G20 this, G20 that. One minute you’re not allowed to leave your house or carry eggs; the next, it’s a free for all. Finding out the truth is the hard part, but one thing is for certain — you won’t be getting near the Convention Centre. Chances are you’re not a world leader or finance minister (if you are, and you’re reading this: get in touch and let’s do lunch), and so you should treat the big weekend like any other. The G20 is an event not for you being held in your city. While the weekend itself will likely be an inconvenience to your life, there have been a few sweeteners thrown on the table. Below, we’re talking about the next few weeks of free activities, G20 events, non-G20 events and bonus days. Cheers to ignoring the G20 and milking it for good stuff. The lead-up G20 Cultural Celebrations Besides ‘bonus public holiday’, the word free is a winner in our books. The State Government is hosting a three-week festival of totally free cultural events in the lead up to the G20 weekend. And while you think 'government' plus 'free' must equal 'lame', you’re wrong. The lineup includes gigs with Emma Louise, The Good Ship and Busby Marou, a Latin festival, a music festival with powder-colours featuring Dubmarine, and a Sampology pool party. On top of that there is a free Queensland Ballet performance, City Hall will be lit up as an interactive light organ and more than 100 dancers will take to the streets each night. I think we should say it again — free. Global Flavours To prove that Brisbane City is open for business, CBD restaurants are out in force with a bunch of dining deals for the month of November. Much like Brisbane Festival’s Festival Flavours offers, only better. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, tapas and degustations at some fine establishments. Enjoy farm-to-table dining at Customs House, dig into five course at Urbane or join the steak club at Kingsley’s. The actual G20 Weekend Friday Holiday Ahh, ain’t nothin’ sweeter than a bonus public holiday. If you’re staying in Brisbane, getting around may be a pain, but hey, we survived the 2011 floods too. Queen Street Mall will be open, and our guess is that there will be weekend specials to entice you. CBD car parks will still be open, and trains to Central or the CityCat will be operational. Everyone knows journalists love to drink, and Brisbane bars will be making the most of the extra 3000 media in town across the long weekend. Head on out, and who knows, you might even learn something. Stay in Brisbane While there will be interruptions to some regular weekend programming, Brisbane still has a fair score of stuff going on. The British Film Festival is in town, dance performance Flaunt is at the Powerhouse, I Can Keep a Secret is at the Judy, and the Eat Street Markets will be running not just Friday and Saturday nights but Thursday night too. Skip town The other, arguably more popular, option for locals is to get out. The Gold and Sunshine coasts are calling. On the public holiday Friday, South Stradbroke Island will be playing host to a music festival, Stranded. Tickets are just $59 including boat transfer, and it is headlined by The Kite String Triangle. Sun, sand, good vibes, great music. Welcome to paradise. If the thought of sand makes you squeamish, the Scenic Rim is running a Guided Summit Program across the weekend. Even wanted to go from the bottom of a mountain to the top? No time like the present. For the foodies, head to the Noosa Junction Food & Wine Street Festival on the Saturday. Expect tasty dishes, wine tastings, waiter races and more. Hit the ‘burbs If escaping to the coasts is not possible, outer Brisbane has a surprisingly fruitful offer on the cards that weekend. There’s a Jousting Spectacular at Caboolture. We know, Caboolture. But, um, jousting! Who secretly hasn’t always wanted to see knights battle it out in the flesh. Don’t just dream it, live your Camelot/Game of Thrones fantasy. Bluejuice and The Beautiful Girls will be headlining a new boutique one-day festival, Drop in Festival, at Redland Bay Hotel. Also on the bill is Ash Grunwald, The Cairos, Karl S Williams and Neighbour.
Imagine sitting on the edge of an inflatable raft boat as you float down a river through a spectacular gorge surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest. Sounds pretty incredible, right? Now, picture taking that same boat down steep ravines and raging rapids and you've got the wet and wild adventure that is white water rafting. In Tropical North Queensland, you can choose to conquer a number of courses on the region's world-class rafting rivers. For a full day of adventure filled with thrills and spills on 45 rapids, book a trip on the Tully River with eco-certified rafting company Raging Thunder. Or, if you'd prefer to, quite literally, test the waters on a shorter course, try the half-day trip on The Barron River.
Slipstream / Festival of Time Based Art brings together experimental artworks that aim to shake up your perception of what is past, what is future, and the boundaries between disciplines, themes and audience participation. Held over three days, the microfestival features innovative works by artists from around the world. The Stance, choreographed by Brisbane-based Liesel Zink, will see nine dancers gather in King George Square to perform from 10am to 7pm, invoking themes of public protest and endurance. Performance installation Drawn In is a week-long project where three artists in different disciplines come together to transform a space through responsive collaboration. Swiss artist Gregory Stauffer’s Walking offers a strange and humorous blend of contemporary dance and performance art, while Joke Trading by Slipstream’s artist-in-residence Joseph Breikers invites audience members to interact with the artist through the act of telling jokes to one another. Slipstream will flow into Metro Arts from 13 to 15 August. Full program details are available the event website.
Put down your Kit Kat, for we’ve just discovered a break that's even better than snappable chocolate-covered wafers: smashing stuff. To be more specific, we mean smashing stuff with a baseball bat — and it's a legitimate, all above-board activity at new Melbourne pop-up, The Break Room. Currently housed in the back of a Brunswick shoe warehouse-turned-espresso bar Kines, an appointment at The Break Room is a five-minute, sweaty task that puts you behind thick, plastic walls, wields you with a pink baseball bat and some protective headgear and lets you go to town on some very satisfyingly smashable items. For the moment, they’re using plates and glasses as collateral. But if anyone can produce it, our ‘ultimate smashable’ would be a ceramic Matryoshka filled with glitter. The Break Room was born in a moment of frustration (and through the efficacy of podcasts) by founder Ed Hunter, after he realised that everybody wants to blow off steam in their own way. And while some might prefer to hit the gym, Hunter is inviting you to hit some crockery off a stool instead. Speaking of the stools, notches of pink residue from the so-coloured bats have been passionately left on them; reminders that other members of the baseball bat cathartic club (do I hear badges?) have bashed their way to sanity before you. For anyone studying their swatch patterns, the pink is Baker-Miller, and has been used in correctional facilities across America to help calm violent inmates. Yet Hunter heeds that The Break Room’s goal isn’t violence, but rather to reduce stress and harness those destructive tendencies in a controlled and fun way. A video posted by The Break Room (@thebreakroom) on Feb 10, 2016 at 8:46pm PST At $50 to smash your way to calmness for five minutes, this emotional outlet may seem a bit on the spenny side, but the beauty is in the fact that you’re not breaking your own stuff — and some other guy will be picking up the pieces after you. These pieces are, in fact, added to the pile that hides further out back, where both shattered crockery and snapped pink swords from liberated brethren lay, which is a good indicator that the allocated time is probably ample. So wait until the shutters go down, don your best Joaquin Phoenix impersonation and swing away at those inner aliens of yours by taking your aggression out in some organised chaos. The Break Room is currently located in Brunswick, Melbourne and is open from 3pm every day. For more information, visit thebreakroom.com.au.
When you're in Brisbane instead of roaming the world partying, getting frosty or watching sport, and you've come down with a huge case of FOMO as a result, remember this: odds are that Lina Rooftop will let you pretend you're somewhere else while you're hanging out poolside and overlooking the city. Following its Coachella-themed shindig and winter wonderland in 2023, the South Brisbane venue is going all in on the Australian Open, which means watching all the tennis action from Melbourne. By staying in Brissie, however, you'll enjoy an English-themed shindig, the matches on a big screen and splashes in the pool, all from a sky-high perch. And spritzes. Everyone's Aperol drink of choice is this event's beverage of choice, too — and there'll be orange hues mixed in among the decor. Running from Sunday, January 14–Sunday, January 28 during Lina's usual operating hours, entry is free, and comes with DJs, saxophonists and percussionists providing tunes. Drop by on the final day for a rooftop lawn party with games of pétanque and a new food menu, with attendees encouraged to wear white outfits.
For the dessert fiends at Gelato Messina, it isn't enough to sit in the chain's brand-new Marrickville headquarters in Sydney and dream up every kind of wild and delicious ice cream flavour that anyone could possibly think of. The Messina crew do that, and often, of course. But they also apply their sweet treat-loving minds to creating next-level limited-edition specials, often taking a beloved dish, adding gelato and then giving it another twist. Here's the latest: Messina's Vovovroom, aka its frosty version of Iced Vovo biscuits, which it has indeed made before. This time around, it's adding mango. Why? The better question is: why not? So, first everyone's favourite childhood biscuit is getting the gelato treatment — again. But because that's already been on Messina's menu, it's now adding in a flavour that most folks love just as much. Wondering what exactly the end result entails? It comes filled with layers of toasted coconut and mango gelato, plus mango salsa and shortbread. Then, it's topped with piped Italian meringue and desiccated coconut. Yes, the end result looks like the bikkies you know and love — but in a mango hue, obviously, and in a scoopable form. Messina's mango Vovovroom gelato tubs can only be ordered online on Monday, April 17 for collection between Friday, April 21–Sunday, April 23 Messina now opens its orders at various times for various places, so you'll want to hop online at 9am for Queensland and Australian Capital Territory stores, 9.15am for Victorian shops, and at either 9.30am, 9.45am or 10am depending on where you are in New South Wales. Gelato Messina's Mango Vovovroom gelato tubs will be available to order on Monday, April 17, for pick up between Friday, April 21–Sunday, April 23 — head to the Messina website for further details.
Unfolding over 200 kilometres, the country's largest outdoor gallery will soon play host to the new Silo Art Hotel — a luxury, street art-themed pop-up getaway located in Sea Lake, near the northwest corner of the art trail's looped route. Announced today, Monday May 17, the Silo Art Hotel will give visitors an opportunity to spend the night just a short hop away from the trail's many spectacular visual offerings. Located beside the vivid pink waters of Lake Tyrrell, the hotel is crafted from three repurposed shipping containers, two of which have been transformed into luxe suites. The third has been reimagined as a heated open-air swimming pool, ideal for weary travellers after a long day spent exploring the region. It's all appearing for just one month, from June 11–July 12 this year. A joint effort from Visit Victoria and street art collective Juddy Roller, the Silo Art Hotel will offer some visual splendours of its own with the Matt Adnate Suite and Drapl & Zookeeper Suite each kitted out with never-before-seen artworks from their respective namesake artist. Adnate concepted and created the mural on the Sheep Hills silos in 2016, while Drapl & The Zookeeper are behind the collaboration that has graced the Sea Lake silos since 2019. A colourful mural by Rosebery silo artist Kaff-eine will adorn one side of the pop-up swimming pool. [caption id="attachment_812361" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Sea Lake silos, featuring artwork by Drapl and The Zookeeper.[/caption] The Silo Art Hotel design is the work of Contained — the same crew behind The Wine Down pop-up winery hotels. The two self-contained hotel rooms boast high-end features including fancy Cultiver linen and robes, Australian-made toiletry products and a mini bar stocked with local goodies. Each room will also boast a private deck, ensuite bathroom and reverse cycle heating and cooling. The Silo Art Trail has been slowly and steadily expanding since its conception in 2016. It currently features 10 large-scale artworks, painted onto towering silos dotted across the state's Wimmera Mallee region. The Silo Art Hotel will pop up at Sea Lake from June 11–July 12. Rooms are $275 per night Sunday through to Thursday, and $375 per night from Friday to Saturday. Head to the website to book your stay.
Post-viewing soundtrack, sorted: to watch Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story is to take a trip down memory lane with the Australian music industry and hear homegrown standouts from the past five decades along the way. Unsurprisingly, this documentary already has an album to go with it, a stacked release which'd instantly do its eponymous figure proud. His tick of approval wouldn't just stem from the artists surveyed, but because Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story's accompanying tunes comprise a three-disc number like Mushroom Records' first-ever drop, a 1973 Sunbury Festival live LP. To tell the tale of Gudinski, the record executive and promoter who became a household name, is to tell of Skyhooks, Split Enz, Hunters & Collectors, Jimmy Barnes, Paul Kelly, Kylie Minogue, Archie Roach, Yothu Yindi, Bliss n Esso, The Temper Trap, Gordi and Vance Joy, too — and to listen to them. Need this on-screen tribute to give you some kind of sign that the Gudinski and Mushroom story spans a heap of genres? Both the film and the album alike include Peter Andre. Any journey through Michael Gudinski's life and career, from his childhood entrepreneurship selling car parks on his family's vacant lot to his years and years getting Aussie music to the masses — and, on the touring side, bringing massively popular overseas artists to Aussies — needs to also be an ode to the industry that he adored. The man and scene are inseparable. But perhaps Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story plays as such an overt love letter to Australian music because it's an unashamed hagiography of Gudinski. Although the movie doesn't deliver wall-to-wall praise, it comes close. When it begins to hint at any traces of arrogance, moodiness or ruthlessness, it quickly does the doco equivalent of skipping to the next track. Australian Rules and Suburban Mayhem director Paul Goldman, a seasoned hand at music videos as well, has called his feature Ego and there's no doubting his subject had one; however, the takeaway in this highly authorised biography is that anything that doesn't gleam was simply part of his natural mischievousness and eager push for success. Much shines in Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story anyway, and always would: that list of artists that've graced Mushroom's catalogue is as impressive as it is sizeable. Many get chatting, including a raw Barnes, a glowing Minogue and a reflective Tim Finn. Internationally, Garbage's Shirley Manson beams about Gudinski's fair treatment of women in a realm not known for it. Sting, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and Dave Grohl, representing the veteran global megastar contingent, talk up his energy, work ethic and hospitality. When Ed Sheeran chimes in, he shares about a deeply personal bond as much about Gudinski's help making him such a smash Down Under. Weaved between the above airwave and plenty more favourites, Gudinski's wife Sue is understandably tender but also candid, while children Kate (once a singer–songwriter herself) and Matt (now Mushroom Records' CEO) are affecting yet clear-eyed. The portrait painted: of someone who was so obsessed with music, and with working with musicians, that revolving his whole life around both was always going to happen. Gudinski himself notes that picking up instruments was never his forte, so making deals for and with the folks who play them became his calling. A wealth of behind-the-scenes anecdotes stating the same case come from Michael Chugg, a fellow Aussie music-industry mainstay who has operated both beside and in competition with Gudinski — but Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story's most prominent, enthusiastic and frequently deployed interviewee is Gudinski. While 2023 marks two years since he passed away suddenly, he's a lively presence again and again in this birth-to-death chronicle. The benefits of spending your time with rock and pop stars: even in the 70s, cameras capturing a treasure trove of footage were regularly present. Like Moonage Daydream and Cobain: Montage of Heck filmmaker Brett Morgen, writer/helmer Goldman knows one of the biggest truths in the documentary field, be it in music or otherwise: there's nothing like someone relaying their own history. With Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story, hence the celebratory vibe, because Gudinski also knew how to promote himself. And, of course, charting how the Australian-born son of Jewish Lithuanian immigrants started spruiking teen discos when he was a teen, formed a record label championing Australian music at just 20, took a chance on now-iconic acts that were boundary-pushing in their day and built Mushroom into a local behemoth is inherently rousing. Jam-packed doesn't only describe Mushroom's roster, this movie's soundtrack or Gudinski's existence — it sums up this ride of a film. Goldman, co-writer/producer Bethany Jones (Molly: The Real Thing), fellow scribe/editor Sara Edwards (Suzi Q) and Mushroom Studios, Gudinski's label's film arm, could've opted for a docuseries and had no trouble filling episode after episode. In keeping to 111 minutes, the end result resembles a greatest-hits package from the Gudinski experience. Accordingly, when Red Symons offers the most blunt and sceptical opinions, it stands out. When Kelly laments the early-90s sale of 49 percent of the company to News Corp, it leaves an imprint as well. Each chapter screams for more attention — as does the decision not to sign Men at Work or Cold Chisel (Barnes was snapped up when he went solo); the reluctance to broaden Mushroom's remit away from rock with then-Neighbours star Minogue; supporting Roach, Yothu Yindi and First Nations music in general; and, on the live gig side, Sound Relief's fundraising concerts for the Black Saturday bushfires and early-pandemic effort Music From the Home Front. Revelations and insights still drop like beats, with the fact that the Nazis killed Gudinski's older sister during the Second World War an unforgettable early disclosure. Affection remains Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story's catchy refrain, though — and, as set to that aforementioned soundtrack, it is indeed infectious. The comic book-esque graphics are overkill, which Goldman seems to realise partway through, giving them less and less prominence. Appreciating the talent that mightn't be so beloved today without Gudinski's love of music? There's nothing excessive about that. Walking out of the cinema and slipping on headphones ASAP is just inevitable.
Elisabeth Moss has been on our screens for more than three decades, dating back to when she was just eight years old — and she's amassed an enviable resume that spans everything from The West Wing and Mad Men through to Girl, Interrupted and The French Dispatch over that time. But of late, from Jane Campion's Top of the Lake onwards, the two-time Emmy-winner has been loving thrillers. So, it should come as no surprise that her latest series falls firmly within the genre. Joining Moss' resume after The Handmaid's Tale, Queen of Earth, High-Rise, Us, Shirley and The Invisible Man, Shining Girls sees the acclaimed actor play the victim of a violent attack — a traumatic assault that saw her character, Kirby Mazrachi, put her plans to be a journalist on hold. Now, she's a newspaper archivist in Chicago, but her old terrors and dreams both get pushed to the fore when she hears about a new murder with similarities to her own incident. Soon, she's teaming up with experienced reporter Dan Velazquez (Wagner Moura, Narcos) to hunt down the culprit. That's just part of the new Apple TV+ show's setup, however. Also a key aspect of the story, as the just-dropped trailer shows: a blurring of reality, which unsurprisingly gets in the way of Kirby's quest. In the first sneak peek, she thinks she has a cat, then suddenly she has a pet dog instead — and that's just the beginning of the tale's mind-bending chaos. Where the show goes from there will start to be revealed from Friday, April 29, with the first three episodes dropping all at once, then future instalments arriving weekly. And if it all sounds familiar, that's probably because you've read Lauren Beukes' best-selling novel of the same name. Moss executive produces as well, and is also joined on-screen by Phillipa Soo (Hamilton), Amy Brenneman (Goliath) and Jamie Bell (Rocketman). Of course, the latter has been part of the film and TV landscape since he was a kid, too. Here, though, in a trailer that's both twisty and eerie — and instantly gripping — he looks worlds removed from Billy Elliott. Been obsessing over Apple TV+'s exceptional Severance lately? This might help fill the gap when its first season wraps up. And, obviously, it'll help tide you over until Moss' The Handmaid's Tale comes back as well. Check out the trailer for Shining Girls below: Shining Girls will start streaming Down Under via Apple TV+ on Friday, April 29.
After a hearty run at fresh art-space, BoxCopy, Chris Howlett's exhibition makes it's way to Metro Arts. From online avatars to Middle-Eastern revolutionary displays of protests, celebrity obsessed Australian culture to sexuality, Chris Howlett in his latest exhibit, New Dawn, pursues his craft to the most divergent of mediums. As an exemplary multitasker, skilled in everything from installation, performance, sound art and digital modding, Howlett has an expressed willingness to engage with big themes and issues other artists would find to daunting – New Dawn shows he is indeed a man with no fear. This stage of New Dawn will consist of a three channel machinima projection which conflates popular myths surrounding near death experiences, extraterrestrial encounters, UFO sightings and new age spirituality, all entwined with the conspiracy theories, then neatly mapped onto the medieval, magical video game Skyrim. New Dawn will be showing from the 11th to the 28th of September, with Chris Howlett presenting an artist talk on Wednesday the 18th - don't miss it.
There can't be many tasks more challenging for a performer than making an unlikeable character likeable, yet when done right, that character's humanity and compassion can often burst though — amplified and disarming — with a powerfully cathartic release. Such is the case in John Lee Hancock's tender-hearted tale Saving Mr Banks, which chronicles Walt Disney's 20-year effort to bring Mary Poppins to the big screen. Disney, however, is not the focus of the film. The man was far from saintly, definitely, but — when played by Tom Hanks — his likability was assured. Instead, Saving Mr Banks focuses on the author of that beloved children's story, PL Travers (Emma Thompson), who was every bit the unlikeable character: stubborn, terse and paradoxically impolite in her constant castigations of anyone who failed to observe common etiquette. Common British etiquette, mind you. Beginning in 1961, Travers had found herself in financial trouble when the royalties from Mary Poppins had all but dried up. Faced with the possibility of losing her London home, she finally acquiesced to the pleas of her exasperated agent and travelled to Hollywood to discuss selling the film rights. Her unease, one she'd staunchly maintained for two decades, was that the story and characters would be 'Disneyfied' by way of frivolous cartoons, childish singing and dancing animals. An author seeking creative control was nothing new to Hollywood, but nobody could quite understand why Travers guarded her story with such unyielding ferocity. That mystery is what lies at the heart of Saving Mr Banks. Presented as a dual narrative, the movie flicks back and forth between Travers' present-day obstinacy in the Disney Studios and her difficult childhood in the Australian outback, with the latter periodically informing and recasting our understanding of the former. It's no secret the true subject of Mary Poppins was not the children, but rather their father — Mr Banks — and the quiet crusade by Poppins to reconnect him with his family. Accordingly, Saving Mr Banks's early scenes focus on the relationship between the young Travers (whose real name was Helen Goff) and her alcoholic yet devoted father, played by Colin Farrell. The parallels are all a little too neat, psychologically, but very much contribute to both the story's greater meaning and the audience's eventual appreciation of Travers' hidden benignity. In the lead, Thompson is unsurprisingly sensational. What initially feels like an exaggerated and caricaturesque performance proves remarkably spot-on courtesy of some unmissable credits, and her ability to transform both mood and meaning with the tiniest change of facial expression demonstrates why she remains top of her game. Hanks is reserved in his turn as Disney, though still proves capable of stealing a scene — most notably during an exquisite description of his own father's strict approach to parenting. In supporting roles, Paul Giamatti offers a lovely turn as Travers' driver, while Bradley Whitford, Jason Schwartzman and BJ Novak are excellent as the bewildered creatives charged with appeasing Travers and adapting her book to the screen. There's a good chance you'll cry in this film, both in moments of tragedy and sentimentality — but really, that's always been the Disney formula. Sweet, heartwarming and consistently funny, Saving Mr Banks is every bit the opposite of its main character, but — just like her — ultimately surprises with some unexpected tenderness. https://youtube.com/watch?v=FvKcwNyOnWo
Everyone loves a comedy festival, but sometimes being so spoiled for comic choice isn't just amusing — it's overwhelming. That's where comedy festival showcases come in. They add laughs to the lulls between annual fests, plus they offer a bite-sized sample of the up-and-coming comedians you might not have seen live yet. The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase certainly promises both, serving up the brightest and most buzz-worthy performers from the 2019 event. If it's highlights of hilarity you're after — from international and local funny folks alike — then this is the place to get it. Sydney Comedy Festival Director's Choice Award-winner Luke Heggie is just one of the names on the packed bill, alongside Randy, Ron Josol, Rebecca De Unamuno and South Africa's Dusty Rich. Check them out now during one side-splitting show — and for just $39 — before putting their solo shows on your must-see list for the 2020 festival circuit.
Keen to escape the winter chill and chase the sun up north? Perhaps a road trip with your mates that includes pit stops at idyllic coastal towns and kicking back with a refreshing Aperol Spritz beneath swaying palm trees is what you need? If so, our mates at Aperol have just the thing for you. This winter, the 1976 Volkswagon Aperol Kombi is touring the Sunshine State for the very first time with with a total of seven stops planned between Brisbane and Cairns. After cruising around the southeast corner of Queensland for the past couple of months, the Aperol Kombi Tour is continuing north. The next stop is at Noosa Main Beach for the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival from Thursday, June 10 till Sunday, June 13. Tickets are selling fast to this culinary event which features cooking demonstrations from the likes of Anna Polyviou and Matt Preston. The Kombi will then make a stop in at Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill at Airlie Beach — arguably the best place to appreciate a Whitsunday sunset — from June 18 till July 11. Then, you'll spot the van soaking in the balmy tropical weather at The Ville Resort in Townsville. It'll be perched opposite the majestic Magnetic Island, from Tuesday, July 13 till Monday, July 26. After that, it'll continue north, with its final stop in Cairns at waterfront bar and restaurant Salt House. Here, you'll catch DJs playing from Wednesday, July 28 till Tuesday, August 24 as the Kombi serves up Aperol Spritzes to you and your mates. But it's not just parties and prime parking positions. Everyone who buys an Aperol Spritz during the #Aperolontour event can also enter a competition to win one of five Aperol picnic hampers, valued at $745 each. For more information on the Aperol Kombi Tour, and to plan your road trip to one of its pit stops, visit the website here. Remember to Drinkwise.
When rain starts to fall in Brisbane, escaping into one of the city's riverside cultural institutions — and perusing whatever happens to be gracing the Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Art Gallery and Queensland Museum's walls and halls — is a great go-to activity. That said, if it pours so much that it floods, all three South Bank spots are usually impacted, as they were in 2011 and again this year. As a result, the trio of venues have been shut for the past three weeks due to the devastating wet weather that closed out February 2022, heralded the start of March and saw large parts of Brisbane — including South Brisbane — flooded. But after going into clean-up mode, the three have set a reopening date. So, mark Friday, March 18 in your calendar. The list of reopenings includes the Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum and SparkLab, Sciencentre, all throwing open their doors again on the same day. And, over at GOMA, it's celebrating with a party — with the already-scheduled APT10 Up Late events, which span after-hours parties in the gallery's 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, going ahead on Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19. GOMA will also reopen the exhibition itself, as well as its accompanying programs — including its cinema lineup — while QAG will be back in business as well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Queensland Museum (@qldmuseum) Over at Queensland Museum, everything except the dinosaur garden will reopen — although the venue is between major exhibitions after its Brickman Wonders of the World Lego showcase closed in January, and ahead of Disney: The Magic of Animation opening in June. One caveat to be aware of: at present, all Queensland Cultural Centre carparks will still remain closed following the flood. So, if you're keen to get you art on and head in by car, you'll need to look for street parking — with metered parking free until the end of March — or hit up the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre carpark. Or, mosey on over via public transport, taxi or ride share services. Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum and SparkLab, Sciencentre will all reopen on Friday, March 18. Top image: The 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT 10), GOMA, C Callistemon.
It’s Lost Movements time again, and their seventh instalment promises a line-up of up-and-comers worth savouring. Hosted by Coniston Lane and executed by the never straggling Lost Movements team, this bi-monthly event promises art, music and everything unimaginable in between. Mercury Sun and West End’s Moski Jo will play ring leaders to this musical showcase, with a number of tasty acts warming the stage for them beforehand – Soupy LaRoue first up, followed by local jazz works of funk-heroes, GUSTAV. In classic Lost Movements style, audiences will walk amongst the impressive and intricate productions of live-body artists – you won't find a never-nude in sight. Gaps in musical acts will only provide area for a string of performances from Kenetik Dance, Dio Toro, Lady Victoria, and Miss Frankie Mae Felon to name a few of many. Like every Lost Movements before, and like every one to follow, expect the best in Brisbane art, music, dance and performance rolled together in one afternoon of spectacle.
Guy Blackman, Joe Alexander and Lawrence English might just be the brightest guys in the Australian music industry. Each pinpointed a demand in the national music market and went ahead and filled it by making their own labels. Now, Blackman is founder of Chapter Music, Alexander is the boss at Bedroom Suck and English is leading the charge at Room 40. And, in this rare event at Brisbane's Institute of Modern Art, they're all coming together for a public conversation. Each of these labels boasts a collection of Australian bands you've probably danced to, or at least heard on the radio more than once. Chapter Music, founded in 1992, manages the likes of Dick Diver, Wagons, Twerps and a heap more. Bedroom Suck, based right here in Brisbane, has Bitch Prefect, Full Ugly and Scott & Charlene's Wedding, amongst other local goal kickers, and Room 40 manages John Chandler, Chris Herbert and a few more classics out of Brisbane's South. Ergo, these guys absolutely know what they're talking about when it comes to Australian music. Entry is free, and the evening kicks off at 6pm. Whether you're in a garage band with your younger brother or want to be the next Michael Chugg, this is a must see.
Another massive and dazzling Gallery of Modern Art exhibition, another huge reason to stop by. Whatever graces the South Brisbane site's walls and halls, it's always worth a visit. Labyrinths of red and black thread are definitely worth seeing and wandering through — which is currently on offer at Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles until Monday, October 3. Displaying in Brisbane after premiering in Tokyo, The Soul Trembles is an otherworldly dream, and checking it out at any time of day is a must. But GOMA also loves pairing its major exhibitions with late-night parties, making Chiharu Shiota Up Late the hottest ticket in town on Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27. Get ready to spend two wintry nights seeing breathtaking installations, drinking, tapping your toes to DJs and listening to live music. The events kick off at 6pm both nights, and a ticket gets you access to Shiota's 100-plus works — room-sized mazes of yarn, tiny miniatures, video pieces, photography and everything in-between all included — as well as tunes. There'll four spots to grab a bite and drink around the place, so a tipple won't be hard to find. On Friday evening, you'll also be able to listen to music by Harvey Sutherland, CLOE TERARE, DJ Red Belly and an additional act that's still be announced. Or, if Saturday better suits your diary, Jen Cloher, flowerkid, Beckah Amani and DJ Scalymoth will be doing the honours. Tickets cost $42 per night, with drop-in tea sessions also included. Plus, guitarist Joel Woods and pianist Thien Pham will bust out tracks from Mimi Duo's album Falling Like Tears while surrounded by Shiota's red and woolly hallway installation Uncertain Journey. As for the other tunes, they'll take place on the outdoor Maiwar Green stage under a marquee — because The Soul Trembles really has spun its webs all through GOMA's ground level. Images: Images: installation views: Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles, Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, 2022 © Chiharu Shiota. Photography: Natasha Harth / Chloë Callistemon, QAGOMA.
International headline acts are fun and all, but if you like your festivals with a little more adrenaline, this one's for you. The inaugural Seal Rocks Adventure Festival is crashing onto the mid-NSW coast later this month. Descending on Seal Rocks Treachery Camp, about 90 minutes north of Newcastle, it's set to deliver a weekend of hands-on blood-pumping fun over the weekend of May 17–19. The program of this boutique BYO camping festival is jam-packed full of activities, balancing out an after-dark schedule of live tunes and film screenings. By day, you'll have the chance to battle your mates in an interactive game of Archery Attack, learn some new moves in a circus skills workshop, go deep with a free-diving short course, and flit between rock climbing, surfing, slacklining, yoga and zorbing — yep, this one involves crashing around a field in a giant bouncing bubble. There'll be a disco-themed 'doofercise' workout class to kick things off each morning, classes to teach you how to start fire with just a couple of sticks, and an ongoing challenge to see who can fit the most humans on a giant stand-up paddleboard. Booze is BYO, but vendors like The Perfect Paella, Dr Drool and Tim's on Treach will have pop-ups to help fuel your adventures — and a restaurant will pop-up on the Saturday night for a four-course Saturday feast. Or, you can boost your own cooking skills at a pizza making class. By night, there'll be moongazing tours and campfires, while the stage heats up with local acts like Thunder Fox, The Regime, Elaskia and Belle Badi. And if you're after more inspiration, there's the Adventure Film Festival, emceed by Alice King in the Talking Tent each night. Adult camping tickets clock in at $340, which gets you an entry pass, a campsite and access to as many of the weekend's activities as you can handle. Groups of mates and families are welcome, and capacity is capped at 500. There are glamping and cabins options, too, for those who want a little more comfort at the end of a long day of adventuring (and have extra cash to spare). Seal Rocks Adventure Festival will take over Seal Rocks Treachery Camp on May 17–19. Tickets start at $340 and can be bought over here.
This Brisbane stalwart has undergone a renovation in recent years and now boasts an impressive multi-level venue to explore. If you're feeling a wee bit flush, or just love a good excuse to slurp some oysters and a flute of bubbles, Gambaro is your spot. Smack bang in the middle of Caxton Street, this Brisbane icon since 1953 gives you a selection of fresher-than-fresh seafood and oysters to round off your week the right way. Take note: if thousands of chanting Broncos fans streaming up the middle of the road isn't your thing, make sure you pick a Sunday when there's not a home game. Image: Gambaro via Facebook
Borders are finally open, interstate travel is firmly back on the cards and holiday-planning feels a whole lot less sketchy than it has for the past two years. And, in a show of fitting timing, you've just scored an extra excuse to cross the Bass Strait for that long-dreamt-of Tassie getaway. Namely, the sprawling new-look cellar door expansion unveiled at Devil's Corner. The renowned winery sits on around 180 rolling green hectares in Apslawn on the Great Eastern Drive, around one hour and 45 minutes southeast of Launceston. A major seven-month expansion to the site's award-winning cellar door has recently upped the ante, cementing its status as one of the region's must-visit wine-sipping destinations. The cellar door has more than doubled in size and scored a refreshed look by celebrated Tasmanian architects Cumulus Studio. Visit and you'll discover an assortment of indoor-outdoor spaces that pay homage to the property's rugged, natural surrounds; all offering sweeping views across the vines and down to the Moulting Lagoon wetlands. It's been designed and built using a similar approach to that of the winemaking here, embracing the natural elements this pocket of the world's been gifted with. On the upper level, the new Hazards Tasting Room is your spot for sipping, swirling and immersing yourself in Devil's Corner's vast catalogue of cool-climate drops. It's named after the mountain range that towers over the region; the vistas of which you can admire while partaking in one of the guided tastings, happening from 10am daily. Onsite eateries The Fishers and Tombolo both have new and improved homes within the cellar door precinct. What's more, punters can choose from various indoor and openair dining areas to enjoy their woodfired pizzas, fresh local oysters and loaded bowls of chilli mussels. Matched with a few glasses of Devil's finest pinot noir or a self-guided tasting paddle, of course. Downstairs, set into the hill, sits the Devil's Den — a cellar, events space and bar, where private functions, and food and wine masterclasses will take place overlooking the neat rows of vineyard. And for some of the site's most breathtaking vistas, head to the top of the lookout tower, where you can experience the winery's grand scale like nowhere else. Time for an interstate wine-sipping adventure? Yes, we think so. Find Devil's Corner Cellar Door at 1 Sherbourne Road, Apslawn, Tasmania. It's open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Humans didn't love 2020, 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, 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 in 2021 — but don't forget to take your pup with you when you can. No one needs an excuse to treat their pooch to some time out of the house; however, given that Paws Under the Stars is all about doggos under the night sky, it really is their time to frolic — and to do some dog yoga. Bending and stretching with your pupper, treating your canine to dog ice cream, teaching them a few tricks: that's all on the agenda from 5–9pm on Friday, October 8 at the Gasworks in Newstead. This pooch-centric twilight market will also feature dog grooming, fundraising for the RSPCA, live music and obviously stalls aplenty. Entry is free, and dogs of all sizes are welcome.
Perhaps you got to really hone your Scrabble skills during lockdown, or maybe you've just always been a baller with a Draw Four Wild Card. Either way, your board game obsession is about to find its ultimate match because Australia has just scored a new trio of stays, themed around three game night classics. Meet, House of Uno, Pictionary Palace and Scrabble Shack. These very playful getaways have landed on the Sunshine Coast and in the Blue Mountains, courtesy of game company Mattel and the folks at Booking.com. Each of the homes can be booked for up to two nights and comes kitted out with a stack of themed furnishings, merch and other game-inspired gear — yep, think, Uno pyjamas, oversized Pictionary timers and Scrabble pillows. And, of course, there's an enviable board games collection, featuring not just Mattel classics, but special-edition variations. That said, these are also pretty stylish little pads, with regular features like bathrooms, fireplaces and comfy beds. [caption id="attachment_787126" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Scrabble Shack[/caption] House of Uno is hidden away in the leafy Sunshine Coast hinterland, boasting treetop views, Uno-themed throw blankets and what looks like a primo living room set-up for game night. Meanwhile, in the Blue Mountains, Pictionary Palace comes complete with four bedrooms, a cute garden and an abundance of Pictionary swag. And not too far away, a beautifully restored timber cottage has been reborn as the Scrabble Shack, hidden among the trees and filled with Scrabble-themed artefacts running from wall art to letter cookies. Bookings for all three getaways have just opened, so you'll want to be speedy if you want to beat out the other board game fiends and lock in a visit. Especially with discounted stays currently on offer. For the next few days, the cost per night is being slashed to equal the cost of the game. For example, a Uno deck will set you back $10, so bookings for House of Uno are an easy $10 a night. Bookings for House of Uno, Pictionary Palace and Scrabble Shack are now open, for stays from Friday, October 23.
Pups and pints: everybody's doing it. In fact, Brisbane's bars are going barking mad for downing beers with your doggo best mate. After Atticus Finch Cafe invited both two- and four-legged folks for a few beverages during Brewsvegas, The Brightside is the latest to host a pooch-centric afternoon. In fact, it's making it a regular, bi-monthly occurrence. With its appropriate name, Barks & Brews doesn't really need to offer up anything more than just that — but, it wouldn't be a Brighty shindig without some extra fun. Those heading to Warner Street can also expect a free doggie photo booth for maximum cute snaps, as well as a lookalike competition. Do you resemble your pupper, or vice versa? If so, there are prizes to be won. So grab your canine companion, flock to the beer garden and prepare to sink a few cold ones while enjoying some autumn sun. And, expect to spend time in the company of plenty of other dog lovers and their pooches too. BYO frisbee.
When you're a bar that nods to all things spooky in your name, and you boast more than a couple of monster-themed pinball and arcade machines, then you're going to like the end of October. Netherworld does, of course. Indeed, the Valley pub celebrates Halloween in the expected style each and every year. So, what's on the agenda, other than a few pumpkins around the place? The venue's themed beer fest is back, and so is its annual A Netherworld Halloween party. The latter hits on Thursday, October 31, getting into the spirit of the occasion on the appropriate date. Expect a ghoulish night of scary fun, complete with those horror-centric pinball tables. Yes, you can call it a monster mash if you like. You know that the track will get a spin, and you know that you're going to dance to it, creepy cocktail in hand. [caption id="attachment_605021" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Sarah Ward[/caption] The Hellmouth Diner is catering its menu to suit the theme, too. Plus, there'll be a karma keg for Bat Conservation and Rescue Qld Inc, so your drinks will help a good (and apt) cause. If you dress up for this evening of Halloween gaming goodness, you'll score five free tokens for your trouble. You might also win the costume contest. Entry is free, with the spooky fun going down between 6pm till late. [caption id="attachment_669756" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cole Bennetts[/caption] Top image: Sarah Ward.
When a place calls itself The Tinsel Bar, there's no prizes for guessing what decks its walls — and ceiling, lights and counter, too. Expect thin, glittery metallic strips as far as the eye can see at South Brisbane's newest hangout, which, as its name makes plain, is completely themed around the shiny Christmas decoration. The neon-lit newcomer to Hope Street will instantly makes you feel nostalgic, indeed, that seems to be one of its main aims. Operating as a bar on Friday and Saturday evenings, and opening as The Tinsel Deli during the day between Monday and Friday, it serves up a throwback menu to match its old-school vibe. When it's not whipping up cordial cocktails (combining gin, lemon, soda and Cottee's cordial) and boozy milkshakes (with musk, vanilla, ice cream and schnapps), it's plating up fairy bread, party pies and bolognese toasties. They're all part of the nighttime food and drink lineup, alongside fairy cupcakes, hot chips, crudites with french onion dip, sausage rolls, and charcuterie and pickles — and other cocktails, plus a wine and beer selection. Folks looking for some sparkle by daylight can snack on sandwiches, toasties, salads and juices. And, because retro lollies are a natural fit for a place like this, The Tinsel Bar also sells Pop Rocks and Push Pops. Launching on Friday, October 18, The Tinsel Bar is a collaboration between restaurateur Maris Cook (Maeve Wine, Hello Please) and noted tinsel fan Rachel Burke — who, down the line, will host art and craft-themed sessions at the venue. As well as giving Brisbane a glitzy new brunch, lunch and weekend drinking spot, The Tinsel Bar will also be available for parties and events. Well, the decorations are already up. Find The Tinsel Bar at 58 Hope Street, South Brisbane, open from 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights. From 9am–2pm Monday–Friday, it also operates as The Tinsel Deli.
When Winnie-the-Pooh moseyed into a slasher movie in Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, the film endeavoured to prove that there's room in the pop-culture honeypot for multiple takes on AA Milne's beloved bear. More horror flicks are coming, because of course they are. But, embracing the usually cuddly figure's sweet and innocent side, so is a supremely nostalgic, family-friendly stage musical from Disney. Winnie the Pooh: The New Stage Adaptation debuted back in 2021 Off-Broadway, then took the Hundred Acre Wood and its famous felt residents to Chicago, back to New York, on a tour of the US and to London. The next stop on the Mouse House-created show's itinerary: Australia, including Brisbane Powerhouse from Wednesday, July 12–Sunday, July 16. Hailing from American Australian producer, writer and director Jonathan Rockefeller, Winnie the Pooh: The New Stage Adaptation brings Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Owl and Tigger to life with puppets — life-sized versions, which look as cuddly and fuzzy as anthropomorphic stuffed toys should. Also joining them is Christopher Robin, in a production that brings together a heap of songs from past Winnie-the-Pooh movies. Again, this is a firmly all-ages affair, so expect plenty of young Winnie-the-Pooh devotees in attendance.
Eager to take your dog for a drink? Keen to help support an organisation that assists animals in need? Fancy adding some canine cuteness to your Sunday-afternoon sipping session? Then look no further than Pups and Pints, which is returning for winter to deliver exactly what it sounds like — including adorable fluffballs to pat if you don't have your own to bring along. Taking place from 2–6pm on Sunday, July 28, this iteration of the event sees Brewdog DogTap Brisbane and Safe Haven Animal Rescue Inc join forces — bringing four-legged friends to the Murarrie watering hole to support Safe Haven and raise funds. Just by drinking from the karma keg, you'll be doing your part. Entry is free, but you'll obviously need your wallet for the brews. And for your barking bestie, there'll be barkuterie boards, dog beers and mini sessions with a professional pet photographer. Of course, there's another way that you can lend a hand: not just cuddling Safe Haven's pups, but adopting one.
We're the country that gave the world Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, to name just a few renowned Australian actresses owning the silver screen in recent years. Accordingly, we're no stranger to celebrating formidable women in cinema. It tracks, then, that Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image has curated a world-premiere exhibition dedicated to femininity across screen history — which is running from Wednesday, April 5–Sunday, October 1. Six-month-long showcase Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion declares its affection for ladies of the screen right there in its name. Examining how women are represented in cinema and television, it pays tribute to standout ladies, how depictions and expectations of femininity have changed, and what female talents have symbolised — and been forced to deal with — about and from the society around them. It's both a massive and a landmark exhibition. More than 150 original costumes, objects, artworks, props and sketches are now gracing the Federation Square venue's walls and halls, all championing oh-so-many women and their impact. Launched in-person by the one and only Geena Davis, who is also the exhibition's lead ambassador, Goddess fittingly includes outfits worn by her and Susan Sarandon in 1991's Thelma & Louise — and that's just the beginning of its treasures. Among a lineup that spans threads that've never been displayed before, various cinematic trinkets, large-scale projections and other interactive experiences, attendees can check out odes to Marlene Dietrich in 1930's Morocco, Pam Grier's spectacular Blaxploitation career, Tilda Swinton in 1992's Orlando and the aforementioned Robbie via 2020's Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). Plus, there's Mae West's sky-high heels from 1934's Belle of the Nineties, as well as Michelle Yeoh's fight-ready silks from 2000's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The list goes on, clearly, covering Anna May Wong, Marilyn Monroe, Laverne Cox and Zendaya as well. And, everything from Glenn Close's Cruella de Vil in 102 Dalmatians to the Carey Mulligan-starring Promising Young Woman also gets time to shine. As it does with its big exhibitions, ACMI is pairing Goddess' wide-ranging display with soundscapes by Melbourne-based composer Chiara Kickdrum, and also hosting a sprawling events program complete with late-night parties, performances and talks — and film screenings, of course. Fancy taking an in-depth curator tour of the exhibition after hours? That's on the bill monthly. There's also a music program called Goddess Nights from late May, which'll focus on three femme-centric live music lineups with performances by DJ JNETT, CD, POOKIE and Ayebatonye — and a curated range of food and booze put together just for each evening. For film buffs, movie series Divine Trailblazers will focus on contemporary actors at the height of their powers, while the Goddess Sundays is all about on-screen personas. So, the first includes Angela Bassett's Oscar-nominated performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Academy Award-winners Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis in Everything Everywhere All At Once, Cate Blanchett conducting a masterpiece in Tár, Viola Davis in warrior mode in The Woman King, Filipino actor Dolly De Leon stealing every scene she's in in Triangle of Sadness, and Leah Purcell writing, directing, producing and starring in The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson. Images: Eugene Hyland Photography.
The government's restrictions and regulations for COVID-19 containment are changing at a rapid pace. But there are two words we're all hearing on repeat: stay home. As much as is possible within each person's specific set of circumstances (including their job and requirements around food, exercise and health), every Australian is being encouraged to avoid leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary. We're being told that minimising the time spent outside is vital in getting through this crisis. As a result, many of the services that contribute to the lifestyles of city dwellers have been temporarily suspended, including cultural institutions, cinemas, clubs, pubs and gyms. But we still need to be able to access the essentials: household essentials, booze and, of course, food. Up until now, delivery services have been viewed as merely a convenience or something to facilitate laziness. Now, they're more important than ever. IT'S ONE OF THE SAFEST WAYS TO GET FOOD Supermarkets are still open to purchase food and other household items, but we'd rather avoid them as much as possible right now. The stories of stockpiling — and subsequent product shortages and buying restrictions — paint a pretty dire picture of a simple visit to the shops. Plus, with many of our favourite activities currently on hiatus, we have to find fun where we can. Yep, you may not be able to go to a gallery or play team sports, but you can still shirk your cooking and cleanup duties and let someone else prepare dinner. In the wake of the restrictions on public gatherings, many restaurants and cafes have shifted their operations to takeaway and delivery, so you can eat well in the comfort of your own home. And, to put your mind at ease, it's worth remembering that commercial kitchens are held to extremely rigorous food safety and hygiene practices, and most have upped their cleaning and sanitation procedures as the COVID-19 situation unfolded in Australia. For Domino's, this means daily audit checks and no human contact with the pizzas after they leave the 265-degree ovens. IT'S KEEPING PEOPLE INDOORS Obviously, the increased availability of delivery services means there are fewer people out on the streets, which can only be a good thing right now. But some places have taken it one step further. For example, Domino's has introduced a zero-contact delivery for all delivery orders place through the app or over the phone. The person delivering your meal will leave it on your doorstep and call or text you to confirm it's there — and they'll wait until they can see you've picked it up, too. This is just another simple step, facilitated by technology, to limit person-to-person contact with those outside your household. It also means you don't need to leave your house for too long and miss that live-stream of furry koalas, a theatre show or a gig. IT'S KEEPING PEOPLE EMPLOYED As the restrictions continue in an effort to manage the COVID-19 outbreak, huge job losses are occurring over many sectors, including hospitality. Maintaining (and supporting) delivery services is vital to ensuring this number does not continue to grow. In fact, it could help minimise the issue. Some companies, including Domino's, are currently seeking out temporary workers to keep up with increased demand for delivery services. The company is also supporting other essential workers with its Feeding the Frontline efforts, which delivers pizzas to those working tirelessly to support the community during this time — think healthcare, supermarket, government, education and emergency workers — to keep morale up and more people in jobs. Domino's is now offering zero-contact delivery across Australia. To order, head here.
It has been more than 40 years since Harris Farm Markets opened in Sydney, with a particular focus on fresh local produce. And if you're a Brisbanite wondering why the chain has both stood the test of time and amassed a considerable following, you'll soon be able to find out for yourself — with the family-run brand opening two Brisbane stores over the next year. The first will pop up at the current Clayfield Markets site, and it actually marks a homecoming. While Harris Farm Markets is definitely based in New South Wales, it used to own the Sandgate Road spot until it handed it over to Carlo and Susan Lorenti. The pair has run it for a couple of decades since, and will be staying onboard to manage the store when it changes its name. When it opens in November, Harris Farm Markets' Clayfield shop will feature a tomato shed, a huge deli with more than 200 cheeses on offer, and a leaderboard focusing on Queensland strawberries and mangoes — plus an organic produce section, a gourmet grocery range showcasing boutique local wares, a bakery and a hefty array of meat. The idea is to highlight Queensland and Australian products, all at a site that'll undergo a rebuild and redesign before it relaunches. Then, in May 2021, Harris Farm Markets will open its flagship Queensland store, which'll set up shop in West Village in West End. It'll sprawl across a warehouse space in part of the old 1920s-built Peters Ice Cream building, so it's safe to expect that it'll be sizeable — and, obviously, conveniently located. At both sites, shoppers will be able to buy products from more than 300 Queensland growers, creators and producers — with Barambah's organic milk, frozen fruit from My Berries in Caboolture and organic chicken from Hobbs Family Farms Organic in Pittsworth just some of the items on offer. The two new stores will mark Harris Farm Markets' first outside of NSW, with 22 locations currently open down south. Find Harris Farm Markets at the current Clayfield Markets site from November 2020, and at West Village in West End from May 2021 - we'll update you with exact opening dates when they come to hand.
When that slice of inner-city delights known as Teneriffe was officially named a suburb back in 2010, locals threw a party to celebrate. Eight years on and the shindig is still going strong — you know it as the Teneriffe Festival. For its 2017 outing, the event has compiled a wide-ranging lineup, aka the kind of bill previous attendees have come to expect. Think music, food, markets and fun, all helping locals and visitors alike make the most of the bustling locale. Chilled riverside hangouts are just the beginning. Indeed, whether you're keen on feasting, shopping, drinking or tapping your toes, you'll find it here. The Tastes of Teneriffe showcases the area's bars and restaurants, then work off all that food by walking around 70 bespoke market stalls, or sit down and digest on a Magical Mystery History Tour. Green Beacon Brewing Company is adding their own party to the mix, a series of paintings in motion will brighten up the festivities — and, in between all of that, check out the packed program of local tunes. Image: Teneriffe Festival.
You mightn't remember turning five, or what kind of celebrations followed. You probably can't recall what you ate to mark the occasion, either. Hopefully it involved ice cream. All birthdays are better with ice cream. Here's one shindig that will: Happy Pops commemorating five years since starting to sling frosty desserts. First launching in Noosa, then expanding to Brisbane, this chain is getting into the fifth-birthday spirit by doing $5 ice creams. Just head on in from Tuesday, May 9–Saturday, May 13 — and to any store, including South Bank in Brissie, the OG Noosa Heads digs, and also Eumundi and Mooloolaba. For those new to the Happy Pops experience, it's all about artisanal gelato on a stick, using all-natural, preservative-free Australian ingredients. Think Maleny milk, real vanilla, Belgian chocolate and actual fruit pieces. It also serves up vegan options, using soy, rice and coconut milk, which is good news for folks who don't consume animal products but still love a frosty treat. And, you can create your own flavours — which is also included in the $5 birthday special.
If your working week runs from Monday–Friday, then we know exactly what you look forward to while the 9–5 grind ticks by. Everyone loves Friday afternoons — that glorious time when you can stroll out of the office, stop thinking about everything that's filled up your brain for the week, and kick back and relax. Two days off awaits, after all. For many, even now that 2022 is well and truly underway, adjusting to life back in the office is still an ongoing process. So if that's left you extra eager to celebrate the weekend, that's understandable. Thankfully, Cloudland will help you do just that at its new Rosé and Champagne Garden Pop-Up, which runs from 5–7pm on select Fridays — on March 11, April 8 and June 3. Your $30 ticket gets you a flight of four splashes of sparkling of both the pink-hued and clear varieties (in 50-millilitre servings a pop). You'll also be able to eat your way through an antipasto plate, featuring your choice of woodfired bread with a trio of dips, cheese or Italian meats. While you're enjoying both the bubbles and the food, all you need to do is sit down with your mates and celebrate the weekend. Yes, that's something worth saying cheers to.
UPDATE, August 9: Due to Brisbane's most recent lockdown, Global Fiesta by Regional Flavours has been postponed until Saturday, October 16–Sunday, October 17. This article has been updated to reflect that change. For more than a decade, Brisbanites have flocked to South Bank for Regional Flavours, the inner city precinct's signature food and wine festival. To the delight of hungry stomachs across town, the popular event has made a comeback for 2021 — and, while hosting one big food fest is all well and good, this year it's doing three separate weekend-long festivals. So, if you haven't made it along in the past, you have multiple chances in multiple months to rectify that situation this year. The first opportunity already took place in June, and now it's time for the next mini fest: Global Fiesta. Here, between Saturday, October 16–Sunday, October 17, multicultural cuisine will take pride of place. The event will span South Bank's eateries, as well as a marketplace showcasing international foods. Plus, you'll be able to check out roving performances, hit up a street party and take a spice tour through South Bank's Epicurious Garden. Also on the lineup: Louis Tikaram, Josh Lopez, Peter Kuruvita and Aunty Dale Chapman, who'll all be involved in some shape or form. Regional Flavours might be tinkering with its format, but it still all takes place by the river at South Bank. And, if you'd like to hit up one of the mini fest's special events, they'll be more than a few opportunities to dive in.
Since arriving in town a few years back, Salt Meats Cheese has been giving Brisbanites a pizza-filled treat. And, as part of its lineup of Italian eats, it's been treating the city's residents to plenty of specials — including, this November, the return of its $25 all-you-can-eat pizza nights every Monday across its Brisbane stores. "Does this look like someone who's had all they can eat?" isn't something you'll be saying when you devour as many slices as your stomach can handle in 90 minutes, so calm your inner Homer Simpson. The only catch is that you'll have to buy a drink as well, but you can choose from both boozy and non-alcoholic options. Available from 5pm, this hefty feast serves up multiple options, too. You can stick with the $25 pizza-focused option, or add all-you-can-eat gnocchi as well for an extra $5. And if you're vegan or eat a gluten-free diet, those can also be catered for for another $5. The varieties of pizza available will change each week, if you need motivation to head along more than once. Don't have an afternoon snack beforehand, obviously.
As far as Henry Miller was concerned, alone time is crucial to creativity. “An artist is always alone,” he wrote, “if he is an artist. What the artist needs is loneliness.” But spending day in, day out, with only your cat for company isn’t always a recipe for inspiration. Luckily, Etsy is well aware of the problem. So, every year, they host an enormous, worldwide Craft Party. Artists and craftspeople all over the planet are encouraged to get together to paint, draw, sculpt, sew and make — with like-minded others. This year, the gathering will be happening on June 6 and the theme is 'Recapture: bring new meaning to your photographs'. You scour the family photo album for your most archaic, treasured, embarrassing and bizarre images and take them with you. Etsy Craft Parties will be held all over Australia. You can organise your own, or to attend one of Sydney's major bashes, book a spot online.
For two days each May, most of Brisbane heads to Musgrave Park to pretend they're in the Mediterranean. Yes, it's Paniyiri time again, with the city's massive Greek festival taking over West End with quite the array of food, drink, partying and more. There's a reason that more than two million people have gone along over the past four decades. In the event's massive 42nd year, expect the usual array of Greek revelry — grapes to stomp, coffee to sip and plates to smash, plus TV stars to rub shoulders with and cooking demonstrations to watch, too. And, it wouldn't be Paniyiri without everyone's favourite entertaining displays. If dancing is more your style, watch Greek Dancing with the Stars or catch the Hellenic dancers. If devouring as much as you can is your idea of fun, take part in the festival's regular food contests. Can you eat more olives or honey puffs than anyone else? Here's your chance to find out. Because you're never too old to try new things, Paniyiri 2018 will also feature a Santorini lounge bar, designed to make you think you're thousands of kilometres away. Other highlights include more than 30 authentic Greek food stalls, the return of last year's The Plateia — complete with traditional Greek coffee, a sweet shop, a seafood taverna, fresh oysters, a pie shop and an Ouzeri, aka a wine bar — plus art displays, traditional and modern music and an after party at the Greek Club. And, as always, there'll be an abundance of haloumi, calamari and dolmades as well. Arrive hungry.
Sun, surf, sand, sex and the seaside Gold Coast suburbs in the '70s. What a combination. Swinging Safari is every bit as over-the-top and outrageous as it sounds, but if anyone was going to try and make the chaos work, it's writer-director Stephan Elliott. The man behind The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert knows how to make a splash, paying tribute to Australia and our eccentricities in a manner that's both affectionate and tongue-in-cheek. Accordingly, his latest effort is a knowing love letter to a specific era and the freewheeling way of life that came with it — one spent surrounded by rayon clothes and shag carpets, slathered in sunscreen, chowing down on buckets of KFC and guzzling cask wine. In a cul-de-sac not far from the Queensland hotspot's scenic shoreline, three families spend their days and nights hopping between backyard parties, beach picnics and any other shenanigans that come about. Over at the Hall household, encyclopaedia salesman Keith (Guy Pearce) and the booze-addled Kaye (Kylie Minogue) can't manage their marital malaise, let alone their rowdy brood of kids. Next door at the Joneses, Rick (Julian McMahon) and Jo (Radha Mitchell) think they're the leaders of the pack, with a sunken conversation pit in the middle of their lounge room to prove it. That leaves Bob and Gale Marsh (Jeremy Sims and Asher Keddie) somewhere in the middle, complete with a daughter, Bec (Chelsea Glaw), who's a hit with the local boys, and a son, Jeff (Atticus Robb), who constantly has a camera in his hands. With Elliot himself a child of the 1970s, there's no escaping Swinging Safari's partly autobiographical nature. In fact, it's an adult Jeff (voiced by Richard Roxburgh) that narrates the movie, with the aspiring filmmaker looking back on his teenage years. Unsurprisingly, his younger self sometimes struggles to cope with the mayhem around him. While making his own stunt-filled movies helps, he really has eyes for the shy Mellie Jones (Darcey Wilson). Unfortunately, their budding romance hits a snag when their parents' key-swapping antics incite a neighbourhood war. Plus there's the not-so-little matter of the 200-tonne dead whale rotting on the local beach. Elliott might be turning what he knows into a movie, but diving headfirst into nostalgic memories isn't quite the same as stringing together a great story. Swinging Safari places less focus on its narrative, and pays more attention to moments, mood, outfits and ramping up the fun. With that in mind, the adult cast members are clearly having a ball reliving their younger years (and, in the case of Pearce and Minogue, reuniting nearly 30 years after they left Ramsay Street). Their irreverence and enthusiasm is infectious, even when the jokes don't land. Of course, the film always seems more interested in pushing boundaries of comedy, taste and political correctness than it is in fleshing out its characters. If Swinging Safari teaches viewers one thing, it's that fickle entertainment and amusement were high on everyone's agenda in '70s Australia, while seriousness and subtlety most definitely were not. The result is a movie that can't stuff its frames with enough raucous one-liners, polyester jumpsuits or instances of a woman urinating on a jellyfish-stung child. When that doesn't work, the crew – many of whom date back to Priscilla – helps pick up the slack with their attention to bright, sunny period detail. Oscar-winning costume designer Lizzy Gardiner is one of them, and while it's usually not a good sign when the outfits steal the show, her outlandish creations hit the garish spot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB95v_pyQq8
Hidden underground in the CBD is Brisbane's answer to the jazz bars of New York City. Named after the last studio album recorded by Grammy-award winning jazz great Miles Davis, Doo-Bop's Basement Jazz Bar is housed in a Federation-era warehouse at 101 Edward Street and features a large stage with a 1955 refurbished Steinway grand piano all the way from the Big Apple. Grab yourself some dinner and a cocktail and settle in for an exceptional Tuesday night listening to everything from contemporary jazz to bebop to swing. What better way to unwind after a tough day at the office?
By now, we're all well and truly in the festive mood. The big day is inching closer by the moment, too, and trying to get ready early is no longer an option. That said, even the most organised among us always have a few last-minute things to pick up. It really wouldn't be Christmas otherwise. While the Milton Markets has already hosted its usual festive shindig, it isn't done helping you out with your festive shopping just yet. On Thursday, December 23 from 7am–12pm, it's hosting a last pop-up pre-Christmas morning market. Mark your calendars accordingly. Gourmet food, artisanal wares, farm-fresh produce, gift ideas — they'll all be available. It isn't just your final chance to get market goodies before Christmas, but one of your last opportunities to avoid shopping centres, their crowds, and their rush and chaos. As always with markets, arriving early is recommended.
Forget sushi, forget anime, forget skiing, forget every single one of those cheap, superficial associations you match with Japan. It’s a country that offers ideas, trinkets of stories and themes that beg to be captured and crafted by the most talented of artistic minds. Beg no more. The Hold Artspace is hosting two concurrent, cross-cultural events for half this month, and each is just about as exciting as the other. A Knife and a Torch is a collection created and curated by Kay Lawrence, Kat Sawyer and Vanessa Stanley at Sanda Sution, Aimoto, Japan. It combines the local culture and terrain, with the ‘tourist’ exerpience, drawing on themes of familiarly, home, the natural world and transformation. The second exhibition, Translations, draws on the similar theme of cross-cultural experience, all at the hands of Bridie Gillman. Drawing from her experiences of both Australia and Indonesia, her work will look into the awkwardness of the unknown, through partial constructions. As an added bonus, the artists will be speaking at the venue on March 12 from 6-8pm. That’s two for one, for free!
Named one of the best places in the world to visit in 2022, southeast Queensland's Scenic Rim region isn't short on highlights, whether it's gorgeous scenery or farm-fresh produce you're after. Keen on the latter but can't make the trip south from Brisbane on Saturday, May 24? Don't worry — Tommerup's Dairy Farm, Valley Pride Produce, Tamborine Mountain Distillery, Cauldron Distillery, Olive View Estate and more are coming to you. Save the road trip for another weekend — instead, head to the Farm Gate to City Door Markets at the Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct. It'll operate from 8am–12pm, serving up everything from fruit and vegetables, salted cultured butter and cheese through to boutique spirits, local wines and honey straight from the hive. You can also nab handmade bath and body products, such as goat milk soaps. Since 2022, the Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct has regularly hosted this country-meets-city event — and, if it gets you thinking about holidaying in the Scenic Rim, that's understandable. For a caffeine fix, Rise Bakery will be doing coffees. Feel like hitting the river afterwards, and tucking into some of the produce you've just bought? GoBoat and its picnic boats is also right there. Images: Pixel Punk.
Legendary vocal-happy label 4AD (Bon Iver, Grimes, The National) has picked up its fourth ever Australian artist. Castlemaine's D.D Dumbo has just signed a big ol' deal to become one of the 4AD family. Celebrated for his minimalist style, mesmerising vocals and ridiculous ability with a 12-string guitar, D.D Dumbo has pricked the ears of the likes of Warpaint, St Vincent and Iron & Wine — picking up invitations for support slots along the way. The Victorian native has landed more support gigs for Daughter and Tame Impala in the UK, along with a debut headline show in London and a highly coveted slot at Latitude Festival. The Castlemaine local will return home in July to support the ever eclectic and straight-up magical Tune-Yards for her Splendour sideshows, working his way from Melbourne's Howler to North Byron Parklands and back to Oxford Art Factory. Jump wholeheartedly on the bandwagon this time around, this kid's going to get expensive. D.D DUMBO AUSTRALIAN DATES: 24 July - Howler, Melbourne (supporting Tune-Yards) SOLD OUT 25 July - Howler, Melbourne (supporting Tune-Yards) 27 July - Splendour in The Grass SOLD OUT 28 July - Oxford Art Factory (supporting Tune-Yards) https://youtube.com/watch?v=qG4DLc9Kotg
It's been 13 years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes in 2005. Thankfully, Laneway Festival has just confirmed it will be heading back to its collection of unconventional venues for another year, revealing it's 2018 dates and first two headliners. Returning to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Fremantle, Auckland and Singapore next January and February, Laneway will raise a plastic cup to the middle of summer with what looks to be one heck of a lineup. Following on from the announcement of two of 2018's headliners — California's inimitable Anderson .Paak with his live band The Free Nationals, and Canada's Mac DeMarco — the festival has dropped the full lineup. On it is a slew of exclusive sets, which will see you get down to BABADNOTGOOD, Odesza, The Internet, and sway along to The War on Drugs and Father John Misty. The full lineup was initially slated to be announced tomorrow, but has been brought forward after it was leaked online this morning. Visa pre-sale tickets go on-sale this Thursday, September 14 and the rest of the tickets going on sale at 9am on September 18. But, enough chit-chat — here's the full 2018 lineup. LANEWAY 2018 LINEUP Aldous Harding Alex Cameron Amy Shark Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals BABADNOTGOOD (exclusive to Laneway) Billie Eilish Bonobo (exclusive to Laneway) Cable Ties City Calm Down Dream Wife Father John Misty KLLO** Loyle Carner Mac DeMarco Miss Blanks Moses Sumney ODESZA (exclusive to Laneway) Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever (Sandy) Alex G Shame Slowdive Sylvan Esso The Babe Rainbow The Internet (exclusive to Laneway) The War On Drugs TOKiMONSTA Wolf Alice (exclusive to Laneway) Image: Andy Fraser.
What's better than a brand new arts and culture precinct that literally glows? One that matches its bright sights with a weekly dose of music, obviously. Indeed, if you haven't already made your way down to the former, aka South Bank newbie Flowstate, then the latter is all the excuse you need. From March 2 onwards, kicking off at 5.30pm each week, Friday Feels will be taking over the Flowstate green to start your weekend with a party. A different DJ will hit the decks each time around, spinning tracks that'll have you forgetting about work in no time. And if you're wondering who'll be making your toes tap, Joey Taouk will do the honours first up, with Rosie Turner, The Gaitling Gun and DJ Bacon also confirmed over the coming months.
When you're wandering around the foyer of an arts venue, it can get a little noisy. You're probably there to see a gig, exhibition or show — and you're likely chatting to your mates while you look at art, grab a drink or wait to be seated. Brisbane Powerhouse doesn't want you to stop that. In fact, its latest installation wants more of it. And, the long-term piece will change and react to the sounds echoing within its walls. That's Nathen Street's Space Pixels, which is comprised of hanging sculptures made of mirrored stainless steel and light. They're shaped like something out of Space Invaders, and they fire off different shapes and patterns depending on the transient noise picked up by nearby microphones. Yes, your chatter will influence the installation's kaleidoscopic images and intensity, so expect Space Pixels to light up next time you're in the vicinity. The interactive artwork is on display until April 1, 2021, and takes inspiration from Atari 2600 computer games, specifically the coloured pixel explosions that occur in titles like Asteroids.
Less than six months after Suki set up shop in South Bank, and two months since spreading their wings to Bulimba, Brisbane's first specialty sushi burrito and poke bowl eatery just keeps expanding. Everyone fond giant versions of a Japanese staple or a Hawaiian salad now have a third site to visit, with a new store launching in Newstead. Bringing its make-your-own meals to the Gasworks, Suki is offering up the same great foods on the north side of town, with the eatery opening its doors on September 12. It's also throwing a few fresh additions into the mix, increasing their wares in more ways than one. For those who haven't stopped by yet, don't be fooled by the mere two options on Suki's menu — that duo of dishes can be made many, many ways. Pick your choice of burrito or bowl, then keep working through the six-step process to select your base, hot or cold proteins, sauce, salad fillings and toppers. If that's too much variety, their favourite combos include The Fighter (kingfish, coriander, avocado, fresh chilli, orange, cucumber, suki sauce and wasabi peas), 3 Amigos (snapper, salmon, tuna, cabbage, cucumber, red onions, ponzu, sesame oil, surimi crab and fried shallots), and Angry Bird (katsu chicken, wasabi mayo, spinach, cabbage, coriander, pickled ginger and daikon, and soy egg). New menu items include tempeh and whiting, as well as the brightly coloured likes of beetroot and broccoli. Plus, with the weather warming up, seasonal summer fruits such as watermelon, mango, passionfruit, starfruit and pineapple are also on offer. Every time Suki sets up a new shop, more aren't far behind — and this time they're heading south. Next on the agenda is Robina and Broadbeach, bringing their blend of Hawaiian, Mexican and Japanese cuisines to the Gold Coast. Find Suki at Shop 2, 161 Oxford Street, Bulimba from July 18. Check out their website and Facebook page for further information.
Fresh from rocking the Stones Corner Festival last month, Regurgitator's Ben Ely is taking over another Brisbane icon — and not in the way you might expect. An artist as well as a musician, music producer and sound designer, Ely is showing off his visual creations at Everything Must Go. No, it's not a sale, but you might feel like buying a few products that don't exist. In this venue-wide glimpse into another side of his creativity, fictitious items are in the spotlight from May 16 to June 25. To find out what he's come up with, you'll have to go along. We could throw plenty of marketing spiel at you (or some steak knives), but that's the whole point of the exhibition. It's free, so there's no need to dangle try now, pay later deals to entice you along — or offer up gifts. Expect colour, slogans and plenty of satire. If you've heard his music, you know what you're in for.
If ever there was a genre that demands to be seen in a cinema, it's the western. Wide-open plains that stretch as far as the eye can see, weary journeyers navigating harsh terrain, splashes of lush greenery that offer glimpses of hope: these are images made for the big screen. They're also the kind of visuals Slow West makes its own, from dense scrubland to dusky wooden huts, and from golden fields to inky nighttime scenes. There's no wondering why writer/director John Maclean chose to relay the bulk of his debut feature through its sights, rather than through dialogue. There's no wondering why the film won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival, either. Slow West describes both the pace and the direction that Jay (Kodi Smit-McPhee) favours, the 16-year-old Scotsman ambling along upon his arrival in America. The time is 1870, the place is Colorado and his mission is to find his childhood love, Rose (Caren Pistorius), who fled their homeland with her father (Rory McCann) after an unfortunate incident. Jay is driven by emotion and lacking in Wild West wiles, as made clear when lone rider Silas (Michael Fassbender) saves him from certain death at the hands of some unfriendly fellows. It's in his best interests to pay the sharpshooter to remain as his guide — and it's in both of their best interests to avoid the bounty hunter (Ben Mendelsohn) and his posse on their trail. This is Maclean's first stint directing a movie, and what a striking debut it is. As a former musician with the Beta Band, he demonstrates a delicate sense of rhythm, which is quite a feat in a film that's slow by name and by nature. Or, perhaps patient better fits, with the feature never in a rush to reveal its details. Instead, it takes its time to build drama. It lets the interrupting outbursts of both violence and comedy feel like just that. And it allows ample opportunity to enjoy its scenic views, too. Such surges of action include a spectacular general store altercation early on, and the inevitable — but never plodding or routine — big finale. Maclean isn't only talented with his imagery and timing, but with balancing a mood of contemplation with explosive yet artistic displays of gunfire. He shows a similar knack for casting, the small but substantial lineup of actors always impressive. Fassbender's stoic antihero and Smit-McPhee's lovesick teen might not be fleshed out in the script, but they never feel flimsy, thanks to their performances. The same can be said for Mendelsohn, clearly enjoying his recent surge of playing assholes. Yes, the trio fall into the usual western roles — the innocent needing help, the conflicted veteran and the dastardly villain — however, nothing about Slow West could really be described as usual. It's not just its visuals that make the film a stunning example of cinema, or of its genre, though they're always a treat to look at. A wandering western, this is a movie that both embraces and reinvents the expected, as all movies should.
