Maybe you think he's the most imaginative filmmaker working today. Perhaps you loved his early movies, but haven't been as fond as his continued collaborations with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. Either way, there's one thing everyone can agree on when it comes to Tim Burton: at his best, he's a cinematic artist. We're pretty sure everyone can also recognise that the man behind Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood and Corpse Bride is never less than fascinating, even when films like Planet of the Apes, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland and Dark Shadows aren't quite hitting their marks. Indeed, The Brightside is paying tribute to his distinctive style as much as his movie output in their one-evening-only gothic extravaganza, aka A Night of Tim Burton. Expect creepy flicks playing all night long, themed cocktails and free candy, plus Man vs Bear hosting a few rounds of Tim Burton trivia. And as always, expect to get dressed up for the occasion. If you've ever wanted to do your best Depp impression, here's your chance — and yes, there's prizes on offer for the best costume.
It's a question that not only resounds in one of the catchiest cheesy dance tunes of the early '90s, but features in one of Saturday Night Live's most popular skits of the period. "What is love?" Haddaway asked, and Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan bopped their heads along to — and you've pondered yourself as well. So have the group of emerging, established and significant Australian artists who've contributed to LOVE...more than a four letter word, Caboolture Regional Art Gallery's contemplation of the topic. The almost two-month-long exhibition offers a range of thoughts, feelings and interpretations of passion, affection, adoration and devotion in all its forms. That's not all the sentiment-focused showcase does, though — it also displays both historical and contemporary artworks made in a variety of media to trace, dissect and understand how artistic notions of love have changed over time. Yes, it's the kind of gallery trip you'll want to make with your nearest and dearest, and with a love-themed Spotify playlist to listen to. Image: Carey, Anna, Love Shadow (2010), ciclee print on paper.
Do you like being terrified and entertained at the same time? Is indulging in all things spooky and scary your idea of fun? Halloween might only come around once a year, but that's not going to stop The Brightside. If you're itching for a frightening fix, they've got you covered. Nightmare on Warner Street is the horror-themed evening you didn't know you were desperate to go to in the middle of the winter. Killer cocktails will get you in the right mood — and if that's not enough, so will Exiled In Eden, Climb The Hierarchy, Paremetres and Give It All as they bust out their creepiest tunes. And of course, just as no petrifying party would be complete without a nod to the films that have caused many a fearful reaction, no Brighty shindig would be complete a trivia contest. Man vs Bear will be on hand to quiz you about slasher flicks, horror tropes and chilling franchises that just won't die. Be warned: this free night of fun isn't for the faint-hearted.
When it comes to food events, there's nothing quite like the Sunnybank $2 Food Trail. It's all there in the name, with the Brisbane suburb's shopping hub becoming a diner's delight in the most affordable fashion. Think of it as the ultimate self-guided foodie adventure, for nothing more than spare change. At your own pace, you'll walk between more than 41 participating local cafes and restaurants featuring a range of authentic Asian cuisines. You'll feast on Chinese, Japanese, Hong Kong-style, Vietnamese, Korean and Taiwanese dishes, and you'll only pay $2 per plate. With such an array of steaming soups and sizzling stir-fries on offer, we don't recommend eating lunch first; in fact, you'd best arrive feeling as hungry as possible. Snacking on signature dishes is the main course — or several; however there's also plenty of non-edible appetisers, too. That'd be live music, lion dancers and roaming entertainment, adding the perfect garnish to every meal by setting the mood.
If you've got a good memory, you might remember one of Daniel Radcliffe's other big roles, even if you didn't see it. In 2007, the actor was smack bang in the middle of making Harry Potter films when he decided to show his full range of acting talents in a completely different part. Actually, he decided to show a whole lot more. The play was Equus, his character was a troubled young man seeking treatment from a psychologist, and the performance required him to literally bare all. Almost a decade later, Brisbane Arts Theatre is putting on their own version of the theatre classic — and though the former boy who lived has been in Queensland recently making a movie, he's not in this production. Of course, the story at the centre of Sir Peter Schaffer's 1973 piece is bound to pique your interest anyway, given that it's partly a detective story and partly an exploration of passion, sex, religion, and sanity. Catch some of Brissie's most passionate performers take on the iconic play, and know that they're in good company. Other than Hogwarts' favourite wizard, the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Richard Burton and Leonard Nimoy have all featured in different versions over the past four decades.
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 2016 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. 2015 Festival Director's Award-winner Luke Heggie tops a packed bill, as corralled by US comic Mike G doing MC duties. They're joined by The Stevenson Experience, Amanda Gray, Bart Freebairn and John Cruckshank, aka the nation's next big comedy names in waiting. Check them out now, and then put their solo shows on your must-see list for the 2017 festival circuit.
Planning a big Ekka holiday? Aren't we all. But before you get all up in Ekka eve, don't forget to save some fun for the actual day itself. Whether you're making up for taking it easy the night before, or need a bit of hair of the dog to help you recover. Either way, you'll find plenty of pints at Bloodhound Bar from midday, with Hope Estate Brewhouse's tasty beverages taking over the taps. They just won this year's Champion Small Brewery prize at the national Craft Beer Industry Association awards, so you know their IPAs, stouts, ciders and lagers are top notch. Plus, Paul from the brewery will be on-hand to chat about his yeasty creations.
The northern British city of Sheffield has given the music world many gifts, but for the last decade, one band has sat at the top at the heap. The Arctic Monkeys got toes tapping with the fastest selling debut album in UK chart history, and kept oozing out indie-rock tunes across four more albums. You own their records. You saw their shows. If you lived in Brisbane last time they came to town, you were probably there when the PA system stopped working but Alex Turner kept singing. Now, you can head to the Empire Hotel for an evening dedicated to loving everyone's favourite Yorkshire group. With the band still on hiatus since their 2014 tour, it's the only kind of Arctic Monkeys-focused communal experience you can have when they're not playing live gigs. Taking their advice, snapping out of your everyday life and putting on your dancing shoes for a piledriver waltz or two of is recommended, because the bulk of their tracks will get a spin over the course of the evening. That's what happens when Bistrotheque put on an appreciation night, after all. With picks this good, here's hoping for more tributes to come in the future.
They've brought their distinctive sensibilities to new theatre adaptations of Animal Farm, 1984, Wuthering Heights and Dracula. Now, shake & stir theatre co has set their sights on another classic: Samuel Beckett's Endgame. If it sounds familiar, that's because the play pops up quite frequently (both Melbourne Theatre Company and Sydney Theatre Company staged versions last year, the latter starring Hugo Weaving, in fact). There's clearly something about the Irish dramatist's tale of lost souls contemplating their impending end that strikes a chord. Maybe it's the existential musings — or the combination of ridiculousness and resonance? Either way, director Michael Futcher and a cast that includes Leon Cain, Robert Coleby, Jennifer Flowers and John McNeill will explore the possibilities of the end that awaits us all. It's as bleak as it is brilliantly amusing, because, as Beckett himself noted, "nothing is funnier than unhappiness".
What's better than one comedy cabaret show? A comedy cabaret show that's actually three shows in one. Of course, Sample Gags' name should've given that away. Prepare to get a dose of songs and laughs in bite-sized chunks. Basically, it's a taster for those keen to expand their horizons — or a compilation for fans of all three acts. However you choose to look at it, it's a great night of entertainment. If amusing folk music is your kind of thing, then faux folk act Lena and Luke Warmwater — aka the southern hemisphere's most inspirational nu-folk duo — will get you humming. Then, get in touch with your inner bogan courtesy of Greg Bird's award-winning character Cliffy, before indulging in narcissistic comedy and catchy vocals with #FirstWorldWhiteGirls. Yes, if there's one thing Sample Gags delivers, it's variety.
There's two types of people in this world: Seinfeld fans and Curb Your Enthusiasm lovers. Sure, you can like them both — but everyone prefers one more than the other. Whether you can be found wondering what the deal is about just about anything, or going out of your way to get your own way about just about everything else, the winning combination that is Man vs Bear and Shady Palms have you covered. Just drop by the Greenslopes hangout on July 13 and prepare to put your affection to the test in a competitive trivia environment. A few rules: bring three friends with you, don't wear a puffy shirt, and avoid low-flow showers before you arrive. And a few more: make sure any $50 notes are squeaky clean, don't talk about anyone's beloved aunt, and watch who you make eye contact with. Okay, so none of these really apply, but if you know what we're talking about, you're primed to have a good night.
You'll never hear us complaining that there are too many festivals — but once you discover the details of Brisbane's latest event, you'll agree that there really is a festival for everything. The Festival of the Goat is exactly what it sounds like. Yes, a certain farmyard animal is in the spotlight. And yes, petting goats is all part of the fun of a day that includes everything from the real-life creatures to no less than seven bands — Peyote Goat - ie, The Skategoats, Spider Goat Canyon, Belligerent Goat, Göatzilla, Astrogoat and Lord Goat — that feature the word goat in their moniker. You can also enjoy lyrical words about goats at a poetry slam session, and feast your eyes on a goat-themed body art display. Goat curries will be on offer, too, thanks to West End Charcoal; however if confronting the food chain in person makes you feel awkward, that's completely understandable. Basically, whichever way you choose to celebrate bleating billies, you can do it at New Globe Theatre from 2pm on July 9 — and at the free after-party from midnight at Sabotage Social. Plus, this is just the first of what the organisers hope will be many annual occasions of goat-related revelry. Put a recurring entry in your calendar now.
Have you ever loved a movie so much that you just had to create an entire art exhibition dedicated to it? Nordacious has. In fact, the Brisbane artist (aka James Hiller) is clearly more than a little fond of the 1994 Aussie gem that is Muriel's Wedding, its soundtrack overflowing with ABBA hits, and its underlying message about the importance of self-acceptance. That would explain why the titular character that brought Toni Collette to fame — and her on-screen collection of friends, family members and enemies, too — are at the centre of Nordacious' month-long showcase at This Must Be the Place. Yep, it's goodbye Porpoise Spit and hello Fortitude Valley as far his distinctive prints are concerned. Each artwork uses fine liner ink pointillism (a technique in which distinct dots are applied to form an image) to commemorate pivotal scenes from the film, which are then framed with digitally generated kitsch motifs and stylised typography. And if you needed any more convincing about Nordacious' obsession, each portrait takes 100 hours to create. If you want to spend that much time staring at one and saying "you're terrible, Muriel", they're also available to purchase.
Not all tribute nights are created equal. First, there's the kind of collection of covers that you'll find at every suburban pub. Then, there are the affectionate odes that eventuate when a great music venue gathers a bunch of the country's best bands and asks them to craft their own homage. It's the latter that the Triffid has made their own in their less than two years of operation, with everyone from Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, The Cure, Pink Floyd and The Clash getting the loving treatment. On July 23, they'll be riding the lightning, heading off to never-never land and offering justice to all at their latest event — as long as you're a Metallica fan, that is. With each act playing four of the heavy metal behemoth's tracks and two of their own, Whiskey & Speed, Smoking Martha, Old Fashion, Simon Gardner and Fuzzpilot will take to the stage to show that when it comes to rockin' out and thrashing about, nothing else matters. Yep, their guitar riffs and growls will provide the fuel, the fire and that which you desire. If you don't make it along, expect the bell to toll for you.
If you're looking for the shindig to end all shindigs this weekend, don't just head to the Valley — hop aboard the Hogwarts Express. Or pretend to, complete with all the Harry Potter costumes such a journey needs. Yes, the Brightside is once again celebrating a certain boy wizard, his wondrous world, and the books and films that defined many a childhood. Of course, Brighty Goes to Hogwarts 3 is a grown-up affair, complete with master potion makers behind the bar brewing up some very special batches of delicious concoctions. If cocktails aren't your thing, prepare for buckets of Butterbeer. Apart from drinking and dressing up — which everyone does, so consider yourself warned — there's plenty of other potty party fun to be had. Get a free spray-on dark mark, find out whether the sorting hat thinks you're a Gryffindor or a Hufflepuff, test your trivia wizardry and just generally groove the night away. It really does sound like magic, doesn't it?
When Donny wakes up after a big night out, he's cursed with a state everyone's been through at least once: a killer hangover. Alas, he's not just feeling a little worse for wear. He doesn't know where he is, and his physical side effects have extended to intimate parts of his body. That's how Dick Done Broke begins, with its title giving away the source of some of Donny's frustrations. As for the rest — well, that's for you to discover when the one-man show makes its Australian premiere at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Performed from a swinging platform and starring Adam Drake as Donny, the production contemplates fatherhood, sex and modern life in general from a working-class perspective. If it sounds both universal and specific, that's because it is. The tale and its themes are bound to strike a chord with everyone in the audience, all while springing from the mind of American actor, writer and director DJ Mendel.
Imagine that, for some strange reason, you're only allowed to watch films starring one particular actor. Then, imagine that you're forced to watch them over and over again. You can pick any performer that you like — but we all know there's just one right answer to this. Who wouldn't want to keep enjoying flicks starring Bill Murray? In fact, it sounds like a scenario out of one of his movies. No, it's not Groundhog Day at Dendy Portside — it's the Month of Murray, although you'll find the star's joyfully repetitive rom-com with Andie MacDowell on the lineup, of course. Every Monday night throughout July, you'll also find other favourites, whether running away to the army, heading to Japan or going deep-sea diving takes your fancy. If you hadn't already guessed, Stripes, Lost in Translation and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou round out the program, and give audiences a glimpse of a host of different Murray roles in the process. Picking only one to see is virtually impossible, so that leaves you with one option: head along to them all.
Celebrating July 4th in Australia by doing something other than watching aliens blow up the White House is one of those "any excuse for a party" type of deals. Sure, most of us don't actually need a reason for a shindig — but isn't eating, drinking and being merry that little bit more enjoyable when you've got an occasion to commemorate? If you answered yes, and you're fond of wings and whiskey, then Buffalo Bar's three-day Festival of the Free is definitely for you. And if you need something more to get you excited, then perhaps corn tossing, laneway tailgate-style shenanigans, a Lady Liberty food challenge and Seinfeld trivia will do the trick. Add live bands to the mix, and this American-themed extravaganza has everything from food to entertainment — and a Jack Daniel's pop-up bar as well. Plus, come Sunday, the fun keeps on keepin' on with a $65-per head, three-course Independence Day Feasting Package complete with Buffalo signature wings, smoked beef brisket and warm apple pie. Yum.
You've gotta love it when a local gig fulfils several purposes. Sure, it could showcase new and emerging talent, shine a spotlight on one of the city's thriving music scenes, and help raise funds for an essential community radio station — or it could do all of the above. Infest the Nation #5 certainly aims to tick all three boxes, and give attendees a new bunch of favourite acts as well. If you're already into Brissie hip-hop, you'll be excited up the lineup of I AM D, Swilo, Ali the Great, Kenzie FromWelly and tomtom. And if you're just discovering their beats and rhymes, then prepare to have your mind — and your ears — blown. As the name suggests, it's the fifth time 4ZZZ have thrown together such a shindig, which helps them as much as it helps you. Your hard earn cash assists them to keep being the all-round local music legends that they are, and making nights like this possible.
Everyone's favourite annual celebration of France is back for another year. That'd be the Brisbane French Festival, complete with all the fine food, busy market stalls and fun activities Francophiles have come to expect. This year's three-day cultural affair features plenty of all three, although the wine pavilion is certain to be everyone's first port of call. If you're able to tear yourself away from sipping on deliciousness, you can browse for homewares, gifts, fashion, books and magazines, or enjoy live music, dance classes and even magic and acrobatics. Want to steep yourself a little deeper in French style? That's where the fashion shows and masterclasses come in. Jostle for the front row at the festival's annual parade of chic clothing, or learn about everything from French table settings to whipping up decadent pastries. Then, cap off your weekend of Gallic goodness with a glass of champagne — yes, there's a session on that too, of course. Image: Jez Timms.
Ever wanted to hear the music of Leonard Cohen echoing around a lake, watch contemporary ballet performed on a floating stage in the middle of an estuary, or see an opera staged at a wildlife sanctuary? Dreamed of eating dinner with a character during a performance? Or gazing at bodies flying into the sky on one of Queensland's most famous beaches? Well, even if you haven't, here's your chance. Gold Coast's Bleach* Festival has announced its 2016 lineup — and it includes all the above, and more. Yes, it's the three-week-long Brisbane residents should jump in their cars and make the trek down the highway for this March. When it comes to coastal weekend fun of the music, arts, theatre, dance and performance kind — and of the taking creative ventures to exquisite natural locations kind, too — this annual multi-arts fest has you covered. It does boast more than 50 events, including eight world premieres, after all. That bustling schedule includes Horizon with Angels, that is, that combination of Cohen, acrobats and Evandale Lake you didn't know you were hanging out for. Mid-water dancers form part of Shifting Sands, a celebration of the cultures, communities and characters that shape Currumbin Estuary. Opera Selvaggio also graces the beachside suburb, with The Voice finalist Naomi Price heading to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to belt out soaring renditions of opera and musical theatre's most popular pieces. Then there's Saltwater — which comes complete with a meal with the play's protagonist — plus The Last Blast, which lets Gold Coast dance company The Farm loose on the shoreline of Surfers Paradise. If that's not enough, a concert and songwriting workshop with festival special guest Ben Lee, an outdoor projection gallery named Luminaries, and a free street party at Palm Beach are also on the Bleach* bill. Because a great festival is all about variety. Bleach* Festival Gold Coast runs from March 4-20. Visit their website to check out the full program. Image: Darcy Grant.
When you look at a map — whether on a piece of paper, or on the screen of your phone — what do you see? Colours, shapes and lines? A way to help you get from point A to point B? Driven by his ongoing interest in the field — and approaching the subject through the intersection of colonial history, European modernism and its connections to the Pacific — Daniel Boyd sees something different. He spies not just a directional tool, but a key for unlocking land, sea, sky and the great unknown. In his first solo exhibition in Queensland, the Cairns-born, Sydney-based artist combines his fascination with his practice to make a new set of charcoal and oil-based images. His amalgam of complex layers of dots and simple line drawings nod to ceremonial mark-making and navigational charts, while also dissecting the relationship between the western and indigenous art of Australia.
It has been less than two years since Ridley Scott told the tale of Moses leading the Hebrews from Egypt using a cast of white actors. Controversy surrounded Exodus: Gods and Kings, yet that hasn't stopped the latest Hollywood effort to spin a mythical story set in the region from following in its footsteps. Gods of Egypt asks audiences to accept Game of Thrones actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Olympus Has Fallen star Gerard Butler as a pair of Egyptian deities. Australians also feature, with ex-Home and Away star Brenton Thwaites as the human caught in the middle of their feud, and national treasure Geoffrey Rush also popping up, all under the guidance of local writer-director Alex Proyas. That a modicum of controversy has resulted from the casting could be a blessing in disguise, since the film offers little else to inspire much in the way of conversation. Aussie audiences might get a thrill out of spotting the likes of Bryan Brown and Tiriel Mora amidst the action, albeit only briefly. Video game fans might enjoy the movie's glossy, CGI-heavy visuals, which look as if they should be interacted with, rather than watched. Few will find much of interest in the overarching story, which sets Coster-Waldau's Horus against Butler's Set in a battle for the Egyptian throne. When the latter interrupts the former's coronation, he takes control of the nation, threatens his fellow gods into submission and enslaves his subjects. Enter Thwaites' Bek, a thief more interested in his girlfriend, Zaya (Courtney Eaton), than his divine overlords — but willing to help Horus regain his rightful place, initially simply to please the object of his affections. Gods of Egypt might sound like a sombre affair, but it soon proves anything but. Hammy performances and cheap looking special effects aren't the norm, though someone obviously forgot to tell that to the scenery-chewing Butler and whoever was responsible for the painfully unconvincing CGI flames. Elements like these are indicative of the film's cheesy, light-hearted tone. Trying to have fun with the material can't save or even significantly improve the film, but it does make it slightly easier to endure. If the feature isn't taking itself too seriously, audiences can follow suit. In fact, in making a pseudo swords-and-sandals adventure that's also an odd couple buddy comedy and a clichéd romance, perhaps Proyas isn't just fashioning a fantasy version of the past. Perhaps he's also dreaming of the future. After all, both The Crow and Dark City, the two features the filmmaker remains best known for, largely became cult hits through repeated home video viewing. Gods of Egypt is unlikely to join them, but years from now, viewers might be laughing, Flash Gordon-style, at the ungodly mess Proyas has made.
There are plenty of reasons to buy tickets to a comedy show. Maybe you're already a fan. Perhaps you want to check out some new talent. Sometimes, you might not able to resist a concept that inspires laughter just by reading about it. If you're not already familiar with musician and comedian Jude Perl, her satirical take on the music industry cliché of selling out should put you into the latter category. Imagine Perl as a former jingle writer and current wannabe pop singer teaming up with a sugar company to get by, and seeing the hilarious side of it — because, in this one-night-only entry on Brisbane Comedy Festival's lineup, that's exactly what you're going to get. Jude Perl is one of our top ten picks to see at the Brisbane Comedy Festival.
Who doesn't love a good bao? Whatever they're filled with, the Chinese buns are always bursting with deliciousness. There's a reason they've become a restaurant and market staple, after all. Not content with monopolising menus all over the place, the tasty bites are also taking over Wandering Cooks for a one-night-only pop-up dinner event that's certain to get your tastebuds tingling. Come March 9, Ugly Food & Co will drop by to churn out as many mouth-watering morsels as possible. The least you can do is call in and do your part — and yes, that means showing up and eating them. Expect bulk bao in pork belly and tofu flavours, catering for carnivorous and vegetarian diners alike. Expect a savoury sensation from one of Brisbane's best bakers, too. You might know Ugly Food & Co for its homemade desserts, but there's more to their wares than cakes and cookies. Image: David R. Tribble.
Living in the moment, embracing the ebbs and flows of everyday life, revelling in the little things: they're more than just overused phrases and mindfulness buzzwords. For Diminuto Circus, they're the key to their latest performance. The Chilean company might be visiting the country to collaborate with Casus Circus on a new international production, but that doesn't mean that they don't have time to stage Arjé: The Mystery Of The Everyday in its only Australian run. Yes, even when they're on the other side of the world for an exciting project, they're enjoying their usual endeavours. Yes, they're practicing what they're preaching. In a display of acrobatic feats and physical theatre work, Arjé tells the tale of a quiet young girl who secretly possesses the art of writing and memory. Watch as she transforms the mundane into the fantastic, while nodding to philosophy, embarking on an odyssey and flying through new worlds.
Admit it: when you studied Shakespeare in school, you just wanted to watch films. With Baz Luhrmann bathing the Bard's famous fated lovers in a '90s soundtrack, Akira Kurosawa transporting the Scottish play to feudal Japan, and Gary Oldman and Tim Roth thrusting two of Hamlet's minor players into the comic spotlight, well, that's understandable. Romeo + Juliet, Throne of Blood and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead aren't the only memorable Shakespeare movie moments, though, as the Gallery of Modern Art's latest cinema showcase attests. All three pop up in the program, of course. So does everything from the '50s sci-fi take on The Tempest that is Forbidden Planet to Michael Fassbender's recent brooding turn as Macbeth. Add Joss Whedon's interpretation of Much Ado About Nothing, Kenneth Branagh's all-star, unabridged adaptation of Hamlet and Ralph Fiennes' modern-day vision of Coriolanus to the mix, and the stage is set for a plethora of excellent play-to-screen efforts. And, if you're wondering why GOMA is celebrating the most frequently adapted author in cinema history, then take a look at the date. Sure, any time is a good time to get your Shakespeare on Screen fix, but this April marks the 400th anniversary of the great writer's death.
Most booze buffs don't just love one beverage. We're not talking about different kinds of brews, either (although, clearly, that's true). But odds are, if you like a pint, you probably like other types of tipples as well. For fans of beer and whisky, that's where boilermakers come in. You've probably already been to The Gresham to get your fix on many occasions, however their Brewsvegas event doesn't just offer up the usual pairings, but matches concoctions from Killer Sprocket, Wolf of the Willows, La Sirène and Willie Smith with their ideal grain mash accompaniment. It's genius.
You can't go wrong with a pretzel. Cover it in salt, stuff it with butter, flavour it with cheese — whichever you choose, it's always delicious. There's a reason that there's a day dedicated to the German snack, after all (and no, it's not just because there's a day for everything these days, or so it seems). April 26 is National Pretzel Day, which is just the excuse you need to eat more pretzels, more often. Of course Munich Brauhaus, The Bavarian and the Bavarian Beerhaus are all getting in on the occasion at their venues in Bowen Hills, South Bank, Chermside and Eagle Street. In fact, they're celebrating the date in the tastiest possible fashion. If you're a dessert pretzel kind of person — specifically, a soft, chewy, fresh-from-the-oven doughnut pretzel type — you can stop by anytime on the Friday and nab one for $1, which also includes a dulce de leche dipping sauce. And if you're an original pretzel fiend, you'll score a free one with any 500ml or one-litre stein of beer you buy.
Is your green thumb tingling? Could it tingle more? On Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2, you might find it buzzing with greenery-fuelled excitement if you visit the Rocklea Showgrounds, soak in the splendour of nature and scour the place for race specimens to take home with you. For the fourth year, the Brisbane Plant Collectors Fair returns with a weekend-long market dedicated to all things green and growing. Browse and buy hard -to-find and unusual plant species from around the world, spanning bulbs, perennials, trees and shrubs, orchids, herbs, cacti and succulents, and exotic tropical plants. There's always sales, guest speakers, and food and drink options. Plus, in the kind of smart move an experienced garden whiz — and garden shopping whiz — obviously planted, the fair usually boasts a plant cloak room so that you can purchase some growing goodies, leave them somewhere safe and keep perusing. Parking your new flowering pals typically sets you back a gold coin, with the garden creche run by the Friends of the Botanic Gardens and Sherwood Arboretum.
A good glass of riesling should be served chilled. A good glass of friesling? It's all there in the name. Both the regular and frozen varieties will be on offer at The Osbourne's five-week celebration of the white wine varietal — whether you're keen for an after-work drink, a few sips over a few bites, or learning more at a riesling-focused masterclass. First things first: friesling will be joining the Valley pub's menu from Friday, April 5, so gather the gang and arrive thirsty. If you're keen of making an event of it, For the Love of Riesling has four ready and waiting. On Sunday, April 14, settle in for a long lunch for $50, with bottomless Mort's Block and Killerman's Run riesling paired with pork belly ramen, karaage chicken, mushroom and pineapple san choy bau, and more. Or head along on Wednesday, May 1, when $60 gets you a riesling masterclass and five-course tasting menu. Next, on Thursday, May 2, you can combine the wine of the moment with dessert for $25, including dishes called 'forest floor' (chocolate soil with meringue toadstools, matcha moss, edible flowers, and raspberries) and 'desert rose' (caramel praline sand, lime semifreddo, pomegranate and rosewater). And if you're more into sampling as you go, that's on the agenda on Sunday, May 19. You can either pay as you drink (with $10 entry nabbing you five tasting tokens) or spend $35 for a ten sips and a yum cha package.
Fortitude Valley's laneways aren't just home to bars, shops and eateries. Freshly revamped and packed with stores, they boast plenty of the above — and, every now and then, markets as well. We can definitely understand the thinking behind it. Why just fill the spaces surrounding these tiny alleys with places to browse, buy, eat, drink and hang when you can fill the pavement too? The Lanes precinct — encompassing Bakery, Winn and California lanes — loves to put on a market, which is what two of its not-quite-roadways are doing on Saturday, April 6. Mosey along Winn and California lanes between 10am–3pm and you'll find The Lanes Lil J's Vintage Clothing Market. You'll also find more than 20 stalls joining the existing boutiques, all selling pre-loved clothes, sneakers, denim, swimwear, jewellery, accessories, records, CDs, DVDs, books and even succulents. Items start from $5 and, food and drink-wise, you'll be able to nab some sustenance from places like TSO Dining, Botanical Lab, Nomnom Korean & Ramen Bar and Cakes & Shit. From 11am, you'll also be able to pair your shopping with live tunes.
Handball isn't just something kids play in the schoolyard. Well, it is for the most part, but that doesn't mean running around a slab of concrete while attempting to slap a tennis ball with your hand isn't something that anyone at any age can't enjoy. In fact, if you haven't outgrown the game that filled many of your youthful lunchtimes — or if you want to relive those past glories — then the Bouncing Back Handball Festival is the event for you. The all-ages event invites everyone to have some fun in the sun while competing in their favourite childhood pastime. In previous years, more than 250 people have turned up. The New Farm Neighbourhood Centre is once again guiding the show, which means it's a community affair complete with food and drinks for those working up an appetite and a thirst. Head by from 9am–1pm on Sunday, May 26 (with registrations opening at 8.45am) for nostalgic antics, a cake stall, a sausage sizzle and a bouncing great time.
It's the decade plenty can't remember, but no one will ever forget. Whether you lived through it, have been forced to hear about it over and over again, or simply love pretending you were there, we all can't get enough of the 80s — including its glorious soundtrack. There really is just something about 80s tunes. The hair was bigger, the outfits were shinier and the ballads were more powerful, after all. The resulting songs are also mighty fine picks to belt out at karaoke, with West End's The End hosting the perfect occasion for it. Don't Stop Believing 80s Karaoke Night will deliver exactly what its title promises — and much, much more than just one Journey song, obviously — from 7.30pm on Friday, June 28. Dressing up is encouraged given the outrageous array of outfit possibilities. And who knows, it might even help your crooning abilities. Updated June 25
Forget finding a golden ticket — while scoring a free pass to a chocolate factory was everyone's dream as a kid (and, let's face it, is still a dream now), there are other ways to indulge your Willy Wonka fantasies. Cakes as far as the eye can see, classes on how to make them, a dedicated cookie zone and a huge sweet market aren't just things that floated through your head while you were asleep. They're real, and they're part of the International Cake, Cookie and Sweet Show at Brisbane Showgrounds. From Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19, the Ekka precinct becomes the sweetest place in the city, so prepare your tastebuds and stomach accordingly. The three-day show will feature a mixing bowl worth of live cake-making and decorating sessions, how-to demonstrations, hands-on classes and a two-day cake sculpture challenge — as well as hosting the Australasian Cake Oscars, the tastiest awards you're ever likely to come across. Other highlights include more than 90 stalls and shops, which'll help you bake up a storm at home, as well plenty of tasty fare to devour. Basically, when you're not learning how to make sweet treats, you'll be eating them.
If we have to have more superhero movies, and it would seem we've no say in the matter, let's just hope they at least try to be as disruptive and refreshing as Shazam! After early misfires in the shape of Justice League and Man of Steel, DC, at long last, have got another one right. Full of life, laughs and (thank God) light, Shazam! is the kind of carefree superhero film that reinvigorates the fantasy of actually being a superhero. For so long now, the "with great power comes great responsibility" mantra has sucked the enjoyment right out of the genre (at least on the DC side), making the very idea of having extraordinary powers seem like a complete drag. Here, though, thanks to the wide-eyed, goofy-grinning performance by leading man Zachary Levi, it seems like an absolute blast. Levi plays Shazam (Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury all rolled into one), a muscle-bound, invulnerable and electricity-enhanced hero whose magical powers lie within his alter-ego, 14-year-old foster kid Billy Batson (Asher Angel). Batson is given his powers by an old wizard in a last-gasp effort to stave off the impending attack from a gang of demons known as the Seven Deadly Sins, who take up residence within the deliciously-evil Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong). Where Shazam! departs from most other films of this genre is how long it spends with Batson and his foster-care brother Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer) as they explore the possibilities and powers stemming from the sudden discovery of superhuman abilities. Can Shazam fly? Is he bulletproof, or is it just his suit? And, most important of all, can they buy beer now that one of them looks like an adult? It may feel a little childish at times, but that's actually a testament to writer Henry Gayden and director David F. Sandberg (Annabelle: Creation), since children is precisely what Billy and Freddy are. Perhaps even more critical to Shazam!'s appeal, though, is its heartfelt relationships. It's a family film about family – the search for a missing mother, the sting of a father's rejection and the love from a family united not by blood but by circumstance. Led by foster parents Victor and Rosa Vasquez (Cooper Andrews and Marta Milans), Billy's new foster home brings together an impossibly endearing gang of multicultural misfits: Mary (Grace Fulton), Pedro (Jovan Armand), Eugene (Ian Chen), and Darla (Faithe Herman). Orphans are just about the superhero genre's most consistent trope, but here it's explored in an entirely new way, and the foster family scenes are amongst the film's best. A word of warning, though: whilst Shazam! is a big bunch of laughs and a whole lot of silliness, there's definitely enough to spook younger viewers. The Sins, for example, are like the red-eyed Gozer dominions from Ghostbusters, and their nightmarish takedown of a company board meeting in the film's opening stages isn't without a heady dose of horror. Still, the rest of the movie offers mostly light fare, and some of its greatest gags are also those most closely linked to the superhero staples (Strong's villainous speech during the film's climax being the best of the bunch). In all, Shazam! is like Superman's goofball cousin; a casual, crazy and cheeky take on the childhood fantasy of being bigger, faster, stronger and, above all, wanted. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go6GEIrcvFY
After one of the hottest summers on record, the thought of throwing on a suit is just becoming bearable. And, in perfect timing, menswear label M.J. Bale has announced a huge autumn warehouse sale. Running from Thursday, May 9 to Sunday, May 12 at Brisbane City Hall, the sale will get you sorted for the season ahead (and maybe a few after that, too). Since Matt Jensen founded the quality menswear brand in 2009, it's since become a staple in many the Aussie male's wardrobe. From quality office attire to special occasion wear, the label prioritises maintaining a close supply chain between Australian wool growers, Italian weavers and Japanese tailors, so you're guaranteed to find clothing that is stylish, breathable and top quality. Along with suit wear, the brand also offers laidback linen, knitwear, cotton and lightweight flannel styles, plus a great selection of accessories. And you'll be able to score some of it for up to 70 percent across the four-day sale. Plus, we've heard there may also be some heavily discounted pieces from Australian-born womenswear label Ellery on offer there, too. The M.J. Bale warehouse sale will be open 8am–7pm on Thursday, 9am–6pm on Friday, 9am–5pm on Saturday and 10am–5pm on Sunday.
Today, Zac Efron is making serial killer movies, Vanessa Hudgens has Spring Breakers on her resume, and song-filled, school-set Romeo and Juliet adaptations aren't sashaying across our screens. Back in 2006, it was different. That's when audiences were only just discovering High School Musical — the Disney TV movie that spawned two sequels, thrust its stars to fame and made viewers everywhere wonder just how many hats a teenager might need. Because blasts from the past never go out of style, Woolly Mammoth is throwing back to the HSM days with one huge party at its upcoming High School Musical Night. Step back in time from 10pm on Friday, May 31, and dance to 00s tunes from the film like you're a class newcomer falling for the resident basketball star. With Disney slinging plenty of hits over the past few decades, you can expect plenty of other love for — and songs from — the mouse house's huge catalogue as well. If you haven't belted out 'Hakuna Matata' on the dance floor, have you really taken its message to heart? From fellow animated classics like Aladdin and The Little Mermaid, to the likes of ex-Mouseketeers like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, prepare to get mighty nostalgic. Tickets cost $18 in advance and $20 on the door — if they last that long, because a second date on June 1 has already sold out.
Ladies and gentleman, now the moment you've all been waiting for — and yes, it includes the world famous Jack Rabbit Slims twist contest. When Chuck Berry's 'You Never Can Tell' starts pumping through The Triffid, you know what kind of dance moves you're going to bust out. 2019 marks 25 years since Pulp Fiction first hit the big screen, and just as long since fans first caught its stellar soundtrack, which includes everything from surf rock to Dusty Springfield's 'Son of a Preacher Man'. If the record has been one of your go-to listening staples over the past quarter-century, then you'll want to celebrate its anniversary with Cheap Fakes. Even better — the band will be performing the entire album live with as an eight-piece (while you dance like Uma Thurman to 'Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon', obviously). The smooth sounds of Al Green's 'Let's Stay Together', the funk of Kool & the Gang's 'Jungle Boogie' and the upbeat country twang of The Statler Brothers' 'Flowers on the Wall' will all get a whirl, too. To complete the experience, a big screen will be set up, playing themed visuals. It all goes down like a $5 shake on Saturday, June 15, with tickets costing $29.10.
If the end of times means endless kegs of beer, then count us in. We're certainly willing to pretend the former is the case if the latter is the reward — and, from 11am on Saturday, August 24, so are the folks at Archive Beer Boutique. That's why they call their signature annual event Armakeggon after all, though you, the tasty brews and the bar will all be around long after the 2019 shindig is over. Well, that and it's a catchy name to describe a huge day that features more than 40 extra special, often one-off beverages poured through the West End establishment's taps until their beer-loving hearts are content. For those after more than an out-of-the-ordinary drop of the yeasty good stuff, entry is free — although you'll need to pay for your drinks. There'll also be tunes from Joyride, plus games to play, because the only thing better than spending the day drinking is winning prizes and doing something fun while you're doing it. Image: Archive Beer Boutique.
Woolloongabba's South City Square isn't quite finished yet, but that isn't stopping the new and expanding precinct from putting on a party. Come Saturday, July 13 and then monthly afterwards, it's throwing a jam-packed Saturday session in its leafy outdoor area. First up, prepare for the great trifecta that is singing, pizza and pooches. The tunes will come courtesy of Queensland Music Festival's pop-up choir, as well as a DJ spinning retro tracks. With Salt Meats Cheese eventually due to open onsite, it'll be sending its Fuel food truck by to serve up pizzas — and give away free triple-cheese truffle garlic focaccia with every pizza purchase. And, as for the dogs, this Saturday South Session will play host to the first heat of Brisbane's Most Beautiful 'Supaw' Search. Yes, there'll be a pupper parade. Heading along is free, with the shindig running from 12–4pm. You'll also be able to grab a snack from the precinct's existing eateries, such as Tuckshop Time. Image: South City Square.
As well as having a catchy name, Kangaroo Point's One Fish Two Fish always serves up a decent catch. If you're fond of shellfish, you'll particularly agree with that statement in July. On Friday and Saturday evenings until the end of the month, the seafood eatery is focusing on crab and crayfish. Just because it's winter, that doesn't mean you can't treat yo'self. The affordable option costs $49, and is dubbed the Feast of the Crab banquet. You'll tuck into tempura zucchini flowers filled with blue swimmer crab, then move onto charcoal bao stuffed with crispy soft shell crab, plus sriracha and lime slaw. Also on the menu: Fraser Isle spanner crab croquettes, as well as razor prawn ravioli with creamy spanner crab sauce. If you have some cash to splash, you can also opt for a whole mud crab that's tossed in a work with ginger, soy and Asian herbs, which costs $95 per kilogram. Or, munch your way through the whole grilled crayfish with your choice of confit garlic butter or housemade XO sauce, which comes in at for $195 per kilogram. Whichever Crab and Cray Cray Season special you pick, bookings are essential by contacting the venue.
Already home to a picturesque and peaceful Japanese garden, the Brisbane Botanical Gardens at Mt Coot-tha is ramping its cultural appreciation up a few notches. Visitors will do more than soak in the greenery-fuelled serenity from 10am on Sunday, August 18, courtesy of an entire day of Japanese-themed celebrations. From rice cake making and calligraphy sessions to kokedama classes and taiko drum performances, the Gardens' Japanese Cultural Day will steep you in the sights, sounds, tastes and activities of Japan — like a good tea ceremony, which is also on the agenda. Other highlights include make-your-own sushi classes, bonsai demonstrations, ikebana flower arranging, traditional Japanese music, martial arts displays, and tips on how to wear a kimono, plus craft and storytelling sessions for younger attendees. Food trucks will also be onsite, serving appropriate bites. Entry is free and no tickets are necessary — except for the kokedama workshops, which cost $10 and require booking in advance. Image: Brisbane City Council.
'Moreish' is a term that applies to plenty of foods, and bao sit at the top of the list. Perhaps it's their versatility, given that they can be filled with all manner of ingredients. Maybe it's their bite-sized nature, because just eating one, two or three is never enough. Or, it could just be that they're absolutely delicious. We can keep coming up with reasons. Or, we can tell you that you don't need a reason to justify your bao love at Bao Down Mondays. Whether you're hankering for as many fluffy parcels as you can handle for lunch or for dinner, you'll find them at Junk's weekly all-you-can-eat feast — for a two-hour sitting, and for $25 per person. The range changes weekly (and will always include vegetarian options), so that just could be your motivation to drop by the South Bank eatery more than once. And, if you have a smaller human in tow — and one with a healthy appetite — kids eat free with a paying adult.
Everybody loves a good food pairing, and Belgium has one of the best: moules and frites. Think of it as the fancier version of the Aussie favourite that is fish and chips — because the fact that seafood and potato go well together is something that every nation clearly knows. Throw in a cold brew, and it's heaven in a meal. It's also on the menu at Brewski's returning Moules & Frites & Biére festival, which takes over the Petrie Terrace bar for a weekend — from 5pm on Friday, July 19 and from midday on Saturday, July 20 — for its third year. That's two days of mussels, fries and beer served up in abundance, making for quite the tasty meal. Given all things Belgian are in the spotlight for festival, that extends to the tipples flowing through the taps, with various types on offer. Breweries such as Cantillon, Lindemans, Alvinne, Brouwerij Verhaeghe, Oud Beersel and St Bernardus are all likely to get a look-in — and last year's lineup also included Belgian-style offerings from Australia, the US and New Zealand as well.
There's an international day for everything, it seems; however only one celebrates the joys of bending, stretching, meditating and bliss. Yes, that'd be International Yoga Day — which actually takes place on June 21 each year, but is being celebrated a few days or so later at the 2019 Brisbane Yoga Day Festival. On Saturday, June 29, the Forgan Smith Front Lawns at the University of Queensland will become the least stressful place in the city, and offer up the most chill way to spend your day. There'll be yoga, obviously, plus everything from music to vegetarian and vegan food to markets as part of a series of world-wide celebrations. When it comes to the main attraction, expect to improve your well-being through regular asanas, breathing and relaxation exercises, and even an on-site meditation booth. Or, try something different with tribal flow yoga dance yoga. We'll give a sun salutation to that.
Anyone can drink a lager, pilsner or pale ale. Not everyone can knock back a stout or porter. And while the former are available everywhere, you won't find a celebration of the latter just anywhere. That's why Milton's favourite dive bar started the Weekend of Darkness. Since 2013, the Scratch has dedicated a couple of days year to showing their love for brews on the blacker end of the beer spectrum — and offering a home for those who feel the same way, of course. If it's yeasty, liquid and overflowing with smoky, coffee, chocolate, spiced and even bourbon flavours, you'll find it here. You'll also find snacks, offbeat vibes and strange happenings galore. This year's seventh dalliance with the dark side runs from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14, with five sessions of dark-coloured drinks on offer for another year. Expect a hefty beer lineup, as well as some hearty grub to go with it courtesy of Mongrel. Expect everything, be it food, booze or atmosphere, to warm up your insides too. There's a reason this takes place in winter, after all.
Still a relative newcomer to Garden City — after finally making the jump up north from Sydney — Devon Cafe is serving up a dedicated truffle menu this season. It's a sizeable list, and one item that caught the attention of our taste buds is the truffle egg sando ($20). Combining fluffy white bread, omelette, mushroom pâté and shaved truffle, this is a tasty a twist on a Japanese classic, and it's available through to the end of August. If you're keen on something sweet to end the meal, try the cafe's truffle sundae ($17) — truffle-infused soft serve, honey and sea salt, served in a waffle cone or cup and topped with frosted corn flakes and more fresh truffle. Or, you can sip a truffle dulche de leche latte ($7.50); eat curly fries with salted egg yolk, parmesan and truffle ($19); or tuck into tres leches lost bread with hazelnut chantilly, meringue, warm truffle custard and fresh truffle ($26). You can also add truffle on any regular dish for $15.
If we can celebrate Christmas in July, then we can also do the same for Easter. That's what's on the agenda at Portside Wharf on Sunday, July 7, with the inner-north spot breaking out the sweet treats at its first ChocFest. Chocolate is a year-round treat, after all — and this particular date marks World Chocolate Day. The choc-filled lineup is hefty, and includes favourite desserts, inventive dishes and everything in-between, with the precinct's cafes and retailers thoroughly getting into the swing of things. Fancy some chocolate nachos and choc churro tacos? A honey crumble shake to wash them down with? Chocolate biscotti and cannoli? Salted caramel tarts and cherry rice slices? Two decadent chocolate cocktails? Thanks to everywhere from the Burrito Bar, Hello Harry and Belvedere Bar N Grill to Cruisers, Gusta da Gianna and Byblos, they're all on the menu. The folks from Mayfield Chocolates will also be on hand, serving up their choc goodies — and if you're keen to digest your feast over a fitting film, that's on offer too. While ChocFest runs from 10am–2pm, Dendy Portside will be putting on the perfect movie at 2pm: Chocolat, obviously. Image: Claudia Baxter.
May the force be with you, Brisbanites — or, at Netherworld, the forks. The best time of year is here, May is upon us, and plenty of Star Wars celebrations are scheduled on and around May 4th. At the Fortitude Valley bar, it also means a dedicated Star Wars art exhibition. This year's creative tribute is called May the Forks Be With You: A Star Wars Art Show — and if you're wondering about the name, it's because every piece will be displayed on a dinner plate. The showcase launches on Thursday, May 2, as the Valley venue gears up for a huge Star Wars party on the weekend. Think Star Wars pinball and arcade machines, themed food at the Hellmouth Diner, Star Wars beers and plenty of other shenanigans. In total, 20 artists will be unveiling their creative odes to George Lucas' space opera, and everything from Jedis to Gungans will likely get a look in. See artistic talents that burn brighter than a lightsaber and knock back drinks like you're in a cantina. What else could you want?
