Take a slab of crumbed chicken, top it with ham, tomato and cheese — and, well, you can't really go wrong. Little Big House certainly hasn't since opening in late 2017. In fact, the South Bank pub has sold plenty of them, and so it's throwing a party in the humble parmigiana's honour. It plans to serve up quite a few more, too, particularly across the week between Monday, August 26 and Sunday, September 1. Drop by Grey Street for a feed and you'll pay just $14 for a parmy — and these aren't your average creations. Yes, you can stick with the tried-and-tested classic variety, which is never a bad idea. If you're feeling adventurous, however, there'll be four new takes on the dish on the menu for the week. Highlights include the corn chip-topped 'The Big Sombrero' and the sweet-and-sour flavoured 'Big Trouble in Little China' (complete with prawn crackers, naturally). Or, you can tuck into 'The Big American Dream', which wraps a parmy around a hot dog. The $14 deal leads up to a one-day Parmy Party from midday on Sunday, September 1, where people will just drink, eat and talk about how much they love parmys, we guess. There'll be parmy trivia as well, because that's now a real thing. By heading along, you can also win free parmys for a year, in case you needed some extra parmy motivation.
The 90s were great. That shouldn't be a controversial opinion. Whether you lived through them or have spent the last couple of decades wishing you did — aka binging on 90s pop culture — this late-night shindig at The Foundry will indulge your retro urges. Drinks, tunes, fashion: expect all of the above at the No Scrubs: 90s and Early 00s party from 11.30pm on Saturday, July 20. Of course, it's up to you to make sure the clothing side of thing is covered, and to get into the spirit of the party. If you want to use Mariah Carey as a style icon, it'd be fitting. Expect to unleash your inner Spice Girl and Backstreet Boy too. TLC, Destiny's Child, Savage Garden, Usher, Blink-182, No Doubt — we'd keep listing artists, but you all know what you're getting yourselves into. Tickets are $12.25 online, with the fun running through until 3am
If you're a 90s kid who isn't too fond of clowns, your fears probably stem from Stephen King's IT. And, if that's the case, you probably steered clear of Pennywise's return in the new film version. The 2017 flick was only part one, of course. Now, with IT: Chapter Two, coulrophobics have a whole new movie to steer clear of. If the sight of over-sized shoes and water-squirting flowers gets under your skin, you'll probably want to avoid New Farm Cinemas' clown-filled opening night screening as well. In the stuff that some nightmares are made of, the Brunswick Street movie theatre is celebrating the release of eagerly anticipated horror sequel in coloured wig-wearing style — that is, with clowns aplenty. If their face paint and red noses don't give you goosebumps, then head on down for the 7pm session on Thursday, September 5. Clowns won't just surround frightening flick-loving film-goers, however. If you want to see the movie, you have to get into costume yourself. The venue did the same thing with the last flick, and the same rule applies: "all patrons should dress as a clown to attend". So don your best clown outfit and get made up Pennywise-style by on-site face painters. Pre-film festivities kick off at 6pm, and include magic tricks — and red balloons as well, we're guessing — before the Bill Skarsgård, James McAvoy, Bill Hader and Jessica Chastain-starring movie itself plunges viewers into even spookier territory.
After a fire destroyed its premises in early July, New Farm Deli has understandably had to temporarily shut up shop; however, while the local institution is in rebuild mode, it's moving into the Merthyr Village Shopping Centre carpark. The relocation is a one-day event, ahead of a pop-up cart in the near future — and, it also doubles as a picnic. Running from 11am–5pm on Wednesday, August 14, the New Farm Deli Pop-Up Picnic will satisfy your hankering for Italian food and drinks this Ekka public holiday. Grab a bite at the pop-up kitchen, sip on spritzes from the bar, get caffeinated at the coffee cart and tap your toes to live music. If the weather is right, you'll also be able to enjoy all of the above while soaking up the midweek sun. Heading along will count as a good deed, too, with New Farm Deli donating all of the profits from the picnic to the Children's Hospital Foundation. It's the store's way of giving something back after receiving such immense support from the community over the last month — and you can help.
When Rocketman first hit the big screen a couple of months back, it immersed viewers in the glitz and glamour of Elton John's 70s-era rise to fame, while also delving into the darkness, drinking, drugs and depression that came with it. Starring an exceptional Taron Egerton and directed by Eddie the Eagle's Dexter Fletcher, the vibrant biopic also leaned into its genre — never stepping through Sir Elton's early years in a straightforward way, but instead turning his life into an expressive, fantastical blend of song, dance and spectacular musical numbers. A couple of things were always going to happen afterwards. We still predict that Rocketman will end up reaching the stage as a live production; however, until that eventuates, fans can now sing along with the movie in a cinema. Given the film's huge soundtrack, spanning everything from the titular track, 'Tiny Dancer' and 'Honky Cat' through to 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart', 'Your Song' and 'I'm Still Standing', there's plenty to croon along to. Sure, Elton might think that Saturday night's alright for fighting, but every night from Friday, August 9 through until Wednesday, August 14 is also mighty fine for heading to a Rocketman Sing-Along session. Tickets prices vary depending on the venue, but wearing sequins, glitter and the most over-the-top glasses you can find is obviously recommended.
In these music-mad movie times, the following scene has become a familiar big-screen sight. Loitering backstage, the camera spies a talented, charismatic star. It catches a quick glimpse of its chosen figure in an unguarded moment, then charts their footsteps as they burst out the door, into a cavernous room, auditorium or arena. They're greeted by an adoring, screaming, near-ecstatic crowd — and when the person in the spotlight is doing what they do best, they're simply magic, with everything else seeming unimportant. This has proven true whether the real-life Amy Winehouse or Whitney Houston have been behind the microphone in recent documentaries, or whether Rami Malek is strutting his stuff as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody. In Mystify: Michael Hutchence's opening minutes, we see the same thing from the eponymous Aussie rocker and INXS frontman. Before he was dead at 37, Hutchence knew how to flash a cheeky smile when no one else was looking. With thousands of people staring back at him, he knew how to keep an audience hanging off of his every word. Alas, even when he was dripping raw charm in the middle of a gig, he knew how to hide a world of sorrow behind his grin as well. After Mystify's recognisable introduction, there's much in this passionate and intimate documentary that also feels familiar. Movies comprised of never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage about troubled famous faces often unravel in a similar fashion, and accounts of music superstars who've died before their times tend to take a comparable path, too. If the increasing prevalence of such films, mirroring the increasing body count, isn't reason enough for society to rethink our celebrity worship and eager celebration of a sex 'n' drugs 'n' rock 'n' roll lifestyle, then nothing ever will be. Of course, that's a much bigger concern. In these tragic true tales, the home video, media interview and live performance clips obviously vary. While the broad strokes remain the same, the intricate minutiae also remains unique. Falling somewhere between sincere tribute and warts-and-all snapshot, these gone-but-not-forgotten portraits tend to ape their subjects, which Mystify does to an impressive degree. It's tender, thoughtful, energetic and electrifying, even when it's breaking your heart. Indeed, just like Hutchence himself, Richard Lowenstein's film about the singer's rise and fall has its own distinctive spark. More than two decades after his death, which was ruled a suicide by hanging, the rockstar is alive again in the movie. Naturally, it helps that the Australian filmmaker knew Hutchence personally. Not only did Lowenstein direct more than 15 of INXS' music videos throughout the 80s and 90s, but he gave the vocalist his first acting role in Dogs In Space. It also helps that Hutchence's nearest and dearest lend their frank, unfettered recollections to the doco — all unfurling as emotional snippets of voiceover laid over the archival visuals, rather than through talking heads. Although they're never seen on screen, except in old footage, the interviewee list spans siblings, family members, childhood pals, INXS bandmates, lifelong friends, staff, celebs such as Bono, and girlfriends including Kylie Minogue and Helena Christensen. What truly shapes Mystify, however, is that so much of the movie involves peering intently at its main man, and seeing what he did and didn't want everyone to see. First he's a shy yet lively kid growing up in a difficult household. Then he's a teenager drawn into the band because that's what his mates were doing. Later he's one of the biggest rock gods on the planet. Finally, he's someone understandably struggling with the trappings of fame — and coping however he can, frequently with the help of illicit substances. His eyes genuinely are the window to his soul, and to the documentary's. That's the case when Hutchence is gleaming excitedly while surveying a mass of people at the 1983 US Festival in California, and exclaiming "fucking hell" with a distinctive Australian drawl. It still applies when he's in speedos with Kylie on a boat in the middle of Hong Kong harbour, or beaming excitedly while sitting next to her on a cross-continental European train trip. And it's the same when he's looking far too sorrowful in his later years in Britain, as the tabloid scrutiny over his relationship with Paula Yates, and its role in breaking up her marriage to Bob Geldolf, reaches fever pitch. The revelations come and go, sometimes emanating from the screen in Hutchence's silent gaze, sometimes echoing in shared tidbits from Mystify's long list of candid discussions. The expected soundtrack weaves in and out as well, with the film equally pulsating with many of INXS' huge tunes — 'Never Tear Us Apart', 'What You Need' and 'Bitter Tears' among them — and taking time to dwell on the man Hutchence was beyond the music. If performing on-stage is a dance, and if navigating stardom is one too, then the metaphorical jig continues in Lowenstein's documentary. With finessed editing, plus an evocative sense of pace and tone, this is a fluid and insightful piece of cinema that finds the most effective, involving and moving way to relay its well-known story. Hutchence's plight will never be overlooked in Australia, where his songs will always remain beloved hits (and will always be pumping on a classic rock radio station somewhere). What Mystify ensures is that not only will his highs and lows always be remembered, but also his innate, unshakable allure when he was just being himself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRIFR3hkIpo
For a few weeks this winter, Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James St cinemas will turn extra frosty — on their big screens, that is. Running from Thursday, July 18 through Wednesday, August 7, and marking the event's sixth year, the Volvo Scandinavian Film Festival returns with a suitably wintery showcase of cinema from Europe's coldest climes, featuring 21 films from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland. Whether you're keen on irreverent comedies, dark dramas or Nordic noir, they're all on the lineup. If you're a fan of Denmark's most popular film series or one of Sweden's hugely successful crime authors, they're on the program too. Sci-fi, rom-coms, character studies, award-winners, festival hits — the list goes on, because Scandinavian cinema is a diverse realm. The 2019 festival kicks off with laughs, as all good things should, thanks to Danish comedy Happy Ending. Next, it heads to Iceland with direct-from-Cannes drama A White, White Day — the latest film from Hlynur Palmason, the director of SFF 2018's Winter Brothers. Also on the bill: the Stellan Skarsgård-starring, Norwegian-made, Berlinale Silver Bear winner Out Stealing Horses; the spaceship-set futuristic Swedish flick Aniara; and, from Finland, the SXSW hit Aurora, about a party girl who befriends an Iranian refugee. Definite highlights also hail from the thriller domain, as Scandi-loving cinephiles would expect. If you saw the first three page-to-screen Department Q instalments at previous festivals, you can see how the series ends with The Purity of Vengeance, which is now the highest-grossing Danish film ever. For those who've read, re-read and watched everything Girl with the Dragon Tattoo-related, make a date with documentary Steig Larsson: The Man Who Played with Fire, which delves into the late author and journalist's archives. As an added bonus, it's screening alongside a retrospective of the original Swedish Millennium Trilogy films, starring Noomi Rapace. Images: Department Q; A White, White Day; Happy Ending; Out Stealing Horses; Sonja.
Not that long ago, the narrow spaces around Fortitude Valley were just that — spaces, not vibrant laneways. These days, however, the area boasts not one, not two, but now three jam-packed alleys. Yes, that's a development that's worth celebrating. In fact, it's a change worthy of a day-long festival, which is exactly what the returning Hidden Lanes Festival is all about. On Saturday, October 26 from 10am until late, Bakery Lane, Winn Lane and California Lane will turn into a flourishing — and free — party, complete with markets, beverages, art installations, food, fashion, a heritage trail, masterclasses and more than 50 live musical acts. Tunes-wise, the lineup includes The Vanns, Tyne-James Organ, Boatkeeper, Bonsai, Concrete Surfers, Greta Stanley, The Jensens, Cry Club, Dream Coast, James Rigby, Greaves and more, all across ten stages. If you're eager to pick up a new skill, everything from decorating cookies, to making dumplings and kimchi, to the secrets of being a silversmith are all on the bill. And, of course, the event will definitely involve the 80 businesses who call the three laneways home. Here, you'll eat, drink, dance, shop, chat, learn something, marvel at art and restock your wardrobe — across one huge day and a trio of busy alleys, the list goes on. Images: Markus Ravik / Alvaro Mayorga. Updated September 17.
Crispy, sweet, stuffed with a creamy filling and made in a variety of flavours, there's only one thing wrong with cannoli. No matter how many that you happen to devour in a single sitting (admit it — no one just eats one), it never feels like you've ever had enough. If you know that sensation all too well, then you might want to tempt your tastebuds down to Locale on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6. For two days, the Newstead cafe is setting up a pop-up cannoli bar. Even better — there'll be seven kinds of the Sicilian pastries on the menu. Vanilla creme, traditional chocolate, ricotta chocolate chip and pistachio favours will all be waiting, plus tiramisu, lemon and passionfruit curd as well. They're available until sold out each day, and pre-ordering by contacting Locale in advance is highly recommended. Feeling hungry? The pop-up runs from 7am–2pm daily. Image: Locale.
How long has Charles Boyle been dreaming of Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago's wedding? What did Rosa Diaz do before she was a cop? Who keeps swooping in and taking the Nine-Nine crew's cases? Which one is Scully and which is Hitchcock? If you can answer all of the above — and name Captain Holt's dog, Terry's twins, Gina's dance troupe and Jake's favourite movie — then you're set for this trivia night. Yes, it's all about the hit cop sitcom we all know and love. You know, the one that was cancelled and then resurrected in the space of 36 hours. We'd keep asking Brooklyn Nine-Nine questions and dropping tidbits, but we'll save some for the big night. Every time a trivia evenings dedicated to B99 hits town, places are snapped up faster than Terry can snap open a tub of yoghurt. This time, you need to book a ticket for Aether Brewing's tribute trivia night in Milton, and then Saturday, April 6 can be your night to shine (that can also be the title of your sex tape if you'd like). It all starts at 7pm and entry costs $20, which includes a drink on arrival. If all this sounds rather noice, get in quick as spots are limited.
Last Christmas, VEND Marketplace helped you deck your halls with all types of greenery, and it isn't stopping there. The northside spot has added a new space dedicated to plants, and it's hosting a huge sale. Welcome to the Greenhouse, as the new area is aptly known. While it has been open, operating and making gardeners dreams come true since last month, you'll want to drop by from 8am on Saturday, March 30. That's when the 250-square-metre indoor garden will be slinging its green babies at a special one-day event — and yes, there'll be about succulents, cacti, indoor plants, hanging plants, outdoor plants, pots and more. Plenty of plants will be on sale for less than $15, and there'll also be juice, smoothies, tea, coffee, beer and wine to drink, plus food trucks serving up street eats. Plus, if you can find a hidden jungle animal, you'll nab yourself a free piece of greenery.
Between Thursday, May 16 and Monday, May 20, make the drive to Noosa to do something other than take a swim. Catching some surf, sun and sand will likely be on your agenda anyway — that's what happens on the Sunshine Coast, after all — however the tourist spot will be in the thick of its annual food and wine festival. Touring the region's breweries, getting stuck into plenty of rosé, shucking back oysters, and enjoying bubbles and canapes on the beach are just some of the events on offer as the town goes gastronomy crazy, and the surrounding area too. Head to a street food mini-fest within the fest, learn how to make new cocktails or dine on the waterfront — whatever cuisine-focused celebration takes your fancy, you'll probably find it on the menu. Basically, it's the kind of fun you'll want to make a weekend of. You've heard of eating, drinking and being merry; this is eating, drinking, being merry and being beachy as well.
Brisbane's big blue sky is about to get brighter — no, summer isn't here again, but Brisbane Kite Festival is. From 10am until 3pm on Sunday, April 28, the high-flying event will take over the Murarrie Recreation Ground, filling the air with colourful structures flapping in the wind. It's a family-friendly affair, but kids small and big are welcome to roll out their kite and watch it float in the wind — and, if you need some help, there'll be kite workshops onsite, too. Plus, if you want to be part of the fun, but don't have your own kite, there'll be some for sale on the day, as well as professional kite flyers (yep, that's a thing) to give you a hand. When you're not holding a string and staring at the clouds, you can also grab something to eat or do a little browsing, with the festival also featuring markets and food stalls. Entry is free, but gold coin donations are welcome — as are pets, so bring your doggo along.
UPDATE, January 29, 2021: The Hustle is available to stream via Stan. 2016's most controversial movie wasn't afraid of no ghosts, nor of updating a beloved classic with a gender-flipped spin. The backlash to the new Ghostbusters was as loud as it was stupid, however lost in the noise were two crucial facts. Firstly, the film is hilarious, fun and genuinely great. Secondly, it does exactly what a female-led version of a familiar property should. With all the ridiculous focus on why the supernatural comedy wasn't a carbon copy of the 80s flicks, and why women are now allowed to chase the paranormal (correct answer: why the hell not?), the movie didn't get recognition for its most significant feat. It doesn't lazily insert ladies into a thin rehash, but shapes its antics and jokes around them. That really shouldn't be so rare and astonishing, and yet so often it is. Take The Hustle, for example. It's the latest film to subscribe to the obvious motto that anything men can do, women can too, but it also takes that notion much too literally. Everything that 1988's Dirty Rotten Scoundrels did, this movie apes beat for beat, just with Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson instead of Michael Caine and Steve Martin. Scoundrels was a remake itself, updating 1964's Bedtime Story, so the narrative has been around for more than half a century — and yet familiarity isn't the only problem here. For a couple of average pictures about scheming conmen ripping off wealthy women, The Hustle's predecessors actually came packaged with some smart social critique, skewering the battle of the sexes in the process. Alas, as a presumably unintended consequence of pushing girls to the front, the narrative's best and most biting elements have now disappeared, including its savvy female empowerment strand. Making a couple of supremely confident male grifters reliant upon women to get by, as the first two films did, made a satirical statement. Tasking two female fraudsters with fleecing rich men to punish their misdeeds doesn't have the same impact, unsurprisingly. The Hustle pulls its punches in other ways too, as seen in its terrible final twist (without heading into spoiler territory, let's just say that it's a case of not thinking the whole switcheroo through). Story-wise, Hathaway's Josephine Chesterfield is the swindling queen bee in the cashed-up French beachside town of Beaumont-sur-Mer, while Wilson's fellow scammer Penny Rust is her exact opposite. One robs super rich guys with long cons, the other cheats sleazeballs with quick tricks, and they're soon locked in a turf war. The solution: the first to snare a cool half a million out of their latest mark, baby-faced tech whiz Thomas (Alex Sharp), can keep pulling capers on the Riviera. Hathaway also starred in last year's big gender-swapped heist flick, Ocean's 8, and the end result is sadly somewhat similar. The Hustle thinks that plonking female stars into the same old scenario is enough; women should just be happy that studios are even bothering, apparently. It's the type of supposed progress that takes two steps forward and then the same amount back, because no one wants to see ladies slavishly retracing men's footsteps. Here, a heap of the film's narrative details also take on an uncomfortable tone, leaning on outdated stereotypes and cliches even in an obvious farce. Women romancing men for their money? Ruthlessly competing for — and measuring their worth based on — male attention? Cattily battling it out? That's not clever or amusing. It's not subversive in its sexual politics either, as much as the movie pretends the latter is true ("no man will ever believe a woman is smarter than he is," Josephine offers, explaining her success). Like much about the picture, it's just tired. With Hathaway's fake posh English accent clashing with Wilson's distinctive Australian drawl, The Hustle's stars are its biggest strength. Of course, they're really just doing what they're already known for doing well. Still, it's easy to see why the film exists, on paper at least, based on their odd-couple pairing. They each do their best with the material — Hathaway perhaps more so than Wilson, who doubles as one of the movie's producers. The duo also benefit from a few snappy one-liners, which are improved by their delivery. But screenwriter Jac Schaeffer (Disney short Olaf's Frozen Adventure) does little else to liven up the photocopied script, which is also credited to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' Dale Launer, as well as long-dead Bedtime Story scribes Stanley Shapiro and Paul Henning. British actor-turned-filmmaker Chris Addison keeps everything blandly light, scenic and fluffy, however that's barely all there is to his feature directorial debut. Well, that and an ill-thought-out do-over that does female-fronted remakes zero favours and scams itself more than anything else. You'd never guess that Addison was one of the stars of the savagely hilarious sitcom The Thick of It, or a director on its US counterpart, Veep. In fact, imagining what the acerbic characters of those shows would say about this flick is funnier than every second of The Hustle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfWv51T8TJ0
Beer, that refreshingly boozy amber liquid, is a versatile drink. There's a brew for every occasion, including a sit-down, multi-course, autumn-themed dinner. Sure, when you think about going out for a meal and pairing it with a tipple, you're usually thinking about wine. But don't discount a cold one with your culinary spread — the right beer matched with the right dish is quite the winning combination. Trust a brewery to lead the way, with Felons Brewing Co hosting its first feast from 6pm on Monday, May 20. All five courses will come with just the right beer or cider, all of which has been brewed on the premises. And if you need more convincing about the merits of pairing these beverages with your meal, head brewer Tom Champion and Howard Smith Wharves executive chef Patrick Friesen will be on hand, chatting about the topic. Tickets cost $80 — and as for what you'll be eating, get ready for the likes of Spanish mackerel ceviche with pineapple, compressed celery and crispy corn; grilled eggplant with black garlic, dill and parsley, and whole smoked salmon with rainbow chard and tarragon crème fraiche. Drinks-wise, an Aussie pale ale, a white stout and a mandarin sour are all on the menu as well.
Usually, you don't go to someone's house to see a live theatre show. You don't normally go to the ABC studios at South Bank, Mount Ommaney Shopping Centre in the western suburbs, Boggo Road Gaol, a car park or a moving bus, either. But, as its name suggests, performances can happen in plenty of places at the Anywhere Theatre Festival. In fact, bars, museums and nurseries are some of the more ordinary locations. From Thursday, May 9 through until Sunday, May 26, this huge fest takes over Brisbane — and Noosa and the Sunshine Coast too, should you find yourself up north. You'll ponder the way the world treats women while you're hanging out in a park, watch B-movie parodies over some booze, ponder the art of winning in an arcade, laugh at improv during dinner and play drinking games in a watering hole. And, of course, the list goes on. One musical cabaret takes place in an airport hangar, a fairy bread party will transform a botanic garden, poetry will echo through a lighthouse and a power struggle will rock Mt Coot-tha. Or, you can go on a West End toilet crawl. Yes, you read that correctly.
Bingo. Rave. Two ends of the spectrum of fine holiday fun finally came together in Australia a couple of years back. If haven't made it along yet, Bongo's Bingo is a games night like you've never seen before. Part club, part rave, and, of course, part bingo night, this unlikely fusion event has been wildly popular in the UK since 2015. It's hardly surprising that taking the show on the road — that is, launching Bongo's Bingo Australia — went well. And now, it's hardly surprising that is's coming back for yet another round either. Patrons can expect all of the debauchery of the original British version of Bongo's Bingo, including rave intervals, dancing on tables and a loose kind of bingo that you definitely never played with your nan (well, maybe you have). The victorious players can win everything from big cash prizes to a Hills Hoist, with a range of some absolutely ridiculous surprises on offer. Bongo's Bingo heads back to The Tivoli on Friday, June 7.
One of 2018's new wine events is returning to Brisbane for another year — but this one doesn't just want you to just stand around and drink. Sure, there's a lot of that on the menu at Wine Playground. In fact, there'll be more than 60 different vinos on offer for your sampling pleasure. Between mouthfuls, however, this fest will be letting you mingle with some of the country's best winemakers. From 12pm on Saturday, May 25, folks from 16 different outfits will be serving up tastings, selling their wares and chatting with you about everything that goes into making good plonk. The lineup casts its eye around the nation, so prepare to send your wine-loving tastebuds on a journey. On the bill: Queensland's La Petite Mort, Victoria's Dirty Black Denim, South Australia's Architects of Wine, Western Australia's Swan Valley and more. Throw in open forums and snacks across the event's three-hour duration — and across two levels, too — and if that sounds like your ideal way to spend an afternoon, then Fortitude Valley's Happy Boy is the place to be. Tickets cost $65, which includes your own Plumm glass plus plenty of sips.
Decking your halls with boughs of holly is for Christmastime. Sprucing up your chosen joint with other types of greenery — that's a year-round activity. Why not deck your coffee table with pots of cacti? Adorn your bathroom shelves with planters filled with succulents? Or brighten up your loved ones' homes with whichever leafy morsel you think they'll love. Whichever you choose, you'll find whatever you're looking for at the The Lanes Plant and Homewares Market. It takes over Fortitude Valley's Bakery, Winn and California Lanes on three Saturdays across 2019. Head along on May 11, just in time for Mother's Day; September 18, so you can welcome in spring; and November 16, if you're keen on a stint of early Christmas shopping. Kicking off at 9am, stallholders will be slinging the likes of plants, flowers, kokedamas, ceramics, candles and homewares, with My Botanical Lab, Max and Mort, Alice Nightingale and Bonnie Hislop among the sellers. You can also take part in a macrame workshops, watch a terrarium demonstration and get your plants potted onsite. And the laneways' various cafes and eateries will be open, of course. Images: Max and Mort.
As much as we all might want to, not everyone can make it down south for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. No, we're not happy about it — but it's time to turn that frown upside down, because you can go to the next best thing. Yes, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is back for another year of touring hilarity. Bringing the best of the fest to the Brisbane Powerhouse on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, this showcase of highlights and hijinks is almost like being there. This year's line-up of local and international acts is certain to tickle your funny bone, with Lloyd Langford, Matt Okine, Nick Cody and Steph Tisdell on the bill, plus Sam Taunton on MC duties. Catch their funny acts live on stage during the chuckle-heavy set, trading their best jokes for your loudest laughs.
UPDATE: June 24, 2020: Mid90s is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube and iTunes. The skate movie is having a moment and it's doing so in perfect style, gliding into cinemas one leisurely film at a time. After the all-girl antics of Skate Kitchen and the insightful small-town musings of Oscar-nominated documentary Minding the Gap, Mid90s is the latest picture to profess its love for the board — and to roll along casually while making a big impact. All three kickflip-filled flicks are hangout movies, spending their time with friends who are both shooting and riding the breeze. They're also coming-of-age films, following kids navigating the reality of watching their childhoods slip by. Crucially, they're all slice-of-life pictures too, because nothing conveys the sensation of ollying in and out of adolescence like feeling as though you're right there with them. Thirteen-year-old Stevie (Sunny Suljic) wants nothing more than to join the local skateboarding crew. It's not just the thrill of idling down Los Angeles roads that appeals to the quiet teen, but having somewhere to belong. Ray (Na-Kel Smith), Fuckshit (Olan Prenatt), Fourth Grade (Ryder McLaughlin) and Ruben (Gio Galicia) are all older, however they instantly become family — the family Stevie can escape to when his elder brother Ian (Lucas Hedges) is giving him grief and his single mum Dabney (Katherine Waterston) is sharing her stress. When the quintet aren't tearing up the streets, they're partying as if there's no tomorrow, although you can't skate through life without more than a few stumbles. As summer ticks by, Stevie and his pals bide their time at the resident Motor Avenue skate shop, cruise around empty schools and test their luck with neighbourhood girls. They mouth off to security guards, stay out past Stevie's curfew, generally avoid going home and get in scraps amongst themselves. While they're getting into trouble, they attempt to forget their troubles — and it's this to-and-fro that makes Mid90s bubble along. Watching rebellious kids trying to fix their worries by falling into other woes isn't new or novel, but it keeps popping up on screen because that's how childhood works. Making his directorial debut as well as picking up his first scriptwriting credit, Jonah Hill understands this. In his hands, Mid90s is both an affectionate teenage dream and a devastatingly real reflection of youth struggles, tussles and hardships. As a filmmaker, Hill has two tricks up his sleeve: nostalgia and naturalism. They mightn't seem to be the most obvious combination, but the pair fit together like wheels sliding onto a set of skateboard trucks. Hill mightn't have strictly lived the same existence as Stevie and the gang, but he directs this blast from the past like someone who's been there, seen it all and knows exactly how every second of his film really feels. With his square-shaped frames, he serves up images so vivid that they could be memories. With his clear-eyed view, he doesn't shy away from the grit and grease that lingers behind even the happiest moments. Hill isn't just looking back fondly at his younger days. Rather, he's trying to capture the feeling of being a shy kid entering a new world and learning what getting older actually means. To do so, he needs the painstaking detail — the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sheets, Super Nintendo consoles, and the sounds of 'Kiss From a Rose', 'Pony' and 'Wave of Mutilation' — as well as the picture's stripped-bare performances. Hedges and Waterston might be Mid90s' biggest names, other than its director, but this movie is all about Suljic (The House with a Clock in Its Walls) and his first-timer co-stars. When Hill lets the camera sit and watch Stevie try trick after trick (and endure fall after fall) on his driveway, determination and desperation written across Suljic's face, that's Mid90s' heart. When the film roves around with the group, peering on as they do little more than skate away the hours with unbridled authenticity, that's Mid90s' oh-so-relatable soul. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoPYppF_e5c
Trivia nights mean gathering your mates around, enjoying a few beverages and trying to convert your respective stores of knowledge into glory. At this particular trivia night, you'll do all that, but there'll be a particular emphasis on your pals. Given that the topic of the evening is a certain sitcom about a band of best buddies, celebrating your chums is the thing to do. Yes, Friends is in the spotlight at The Boundary Hotel's next battle of pop culture tidbits. If you think you know everything there is to know about the show that caused viewers to agonise over whether Ross and Rachel would get together, wish that Joey and Chandler lived next door and get their hair cut like Jennifer Aniston, here's your chance to prove it. Prizes are on offer, including for the best dressed — so break out those 90s and early 00s fashions. Remember, though, it has been 15 years since Friends was on TV, making the contest not just a test of trivia, but a workout for everyone's memories. No one told you that watching endless television reruns could turn out this way. Friends Trivia takes place from 7pm on Wednesday, May 29. Registration is required in advance, as is a gold coin entry fee per participant on the night.
Drinking vino, snacking on dairy foods and devouring gourmet salumi is most people's idea of a great afternoon — and, come Saturday, April 6, it's Gerard's Bar's as well. Between midday and 2pm, the Fortitude Valley venue is hosting a wine-tasting arvo with bites to go with it, all for $45. At Wine Meats Cheese, you'll enjoy all of the above, with more than a dozen tipples from Bacchus, Naked Brunch, Mezzanine and Deja Vu in the spotlight. Seafood specialists Tuesday Foods are also involved, so prepare for a few sardines and anchovies as part of the spread. It's the latest event in what the James Street bar has previously called a "wine adventure", but however they badge it, it's an ace excuse to discover new drops while feasting on artisan cheese and charcuterie. The usual advice applies: arrive with a thirst for top wine and a taste for the perfect accompaniments.
Like theatre? Then you're going to love La Boite's latest offering. It's not just bringing a new show to the stage — it's presenting a snapshot of the current state of the city's performing arts, and thinking about how it'll evolve in the future. And just how is the Kelvin Grove-based company managing to do that? Just let us count the ways. Running from Tuesday, March 26 to Saturday, April 6, its La Boite HWY program is overflowing with works in progress, talks and forums that showcase fresh scripts, ideas and productions, ponder issues of relevance to today's theatre practitioners, and fine-tune essential skills. If you're an emerging theatre type, that means workshops on playwriting, performing, marketing and self-care, plus plenty of chatter at panel sessions that'll help you broaden your thinking. And if you just like to watch the end result of someone else's creative endeavours, then you can check out various efforts in various stages of evolution, from readings to rehearsals to mini-showings. Also included: a screening of classic Aussie film Muriel's Wedding on Sunday, March 31. The musical version has been doing the rounds in Sydney and Melbourne, and while it hasn't made it to Brisbane just yet, here's your chance to head back to where it all began.
Winter is all about staying indoors — and you want those interiors to look as great as possible. Art and design lovers, that's where the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art's annual Winter Design Market comes in. Browse, buy and then prepare to get cosy. Find jewellery, ceramics, textiles, homewares and clothing and more at the day-long maker market, which will feature more than 50 stalls when it takes over the GOMA forecourt from 9am until 4pm on Saturday, June 8. Don't go giving their official store a miss either — take the time to peruse the GOMA collection of books and art, and thank us for the tip later. Remember: cute design wares call for cash, as EFTPOS facilities might not be available at all sellers. And while GOMA will host another design market once the silly season rolls around, getting your gift shopping out of the way now will make you feel like Christmas has come early.
Dive into a box of Lego, drink a few beers — it's the kidulting dream. Really, it's the best of both worlds, because getting older doesn't mean farewelling fun. While a dedicated brick bar popped up in Brisbane at the beginning of the year, that's not your only chance to build whatever your heart desires while knocking back tipples. Semi-Pro Brewing is also getting in on the action, hosting its next Bricks and Beers night on Thursday, March 28. From 6.30pm, you'll spend an hour working to a theme — and competing to construct the best Lego creation you possibly can. Three rounds will take place, each spanning around 30 minutes. If you've always wanted to make your mark in tiny plastic blocks, then go forth and do so. Prizes will be awarded for creativity in both categories, and drinks will be flowing. Entry is free, all Lego is supplied, so no need to raid anyone's toy box. But bring your wallet for beverages — and your doggo for company.
Time flies when you're slurping up Japanese noodle soups and having fun, as Paddington's Hai Hai clearly knows. It has been three years since it opened it's doors, and the eatery is throwing a party to celebrate. Unlike any old birthday shindig, however, this one comes with free ramen. When the merriments kicks off on Wednesday, April 1, you'll want to arrive as close to 4pm as you can — the free brothy bowls will only be available to the first 200 customers. And, it's a dine-in only affair, so prepare for a line to get into the eatery's cute, cosy Latrobe Terrace digs. Also on offer are 200 free ramen t-shirts — because why just eat at Hai Hai when you can get decked out in their kit as well? Again, it's a first in, best dressed arrangement. Commence the slurping. UPDATE, APRIL 1: Hai Hai's birthday celebrations were originally due to take place on Wednesday, March 27, but were postponed until Wednesday, April 3 due to rain.
Usually, hanging out in the Valley at 6am on a Sunday morning is a sign of a big night — and one that's still going. But X Cargo is giving Brisbanites another reason to head by just as day is breaking. Adding to the shipping container hangout's growing roster of regular events, the McLachlan Street spot is now home to a weekly Sunday Farmers Market. Kicking off on May 5, it'll keep going till midday (so if you can't give up your sleep-in, you can roll along before noon hits). Stock up on fresh food of the seafood, meats, cheese, baked goods and gourmet condiments variety, with nuts, seeds, spices and salts all on offer as well. Bringing your pet pupper with you? There'll also be dog food available to buy, and a dog wash in operation. X Cargo's bar and cafe also serves up breakfast and coffee, should you be feeling peckish and in need of a caffeinated buzz first thing. And, because it's the Valley, live music is also on the agenda. We suspect it won't start quite so early, however. Image: Dane Beesley.
"Luke, I am your father" might just be one of the most famous line ever uttered in a movie — except, of course, that's not actually what Darth Vader said. If you're pedantic about the exact phrasing of iconic Star Wars dialogue, or just brimming with Jedi-focused tidbits, then here's your chance to put those skills to the test. Given the date, it's the trivia night that had to happen — and an evening of fun that no one can have a bad feeling about. Yes, Fritzenberger is delving into the series that has spanned ten films to date and inspired a host of new instalments to come. If you have a Chewbacca costume in your wardrobe, you're destined to be there. As always, dressing up is heartily encouraged. As for prizes, they'll be on offer for your mastery of Star Wars info and your outfit. And, because it's all taking place at a burger pub, both dinner and brews are on the menu too (although they're not free). Sure, it's not quite the Mos Eisley Cantina, but you can pretend.
Feeling nostalgic, Brisbanites? The city's bars and watering holes are hoping so of late, and there's a party for every era. Love 00s teen musicals and old Disney flicks in general? There's a night for that. Can't get enough 90s beats? There's one for that too. And it the 80s are your bag, then bust out your Talking Heads-style huge suits, Madonna-esque fingerless gloves and whichever David Bowie look you'd like to copy — because The Foundry's latest themed shindig is stepping back 30 or so years. Whip It 80s Party promises a huge soundtrack — including The Cure, Tears for Fears, Blondie, Human League and the Eurythmics, as well as Joy Division, The Smiths, Hall and Oates, Stevie Nicks, Pet Shop Boys and INXS. Devo will get a whirl, given one of their hits gives this night its name. And if you'd like to dress up like Kate Bush and show off your 'Wuthering Heights' dance moves, that's on the agenda as well. You'd best be ready to stay out late on what's usually a school night, though. With the Labour Day public holiday coming up, this party takes place from 11.30pm on Sunday, May 5. Entry is free, and so is feeling like you've been whisked back to a time that you weren't even alive for. You'll need for wallet for drinks, of course.
Just one short year ago, South Bank wasn't home to a multi-level German beer house. Thankfully, that's no longer the case. And, to celebrate the occasion, Munich Brauhaus is throwing itself a huge birthday party. There'll be food. There'll be beer. There'll be fun, obviously. While the whole shindig takes place between Friday, May 3 and Monday, May 6 (danke, public holiday), each day offers something different. On Friday, tuck into free canapes between 6–7pm (with bookings essential), then dance to an oompah band. Saturday and Sunday both bring oh-so-many contests — from sausage and pork knuckle eating, to stein holding, to best costume competitions. Then, on Monday, it's time to eat as many schnitzels as you like. Yes, you can start feeling hungry now. Whenever you drop by, there'll be strong biers on tap, $1 pretzels and face-painting for the littlies as well. Sure, it's not the right time just yet, but partying like it's Oktoberfest is recommended.
By the time that Thursday night rolls around each, most of us are thinking about escaping the 9-to-5 grind. There's still one pesky weekday left to go until the weekend, of course, but sinking underground with a glass of rum in your hand — and with jazz tunes setting the upbeat but relaxing mood — sure does sound enticing. That's The Jazz Jamboree at The Walrus Club, aka the Regatta spot you go to when you've got malt drinks and a cosy, dark space on your mind. On Thursday, May 2 from 6.30–11.30pm, it combines the watering hole's hefty array of 300-plus spirits and prohibition bar vibes with lively — and live — music. The one-off shindig is in honour of International Jazz Day, because that's a thing, and it'll feature performances from four local trios as well as Plantation Rum and El Dorado tastings. All that music and tunes making you hungry? There'll also be a delectable delicatessen food stall — and entry is free.
Sometimes, when you're staring at bottle shop shelves filled with oh-so-many options, it can feel like you've already sipped absolutely every drop there is to drink. But you haven't. And, at City Winery's Fresh Wine Festival, you're bound to taste something that you're yet to come across — because this four-hour event is all about the inner city winery's brand new tipples. Head to the winery's base on Wandoo Street in Fortitude Valley from 12–4pm on Sunday, June 6, and you'll make your way through its latest range. Three new pet nats will be launched at the event, so that's three drops you'll be sipping. You'll also be able to hit up tasting stations set up by Gerler, Bent Road and Konpira Maru, try their wares as well, listening to live music and tap your toes to DJs. Entry costs $35, which includes unlimited tastings — and hopefully finding your new favourite vino.
Usually when a Brisbanite heads to Westfield Chermside, they're going shopping. Or, they could be seeing a movie or having a bite to eat. Normally, though, a trip to the sprawling northside centre doesn't involve swinging in a rainbow room or hopping in a ball pit — or cuddling teddy bears either. From Thursday, June 24, all of the above activities are on the agenda at the busy shopping complex. So is being surrounded by colour and neon lights aplenty, too. The reason: the folks behind the sweet-themed Sugar Republic pop-up museum are returning to the town, bringing their latest multi-room installation with them. So, get ready to make your way through The Selfie Lab (and to see it take over your Instagram feeds, obviously). Whether they're doing Christmas pop-ups in Melbourne or hosting a Museum of Love in Sydney, all of this group's activities are designed to be snapped — so this time they're just calling that out in the event's name. Drop by and you'll find a greatest hits-style set up across The Selfie Lab's 16 rooms. In other words, it's rolling out some of the past spaces that everyone loved, just in a different location. New rooms featuring photogenic decor that audiences haven't seen before will also be part of the installation; think: Palm Springs motels, 50s diners and 80s bedrooms, as well as a space that promises to take visitors to the moon. There'll also be a candy bar — because the Sugar Republic crew were never going to forgo sweetness — and work onsite by Brisbane illustrator Alex Darrafa. Making its home opposite Uniqlo on Westfield Chermside's second level, The Selfie Lab is popping up for a good time, not a long time — but it does seem that this vibrant space might stick around for a bit. The website promises new installations each season; however, given how popular the group's other events have proven, getting in quickly is still recommended. Tickets cost $25 plus booking fee for a one-hour run through the space — phone in-hand, of course, so you can keep snapping pics.
Whether you love art, film, fashion, celebrities or mid-00s TV shows that are just about to make a comeback, everyone has taken an on-screen gander at The Met. We've all heard of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and its famous galas, of course — and the fact that the institution frequently pops up on-screen is one of the reasons why. Until October, Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art is showcasing European masterpieces from The Met's collection as part of a huge exhibition. Across the coming months, the South Bank site is also celebrating the NY venue in its in-house cinema. At The Met: The Masters and the Modern Day, two types of flicks are on the bill: movies set at iconic gallery, naturally, and also films about famous artists. In the first category, Brisbanites can look forward to watching everything from Ocean's 8 and When Harry Met Sally to documentaries The First Monday in May and Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles. In the second camp sits movies such as Mr Turner, about the life of British painter JMW Turner; and At Eternity's Gate, about Vincent Van Gogh. While you'll need to pay to get into the exhibition, The Met: The Masters and the Modern Day's screenings are all free — regardless of whether you're there to see the art or not. And, they're taking place at 10.30am every Saturday until October 16.
In 2021, Monday, June 21 marks an important occasion: winter solstice, or the day with the shortest span of daylight and longest stretch of night for the current 12-month period. Since ancient times, it has been a time of celebration — and that's what Northey Street City Farm does each and every year. Hosting this stint of revelry on a Monday wouldn't be any fun, though, so this year's Winter Solstice Festival will take place on Saturday, June 19. At the Windsor spot, everything from food, live music, talks and workshops is on the bill — plus a lantern parade and a sizeable bonfire. The leafy venue has been getting into the wintry spirit for more than two decades, so expect quite the party. A community jam, chats on topics as varied as making yoghurt and queer permaculture, and Bollywood dancing classes are all on offer as well. The event kicks off from midday, with $35 tickets on sale now. This year's festival will also be a zero-waste affair, so bring your own reusable containers, crockery and cutlery, as none will be given out at the food and drink stalls. Image: Northey Street City Farm.
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.
Riverside bars are hardly rare in Brisbane. We are a river city, after all. But if you haven't had an excuse to stop by Blackbird Bar and Grill recently, World Gin Day might just be the reason you need. We know, we know — another day ending in 'y', another food or booze-fuelled celebration. These kinds of days pop up all the time. At this one, though, you'll be saying cheers to juniper spirits. Blackbird is even welcoming in Brookie's Gin, who'll be setting up a pop-up bar for the occasion. From 2pm on Saturday, June 12, gin cocktails will be flowing. Blackbird's usual food lineup will be on offer, too, so you won't go hungry. You'll be paying as you go for both your drinks and your bites to eat, of course — but that gorgeous view over the river is free.
Mosey around one of Brisbane's two Botanic Gardens — put one foot in front of the other and just see where they take you, really — and you'll never be bored. There's just that much greenery to see and soak in, whether you're escaping the CBD's chaos or you've made the trip to the inner west. Doing the latter — so, heading to Mt Coot-tha but staying at the bottom of the mountain — is definitely recommended between Friday, June 11–Sunday, June 13. That's when this year's Brisbane Sculpture Festival is livening up the place, displaying a heap of both small and large sculptures both indoors in the venue's auditorium and throughout its outdoor spaces. Between 10am–4pm daily, you can take in the hefty array of art at your own leisure, or you can hop on an artist-led tour. There's also a Friday night session from 6–8pm to celebrate opening night — and, across both Saturday and Sunday, there'll be life drawing sessions, artist talks and demonstrations. Images: Brisbane City Council.
Keen to escape your house by heading to a cinema this winter, but your wallet doesn't want to play ball? Call Dendy Portside's latest special a case of great timing, then. For no particular reason other than the fact there's plenty of flicks hitting the big screen, the riverside picture palace is offering up discount tickets between Thursday, June 10–Wednesday, July 7 — and if you attend a session between 4–7pm daily, you'll only pay half price for your movie of choice. Or movies. With everything from A Quiet Place Part II, Cruella and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It to My Name Is Gulpilil and Wrath of Man currently screening, there's plenty to see if you're keen to spend as much time in a darkened room as possible. Also set to hit the screen during the special's month-long period: long-delayed high-octane franchise entry Fast and Furious 9, stage-to-screen musical In the Heights, and retro 30-year anniversary sessions of The Silence of the Lambs. So, don't say you don't have anything to watch over the next month. Top image: Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons
UPDATE, January 28, 2022: Good Love Festival has postponed its 2022 festival from February 5 to May 7. This article has been updated to reflect that change. Clear your diary, grab your sneakers and prepare to spend some time dancing to reggae by the water — because on Saturday, May 7, 2022, Good Love Festival is headed to Doug Jennings Park on the Gold Coast. New Zealand's huge One Love Festival actually made its local debut back in 2020; however, it's now had a name change — and it's popping up in 2022 in a different GC location. The festival is quite the big deal across the ditch, attracting more than 20,000 festival-goers each year for a decade before the pandemic. And, the reggae-focused fest clearly enjoyed its first trip to our shores, so now it's returning fo another day of Jamaican-influenced tunes. This time, the lineup is set to span Katchafire, Stan Walker, Kora, Sons of Zion, Nesian Mystik, The Black Seeds, 1814 and House of Shem. Also on the bill: Tomorrow People, Krisy Erin & Mike Mayz, Swiss & Tree, and DJ TIKELZ.
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).
They're cute, they love running around on their little four legs and wagging their tails, and they make every single moment better. We're talking about dogs, obviously. And, they're just the kind of pet that Brisbane loves to celebrate. At Puppy Palooza from 12–3pm on Sunday, July 18, you'll be showing your affection for these adorable animals. Don't have one already? This event really is for you, then. Happy Tails Animal Rescue will be onsite, because this whole shindig is about raising funds for the organisation — and, it'll be bringing puppies that you can cuddle. Yes, pup snuggles are now on your Sunday afternoon agenda. Nothing else could be more important. There'll also be puppy games, all taking over the Birdees beer garden in Fortitude Valley. And if you're wondering about Happy Tails, it's a southeast Queensland not-for-profit, no-kill pet rescue charity, and it's clearly deserving of all the support you can give it.
Itching to enjoy the great outdoors, but can't escape the big smoke? Don't worry — you don't need to travel far. Brisbane's annual Peaks to Points Festival will get you out, about and immersed in natural surroundings without venturing beyond the city. Birdwatching in suburbia taking a bushwalk without leaving the city limits are just some of the events on the agenda — alongside spotting koalas, paddling in creeks, orienteering and planting trees. Workshop-wise, you can also learn about controlling weeds, and discover how to turn your kitchen and garden waste into compost. Running from Saturday, July 17–Sunday, August 1, Peaks to Points is all about showcasing the south side of the Brisbane River, so expect to explore everywhere from Carina, Mount Gravatt and Corinda to Ipswich, Redlands and Logan. It's family-friendly, should you have a little nature-lover in tow — and, even better, plenty of events are free. Top image: Brisbane City Council via Flickr.
If there's ever been a dish that's tailor-made for winter, it's fondue. Sure, it instantly conjures up visions of the 60s and 70s, but dipping fruit, marshmallows and more into hot, melted chocolate is as timeless as it is delicious. The same applies to the cheese version, obviously, but Living Room's new winter menu is all about keeping it sweet. Yes, W Brisbane's resident bar getting both gooey and chocolatey this year — between Thursday–Sunday each week, starting at 4pm, from Thursday, July 15–Sunday, August 29. Designed for two people, the $59 fondue set lets you and a date or mate stick strawberries, blueberries, bananas on skewers, marshmallows, macarons and churros into a tub of Valrhona chocolate. If that's not enough, marble brownies and gold-topped waffles are also on the menu. And, if you're looking for something to wash it all down with, there's a new cocktail range just to go with the fondue. For $38, you ca sip a hot toddy-inspired tipple for two that's made with elderberry vodka, pomegranate syrup, cranberry and lavender, bitters and strawberry cream black blooming tea — and comes served with an edible gold sheet. Or, the suitably named Death by Chocolate features toasted coconut chips, a bourbon infusion, almond milk, Guatemalan drinking chocolate and cinnamon syrup, as well as a cookie coated with gold cocoa butter that you can dunk into it.
It's been almost four years since all things Yayoi Kusama took over Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art and left everyone with colourful, dot-filled and pumpkin-shaped memories. But Brisbanites can actually spy one of her artworks, Eyes are Singing Out, whenever they want to — and by simply going for a walk in the city. If you weren't aware of that handy local tidbit, now you've just learned something. This town of ours boasts more than a few pieces of standout outdoor art, in fact, but it can be easy to mosey past it all and not pay these works enough attention. That's where Museum of Brisbane's new Public Art Walking Tour comes in — and it'll have you seeing and appreciating Brissie in a whole new way. Starting at City Hall at 2.30pm every Friday and Saturday, this tour will take you to a range of eye-catching pieces sitting in plain view. Expect to see works from more than a century ago, far more recent installations and everything in-between. Don't just walk around looking at your phone like so many of us usually do, obviously. [caption id="attachment_804862" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Robert McPherson via Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Once a year, when the weather warms up, Brisbane indulges its love of rosé in a big way. Yes, even bigger than this pink wine-loving city usually does. After taking a year off in 2020 for obvious reasons, Rosé Revolution is back for a sixth stint in Brissie, with 2021's tipple-fuelled event taking place in Fish Lane between 2–5pm on Saturday, September 25. On the menu is rosé — obviously — with more than 30 different Australian and international drops just waiting to be poured into your glass. Your $65 ticket will nab you five tastings, and then you can keep purchasing sips, glasses and bottles from the event's pop-up bars. To accompany all those pink-hued beverages, Southside is doing snack boxes. No one should be sampling vino on an empty stomach, after all. And, there'l also be live entertainment, if you need something else — other than rosé, rosé and more rosé — to say cheers to.
Thursdays are a curious day. The bulk of the week is behind you, but the weekend isn't here just yet. So, while you probably want to say cheers to being oh-so-close to having a few days off, you also likely want to keep your celebrations on the leash. That makes oysters and drinks the ideal Thursday arvo combo. And, that's what's on the menu at new Fortitude Valley bar The Parlour every Thursday in June and July. You'll need to stop by between 5–7pm, but that's when you'll be able to slurp down $1 oysters, sip $5 house beers and wines, and knock back $12 cocktails. The oysters come dressed in your choice of raspberry gimlet mignonette or fizz vinaigrette — or natural, if that's what you'd prefer. And if you're keen on a cocktail while you're scoping out the Valley's latest haunt, there are four to choose from, including a lemon-heavy twist on the martini and a spritz made with Martini Bianco, St Germain, lemonade and mint leaves.
Humans didn't love 2020, and with good reason. But we're guessing that our four-legged friends felt differently about the whole experience. While we were all in lockdown, we were spending more time at home with our tail-wagging canines — and you know that they just loved the extra attention. Two-legged Brisbane residents have all been heading out and about much more in 2021, of course. Don't forget to take your pup with you, though. No one needs an excuse to treat their pooch to a day out, but given that Dogs Day Out is all about doggos, it really is their time to frolic — and to do some dog yoga. Bending and stretching with your pupper, treating your canine to dog ice cream, painting their super-adorable portrait: that's all on the agenda from 9am–1pm on Sunday, June 20 at the Gasworks in Newstead. There'll also be dog grooming, fundraising for the RSPCA, market stalls, a photo wall and live music. Entry is free, and dogs of all sizes are welcome. [caption id="attachment_814294" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Since 2019, Baja Modern Mexican has been pairing Mexican cuisine and Southern Californian vibes on Brunswick Street, and serving up everything from twice-cooked octopus tentacle to five different types of tacos. But on Tuesdays from Tuesday, June 1, it's going all in on street food dishes. Tacos still feature — of course they do — but you'll only be paying $6 a pop. The once-a-week menu comes courtesy of Baja's Los Tacos spinoff, which you'll usually find at the Mt Gravatt Street Food Market on Saturday afternoons. It's now taking over the kitchen at Baja's Fortitude Valley digs from 5pm every Tuesday as well, and whipping up spans pork carnitas, fried chicken, beef barbacoa and vegetarian tres frijole tacos, as well as esquites (for $7) and ceviche (for $11). Margaritas are on the menu as well thanks to Baja's regular drinks lineup, with its signature version blending tequila, elderflower, maraschino liqueur, lemon and lychee — and both classic and agave syrup-heavy varieties also available. Bookings are recommended, or you can just mosey on in come quittin' time.
