There are many activities you can do in a two-hour time slot. You could watch all six episodes of the ABC's satirical beauty blog Sarah's Channel, cook 60 packets of 2 Minute Noodles or listen to Pink Floyd's 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' 4.6 times. But we think the tastiest way to pass 120 minutes is to spend it eating endless plates of tacos. And that's exactly what you can do during your chosen two-hour slot between 3–6pm on three specific Sundays — December 1, 8 and 15 — when El Camino Cantina Bowen Hills celebrates its first birthday with unlimited tacos for just $19 a pop. Rock up for a Fantastaco Sunday Session and you'll be able to dig into a bottomless feast of everyone's favourite Mexican dish. To redeem the offer, you will need to purchase a drink of sorts. You can choose from one of the restaurant's five frozen margaritas, a glass of sangria, a Dos Equis or, really, anything else on the extensive drinks menus. Margs will be $7.50, too, if that tempts your tastebuds Two hours of bottomless tacos are available at El Camino Cantina Bowen Hills. To book your spot, head to the El Camino Cantina website.
A Sunday session comes in many forms — from uni kids partying till dawn to a group of mates hanging at their local with a couple of schooeys on the table. If the latter is more your speed, but you'd still like to kick back to some tunes as you while away the Sunday hours, then the Osbourne Hotel has got something in store. To mark the start of summer, the pub is getting together with well-loved beer maker Blue Moon to host a live gig session on Sunday, December 1. Head down to the Fortitude Valley local from 1pm and you'll find Blue Moon's signature citrusy wheat ale on tap, plus some drink specials. Better yet, there'll be bands playing the blues all afternoon. Expect the likes of local bands Mojo Webb and Blues Arcadia, who'll be bringing a touch of Motown blues to Brisbane with their Chicago and Memphis-inspired sounds. You'll also see local artist Gus Eagleton at work, creating a mural on one of the pub's walls. And, because blues and brews go so well with barbecue, the kitchen will be smoking up some meats, matched to Blue Moon's beer, naturally. Brews and Blues will go from 1–9pm on Sunday, December 1.
It's been a difficult year for New Farm Deli, with the beloved spot falling victim to fire in July. You can't keep this community icon down, though, with the store set to reopen on Friday, November 29 — 40 years since owners Maria and Vince Anello first started the inner-north mainstay. The ribbon will be cut at 6am on re-opening day, with the doors swinging open at 9am — and that's just the start of the celebrations. Head by the Merthyr Village carpark outside the deli until 11am to grab a few pastries, focaccia and paninis to snack on, listen to live music and take care of your morning caffeine hit. Make sure you pick up your cuppa from the onsite coffee cart, as it'll be donating all proceeds from sales between 6–11am to the Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland Inc. If you can't make if on Friday, there'll also be music, entertainment for kids and gifts for every customer across the entire weekend.
As bushfires wreak havoc around the country, Brisbane gallery The Third Quarter is responding to the crisis in a variety of ways. It's hosting an exhibition about the topic — and, perhaps more importantly, it's also contributing the sale proceeds from artworks sold during the showcase to fire brigades, food banks and animal rescue organisations. At Boiling Point, a lineup of artists including Henri van Noordenburg, Stefan Hunt, Holly Anderson, Sarah Gillow and Amy Crow will all display their latest work, with the exhibition's topic right there in its name. And if you'd like to snap something up, you can do so in person or online, with your funds going to a very worthy and important cause. The exhibition runs from Friday, January 24–Thursday, February 6 at the Petrie Terrace spot, with a launch event taking place on opening night from 6–9pm. Images: The Third Quarter.
Record Store Day might only come once a year, but every second Saturday of each month, Brisbane gets into the spirit of the occasion. That's when a treasure trove of vinyl descends upon West End in the stuff collectors' dreams are made of. The West End Record Fair is the type of event that gives aficionados reason to salivate, deliberate, negotiate, and then spend, spend, spend — after rifling through crates and crates of rare material, obviously Thousands of items are for sale, with Brisbane Record Fair taking over the Rumpus Room at 56 Russell Street. Expect a smorgasbord of sounds — offering up music of all types — when you head along to the next event from 9am–4pm on Saturday, January 11. Whether you're after a decades-old gem or something newer on an LP or a 45, chances are you'll find it here. Sellers come from far and wide to share their wares, including private collectors parting with their sonic pearls, and dealers from interstate. And no matter the time of year, a selection from their stash would make a perfect present, whether for someone else, or for yourself.
When the holiday season comes to an end, so does weeks of partying, indulging and sipping many a drink. Some folks respond by spending January in the same fashion, while others opt to take it easy. If you choose the latter, though, it doesn't mean that you can have a few cold ones. Thanks to non-alcoholic beers, you can enjoy the same yeasty drops without any of the side effects. And, thanks to booze-free craft brews, you really can enjoy the same tastes. BrewDog serves up a few, including its 0.5-percent pale ale Nanny State; the alcohol-free version of their flagship Punk IPA, Punk AF; and a couple of new brews. And, to really encourage you to opt for a non-boozy tipple this January, the Scottish brewery has dubbed the month 'drink all you can Jan' — when it comes to its beers without alcohol, that is. Stop by BrewDog's newly opened DogTap Brisbane, hang out by the river, grab yourself a pint of booze-free beer, then settle in and keep drinking, with free unlimited refills of BrewDog's alcohol-free beers on offer until Friday, January 31.
Every week over at its Gasworks store, Salt Meats Cheese serves up all-you-can-eat pizza. Yes, it's as delicious as it sounds. If you're a vegan and you've been holding back, the eatery has you covered too. SMC mightn't ditch animal products as often, but when it does, it's something special. Next occurring on Thursday, December 19, SMC's bottomless vegan pizza feast is back once more — and again, it includes unlimited vegan pasta as well. All you need to do is book a table in advance, with sittings available from 5pm. The pizza and pasta free-for-all will set you back a highly affordable $25, and while you'll also have to buy a drink, you can choose from both boozy and non-alcoholic options. For an extra $5, you can also opt for all-you-can-eat gluten-free vegan pizza too. Finding decent slices that cater to dietary requirements is hard enough, let alone devouring as many as you feel like in one sitting, so expect this to be popular.
Is buying vinyl is part of your Christmas shopping plans this year? Whether you're scouring the racks for the perfect gift or looking for a bargain for yourself, make a beeline to King George Square. For the first time, the CBD spot is hosting a record fair — and you can bet there'll be plenty of tunes waiting for a new home. Taking place from 9am–3pm on Saturday, December 21, City Record Fair is an offshoot of Brisbane's regular monthly record fair in West End — just in quite the striking CBD location. Expect a whole range of sellers, including folks travelling up from Sydney to offload their vinyl to avid shoppers and collectors. Entry is free, and it'll all be happening next to King George Square's huge Christmas tree. Looking for last-minute pressies? If your loved ones own a turntable, going hunting for records is bound to throw up a few treasures. You can find all manner of delights at a record fair, from old classics your parents will love, to retro wonders that'll look great in your bestie's collection — and whatever you're looking to add to your own pile, obviously. Top image: Brisbane City Council.
Slipping, sliding, splashing and slurping up ice cream — it was a great way to spend a summery day when you were a kid, and the same is true now that you're an adult. It's also exactly what's on the agenda at the Burpengary Big Splash, which'll let you get more than your toes wet at the Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre on Saturday, December 7. From 10am–1pm, the northside spot will be filled with giant inflatables, plenty of in-pool activities and a mini ice cream festival. The forecast for the day 34 degrees and mostly sunny, so even just thinking about the heat probably has you dreaming of a body of water. [caption id="attachment_753331" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre[/caption] To help you cool off on what's bound to be a toasty day, entry is via gold coin donation. And yes, this is a family friendly event, so it will be filled with littlies — but that's all part of a summery trip to the pool Top image: Moreton Bay Regional Council
There's no shortage of markets happening around Brisbane — pick a day, pick a spot, and you'll likely find a bunch of stalls selling a range of wares. One thing that you won't usually come across, however, is a market dedicated to authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, crafts and experiences, which is what the two-day-only Meeanjin Markets is offering. After first popping up last year and returning earlier this year, the city's first all-Indigenous market is back, just in time for the gift-giving part of the year. Taking place at Reddacliff Place, the markets will highlight the work of local Queensland creators, while also celebrating the sights, sounds, creativity and flavours of the Australian bush. That means there'll be dance, music and workshops — as well as plenty to buy. Drop by from 9am on both Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23.
Forget decking the halls with boughs of holly — from 10am on Saturday, November 16, Bakery, Winn and California lanes are decking out three stretches of Fortitude Valley pavement with other kinds of festive cheer. At the third annual A Very Laneway Christmas, a whole heap of markets — plus plenty of permanent shops to browse through — are on the bill. Located around the stretch of Ann Street near the Brunswick Street Mall, there's no shortage of spots luring people into both locales, whether you're keen for a bite, a gig, or rifling through racks and shelves. 'Tis the season to amp things up, however. And that's just what'll be happening at this market day. In Winn Lane, look out for vintage clothing and secondhand goods. California Lane will play host to locally made wares, including fashion, jewellery and ceramics — and, because greenery makes a great gift, plants as well. As always, remember the number one shopping rule at this time of year: yes, buying yourself an Xmas pressie is completely acceptable. In between reaching for your wallet, take a stroll through Bakery Lane — although it's turning into 'Barkery Lane' for the occasion. There'll be dogs playing, mingling with other mutts, getting their photos snapped and taking part in the It's A Dog's Christmas fashion parade. Bringing your own woofer is highly encouraged, obviously. Image: Bakery Lane.
What a difference five years makes — and how quickly they can fly by. That's how long it has been since The Triffid opened its doors in Newstead, and made a huge impact on Brisbane's music scene in the process. Indeed, even for those with great memories, it's hard to imagine the city without the Stratton Street favourite. Of course, the venue's continued existence is well worth celebrating, so it's throwing itself a birthday bash to do just that. This isn't just any old party, though. It also doubles as the unveiling of this year's Triffid Album of the Year, which started in 2016, highlights an ace Aussie artist and their stellar record, and then paints their name on the site's Wall of Fame for 12 months. Drop by the beer garden from 5.30pm on Thursday, November 14 to find out who'll emerge victorious — and to enjoy the free portion of the evening. From 7pm, and if you want to hang around for more than a drink, You Am I, Jebediah, Shifting Sands and Team Utopia will be hitting the stage for the official Triffid birthday shindig, with tickets costing $71.95.
It's not every day that an inner-city street shuts down for an onslaught of music and fun. No, just Big Gay Day. Now in its 20th year, the annual event returns to The Wickham and the surrounding roadway for an afternoon and evening of music and celebratory mayhem. Topping the bill is a name that households across the globe will know: Mel C. You know, the one from one of the biggest girl groups ever — the Spice Girls. She'll be performing with her band of drag performers, Sink The Pink. You'll also catch Indigenous Australian electronic duo Electric Fields; bubble gum punk duo Cry Club; hip hop and roots collective The Regime; local act Being Jane Lane; indie folk artist Julia Rose; a heap of DJs and drag performances. It's proven to be the city's most colourful and diverse street festival for the past 19 years, and will continue to be so again in 2020. There'll be carnival acts, multiple performance spaces, food trucks, themed pop-up bars and plenty of partying people on the agenda, as is raising funds for six charity partners that help the LGBTQIA+ community. [caption id="attachment_754871" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Mel C and Sink The Pink.[/caption]
No one likes cooking on Mondays — or Tuesdays for that matter. The working week has just begun, you're still wishing it was the weekend and your next batch of days off feels oh-so-far away. If you're eager to avoid your own kitchen, you happen to be in Brisbane's inner west, and you have an appetite for both vegan and Chinese food, then Paddington's King Tea has a solution — a $20 vegan banquet every Monday and Tuesday night. There is one caveat: you'll need to stop by between 5–7pm, because this is an early bird special. Afterwards, the deal is still available, but it'll cost you $25. Each week, the Sichuan-style restaurant will put together a selection of its favourite vegan dishes, you'll munch your way through them, and there'll be no meat — or fake meat, either — on the menu. Bookings are recommended, and this is a gather the gang-style of meal, with banquets designed for four or more people. If there's just a couple of you, King Tea can trim it down so you can still enjoy the special. Updated March 2.
How many times can you listen to Toto's 'Africa' in one sitting? Not sure? Well, you're about to find out — again. For the fourth year in a row, drums will echo and quiet conversation will be whispered at Black Bear Lodge's entire evening dedicated to appreciating the 37-year-old song. And yes, the rains will be blessed. It's gonna take a lot to take anyone away from a whole night focused on Toto's finest moment, even though the American band actually had some other catchy tracks. You'd expect that you won't be hearing 'Rosanna', which is commonly assumed to refer to actress Rosanna Arquette. Or 'Hold the Line', the tune that first put them on the map. Instead, it's 'Africa' all the way from 7pm on Wednesday, January 8. There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do to stop the song repeating over and over — and if you think you might find some long forgotten words or ancient melodies, think again. But, as sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti, we're betting that somewhere there'll be a screen playing the music video as well.
Ever since Freddie Mercury teamed up with Brian May and company back in the 70s, Queen has never been out of fashion. Thanks to Bohemian Rhapsody, however, the band has been roaring up the charts again. You could call it a kind of magic. You could say that their songs must go on. Either way, if you're happy to let the British group keep rocking you — and you need something to fill the void until the remaining band members tour Australia next year — then head along to Ivory Tusk on Saturday, December 21 Been feeling a crazy little thing called love for Freddie and his bandmates? Then you'll be in the right spot. And if your approach to the group's music is "I want it all!", that's what you'll hear at Mamma Mia — Let It Snow. And well as ABBA songs and Christmas tunes, too, because why not? The one-night event will break free from 9pm, so get ready to unleash your inner dancing queen and thank everyone for the music. Here we go again, indeed. If you're wondering how much money, money, money it'll set you back, tickets start at $13 — and buying in advance is recommended, because it's likely to sell out. Because it's a hard life, DJs will spin both band's tunes, and you and your fellow champions and super troupers will take a chance on dancing and singing along. You'll be able to say 'gimme, gimme, gimme' to other tracks from huge artists of the 70s and 80s, plus plenty of festive hits as well. Basically, prepare to step back in time and get rather jolly — and if you miss out, you'll feel a little under pressure.
If you're of an age when you can remember burning your friend's So Fresh CD so you could stay up to date with the coolest songs of the season, congrats. You're old now. But also, congrats, because you will seriously enjoy this So Fresh shindig. The old-school get-together to end all old-school get-togethers is coming to Eaton's Hill Hotel on Saturday, April 13, and it'll be playing bangers strictly of the 2000s vintage. You can expect a disturbing percentage of Channel 10 alums (Australian Idol winners/losers and ex-Neighbours actors) as well as way too much Nickelback for polite company. Also, just throwing this out there: we're desperately hoping for a timely comeback of the Duff sisters duet 'Our Lips Are Sealed'. Entry will set you back $18.70, and of course it's obviously 18 and over — because if you're under 18 you definitely don't know what So Fresh is. Or CDs, probably.
If you're planning on spending a Saturday with a beer in your hand, then one Fortitude Valley establishment has you covered. Admittedly, serving up pints is what Bloodhound Bar does every day of the week; however in honour of Brewsvegas, it's bringing back their beloved beer fest, adding it to the city-wide celebration, and making an extra special occasion of it. At the fifth Hopfields, they're also making an occasion out of showcasing hops, without which we wouldn't have the brews we know and love. With that in mind, expect all the tasty ales from around the world that you could dream of — and plenty you've likely never heard of, too — including limited releases, launches of new beers and one-offs brewed especially for the event, plus a slew of classics. Over 20 breweries will be invited to take part, so start salivating. Last year, names like Sparkle Muffin, Alligator Tugboat, Unicorn Tears and 'Morning Blend' Coffee Milkshake IPA were on the menu — and if this year can match it, you're going to want to try them all. Save some room for the creative concoctions though, with the humble hop flower given its moment to shine in all its forms.
When it comes to celebrating the deliciousness of chocolate, one day a year isn't enough — but the powers that be have picked a specific date anyway. That'd be July 7, which is credited as the day that chocolate was introduced to Europe back in 1550. While you're snacking on a piece of cocoa-filled goodness, take a moment to think about the poor chocolate-less folks before then. In fact, why not do so while you're getting your dip on with some chocolate fondue? That's how the Regatta Hotel has chosen to mark the occasion. Come 4pm on Saturday, July 7, they'll be slathering their courtyard with warm, runny chocolate so that you can slather it all over your tastebuds. Don't worry, it won't be all chocolate all night long — where fondue is involved, there's usually cheese, fruit and other edible non-choc items ready for plunging into the gooey hotpot as well. Still, we'd recommend eating something savoury for lunch because it's going to be quite the sweet evening.
What's better than one party? Two. The answer is always two. You know it, we know it, and the folks at both Green Beacon Brewing Co and the Teneriffe Festival know it. Just like last year, the former joining isn't just joining in the fun of the latter — from 1pm on Saturday, July 7, it's shutting off the street and throwing its shindig as well. Yep, it's a good ol' fashioned Green Beacon Block Party (and yep, something can still be classed as old fashioned even if it's only the second time it has ever happened). Expect everything a brewery get-together should have, aka multiple beers and bars, a feast of food trucks and plenty of live music. Plus, as well as GB's usual tipples, there'll be apple cider on tap and wines — in case beer isn't your thing, or you need to alternate your tipples. Mr Burger and King of the Wings will be on culinary duties, so expect burgs and wings galore. And because it's often sunny in Brisbane, even in the middle of winter, there'll be shady seating so you can get comfy.
Put it in the obvious, easy but still excellent camp: a festival dedicated to the stellar pairing of chicken wings and tins. You'll eat succulent poultry pieces cooked in a variety of ways, drink alcoholic beverages served in cans and remember that the best things in life really are this simple. The event is the latest put on by the folks at Welcome to Bowen Hills, who seem to have made celebrating every food and booze pairing ever the venue's specific mission. Their poultry and pints shindig will span the two days of Saturday, July 7 and Sunday, July 8 — and, as always, entry is free. On cooking duties, King of the Wings and Cycho's Buffalo Wings will be leading the charge across the weekend, but they'll have help. On Saturday, Chef on the Road, Koma Sliders and Food Mood will be serving up their best chook bits. Then, come Sunday, it's Wingfix, Mr Burger and Spud the Food Truck's turn to clucky in the kitchen.
When Sunday, July 1 rolls around, it won't just mark the start of another month or another financial year, but it'll also see the beginning of a new eco-friendly regime. That's the day all Queensland stores will have to scrap single-use plastic bags; however that's only one step in the war against waste. From straws to plastic containers to water bottles, plastic is — sadly — everywhere. It won't be at Wandering Cooks on that particular date though, with the venue playing host to a day of talks, markets and workshops that are all about going plastic-free. Find out other ways to do the environment a solid, pick up supplies, learn how to make your own skincare products, discover what local businesses are doing and work towards reducing for plastic footprint. Entry is free, but if you'd like to take part in the workshops, they cost between $5–10 per person.
In French, the term raclette derives from the word for scraping. In German, the dairy delicacy was once referred to as roasted cheese. Combine the two together, and you get a great idea of just what this warm, gooey meal is all about — and Emile & Solange are serving it up for one delicious dinner. Taking place at Vieille Branche from 6.30pm on Thursday, September 27, this feast will see a grill placed in the centre of every table. Attendees can then melt their own cheese, pour it over boiled potatoes, vegetables, smoked ham, cured meats and pickles — and then, of course, tuck in. The $89 per person price includes a glass of sparkling on arrival, rum and vanilla-flavoured French custard pastries for dessert and a 375ml pitcher of wine per person. If you'd like more to drink, you'll need to plan in advance — you can order more for $20 per pitcher before the dinner, but you can't buy it on the night due to liquor licensing restrictions.
Chop Chop Chang's banquets hold a special place in many Brisbanites' stomachs, serving up a feast of the West End eatery's dishes over one delicious and affordable meal. But if you don't eat animal products, you probably haven't experienced these culinary delights — which is where the restaurant's vegan banquet comes in. On Tuesday, September 25 and October 2, anyone looking for a more ethically conscious option can eat their way through six vegan courses for $35. The menu includes pickled watermelon rind and sriracha salt, veggie pancakes with satay and miso, king brown mushroom yakitori and a Thai yellow curry, which should all get your tastebuds salivating. If you're keen to pair your meal with a few glasses of vino, the banquet comes with an optional vegan wine flight too. That'll set you back $55, and includes four Australian and New Zealand vegan drops to go with your dinner.
On any given Saturday morning across Brisbane, plenty of pooches can be found descending upon the city's markets. Come 6am–12pm on Saturday, October 27 in Carseldine, dog lovers and their BFFs will be doing what they usually do — with the added bonus of attending the northside spot's returning Barktoberfest. What do cute canines have to do with celebrating this time of year? Nothing, but don't let that get in the way of a dapper doggo-friendly morning out. As well as the usual food and fresh produce, an array of pet-related stalls will ramp up the fun to bark-tastic levels — plus a petting zoo, a puppy kissing booth, a puppy parade and a pawparazzi photo contest to determine just which four-legged friend is the most adorable. And, if you don't have your own pupper nipping at your heels, and you'd like to, the Animal Welfare League Queensland will also be hosting a dog adoption zone on-site. Yes, you can take your pets to this market or come home with one. Or, if you're looking to add to your furry brood, you could even do both. UPDATE, OCTOBER 13: Due to wet weather conditions, Barktoberfest was moved from its original date of Saturday, October 13 to Saturday, October 27.
If you like your alcohol amber in colour and hoppy in flavour, you can fill most of your weekends with a Brisbane beer festival. There's usually one on somewhere around town, if not more than one — and Barrel Fest is the latest. From 10am onwards on Saturday, August 11, Newstead Brewing Co's new shindig will celebrate brews that have taken their time, and sat ageing in barrels in the process. In total, there'll be 24 barrel-aged tipples on offer across the day, split across two seven-hour sessions. Yes, that means you can sip your way through 12 different types between 10am–5pm, then back it up with another 12 across 5pm–12am. Newstead Brewing's own beers will be pouring through the taps at the brewery's Newstead site, and they'll have company from other Australian and international brews. Entry is free, although you'll need to purchase your drinks — with $15 getting you a commemorative glass and your first beverage.
Here's a fun cheese fact: scientists recently discovered that eating fistfuls of your favourite fromage can induce a euphoric effect, similar to that produced by taking morphine. And far be it from us to argue with the smart guys in white coats — we've been cheese addicts since day dot. That's why we're giddy with excitement over this tasty morsel of news: Cheese to Please, Newstead House's dedicated cheese festival, is returning on Sunday, September 30. From 10am to 5pm, attendees can enjoy an eye-watering selection of cheese, charcuterie and condiments at the stunning, heritage-listed property. If cheese isn't your steeze (or if you need something to wash it down with), then there will also be beer and wine masterclasses with which to while the afternoon away. Plus, there's a lineup of live music and entertainment to help keep you out of that (inevitable) cheese coma. Entry is free, with all of the above edibles available to purchase on the day.
If you've had one high tea, then you know what you're in for — right? That's not the case at W Brisbane's new High Tea of Aus. It comes with a distinctively local flavour. As great at scones and sandwiches are (and then more scones and more sandwiches), this weekend feast takes its cues from Aussie favourites, although not as you know them. Serving up meat pies, lamingtons and milo as part of its spread, the hotel is calling its dishes 'reimagined versions' of these trusty favourites — and you can't go wrong where all three are concerned. Keeping the theme going, other treats whipped up by executive chef Robert Sauer, chef de cuisine Isa Hagstrom and executive pastry chef Nicholas Waring feature Toowoomba free-range eggs, Fraser Island crab and quandong. Running every Saturday and Sunday across two sessions — 11.30am–1.30pm and 2–4pm — the high tea comes with unlimited tea for $55 per person, but can also include Champagne or a martini for $69, or rosé Champagne for $74. Bookings are necessary, and can be made online. Images: Nikki To.
Whether you're a seasoned opera lover, a casual fan, someone who has always wanted to give it a try but hasn't or something else, add this to your diary: an affordable night of opera under the stars in a rather unique location. Between 5.30–7.30pm on Saturday, September 8, West End's newest laneway — Laneway WV, in the space that's in the process of becoming the new West Village precinct — will play host to the aptly named Opera in the Laneway. And, it'll specifically host acclaimed star D'Arne Sleeman singing up a storm. Sleeman has performed with Opera Queensland since 1993, and has both local and international roles to her name, so you'll be treated to quite the show. Your $40 + booking fee ticket will also get you a complimentary drink on arrival, and a grazing table to keep your stomach satisfied. Image: West Village.
If it comes in a bowl, then it's about to become a bargain at Banoi, all in honour of the King Street eatery's first birthday. To celebrate the milestone, bowls of pho, vermicelli and salad will be on offer for just $7 from 11.30am on Saturday, July 7. Cheap lunch? Cheap dinner? You'd best pick one of the two, because it's a one-bowl-per-person kind of affair. And we'd recommend going early rather than later, as this affordable deal is only available until sold out. As for the rules, there's no alterations or substitutions, and you'll be charged accordingly if you want anything extra. As for what you'll be slurping, brothy beef or chicken pho makes a mighty fine winter meal, particularly if the weather's right. Elsewhere, the vermicelli options range from salt and pepper tofu, to chicken curry, to barbecue pork patties — or you can opt for a wagyu beef or chicken salad.
If life was a musical, there'd be a simple solution to most of your daily troubles: singing. It's too cold to get out of bed? Get crooning. You spilled your coffee on the way to work? Strike up a tune. You don't like Mondays? Start warbling. It's only noon but the day seems to be going on forever? Give your lungs a workout. Of course, life isn't a musical, sadly; however if you just feel like belting out a ballad to cope with the beginning of the working week, you can still do that at The Flamin' Galah's Bad Karaoke Mondays. On Mondays in July and August through until September 3, it's time to pick the one song that'll brighten up your day and do your best — or worst. As the name suggests, this isn't about becoming a star, with bad songs and not-so-great performances all welcome. It all kicks off at 7pm, and entry is free — although you'll probably want to bring your wallet for some liquid courage.
For its latest excuse to eat, drink and be merry, the Treasury Casino is taking inspiration from our neighbours across the ditch. Over one cheese and wine-filled evening, the CBD hotspot will be serving up New Zealand's best dairy and vino — and given the country's reputation on both fronts, it's certain to deliver. In a special Ekka holiday eve edition of the casino's regular cheese and wine parties, your tastebuds will think they've ventured across the ocean between 5pm and 8pm on Tuesday, August 14. With Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling on offer from Catalina Sounds, Matua Valley, Villa Maria, Squealing Pig and more, prepare to sip and sample away for three hours for $59 per person, which is definitely cheaper than jumping on a plane. So are the event's VIP $99 tickets, which include Cloudy Bay wines, chats with winemakers, and a premium cheese and canape selection. This time, the tastiness takes place not only in the Treasury's courtyard — complete with a starry backdrop — but also in The Lab, because there's just so much NZ-themed deliciousness to around. Live music from The Koi, New Zealand canapés, Pan Head craft brews and 42 Below feijoa vodka will all help round out the evening.
Visiting Tippler's Tap's new digs, it's okay if you feel a little deja vu — even if you haven't been there before. Setting up a second hangout on James Street in Fortitude Valley, the watering hole is also returning home in a way. As folks with long enough memories might remember, before it moved over to South Bank, the original Tippler's was located in Newstead. Doubling its footprint, the venue is now serving up drinks on both sides of the CBD — and, unsurprisingly, it's throwing a party to celebrate. From 5pm on Friday, June 15, thirsty patrons will find 14 beers from 14 Brisbane breweries flowing through the taps, kicking things off in style. End your work week with a beverage in a new spot, with the second Tippler's situated just up the road from the main James Street precinct. As well as local brews and local brews only, you'll also find spirits, cocktails and food all-day long.
Sipping on a cocktail is an end-of-week tradition. When the working week is done, everyone just wants to have fun — and, sometimes, on the day before as well. If Thursday or Friday afternoon beverages help you get through the 9-to-5, then let Madame Rouge make that cathartic tipple even better. Between 4pm to 6pm on both days, it's serving up $1 oysters. There's no missing numeral there. One shiny coin is all you'll pay for freshly shucked molluscs at Fortitude Valley's French bar and bistro. You will have to buy a drink as well to get the super cheap seafood — but, as we've already established, that's one of the main reasons you're in a watering hole for some post-work fun. As well as a range of made-to-order cocktails, drinks on offer include a two-page list of Champagne, reds, whites, rose, and sticky and sweet wines. Unsurprisingly, many hail from France — and some cost a pretty penny, if you're feeling flush — but you can grab a glass of pinot gris and oysters for $10, pair them with something crimson for $11, or opt for some champers for $13. UPDATE, JULY 24: As of July 21, Madame Rouge has closed its doors permanently, with management opting not to renew the restaurant's lease. Image: Madame Rouge.
If you're of an age when you can remember burning your friend's So Fresh CD so you could stay up to date with the coolest songs of the season, congrats. You're old now. But also, congrats because you will seriously enjoy this shindig — yep, it's another So Fresh Party. After partying up a nostalgic storm last month, the old-school get-together to end all old-school get-togethers is coming back to The Foundry on Saturday, July 28, and it'll be playing bangers strictly of the 2000-2009 vintage once again. You can expect a disturbing percentage of Channel 10 alums (Australian Idol winners/losers and ex-Neighbours actors) as well as way too much Nickelback for polite company. Also, just throwing this out there: we're desperately hoping for a timely comeback of the Duff sisters duet 'Our Lips Are Sealed.' Entry will set you back $10 on the door, and of course it's obviously 18 and over — because if you're under 18 you definitely don't know what So Fresh is. Or CDs, probably.
Meet Brisbane's longest continuously-running local film festival. While the Brisbane International Film Festival has stopped, restarted and moved venues over the years, the West End Film Festival is still kicking on. It's focused on short films rather than lengthier flicks, but it seems that good things come in small packages as the fest gears up for its tenth year. Taking place on June 23 and 24, WEFF once again shines a spotlight on homegrown talents keeping things short and sweet in the cinema, with their program split over four sessions. Sinister dolls, call-centre workers, superheroes, sensory deprivation tanks... they all get a mention. And, while the festival keeps its eyes on all things abridged and brief, it'll also screen a feature — Australian documentary After the Apology. First, head along to the Boundary Street Markets at 5pm on Saturday night to catch the feature, then stick around at 7pm to watch the year's best music video submissions. The next day, come back at 3pm and 6pm on Sunday for two stints focusing on shorts, shorts and more shorts, followed by the fest's annual awards after the later session.
It has been four years since La Macelleria set up shop in Brisbane, gifting the city's residents with an array of inventive gelato and sorbet flavours. During that time, it has taught ice cream lovers how to make their own, served up all-you-can-eat sweet treats and doubled its footprint by adding a second shop — and now it's giving away a free taste of a pair of particularly inventive flavours. To celebrate its birthday, La Macelleria will whip up Aperol spritz sorbet and Parmigiano Reggiano gelato, two varieties you've probably never even dreamed of. Sure, you've downed your fair share of spritzes and eaten plenty of parmesan — but we're guessing you haven't had them in frosty form. Leave your wallet at home and head on over to La Macelleria's Teneriffe store between 5–7pm on Sunday, July 1. Given how much Brissie loves gelato, not to mention free stuff, we'd recommend dropping by earlier rather than later.
Eight years after premiering her Music for Dogs piece at the Sydney Opera House, artist and musician Laurie Anderson is heading back to Australia to stage another Concert for Dogs — a gig that doesn't just let humans bring their four-legged friends along, but serves up melodies, frequencies and riffs have been composed specifically for pooches. Taking place on Sunday, June 24 at the Gold Coast's Home of the Arts, the 20-minute show combines low-decibel violin, vocals, keyboards and electronic sounds into a symphony certain to get puppers' tails wagging. Only held a handful of times before — including in Sydney, in New York's Times Square and in Brighton, England — the free event is open to all doggos, although they must play nicely with others and be kept on a leash. For both hounds and humans alike, the concert will be followed by Anderson's Heart of a Dog, her astonishing documentary tribute to her own furry BFF — and to all of dog kind. Anderson is in the country for a number of shows, including a virtual reality experience and a sonic installation at Dark Mofo. On the Gold Coast, she'll become HOTA's artist-in-residence from June 20–24, premiering new music pieces (including Songs from the Bardo, which uses texts from the Tibetan Book of the Dead), presenting multimedia work The Language of the Future, and chatting about stories and language in All the Things I Lost in the Flood.
It's round, crispy and a little tangy — and it's a great alternative to chips or wedges. And, on June 22, it's the food in the spotlight. The date does mark National Onion Ring Day, after all. If you need an excuse to devour as many onion rings as your stomach desires, then consider this it. That's what food-based days are all about, right? On this occasion, the Jubilee Hotel is getting into the swing of things with a Friday night party dedicated to the humble onion sliver. Yes, onion rings will be on the menu. So will a wheel of onion, whatever that happens to be, and a gum station — because if you're eating onion rings all evening, then your breath isn't going to smell minty fresh. There'll also be live music, a longer-than-usual happy hour and movies projected on the pub's projection screens. No word yet about whether The Onion Movie will be one of them.
Even when winter is in full swing, having a picnic is one of the best things you can do in Brisbane. The sun is usually out, the grass is typically quite the shade of green and we've got plenty of parks just begging for you to visit. Combine all of the above with a historic site, food trucks and jazz and you have Newstead House's Sunday by the River. A new one-off gathering from the folks at the Food Truck Collective, it'll take over the venue's stunning lawn from 11am on Sunday, July 1. Sunday by the River is the chilled kind of daytime hangout we all need every now and then (or maybe even more often), so bring your best picnic blanket, your mates, and some cash for something to eat, and let the event take care of the rest. There'll be live jazz tunes to set the mood; food from King of the Wings, Micasa, Rolls Pho Mi and more; and beers from Newstead Brewing Co. And, because a Sunday picnic is for everyone, doggos are welcome.
Like commemorating the birth and life of famous figures? Like multicultural festivities that shed a light on diversity and harmony? If so, it's party time. Brisbane's annual Buddha Birthday Festival is back for its 22nd year at South Bank — and yes, it is the biggest annual celebration of its kind in the world. The 2018 program certainly aims to prove that claim once again, courtesy of three jam-packed days of tree blessing, candle lighting, lion dances, dragon boat regattas, origami, calligraphy, fireworks and more. In fact, there's so much on the agenda that your best bet might be to head to South Brisbane and settle in for the long haul. 200,000 people are expected to do the same — and with more than 400 performers and 180 events on offer, you can't blame them. The festival isn't just about watching other people strut their stuff, though. With international food markets serving up culinary delights, tea ceremonies keeping you hydrated, meditation sessions taking care of your mental bliss and more than 2500 red lanterns on display, this isn't just a feast of entertainment; it's a complete mind and body experience as well.
When Welcome to Bowen Hills announced it was coming to town, it promised three things: food trucks aplenty, food and booze-themed events aplenty too, and a permanent onsite gin bar. It has delivered on the first two since first welcoming patrons in February, and now the third part of the equation is set to launch. Of course, the precinct is celebrating the only way it knows how. That'd be with a huge gin fest. On May 5 and 6, juniper spirits will be flowing — and not just at Swill, the bar in question. There'll be more than 20 different gin stalls serving up free tastings from midday each day, and showcasing inventive takes on the good ol' G&T, plus other creative gin cocktails. There'll also be food and entertainment, and entry is free. Big Gin Festival joins what's proving to be a busy WtBH lineup — giving you another excuse to drop by the Ekka showgrounds, or motivation to finally head along if you haven't already. Since the meals-on-wheels hangout set up shop, Brisbane has already seen separate fests dedicated to rose and cheese, hot sauce and chilli, garlic bread and gluten-free fare, with a Eurovision food festival and a chicken nugget festival also coming up.
For two days each May, most of Brisbane heads to Musgrave Park to pretend they're in the Mediterranean. Yes, it's Paniyiri time again, with the city's massive Greek festival taking over West End with quite the array of food, drink, partying and more. There's a reason that more than two million people have gone along over the past four decades. In the event's massive 42nd year, expect the usual array of Greek revelry — grapes to stomp, coffee to sip and plates to smash, plus TV stars to rub shoulders with and cooking demonstrations to watch, too. And, it wouldn't be Paniyiri without everyone's favourite entertaining displays. If dancing is more your style, watch Greek Dancing with the Stars or catch the Hellenic dancers. If devouring as much as you can is your idea of fun, take part in the festival's regular food contests. Can you eat more olives or honey puffs than anyone else? Here's your chance to find out. Because you're never too old to try new things, Paniyiri 2018 will also feature a Santorini lounge bar, designed to make you think you're thousands of kilometres away. Other highlights include more than 30 authentic Greek food stalls, the return of last year's The Plateia — complete with traditional Greek coffee, a sweet shop, a seafood taverna, fresh oysters, a pie shop and an Ouzeri, aka a wine bar — plus art displays, traditional and modern music and an after party at the Greek Club. And, as always, there'll be an abundance of haloumi, calamari and dolmades as well. Arrive hungry.
In bringing one of their latest productions to the stage, La Boîte didn't simply take their pick of modern and classic theatre greats, or commission an veteran or emerging talent to write something new. When you're tackling subjects as topical as the refugee experience and the plight of people seeking asylum, you delve deeper. So, they collaborated with refugee resettlement agency MDA Ltd to use the real stories of folks in those situations. In The Village, their tales are told verbatim. A hit during its premiere season in 2017, the production is back for another run until May 5, taking over the La Boite Studio — and the end result promises more than your usual piece of entertainment. Thanks to those who've shared their journeys, much more, in fact. Viewers will watch and listen, of course, but The Village has been dubbed "an interactive performance experience" because it immerses everyone right in the thick of the narrative. It's designed to celebrate Australia's cultural diversity and showcase the strength of people who made this country their new home in trying circumstances. Serving an educational purpose as well, expect to find students in the audience — but this is the kind of performance that everyone should attend.
Everyone has a go-to duet, even if you're not a singer or a karaoke fan. Yes, even if you just hum tunes in the shower, you do too. There's a thing about duets, though, particularly when they're love songs. Usually they're shared between heterosexual pairs — but not at Coupling at MELT on May 19. Especially for Brisbane, this one-night-only show won't go breakin' your heart as it reclaims everyone's favourite two-handers for same-sex couples. Camerata, aka Queensland's Chamber Orchestra with special guest vocalists Sean Andrews, David Ouch, Luke Hodgson, Greg Moore, Monique Dawes, Emily Gilhome, Jessica Mahony and Ellen Reed, will lift pop classics up where they belong and make sure you have the time of your life — with endless love, of course.
If all your want for MELT is a celebration of Mariah Carey, then you're luck — and no, Josh Daveta's Like Mariah isn't just a sweet, sweet fantasy. The Brisbane talent channels his inner Mimi for an hour-long exploration of the music sensation's career, impact and hits. He had a vision of love, and it's all that he's giving to Brissie audiences across May 17 to 19. Yes, he's the hero that's come along with the strength to carry on — or to try to hit the diva's multiple-octave range, at least. There'll be no shortage of songs given Mariah was only the biggest-selling female artist of the 90s. And, the show does promise that her spirit will be made known in other ways, too.
All manner of shows, concerts, plays, dance pieces and more come to life at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre — and now the history of all of those performances, and of the state's performing arts history in general, will too. Displaying in QPAC's Tony Gould Gallery, Show and Tell unearths a range of objects and artefacts from shows gone by, as selected from the QPAC Museum's 70,000-strong collection. Expect costumes and photographs, plus posters and programs, all chronicling the greats that have taken to the stage across Queensland over the years. Some pieces date back nearly a century. As well as delving into history, the exhibition aims to shed light on the behind-the-scenes action that goes into putting on a show. "A performance someone sees on stage is a fleeting moment that is the culmination of vast preparation, not only by the performer, but by networks of writers and composers, directors, designers and costumiers, scenery builders, makeup artists, staging technicians, theatre managers, photographers and producers," explains QPAC Exhibitions Manager Maria Cleary. Show and Tell is free, and displays across two periods: from May 1 to June 16, and again from July 10 to September 1.
It's official: low and slow barbecuing has become Brisbane's favourite style of food preparation. In fact, there's a festival to prove it. Come June 30 and July 1, the Victoria Park sporting fields will be engulfed in the kind of smoky, spicy taste sensations that can only come from taking your time to lock in as much goodness as possible. Following on from sold-out fests between 2015 and 2017, the fourth annual Brisbane BBQ Festival will once again see a convoy of food trucks, burger joints and more converge upon Herston to prove their culinary patience. They'll be starting up their ovens long before their doors open, and you'll get to devour the long-simmering rewards. Between sampling from the likes of That BBQ Joint, Ze Qickle and How We Rolls — and Sydney's Parrilla Argenchino, Get in the Q and Rangers Texas BBQ too, just to name a few — you'll also watch teams of professionals battle it out to be crowned the low and slow champions, all while scoring free samples of their creations. Or, sip frosty bevs at pop-up bars, learn new skills at masterclasses and workshops, and browse the marketplace for barbecue-related products to help you whip up a storm at home. There's also a chilli eating contest and a mechanical bull rodeo contest, and the ultimate live music barbecue soundtrack, too.
When it comes to spirits, do you have clear priorities? Is your go-to drink the fruity tipple that has made many a glass of tonic taste great? Can you taste the difference between Tanqueray and Hendricks? Is sipping gin all day your preferred way to spend a weekend? If you answered yes to any of the above, then you'd best mark June 2 in your calendar. Because there's a special date for everything, that's when Dutch Courage Officers' Mess is celebrating World Gin Day, albeit a week earlier than everyone else. Still, you'd better believe that the venue has put together a day-long gin festival, aptly called Gin Mania, to commemorate the occasion. That's what you'd expect from a bar that has more than 120 gins on its menu, but they really are getting into the spirit of the event. From gin tastings to special cocktails to meet-and-greets with gin distillers, all things juniper are on the bill. There'll also be live entertainment and DJs, food to line your stomach and a dedicated upstairs cocktail lounge. Tickets cost $15, with the fun running from 11.30am till 5.30pm, and the doors opening to the public afterwards.
Combining the savage and the sublime, On Body and Soul enters a slaughterhouse to tell an unconventional love story. Here, animals become meat for humans to consume, while people become animals to live out their deepest fantasies. The first part is literal, as depicted in stark abattoir scenes that don't shy away from blood and butchering, and might make carnivores think twice about their eating habits. The second part doesn't really involve the movie's characters turning into actual critters, but to the film's star-crossed protagonists, their animal transformation might as well be real. Human resources manager Endre (Géza Morcsányi) and new hygiene inspector Maria (Alexandra Borbély) work at the facility in question, with chopped-up cattle an ordinary aspect of their everyday routines. Both are unfazed about the gory nature of their workplace, although neither are particularly happy in general, gravitating towards each other because they're each a little lost and more than a little lonely. During the day, their conversations are polite and restrained, but loaded with unspoken emotions. By night, it's another matter entirely. In their own beds and their own apartments, they both dream of deers running around a snowy forest, doing what deers do. More than that, they dream that their respective deers are frolicking together in a shared dreamscape. Everyone has had the experience of waking from their slumber feeling like they've just lived another life. Everyone has felt a bond with someone else that they couldn't quite explain. Everyone has felt detached from reality and much more at home in their own head. Combine all of the above, and that's still just the beginning of On Body and Soul's surreal, slow-building romance — the relatable starting point for a weird and wonderful exploration of what it means to be human. If the narrative had appeared to writer-director Ildikó Enyedi in her own dreams, that wouldn't be a surprise, but her blend of beauty and brutality burrows deep into weighty existential matters. Forget androids pondering electric sheep (sorry Blade Runner); this thoughtful movie wants to know if mankind can ever truly get a reprieve from our unforgiving world, or if becoming animals in our dreams is the closest we'll come to real happiness. The questions keep flowing, seeping into the audience's mind like a well-deployed Laura Marling track, although Enyedi is refreshingly unconcerned with serving up answers. Furthermore, her on-screen lovers are just as uninterested in finding them. While a contrived development takes Endre and Maria from colleagues to something more in their waking life, there's nothing convenient or artificial about their yearning to belong — or about the performances that breathe life into these restless souls. Quiet and unflashy yet nonetheless compelling, first-timer Morcsányi and the more experienced Borbély achieve what every actor strives for, offering a window into their characters' inner worlds. Of course, the film's entire premise does exactly that in its dreamy deer sequences, but its stars are crucial in making the fantastical concept work. If this moody, musing movie belongs to anyone, however, it's Enyedi. Nearly three decades after nabbing the Cannes Film Festival's Golden Camera award for her first feature, she has scooped up a spate of shiny trophies for On Body and Soul, and it's easy to see why. The winner of the 2017 Berlinale Golden Bear and the Sydney Film Prize, as well as a nominee at this year's Oscars, Enyedi's latest feature mightn't suit everyone's tastes, but it's an immersive, distinctive deep dive into familiar basic themes — love, life and loneliness — that looks and feels like it couldn't have been conjured up by anyone else. Pay particular attention to the director's exacting images, with every splash of blood, frosty field and clinical workspace making a statement both visually and emotionally. The way the film contrasts the horrors of slaughter with the serenity of nature, and uses them both as metaphors for life's difficult extremes, might all seem obvious on paper. And yet it couldn't be more affecting or arresting on the screen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoQAm-E85bY&feature=youtu.be
