When you see a tiger standing on a New York City street corner, it stands out. Of course, that's the point. What better way to force audiences to reassess nature and everything it entails than to thrust a wild animal out of its comfort zone, into an urban environment, and into a crowd astonished onlookers? At Joel Rea's latest exhibition, Outsider, attendees will share the same experience depicted in the Australian artist's painting, witnessing the natural world in a different light. In surreal works, horses weather the surf, skeletons and towering waves combine, and Mick Fanning pops up. We said it was surreal. Displaying at Mitchell Fine Art from September 27 to October 21, the showcase marks the Gold Coast-based Rea's first in Brisbane in five years. The official opening night takes place on October 6, with Rea in attendance — and he'll be on hand at 2pm on October 7 for an artist talk as well. Image: Crossroads, Joel Rea.
If you're a part of Brisbane's art scene there is no doubt you would have heard about a talented artist by the name of Anastasia Booth. Her current exhibition, Means are the Ends: The Command Issue, is as thought-provoking as her long list of other showcases. In her latest exhibition Booth focuses on the relationship between feminine desire and divergent sexual practice. Booth has researched into rituals, materials and iconographies related to particular subcultures and has has developed sculptures and video works to explore to explore this area of interest. If you are interested in this topic you are more than welcome to get involved in the exhibition. Why not attend the group poetry-reading event which Booth is hosting? The session will explore the sensuality of text and the process of personal interpretation. The concept of sexuality is a particularly personal one and is open to interpretation. Be immersed in Booth's perspective and take the opportunity to broaden your own definitions.
Landlocked surfers of Melbourne, rejoice — Australia's first surf park is finally filled with water and almost ready to start makin' waves. And it's a lot closer to the city than Torquay or the Peninsula. Urbnsurf Melbourne will open in Tullamarine, near the airport, just 16-kilometres north of the CBD. Plans for the park first surfaced way back in 2016 and, while the team was initially hoping for a spring opening, Urbnsurf has today revealed that the park is now filled with water, will start pumping out surf in the coming weeks and is set to open its doors to the public by summer this year. At the moment, the site is a very still lagoon — but when it opens, the two-hectare space will power up to 1000 waves per hour, day and night. And you'll get a choice of waves. Want to ride nothing but perfectly-formed right-handers for an hour? Or would you prefer a random selection, like what you'd experience in the ocean? You'll be able to take your pick. According to Urbnsurf founder Andrew Ross, "every wave has six different take-off spots", which equates to 3600 surfable positions every hour. [caption id="attachment_744979" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courtesy Urbnsurf and Ed Sloane[/caption] So how does it work? Basically, the waves come from an 85-metre pier that runs down the centre of the lagoon. A series of pistons located on the pier then push the water to the left, then to the right, to create the waves. Ross likens the movement to "moving your hand back and forward like a shark's tail". The ability to create waves means that the park will be built for both pros who are looking for steep, barrelling waves and novices looking for a safe place to get their start in the surf. At Urbnsurf, Ross predicts, most novices will stand on their board within an hour and ride across the green face within two. And not only will you get guaranteed waves — you won't be fighting for them. The park holds 84 riders per hour. And, should you get seriously hooked, you'll be able to enter amateur competitions, maybe with (or against) your mates. If you need a break between sessions on the water, Urbnsurf will also be home to hot tubs, beach cabanas and a new two-storey restaurant by the owners of Sydney's Three Blue Ducks. And it's hoping to host a heap of live gigs, art shows and cultural experiences, too — we'll let you know when any are announced. If you're not in Melbourne, you'll be happy to know that a second Urbnsurf is set to open at Sydney Olympic Park in 2021. Urbnsurf is due to open in this summer near Melbourne Airport. You can sign up to test out the surf park before it opens on the website. Images: Courtesy Urbnsurf and Ed Sloane
Whether you know Highgate Hill as the best viewing point for Stefan's tower, or couldn't point it out on a map, Stephen Nothling's paintings can resonate with any Brisbane local. His latest exhibition showcases an artist's view of his endearing, colourful, South Brisbane neighbourhood in a series that documents Louisa Street, where the artist has lived for 14 years. In The last street in Highgate Hill, Nothling captures 38 Australian dreams, as housed in each of the homes that line his street. His paintings contain a cheery appreciation of the locale, all incorporated with lashings of humour, collage and some really great birds. Beyond capturing their tropical colours, tripartite levels and verandah after verandah, Nothling imagines the life behind the Queenslander's facades, showcasing the incremental and drastic changes he's witnessed on his daily walks. The last street in Highgate Hill exhibits at the Clem Jones Gallery in the Museum of Brisbane until January 31.
Choreographed by Brisbane-based Lisa Wilson, Lake is visually stunning dance theatre, partnered with elemental effects and a free-flowing storyline. Through a powerful combination of dance and water Lake delves into the murky depths of stage production to provide something quite chilling but mostly fascinating. A usually static stage juxtaposes the free-flowing, near-magical droplets of water with strong and smooth choreography performed by Timothy Ohl and Kristina Chan. The story begins with the couple, lakeside, bickering and splashing, before becoming enveloped in spectacular wrestles, careening each other through both air and water. From the beginning, the vision of Lake is brilliantly bold, and with time develops into something executed with near-perfect precision. Lake debuted at the Judith Wright Centre in 2012 and will be returning for three must see shows this week. Let this stage show flood you with fascination, drown you in a fluid of modern dance technique, and surprise you through sautees and splashes.
If the last 12 months hadn't been affected by COVID-19, the Australian Museum in Sydney would currently be playing host to Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh, a blockbuster exhibition of more than 150 objects from the ancient boy king's tomb. That isn't the case due to the pandemic — and, in bad news for anyone interested in history or eager to find out more about one of its most famous figures, the huge showcase will now no longer be displaying at the venue at all. Today, Thursday, March 18, the Australian Museum announced the exhibition's cancellation, advising that it has been informed by IMG, the company responsible for staging the exhibition, that Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh would no longer be coming to the venue. Originally, the tour had just been postponed; however, now it has been completely shuttered. If it had gone ahead — with an original launch date of February 2021 — the hefty showcase would've been on display for six months, and featured golden jewellery, elaborate carvings, sculptures and ritual antiquities from King Tut's treasure-laden resting place. And, it would've been available for Australians to see just shy of a century after the tomb was first discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter back in 1922. Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh was also set to include 60 pieces that had never previously left Egypt. Revealing the cancellation, Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay said that "the Australian Museum is saddened that the Tutankhamun exhibition has been cancelled due to the pandemic", but noted that the venue is working on a replacement. "We are already negotiating for a new touring Egyptian exhibition and hope to announce details soon. We know our visitors are fascinated by ancient Egypt and in the next three years, the Australian Museum will open its first-ever permanent Egypt Gallery to display our remarkable collection of historical artefacts," McKay said. Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh's was set to display in the Australian Museum's newly revamped space, with the venue reopening in November 2020 after a $57.5 million makeover. As part of its renovations, the site added more than 3000 square metres of public space to its layout, to provide more room to host blockbuster exhibitions. Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh is no longer set to display at the Australian Museum. To see the venue's current exhibitions, head to the Australian Museum website. Images: AP Images / King Tut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh at the California Science Centre.
Is buying records part of your Christmas shopping plans? Whether you're scouring the racks for something specific for a special someone, or just generally looking for some vinyl inspiration (and a bargain), make a beeline to King George Square. After a successful first run at the end of 2019, the CBD spot is hosting another festive record fair — and you can bet there'll be plenty of tunes waiting to be gifted to your loved ones (and yourself). It all takes place from 9am–2pm on Saturday, December 19 — and in quite the striking CBD location. Expect a whole range of sellers at the King George Square Record Fair, including shipments sent up from Sydney to offload vinyl to avid shoppers and collectors. Entry is free, although you'll want to bring your wallet if you're eager to boost your record collection — or someone else's. You can find all manner of delights at a fair like this, including old classics, retro wonders and albums you never even knew existed. Top image: Brisbane City Council.
When it comes to exercise, we all need motivation. Making sure you're healthy works, but sometimes even the best among us need a bit more of a nudge — like a great view, for example. Leafy greenery does the trick. Water, too. If you're an early bird who starts their weekend the absolute first second they can, so does soaking in the morning sunshine. Grass, the river, the sun — yep, they're all on the agenda at Newstead's Yoga in the Park by the waterfront. Taking place from 8am on Saturday mornings, it's a reason to roll out of bed with the sparrows. And, to pump up your energy, make the most of Brisbane's sunny winter weather, and feel fighting fit for spring and summer. Sessions are free, but bookings are required to secure your spot. You will need to bring your own mat, and you'll want to bring a water bottle as well — all those sun salutations are bound to make you thirsty. Yoga in the Park runs from 8am on Saturdays at Newstead's Waterfront Park. Images: Enriching Communities Newstead.
Add satay skewers to the list of things that no one has ever eaten just one of. There's something about those meat pieces on a stick that screams "eat more now!" — and your tastebuds know it. Also well aware: South Bank's Ma Pa Me, which is doing bottomless satay evenings once a month. Your destination: Little Stanley Street. What you'll be eating: non-stop satay skewers for two hours. Those sticks will come filled with chicken, pork, squid and tofu, as finished over charcoal on a traditional hibachi grill — and they won't stop hitting your plate until your session is up. The full all-you-can-eat lineup spans chicken satay with peanut sauce, pork satay with spicy tamarind sauce, squid satay with sambal ulek and tofu satay with sweet chilli sauce, plus fried rice, acar, garlic crackers and stir-fried kailan as sides. The dates to lock in your diary: the first Tuesday of every month, starting at 5pm (so, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6 and October 4, with the event then returning in 2023). And all that satay will only cost you $30. If you're keen on drinks, too, that's extra — with yuzu sours, Thai-style margaritas and Asian craft beers on the menu.
Does scouring the city for secondhand threads get you out of bed in the morning? If so, come Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20, you'd best put on your comfiest shoes and make a beeline to Geebung. That's when you'll be hitting up Lifeline's Brisbane clothes warehouse for quite the sale — with every item of clothing up for grabs for just $2 a piece. There'll be thousands of threads on offer, spanning women's clothes, men's outfits and even kids' attire if you have some little ones in your life to browse and buy for. Summer garments, winter garb: that's all covered, too. Well-known brands, vintage gems: expect them as well. Yes, your stash of gold coins is about to come in handy (although EFTPOS is preferred). The bargain-filled weekend will kick off at 7am each day, and getting in early is recommended. On Saturday, you'll have till 4pm to head by, while it'll all wrap up at 2pm on Sunday. Entry is free, there'll be shopping trolleys available to stuff full of all those clothes you'll be buying, and you can bring more money to hit up the sausage sizzle, or grab a drink or coffee. And, there'll also be lucky door prizes on offer as well. And, the sale will also include electrical items, toys and manchester, if cheap clothes isn't enough.
Next time that you slurp down some oysters, you needn't solely opt for natural molluscs served with lemon and Tabasco. There's nothing wrong with that old favourite; however, it has company among the oyster dishes at One Fish Two Fish's returning Oyster Frenzy. Between Wednesday, January 22–Sunday, January 26 the Kangaroo Point eatery is serving up 2025's six-course oyster feast, taking seafood lovers through six different flavours. Start with the tried, tested and aforementioned combination, then move onto oysters with apple, cucumber and dill; served with tarragon butter gratin; and paired with native pepper berry and oak-aged chardonnay mignonette You'll also be snacking on a cheesy barbecue mornay variety, plus oysters with limoncello, macerated lemon and caviar. A sitting will cost you $95 per person. Because oysters are always popular, bookings are essential — with Oyster Frenzy running at 6.30pm Wednesday–Friday for dinner, plus 12.30pm for lunch Friday–Sunday.
Every year, when Lunar New Year hits, Brisbane's Multicultural Community Centre celebrates with its annual Technicolour Chinese New Year Night Market. The highlight: food and plenty of it, with a packed lineup of vendors and food trucks serving up everything you could want to feast on for the occasion. Arriving hungry is just sensible, really. In addition to satisfying your stomach, the market will feature live performances — including lion dances — as well as a firecracker show. And, among the stalls, you'll also find handmade goods whipped up by local crafty folks. Eat, be entertained and take home some goodies. 2020's market takes place on Saturday, February 1 from 4–9pm at the Multicultural Community Centre in Newmarket. Entry is free, and you can even take home a few prizes. Hope the Year of the Rat has you feeling lucky.
Wondering how to spend spring in southeast Queensland's great outdoors? If you like eye-catching outdoor displays, you have options. Up in Brisbane, giant moon sculptures, a boat decked out with glowing orbs and a tower of bubbles have popped up for Brisbane Festival. Head west to Toowoomba and Carnival of Flowers is back and blossoming. At Currumbin Beach, Swell Sculpture Festival is about to take over a one-kilometre stretch of sand again — and, still on the Gold Coast, HOTA, Home of the Arts' Wonder arts festival is back from Friday, September 16–Sunday, September 25. One big highlight: a glowing palace called Alcazar, which spans seven metres in height — and 13 metres in width. Mixing art and architecture, it looks like a series of stacked circles, reaching up three levels. It also offers a different experience during the day and at night, which gives you an excuse to head by multiple times. Alcazar hails from the artists at Sydney-based design studio Atelier Sisu, and will also be used for an early-morning yoga session — and for the Lux de da Luna dinner, which'll serve up a five-course meal with the installation as a backdrop. There's plenty more on the Wonder lineup, including Alternative Symphony taking on the music of Daft Punk, plus a candlelit Queen tribute concert. The big Friday-night lineup features an art battle between six artists on Friday, September 16, as hosted by Tom Thum, and then Flamenco House with Cameron De La Vaga providing a Spanish soundtrack on Friday, September 23.
With winter fast approaching, we've realised (yet another) thing we're missing out on this year: those change-of-season warehouse sales where you can nab high-end designer threads and accessories at insanely discounted prices. Luckily, Bondi eyewear favourite Local Supply is taking its annual warehouse sale online this year — and offering up to 70 percent off to boot. The brand's prices are hard to beat on a regular day, but from Wednesday, May 27 until midnight on Monday, June 1, you'll be getting Local Supply goods for a serious bargain. A whopping 70 styles are up for grabs at ridiculously reduced prices — that's sunnies starting at just $24 dollarydoos. Want to see the world through rose coloured lenses during these especially difficult times? You can nab a pair of Arena PMP20s with plum coloured lenses for $26.99. Or, for those long hours sitting in front of your laptop, some blue light protective lenses for about $45 bucks. Polarised lens are also on the docket from around $60. As the name suggests, the independently owned brand is all about keeping it local — and keeping prices attainable, too. Opened in 2013, it's run by former Dior eyewear designer Petra Ekborn, so you know you're getting some seriously schmick sunnies. Plus the brand uses zero waste manufacturing techniques and the frames are BPA-free and hypoallergenic, too. Local Supply is currently offering free delivery across Australia on all orders over $100, and a flat rate of just $5 for smaller purchases. The Local Supply online warehouse sale will run from Wednesday, May 27 until midnight on Sunday, May 31, with 70 percent off select styles. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
If you didn't know it was there, you could easy spend time at the Regatta without ever venturing downstairs to its underground speakeasy-style bar. But, once you've become acquainted with The Walrus Club, you'll want to add it to your cocktail-slinging go-tos. Heading by from 5–10pm on Sunday, March 5 is particularly recommended, because that's when the venue is celebrating International Women's Day early. At the annual Women in Walrus event, an all-female bar takeover is on the cards, with the establishment's ladies mixing up the best beverages they can — featuring gin heavily. If you need something else to say cheers to, Anti Music Club are on music duties. Entry is free, you'll pay for whatever you drink and eat as the afternoon and evening roll by, with the food menu for the evening going heavy on meat and cheese options. While women will be in the spotlight, anyone can attend and mark the occasion. And, reservations aren't necessary. Images: Markus Ravik.
A mainstay of Australia's film festival scene for 22 years, the Moro Spanish Film Festival doesn't just celebrate a single country. It also celebrates a language. With Spanish ranking as the globe's second most popular tongue, this showcase of cinema broadens its gaze across the world — not only highlighting movies from the festive European nation that gives the fest its name but, by joining forces with the Cine Latino Film Festival in 2019, screening flicks from Latin America as well. Consider the end result the biggest bargain there is in the film fest world: two festivals for the price of one. Consider it a hefty lineup of new Spanish-language movies, too, with 32 titles touring the country until mid-May. Overseas award-winners? New voices making their debut? A focus on female filmmakers? They're all on this year's program. So are existential thrillers, queer standouts and classic romps — which each claim a place among our five must-sees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ5qPWgG1H0 ANA BY DAY Seeing double is one of cinema's favourite tropes — from creepy twins to stalking lookalikes to cases of mistaken identity, doppelgängers are all common film fodder. In Ana by Day, the eponymous Madrid woman (Ingrid García Jonsson) finds her life turned upside down when her double arrives, takes over and leaves her to her own devices. It's a tantalising notion, especially when Ana decides to lean into the situation and live the existence she's always wanted. As conveyed by first-time filmmaker Andrea Jaurrieta as well as exceptional star García Jonsson, at the core of the concept sits a simple truth: the struggle to realise who we really are. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO_PZqilExE CARMEN & LOLA Premiering at last year's Cannes Film Festival, picking up two gongs at this year's Goya Awards, and earning plenty of praise on the queer festival circuit, Carmen and Lola brings an observant, empathetic eye to a tale of romance versus prejudice. The movie's two paramours are also its two victims — and while the setup might feel somewhat familiar, this film has its own spark. Here, a pair of Roman women (Zaira Romero and Rosy Rodríguez) in a Catholic gypsy community defy tradition by falling for each other. Drawing upon her documentary background, writer/director Arantxa Echevarría uses her non-professional cast perfection, conveying the heart-swelling love and heartbreaking oppression that mark the titular characters' lives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKdTPuCgqkU ROJO He mightn't be a household name, but Dario Grandinetti boasts quite the resume, with the Argentinian veteran featuring in everything from Pedro Almodovar's Talk to Her and Julieta to twisty anthology Wild Tales. He's also a multiple film festival best actor award winner for his work in Rojo, playing a lawyer navigating the corruption and crime of Granada in the 1970s. Murky, paranoid thrillers were a staple during that decade, and movies both set in and styled after the period keep reaching screens for a reason, as this complex and compelling affair demonstrates. As the film follows its protagonist's entry into a shady world, it delves into the fractured, fraying reality of pre-coup Argentina. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0paBosD04mM THE GOOD GIRLS Peering at the lives of the wealthy isn't just about indulging envious fantasies, dreaming of a different existence or watching a cashed-up trainwreck, Real Housewives-style. Rather, whether in satirical or melodramatic mode — and this Mexican comedy-drama operates in both — it's about examining the inner workings of the upper echelons and laying bare a society from the top down. Expect all of the above in Alejandra Márquez Abella's second feature, which follows the wives of her country's richest men in 1982. A wife to Fernando (Flavio Medina) and a mother to three children, Sofia (Ilse Salas) is accustomed to a charmed life, until her and her pals experience the other side. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PypMOEKJuh8 WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN Breakups, breakdowns, breaking free, blending sleeping pills into gazpacho — that's actor Pepa Marcos' (Carmen Maura) life when she's dumped by her fellow thespian boyfriend Iván (Fernando Guillén). It's also just the beginning of the always spirited, often farcical story that drives this masterful 1988 comedy from Spanish auteur Pedro Almodovar. One of the filmmaker's deserved early hits, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is also the film that helped introduce the world to Antonio Banderas' charms. It wasn't the pair's first collaboration; however, this Oscar-nominated, multiple Goya-winning film thrust both the director and his star to greater attention, and it's easy to see why. The Moro Spanish Film Festival tours Australia from April 16, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona and Palace Central from April 16 to May 8; Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Balwyn, Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from April 18 to May 8; Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from April 24 to May 15; and Perth's Palace Cinema Paradiso from April 24 to May 15. For more information, visit the festival website.
Arts and culture fans already flock to Brisbane Powerhouse with frequency, gluing their eyes to the New Farm venue's walls and stages. In March 2023, then in October, then twice a year afterwards, food lovers will want to make the same trip. As part of the site's slate of additions and changes — which has already seen a new riverside events and performance space with bars and al fresco lounges pop up permanently — the beloved spot will now host culinary and arts event Night Feast. Back in June when Brisbane Powerhouse's ambitious plans were first announced, a night market was on the list, then called Hap Wah Night Market. Now rebadged Night Feast, it features all of the same highlights: an almost month-long program in autumn and spring annually, taking over the Powerhouse forecourt and surrounding parks in March and October, as well as Blade Runner-meets-Queensland theming with a dash of Cantonese culture. [caption id="attachment_776880" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Immersive, dreamlike and serving up a multi-sensory experience, Night Feast will sprawl across its own temporary village, in fact, as curated by restaurant critic Lizzie Loel and Brisbane Powerhouse Arts Program Director Brad Spolding. As for the design of the site itself, that comes courtesy of Bruce McKinven (Dark Mofo). Thanks to Loel, Spolding and McKinven's handiwork, Brisbanites will find 20-plus gourmet food stalls, an open fire pit for roasting and a dedicated dessert bar, too, as well as art installations, DJs and live music. The debut edition will run from Wednesday, March 1–Sunday, March 26, 2023, followed by a second event from Wednesday, October 4–Sunday, October 29 later that year — operating 4.30–9.30pm Wednesday–Sunday within those dates. While it's too early for Night Feast to announce stallholders for its premiere event, Longrain's Martin Boetz will be one of the headliners. Also, diners can expect Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Italian, Greek and modern Australian cuisine — and more. [caption id="attachment_882045" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Among the food and drink offerings, there'll be cocktails and wine as well, plus a big emphasis on communal feasting. Another key feature: getting the restaurants taking part in Night Feast to dish up the absolute top thing on their menus. "Night Feast gives visitors an opportunity to sample the best of Brisbane's gourmet food scene within an immersive outdoor neon-noir environment," explains Loel. "Our handpicked restaurants have been invited to showcase their signature dishes only, meaning you can experience the city's most exclusive gastronomic delights in one location." [caption id="attachment_824340" align="alignnone" width="1920"] "What's That?" Amanda Parer, Portside Wharf in Hamilton, Brisbane on Monday, August 31, 2021. Photo: Claudia Baxter[/caption] As for the art program, it'll also span roaming performances, plus work from visual and performance artists. Amanda Parer leads the bill so far, which likely means more glowing, towering, eye-catching pieces (see: her past Brisbane works Intrude, What's That, Lost and Fantastic Planet). Night Feast's premiere overlaps with Powerhouse's also-debuting "festival of other music" ΩHM, and is set to share Australian audiovisual artist Robin Fox on its lineup with that other newcomer. And, Swiss site-performance designer and fog artist Tom Mùller will also bust out his best for Night Feast. [caption id="attachment_880277" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robin Fox, Single Origin, Diego Figueroa[/caption] The evening market is the third of the Lamington Street spot's new initiatives to come to fruition, following Keith Courtney's 700-square-metre maze of mirrors Kaleidoscope, which only stopped by temporarily, as well as the November launch of the aforementioned Pleasuredome in its glow-in-the-dark Nordic-style tent. A permanent outdoor cinema was also announced back in June, initially to launch this past spring and run year-round, screening movies under the stars — and taking advantage of the fact that that's something you can do no matter the season in Brissie, even in winter. Exactly when that'll now arrive hasn't yet been revealed. Night Feast will take place at Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm, from Wednesday, March 1–Sunday, March 26, 2023, and again from Wednesday, October 4–Sunday, October 29 — and twice a year after that — operating 4.30–9.30pm Wednesday–Sunday. For more information about the venue, head to the Brisbane Powerhouse website. Top image: Wonderland Festival, Brisbane Powerhouse.
Let the fun times be-gin at Cloudland's latest shindig celebrating all things gin: Gin Fling. The festivities are happening every Thursday and Friday during the month of June in the stylish Cloudland Garden. Every ticket holder will receive four mini gin cocktails plus a full-sized serving of their favourite cocktail. Three tipples are made with Malfy Gin Originale, distilled at Torino Distillati in Moncalieri, Italy. This classic dry-style gin's botanicals include handpicked juniper berries and Italian lemons. It is distilled with water from the Piedmont region for a true reflection of its origins. The cocktails include a fruity mango gin basil smash (Malfy Originale, mango, lemon, basil), a Jammy Bramble (Malfy Originale, black raspberry, lemon, sugar), classic southside (Malfy Originale, lime, mint, sugar) and new creation Clockwork Orange (Beefeater Gin, Aperol, peach, lemon, passion fruit, sugar). Elevate your evening with a sharing menu for an additional $35 per person, which features dishes like smoked aubergine with woodfired bread, cured meats with pickled chilli, local burrata and candied olives and wild mushrooms and taleggio arancini with truffle mayo. And the fun doesn't stop there — ticket holders will be entered into a draw to win a $500 Malfy Gin Picnic hamper. Gin Fling will take place from 5.30–7.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays from Friday June, 7 until Friday, June 28. To book your tickets, check out the website. All guests within the same group must be on the same package, with or without the grazing-style menu add-on. Minimum of two people on the dining menu. Total hamper prize value $500. The winner will be notified on the Monday after the event. Supported by Malfy Gin.
Let's call it the sitcom effect: when you watch enough episodes of a TV comedy and suddenly get inspiration to change your life. Maybe you binged Friends and started hanging out in coffee shops more often. Perhaps you saw Parks and Recreation and became obsessed with breakfast foods, working for the parks department, whisky and tiny horses. Or, Schitt's Creek might've had you wanting to open your own motel or apothecary, or star in a horror movie about attacking crows (or just saying "eww" a lot). Whichever fits, we've all been there. Taking a few cues from upcoming sitcom Killing It mightn't be the best idea, though — unless you want to start hunting snakes. That's exactly what the series is about, because TV comedies really can be about anything. And if you're wondering why it should pique your interest beyond its concept, we're sure its off- and on-screen talent will do just that. The last time that Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici made television together, Brooklyn Nine-Nine was the end result — with Goor one of its co-creators and Del Tredici an executive producer. If that's not enticing enough, their new reptile-focused show also stars The Office's Craig Robinson (another B99 alum, too), as well as Aussie comedian Claudia O'Doherty (Love, Sarah's Channel, Our Flag Means Death). Robinson keeps his first name on-screen here, playing a man with a dream — chasing the American dream, in fact — but very little luck. Then he gets in a rideshare driven by O'Doherty's Jillian, and is quite shocked when she stops mid-trip to casually swing a hammer at a python, as you do. It's a lucrative business, she informs him in her Aussie accent, and he's soon as intrigued as you likely will be while watching the series' first trailer. Killing It isn't just about snake hunting, though. Like most shows and movies that ponder the American dream, it's also about class and capitalism. And yes, it's just the kind of series that was always likely to land in this post-Tiger King world — because the combination of critters, cash and entrepreneurship is rife with possibilities, and also has plenty to say about the US today. Stan subscribers will be able to watch the results from Friday, April 15, which is when Killing It starts streaming — arriving at the same time locally as it does in the US. Also, whatever premise it had, any series that teamed up Robinson and O'Doherty was always going to be a must-see — slaying snakes or not. Check out the trailer for Killing It below: Killing It will start streaming in Australia via Stan on Friday, April 15. Images: Skip Bolen/Peacock.
Over the past week, we've been hurtled into the throes of winter. While Australia sweltered through a warmer-than-average autumn, it's now appropriately windy and rainy. The gloves and beanies are out of storage and it's time to start loading up on sweets and carbs. To help us do this, Krispy Kreme has announced it's giving away an extremely excessive number of doughnuts. How many? 100,000, to be exact. The giveaway is running in conjunction with 'World Doughnut Day', and while we're not a big fan of food 'days' we are big fans of free food. Especially free doughnuts. To snag yourself a signature glazed freebie (Original Glazed doughnuts are being given out) head to your closest store in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth. Sydneysiders have ten stores — stretching from Penrith to the CBD — to choose from, while Victorians have eight, including a Collins Street store. Queenslanders can pick from five different doughnut shops, with the most central in the CBD Myer Centre, and Perthians can head to one of three Krispy Kreme stores or some Jesters. The 100,000 doughnuts will be spread across all Aussies stores, which means there'll be about 3000 free 'uns available at each. So, you'll want to get in relatively early if you want to kick off your Friday with a free sweet and doughy treat. Most stores open around 7am and there's a limit of one glazed doughnut per person. The free doughnuts are not available at BPs or 7-Elevens. Krispy Kreme's free doughnut giveaway is happening nationwide on Friday, June 7. To find your closest store and check its opening hours, head to the Krispy Kreme website.
Get ready to roll: for one Saturday only, the first-ever Sun Skate Rollerskating Festival is gliding into Milton Park. With Brisbane's own Roller Dance Australia behind the new event, this fest isn't just about strapping some wheels to your feet. Rather, making shapes while wearing skates is the main attraction — complete with a Boogie Nights-themed roller disco. Taking place from 12–8pm on Saturday, December 9, Sun Skate is an all-ages affair except for the disco, which is open for attendees aged 16 and over. While it's technically free to head along to, in most instances you will pay to hit the rink. An hour-long session costs $10, as does skate hire. Getting your Boogie Nights on will set you back $25, while a full day pass other than the disco is $30. There are ways to put your skates on without opening your wallet, however. So, look out for the Zumba class, beginners' skating class and dance jam. Also on offer: markets, food trucks, a skate maintenance workshop, yoga, a treasure hunt and a dog park, plus activities for kids.
UPDATE, Monday, April 15, 2024: The Pandemonium Rocks lineup has changed with Placebo, Deep Purple, Dead Kennedys, Gang of Four, Gyroscope and Fetch no longer on the bill. The details below have been updated to reflect that change. Some music festivals introduce you to your future favourites and today's biggest names. Others are all about enjoying yesterday's greats. Australia has no shortage of both kinds of events, but it's adding one more nostalgic-driven fest: the brand-new Pandemonium Rocks, which will debut on the country's east coast in April. Blondie and Alice Cooper lead the lineup, meaning that 70s hits 'Heart of Glass' and 'School's Out' will echo through the fest. The familiar tunes won't stop there, either, with Wheatus sure to bust out 'Teenage Dirtbag', and Wolfmother certain to give 'Woman' and 'Joker and the Thief' a whirl. [caption id="attachment_938063" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Psychedelic Furs and Cosmic Psychos round out the bill, as headed to Broadwater Parklands on the Gold Coast on Saturday, April 27 and Eatons Hill in Brisbane on Sunday, April 28. One important note for folks in Queensland: if you want to see Debbie Harry sing 'Hanging on the Telephone', 'Rapture' and 'Call Me', you'll need to make a trip to the Goldie as Blondie aren't playing Pandemonium Rocks' last stop. The band's latest visit to Australia comes after playing Coachella 2023, which you might've caught on the fest's livestream. A point of difference with Pandemonium Rocks: the fact that you can bring low-rise beach-style chairs that are smaller than 70 centimetres tall to the outdoor gigs. Top image: Biha via Wikimedia Commons.
This July, you can taste your way from the city to Byron Bay without leaving the luxe surrounds of The W. As part of Good Food Month, the good folks from Three Blue Ducks will take over the hotel with nine courses of deliciousness — for just one night. Every dish will represent the region's best produce, scoped out through the restaurant's close relationships with local farmers and fishers. Just a handful of the menu's offerings include fair game venison tataki with macadamia cream, spent bread and smoked blueberry vinaigrette; Fraser Isle spanner crab with celeriac and quinoa crunch; and warm coconut custard with black cacao sorbet, blood orange and passionfruit. You can count on matches for your dishes in an extensive wine list, alongside a bunch of Byron-inspired cocktails. Meanwhile, soundtracking your feast will be one of Three Blue Ducks' favourite DJs. Hosting the evening will be Darren Robertson, Mark Labrooy and Andy Allen — the co-owners of restaurant chain Three Blue Ducks. Robertson trained at Michelin-starred Graveyte Manor in the UK, before heading up three-hatted Tetsuya's in Sydney, where he met Labrooy. The duo teamed up with Allen after meeting through appearances on MasterChef Australia in 2012. Byron to Brisbane Trail will take place on Sunday, July 7. Tickets cost $150 and include cocktails, grazing stations, wine and beer can be purchased here.
Turning glass containers into plant-filled miniature landscapes, terrariums aren't all that difficult to make. They're an achievable craft project that doesn't require too green a thumb, look great, and can fit in homes of all shapes and sizes. But who wants to whip up a regular ol' terrarium when you can add a splash of Studio Ghibli magic to your pebbles, moss and other plants? At the Totoro Terrarium Workshop, you'll learn all the terrarium basics, including the art of terrarium landscaping, everything you need to know about mosses and lichens, detailed info about tropical species and how to care for them long-term. As the name indicates, you'll also discover how to turn your new creation into an ode to My Neighbour Totoro. As fans of the movie will already know, it's basically screaming out for the terrarium treatment. Your $89 ticket includes all of the above, as well as everything you need to make a Totoro-themed terrarium — with Botanicals by Bella hosting the session at West End's All the Green Things. Book your spot for Tuesday, March 24, with the workshop running from 6.30–8.30pm. Then, be prepared to get spirited away. Top image: Botanicals by Bella.
UPDATE, AUGUST 30, 2021: Due to southeast Queensland's recent lockdown and restrictions, Le Diner en Blanc Gold Coast will no longer take place on Saturday, September 4, 2021, and has been moved to Saturday, March 19, 2022 instead. This article has been updated to reflect that change. "Your nose like a delicious slope of cream / And your ears like cream flaps / And your teeth like hard shiny pegs of cream." Le Diner en Blanc — like Howard Moon's poem — will have you in all white. But sorry, Booshers: this Gold Coast event is just for the sophisticated. Now popping up all around the world, the Diner en Blanc began in Paris three decades ago thanks to François Pasquier and friends. In 2022, around 1200 of southeast Queensland's creme de la creme will once again dress in all-white on Saturday, March 19 with the event held at a predictably stunning location that remains secret until the very last moment. Following an evening of elegance, fine dining and live music, the foodies then pack up their crystal, dinnerware, tables, chairs and litter. Like ghosts (white 'n' all), they leave behind no sign of their rendezvous. That said, don't get any ideas — a white sheet thrown over your figure will not do for an outfit. Le Diner en Blanc guests must either be invited by a member from the previous event, or get on the waiting list for a ticket — with the latter open for registrations now. And, if you're wondering what the event entails — other than eating, drinking and wearing white and white only — you'll need to bring a table and two white chairs with you, as well as your own picnic basket, glassware and white dinnerware. You can order a catered picnic, though, if you don't want to bring your own. Booze-wise, you'll either need to opt for wine or champagne via the event's e-store, or be happy bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages. Images: The Edit Suite.
A Sunday session comes in many forms — from uni kids partying till dawn to a group of mates hanging at their local with a couple of schooeys on the table. If the latter is more your speed, but you'd still like to kick back to some tunes as you while away the Sunday hours, then the Osbourne Hotel has got something in store. To mark the start of summer, the pub is getting together with well-loved beer maker Blue Moon to host a live gig session on Sunday, December 1. Head down to the Fortitude Valley local from 1pm and you'll find Blue Moon's signature citrusy wheat ale on tap, plus some drink specials. Better yet, there'll be bands playing the blues all afternoon. Expect the likes of local bands Mojo Webb and Blues Arcadia, who'll be bringing a touch of Motown blues to Brisbane with their Chicago and Memphis-inspired sounds. You'll also see local artist Gus Eagleton at work, creating a mural on one of the pub's walls. And, because blues and brews go so well with barbecue, the kitchen will be smoking up some meats, matched to Blue Moon's beer, naturally. Brews and Blues will go from 1–9pm on Sunday, December 1.
The unrelenting spirit of subversiveness filters through We Are the Best! as limits are pushed, energy is exuded and emotional wounds are exposed. Three teen girls in Stockholm circa 1980 traverse the troubles of their young years, finding solace in a sound deemed uncool by their peers. When everyone else is embracing the new wave, Bobo (Mira Barkhammar) and her best friend Klara (Mira Grosin) only have ears for punk. Swiftly, they enlist the shy Hedvig (Liv LeMoyne) in their cause. In an astute and involving rendering of the female coming-of-age experience, Lukas Moodysson's latest film understands the unease of being an outsider at such a formative age, as well the comfort that comes from escaping into an all-consuming but unpopular passion. The writer/director's effort radiates the same distinctive combination of awkwardness and relief as it crafts a joyous ode to accepting difference whilst navigating the difficulties of adolescence. A can-do attitude and a thumping soundtrack complete the charmingly determined package. Adapting the graphic novel Never Goodnight, a semi-autobiographical effort by Lukas' wife Coco Moodysson, We Are the Best! accordingly charts the awakening that eventuates when Bobo, Klara and Hedvig endeavour to start their own band, much to the dismay of all around them. They chant "hate the sport" in response to disagreements over rehearsal space, they swoon over local boys who share the same interests, and they cycle through the standard rites of passage of their life stage, from drinking to dating to going wherever the moment takes them. Helming his first feature since 2009's English-language outing Mammoth, Moodysson recaptures the verve and perceptiveness that helped him make his name with previous films Show Me Love, Together and Lilya 4-ever, as well as the same empathy for his characters. We Are the Best! is no teen fantasy nor a youth morality play, with the trials and tribulations of growing up devoid of sugarcoating or messaging. His proto-feminist protagonists are plagued by problems and imperfections, but their failings are facts rather than issues to be remedied as they persevere through his jumpy, enthusiastic frames. Excellent casting caps off the earnest journey through turbulent times that We Are the Best! becomes, with performances ripped from reality. That the central trio hails from the same age group amplifies the authenticity that already teems through the film courtesy of its source material, but Barkhammar, Grosin and LeMoyne add their own spin in delicate evocations of both excitement and uncertainty. Theirs are portrayals both genuine and relatable, evoking the complexity of youthful friendship that echoes beyond the screen. These girls just want to have fun as they eke out their senses of selves, an aim and an outcome that the film gleefully copies. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Xtd5A9hnjaU
When Riverbar and Kitchen on Eagle Street reopened its doors in October 2022 following an eight-month closure due to Brisbane's most recent floods, things started looking brighter for the Solotel and Matt Moran co-owned venue. Expect the radiance to ramp up a few notches this winter, however, when the waterfront watering hole gives itself a temporary neon-hued revamp. There'll be entrancing lights, live performances from 7pm every Friday and Saturday night, and also glowing cocktails. When dusk hits this stretch of the Brisbane River, the bars along its banks bask in the glow of the Story Bridge, of course. But, from Friday, June 23–Sunday, June 30, Riverbar's Nightfall & Neon will give the River City's famous structure a run for its luminous money. Live tunes will also provide a soundtrack as Oscar Production Company's talents bust out their best — and the venue's bartenders freshen your drinks. Entertainment-wise, there'll be neon hula hoopers, mirrored men and fluoro feathered dancers — and that's just the beginning. The lineup will rotate across the six-week season, so you'll never know what might greet you in advance. On the menu: lit-up sips, such as the Light Me Up Gin & Tonic, Electric Dream (made with Bombay Sapphire, blue curaçao, lemon, sugar and soda), Pretty in Purple (Bombay Bramble, lemon juice, sugar and soda), Citrus Moonrise (Bombay Citron Pressè, lemon, sugar and soda) and Parlez Vous Francais (Bombay Premier Cru Murcian Lemon Gin, fresh lemon juice, Leftbank Brut and sugar syrup). The food range will be all about warming bites, too, including pizzas.
Start the lunar new year as you intend to continue it — with a bottomless feast of dumplings and unlimited lychee martinis. Throw in endless barbecue pork buns, chicken and water chestnut shumai and vegetable spring rolls, as well as non-stop Tsingtao beers, and you'll be welcoming the Year of the Rat in style. All of the above is on the menu for two hours at Emporium's Piano Bar, as part of the South Bank venue's Lunar New Year party. There'll also be limited-edition Hong Bao cocktails, made from watermelon liqueur, green tea, raspberry syrup, yuzu, rose, peach foam and fruit pearls, and inspired by the red envelopes traditionally given at this time of year for good fortune. While you're eating and drinking at this all-you-can-consume feast, you'll be in Piano Bar's decadent surroundings, beneath its chandelier and being entertained by a lion dance performance. It all happens from 6–8pm on Saturday, January 25, with tickets on sale for $45.
In the post most likely to give you diabetes, we present the nine best desserts and sweet indulgences in Brisbane. Not for the faint-hearted, or the sugar-free, these nine Brisbane experiences will give you a sugar hit so high you'll have a hangover on the way down. And what will cure such a hangover? A hair of the dog — follow your milkshake crawl with a dessert degustation, then kick the next day off with a boozy brunch and croissant on the go. We dare you. Bacchus five-course dessert degustation Ulmer famously said "life is uncertain; eat dessert first", but we say screw dinner and just eat dessert. Those with a serious sweet tooth and a penchant for fine dining should head to Bacchus for the five-course dessert degustation. Possibly also Brisbane's cheapest degustation (and also in one of its fanciest restaurants), the dishes star everything from raspberry, lemon and chocolate to sticky date and a souffle. The decadent menu will give you change for a $50 and a tummy so full you'll roll down Grey Street afterwards. Take care not to fall in the pool. High tea at Passiontree Velvet Brisbane's newest place for high tea, Passiontree Velvet is here to feed your inner aristocrat, without the pretentiousness. The Carindale store brings more to the bustling shopping centre than just a mid-shop hunger buster; it's an English tea house, Parisian patisserie and a Belgian chocolatier rolled into one, making it a perfect place for a decadent high tea. Everything from Flour & Chocolate Owner/baker Lachlan knows what's up and will have you salivating from the comfort of your bed at 7am on a weekday. Following these guys on Instagram is torture, but often the only thing that gets me out of bed in the morning is knowing there may be F&C baked goods on my horizon. The only reason I've started doing the Couch to 5k is to run to this bakery and justify a cronut, or brownie, or croissant (depending on the day). Yes, you have to go in on specific days for specific things — Wednesdays is gonuts (cronuts), Thursdays for donuts, Fridays for brownies, and the weekend is a free for all. The suspense. Marshmallow martini or boozy brunch at Cowch Flaunting itself as Brisbane's first and only dessert bar, Cowch takes the role very seriously. With a freshly launched breakfast menu, it now offers churros from 7am until late every single day. If you're there in the evening, kick on with the Mello Martini. Think cinnamon-infused vodka, Patron XO Dark Cafe and vanilla, topped with cream and finished with toasted marshmallows. Not for the faint-hearted. Desserts till late at Chester St Bakery Desserts till midnight, 'erynight. We know, we're sorry — because now at 10.30pm on a Tuesday you'll know where to satisfy those cravings. Besides the glass cabinets filled with epic amount of delicious cakes, the dessert menu is dishing up Nutella pizza with caramelised banana and toasted marshmallow, waffles with candied bacon and maple syrup ice cream, and honeycomb parfait with a brownie and warm chocolate sauce to name a few. The pastry chefs at Chester Street make everything on site, including all the cakes, fillings, sauces and garnishes from scratch using quality ingredients. We know if you’ve been drinking, well, there is no stopping you or how much cake you’ll devour. Concrete Playground's Milkshake Crawl At the start of the year we wrote about our #milkshakecrawl to uncover the best of Brisbane's milkshakes. Since then we've happily learnt through the grapevine that quite a few of you have been following your destiny and going an expedition yourselves. Go on, get yourself more milk-drunk than a newborn baby and see if you can beat our record of six between three people in one afternoon. La Macelleria Gelato classes Eating gelato is great, but what if you learnt how to make your own? Every Monday night from 5.30-7pm the new La Macelleria Gelateria in Newstead hosts workshops in the Art of Gelato with a Bolognese man. The two owners, both named Matteo, both from Bologna, have the gelato magic inside them that will transport you to the Italian summer of '12. Roll up your sleeves, listen in and become your own gelato-maestro. Best of all, you get to take home the fruits of your labour — gelato for the week! Dello Mano Brownies The claim to fame is that Ashton Kutcher ordered these Brisbane-made luxury brownies to celebrate his birthday in Paris a few years back. But truly, these brownies are divine. Perch yourself atop a padded tin drum stool, a classic French bistro chair or at the coffee bar and you're guaranteed to feel like you too have just stumbled across a corner cafe in Paris. Crunchy on the outside with an intensely gooey centre, these brownies have that wonderful 'not quite cooked through' texture that leaves you in a state of chocolate bliss. Noosa Chocolate Factory One side of the skinny space at The Dark Chocolatier on Adelaide Street is stacked eye-level to floor with little wooden crates holding everything from the pick and mix to small slabs and rocky road. All chocolate is made at the factory in, you guessed it, Noosa by a small team. Worth a sweet $4.50 per 100g, our top picks include the dark chocolate coated freeze-dried strawberries (have to be tasted the be believed), milk chocolate hazelnuts, dark cocoa-dusted almonds, dark chocolate blueberries and the mango-infused white chocolate coated macadamias. Header image: Cowch
Like a distant aunt of an overzealous neighbour, the fine folks of The Good Ship are welcoming you into their evening of Christmas celebrations with open arms. They’ve come off the back of a big year, with a mass of shows and new tracks, and they are currently in recording mode, which is the craziest time to catch up with a band on account of intense bouts of cabin fever and a diet of snack food, so you know you’re in for some fun. Like any gracious hosts, they are providing some killer entertainment with stellar company — Suicide Swans, Sports Fan and Folklore are in support. There will be no idle swaying near the punchbowl for you, awkward gathering-goer. You will be in the thick of it as the excitement swells, the friends are near, and 2014 goes inching around the corner.
The silly season is for cooking, decorating and creating napkin swans for Aunt Julie, who insists on tradition even though it is 40 degrees outside and everyone is already in a punch coma. DIY Christmases are where it's at. Join those who actually know what they are doing (and buy some gifts with the same amount of love) at this year's Christmas Design Market. Find jewellery, ceramics, textiles and pre-loved fashions for some of your favourite humans (or perhaps as a self-gift, because you're worth it). The annual market always compiles a bunch of well-known names in the creative gifts department — and taking the time to peruse the GOMA collection of books and art is always recommended, as is checking out the edible delights to keep you going. Remember: cute design gifts call for cash, as EFTPOS facilities might not be available at all sellers. The QAGOMA Store Christmas Design Market runs from 9am–4pm on Saturday, December 15 on the GOMA forecourt. Merry shopping!
The silly season is for cooking, decorating and creating napkin swans for Aunt Julie who insists on tradition even though it is 40 degrees outside and everyone is already in a punch coma. DIY Christmases are where it’s at. Join those who actually know what they are doing (and buy some gifts with the same amount of love) at this year’s Christmas Design Market. Find jewellery, ceramics, textiles and pre-loved fashions for some of your favourite humans (or perhaps as a self-gift, because you’re worth it). A bunch of well-known names in the creative gifts department will be on display, from Touch Wood Designs to Zilla, Everingham & Watson (pictured) and Anon&Co. Take the time to peruse the GOMA collection of books and art, as well as the edible delights to keep you going. Remember: cute design gifts call for cash, as EFTPOS facilities might not be available at all stalls. Merry Shopping!
Does your version of celebrating whichever occasion takes your fancy involve eating more of the things you love? Do pork belly, chicken schnitzels, chicken wings and German sausages fall into that category? If so, The Bavarian has an all-you-can-eat special that'll tempt your tastebuds — because a bottomless feast is on the menu. On Wednesdays, the German-themed chain is serving up all-you-can-eat meat platters. They come stacked with all of the aforementioned meats — and yes, the pork belly includes crackling — plus sauerkraut and gravy as sides. And, once you've finished your board, you'll get a whole new serving. On All-You-Can-Meat Wednesdays, there's a two-hour time limit to your eating — and it'll cost you $35 per person. There is a two-person minimum, too, so you'll need to take at least one meat-loving pal along with you. Feel like you can fit in fries, mash and salad as well? That'll cost you an extra $5 for each one, or you can get all three for $10. You'll find The Bavarian at Chermside, The Barracks, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Robina, Broadbeach, Coomera, Mackay and Rockhampton in Queensland. And if you want to all that meat with German brews — which is understandable — you'll pay extra for the drinks.
If you're in or around the Valley this winter, you are in prime position to completely submerge into a world of theatrical delight. Inside an old warehouse, 38 rooms set the stage for Love Lust Lost, the latest production from the convention-shattering creative collective Broad Encounters. Courtesy of the team's sky-high production limits (and creative prowess), you will explore at least 20 of the rooms during your visit — so you'll need to come more than once to discover every nook. You'll set sail into a tumultuous ocean of heartbreak and desire, bravery and passion, led by your captain, Hans Christian Andersen. The fairytale great's story is imagined alongside those of Jules Verne and Joseph Conrad, with their intimate worlds brought to life with soundscapes, spoken word, dance, circus and taste. (There are discounted tickets especially for CP readers, too.) [caption id="attachment_861957" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jade Ellis[/caption] The true delight of your literary-fuelled adventure exists in the delightfully unknown aspects. Let your curiosity take over as you follow your captain into the storm, chasing each clue and desire as the mystery unfurls. And, up until Sunday, September 11, use code CPLUST at the checkout for $25 off tickets (for shows up to and including Sunday, September 25). 'Love Lust Lost' is in residence in Fortitude Valley until Friday, September 30. Head to the website to grab your tickets. Top image: Jade Ellis (second)
Someone else's old designer threads could become your new favourite outfit, all thanks to Brisbane's latest secondhand clothing pop-up. Taking place from 8.30am–12pm on Sunday, December 4, the Bargain Fashion Finds will fill The Old Museum at Bowen Hills with pre-loved fashion and accessories. Even better — everything costs just $10. You'll also need to pay $10 for entry, and the tickets for all that browsing and buying are set at specific times. All of the proceeds will go to the Women's Legal Service Queensland, to assist women and their children experiencing domestic violence. That means that your wardrobe gets a gift and so does a great cause. Expect labels such as Scanlan & Theodore, Alannah Hill, Saba, Witchery, Dissh, Cue, Veronika Maine, Country Road and Gorman — again, all for just a tenner. If you fancy getting a first look at racks, too, there's also a $50 ticket option for first access — with that extra cash still going to WLSQ. Top image: Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons.
If you love a certain food, you don't need a specific day to celebrate it. But, when each and every cuisine- and dish-focused occasion rolls around, it's a good excuse to tuck into the item in the spotlight. So, although no one requires any encouraging at all to feast on pizza, pizza and more pizza, consider the period around February 9 a prime time for slices. Because that date falls on a Thursday in 2023, the Regatta is celebrating a few days afterwards, turning its courtyard into a pop-up pizzeria to do so. Head by on Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12 from 12–8pm to pick between multiple traditional Italian-inspired varieties fresh from the woodfired oven. [caption id="attachment_794007" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Creative Commons[/caption] The Regatta's bars will be open as usual, of course, should you need something to wash down your pizza lunch, dinner or snack. In past years, the pizza range has even included a dessert number — because a day this sweet demands a slice (or several) to match. [caption id="attachment_870402" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption]
Things are looking up, Brisbane. Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means: long, lazy afternoons spent drinking cocktails with your mates. Luckily, our pretty city has capitalised on places to drink outdoors in the form of copious beer gardens and courtyards, where you don't have to wait till the evening to kick things off. To give you some inspiration, we've teamed up with Maker's Mark to pin down the al fresco drinking spots where you can enjoy an old-fashioned, a whisky sour, or whatever refreshment takes your fancy while the sun still shines.
Brisbane might be a summery city, but when winter hits (or even approaches), we still make the most of it. While it mightn't get all that cold in the Sunshine State, we're all well-versed at pretending otherwise for the sake of our tastebuds — and tucking into hearty bites, plus stomach-warming drinks. The folks at Lennons Restaurant & Bar know this, and they're serving up a winter afternoon tea to match. It all starts with roast pumpkin and coconut soup, then includes everything from bite-sized warm Reubens on sourdough, buttermilk scones and other pastries created by pastry chef Regina Rabanal, through to three kinds of cake (chocolate and hazelnut, lemon with white chocolate frosting, and date with salted caramel sauce). The other big drawcard: no, not the coffee and tea (as essential as they are), but the mug of hot spiced cider that's included in the $55 price. Yes, hot booze really is what winter is all about. The afternoon tea is on offer from 2.30–4.30pm every Saturday and Sunday until the end of winter. Another hot perk? You can add a glass of champagne upon arrival if you like, too. Looking to warm up your winter arvos? Head to the website to book.
Any weekend is a good weekend to shop for plants at the Brisbane Markets, the old faithful of the Brissie market scene. That said, Saturday, October 7 will be better than ever thanks to a returning event: Plantapalooza. It's the fourth time that the Rocklea spot has held a plant festival and, running from 6am–1pm, that's something to get excited about. You'll still find the venue's regular 100-stall-plus market array, but it'll be joined by thousands of extra indoor and outdoor plants, as well as plenty of flowers and succulents — and demonstrations from horticulture experts to help you put your green thumb to work. Spring is well and truly in swing, so if you've been putting off getting into the garden, here's your motivation. Or, if you'd like to brighten up your house with a potted piece of nature, here's your chance as well. Remember: there's absolutely nothing wrong with giving a name to your favourite houseplant. Entry costs $2, or $6 with premium parking.
Brisbane mightn't boast a banana stand, but thanks to everyone's favourite Milton dive bar, it will host the next best thing. Just put on a $4000 suit, channel your inner Gob Bluth and ask yourself a very important question: "Why go to a banana stand when you can view a painting of a banana stand?" Of course, we're freely assuming that one of the artworks on display at There Are Dozens of Us: Arrested Development Art Show, The Scratch's latest exhibition, will have taken inspiration from the Bluth family's first business. We're also assuming that people will wear cutoffs, or paint themselves blue, or do their worst impression of a chicken. Or all of the above. The only way to know for sure is to head along on June 12 from 5pm; however television-themed creativity isn't the only thing on offer. You'll also find beverages from Newstead Brewing and Brisbane Brewing Co, such as the "Baby, You Got A Brew Going" American Balboa Brown and the "Ry've Made A Huge Mistake" Rye Lager. As far as we know, no one has made their own version of hot ham water.
When Welcome to Bowen Hills announced it was coming to town, it promised three things: food trucks aplenty, food and booze-themed events aplenty too, and a permanent onsite gin bar. It has delivered on the first two since first welcoming patrons in February, and now the third part of the equation is set to launch. Of course, the precinct is celebrating the only way it knows how. That'd be with a huge gin fest. On May 5 and 6, juniper spirits will be flowing — and not just at Swill, the bar in question. There'll be more than 20 different gin stalls serving up free tastings from midday each day, and showcasing inventive takes on the good ol' G&T, plus other creative gin cocktails. There'll also be food and entertainment, and entry is free. Big Gin Festival joins what's proving to be a busy WtBH lineup — giving you another excuse to drop by the Ekka showgrounds, or motivation to finally head along if you haven't already. Since the meals-on-wheels hangout set up shop, Brisbane has already seen separate fests dedicated to rose and cheese, hot sauce and chilli, garlic bread and gluten-free fare, with a Eurovision food festival and a chicken nugget festival also coming up.
If you're the type of sensible Brisbanite that likes all good things in moderation, then you might want to sit out La Valle's latest special event. The Fortitude Valley wine bar and bottle shop is now doing monthly wine and fondue pairings — bottomless wine, that is, and gooey pots of fondue that use ten different types of everyone's favourite dairy product. Drinks-wise, you'll be sipping vino for two hours. When it comes to cheese, mozzarella, parmigiano, pecorino, manchego, asiago, montasio, brie, camembert, stracciatella and gruyere all come melted together. For the latter, you'll also get a platter of foods to slather in your fondue — because this is the ultimate sipping and dipping session. The wine and fondue sessions run three times each month: at 11am, 12pm and 1pm. That said, you'll want to book your $39 ticket quick smart, as currently places are only available on Sunday, November 28 and Sunday, December 19 (with the August–November pairings already sold out).
UPDATE: July 13, 2020: The Goldfinch is available to stream via Netflix, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. A best-selling, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. A filmmaker fresh from directing another literary adaptation to three Oscar nominations. A cast of high-profile faces spanning Nicole Kidman, Jeffrey Wright (Westworld), Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) and Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver). Regardless of whether screenwriter Peter Straughan counts as a strength or a weakness — he scripted the excellent recent version of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, but was also responsible for the horrendous The Snowman — The Goldfinch definitely doesn't lack in pedigree. Alas, as based on Donna Tartt's 2013 book and directed by John Crowley (Brooklyn), the result is a curious film. It's easy to see how this neo-Dickensian coming-of-age tale about a traumatised teen, an explosion, a stolen painting and the chaos that follows could enthral on the page; however it's just as easy to remain distanced from it on the big screen. When viewers first meet Theo Decker (Elgort), he's a suave, drug-addicted twentysomething in Amsterdam. How he got there, why he's so stressed and strung out, and why he's muttering about an artwork called The Goldfinch are all soon relayed via flashbacks. At the age of 13, Theo (Oakes Fegley, Pete's Dragon) visits the Metropolitan Museum of Art with his mother, survives a bombing that claims her life, and leaves with a ring he's asked to return to an antiques dealer (Wright) — as well as the famed 1654 piece by Carel Fabritius that gives the movie its name. When he's happily bunking down with the wealthy family of one of his private school classmates, and hoping that their matriarch (Nicole Kidman) will adopt him, Theo hides the stolen painting. As he's struggling through a strained Las Vegas reunion with his compulsive gambler dad (Luke Wilson) and bartender girlfriend (Sarah Paulson), the portrait haunts him. And, after he's all grown up, back in New York and trading in antiques himself, the picture remains out of sight but never out of Theo's mind. While The Goldfinch takes its moniker from the beloved masterpiece and tasks its protagonist with fixating on it, the priceless artwork means more here as a symbol than as an object. A knowledge of art history will help audience members, but the film does eventually explain the painting's fascinating background, its parallels with Theo's journey, and why it represents the enduring nature of beauty in shaping both individual and collective memories. That said, on a narrative level, the piece is hardly crucial — especially given the hectic wave of unlikely events that keep befalling Theo both as an adolescent and as an adult. Indeed, as their lead character befriends a rebellious Ukrainian (Wolfhard), obsesses over a flame-haired fellow survivor (Ashley Cummings), reignites old acquaintances and gets immersed in shady dealings on opposite sides of the world, Crowley and Straughan can't be accused of skimping on plot. Story-wise, there's rarely an empty moment. What the feature lacks, however, is the space to truly value anything of importance — and space to appreciate why its namesake is so emotionally and thematically pivotal. Much of The Goldfinch's troubles stem from its on-screen structure, which, ditching the novel's linear timeline, flits back and forth between the younger and older Theo. While it's an expressive choice, designed to convey the adrift and uncertain inner state plaguing its central figure, it largely plays as needlessly convoluted. As a result, the movie feels simultaneously laborious, rushed and distracted across its 2.5-hour running time — like it's packing as much as possible onto its large canvas in a purposeful, painstaking way, then devoting its time to watching paint dry rather than soaking in the details. In the film's visuals and performances, there's still something to relish. It helps immensely that The Goldfinch has enlisted one of the best cinematographers in the business, with Roger Deakins as talented at making his peach and gold-tinted frames resemble great art as he was at navigating a neon-hued futuristic world (and winning an Academy Award, too) in Blade Runner 2049. Fine-tuned portrayals by Kidman, Wright and Fegley also assist, although Elgort comes across as opaque rather than conflicted, Wolfhard is blighted by his cartoonish accent, and Wilson and Paulson seem like they've stepped in from another movie entirely. What ultimately lingers, though, is an unfortunate comparison. It's an obvious one, as happens whenever a movie calls attention to a far superior work, and it doesn't serve Crowley's film well. It never escapes attention that Fabritius' painting depicts a creature capable of flying high, but firmly stuck in place — a feat that, despite seemingly boasting all the right elements, The Goldfinch mirrors in all the wrong ways. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_nRqgk1HgM
When it comes to showcasing up-and-coming Australian musical talents, and also celebrating the country's music industry in general, Brisbane's BIGSOUND has never held back. Going big is right there in its name, after all. So, with the event finally making its in-person return after a pandemic-afflicted couple of years — and also marking its 21st birthday — it should come as no surprise that it's hosting its biggest lineup ever. Running from Tuesday, September 6–Friday, September 9, this year's event will pop up at 21 different venues, too — and with a whopping 182 bands and artists taking to its stages. That's 38 artists more than the last in-person event, in 2019, boasted — and they'll take to 23 stages at those Fortitude Valley spots. Leading the charge: Adrian Dzvuke, Budjerah, flowerkid, Dallas Woods, Mia Wray and Teenage Joans, as well as Dulcie, Ghost Care, Ashwarya, Birdz, Jem Cassar-Daley, Concrete Surfers and VOIID. The list goes on, and also includes the event's first BIGSOUND Country lineup, spanning country The Buckleys, Hinterland, DARLINGHURST, Loren Ryan, Melanie Dyer, Taylor Moss and The Wolfe Brothers. A contingent from New Zealand will head over as well, with JessB, Soaked Oats, Troy Kingi, TE KAAHU, Church & AP, MELODOWNZ and Jenny Mitchell making the trip. [caption id="attachment_861894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] Wondering which venues will be doing the honours? The list features everywhere from Black Bear Lodge and both inside and outdoors at The Brightside through to The Wickham and The Zoo. If you're a BIGSOUND regular, you'll know what all of this entails: jumping between as many spaces as possible, all teeming with as many bands, industry folks and music-loving punters as possible, and enjoying the latest and greatest tunes and talent that's on offer. Expect 2022's iteration to be no different to usual — well, the pre-pandemic usual — although the vibe is set to jump up a few notches given that there's so much to celebrate. This year's fest will also include 300 artist showcases and more than 20 parties, while the conference side of things will welcome in 150-plus speakers over 55 sessions (and more than 1500 delegates as well). Leading the conference bill so far: 'Friday' singer Rebecca Black; activist, author and #MeToo movement founder Tarana Burke; Mushroom Group CEO Matt Gudinski; and Jaguar Jonze and Example. [caption id="attachment_851420" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bianca Holderness[/caption] BIGSOUND 2022 VENUES: Black Bear Lodge Blute's Bar The Brightside The Brightside Outdoors EC Venue Ivory Tusk King Lear's Throne La La Land O'Skulligans The Outpost Press Club The Prince Consort Hotel Prohibition Ric's Bar + Backyard Stranded Bar Summa House Tomcat The Warehouse The Wickham Woolly Mammoth Mane Stage The Zoo Top image: Jess Gleeson.
UPDATE, December 23, 2021: Better Watch Out is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. The weather outside might be frightful, but staying indoors is far from delightful. Indeed, in Christmas slasher story Better Watch Out, the gifts and games are of the murderous kind. With his parents (Virginia Madsen and Patrick Warburton) heading out for some seasonal cheer, 12-year-old Luke (Levi Miller) and his pal Garrett (Ed Oxenbould) are left home alone in the suburbs with 17-year-old babysitter Ashley (Olivia DeJonge). If you've seen any kind of horror movie, Christmas-themed or not, you'll know that it doesn't turn out well. Far from walking merrily through familiar territory, however, writer-director Chris Peckover and his co-scribe Zack Kahn have a few surprises in store for fans of festive thrills. Their teenage trio aren't exactly setting booby traps for burglars, but nor are they simply hiding out as a knife-wielding maniac wreaks havoc. Even before the weapons come out, things aren't exactly going smoothly. Luke is soon downing champagne in his desperate attempt to seduce Ashley, despite the fact that she's preoccupied with arguing on the phone with her boyfriend. Oh, and someone is out to kill them. Someone inside the house. If Better Watch Out was a Yuletide beverage, it'd be spiked eggnog: you think you know what you're getting, but after a couple of sips it turns out to be something very different. And while it's best for viewers to experience the movie's twists and turns for themselves, savouring the performances that go with them is heartily recommended. Miller (Jasper Jones), Oxenbould (Paper Planes) and DeJonge (The Visit) embrace their multifaceted roles with relish, playing to type before suddenly veering in unexpected directions. The three local actors are a boon to the US-Australian co-production, which is set in the States but was shot in Sydney. With found footage film Undocumented also on his resume, Peckover has clearly seen more than a few scary movies, and wears his expertise on his sleeve. Better Watch Out is filled with overt nods to genre tropes — but then again, aren't most horror films these days? Here, winking at convention heightens the tongue-in-cheek vibe, although it also occasionally proves to be a crutch. In some moments, the movie's meta-references are smart, inspired and laugh-out-loud hilarious. In others, they mosey a little too close to cartoonish, particularly as the story starts to wind up. But the film fares far better when it comes to its treatment of Christmas flicks, burrowing into the darkness behind the supposedly happiest time of the year. Toxic Yuletide fantasies, toxic domesticity, toxic masculinity — Peckover and Kahn find time to poke and prod all three amidst their nasty pranks, hormonal teens and festive tunes. For fans of horror comedy, Better Watch Out is one seriously warped present beneath the Christmas tree. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b88Z3Xa9v4s
Cheese and pasta go together like few food combinations. As great as they both are individually, a particularly enticing alchemy of flavours occurs when they join forces. But simply sprinkling grated mozzarella or ground parmesan over your spaghetti is yesterday's news. Eating pasta served out of a cheese wheel is what it's all about now. Salt Meats Cheese has long been hopping on everyone's current favourite Italian culinary bandwagon with its weekly night dedicated to the dish — and while Australia's restaurants and eateries are currently in takeaway and delivery-only mode, that doesn't mean you have to miss out on your cheesy pasta fix. Every Wednesday, you can order one kilogram of brie cheese spaghetti for $39, and either pick it up or have it brought to your home via UberEats or Deliveroo. While you're sitting at your own dining table, you'll be able to tuck into the cheesiest bowl of pasta you're ever likely to taste, with each serving designed for two people. Flavour-wise, there's a few available, because even a meal like cheese wheel pasta can use a few additions. Just classic cheese is on the menu, as are black truffle sauce, carbonara and a supremely indulgent four-cheese sauce.
Hailing from Sydney, Johnny Wishbone, Pauly K, Nick London and Cougar Jones comprise the blues rock band, The Snowdroppers. Influenced by rock gods such as Midnight Oil and INXS, the boys have a unique sound charged with testosterone and featuring heavy classic rock beats and blusey guitar riffs. The Snowdroppers have organised a national tour to celebrate the release of their third single, 'So Much Better', from their second album, Moving out of Eden. 'So Much Better' tells the story of how it seems so much easier to hurt those closest to you. Despite the serious subject matter, the song is lively, upbeat and super infectious; it is guaranteed that this song will get stuck in your head. Head to Alhambra to catch these Sydneysiders as they bring their bluesy rock goodness across the border. Buy your tickets here!
September is here and if you're an NRL fan, that can only mean one thing: it's finals season. This year, Queensland footy fans are in for a treat as every single match-up in the battle for the Telstra Premiership trophy will be contested on home turf. From Cowboys country in Townsville to the stadiums throughout south-east Queensland, the best eight teams of the 2021 NRL season will be vying for the Provan-Summons Trophy all across the Sunshine State this year. The first round of finals action kicks off on Friday, September 10 at Sunshine Coast Stadium when another chapter will be added to the fierce rivalry between the Melbourne Storm, this year's minor premiers and the defending title holders, and the Manly Sea Eagles. The next day there'll be back-to-back games at Townsville's Queensland Country Stadium. First up, the Sydney Roosters challenge the Gold Coast Titans in a sudden-death playoff. That evening, the Penrith Panthers will take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The finals action will continue over the next three weeks, when the league's best teams will fight for a spot in the Grand Final at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, October 3. Love your footy? There's nothing like seeing all the nail-biting action up close. For more information and to book your tickets to the finals, visit the website.
For almost two decades, Love Actually has been everyone's go-to British rom-com with festive flavour. This year, Last Christmas wants to give the star-studded classic a run for its money. And, given that it pairs Game of Thrones' Emilia Clarke with Crazy Rich Asians' Henry Golding, is directed by Bridesmaids and A Simple Favour's Paul Feig, and features the music of George Michael — including the Wham! tune that shares the movie's title, obviously — this new dose of cinematic sweetness might just achieve that aim. Admittedly, Last Christmas sounds a little like the result of overlapping Venn diagrams mapping things that absolutely everyone loves. Its leads hail from one of the biggest shows of this century and one of the huge film hits of the past year, respectively. Its director has a following of his own. Even folks who aren't all that fond of Christmas manage to find a soft spot for festive flicks. And, there's never a bad time for George Michael's music — or, as Always Be My Maybe demonstrated earlier this year, for upbeat rom-coms that take their title from a beloved pop track. But, based on the just-released first trailer, this Christmassy movie doesn't just hit obvious crowd-pleasing beats. It also has plenty of charm. The fact that it's co-written by Emma Thompson, who has an Oscar for screenwriting (for Sense and Sensibility) and also co-stars in the flick, clearly helps. And, if Michael's existing hits didn't provide enough of a soundtrack, the film will also feature new, previously unreleased tunes by the late singer. Story-wise, the movie follows the cynical, Scrooge-like Kate (Clarke), who works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop but has a distinct lack of seasonal cheer herself. She has ample reasons for her unhappy demeanour, including her stern boss (Michelle Yeoh), although she might also have some motivation to start feeling more jovial when she keeps running into the endearing Tom (Golding). Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9CEIcmWmtA Last Christmas releases in Australian cinemas on November 7.
