Once upon a time someone served high-quality food at a drinking establishment and the gastropub was born. Lucky for us Brisbanites, Hop & Pickle has embraced the growing trend, opening their kitchen and tapping the keg on Little Stanley Street. A stone's throw away from the South Bank parklands, Hop & Pickle is a prime location to spend an easy, breezy evening, revelling in Brisbane’s beauty. Wrap-around benches allow customers to sit side by side and enjoy the views across the breezeway and over the parklands, while tables fill the interior to accommodate larger groups. Great food, great drinks and great service is what Hop & Pickle strives to deliver. Although they are still finding their footing on the South Bank dining and drinking scene, Hop & Pickle don’t miss the mark by far. A solid menu sees mainstay bar food served daily, revolving mains during the week, pub classics pumped out on Saturdays, and a Sunday roast to round out the weekend. Generous portions make the bar menu perfect for sharing without the fear of having to fight for the last crumb. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, the ham hock croquettes served with a wholegrain aioli ($10) might just be the best we’ve eaten outside of Europe. With five of these deep-fried hot morsels — on a plate — good luck stopping at one. We're going to go out on a limb and say they are the best croquettes we've dined on in the River City — no easy feat given the tapas trend around town. Hailing from the opposite side of culinary world, the Asian glazed pork belly ($12) also puts up a mean fight. The plate is piled high with sweet but salty, crispy but tender glazed pieces of pig. And we mean piled. The cucumber relish offers a refreshing relief from the rich, porky goodness. Deep fried spicy pickles and chargrilled corn with spiced butter ($8 each) are just a few more of the internationally inspired delights that grace the bar menu. Each weeknight sees new mains and a dessert chalked up on the specials board. We spied the lamb pot pie and knew there was no turning back. The pastry was the flaky and the meat was tender, but it lacked the wow factor we were hoping for. Stil, anyone who attempts a new menu five nights a week deserves a high five for trying.
When Marc Grey and Steve Maiden launched their first venue in Fortitude Valley's California Lane, they leaned into Grey's fondness for comic books, theming 22-seater 1st Edition around caped crusaders in its decor and menu. Less than two years later, they're adding a second venue to the same stretch of pavement off McLachlan Street, and also going all in on a concept. Indeed, when Viva La Cali opens its doors to kick off winter, it'll be in the perfect location. California Lane was always going to welcome a California-inspired joint at some point, and Viva La Cali is that place. Set to start greeting patrons from Saturday, June 3, it sees Grey (Destino Sanctuary Cove) and chef Maiden (Baja Fortitude Valley) team up with fellow hospitality figure Morgan Webster to celebrate the cuisine and vibe of southern California — and, reflecting the region, to mix dishes from Central and South America into the menu as well. At this bar and restaurant, diners can chase an endless summer to match Brisbane's usually sunny climate. The palm tree-heavy artwork by Steen Jones, which wraps around one side of the venue including under the bar, heartily champions that mood. So does the setup in the 80-square-metre space, thanks to an openair and undercover abode that caters to 50 folks seated — including at a sizeable communal high table — or 70 cocktail-style. The menu unsurprisingly heroes tacos while also getting creative. A banh mi-inspired taco made with pulled chicken, pickled veg and chicken pate tops the must-try list, alongside pork jowl with fermented cabbage, apple wild rice and smoked yoghurt; fish ceviche with cucumber, pickled jalapeño and pomegranate; and beef carnitas with pineapple habanero salsa. Diners can also look forward to snacks such as Peruvian empanadas, beef tartar with egg yolk and the Viva La Cali's take on popcorn chicken with chimichurri. Short ribs, wagyu smoked in-house with cherry and apple wood (then paired with cactus salsa), and spiced eggplant with cacao mole are highlights among the bigger dishes, while the dessert options include picarones, aka crispy fried Peruvian doughnuts. "As chefs, we strive to create dining experiences that are vibrant, fresh and, in our case, a little bit quirky. It's about delighting the senses and pushing culinary boundaries," says Maiden. "When it comes to my favourite dishes, I simply can't resist the King River wagyu and the spiced eggplant." To wash all of the above down, margaritas are Viva La Cali's signature sip from a tequila-centric drinks list. Whether you go with the classic sip whipped up with house-made orange bitters, a version with coffee lime agave or a Tommy's, you'll be picking from a range featuring tipples that require a comprehensive gastro process to come to fruition — a source of pride for the venue's team. Among the standouts: the Watermelon Margy Hiiiii, made with house-made watermelon cordial and a natural watermelon rind sour strap; the Bugs Bunny Margarita, which uses house-made sour carrot juice; and chilli mango coconut slushies. Operating Wednesday–Sunday, Viva La Cali will also do $79 two-hour bottomless margarita and bottomless taco sessions on Sundays, and host California Lane laneway parties with live music, and local chef and kitchen takeovers. "Above all, our ultimate desire is for our guests to embark on a flavour-filled journey. We want them to feel a sense of casual relaxation, fun and energy. Picture Sundays with a contagious laneway party vibe, all while upholding our uncompromising standards of quality. We want to make a first great and longlasting impression," says Grey. Find Viva La Cali at California Lane, 22 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley from Saturday, June 3 — open 5pm–late Wednesday–Thursday and 12pm–12am Friday–Sunday.
So, you're one of the hordes of people who watched Squid Game. We all are. And, you watched it and thought that playing hopscotch and tug of war sounds like fun — and breaking out the sugar honeycombs and grabbing your bag of marbles, too — but obviously without the whole pesky compete-to-the-death angle. If that's you, then Netflix keeps dropping news that'll get you excited. Already, the streaming platform has confirmed that Squid Game will return for season two, and also revealed a few details with an extremely brief teaser trailer. Now, it's turning Squid Game into a reality — a reality competition TV show, that is. Squid Game: The Challenge won't include murder. It will feature 456 players, though — all ordinary people, and not actors. And, they will indeed compete to win $4.56 million. Plus, they'll play a series of games inspired by the South Korean thriller — the extremely fictional South Korean thriller, until now — as well as a few new additions. Also, competitors will be eliminated as the games go on, and forming strategies and alliances will play a huge part. So yes, Squid Game: The Challenge is designed to get as close to the OG Squid Game as possible, just without the body count. It'll all be overseen by a Front Man, too, because of course it will. As yet, there's no word if the Red Light, Green Light doll will be involved. Do you want to play a game? Enter to join Squid Game: The Challenge at https://t.co/MaXfZnqmvb pic.twitter.com/6gYLXlplDC — Netflix (@netflix) June 14, 2022 Netflix is calling Squid Game: The Challenge "the biggest reality competition series ever", and it'll certainly have the biggest cast. The results will unfurl over ten episodes, which don't yet have a release date — but the show is due to shoot sometime in early 2023, and the streaming platform does like to turn things around as quickly as possible If you're keen not only to watch but to play, casting — or recruitment, as Netflix has dubbed it — is currently open for English-language speakers from any part of the world. There are three sections: casting in the UK, casting in the US and casting elsewhere (including Down Under). You do need to be at least 21, though, and be available for four weeks at the beginning of next year. Also, you need to hold a valid passport. Making a gripping and brutal TV show that satirises capitalism, seeing it become a huge hit and one of the best new TV programs of 2021, then bringing its games into real life does sound like something that might happen in Squid Game itself if the show was getting meta. Announcing Squid Game: The Challenge, Netflix VP of Unscripted and Documentary Series Brandon Riegg said that "Squid Game took the world by storm with Director Hwang's captivating story and iconic imagery. We're grateful for his support as we turn the fictional world into reality in this massive competition and social experiment." He continued: "fans of the drama series are in for a fascinating and unpredictable journey as our 456 real world contestants navigate the biggest competition series ever, full of tension and twists, with the biggest ever cash prize at the end." Squid Game: The Challenge recruitment is open now, with the show set to film in early 2023, and expected to air sometime later that year. We'll update you with an exact release date when one is announced. Squid Game's first season is available to stream via Netflix. We'll update you with a release date for season two when one is announced. Images: Noh Juhan/Netflix.
Humans didn't love the last couple of years, and with good reason. But we're guessing that our four-legged friends felt differently about the whole experience. While we were all in lockdown at various points during 2020 and 2021, we were spending more time at home with our tail-wagging canines — and you know that they just loved the extra attention. Two-legged Brisbane residents have all been heading out and about much more from 2022 onwards, of course. Don't forget to take your pup with you, though. No one needs an excuse to treat their pooch to a day out, but given that the returning Dog's Day Out at Gasworks is all about doggos, it really is their time to frolic. Browsing market stalls with your pupper is on the agenda from 9am–1pm on Saturday, June 14, 2025 in Newstead, with treats and accessories among the items to go barking mad at — and pull out your wallet for. There's usually also workshops and pet photography. Entry is free, and dogs of all sizes are welcome. [caption id="attachment_758933" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Market Folk[/caption]
Brisbane's bar scene is no slouch. It's also far from sparse. You can love getting a drink in your own city and want a taste of ace watering holes from around the rest of Australia, however. For that situation, the hospitality industry invented bar takeovers, where one booze-pouring place drops in to run the show for a night at another such establishment — and Brissie is about to welcome three interstate joints to show off their beverages. In February and March, for one night apiece, sipping drinks from Sydney's Bar Planet, plus Cry Baby and Memphis Slim's House Of Blues in Adelaide, will be on the menu without leaving the River City. Bar Planet and Memphis Slim's House Of Blues are headed to Frog's Hollow Saloon, while Cry Baby will do the honours at Alice, all as part of a month-long party series. Cry Baby will be bringing the late-night party on Sunday, February 18 to kick things off, before Memphis Slim's House of Blues and Frog's Hollow Saloon make a perfect pair on Sunday, March 3. Then, on Sunday, March 10, Bar Planet will be heroing martinis all evening. The two sibling Brissie bars also have another couple of parties on their agendas: a rave cave at Alice on Sunday, February 25, plus Frog's Hollow Saloon's second birthday party Sunday, March 24. Expect to celebrate all night at the latter. Expect plenty of bourbon as well. "What better way to celebrate Frog's second birthday than by hosting five parties, and bringing three of our favourite bars to the city," said co-owner Peter Hollands, announcing the festivities. If you're new to either local watering hole, Frog's Hollow Saloon goes big on whisky and cocktails in Charlotte Street, and takes its name from a part of the CBD that once previously swampy mangroves, then a red-light district. Over at Alice, 80s-era rock 'n' roll is usually on the playlist seven nights a week in a laneway off Elizabeth Street. Frog's Hollow Saloon x Alice Events: Sunday, February 18 — Cry Baby takeover at Alice Sunday, February 25 — Jameson Rave Cave at Alice Sunday, March 3 — Memphis Slim's House of Blues takeover at Frog's Hollow Saloon Sunday, March 10 — Bar Planet takeover at Frog's Hollow Saloon Sunday, March 24 — Frog's Hollow Saloon's second birthday bonanza Frog's Hollow Saloon and Alice are welcoming in interstate bars in February and March — head to the Frog's Hollow Saloon and Alice websites for more details.
Forget self-help books claiming than men are from one planet and women are from another. If you want to understand the battle of the sexes, you'd best brush up on your Shakespeare. The Bard didn't just have a way with words; he also offered audiences a keen insight into the human condition. Take Much Ado About Nothing, for example. Sure, it's a rom-com filled with bickering and bantering. Yes, it has been turned into a film featuring Keanu Reeves — and another directed by Joss Whedon. Beyond all that, though, it's a clever comedy that gets to the core of matters of the heart. No wonder that the Queensland Theatre Company have chosen to revisit the timeless tale to mark the 400th anniversary of the great playwright's death. Of course, with Jason Klarwein making his main-stage directorial debut, that's not all they're doing. Fancy a dash of starry-eyed lovers combined with a version of OutKast's 'Hey Ya', or a fast-paced relationship rollercoaster mixed with a Hamilton Island-inspired tropical location, anyone? Image: David Kelly.
Our fascination with celebrities and their private lives is a phenomenon that often beggars belief. Nothing short of President Obama ordering an invasion of Canada would have pushed Tom Cruise's latest divorce from the front pages, and the reality that there are multiple websites dedicated entirely to Angelina Jolie's tattoos does at times make us worry. But for better or worse, we remain transfixed, often more for the mundanity and banality than for the glitz and glamour (although Rich Kids of Instagram specialises in all of the above). So here are ten brilliant photographs of superstars taken by their superstar friends, proving that celebrities doing normal, even boring, things will never cease to entertain us. Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Photographer: Sammy Davis Jr. Kurt Cobain, Frances Bean and Patty Schemel Photographer: Courtney Love Kirsten Dunst Photographer: Sofia Coppola George Harrison Photographer: Paul McCartney Ian McKellen Photographer: Andy Warhol Keith Richards and Kenny Aaronson Photographer: Mick Jagger Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier Photographer: Frank Sinatra Bill Cosby Photographer: Dennis Hopper Neil Armstrong Photographer: Buzz Aldrin Peter O'Toole Photographer: Sammy Davis Jr.
In this age of Tinder, Grindr and three dollar basics, the idea of sex with strangers isn’t as foreign as it is frequent. All it takes is a brief hello, a shot or two of tequila, intentions splayed on a table, and hey presto, you’ve Romeo’d your way into sex with a stranger. And there’s no better, funny, and deeply concentrated exploration of the fast-paced, frivolous and sometimes messy situations that can arise from this, than the Powerhouse’s Sex with Strangers. This play follows strangers Ethan – a star sex blogger and memoirist, and Olivia, his idol and obscure novelist. What ensues, is attraction, cravings and a dark side of ambition that revolves around three little letters – s-e-x. Sex with Strangers is a compelling story that explores the near impossibility of reinventing oneself when the past made forever at the hands of Google, and how identity can be shaped by these types of 'incidents'. Obvious warning here, don’t take your kids. This one’s for mum and dad, and all you Tinder felons.
If life beyond this year's lockdowns has you feeling festive — and feeling like heading out for a drink and a feed with mates — we don't blame you. And while we don't doubt you've already hit the town a few times since Queensland's hospo scene started back up again, The Local Tavern in Surfers Paradise is giving you even more reason to go out for a catch up. Until Sunday, November 1, the Gold Coast spot is taking 50 percent off your bistro bill from Wednesday–Sunday. No joke. It'll be slinging all food, cocktails, spirits, beer, wine and even champagne for cheap. The catch? You'll have to order food with your beverages if you want a discounted drink — and be there between 5.30–6.30pm. Yep, it's a short window, but a wallet-friendly one. To get the deal, you just have to download the AVC app here or use the Mr Yum mobile ordering platform, hit up The Local Tavern between 5.30–6.30pm and claim the 50 percent discount off your bill. And, you can nab the deal multiple times while it's running, if you're keen on a trip south for a few parmigianas or cheeseburger spring rolls. Happy Days deal runs Wednesday–Sunday between 5.30–6.30pm at The Local Tavern. It includes food and drink, but the latter must be ordered with food.
Once the weather gets warmer, things get weirder at Brisbane Powerhouse. It's all in the name of art, comedy, theatre, circus, music, burlesque and other kinds of creative, performative fun, of course. In fact, it's all in the name of turning the iconic venue into Wonderland. Not just a wonderland, the Wonderland — the Powerhouse's annual end-of-year shindig, which runs from November 24 to December 11. If you look hard enough, you might just spy a white rabbit, a mad hatter and a girl called Alice. And, even if you don't, you'll find 31 shows in 14 days, which is more than enough to make you look on in wonder. Here's our top ten events to put in your diary.
You might have thought King George Square looked pretty fine during the day and maybe a tad finer at night, but it's at twilight City Hall really shows off its colours. And what better backdrop when you're shopping the evening away — especially when the King George is filled with some of Brisbane's best designers and makers, and you're looking for Christmas presents. The festive offshoot of the regular Brisbane Twilight Markets, this event will show off a sizeable array of stalls — usually more than 60, in fact — all staffed by some pretty nifty and talented local artists. Expect an eclectic selection of items, so prepare to browse and buy. You'll be perusing everything from handmade clothing, accessories and leather goods to paper goods, homewares, art and ceramics (and more). And seasonal gifts, obviously. [caption id="attachment_666947" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] BrisStyle[/caption] This market is all about sound, smell and sales — so live music will provide a soundtrack to the evening, and expect to be hit with that spring flowerbed smell that always lingers when there's a soap stall around. Food trucks are also on the agenda, with the market running from 4–9pm on Friday, December 20. So take along some cash and stock up on all things crafty. Top image: Brisbane City Council.
Brisbanites, next time you head to Albion, you might want to say cheers to the experience. You won't want to raise a glass of any old tipple, however, because drinking Albion Gin while in the inner north suburb should now sit on your must-do list. The new tipple is the creation of distillery Granddad Jack's, which originally set up shop on the Gold Coast and has now branched out to Brisbane. The craft outfit makes its own craft gin, whiskey, vodka, coffee liqueur and specialty spirits, including its new signature variety of juniper-flavoured booze. Visitors to its new Collingwood Street digs will also be able to sip their way through limited-edition releases, with new types launched monthly, or opt for one of two beers on tap. So, get ready to tuck into the brand's core range, which'll now also be made in the Albion venue's 300-litre still and brewhouse. The distillery also has a barrel room just to house its whiskey and barrel-aged gin, all of which you can enjoy in cocktails — and, in terms of decor, you'll be knocking back drinks while surrounded by a rustic brick, wood and leather look. Food-wise, the distillery is BYO, including from eateries in the area. Given that the new Craft'd Grounds precinct is also set to open on Collingwood Street, you'll have plenty of choices. You can bring your dog along to Granddad Jack's as well, so your pupper can also scope out the joint. Patrons will notice a greenhouse onsite, too, which is where the Granddad Jack's team will grow the different botanicals it needs to create its spirit blends, as well as its garnishes; think: edible flowers, strawberries, cucumbers and mint. That greenhouse isn't just a functional space, either. There really was a granddad Jack, the grandfather of the distillery's co-owner David Ridden, and he loved spending time in his garden and greenhouse. He also was known to hit up the race tracks at Albion Park, so Granddad Jack's new site pays him tribute in multiple ways. Ridden and his son Luke, who is also the brand's head distiller, have been operating Granddad Jack's since 2018.
It's the career path plenty of us have dreamed about: start out in your chosen field, work your way up the ranks, then find a way to turn it into your own gig. That's exactly what Harley Goodacre did when he went from bottling-hand to head brewer in other breweries, then went solo and started All Inn Brewing Co in 2012. The Banyo spot makes seven brews in its core range, and has a particular focus on the environment — including ensuring that the majority of its lineup is vegan-friendly. Also upping All Inn's sustainable credentials, it's run on solar, gives all of its spent grains to local farmers for feed, and started out with repurposed tanks, salvaged equipment and scrap materials. All Inn Brewing is also home to a brewery bar that serves beers (of course), hosts food trucks, holds trivia nights and features live tunes on weekends.
If your tastebuds are feasting on taramasalata, ouzo-cured kingfish, loukoumades and Greek coffee martinis, and your eyes can spy water at the same time, will you feel like you're in the Mediterranean? Making a date with newcomer Ithaka is the best way in Brisbane to find out. The Greek eatery and bar's menu is now on offer at South Bank, where it has made its home in Aquitaine's former space. You mightn't be kicking back in the Ionian Islands, but this venture from Mantle Group Hospitality wants to treat you to the next best thing. "Summer is all about outdoor dining, and what's better than spending a few hours sharing beautiful local seafood and the vibrant, fresh flavours of Greek food alongside friends and family over lunch or dinner," said Mantle Group Hospitality Venue Manager Ian Robertson about Brisbane's latest addition. "Although Ithaka is a pop-up, we wanted to create a dining experience that felt like it nestled into the neighbourhood comfortably and we think this will be the perfect complement to South Bank's buzzy hospitality precinct." As Robertson mentioned, Ithaka is around for a good time, not a long time, making the most of Brisbane's summer weather with a seafood-heavy menu and cocktails featuring Greek spirits. Al fresco dining and drinking is at the heart of the 300-square-metre restaurant and bar's setup, alongside those river views, plus bites and beverages that will hopefully get you in a holiday mood. The 158-seater also boasts a 20-person private dining space, should you be looking for a venue for a special occasion in the coming months. Either way, the Greek vibes also come via olive and fruit trees, plus thyme and rosemary aromas. From the food selection, Mantle Group Hospitality Executive Chef Deniz Coskun's traditional-meets-modern dishes include spanakopita; prawns with chilli, garlic, ouzo and lemon; roasted snapper done with mussels, fennel, chilli and oregano; and baklava and galaktobourekon for dessert. As long as you're dining with another person, you also have three set menus to choose from, ranging from $75–95 a head, and each taking the hassle of choosing out of your meal. Fancy a spritz made with Corfu Kumquat Campiello? Ithaka's Chiosmopolitan, which uses mastic from Chios as a base? A few Mythos Hellenic Lager brews? You'll find them on the drinks menu. Also among the sips: wines from both Greek and Australian producers. Find Ithaka at Shop 2, River Quay South Bank, Sidon Street, South Brisbane — open from 11am–2.30pm Tuesday–Friday and 5–9pm Saturday–Sunday. Images: Markus Ravik.
Max Doyle is one busy dude. In between photographing the bold and the beautiful for leading publications such as Vogue, Nylon and Elle, he is also the editor in chief of Doingbird, plays in the Sydney band Songs, coaches girl's soccer, and is even set to venture into film making. The self-confessed “odd” and “revengeful” photographer is intrigued by the simplicity of flash; “the great thing about [it] is that it freezes movement, so everything goes off in crazy directions, and … you never see that … with your eyes, [and that] makes it even more other-worldly, I think.” From humble beginnings as a photographer's assistant in London during his late twenties, Max is now a fashion photographer in high demand. Pick up a recent issue of Australian Vogue and chances are there will not only be a photoshoot by Max inside, he’s probably responsible for the cover image too. Not one to slow down, the multi-talented Max Doyle is about to bring his latest collection Drums to Nine Lives Gallery. Touring as the front man of The Songs with bands such as Spoon and Deerhunter, Max has been documenting how a drum kit endures during a gig via a series of before an after shots. The resulting exhibition is Drums, a collection of around 50 shots taken while on tour over the last few years. Amongst the intriguing visuals, the opening night will feature talented local drummers including Nick Norton, Alex Gilles and Susie Patten
Though it's been over ten years since the Gallery of Modern Art opened its doors to shower the city with creativity, the gallery still keeps things fresh, providing many reasons for repeat visits. Browsing the works that line GOMA's walls, and nestling into the Australian Cinematheque's comfy chairs are only a couple reasons to drop by, not to mention the gallery's ever-changing exhibitions. If you're after arty wares, head to the Gallery Store, and if you're craving some caffeine and eats, pop in for a coffee and cake at the on-site café or a meal at their restaurant with a view. The best part? If you work in the CBD, you'll have plenty of time during your lunch break to sneak a midday trip to the gallery.
Brisbane's music scene is about to get a little quieter, losing West End's Rumpus Room before summer is out. Perched on the corner of Russell and Boundary streets, the bar and music venue has been serving up drinks, gigs and top-notch nights out since back in 2006; however, it has announced that it'll shut for good on Saturday, February 26. In a Facebook post, the team behind the venue said that "all good things must come to an end". The post continued: "it is with a heavy heart that we'd like to announce that after over 16 years of full beers, sweat and tunes, Rumpus Room will be closing its doors for the last time on Saturday the 26th of February. It has been our privilege to be an integral part of the West End community for such a long period of time." Home to plenty of big nights over the years, and the kind of place that every Brisbanite has visited at least once, Rumpus Room is also a favourite for its weekday cocktail and beer happy hour, cheap tequila Tuesdays, and for hosting everything from record fairs to vintage markets in its time. Unsurprisingly, it'll be ending its run in the same style that's served it so well for so long: with one helluva party. Actually, make that parties. "In true Rumpus style, [we] will be throwing a series of parties over our last few weekends," the venue team advised in its closing announcement. "Throwing homage to the genres of music we have championed over the years, we'll be culminating in a grand finale party on the 26th featuring some of our longest serving favourite DJs." At the time of writing, details and lineups haven't been revealed — but keep an eye on the venue's Facebook page if you're keen on a big last Rumpus Room hurrah. [caption id="attachment_841631" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Google Maps[/caption] Find Rumpus Room on the corner of Russell and Boundary streets, West End, until Saturday, February 26.
It seems as though it were just yesterday that Lambda first debuted as a fresh, exciting weekly addition to enliven our Thursday nights. It wasn’t just yesterday, though - a year has passed since that very first frat party. That’s right, this coming Thursday Lambda is celebrating a year of booze in red Etch-a-Sketch cups as it turns the big One. Lambda’s not going to let you down. To supersede the usual excellent, festive carousing they have fashioned an incredible line-up for the night; Bragging Party have bragging rights to the headline spot. After releasing their Those Girls EP last month, local foursome Millions are also taking to the stage. Gold Coast’s Oceanics round off the live line-up, with Hungry Kids of Hungary and Wolfgang DJs playing guest DJ for the rest of the night. I can say one thing about Lambda: they know how to throw a good party week in, week out. Just imagine what it’s going to be like when their weekly frat party debauchery is fuelled further by the additional element of it being their birthday! The party plans were taken one step further and they even sent Bill Murray an invite. I know where I’ll be Thursday night; maybe I’ll even get to throw back a jagerbomb with Steve Zissou! Image credit: Bear + Mouse
Go on Brisbane, get dotty. When The Obliteration Room is on display, that's exactly what's on the agenda. Yayoi Kusama's famed interactive project doesn't just feature the circular shapes beloved by the iconic Japanese artist, as featuring in many of her pieces. Turning everyone who enters its space into a fellow contributor, this artwork is all about adding dots, more dots and then even more, all in sticker form, to completely fill every surface. Here's how it works: you step inside a room that has been painted white from floor to ceiling. All surfaces, fixtures, furniture and objects are white — every single one. It's then up to each and every visitor to add spots of colour via those stickers. Kusama calls the process "obliteration", hence the piece's name. Joining in is as fun and therapeutic as it sounds. [caption id="attachment_1008415" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama / Japan b.1929 / The Obliteration Room (installation view) 2002–present / Furniture, white paint, dot stickers / Dimensions variable / Collaboration between Yayoi Kusama and Queensland Art Gallery. Commissioned by the Queensland Art Gallery. Gift of the artist through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2012 / Collection: QAGOMA, Brisbane / © Yayoi Kusama / Photograph: N Harth © QAGOMA[/caption] The Obliteration Room and Brisbane have been intertwined since Kusama first conceived of the work, because it was developed for the Queensland Art Gallery in 2002. Since then, the piece has toured the world, but keeps returning to the River City — with its next visit courtesy of the Gallery of Modern Art's huge new free Wonderstruck exhibition across Saturday, June 28–Monday, October 6, 2025. Initially announced at the beginning of the year as part of QAGOMA's massive 2025 program, this showcase features over 100 works hailing from 70-plus international and Australian artists. As its name makes plain, this collection from is all about awe and wonder. Expect playful pieces, imaginative creations, and works big and small. Expect extraordinary art and everyday objects morphed into marvels, too — as well as an all-ages experience, as The Obliteration Room has long provided. [caption id="attachment_1008416" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Patricia Piccinini / Australia b.1965 / The Observer (installation view) 2010 / Silicone, fibreglass, steel, human hair, clothing, chairs / 220 x 140 x 48cm / Purchased 2018. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: QAGOMA, Brisbane / © Patricia Piccinini / Photograph: N Harth © QAGOMA[/caption] Indeed, while The Obliteration Room has always been a feature of GOMA's Children's Art Centre, witnessing and participating in the transformative process is a delight for big kids as well. That theme carries across Wonderstruck as a whole, whether it's also displaying pieces by Patricia Piccinini, Ai Weiwei and American artist Nick Cave, or from Ah Xian, Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, Gordon Hookey, Madeleine Kelly, Yvonne Koolmatrie, Ron Mueck, Craig Koomeeta, Jemima Wyman, Rosemary Laing, Sandra Selig, Gemma Smith, Yuken Teruya, Brian Robinson, Judy Watson and Louise Weaver. "Wonder enters our world through play and imagination, and can be inspired by our interactions with nature and encounters with the intangible," explains Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Director Chris Saines. "This exhibition, drawn from the gallery's collection and the rich catalogue of projects developed by QAGOMA's Children's Art Centre in collaboration with contemporary artists, also considers how wonder emerges from combinations of colour, pattern and visual illusion, and an appreciation of the extraordinary within the ordinary." [caption id="attachment_1008417" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kohei Nawa / Japan b.1975 / PixCell-Double Deer#4 (installation view) 2010 / Mixed media / 224 x 200 x 160cm / Purchased 2010 with funds from the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Diversity Foundation through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Kohei Nawa[/caption] Across its six chapters, other specific highlights span the wearable sculptures of HEARD from Cave; Piccinini's The Observer, featuring a child peering down from a stack of chairs; Ai Weiwei's Neolithic pottery painted in bright colours; vivid hues aplenty in Pip & Pop's Rainbow Bridge and Emily Floyd's Steiner Rainbow; Mueck's giant In Bed; and Connection from Slovenian artist Tobias Putrih, which turns cardboard boxes into an arch. Or, Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan's contribution In Flight (Project: Another Country) will get you making sculptures fund materials to to the piece; Lightning for Neda by Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian is a mirror mosaic; and Notice — Forest from Yuken Teruya refashions shopping bags. [caption id="attachment_1008418" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ron Mueck / England b.1958 / In bed (installation view) 2005 / Mixed media / 161.9 x 649.9 x 395cm / Purchased 2008. Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Ron Mueck[/caption] As it frequently does given that it's home to the Australian Cinematheque, GOMA is pairing Wonderstruck with a free film program, too, exploring how the themes at the heart of the exhibition translate to the big screen. The medium's earliest days are covered via Georges Méliès' A Trip to the Moon — and so is Wes Anderson's fondness for pastel hues in The Royal Tenenbaums and The Grand Budapest Hotel. The buzzing hummingbirds of documentary Every Little Thing, Studio Ghibli's wonders via My Neighbour Totoro, Michel Gondry's imaginative approach via The Science of Sleep: they're among the sights set to flicker through the gallery's cinemas as well, all between Friday, June 27–Sunday, October 5, 2025. [caption id="attachment_1008419" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yuken Teruya / Japan b.1973 / Notice - Forest 2006 / Paper and glue / Dimensions variable / Purchased 2007. The Queensland Government's Gallery of Modern Art Acquisitions Fund / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Yuken Teruya[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008420" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gemma Smith / Australia b.1978 / Boulder prototype #2 2008 / Laser-cut Perspex / 53 x 39 x 53cm (irreg., approx.) / Gift of Dr Morris Low through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2011. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: QAGOMA, Brisbane / © Gemma Smith[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Emily Floyd / Australia b.1972 / Steiner rainbow 2006 / Two-part epoxy paint on medium density fibreboard / Nine parts. Part a (dark blue): 54 x 131 x 60cm; part b (light blue): 82 x 160 x 60cm; part c (teal): 96 x 188 x 60cm; part d (dark green): 110 x 217 x 60cm; part e (light green): 124.5 x 245 x 60cm; part f (yellow): 139 x 275 x 60cm; part g (orange): 154 x 303 x 60cm; part h (light red): 166 x 334 x 60cm; part i (deep red): 180 x 362.5 x 60cm. / Gift of the artist through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2011. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Emily Floyd/ Courtesy: The artist and Anna Schwartz Gallery[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008422" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alfredo Juan Aquilizan / Philippines/Australia b.1962 / Maria Isabel Gaudinez-Aquilizan / Philippines/Australia b.1965 / In-flight (Project: Another Country) (installation view) 2009 / Courtesy and © Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan / Photograph: R Fulton © QAGOMA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008423" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian / Iran 1924 - 2019 / Lightning for Neda (installation view) 2009 / Mirror mosaic, reverse-glass painting, plaster on wood / Six panels: 300 x 200 x 25cm (each); 300 x 1200 x 25cm (overall) / The artist dedicates this work to the loving memory of her late husband Dr Abolbashar Farmanfarmaian. Purchased 2009. Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Monir Shaharoudy Farmanfarmaian[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1008424" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pip & Pop / Australia 2007–11 / Tanya Schultz / Australia b.1972 / Nicole Andrijevic / Australia b.1981 / 'Rainbow bridge' from 'we miss you magic land!' 2011 / Dioramas: Polystyrene, wax, fluorescent pigments, sugar, glue, glitter, synthetic polymer paint, plastic plants, plastic flowers, pipe-cleaners, modelling clay, paper, adhesive vinyl, pigment ink, beads in vitrine with internal electric lighting with Perspex inserts; installed with wallpaper: digital adhesive on paper (produced from digital file) / Four dioramas: 91 x 110 x 55cm (each); overall installed dimensions variable / Gift of the artists through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2013 / Collection: QAGOMA, Brisbane / © The artists / Photograph: K Bennett © QAGOMA[/caption] Wonderstruck displays at the Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane, between Saturday, June 28–Monday, October 6, 2025. Head to the venue's website for more information. Top image: Yayoi Kusama. The obliteration room 2002–present. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. © YAYOI KUSAMA
Cafe by day, bar by night — when it comes to eating and drinking, it's our favourite combination. The French Food Shop isn't content with its two-for-one set-up, though. Befitting its Brunswick Street location, it's also a takeaway French fries joint. Basically, whether you're after a substantial brekkie or lunch, an evening tipple or a serving of potato products, the new Fortitude Valley joint has you covered. The fact that the dimly lit hangout does it best to make you feel like you're far, far away from Brisbane, complete with imported wallpaper and photos of the French countryside? Well, that's an added bonus. Not that you need another incentive to mosey on in for a cheesy croque monsieur or jam-packed baguette when the sun is shining, or stacked fries with grilled sausage as the evening gets late. Or one of 50 wines, a champagne cocktail or a French whiskey, too. Actually, if you haven't tried the latter, that should all the reason you need to drop by.
As fun as parties, feasts and downing eggnog all are at this time of year, one thing can make them better: games. We're not just talking about guessing how long until your uncle falls asleep after lunch, or seeing who knows all the words to every pop Christmas carol. Instead, we're talking about eating, drinking, playing and being merry in Brisbane's very own bar-slash-arcade. 'Tis the season for all of the above at Netherworld, and they're throwing quite the shindig to prove it. Just bring your button-mashing self, some cash for tokens, brews and a Hellmouth roast, and a $5 wrapped gift that you can swap in the Secret Santa pit. It all takes place from 5pm on December 23, complete with Santa pictures in-between rounds of whatever pinball, arcade, console or board game takes your fancy. Photos require a donation, with funds going the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. And a karma keg will be pouring at the bar, raising more cash for those needing some festive help.
At 131 Leicester Street in Coorparoo, embracing Italian-style neighbourhood joints keeps working a charm. First came Ramona Trattoria, which gave the area an inexpensive and casual restaurant featuring traditional meals. After that eatery proved a hit, chef and owner Ashley-Maree Kent has now launched sibling spot Bar Rocco, an osteria that's all about pairing drinks with bites — Italian cocktails, wines and beers for the former, and shareable snacks for the latter. "The concept is a natural next step following the opening of Ramona Trattoria," explains Kent, after debuting her first Leicester Street venture in 2022 and then Bar Rocco at the end of 2023. "It is a response to what our patrons are calling out for — a lively and charming place to come together over relaxed and traditional Italian flavours." Kent describes Bar Rocco as "a welcoming place for locals to enjoy a friendly European atmosphere over a late-afternoon drink or an exquisite culinary experience in a more casual setting". And, it too is born of her enthusiasm for Italy's culinary offerings, with the European Australian restaurateur noting that it reflects her "passion for crafting authentic Italian dishes while adding a twist of playfulness and charm". Seating 40, Bar Rocco's wine list and cocktail options are reason enough to stop by; however, so is the Mediterranean-inspired, wood-fired food. Matching its eats and drinks perfectly is one of the venue's key aims, whether you're enjoying burrata with oxheart tomatoes and wood-roasted peach, barbecue swordfish, a gluten-free torte made with Italian dark chocolate, or prawn or flatbread dishes. The community vibe that's such a significant part of its big sister is also a driving factor at bar Rocco, especially in the al fresco area surrounded by greenery — and featuring street views. Kent's latest venture comes after she set up Roma Trattoria in Coorparoo fresh from Coolangatta's Cross-Eyed Mary, and joins a resume that also boasts time at everywhere from Quay, Three Blue Ducks and Biota through to Tartine Bakery and Paper Daisy. Find Bar Rocco at 131 Leicester Street, Coorparoo — open from 4.30pm Wednesday–Sunday. Visit the venue's website for further details.
The world won't end in April, but video game and television fans will be whisked off to an irradiated wasteland just by sitting on their couches. Here, living inside luxe vaults has been the way of life for two centuries; however, it's no longer a reality for Lucy (Ella Purnell, Yellowjackets). So goes the plot for the new Fallout streaming series that's following 2023's The Last of Us from mashed buttons to TV. This one comes via Prime Video, dropped its first teaser last year, and has now unveiled a full look that shows that it's sticking closely to its source material. The streaming platform has also announced that Fallout will arrive earlier than initially planned, by a day — so you'll be watching on Thursday, April 11, 2024. It's been almost three decades since Fallout first hit computers back in 1997, with three released sequels, a fourth on the way and seven spinoffs all following. The live-action television take doesn't just star Purnell, but also a swaggering Walton Goggins (I'm a Virgo) as bounty hunter The Ghoul, plus Kyle MacLachlan (Lucky Hank) as Overseer Hank. Here, it's a post-apocalyptic future, where everything went pear-shaped 200 years back. Hence living in vaults, because a hellscape filled with mutants, wild west vibes and plenty of violence awaits outside those cosy confines — as the optimistic Lucy, daughter of Hank, who oversees Vault 33, is about to find out. On the surface, Goggins' The Ghoul has a secret past — and Aaron Moten (Emancipation) also has a pivotal part as Brotherhood of Steel soldier Maximus. The retrofuturistic dystopian series features Moisés Arias (Samaritan), Sarita Choudhury (And Just Like That...), Michael Emerson (Evil), Leslie Uggams (Extrapolations), Frances Turner (The Boys), Dave Register (Heightened), Zach Cherry (Severance) and Johnny Pemberton (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story) as well — plus Rodrigo Luzzi (Dead Ringers), Annabel O'Hagan (Dear Edward) and Xelia Mendes-Jones (The Wheel of Time). For The Last of Us, HBO enlisted a creative force from one of the US premium cable network's past hits in Chernobyl's Craig Mazin. Prime Video has done the same with Fallout, but with Westworld creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy — who also executive produced Prime Video's own The Peripheral. As well as executive producing with Joy, Nolan directs the first three episodes. Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Captain Marvel) and Graham Wagner (Silicon Valley) are similarly among Fallout's executive producers, as well as the series' writers and co-showrunners. And yes, Bethesda Game Studios has a hand in finally bringing the games to the screen. Check out the full trailer for Fallout below: Fallout will start streaming via Prime Video from Thursday, April 11, 2024. Images: courtesy of Prime Video.
Chances are, no matter how many drinks you downed on ANZAC Day, you didn't wake up with a penguin in your bed. That is, unless you're one of these three guys. In a wild night dubbed 'The Hangover come to life', three allegedly intoxicated tourists broke into the Gold Coast's Sea World Australia this past weekend. Once inside, they took the opportunity to go for a dip with the dolphins, take a video or two, and - oh yeah - kidnap a penguin. The unsuspecting penguin, named Dirk, had an even rougher go of it. Released by one of the three (panicked) men early Sunday morning, Dirk took to a nearby shark-infested waterway. Once chased out of his watery haven by a menacing shark, he out-waddled a curious dog before being rescued by passersby. Dirk has since by safely returned to Sea World, and to his lady penguin, Peaches. The three jokesters may not get off so lucky. They have released the phone-captured video of their drunken prank in hopes of demonstrating their 'non-malicious' intentions; even so, they are currently facing charges. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6ze6HKOiCNQ
There's never a bad day of the week to see a movie in a cinema. But if you like staring at the big screen and sticking to a budget, Tuesdays are particularly great. Discounted tickets on the second day of the working week is a long-running tradition, and one that probably helped get you through your uni days — and, at Event Cinemas, it's back after a pandemic-fuelled pause. The theatre chain is cutting the price of all adult tickets on Tuesdays by 50 percent, and across all of the different types it has on offer. So, if you prefer Vmax's seating, Gold Class' recliners or to kick back in a daybed, you can do all of the above for half the price. The deal starts again on Tuesday, March 16 — but you do need to be a member of Event's free-to-join Cinebuzz club to get the discount. As for what you can watch, Judas and the Black Messiah, Raya and the Last Dragon, Girls Can't Surf, The Dry, Nomadland and Minari are currently in cinemas — and you can look forward to Godzilla vs Kong, Nobody, Tom and Jerry: The Movie and Trainspotting 25th anniversary screenings, too. Half-Price Tuesdays is available at all Event locations in Queensland, except Brown Plains, Capalaba, Morayfield, Strathpine and Toombul.
Nosferatu. The Wolf Man. Frankenstein. All three names are icons of classic horror cinema. All three are headed back to the big screen in 2025. The entire trio are also making a comeback with impressive directors leading the charge, with Robert Eggers (The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman) giving Nosferatu a new spin, Leigh Whannell moving from The Invisible Man to Wolf Man and Guillermo del Toro behind the latest iteration of Mary Shelley's masterpiece (to the surprise of no one who has seen the Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, Nightmare Alley and The Shape of Water helmer's past movies). Nosferatu will hit picture palaces first — and, in true Eggers fashion, it's keen to unnerve. So, what happens when the acclaimed filmmaker directs his attention to the second-most famous name there is in vampire tales for his fourth feature? If both the initial teaser trailer and just-dropped new sneak peek for Nosferatu are anything to go by, embracing a twist on Bram Stoker's Dracula is set to turn out chillingly. More than a century has passed since the initial Nosferatu flickered across the big screen, a German Expressionist great that adapted Stoker's story with zero authorisation, hence changes such as its count being named Orlok. The film has been remade before, with Werner Herzog (The Fire Within: A Requiem for Katia and Maurice Krafft) giving viewers 1979's Nosferatu the Vampyre. Now, Eggers is sinking his teeth in — and visibly loving it. The new Orlok: Bill Skarsgård, fresh from action-star mode in Boy Kills World but pivoting back to creepy villains, just swapping IT and IT: Chapter Two's Pennywise for another insidious pop-culture figure. In the two looks at Eggers' Nosferatu so far, the writer/director plays coy with his monster, but not with Orlok's impact. "My dreams grow darker," cries Lily-Rose Depp in the initial trailer, trading the nightmare of The Idol for the gothic horror kind as Ellen Hutter. Joining Skarsgård and Depp is a stacked cast of fellow big names, including Willem Dafoe enjoying another stint in gothic mode after Poor Things and returning to Nosferatu after his Oscar-nominated performance in 2000's Shadow of a Vampire, where he played Max Schreck, the IRL actor who played Orlok back in 1922. Nicholas Hoult jumps from dancing with Dracula in Renfield to more undead eeriness, and Emma Corrin (A Murder at the End of the World), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (The Fall Guy) and Ralph Ineson (The First Omen) all also feature. In the US, audiences have a silver-screen date with Nosferatu on Christmas, but viewers Down Under will see the film from Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Check out the full trailer for Nosferatu below: Nosferatu releases in cinemas Down Under on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Images: courtesy of Focus Features / © 2024 FOCUS FEATURES LLC.
Street food has fast become the current gastronomic obsession. When The Bun Mobile started driving around Brisbane in 2012, food trucks were a novel concept. Now, the city’s first purveyor of quality meals on wheels has become a local institution, and it has company. The new breed of mobile culinary delights spans all types of cuisines, dishing up delicious delights at affordable prices. At Food Truck PheNomNomNom, nine roaming restaurants will converge upon the Coorparoo Bowls Club for the first event of its kind in Brisbane. Fancy the Mexican tastes of Juan More Taco? Or the hearty Italian of The Pasta Cruiser? Is devouring a woodfired slice of Roam'In Pizza more your style? Do you have a hankering for Thumbs Up Hotdogs? Alongside the cutely named Sushi Neko Food Van and the savoury treats of King of the Wings, these trucks have lunch and dinner covered — but don’t forget dessert. I Love Frozen Yoghurt serves up everyone’s favourite cold concoction, Chocolate Komberry Co. keeps the cronut craze kicking on, and V's Vanilla Van has a solution for poffertjes cravings. With local blues-infused rockers Don & the Mobsters providing jaunty tunes for a enjoyable afternoon, Food Truck PheNomNomNom is the initial instance of what aims to be a regular event. Sample the fun of curbside dining on June 1, from midday to 6pm at Coorparoo Bowls Club (32 Riddings Street, Coorparoo).
Gone are the days of crashing on your own filthy camp stretcher at Splendour, padlocking up every tenty inch at Falls or nursing a crick floor-torn neck at Meredith. Belgian music festivals have changed the festival accommodation game with this brand new pop-up hotel design, so you'll never want to take the townbound shuttle again. Structured around a Japanese-style capsule hotel design, the prototype pods have been popping up at Belgian music festivals of late, prompting winsome looks from poor ol' regular stuck-in-the-mud campers. Adorably dubbed B-and-Bee, the design is the winner of a recent competition in Belgium that sought out sustainable entrepreneurship bright ideas. Often also the case at Australian festivals, Belgian festival campers aren't the most environmentally friendly of guests; leaving their cheap tents in a heap post-festival for someone else to deal with. The B-and-Bee team, led by Diana Schneider, Raf Schoors, Tim Ruytjens and social entrepreneurs at Compaan and Labeur, wanted to combat this regular trashing of resources. "It’s an ecological nightmare," Schneider told Wired. "We wanted to provide a sustainable sleeping option." The B-and-Bee honeycomb structure kicks a few goals, both sustainably and as a space-saving device. Attempting to reduce the spatial footprint, maintain cushiness and privacy while accommodating as many festivalgoers as possible is no mean feat. Using a stacked, tesselated design was the key. "We were looking for the most effective way to stack cells so they strengthen each other," says Schneider. "If you stack a square on top of each other the structure won't strengthen itself, whereas if you stack hexagons, they fit into each other and stabilise the structure." Slipping into a tiny, capsule space might sound a tad claustrophobic for some campers, but the B-and-Bee pods actually measure 1.7 metres wide by 1.45 metres tall, with a king-sized bed that's able to transform into a seat. You've also got power in your pod to charge that receptionless phone of yours, along with a light — camping's most underrated ally. While the combs are still in prototype phase, the team are hoping to have the structures geared up for next year's northern hemisphere summer festival season. Fingers crossed for a southern export, these little hives would go down a treat with yoga mat-weary Australian festivalgoers. Via Wired.
Drawing inspiration from contemporary melancholic-surrealists David Lynch and Edward Hopper, American photographer Gregory Crewdson explores elements of human alienation and transcendence in his new exhibition, In a Lonely Place. The show, which features works from three different photography series, include large-scale photographs that blend high-detail, cinematic techniques with emotionally charged atmospherics to create a truly engrossing body of work. In a Lonely Place is a joint project between Brisbane’s Institute of Modern Art and Melbourne’s Centre for Contemporary Photography. In a Lonely Place will be launched at IMA on a special opening night on Saturday, March 16, which also heralds the start of Luke Fowler's exhibition, All Divided Selves. Both exhibits will be running until mid-May.
Sweat, skin, sex, schisms, secrets and survival: a great film by French auteur Claire Denis typically has them all. Stars at Noon is one of them, even if her adaptation of the 1986 novel of nearly the same name — her picture drops the 'the', as a certain social network did — doesn't quite soar to the same astonishing heights as High Life, her last English-language release. Evocative, enveloping, atmospheric, dripping with unease: they're also traits that the two flicks share, like much of the Beau Travail, 35 Shots of Rum and White Material filmmaker's work. Here, all the sultriness and stress swells around two gleamingly attractive strangers, Trish (Margaret Qualley, Maid) and Daniel (Joe Alwyn, Conversations with Friends), who meet in a Central American hotel bar, slip between the sheets and find themselves tangled up in plenty beyond lips and limbs. Shining at each other when so much else obscures their glow, Stars at Noon's central duo are jumbled up in enough individually anyway. For the first half hour-ish, the erotic thriller slinks along with Trish's routine, which sees perspiration plastered across her face from the Nicaraguan heat, the lack of air-conditioning in her motel and the struggle to enjoy a cold drink. The rum she's often swilling, recalling that aforementioned Denis-directed feature's moniker, hardly helps. Neither does the transactional use of her body with a local law enforcement officer (Nick Romano, Shadows) and a government official (Stephan Proaño, Crónica de un amor). Imbibing is clearly a coping and confidence-giving mechanism, while those amorous tumbles afford her protection in a precarious political situation, with her passport confiscated, her actions being scrutinised and funds for a plane ticket home wholly absent. Trish is a freelance journalist, albeit without much in the way of gigs, as the snarky response she gets from an editor (John C Reilly, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) on a video chat shows. Cue trading coitus for cash; when she's first flirting with the white-suited Daniel at Managua's Intercontinental Hotel, however, she's as interested in the free drinks, comfort and cool surroundings as the $50 price she puts on a night together. They click, then go their separate ways in the morning. But after she spies him talking with a Costa-Rican cop (Danny Ramirez, Top Gun: Maverick), she offers words of warning. Daniel says he works in oil, and his situation in the region is as tenuous and thorny as hers — details of which are largely talked around in both cases, in a picture concerned with characters, emotions and sensations over plot mechanics. In a script penned by Denis with Andrew Litvack (High Life) and Léa Mysius (Farewell to the Night) from Denis Johnson's text — which drew upon his time in Nicaragua and Costa Rica in the early 80s, trying to become an international political reporter — there still remains ample story to go around. Car chases, police threats, assassinations, border runs, collateral damage and CIA offers flesh out the narrative, as does the late arrival of a sharp-talking American (Benny Safdie, Licorice Pizza). Creating a tinderbox environment to ignite around Trish, Daniel, and their dance of lust, loyalty and love is all that politics-fuelled intrigue's main aim, though. Stars at Noon updates the book's time period to now, with masks, vaccinations and testing anchoring it firmly in the COVID-19 age, but there's a timelessness in the way that specifics about controversial articles, election troubles, spying and foreign meddling come second to feelings and flesh. Some things stay the same no matter the period or players, Denis contends, and means it in multiple manners. Fans of the filmmaker's past work — even just viewers of it — will know that she loves dwelling in this fraught, fragile and fiery space, where things can change in an instant in a personal and existential fashion alike. Denis sees life that way in general; we aren't all writers who've fallen afoul of foreign regimes and are now getting by via sex work, or businessmen patently not doing what we say we are, but being plunged into messes of both our own and others' making is a universal fact of being alive. By focusing on white characters in a location where they instantly stand out, the West Africa-raised Denis also continues the contemplation of colonialism and privilege she's placed on-screen since her 1988 debut Chocolat ("having sex with you is like having sex with a cloud," Trish notes to Daniel here, on account of the Brit's pale complexion). Chaos swelters as thick as the humidity wherever the westerners go, but these outsiders create far more for everyone they meet, especially everyday locals. Just like in a 90s-era erotic thriller, which this often resembles, the calmest place to be in Stars at Noon is loitering in Trish and Daniel's shared embrace in bed or swirling around an empty dance floor; whichever Denis is focusing on, and cinematographer Eric Gautier (The Truth) as well, the experience is lingering as well as rhythmic and woozy. Sometimes rain clatters down around the film's core duo, sometimes the lighting beaming above couldn't be more seductive — and frequently Tindersticks, who've scored Denis' work for two-plus decades now, add a dazed but urgent mood. The tension, the uncertainty, the desperate solace that having even a tenuous and tricky physical connection with someone else can bring: they all become almost tangible and definitely palpable. Playing their parts with the requisite spark, Qualley and Alwyn melt stickily into each other, and viewers watching take their lead with the movie. That deeply intimate focus pushes the Cannes Grand Prix-winning Stars at Noon out of Graham Greene-esque, The Quiet American-style territory. Also, with her screaming in the streets as she struts and saunters barefoot in sundresses and singlets, Trish is anything but hushed. In one of the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and My Salinger Year actor's best performances yet, Qualley exudes tenacity and flightiness — two traits that keep somersaulting the more Trish is with Alwyn's suave and enigmatic Daniel. Cannily, Qualley and Alwyn feel thrust together rather than destined, a truth on-screen and off- (High Life's Robert Pattinson was initially cast, then Black Bird's Taron Egerton). Indeed, there's a volatility to Stars at Noon, and to the romance at its centre, that's equally apt. When you're surveying life's instability — one of its basic and unavoidable truths — getting the film itself in the same kind of lather is no small feat.
This may be the only place to go for those looking for a gift that doesn’t cost the earth, literally. Stocking its shelves according to a stated set of eco-friendly criteria, Biome boasts all natural, hand-made and environmentally conscious items for stuffing your stockings for a green Christmas. That includes all the trappings and trimmings associated with the occasion, as well as everything you might want to put under the tree as well. From beer-made soap to fair trade chocolate, hemp linen to pretty picnic sets, battery-free toys to sustainable fashion, there’s no excuse for not putting the state of the planet first in your gift purchasing.
Brisbane's bar scene is no slouch. It's also far from sparse. You can love getting a drink in your own city and want a taste of ace watering holes from around the rest of Australia, however. For that situation, the hospitality industry invented bar takeovers, where one booze-pouring place drops in to run the show for a night at another such establishment — and Brissie is about to welcome three interstate joints to show off their beverages. In February and March, for one night apiece, sipping drinks from Sydney's Bar Planet, plus Cry Baby and Memphis Slim's House Of Blues in Adelaide, will be on the menu without leaving the River City. Bar Planet and Memphis Slim's House Of Blues are headed to Frog's Hollow Saloon, while Cry Baby will do the honours at Alice, all as part of a month-long party series. Cry Baby will be bringing the late-night party on Sunday, February 18 to kick things off, before Memphis Slim's House of Blues and Frog's Hollow Saloon make a perfect pair on Sunday, March 3. Then, on Sunday, March 10, Bar Planet will be heroing martinis all evening. The two sibling Brissie bars also have another couple of parties on their agendas: a rave cave at Alice on Sunday, February 25, plus Frog's Hollow Saloon's second birthday party Sunday, March 24. Expect to celebrate all night at the latter. Expect plenty of bourbon as well.
Every Friday night during Brisbane Festival, you can don your most glittery get-up and hit the d-floor with artist Neridah Waters and the Common People Dance Project. You'll have all the space you need to bust a move, as each person is encouraged to find their four square metres and dance like 2020 wasn't the s**tstorm it's turned out to be. Waters wants to give the public a chance to shake it off, shimmy through the pain, and ultimately connect with our fellow humans. It's an all-ages affair, and you should expect audience participation games, too. Head to Flowstate at South Bank Parklands from 6.30pm on Friday, September 4; or from 6pm on September 11, 18 & 25. There are three dance-offs per Friday night.
In 2020, when Brisbane started to settle into a state of normality again after its first lockdown of the pandemic, The Tivoli launched Open Season: an event that aimed to entice music lovers back to live gigs and shows. For three months, it filled the Fortitude Valley venue with tunes and performances — and it was such a hit that it's coming back in 2021 for another round. This year's Open Season will run twice as long, spanning from July through until December. It'll also take place at two locations, not one. In August, Woolloongabba's Princess Theatre is set to fling open its doors after a huge revamp — the venue is 133 years old, after all — and, because the same folks are behind The Tiv as well, the two sites will both be hosting this big multi-gig festival. That means you'll have multiple places to head to, and a whole heap of bands and shows to see — and that's just from the first lineup announcement (with more acts due to be added in August). Leading the bill so far are King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, who'll play a five-show residency; Regurgitator, playing their seminal debut album Tu-Plang live; and everyone from Julia Jacklin, Jarryd James and Tropical Fuck Storm to Marlon Williams and Young Franco. The return of the Nine Lives Festival at The Tiv, headlined by Stella Donnelly, Mildlife and Big Scary, is also on the program. That's not all that's on the agenda. Also included: arty dinner party Bite Club, Briefs Factory's latest cabaret experience; Briefs' latest club show, too; and the likes of Sunnyboys, HTRK, The Murlocs and Amyl & the Sniffers also hitting the stage. Some of the shows in the series are actually slated for this coming weekend, kicking off on Saturday, July 3 — but obviously that'll depend on whether Brisbane is out of lockdown. Images: Somefx.
Expect something old and something new at The Village Social, Nundah's newest watering hole. Prominent reminders of the Sandgate Road venue's past provide the former, while a craft beer focus comprises the latter. If you like your dive bars accompanied by a slice of local history, it's a marriage made in heaven. That's what every nearby neighbourhood hangout should offer, after all: a cozy drinking spot and a cavalcade of community charm. And once you walk past the feature wall boasting a photo from the site's early days, pull up a stool at the rustic timber bar, and order one of the four brews — Fortitude's Pacer 2.8, Holgate Brewhouse's Roadtrip IPA, 4 Pines Pale Ale and My Wife’s Bitter — on tap, that's exactly what you'll find. Of course, that's not all The Village Social has to offer, especially when it comes to beverages. A selection of bottled beers awaits those looking for more options, as does a cocktail list that combines old favourites with brand new house-made concoctions. Enjoying your drink of choice a cheese and charcuterie platter is recommended, as is dropping by on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. That's when your tasty tipple will come with a live jazz, blues, roots and reggae soundtrack — and demonstrate yet another aspect of the bar's local focus.
Thanks to the ever-growing array of streaming platforms vying for your eyeballs — and the always-expanding catalogues of films and TV shows hosted on each, too — picking what to watch when you're settling down on the couch is rarely a simple exercise. Before winter is over, Australians will have another option to choose from, with new streaming service Paramount+ launching on Wednesday, August 11. The platform will actually rebrand the existing 10 All Access streaming service, with parent company Viacom CBS Australia and New Zealand bringing it into line with the global Paramount+ subscription offering that launched in America in March this year. For an $8.99 per month subscription fee, viewers can expect to scroll through — and try to pick between – more than 20,000 episodes and movies. That'll include films and series from Showtime, CBS, BET Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon, as well as from Paramount Pictures, the Smithsonian Channel and Sony Pictures Television. If you're the kind of viewer that loves rewatching your favourite flicks, you'll be able to head to Paramount+ to stream movies from the Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Godfather, Mission: Impossible, Indiana Jones, Transformers, Jackass, Batman and Dark Knight Trilogy franchises. Austin Powers in Goldmember, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Grease and Good Will Hunting will also be available on the service. And, on the TV front, existing series such as The Good Fight, The Twilight Zone, Why Women Kill, Charmed and SpongeBob SquarePants will find a new home. Paramount+ is betting big on new television shows being a big drawcard, though, so you can expect to add a heap of titles to your must-watch list. The new series of Dexter is one of them — and so is the Chiwetel Ejiofor (The Old Guard)-starring TV adaptation of The Man Who Fell to Earth; The First Lady, which sees Viola Davis (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom) play Michelle Obama; Anne Boleyn, with Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim) as the titular figure; and page-to-screen adaptation The Luminaries. New Australian dramas Five Bedrooms and Last King of The Cross are also destined for the platform, as are Melbourne-shot comedy Spreadsheet and coming-of-age feature film 6 Festivals. The list goes on, including spy drama Lioness, a TV adaptation of video game Halo and The Offer, a scripted drama about on the making of The Godfather. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eaw6mUV3c6o In the US, Paramount+ will also stream Paramount Pictures' big cinema releases — such as A Quiet Place Part II and Mission: Impossible 7 — between 30 and 45 days after they hit cinemas. Whether that'll also happen in Australia from August is yet to be revealed. Paramount+ will launch in Australia on Wednesday, August 11, rebranding the existing 10 All Access streaming platform, with subscriptions costing $8.99. For further information, head to the Paramount+ website.
Birds will chirp, rainbows will form and the sun will shine a little brighter over Brisbane Showgrounds when the award-winning Dog Lovers Show comes to Brisbane for the very first time. The show has been to Sydney and Melbourne for the last few years — and, let us tell you, it involves a lot of pats, licks and parades. And a dedicated puppy cuddle zone. Bounding into the Royal International Convention Centre on the weekend of November 4 and 5 (from 9.30am till 5pm each day), the Brisbane Dog Lovers Show will see thousands of dedicated pooch fans celebrating the noble four-legged monarch of human companionship. There'll be dozens of furry friends available for adoption from rescue groups across Queensland in the Rescue Dog Zone, where you can learn up on what's actually involved with adoption. But hold up, you came here to cuddle pooches. We're getting there. Punters can make their way to the Pat-A-Pooch zone, where you can cuddle up to a wide range of Australia's most loveable and popular breeds from puppy to adult dogs — we're talking uppity dachshunds to fluffball samoyeds, all up in your grill. This has undeniably been the main attraction of the events in Melbourne and Sydney, and gives kitten cafes a run for their money. There's plenty more happening over the two days of furry friended fun. Not sure which type of schnoochie is perfect for you? Sign up for a Perfect Match session where you'll be paired with your ultimate dog breed. Already found your tail-waggin' soulmate? Get some expert tips on training, behaviour, first-aid and nutrition in seminars by some of Australia's big name vets. Plus, there's going to be a doggie kissing booth. Yep, pucker up. Tickets are $20 online or $35 on-site (adult, ages 16 and over). Everything is free (including cuddles) once you have purchased your ticket, obviously excepting food and drink.
If you're in Melbourne or southeast Queensland and you're a fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda, rejoice: your next chance to enjoy the musical talent's work is on its way in 2025. Hamilton has already done the rounds, including seasons in the Victorian capital and Brisbane. Next, it's time for another of Miranda's big Tony Award-winning shows to take to the stage locally — and his debut smash, too. Both Comedy Theatre and HOTA, Home of the Arts are set to turn into New York City's Washington Heights for seasons of In the Heights. Initially staged in 2005, then leaping to off-Broadway in 2007, then playing Broadway from 2008–11 (which is where it nabbed those 13 Tony nominations and four wins), Miranda's first stage sensation spends its time with Usnavi, a bodega owner from the Dominican Republic who dreams of going back — and who also sports a crush on Vanessa, who aspires to move out of the neighbourhood. Miranda himself originated the role of Usnavi, scoring a Tony nomination for his efforts. In Australia for this run, which began in Sydney in 2024, Ryan Gonzalez (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) has stepped into the part. When the show heads to Melbourne from Friday, August 1 and then to the Gold Coast from Friday, September 12, fellow Moulin Rouge! The Musical alum Olivia Vásquez is playing Vanessa. Alongside Gonzalez, she's joined by Richard Valdez (All Together Now — The 100) as the Piragua Guy — another character that Miranda has brought to life personally, this time in the 2021 film version of In the Heights. On the stage and on-screen, the production not only follows Usnavi and Vanessa's connection, and their respective hopes for the future, but also the residents of Washington Heights, their family ties across multiple generations and their friendships. The soundtrack — which helped In the Heights win Best Musical and Best Original Score Tonys — as well as the vibe and mood bring together salsa, soul, rap, hip hip, merengue and street dance. If you're keen to watch the movie — or rewatch — in the interim, it stars Anthony Ramos (Twisters) as Usnavi and Melissa Barrera (Abigail) as Vanessa, as well as Leslie Grace (The Thicket), Corey Hawkins (The Piano Lesson), Jimmy Smits (East New York), Stephanie Beatriz (A Man on the Inside) and Olga Merediz (Spellbound). In the Heights 2025 Australian Dates From Friday, August 1 — Comedy Theatre, Melbourne From Friday, September 12 — HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast In the Heights is playing Melbourne from August 2025 and the Gold Coast from September 2025— head to the production's website for more details and tickets. Images: Daniel Boud.
Pairing movies with music is no longer new news, but the latest returning event that's serving up that combo is hoping for two things. Firstly, it's betting on a whole lot of love for Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey dancing up a storm in a classic 1987 romantic drama. Secondly, when it comes to getting excited about seeing that now 36-year-old flick on a big screen with its soundtrack performed live, it's hoping that you've never felt like this before. Obviously, Dirty Dancing in Concert wants to give you the time of your life as well — and to not only let you celebrate one of Swayze's biggest and most charming film roles, but to immerse you in the movie from the moment you take your seat. No one will be carrying watermelons or checking into Kellerman's Mountain House in the Catskills, but the digitally remastered feature will grace the big screen, and a live band and singers will perform its iconic songs as it plays. Just as swoon-worthy: the fact that those musicians will stick around afterwards to headline a party that'll naturally have you singing and dancing. If you're feeling adventurous and inspired by the movie, you might even want to try to recreate the famous lift. Here, nobody will put you or Francis 'Baby' Houseman in a corner — and you'd be just a fool to believe otherwise. Your hungry eyes will soak in Baby's first taste of dirty dancing, her eager rehearsals and her growing infatuation with Johnny Castle, as well as her parents' bitter unhappiness about the entire situation. This blast-from-the-past affair is touring Australia this spring, hitting Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, September 22.
It isn't always easy to satisfy fans of pastels and symmetry, brand-new Australian cinema, one of Japan's greatest filmmakers, a buzzy Euphoria and The White Lotus star, Succession, the internet's boyfriend and heartfelt animation all in one go. Or devotees of acclaimed Iranian directors, kaiju flicks, NBA superstar Stephen Curry, John Wick-style revenge tales, and wild commentaries on America's recent political landscape using clips from Wayne's World and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, either. But, when you're a cinema celebration hitting 70 years old as Sydney Film Festival is in 2023, ticking all those boxes is just another annual program. Of course, there's no such thing as an ordinary or routine SFF lineup. Whether you're a diehard cinephile or a more casual moviegoer, this festival has always spoiled viewers for choice, making sure there's truly something among its selection each year for everyone. In 2023, Festival Director Nashen Moodley's carefully curated bill kicks off with one of the most exciting Aussie films of the year arriving straight from Cannes, then includes Wes Anderson's latest doing the same — and throws in new work from Hirokazu Kore-eda, Sydney Sweeney, Sarah Snook, Paul Mescal and Pixar, plus much, much more. When SFF's milestone 70th fest officially opens on Wednesday, June 7, launching a program that'll screen 239 films from 67 countries until Sunday, June 18 — with 90 narrative feature films and 54 documentaries, and also notching up 37 world premieres and 123 Australian premieres — it'll do so with Warwick Thornton's The New Boy. The Cannes-selected title is his first film since 2017's stunning Sweet Country, and sees him team up with none other than Cate Blanchett. 2023's Tár Oscar-nominee plays Sister Eileen, who runs a monastery and home to orphaned boys in the 1940s, which is where the titular nine-year-old (newcomer Aswan Reid) is sent. Also among the cast: Deborah Mailman (Total Control) and Wayne Blair (Seriously Red). The New Boy is also vying for the festival's annual prize alongside 11 others, in what marks the official competition's 15th year. Other contenders span Aussie documentary The Dark Emu, about Bruce Pascoe's book; Bad Behaviour, the feature directorial debut of actor-turned-filmmaker Alice Englert (You Won't Be Alone) starring Jennifer Connelly (Top Gun: Maverick); Kore-eda's Monster, the prolific helmer's latest after fellow recent SFF titles Shoplifters and Broker; and Celine Song's first effort Past Lives, telling a bittersweet romance about two childhood friends (Russian Doll's Greta Lee and Decision to Leave's Teo Yoo) who briefly reunite after decades apart. From the competition highlights, there's also Cobweb from South Korean A Tale of Two Sisters talent Kim Jee-woon; the animated Art College 1994 from Have a Nice Day's Liu Jian; Finnish great Aki Kaurismäki's (The Other Side of Hope) Fallen Leaves; and Afire, a Berlinale Silver Bear for Undine and Transit's Christian Petzold, which was part of the fest's first lineup announcement for 2023. Yes, Anderson's Asteroid City is on the 2023 SFF program, too, bringing the filmmaker's now-trademark sensibilities and aliens together at last — and a characteristically massive cast filled with every famous actor ever or thereabouts. Also set to flicker across Sydney's screens is the Sweeney-starring whistleblower docudrama Reality, Snook in Sundance-bowing Australian psychological thriller Run Rabbit Run, the Mescal-led (and Aussie-shot and opera-inspired) Carmen and Pixar's what-if-elements-had-feelings newbie Elemental. Jafar Panahi's (Tehran Taxi) Venice Special Jury Prize-winner No Bears was announced earlier as well, but remains a SFF must-see — and the kaijus come via Shin Ultraman, which springs from the creators of Shin Godzilla and Neon Genesis Evangelion. NBA fans will want to see Stephen Curry: Underrated, and the vengeance arrives via SXSW hit The Wrath of Becky (well, one of SFF's 2023 flicks about vengeance). And Soda Jerk return to the fest after Terror Nullius screened in 2018, this time with Hello Dankness and its chaotic yet cutting survey of US politics from 2016 onwards. Movie lovers should already be eagerly anticipating SFF's already-revealed Jane Campion retrospective, with the filmmaker herself in attendance — and Indian screen icon Amitabh Bachchan also earns his own program strand. But the new features keep coming, too, including in the fest's returning strands. Seasoned attendees should already be well-acquainted with SFF's ten-film focus on female directors from Europe, selection of movies about music, weird and wonderful horror and genre flicks, family-friendly fare, celebration of filmmaking talent with disability and titles from First Nations creatives, all back in 2023. Other specific standouts range from comedy Biosphere, about the last two men on earth; to Passages, from Love Is Strange's Ira Sachs; and also German filmmaker Wim Wenders (Submergence) heading to Japan with Perfect Days. Plus, there's assassin thriller Kennedy by Gangs of Wasseypur's Anurag Kashyap; literary thriller The Lesson, which stars Richard E Grant (Persuasion), Julie Delpy (On the Verge) and Daryl McCormack (Bad Sisters); and historical drama Chevalier, with Kevin Harrison Jr (Cyrano) playing 18th-century Black composer Joseph Bologne. Cinemagoers can similarly look forward to Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winner A Thousand and One, the obviously film-loving I Like Movies, environmentalist tale How to Blow Up a Pipeline, talk show-set horror Late Night with the Devil and the self-explanatory tribute Cannes Uncut. Also, SFF has added a new Independent in Spirit section that's all about indie films by up-and-coming Australian directors, which is where The Big Dog will get comedic about a stockbroker with a financial domination fetish, Sunflower will spin a Melbourne-set queer coming-of-age tale, Birdeater will follow a bride-to-be attending her fiancé's buck's party — and more. As for where you'll be heading to get your festival fix this year, SFF is back at The State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Newtown, Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, Ritz Cinemas Randwick, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Australian Museum and Art Gallery of NSW. Sydney Film Festival 2023 runs from Wednesday, June 7–Sunday, June 18 at various Sydney cinemas — head to the festival website for further information and tickets.
What kind of festival kicks off at 8am? Not your usual music fest, that's for sure. Live tunes are on the agenda at the Music, Movement & Mindfulness Festival on March 25, but so is something more. The inaugural event aims to get attendees thinking not just about tapping their toes, but also about keeping their minds and bodies in tiptop shape. That's why all proceeds will go towards the Mental Awareness Foundation — with entry free, but anyone after a goodie bag filled with treats and vouchers encouraged to buy a $30 VIP ticket. Taking place in the laneway adjacent to Urban Climb in Newstead, the fest kicks off with a wall-scaling session, jumps into Barre Brisbane and Yo! Yoga classes, and also includes mindfulness workshops and guest speakers, as well as pop-up stalls and live tunes. Because everyone will be working up an appetite, Miss Bliss Whole Food Kitchen, Morning After and Acai Brothers Newstead will be on hand to serve up nourishing eats, ready for consumption in the festival picnic area.
Fancy warming up your winter by watching Lizzo hit the stage? Don't we all. That's this July's hottest ticket Down Under, at both 2023's Splendour in the Grass — where the rapper, singer and flautist is the only announced headliner so far — and on her own arena tour of the country. And the latter is proving such a hit that more dates have already been added. General ticket sales for Lizzo's Aussie tour only start on Wednesday, March 29, but the pre-sale period has seen her Sydney and Melbourne gigs sell out already via pre-sales. Cue two new concerts — one in each city — although, in sad news for Brisbanites, there's still no sign of a stint in the Sunshine State. Still, if you're keen to see the 'Tempo', 'Juice', 'Truth Hurts' and 'Rumors' singer doing her own shows in New South Wales and Victoria, this news is as good as hell. Lizzo's solo gigs are tied to her 2022 album Special, including, of course, Grammy Record of the Year-winning single 'About Damn Time'. But attendees can expect to hear hits from 2019's CUZ I LOVE YOU as well — and an overall set filled with dance-ready beats. Joining Lizzo on all dates as a special guest is Tkay Maidza, which means two must-see talents for the price of one. While a Lizzo tour is always a welcome announcement, fans in Brisbane will still note the usual Splendour setup — that is, when someone plays the fest and does their own gigs around it, Brissie is considered close enough to Byron to not warrant a separate stop. The Live Nation pre-sale for the new Sydney and Melbourne gigs runs until 10am local time on Wednesday, March 29, with general sales for all shows kicking off at 11am local time also on Wednesday, March 29. LIZZO — THE SPECIAL TOUR 2023: Friday, July 14 — RAC Arena, Perth Monday, July 17–Tuesday, July 18 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Sunday, July 23–Monday, July 24 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Wednesday, July 26 — Spark Arena, Auckland Lizzo will tour Australia and New Zealand in July 2023. The Live Nation presale runs until 10am on Wednesday, March 29, with general sales from 11am Wednesday, March 29 — with all times local. For further details, head to the tour website.
Whether you share your life with a tail-wagging puppy, a cat that sleeps all day, a vocal parrot or a colourful little fish, if you're a pet owner, you can show your love for your chosen companion in a variety of ways. You can attend a boozy art class and paint a picture of them. Firmly fitting in with the times, you can get their photo plastered across a mask. And, in another pitch-perfect 2020 option, you can also buy a jigsaw puzzle emblazoned with their cute little face. Smoochy Poochy is the Australian company helping you piece together a portrait of Fido, Fluffy, Polly or Nemo — and, while you can obviously opt for whatever kind of personalised puzzle you like, why wouldn't you want one of your pet? Think of it this way: you've already spent so long gazing at them because they're just so adorable, and you've well and truly committed their face to your memory in the process, so this should be the easiest jigsaw that you've ever done. A number of sizes are available, which means that you can decide just how much of a challenge you're after. If you're eager to go big, you can opt for a 1000-piece puzzle that measures 50.2 centimetres by 76 centimetres, which is the largest size. Otherwise, you can pick between 12, 30, 35, 60, 88, 100, 120, 180, 200, 300 or 500 pieces. Prices range from $28.95 for the smallest puzzle, up to $59.95 for the largest. And if you'd like to provide more than one photo for a single puzzle — as uploaded via the company's website — you can. Smoochy Poochy will even create the collage for you, for free if it uses four or fewer photos, and at an extra price for five or more pictures. Smoochy Poochy's personalised pet puzzles are available to order via the company's website.
This year, as we are wont to do, we ate a lot of meals. We ate mussels and Mexican in Sydney, sushi and salted caramel in Melbourne and fried chicken and Frankenstein foods in Brisbane, as well as some excellent meals on our travels. But, when it comes down to it, at the end of 12 months of noshing, there are only a few truly memorable meals that spring to mind immediately — the ones that were so good, we gushed about them for the next three weeks and nagged our partners/colleagues/friends to return with us ASAP. Here are the dishes burned into our taste memory — if their respective eateries still list them on the menu, book a table immediately. ROUGAMO (CHINESE BURGER) AT XI'AN BIANG BIANG, SYDNEY What if I told you one of Sydney's most memorable burger experiences can be found at a Chinese restaurant in Haymarket? That's right, this year Xi'an Biang Biang introduced us to 'rougamo', aka the world's oldest 'hamburger'. Originating in the Shaanxi province of China, this ancient meat sanga is made from a flaky pastry pocket stuffed with juicy pork shreds. It's soft. It's crunchy. It's everything. Expect warm fatty juices to run down your arm and awkward stares from strangers when you go to lick it off. Let's just say, we can see why it caught on. — Erina Starkey, Sydney food and drink reviewer KANGAROO AND CROCODILE, CALYPSO DREAMS AT MOMOFUKU SEIBO, SYDNEY Puffed kangaroo tendon and crocodile soup aren't things you'll usually see at Seiobo. But neither is Jock Zonfrillo. The native-ingredient wizard, from Adelaide's Orana, helmed the kitchen alongside head chef Paul Carmichael for one night in October, dishing up creative Caribbean dishes with Australian twists. The night began with the above — the broth was rich, the puffed tendon light and tangy — and ended with a dessert of buttermilk and eucalyptus. If you see this elusive pair on a lineup together anytime in the future, I recommend you make a reservation, tout de suite. — Samantha Teague, editorial manager A post shared by Marco Fanuli (@marco_fanuli) on Sep 24, 2017 at 12:41am PDT TEA SANDWICH AT AFRICOLA, ADELAIDE I had dreams about this sandwich on the night after I first tried it. It's a simple yet exceedingly delicious creation: crispy roasted chicken skin on crustless white bread with flat-leaf parsley and a generous lick of chilli mayonnaise. Served with a dish of hot drippings from Africola's signature peri peri chicken (usually spiked with Bourbon if chef Duncan Welgemoed is lingering behind the bar), no less. It's the ultimate hangover cure, which they need to start packaging up and shipping around the country. — Samantha Payne, Sydney contributor WAFFLE-COATED SATED CARAMEL ICE CREAM AT ANNAM, MELBOURNE Salted caramel remained as popular as ever this year and new Vietnamese restaurant Annam was all over it. When I visited in November I revelled in a glorious six courses finished with an an epic waffle and coconut-battered deep-fried ice cream, drizzled in salted caramel sauce. Achieving that moreish balance between salty and sweet this was the perfect way to finish the feast — the modern twist on a Chinese restaurant favourite has easily been one of my fave dishes of 2017. — Ashleigh Whitehill, Melbourne contributor A post shared by Samantha Teague (@teaguese) on Oct 23, 2017 at 4:33am PDT SCALLOP, HAM AND PEAS AT SASAKI, SYDNEY This is what happens when Yu Sasaki recreates pea and ham soup. The head chef and owner of our best new Sydney restaurant of 2017 used prosciutto jelly, scallops and pea shoots to create an Instagram-friendly, edible yin yang symbol that transported its eaters to snotty childhood winters. The restaurant's menu changes frequently, so this is no longer on offer, but there are many other next-level dishes — like the Japanese Madeleines — to enjoy. — Samantha Teague CHICKEN PARMA SPRING ROLLS AT LITTLE BIG HOUSE, BRISBANE Of all of the culinary hybrids cooked up by foodie Dr Frankensteins, Little Big House's might be the most unexpected: chicken parma spring rolls. They're also one of the tastiest, from the oh-so-crispy pastry to the succulent sauced-filled filling. And to think we've all been eating them separately for all of these years. — Sarah Ward, weekend editor KINGFISH SAN CHOY BAU AT ESTER, SYDNEY Most Ester regulars will be familiar with its famed kingfish and mandarin dish, but if you're lucky enough to see kingfish san choy bau on the menu, order it immediately. A recurring special on the menu, the Ester team basically pick the flesh off the roasted kingfish head (which would have gone into the bin otherwise) and then roll it up in a lettuce head with mint, cress and delicious spicy sambals. — Tahlia Phillips, business director A post shared by Jamie // JamJam (@jamjam.li) on Dec 9, 2017 at 6:32pm PST SMOKED MUSSELS AT DEAR SAINTE ÉLOISE, SYDNEY As overall winner of Concrete Playground's best new Sydney bar of 2017, it's no surprise I indulged in one of my favourite meals sitting at the long copper bar of Dear Sainte Eloise. The dish that, for me, carries the succinct menu selection is the smoked mussels on toast ($14). Like bruschetta from the sea, the briny broth is slurpable and the mussels are plump and succulent. The combination of crunchy carrots and fresh parsley with the shellfish is supremely well-balanced — much like Dear Sainte Éloise itself. Pair it with a expertly recommended glass of white from the extensive 350 plus wine list and you'll know exactly why this laneway spot has quickly secured a place in sydney food-loving hearts. — Marissa Ciampi, Sydney contributor PORK BELLY SALAD AT AGRARIAN KITCHEN, HOBART They say you don't win friends with salad but when the salad in question has chargrilled pork belly and a perfectly poached egg, which, when broken, runs through the freshest mixed leaves I've ever eaten, you might want to rethink that statement. Everything the Agrarian Kitchen uses on their menu comes from their on-site garden and farm giving the food this incredible energy and life to it. A must-visit if you're in Tassie. — Samantha Payne HUITLACOCHE AT CHULA, SYDNEY Fungus fans, this one's for you. Potts Point eatery Chula is dishing up a superb "Mexican pizza" called the tlayuda de huitlacoche. This intriguing dish sees a crispy tortilla base topped with refried beans, Oaxacan cheese and blistery black clumps of corn smut (yep, smut). Both a disease and a delicacy, this unusual Mexican ingredient reveals pungent earthy flavours with a funky kick of blue cheesiness. If you like truffle, you need to give huitlacoche a try. — Erina Starkey PANI PURI AT TONKA, MELBOURNE By no means a new dish, but my first pani puri experience — and it delivered becoming something I continued to chase throughout 2017. Tonka's fragrant, slightly warm aromatic water is addictive poured into those crispy parcels filled with potato, mung bean, tamarind chutney and dates. — Quinn Connors, partnerships editor A post shared by Lauren Vadnjal (@lrnvdnl) on Mar 1, 2017 at 4:06pm PST GLUTEN-FREE LAMB RAGU PAPPARDELLE AT KINDRED, SYDNEY Back when I was diagnosed as coeliac in the early 2000s I used to eat rice cakes and tiny pieces of toasted gluten-free bread and think that this was my life now. Slowly, it got better; restaurants started to bring in sans-gluten supermarket spaghetti as an alternative and stopped serving burgers in lettuce cups (mostly), but we still hadn't hit the gluten-free golden age. So I personally don't think it was overdramatic to shed a tear when this bowl of pappardelle was placed in front of me at Kindred — not only was it GF, but the Cleveland Street restaurant makes it fresh in-house, just the same as its regular pastas and breads. It was a special pasta moment and I have returned to Kindred multiple times to relive it. — Lauren Vadnjal, deputy editor PORK BELLY CONGEE AT EITHER OR, SYDNEY Well thought out in design, drinks and food, Either Or serves a menu of Asian-inspired breakfast favourites. The pork belly adobo congee is a clear winner, featuring umami flavours and served with mushrooms, micro greens and a poached egg on top. — Quinn Connors A post shared by Vicky Hanlon (@vicsta.gram) on Dec 22, 2017 at 5:11pm PST CHOCOLATE SOUR CREAM LAYER CAKE AT BEATRIX, MELBOURNE When things get tough, eat cake. The best way to eat a takeaway slice of Nat Paull's infamous Beatrix chocolate sour cream layer cake is straight out of the box on the walk back to North Melbourne Station. It's an old favourite of mine that never, ever disappoints — the buttercream frosting is cloud-like in texture and moreish at the same time, while the dried raspberry crumble on top finishes off with a sharp, sweet aftertaste. — Nathania Gilson, Melbourne contributor VEGAN PATATE PIZZA AT GIGI'S, SYDNEY While Sydney's New York-style pizza scene is somewhat dwindling, rising from the ashes of the woodfire is a healthy crop of simpler pizza restaurants using fewer (but better) ingredients. Newtown's Gigi's has gone one step further and is making fully vegan Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana-certified pizzas in traditional Neapolitan style. Physical restraints would be required to hold me back from finishing the patate pizza with thin-sliced roasted potato, garlic, rosemary and black truffle pâté. Pair it with a natural wine and Gigi's rocket, radicchio, apple, pistachio and cinnamon salad. Plus, you can feel good about supporting the plant based ethical eating movement over pizza and wine. — Kitti Smallbone, Sydney photographer
Making a cup of tea can be simple. Grab a teabag, pour in some boiling water, let it steep and voila, you've got yourself one of the world's favourite hot beverages. Enjoying a cuppa can be much more creative, too — whether you're keen on pure green tea leaves, some chai or matcha, high tea, a sip of kombucha, frosty iced tea, bubble teas or a tea latte. Expect tea in a variety of different forms at Brisbane's 2022 Laneway Tea Festival, which takes over Fish Lane from 11am–8pm on Saturday, February 12 as part of this year's BrisAsia Festival. Someone will be putting the kettle on for a day of tea tastings, tea classes and just tea in general. Whatever kind of tea you fancy, you'll likely find it here — or discover yourself a new favourite. While general entry is free, bring your wallet for all those cuppas you'll be sipping. There'll also be a tea market, as well as live tunes. Your next cup on the couch definitely won't have that.
Caxton Street's go-to for whisky, southern-style food and Americana rock, Lefty's Old Time Music Hall left Brisbane's nightlife scene with a considerable gap when it closed last November. Thankfully, the Petrie Terrace venue didn't permanently shut up shop — with new management swooping in, slightly amending its name and reopening the joint. While the dive bar-style spot is now called Lefty's Music Hall and is run by Hallmark Group Australia — the folks behind Jamie's Italian, Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria, Finn McCool's and Retro's Cocktail Lounge — not much else has really changed. If you've been a fan of its honky-tonk saloon theme, famed whisky apples and live music lineup since it originally launched back in 2013, that's all sticking around in the new iteration, which just launched at the end of February. So are Lefty's vintage chandeliers, crimson walls and the sizeable mirrors splashed around the place. Also staying put: its black leather booths lit by candles, giant curved bar, smattering of moose heads, wall-mounted bear and peacock, and heavily used stage and dance floor. Basically, it's a case of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. That seems understandable given how popular the venue has always been, as well as the reaction when it was shuttered suddenly. Other than that popular blend of whisky and freshly juiced apples, the relaunched bar is serving plenty of boutique beers and, obviously, whisky. Food-wise, American-themed snacks are on offer — such as hotdogs, chicken wings, fried chicken burgers, and both cheeseburgers and cheeseburger spring rolls. As for its entertainment lineup, it's once again focusing on rockabilly and country music, showcasing local, Australian and international talent. Find Lefty's Music Hall at 15 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace — open Thursday–Saturday from 6pm–2am.
Markets come in all shapes and sizes, just like the wares they sell. They're particular enticing in winter, though. There's something about browsing through stalls on a frosty weekend morning, a warm coffee in hand — and about hitting up a twilight market while the evenings are short, complete with a mulled wine or a cocktail, too. Whether you like shopping or eating — taking home handmade goods to fill your shelves, or coming home with a full and satisfied stomach — you've got options around Brisbane in July and August. Some markets sell creative and vintage wares. Others specialise in food and drinks. Many do a combination of both. Whatever you're looking for, here's 13 to check out.
Get ready for solid dose of intoxicating dance beats. Melbourne's electronic disco outfit World's End Press are hitting stages across the east coast this week to wrap up their 'Spirals' tour, geared up to bring their hypnotic mix to Alhambra Lounge. Off the back of their debut self-titled album release in 2013, World's End Press will be bringing their one-of-a-kind dance mixes to audiences along the East Coast this December. Offering irresistibly rhythmic melodies with every single, WEP is one highly underrated live act rumoured to dominate this summer festival season. Playing alongside electronic legends Phoenix and Architecture in Helsinki earlier this year, the band will wrap up 2014 in style with these East Coast shows. Fans will know the kind of energetic antics to expect from these guys. For those looking to start the weekend right, you won't go wrong nabbing tickets to this ripper electronic mini-rave. Supported by Multiple Man + Tremors.
David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Martha and the Vandellas, The Kinks, Little Richard, Van Halen, the Grateful Dead: when they all sung various versions of 'Dancing in the Street', they were onto something. There's nothing quite like partying on a roadway when it's closed to cars, with traffic replaced by stalls and bars as well as stages filled with live music. Stones Corner Festival knows more than a little about that setup, and the fun it brings — and it's back to do it all over again in 2024. Some events feel like they've always been part of Brisbane's cultural scene and this is one of them, although it'll only host its ninth fest this year. That's the sign of something special, with this free street party swiftly becoming one of the city's must-attend celebrations. In 2024, it'll return on Sunday, May 5. On the agenda: another big day of food and music in the inner south, with a lineup headlined by The Potbelleez and Screamfeeder. For tunes from 12–10pm, they'll be joined by Never Ending 80s, Vixens of Fall and Lontano, alongside Later Daze and John Hanley with Don't Shoot The Hurricane. As always, the music bill is only part of Stones Corner Festival's attractions. You can also expect 19 craft breweries pouring beers, including Green Beacon, Stone & Wood, Aether, Gages Road, 4 Pines, Better Beer and CBCo. Eating-wise, a heap of food trucks and stalls will pop up to keep your stomach lined, which usually means everything from burgers and pizza to paella and tacos. And as for what else awaits on the corner of Logan and Old Cleveland roads — and during the Labour Day long weekend, handily — there'll also be market stalls via The Market Folks. If you're planning a big one, that public holiday the next day is oh-so-convenient. Also, entry remains free but, as in past years, giving a gold coin donation to the MND and Me Foundation is recommended. Stones Corner Festival 2024 Lineup: The Potbelleez Screamfeeder Never Ending 80s Vixens of Fall Lontano Later Daze John Hanley with Don't Shoot The Hurricane Stones Corner Festival 2024 takes place from 12–10pm on Sunday, May 5 on Logan Road, Stones Corner. For more information, head to the festival's website.
After cruising around the Brisbane river in 2017 and 2018, Sydney's permanent floating venue, Seadeck, is once again heading north. From Friday, September 27 until Sunday, October 20, the glamorous vessel will be cruising through Brissie waters for another season of luxe parties and hangouts. Seadeck's vessel spans 42 metres, can accommodate 410 passengers and is the epitome of handcrafted luxury — from the handmade tiles and custom-designed brass bar to the bespoke furniture from every corner of the glove, everything you see was tailored for floating. Even the palm trees, standing four metres tall, took a dozen specialists to make to the right specifications. Each of the three decks is connected by sweeping staircases and cast iron lace railings, an homage to Hollywood's golden age of the 20s, 30s and 40s. Yes, the word 'swank' should come to mind. Seadeck's latest Brisbane visit will kick off with Friday night cruise, then hit the water on Saturdays and Sundays afterwards. Tickets, available from the Seadeck website, start from $30 on the first Friday night, then range from $50 on Saturdays and $35 on Sundays — other than the Riverfire cruise on Saturday, September 28, which starts at $125 and includes a two-hour canape package. Of course, if you're feeling the need to blow some serious dosh while you're on the river, VIP packages are also available. By Marissa Ciampi, Lauren Vadnjal and Sarah Ward.
