get yet another chance to catch Studio Ghibli's gorgeous features on the big screen. Yes, you should make like a moving castle to see Howl's Moving Castle this time. And yes, you'll feel like you've been Spirited Away once again. Other highlights include Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbour Totoro, Grave of Fireflies, Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Whisper of the Heart and Porco Rosso— plus the more recent Ponyo, When Marnie Was There and The Wind Rises as well. If you've missed these films in their limited cinema runs or fest appearances in the past, consider this your chance to catch up (and at only $12 per session). Updated May 13.
La Boite's latest production takes inspiration from a classic comedy that was first performed more than 2400 years ago. That said, Claire Christian's Lysa and The Freeborn Dames couldn't be more relevant today. Her first mainstage work for the company, the acclaimed playwright has fashioned her new work as a response to Aristophanes' Lysistrata — the famous Greek effort about women withholding sex to bring an end to the Pelopponnesian war. In Christian's modern-day tale, 19-year-old Lysa King returns from a trip filled with change and anger, only to find the spirit of the women's marches haven't made it to her tiny home town. So, she decides to protest on a night that'll make people take notice — but when they don't, she's trapped inside the local footy club. Described as speaking to "the very specific moment in history we are in right now" by La Boite's artistic director Todd MacDonald, the end result stars Barbara Lowing, Roxanne McDonald and Hsiao-Ling Tang. It's a comic, glitter-filled account of female politics, as well as a call to anyone who wants to see the world change but hasn't gotten involved — and the world-premiere production plays La Boite's Roundhouse Theatre from July 21 to August 11.
Not content with slinging pizza and gelato until the end of September, West End's new laneway is adding more edible delights to its short-term offering. As well as boasting a Salt Meats Cheese and Gelato Messina pop-up — and serving up the former's all-you-can-eat vegan pizza feast every Thursday — the aptly named SMC Laneway in the West Village precinct is now home to a weekend providore market. Each and every Saturday and Sunday the end of September, the market's rustic stalls will sell everything from truffles to jams to artisan honey, plus spreads, relishes, olive oil, nut butters, cheese and cured meats as well. Unsurprisingly, fresh pasta and fresh bread will also feature — and if you don't go home with your next few meals planned out, you're doing it wrong. The market runs from 9am–2pm, and if you're keen for a nibble while you're there, Salt Meats Cheese have both breakfast and lunch taken care of.
Food-themed days are threatening to become the culinary equivalent of the boy who cried wolf: so many manufactured eating occasions, only so much stomach space. Still, no matter how frequently they seem to pop up, there's one thing that always grabs attention. Boy oh boy do we all love freebies. Perhaps that's why Brisbane's pop culture pun-loving poultry slingers are celebrating International Wings Day by giving the people what they love. Yes, Lord of the Wings is handing out free chook pieces once again. On Sunday, July 29 between midday and 3pm, the chain's Carindale and Indooroopilly stores will be serving up free three-packs of traditional wings with buffalo sauce, with one pack available per person. The free wings are available in store — and anyone rushing along to get theirs will also live entertainment turning the place into a party. Last year, apparently 27,500 wings were served, so it's bound to be popular.
Whisky lovers, rejoice — we've just found your next 80 drops and perhaps even more. The Queensland Whisky Expo doesn't just serve up a few drams or ten or several dozen, after all. It reaches for the 100 mark and comes mighty close. A two-day event, the expo is split into two sessions, although both offer attendees the same thing. You'll taste as many whiskies as you can, you'll nab your own whisky glass just for that purpose, and you'll even get a free pen so that you can take notes about all of your favourites. We know, we know, free pens aren't exciting at all — but there is more than whisky on the menu, including a meal to line your stomach and chats with informative whisky experts. It all takes place from 6–9pm on Friday, July 20 and 1–4pm on Saturday, July 21, with the expo taking over the Brisbane Club. Tickets cost $99, and prepare to leave with plenty of new varieties on your must-drink list.
There's plenty that's great about public holidays — sleeping in, lazing about and making the most of not having to go to work all included. Still, as ace as getting a whole day off always proves, the night before is just as exciting. After all, it's an evening when you can do whatever you feel like and not have to worry about your alarm going off hours later. Enter the Ekka public holiday, and Sesh and the City with it. One is the annual midweek occasion that's designed to get Brisbanites to head to the showgrounds. The other is Brisbane's newest music festival. The latter takes place on the evening before the former, turning The Brightside into a one-night festival from 6pm on Tuesday, August 14. On the bill are Heaps Good Friends, Shag Rock, Seaside, Sometime Sonny and The Bonnie Doons, plus Guava Lava and Hope D — and a heap of Mountain Goat Beer. Tickets cost $34.70; however, we all know what doesn't cost a thing: the buzz of catching seven ace Aussie acts on a Tuesday night, free from guilt about the next morning. Image: Shag Rock.
How much gelato can you eat? No, that's not a trick question. Last year, Brisbane's annual celebration of all things Italian put the city's ice cream munching abilities to the test with a gelato eating competition — and it's on the agenda again in 2018. That's just one of the events that Festitalia attendees can expect— and just one of the inclusions that'll get your stomach rumbling as well. Fancy seeing how many cannolis you can feast on? There's also a contest for that. Eager to watch some pizza acrobatics? If that doesn't sounds like a great way to work up an appetite, then nothing does While plenty of other Italian-themed festivities pop up across the year, this is the only official shindig hosted by the Italian Consulate in Brisbane and the Italian Embassy in Canberra. On Sunday, October 14, they'll fill Newmarket's Spencer Park with artists, entertainers, dancers, singers and performers — and food experiences, of course, so prepare for Italian bubbles, espresso and gnocchi, too. UPDATE OCTOBER 13: Due to wet weather during the week and across the weekend, Festitalia has been cancelled for 2018. Anyone that who bought tickets in advance will receive an email from QTIX in the coming days regarding a refund. For more information, visit the festival's website.
Every year, when October rolls around, watching horror movies is on everyone's agenda. 'Tis the season for bumps, jumps, screams, creepy celluloid dreams and getting scared while sitting in a cinema, after all. But there are halloween marathons, and then there are Halloween halloween marathons. No, we didn't accidentally repeat a word in the last sentence. At Palace Centro, it's spooktacular time — and the James Street cinema is dedicating an entire night to the frightening film series that John Carpenter started 40 years ago. Expect the writer/director/composer's famous piano-filled score to echo throughout the building as Michael Myers dons his mask, grabs a knife, bursts through wardrobes, stalks babysitters and terrifies his hometown of Haddonfield, all on the titular occasion. And, expect Jamie Lee Curtis to cement her credentials as the ultimate big-screen scream queen. From the iconic first film — one of the best horror flicks ever made — to the not-so-iconic late 90s and early 00s sequels, all eight original Halloween movies will screen from 7pm on Saturday, October 27. The Halloween onslaught couldn't be better timed, and not only due to the date, with the all-new ninth film in the franchise hitting cinemas everywhere just a week earlier.
After displaying her work at the Gallery of Modern Art's 8th Asia Pacific Triennial in 2015 and 2016, then heading back for the 21st Biennale of Sydney earlier this year, Korean artist Haegue Yang returns to Australia once again — this time, with her first institutional solo show. With Triple Vita Nestings, her crafted sculptures fill Fortitude Valley's Institute of Modern Art, evoking mythical and allegorical creatures. Also on offer is the artist's use of multi-sensory environments, figurative forms and voiceover to explore the biographies of real figures, in an exhibition that's all about exploring multiple extremes. Concrete versus abstract, industrially produced versus handmade, real-life versus imagined stories — they're all a part of this showcase, which displays works made across more than a decade of Yang's career. Curated by Aileen Burns and Johan Lundh, the exhibition is open until August 30 within IMA's regular opening hours of 11am–6pm Tuesday to Saturday. Image: Haegue Yang, Installation view: 21st Biennale of Sydney: 'SUPERPOSITION: Equilibrium & Engagement', Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2018. Also in view: 'Umbra Creatures by Rockhole' (2017–2018) and 'Lethal Love' (2008/2018). Photo: Studio Haegue Yang.
Brisbane's near year-round balmy weather, climbing up high and drinking all go hand-in-hand. That's true in general, and true at Brisbane's latest sky-high seasonal shindigs: The Society Spring Series. Yes, the rooftop fun was such a hit over summer and autumn it's back for another run. Every Saturday in September, Eagle Farm Racecourse's rooftop bar is throwing open its doors and throwing quite the celebration. Think weekend afternoon hangouts, general revelry and enjoying a couple of hours worth of beverages with a view. Plus, it wouldn't be a party without DJs spinning tunes to set the mood. Tickets cost $75 plus booking fee, with drinks and food included. Attendees will sip their way through Chandon Sparkling Rosé, house beers, red and white wines, and a selection of soft drinks for two hours, and snack at charcuterie stations as well, while eating cured meats, roasted vegetables, dolmades, dips, olives, breads, grissini and cheese. Arrive hankering for a bev, and hungry.
From time to time, Jocelyn's Provisions jumps ship. Not content with selling sweet and savoury treats from its usual James Street base, Brisbane's favourite bread, cake, pastries and provisions providers occasionally spread the love around town. Its latest pop-up doesn't quite fall into that category, however. If you're fond of the amazing array of edible items that the store bakes up and you're in the same place that it usually is, then you'd best head across the road. Until mid-September, expect scrumptious wares aplenty at Jocelyn's temporary digs at on the other side of James Street, aka its new home away from home while its regular base gets a makeover. Whether you're keen on a caramel, pear and pecan cake, chocolate swirl cheesecake or trusty lemon tart — to name a just a few items from their menu — it's the stuff food lover's dreams are made of. Feasting on all of the above until the big day is completely understandable — and to be expected, really — but Jocelyn's Provisions will be slinging extra special one-offs wares each week during its trip across the road. To find out just what their treat of the week is, drop on by from Monday to Friday between 8am–5pm, Saturday from 7am–4pm and Sunday from 9am–3pm.
It's that time, Brisbanites — time to discard your woolly winter wares, embrace the sunshine and have brunch in beer gardens. We're well aware that you can basically do that all year round in our fair city; however when spring and Valley Fiesta roll around, you might as well celebrate the occasion in the appropriate fashion. The Osbourne Hotel's Spring Brunch is definitely approaching the first day of the season with the right spirit, with the Fortitude Valley venue rolling out quite the shindig from 10.30am–12.30pm on Saturday, September 1. For $39, attendees can choose from a range of luxe dishes, and pair them with bottomless mimosas and bloody marys. Yes, the drinks part of the event is unlimited, so prepare to sip your way to a merry spring morning. Food-wise, options include from truffle scrambled eggs, waffles with berries, a smoked salmon and poached egg bagel, maple-smoked bacon and haloumi on sourdough, an acai bowl and good ol' smashed avo. All that's left is to adhere to the dress code: bright whites, befitting the bright season.
Partying like it is 1999 (or anytime after 1989 and before 2000, in fact) has almost become a weekly occurrence in Brisbane, courtesy of all manner of themed club nights. Not all retro music evenings are created equal, however. At No Diggity at Black Bear Lodge, you'll be doing more than rocking a tie-dyed t-shirt. That outfit choice is completely acceptable, of course, as is mixing two-decade-old trends by throwing a flannelette shirt on over the top. Looking the part and standing around saying "wow, remember how things used to be?" isn't the main attraction here though, even if prizes are up for grabs; grooving to the music of the era, including one-hit wonders and enduring classics, is. That's what DJ Black Amex, Mumgenes and Dean Joseph will be spinning from 9pm until late on Saturday, August 18 — and yes, we're pretty sure that the Blackstreet track that gives the shindig its name will be given a whirl. Yep, it's not just a song that Chet Faker covered, and it won't be the only vintage track that'll get you in the 90s mood.
A good film festival gives attendees a little of everything, and that's certainly the case at the returning Korean Film Festival in Australia. For its ninth year, the touring event jumps from the warmth of opening night's Little Forest, to the thrills of Golden Slumber, to the drama of Champion. The first tells the kind-hearted tale of a woman leaving city life behind to head back to her small home town, the second serves up a Korean take on media sensationalism, and the third is about a former top-notch arm wrestler. They're three of the four titles on the lineup for 2018's Brisbane leg of the festival, which comes to the Elizabeth Picture Theatre on Wednesday, August 15 and Thursday, August 16. And while it's a smaller run than the fest's longer programs down south, it's all about quality over quantity. Closing out KOFFIA's Queensland stay is What a Man Wants, giving the fest its slice a comedy. Relationship woes spark both tension and laughs as a womaniser is forced to cope with losing his wife — all while employing a new housekeeper, who happens to be the new object of his unhappily married brother-in-law's affections.
What's the deal with trivia nights based on pop culture commodities? They're here to stay, and once again it's Seinfeld's turn. The show about nothing has inspired an evening about everything that made its nine-season, 180-episode run so great. The fun unravels at The Flying Cock from 6pm on Saturday, October 13, and while entry isn't free (sorry, George Costanza), your $30 ticket covers a Seinfeld-themed food and drinks menu — likely including some pretzels that'll make you thirsty. Plus, you should consider These Questions Are Making Me Thirsty a show as much as a trivia night. Or, think of it as Festivus coming early for those who think they know every conceivable detail about the hit '90s sitcom. Prepare to have your affection put to the test, potentially covering everything from soup to sponges to Pez dispensers, and even the parade of famous faces that played Jerry's girlfriends. Yada, yada, yada — you get the picture. Wear your best puffy shirt, too, because there are prizes on offer for best costume.
If Flowstate charged for entry — which, during its first year, it doesn't — then the space's latest offering would be a three-for-one deal. Head along between Tuesday, August 21 and Sunday, August 26, and a trio of creative endeavours awaits, spanning dance, science and poetry. With Liesel Zink's Inter, which plays at 7.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday and at 5pm on Sunday, dance and spoken word combine. It's a piece that's all about people working together — and, if you've been to Flowstate over the past few months, you might've seen it in development. Planets, the latest work by Michael Smith and Andy Bates, asks you to join in. You'll not only spy light emanating from illuminated spheres, but touch it, watch it change and follow the actions led by a contemporary dancer as you do both. It takes place at 6.40pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and then after Inter on Sunday. Finally, Cities of Cloud and Wire is an installation of projections from Jason Nelson and Alinta Krauth. Expect the space to come to life with a new digital skin that'll provide quite the eye candy. Image: Fenlan Chuang.
The northern British city of Sheffield has given the music world many gifts, but for the last decade, one band has sat at the top at the heap. The Arctic Monkeys got toes tapping with the fastest selling debut album in UK chart history, and kept oozing out indie-rock tunes across four more albums. You own their records. You saw their shows. If you lived in Brisbane last time they came to town, you were probably there when the PA system stopped working but Alex Turner kept singing. Now, you can head to The Foundry for an evening dedicated to loving everyone's favourite Yorkshire group. With the band fresh from releasing their first new album in five years, consider it a wholehearted celebration of everything the Arctic Monkeys have ever done. It all takes place from 9pm on Saturday, August 4, so prepare to look good on the dance floor. Taking the group's advice, snapping out of your everyday life and putting on your dancing shoes for a piledriver waltz or two of is recommended, because the bulk of their tracks will get a spin over the course of the evening. And if you need a palette cleanser between servings, they'll also be playing other indie and British tunes amidst all the Arctic Monkeys love, spanning everything from The Strokes, Phoenix and Blur to Bloc Party, David Bowie and MGMT.
Once, not that long ago, Brisbanites still had to drive to either Noosa or Surfers Paradise for their Betty's Burgers fix. Thankfully, that hasn't been the case for a glorious 12 months. So, to mark a year since Betty's brought its burgs to Brissie, its Chermside store is giving away free classic burgers. To grab an Angus beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion cheese and Betty's special sauce between a bread roll, head to Chermside Shopping Centre's upstairs outdoor restaurant area on Wednesday, August 1 — and just make sure you're one of the first 100 people. That's how many freebies the joint will be slinging, because the early bird catches the free burg. And if you're wondering, the store opens at 11am, with one burger available per person until the allocation has been exhausted. As well as serving up burgers, obviously, Betty's will be living up the other part of its name — Betty's Burgers & Concrete Co — by launching a new birthday-themed concrete. It's only available for a week, and it's made with vanilla sponge, vanilla custard, Oreo, waffle, sprinkles and vanilla cream. You'll have to pay for it, but your tastebuds are probably fine with that.
