Ever wanted to see your favourite bands kick a few goals, and help support a good cause at the same time? For more than a quarter-century, the Reclink Community Cup has been turning musos into footy players for an annual charity Aussie rules match. Before the pandemic, the Melbourne game would draw more than 10,000 people and raise over $100,000 each year. Sydney's match had been going strong for years too — and the cup finally came to Brisbane in 2016 (if you're wondering, the musos took it out). Now, for Brisbanites, the Reclink Community Cup is back again for another round. Come Sunday, July 30, the city's music community will descend upon Enoggera Memorial Park to put their sporting prowess to the test. Two teams will take to the field: The Rocking Horses, featuring players from an array of Brissie acts; and the Brisbane Lines, filled with a crew of journos, industry staff general music-related folks. The complete list of exactly who'll be donning guernseys for both groups hasn't yet been revealed, but members of Powderfinger and The Church, Dead Letter Circus, WAAX, CLEA, Shag Rock, Melaleuca, Whalehouse, Tape/Off and Flangipanis played for the musos in 2022. Usually, staff from 4ZZZ, the ABC, street press, Oztix and QMusic make up the opposition team. [caption id="attachment_856675" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Allan Allport[/caption] The Community Cup isn't just about getting another dose of the live AFL action, though (as ace as the prospect of more footy always is). Given that rock stars are involved, live music is part of the proceedings as well, with the bill also set to be announced. And, food-wise, expect food trucks ready to fill your ravenous stomachs, plus bars to quench your thirst. Watching bands play both music and footy is hungry work, after all — and goes down well with a cold one. Every dollar raised from ticketing goes towards Reclink's efforts to improve the lives of Queenslanders suffering from disability, homelessness, substance abuse and economic hardship through participation in sport and the arts. Yep, whoever emerges victorious from the game, a heap of deserving folks will be the real winners. Images: Allan Allport.
Remember those younger days sat in front of the television, watching your beloved Disney flicks and shows over and over? Of course you do. While you were binging on High School Musical and Hannah Montana on repeat, you probably weren't thinking about your future adult self partying to their tunes, though — but Kickons is about to blow your inner kid's mind. From Beauty and The Beast to Aladdin to Frozen, if it's a piece of music from a Disney movie or television series, you'll likely hear it on Friday, June 17. The soundtrack will also span a heap of former Disney stars; think: Hilary Duff, The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez and more. Kicking off at 8pm, this When We Were Disney party will take over two dance floors across two levels, including a courtyard — because Disney fandom sprawls far and wide. Also included: a $100 prize for the best Disney outfit, Disney-themed visuals and drink specials (such as High School Musical shots and Hannah Montana-tinis), a ball pit and free lollipops.
What's better than one indulgent pop-up serving lobster, truffles and champagne in southeast Queensland? Two, obviously. After hitting up the Gold Coast, Lobster & Co is heading north for a stop at the Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival from Friday, August 19–Sunday, August 21. Clearly, there's a specific kind of thinking behind this food event: sometimes, your tastebuds just crave something special. They hanker for the kind of dish you're not going to eat every day, aka a treat yo'self type of culinary experience. If that sounds like your idea of an indulgent meal, Lobster & Co is doing what it does best at Apex Park in Woody Point, with the pop-up van serving lobster rolls with truffle fries and flutes of Pommery champagne. You'll pay $50 for the food combo, which features a whole confit lobster tail served warm on a caramelised brioche bun with buttermilk fennel slaw, plus a side of parmesan truffle fries. A chilled glass of the champers will cost you $20 extra. Also on offer: a second roll, a Thai fusion number, which includes cabbage, green papaya and sriracha mayo — and lobster, obviously — on a brioche bun. Images: Karon Photography.
In two locations around Brisbane throughout August, familiar spaces have been transformed by Japanese artists. In both, labyrinths of art have sprung up, too. By now, you should well and truly know about the Gallery of Modern Art's stunning Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles exhibition. You should've already visited it, in fact. But over at Brisbane Quarter, there's another showcase worth your attention. Brisbane-based talents Mabina Alaka, Ken Kikkawa and Hiroaki Eba have turned Brisbane Quarter into a forest filled with floral, clay and fabric creations, all to celebrate the beauty of nature. You'll find their work, dubbed The Love of Life, on the podium level one at the George Street spot — and it's free to see from 7am–8pm daily until Wednesday, August 31. Alaka's contributions use vintage Kimono fabrics, Japanese cotton and traditional Japanese paper, while ceramic artist Kikkawa has created three different trees — a wish tree, an octopus tree and a green dragon tree. Thanks to Eba, you'll also peer at floral pieces and three other trees, including one with orchids, another inspired by Australian native plants and a third decked out with clay frogs. Fancy grabbing a drink while you're there? Tenya Japanese Restaurant is doing Love of Life cocktails for the month, too, as made with white rum, watermelon and violet liqueur. Images: Claudia Baxter.
Time travel doesn't yet exist, sadly, so no one can step inside a phone booth or a DeLorean and zip back into the past. But if you've always wanted to see what happened when trailblazing French actress Sarah Bernhardt took on Shakespeare's Hamlet at the turn of the 20th century — playing the Danish prince herself, too — you can come as close as possible at Queensland Theatre's Bernhardt/Hamlet between Saturday, May 28–Sunday, June 19. Stacking icons upon icons, this play by American playwright Theresa Rebeck tells that tale, with Brisbane-born actor Angie Milliken (Death of a Salesman, Passengers) slipping into Bernhardt's shoes. Here, it's Paris in 1899, and Bernhardt faces a question: to be or not to be the scandal-courting woman who dares take on such a famed — and, as penned by the Bard, male — role. Bringing the real-life backstage story front and centre on the Bille Brown Theatre stage, this show may hark back more than a century; however, its account of a bold woman challenging the status quo and helping cement her place in history in the process will never stop being timely. Top image: Brett Boardman.
A trip to Northshore Hamilton usually means taking in the scenery, whether you're staring at the river, the grassy surroundings right there on its banks or both. But until Sunday, July 10, there's something else to look at that you won't see all-year-round: sculptures big and small. Presented by Sculptors Queensland, two-month-long exhibition Northshore Sculpture by the River is showcasing works by its members, featuring pieces on display both indoors and out — and in all shapes and sizes, too. Peer at sculpted animals, people, fantastical critters, abstract forms, shapes and more, all for free. There are two parts to the event. Kicking things off, the indoor portion runs from Friday, May 6–Tuesday, May 24, open 10am–4pm Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with Monday, Tuesday and Thursday viewings by appointment, all in The Shed at the Hamilton precinct. Or, wander around outdoors from Friday, May 13–Sunday, July 10 to spot sculptures around Northshore's Maritime Green.
Forget finding a golden ticket — while scoring a free pass to a chocolate factory was everyone's fantasy as a kid (and, let's face it, is still a fantasy now), there are other ways to indulge your Willy Wonka dreams. Cakes as far as the eye can see, classes on how to make them and a dedicated sweet zone aren't just things that floated through your head while you were asleep. They're real, and they're part of the returning International Cake, Cookie and Sweet Show at Brisbane Showgrounds. From Friday, May 13–Sunday, May 15, the Ekka precinct becomes the sweetest place in the city, so prepare your tastebuds and stomach accordingly. The three-day show will feature a mixing bowl worth of live cake-making and decorating sessions, how-to demonstrations, hands-on classes and a two-day cake sculpture challenge — as well as hosting the Australasian Cake Oscars, the tastiest awards you're ever likely to come across. Other highlights include stalls and shops, which'll help you bake up a storm at home, as well plenty of tasty fare to devour. Basically, when you're not learning how to make sweet treats, you'll be eating them — including at a doughnut smashdown, which is exactly what it sounds like, and a blindfolded cookie and buttercream challenge. Oh, and you'll be looking at them, too — and not just your regular old desserts. Get ready to scope out a giant Marvel-themed cake and one shaped like a Jurassic Park velociraptor, aka the sweets that sugar dreams are made of.
In 2022, Tuesday, 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 Tuesday wouldn't be any fun, though, so this year's Winter Solstice Festival will take place on Saturday, June 18. At the Windsor spot, everything from food and live music to talks and workshops is on the bill — with BARKAA is headlining — and there's also a lantern parade and a sizeable bonfire. The leafy venue has been getting into the wintry spirit for more than 25 years now, so expect quite the party. Community fire-twirling, chats on topics as varied as winter gardening and queer permaculture, and tea ceremony circles, organic markets, lantern and origami classes, and afternoon jazz are all on offer as well. The event kicks off from 1pm, with $40 tickets on sale now. You can also purchase a pay-it-forward ticket for $25, which'll go to someone who can't afford one. And, this year's festival will also be a zero-waste affair, so bring your own reusable containers, crockery, cutlery and water bottles, as none will be given out at the food and drink stalls. Image: Northey Street City Farm.
If you're the kind of beer lover who feels like they've tried every brew ever — or you've made it your mission to achieve that yeasty goal — then you're probably a big fan of the Great Australasian Beer Spectapular. For more than a decade now, since it started off as a Melbourne-only celebration of ales, lagers, ciders and more, the event has been serving up weird, wild, wonderful and inventive varieties, many of which are made exclusively for the booze-sipping shindig. In 2022, that's set to be the case once more, with the beer fest returning for a tour of Australia's east coast capitals in May. GABS is considered to be one of the best craft beer and cider festivals in the Asia Pacific region for good reason, and this year it has at least 120 of them, because that's how many brews will be on offer. Prepare to knock back beers inspired by breakfast foods, savoury snacks, desserts, cocktails and more when the event hits the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, May 7. Some of the foods and drinks that this year's GABS brews are taking their cues from: peanut butter, coffee, earl grey tea, chicken salt, pizza, fairy floss, bubblegum and sour gummi bears. Confirmed highlights include Brouhaha's Baked and Wasted, a sour which uses wasted baked goods; Capital Brewing Co's experimental Smooches, which pairs cocao nibs with a strawberry kick; Mismatch Brewing Co's We Love NY Cheesecake stout, in case you've ever wondered what cheesecake in a glass tastes like; and The Catchment Brewing Co's Ra Ra Raspoutine, another stout that, yes, is brewed from chips, cheese and gravy. The event surveys both Australian and New Zealand breweries, with more than 60 set to be pouring their wares in Brisbane. As well as the aforementioned outfits, this year they'll also include Balter, Range, Otherside, Black Hops, Ballistic, Your Mates, Mountain Culture, One Drop and Little Creatures, as well as Colonial, Mountain Goat and Bentspoke — and NZ's Garage Project and Panhead Custom Ale. Also on the bill: other types of tipples, including non-alcoholic beers, seltzers, whiskey, gin, cocktails and wines (including by 19 Crimes Snoop Dog Cali Red). GABS is known for dishing up a hefty lineup of activities to accompanying all that sipping, too, which'll span a silent disco, roaming bands, circus and sideshow performers, games and panels with industry leaders in 2022, as well as local food trucks and vendors to line your stomach.
No one likes Mondays. Tuesdays are hardly anyone's favourite day either. But while you can't escape the fact that the weekend is over, you can start off your working week with a few slurps of cheap ramen. Every Monday and Tuesday between 5–6pm, Hai Hai serves up its number one dish for $10 a pop. And, here's a tip: when you're staring at a brothy bowl filled with noodles, char siu, bean sprouts, eggs and more, the fact that you're still days and days away from a break doesn't seem so bad. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available for the same price. Don't feel like slurping? Hai Hai also does mazemen — no-broth ramen — for $10 a serve on Mondays and Tuesdays as well. Unsurprisingly, there are a few conditions — including the fact that you absolutely must be seated by 6pm. There's also no waiting list for a table, and you can't hold tables either. In other words, getting there early is recommended. Images: Hai Hai Ramen. Updated August 16.
When Hollywood's biggest awards can run for 93 years and only give two female filmmakers its Best Director gong in that entire time so far, it's clear that gender diversity hasn't been big on the cinema industry's priorities for most of the last century. But for six years now, the Melbourne Women in Film Festival has been doing its part to celebrate women in film, as its name makes plain — and it's back for 2022 both in-person and online. The mixed format means that Melburnians can head along to ACMI from Thursday, February 10–Monday, February 14, while folks elsewhere — or those in Melbourne who can't make it physically — can watch along at home. On the bill, cinephiles will find a showcase of movies that champion female-guided on-screen comedy, a topic that'll also echo through the fest's conversations and skills-development programs. Screening highlights include short Groundhog Night, about a dad caring for his daughter with disability; 2018 Tropfest entry Paper Cut, which plays with gender experiences; and closing night's Love and Other Catastrophes, the 1996 indie classic starring Frances O'Connor and Radha Mitchell. Among the talks and workshops lineup, The Culture of Comedy will dive into using the genre to unite creatives and viewers from different backgrounds, while Creating Comedy Online will provide tips for women looking to make a digital splash by making viewers laugh.
When Friday, February 25 rolls around, it won't just be another day on the calendar. If you like oysters, it'll be a day full of them. There's no actual special occasion — it isn't Oyster Day, which is a real thing that does actually exist — but you can still spend your lunchtime slurping down more than a few molluscs. From 12pm until stocks last, Alchemy will be serving up plenty of oysters in its riverside Eagle Street digs. Even better: it'll be offering up $1.50 oysters. No, there's no missing numeral in the price, so gather your spare change for a feast of Australia's finest. Whatever you decide to pair them with, drinks-wise, is up to you, although there will be margaritas, lychee martinis and daiquiris on offer. The special's timing means that you can pop by for lunch or a mid-afternoon snack; however, getting in quick is recommended given that this deal will only last until sold out.
When a new year rolls around, everyone is celebrating something. Sea Legs Brewing Co isn't just welcoming in another 12 months or even celebrating lunar new year, though. The Kangaroo Point brewery is commemorating its first huge three years of operation — yes, time flies — and it's doing so with a party and beer. How else? This birthday bash will feature a few special tipples — as you'd expect from a brewery — as well as food specials to match. And, it'll double as a launch for the brewery's new-look core range of beers, and also offer up giveaways (because everyone loves heading to a birthday shindig and coming home with something, party bag-style). Whether you prefer your brews off the tap or in tins, you'll be catered for. The Main Street brewpub also serves up wings, cheeseburger spring rolls, pizzas, burgers and more on its regular menu, so your tastebuds will find something to suit. Bookings are recommended, but you can also just walk in on the day. Entry is free, with the shindig running from 2pm on Saturday, December 14.
If mashing buttons and hitting flippers while standing up in public is your idea of a great time out, then you'll be a fan of Brisbane's arcade bar scene, aka Netherworld, B. Lucky & Sons and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. Here's another way to get your fix: Esc. With Us, Brisbane Festival 2023's contribution, although it isn't quite like any of the other options. From Friday, September 1–Friday, September 22, Bowen Hills' King Street is going retro during the citywide arts fest, all thanks to a heap of inflatable consoles. This is a nostalgic tribute to old-school gaming, and it will indeed let you endeavour to reach your latest high score. The puffy installation takes its colour palette from the 80s, of course, so if you see hues that make you think of Tang, Fanta and Lifesavers, there's a reason for that. Melbourne-based art studio ENESS is behind Esc. With Us, after also bringing Sky Castle and Airship Orchestra to Brisbane Festival in the past. Pop by to check out its latest effort for free from 4–10pm on opening day, then 10am–10pm daily afterwards. On Saturday, September 16, Esc. With Us is part of an 80s street party from 5–9pm, too, complete with rollerskating and DJs.
Trust a movie that's all about connection and pluck to boast plenty itself. The second of cinema's recent father-daughter pictures out of Britain that's directed by a first-time feature filmmaker called Charlotte — the first: Charlotte Wells' Aftersun — Charlotte Regan's Scrapper couldn't be better cast or any more fearless about telling its tale. Starring as 12-year-old Georgie, a pre-teen striving to survive on her own with any help from adults or the authorities after her mum Vicky's (Olivia Brady, The Phantom of the Open) death from cancer, debutant Lola Campbell is an electrifying find. Fresh from playing a model in Triangle of Sadness, Harris Dickinson is now an absent rather than ideal dad, a part that he infuses with equal doses of soul, sorrow, charisma and cheek. And, recognising that she's hardly skipping through new narrative territory, writer/director Regan heaps on character and personality. This is a perky, bright and bubbly take on a kitchen-sink story. There's sadness in 2023's Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize-winner, too, with Scrapper scoring its award in the fest's World Cinema Dramatic Competition. There's anger as well, especially about a society that has Georgie convinced that staying solo in the council flat she lived in with her mother — a space that she's now fastidious about keeping exactly as it was before heartbreak struck — is her top choice. But Regan sees colour amid the grey, plus possibilities alongside struggles. Her view is clear-eyed but never steely. Regan unblinkingly witnesses the realities of working-class existence, yet also spies joy and whimsy, and similarly isn't afraid of getting surreal. This is a flick with talking spiders — cue literal bubbles, of the speech variety — alongside scrapping to get by. Indeed, while Scrapper may owe one of its debts to Sorry We Missed You's Ken Loach, aka England's go-to kitchen-sink filmmaker and one of its all-time directing icons, it also slides in next to Del Kathryn Barton's Blaze. That searing debut had its own 12-year-old protagonist's existence forever altered by witnessing horrific violence, which isn't part of Georgie's plight; however, the Australian feature similarly understood the power of escaping to cope so deeply that unleashing its imagination was always its approach. Both movies pair fantasy with empathy, winningly and resonantly so, knowing that seeking solace from life's worst moments is essential and universal. The two films also want their audiences to take in the world from their lead character's perspectives — which being dreamy and leaning into magical realism couldn't be more crucial to. When she's not maintaining her humble abode as her mum left it — even the couch cushions need to sit in the same place they've always been — Georgie has two key ways of getting by. She makes cash by stealing, repainting and selling bicycles with her friend Ali (fellow newcomer Alin Uzun), with the no-nonsense Zeph (Ambreen Razia, Ted Lasso) her fence. To stop child services from stepping in, she tells them that her uncle Winston Churchill is on guardian duties, using taped snippets of the local convenience store clerk saying pivotal phrases to back her up when anyone official rings. Practical, resourceful, enterprising, resilient: these all fit the resolute adolescent, who is determined to retain as much about her days when her mother was alive as she can. Georgie is well-aware that she's working through the stages of grief, diligently tracking them with Ali, but she's certain that she's found the best way of dealing with her situation. Enter Dickinson's Jason, who drops in with bleached-blonde hair — and by jumping over the back fence — to stay with the daughter that he's never known until now. Georgie is wary and flatout unwelcoming, but she's a kid and he's an adult, which means that he's sticking around regardless of her attitude. From there, of course this is an account of two strangers bonded by only blood initially, then getting to know each other. It's never as formulaic as that setup sounds, though, including by constantly embracing openness and playfulness. When Regan has Georgie and Ali ponder what Jason's real motives might be, for instance, she brings to life their fears that he could be a gangster or a vampire. And, often offering to-camera commentary is the picture's chorus of supporting characters, as shot in Super 16, in another of Scrapper's lively stylistic touches. Strip all of Scrapper's aesthetic flourishes away and it wouldn't be the tender, sincere, charming and creative standout that it is. Its rich and energetic look and feel are that evocative, affecting and indispensable, as aided by talented cinematographer Molly Manning Walker — a director herself, with her own feature debut How to Have Sex also an applauded 2023 release, taking out Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard. But, if Regan had served up a visually and tonally standard movie with the usual grit, Campbell and Dickinson's work would've still been gleamingly exceptional. Their dynamic would've remained unmissable as well. Just like Scrapper's palette and production design, there's nothing black and white about Regan's two main characters, who bound across the screen with their strengths, flaws, joys hopes and disappointments on full display — and also nothing straightforward about their complicated relationship. Not just because this is her first-ever acting credit, Campbell's efforts never read like a performance. Authenticity shines as vividly as the paint adorning the film's central housing estate's outer walls, no matter whether Georgie is clinging to her mum's ways for comfort, mischievously palling around with Ali, pulling off her ploys with confidence or ever-so-slowly warming to Jason. In what's proving a prolific chapter of a burgeoning career that's only going to keep blossoming, The King's Man, The Souvenir: Part II, Where the Crawdads Sing and See How They Run's Dickinson also inhabits the role of a wayward dad returned with lived-in commitment and emotion. There are no scraps in these portrayals, and there's nothing piecemeal about this movie; Scrapper and its upbeat yet unflinching slice-of-life chronicle arrives fully and gloriously formed.
There are a million ways to meet someone in 2023. The options range across physical and digital, making it easier than ever to find the right someone. One of the fastest ways to find the right person is the classic choice of speed dating. It's a great way to speed up the process if you want to cut out the endless swiping and waiting for a match. That's what Cheeky Events Australia is here for with its weekly speed dating series. That's what Cheeky Events Australia is here for with its weekly speed dating series. After spreading love among singles in Sydney and Melbourne, it's coming to Brisbane from Friday, November 3. The events cater to anyone aged 25-35, 30-45 or 35-49 — Cheeky Events Australia aims to open it up to more age groups and cater to LGBTQIA+ customers in 2024. [caption id="attachment_922332" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] millann via iStock[/caption] How does it work? Simply book your sport at one of the many regular events via Eventbrite or the Cheeky Events Australia app (and use code PLAYGROUND15 for 15% off). Once you arrive, your hosts will greet you and supply you with a complimentary beverage to enjoy while mingling with fellow daters before the action begins. Women will stay seated while the men rotate around, with a brief mingling break at the halfway point of the night. Once the time is up, participants will open the app to input their likes, and matches will be finalised via the app later that night. Any matches will be able to find each other's contact details in the app. The odds are in your favour — on average, everyone has one or two matches per night, with many finding a long-term partner by their third event. Keep an eye out for more than just the weekly series — there could be themed boat parties on your dating horizon. To get started with Cheeky Events Australia, follow them on Instagram, download the app or find the next event on Eventbrite. For more information, visit the website.
Brisbane whisky fiends, here's an event to give a dram about, especially if you like sampling and tasting spirits from distilleries around the globe. Across three sessions from Friday, June 16–Saturday, June 17, Whisky Live hits the River City to celebrate fermented grain mash. New, inventive, classic, rare: they're all on the whisky menu. Hosting three-hour sessions — from 6–9pm on the Friday, and from 12–3pm and 5–8pm on the Saturday — this whisky fair groups its tipples by brand, and has experts onsite to chat you through each. You'll sip, you'll learn, and you'll also get a printed whisky guide to use as a roadmap. If upping your whisky knowledge has always been on your bucket list, Whisky Live includes classes about various aspects of whisky as well. You'll find out what's on offer on the day, and no bookings are required. Your $145 to this whisky-sampling event covers tastings from distilleries around the world, bites to eat and access to the classes, with everything taking place at W Brisbane. And, if you'd like to try the rare and old sips, there'll be an entire bar dedicated to them, including releases from years and years back, and from now-closed distilleries. These tipples aren't included in your ticket, however, costing $28 per 15-millilitre serve. [caption id="attachment_831071" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marriott International Hotel[/caption]
El Camino Cantina likes tacos, which isn't new news to anyone in Brisbane that's hit up the chain over the past few years. But on one specific day, it's ramping that taco affection up a notch and giving the people what we want. If you're heading to a Tex-Mex bar and eatery, then you're clearly after a taco feast — and, ideally, you want them cheap. Enter World Taco Day's all-day $1 taco special, which is exactly what it sounds like. Head by on Tuesday, October 4 and you can tuck into a highly affordable feed in Bowen Hills, South Bank and Chermside in Brisbane; Surfers Paradise and Robina on the Gold Coast; and Sunshine Plaza on the Sunshine Coast. Bookings are essential, and the deal runs from open till close — but there is a caveat. You'll need to buy a drink to get up to five $1 tacos. Fancy more? Then get another beverage. El Camino Cantina is known for its OTT margaritas, after all.
Every September, BIGSOUND takes over Fortitude Valley, showcasing the best up-and-coming music talents the city — and the country — has to offer. But if you're more about three chords and the truth, then you might be interested in the fest's new spinoff at South Bank: BIGSOUND Country. (Just spent the last few days at BIGSOUND and aren't done with live music for the week? That's another reason to add this to your weekend plans, too.) Also forming part of Brisbane Festival like almost everything else around town at the moment, BIGSOUND Country is exactly what it sounds like: a country music-focused version of BIGSOUND. For one night only, from 6–8pm on Saturday, September 10, it's taking over the South Bank Piazza with a soundtrack worth busting out your RM boots for. On the bill: country star Adam Brand, plus The Wolfe Brothers and Shane Nicholson, with the BIGSOUND Country house band on backing duties. They're joined by Sara Storer and James Blundell, as well as Loren Ryan, all against the city lights.
If this returning Brisbane food event needs a theme song, it has plenty of options to choose from. Sure, most tracks that reference wings in their name come soaked in emotion (we're thinking about Jeffrey Osbourne's 'On the Wings of Love' and Bette Midler's 'Wind Beneath My Wings', for starters, because 80s tunes are just that impossible to forget). But hey, who isn't in love with crispy, deep-fried chicken wings? We're going on about potential anthems because the Australian Buffalo Wing Festival will make you want to sing an ode to its titular dish, we're betting. That's what showcasing all the great places in Brissie that sell these delectable sites of poultry does. Well, that and fill your stomach. Featuring everywhere from King of the Wings and KaiKai Chicken to Fritzenberger and Sea Legs Brewing among its locations — and Wing Fix, Seoul Bistro and Buffalo Bar, too — the fest is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of affair. Basically, pick an eatery between Monday, August 29–Sunday, September 4, and start munching. Or, go on a buffalo-crawl in search of the many deals on offer. Each joint will be serving up their own flavours, so you really will want to taste them all. Top image: Atlanta Bell.
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, then head along to The Brightside on Friday, March 1. 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 Don't Stop Me Now — the UK's Queen-focused club night, which is set to break free in Brisbane. Because it's a hard life, DJs will spin the band's tunes from 9pm, and you and your fellow champions will dance and sing along. Entry costs $10, and other tracks from huge artists of the 70s and 80s will also get a whirl. Basically, prepare to step back in time — and if you miss out, you'll feel a little under pressure.
The Triffid has long been Brisbane's home of roots tunes, and has been since the Newstead hangout started running acoustic gigs back when it opened. The venue is also the host of the city's annual roots festival — starting back in 2016, running annually since, and returning for another round from 4pm on Saturday, February 2. Meet the Newstead Roots Festival. With Band of Frequencies, Dave Orr Band, The Long Johns, JB Paterson and Mardi Wilson on the bill, it's the ultimate weekend roots session. Entry is free, with full sets rocking the main stage and acoustic sounds filtering through the beer garden — where you'll obviously find plenty of drinks to accompany this laidback festival outing.
From the moment that you read the name of this one-night event, you had one song lodged in your head. Don't run, run, run, run, run, run, run, away from it. Embrace it. Even better — make your way to The Triffid on Friday, January 25 for one huge night of celebrating Talking Heads. The Newstead venue puts on these kinds of gigs every now and then, but this is the first time that these particular legends will be in the spotlight. With The Toxic Garden Gnomes, Dirty Hearts, Requin, Simi Lacroix and Fugitive & the Vagabond doing the honours, the lineup will take you on a road to nowhere (when they're not burning down the house). Psycho Killer: A Tribute To The Talking Heads mightn't be a once in a lifetime opportunity, but there are worse ways to watch the days go by — and it won't just be the same as it ever was. Tickets cost $24, with the tunes kicking off at 7.30pm. No word yet if someone will don a big suit like David Byrne, but if you've ever wanted to pretend you're in iconic concert film Stop Making Sense, here's your chance.
The humble ol' gin and tonic might sound like a simple beverage, and it can be; however this old classic is a versatile little devil. Add a different variety of juniper spirit, switch up the type of tonic, throw an array of herbs and fruits into the mix, pick your garnish — there's plenty of combos to create, discover and enjoy. You'll want to do just that at Dutch Courage Officers' Mess gin-soaked Australia Day party, which runs from 4–7pm on Saturday, January 26. Stop by the DIY G&T station, whip up your own blends — while choosing from 20 Aussie tipples such as Ink and Four Pillars — and then get sipping. Eucalyptus highballs will also be available to mark the occasion. Yes, this Extravaginza (the bar's term, not ours) is going heavy on the cocktails. And, it's serving up non-stop drinks for a three-hour period. You'll also snack on your choice of gourmet mini steak sandwiches or mushroom and goats' cheese arancini, which are included in the $79 per person price.
In 2011, in this very country and galaxy, a pop culture favourite gained a singing, stripping burlesque parody. It's the mash-up that was bound to happen. Who hasn't looked at George Lucas' space opera, its sprawling drama and ample spectacle, and wondered what a steamier, funnier version with more visible butt cheeks would look like? Russall S. Beattie clearly did, and had a good feeling that other people would give it a shot. The Empire Strips Back was the end result. It became a hit around Australia, then took itself overseas to much acclaim. Now it's returning home for a 2019 tour — once again showing local audiences that lightsabers aren't the hottest thing in the Star Wars galaxy. The saucy show promises "seriously sexy stormtroopers, a dangerously seductive Boba Fett, some tantalising Twi'leks, a delightfully lukewarm Taun Taun, a lady-like Skywalker [and] the droids you are looking for", according to its website. Apparently Yoda doesn't get the sexed-up treatment, but there is plenty of song, dance, acrobatics and — because it's burlesque — the removal of clothing. A dancing Chewie and Han is just the beginning of this cheeky take on Star Wars cosplay. Given that it's got an upbeat soundtrack, the costumes are extremely detailed and the show throws out lots of references to George Lucas' original plot, it's not surprising that local audiences — presumably the same ones that pack out Star Wars parties and large-scale screenings with a live orchestra — have latched onto the production. Heading to The Tivoli between Thursday, January 31 and Saturday, February 2 , The Empire Strips Back sits alongside Dame of Thrones in Beattie's pop culture parody stable — so if you've already seen one of your fantastical screen obsessions get the burlesque treatment, then you know what you're in for. If you're super keen, you can also nab a Wookieerotica magazine online: a 116-page, 70s-style men's mag, just casually featuring all of your favourite jedis, siths, ewoks and other Star Wars characters. Either way, it could be a great introduction to burlesque or Star Wars, depending on which way you're coming at it. Images: Jon Bauer, Leslie Liu and Josh Groom.
Saturday afternoons and spritzes go hand in hand. So does that familiar feeling — when your glass is empty and you'd like the drinks to keep on coming. Throw in a couple of sliders, and you've got a cruisy way to kick off the first full day of the weekend. Or, you've got The Defiant Duck's $35 Spritz Saturdays. On the agenda is two hours of bottomless Aperol and Chambord spritzes, which'll more than take care of your hankering for a few beverages. You'll also tuck into two sliders, with vegan options available. Lining the stomach is important, of course. The Newstead bar throws this affordable shindig each and every week, and you have two time slots to choose from: 3–5pm and 5–7pm. Bookings are required by contacting the venues, and this is the kind of special that's available for both small groups and big occasions — so catch up with your bestie or gather the whole gang.
Following its long-awaited unveiling in late-2018, West Village is keeping the momentum going into the new year. February marks the official launch of the dining precinct's outdoor area, The Deck WV. To celebrate, the space is taking advantage of both the exceptional Brissie weather and our penchant for the old weekend wind-down with a series of fun-filled Sunday sessions. Across the first three Sundays in February, the space will host an afternoon of food, drinks and entertainment inspired by one of The Garden Pantry's (West Village's dining precinct) retailers. After kicking things off with a Lunar New Year celebration with Mr Bunz, Cheeky Poké Bar is taking the reigns on Sunday, January 10 for an island-inspired soiree. The greenery-filled space will amp up its tropical vibes with hula dancers, plus a design-your-own poké bowl and taco station. There'll also be a pop-up gin bar serving refreshing tipples to pair with your island snacks — including a tasting 'paddleboard' of six different gins. By now, the glow of summer holidays has probably started to wear off — so running to paradise, if only for a couple of hours, sounds like a pretty good antidote to us. Gin & Poké Sunday Session will run from 3–5pm on Sunday, February 10. Tickets cost $50 per person and can be purchased here.
Remember those childhood days sat in front of the television, watching your beloved Disney flicks over and over? Of course you do. While you were binging on The Lion King or The Little Mermaid on repeat, you probably weren't thinking about your future adult self partying to 'Hakuna Matata' or 'Under the Sea' — but Woolly Mammoth is about to blow your inner kid's mind. From Beauty and The Beast to Aladdin to Frozen, if it's a piece of music from a Disney flick, you'll likely hear it on Saturday, February 16. The soundtrack will also span a heap of Disney TV shows and their stars, plus hits by former Mouseketeers. Think Hilary Duff, The Jonas Brothers, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera — and back on the movie front, High School Musical obviously. Kicking off at 10pm, this Disney Party will get you dancing to your Disney faves and belting out many a tune while you do so. Tickets range from $13–20, and are on sale now.
There's much that's great about indulging your inner kidult, but one thing stands out above the rest. All those activities that you loved when you were a child — playing games and watching Pixar films, for example — you can now do with a drink in your hand. At Pixar Trivia, you can combine all of the above in a way, as well as burgers. You've seen everything from Toy Story to Finding Nemo to Wall-E to Inside Out, and you've loved them all. Now it's time to answer a toy box full of questions about your favourite animated movies, with Man vs Bear doing the asking. Burger Urge is the place to head to at 6.30pm on Tuesday, January 22, with sessions taking place at the chain's George Street, Windsor, Crestwood and Redbank Plains stores (and Chermside too, but that one has already sold out). Tickets are free, but you'll need to register in advance. And bring your wallet so you can have dinner and a few drinks while you dazzle the competition with tidbits about Monsters, Inc, Up, Ratatouille and Coco — and call your team The Incredibles, obviously.
You saw the huge Fyre Festival social media campaign, featuring every Instagram celebrity imaginable cavorting on a scenic Bahamas island. You witnessed the massive fallout when the fest didn't turn out as planned — how could you have missed it?. And in just the past few weeks, you watched Netflix's revealing Fyre doco, which details the whole mess. You might've even watched it more than once, because it's that mind-boggling and compelling. Now, you can head on over to Black Bear Lodge, listen to tunes by acts who were supposed to play the event, and help those who were left high and dry in the aftermath. That's Fyre F#ck Fest, which takes over the Valley venue from 8pm on Wednesday, March 6. Fyre Fest itself didn't happen, but you can bet this party will (and that it'll be must better organised, obviously). Tracks by Major Lazer, Disclosure, Migos, Blink 182, Lil Yachty and more will provide the soundtrack, tropical cocktails will set the mood, and a portion of bar sales will go to Exuma Point Resort and Pamela Carter — who didn't get paid for their catering work when the fest imploded. Image: Netflix.
On Saturday, March 23, the night sky beckons at South Bank — and, no we're not just talking about staring over the river at the city's twinkling lights. No, looking up at the Wheel of Brisbane doesn't count either, and nor does enjoying the glowing colours at the Flowstate precinct. Instead, as part of this year's World Science Festival, stargazers will flock to the Cultural Centre Forecourt to spend the evening looking up. If you've ever wanted to peer into the heavens while standing in the middle of the city — and actually be able to see the stars shining in all their glory — this is your chance. Don't have a telescope? Don't worry. A heap of the remote-viewing optical instruments will be set up for everyone to use as part of this free, fun, one-night-only event, with thanks to the Brisbane Astronomical Society. It all starts at 6pm, with the neck-craning running through until 9pm.
It's streamers, balloons and confetti time at Little Big House, the huge South Bank watering hole that always feels like it's throwing a party anyway. Now open for more than a year, the venue is throwing a weekend-long shindig to mark the occasion. And sure, this birthday party comes a few months after the pub's official first birthday, but better late than never. All weekend across Saturday, February 23 and Sunday, February 24, Brisbanites will find drinks specials and free karaoke on offer; however that's just the beginning of the fun. Each day offers its own drawcards — but award-winning booze and toe-tapping music are permanent fixtures on the agenda. Helping LBH's celebration is Balter Brewing, fresh from being crowned the country's best craft beer for the second year running. The crew is stopping by as part of their Smiles All Round tour, which involves plenty of yeasty tipples, plus different musical acts each day. Stop by on Saturday for Cutloose and Rhythm, then head back on Sunday when The Jungle Giants jump behind the decks for a DJ set. While the overall party will run from open till close, this part of the proceedings kicks off at 2pm daily.
Slurp your way into the weekend at Darling & Co, with the Paddington bar turning every Friday into an Oyster Friday. And while the texture of this seafood morsel isn't to everyone's liking, the feeling it evokes should be — who doesn't want to slide into a couple of days off the way that an oyster slides across your tastebuds? If you are a fan, then your wallet will be as well. Serving up the city's new cheap oyster feast, Darling & Co is slinging natural oysters for $1.50 each and oysters Kirkpatrick for $2 a pop. There's no minimums or conditions, although it's well-accepted advice that pairing oysters with something boozy is a given. All that's left is to mosey on down to Given Terrace from 4.30pm and settle in for your fair share of saltwater bivalve molluscs. After-work drinks? Dinner before you head out? This special caters for both options. Updated April 26.
Chair design might seem simplistic to the amateur eye but, in reality, there are hundreds of years of evolution and thought behind this everyday object. Paying homage to the humble piece of furniture, Germany's Vitra Design Museum has spent the past 20 years building up a collection of precise miniature replicas and has transformed it into a world-renowned touring exhibition. And for the very first time, it's touching down in Australia. Presented by Living Edge, Vitra 100 Miniatures features tiny versions of chairs created by legendary designers including Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier and Otto Wagner. These miniature versions are all presented precisely in 1:6 scale of chair designs from distinct periods in history — from art nouveau to Bauhaus, postmodernism and the trends of the present day. They also stay true to the originals in every conceivable way, including construction, materials and colour. Showcasing 100 classic examples, the exhibition illustrates the importance of the chair and how it has become a marker of progress within the wider field of industrial design. To complement the Vitra 100 Miniatures exhibition, there's also an impressive range of photographs, sketches and assorted documents that explore the importance of the medium. The exhibition is presented at St John's Cathedral from Friday, February 8 to Tuesday, February 26. It's open Monday to Friday between 9am–5pm and Saturday between 10am–4pm. For more information, visit Living Edge's website.
Making a powerhouse acting debut, Zain Al Rafeea carries the entire weight of Capharnaüm on his slender shoulders. Playing a young Lebanese boy also named Zain, the untrained talent puts in a raw, soulful performance that nearly bursts off of the screen, all while capturing a truth that is rarely uttered. With a weary expression where an impish smile should be, he conveys the toll of simply existing, a burden that nobody initially asks for. Indeed, when Zain is introduced in court, suing his parents for bringing him into a life of relentless hardship, Al Rafeea's exasperated face alone sells the character's existential angst. While Zain's unconventional lawsuit provides Capharnaüm's entry point, writer-director Nadine Labaki (Where Do We Go Now?) is quick to explore the basis for the 12-year-old's legal challenge. In his dismal Beirut home environment, his parents (Kawthar Al Haddad and Fadi Kamel Youssef) make him work to support the family, his baby sibling is kept in chains, and he witnesses his beloved younger sister (Cedra Izam) sold into marriage for a few chickens. More than that, his birth was never registered, so he can't get the necessary identifying paperwork to attend school or to even prove that he exists. Running away, he's soon caught in another difficult domestic situation — taken in by kindly Ethiopian immigrant Rahil (Yordanos Shiferaw), he cares for her infant son (Boluwatife Treasure Bankole) while she works, but is left stranded when she suddenly doesn't return. Scripting the film with four co-writers, Labaki puts the despairing yet resourceful Zain through even further misery — the type that'd be badged 'poverty porn' if it wasn't drawn from reality and told with such empathy. Those traits prove Capharnaüm's main strengths, aside from the highly sensitive work by the movie's non-professional actors. Much of the cast, including the mesmerising Al Rafeea and captivating toddler Bankole, have lived lives that hew much too close to the events seen on screen, while Labaki's commitment to bringing their plights to light shines through in her narrative. Ranging beyond the feel-good charm of Slumdog Millionaire and the tender reunion of Lion, Capharnaüm actively wants viewers not just to engage with its bleak story, but with the truth behind it. From crumbling shanties to overcrowded juvenile jails, this is a fictional tale wrought from the toughest type of real-life pain, and it's designed to feel that way from start to finish. The key word there is feel. Labaki wants audiences to be moved by her gritty, warts-and-all portrait — and given everything that Zain experiences, that's exactly what happens. Alas, although the actor-turned-filmmaker clearly recognises the potency of her material, she doesn't seem to trust it to get the job done alone. Every stylistic decision, from the lingering camerawork to the button-pushing score (by her husband and producer Khaled Mouzanar) to the lurching narrative structure, is calculated to poke and prod viewers. Every choice cajoles those watching not just to react with sympathy, but to respond harder and deeper, eventually to the point of overkill. There's a difference between stressing the point in an earnest and affecting way, wallowing gracefully to truly communicate the enormity of a character's struggle, and hitting people over the head. Bluntly bludgeon someone for long enough, and they might just stop feeling anything. As a result, even with a Cannes jury prize and an Academy Award nomination to its name, Carpharnaüm can't overcome its obvious contradictions. It knows that it's spinning a worthy tale, but isn't confident that anyone will care about the gruelling minutiae without applying force. It possesses two of the most authentic, endearing child performances committed to celluloid in recent times — on par with its thematic sibling, The Florida Project — and yet packages their naturalistic work with overtly manipulative storytelling. It argues that unthinkingly birthing kids into a downtrodden life is a heinous crime, while also championing a boy whose engaging persona and enduring resilience was forged through weathering immense difficulties. Although it's impossible to ignore these clashes, when Al Rafeea lights up the screen, he'll make you wish otherwise. Stirring but never self-assured enough to be subtle, Capharnaüm is a heartbreaking movie that stops well short of being a heartbreaking masterpiece. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBecbs52Fpo
It's been a year since Welcome to Bowen Hills first opened its doors, and the permanent food truck park is still offering new reasons to stop by. Late in 2018, it added both an onsite pizza joint and a whole heap of arcade games to the mix, and now it's combining the two — and beer as well — in the best possible way. From February 14, Thursdays are now Bottomless Pizza, Pale Ale and Pinnies night, delivering exactly what the name suggests. "I wish I could eat more slices", "geez, I could really go for another beer" and "I just don't want to stop hitting those flippers" aren't things that you'll be saying here. Yes, the main attractions are all endless. For $35, attendees will enjoy as much of Harry's Pizza's finest as they can handle — and the same applies for pale ales from the bar, and playing pinball, NBA, Pac-Man and the other games around the place. If that sounds like your ideal way to spend an evening, the fun runs from 7pm each week. Image: Adam Shaw.
Mid-September brings warmer weather, sunnier skies and the unmistakable feeling that spring has sprung, but it's not really an occasion. Of course, you can always make it one. An endless supply of beer and cider for two hours will definitely help, because if there's one thing that makes everyone feel merry, it's unlimited alcohol. You could show up at Welcome to Bowen Hills on any given weekend and some sort of party would be raging; however on Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23 you'll find a Bottomless Beer and Cider Party. For $49, attendees can enjoy free-flowing tipples while DJs spin tunes and everyone enjoys a happy weekend. Because you should never drink on an empty stomach, food is also included in the price, with everyone receiving 'truck bucks' to spend at the food truck of your choice. Mr Burger, Wild Rissole, Paco's Tacos and Sliced N' Loaded will be in residence, ready to whet your appetite as you get your fill of brews.
Once you've brought mountain pose to Mt Coot-tha, bridge pose to Kurilpa Bridge and balancing cat pose to Boggo Road Gaol, what comes next? Getting Brisbane's yoga lovers to unleash their flexibility on a tennis court, obviously. A space that's usually the domain of racquet-swinging players, the calm and tranquility that can only come from bending and stretching, and taking part in a silent disco yoga class inside Pat Rafter Arena all combine at Sound Off in the Arena, Urban Bliss Yoga's latest adventurous exercise outing. If you thought rooftop yoga, mountaintop yoga and bridge yoga were all exciting, then this yoga session will once again take you to another level. Doing tree pose in the middle of a tennis court is just the beginning Taking place on Sunday, October 7, yogis will step into the arena for this unique Sunday evening session, with all of the fun kicking off at 6pm. Everyone from yoga first-timers to asana experts are welcome — as long as you BYO yoga mat — but tickets are expected to get snapped up quickly. Image: tripletrouble via Flickr.
Like beer? Like monsters? Like your brews named after creepy critters, with bottle, can and label artwork to match? Horror-loving drinkers, there's never been a better time to pair your beverages with your fondness for all things scary — but October 6–7 will be even better than usual thanks to Netherworld's Monster Menagerie Beer Festival. The returning event will bring together eight yeasty tipples, strange creatures and stellar collaborations, all for two days of boozing fun. And if you're wondering why it takes place in October, just think about it for a second. 'Tis the month of Halloween, after all. Everyone from KAIJU to Brewtal to Moon Dog to Two Birds will be involved, plus locals like Newstead Brewing too. Tickets cost $30, which gets you 150ml of each and every one of the unique themed beers, plus a limited edition enamel pin and eight game tokens. Non-ticket holders will also be allowed to join in the fun, but won't be able to enjoy all of the brews.
Food truck hangout Welcome to Bowen Hills is adding a new type of event to its lineup: cult cinema nights. On the first Thursday of each month between September and December, the venue will get the projector whirring, screen an excellent flick on its outdoor big screen and serve themed cocktails to go with it. After kicking things off in September with none other than Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, October will see The Castle do the honours. We don't know for certain what kinds of beverages will be on offer, but we're guessing that you'll want to take them straight to the pool room. A different movie will screen each month, with the full program yet to be revealed. Entry is free, which includes the film, although you will need cash for your drinks — and for whatever you feel like munching on from the food truck lineup. Updated October 2.
Sanctuary Cove's annual day of canine-centric fun returns, so get ready to take your pupper on a road trip. Paws & Pizzazz takes over the Marine Village on Sunday, September 9 with a celebration of doggos that spans everything from obedience to health checks to responsible pet ownership. The free, all-ages affair is the perfect excuse to take your adorable pooch to the coast for the day — and to buy an adorable pup outfit. It wouldn't be a dog extravaganza without a pet parade, of course, with fashions on the field, waggliest tail, biggest smile and pets that look like their owner among the categories your pooch can compete in. There'll also be a photo booth so you can take some souvenirs home with you, and a caricature artist to give you a unique piece of art. Or, if you're heading down without your own animal in tow, folks from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary will be bringing some along with them.
Until Sunday, October 7, Garden City shopping centre is stepping back in time — but you won't need a telephone booth, tardis or DeLorean to get there. Instead, this blast from the past is all about the retro games, old school kicks and just generally feeling nostalgic. At Old School Cool, you can play pinball, bust out your best Dance Dance Revolution moves in a floor-to-ceiling neon arcade, and mash buttons playing the original Mario Kart — or try your hand at Pac Man and Donkey Kong as well. Or, if you'd rather look back at threads gone by, there's a pop-up sneaker museum showcasing footwear from the 80s and 90s. Entry is free, and if you hadn't realised, the timing coincides with the school holidays — so it's an activity that littlies might enjoy as well. Although, let's face it: staring at sneakers is going to be much more fun for you than it is for them.
All year, the Queensland Museum has been hosting after-hours parties — the type you might call a night at the museum. So far, they've all been focused on the venue's big mummy exhibit, which finished its run in late August. You don't need ancient artefacts to have a mighty good time at this spot, however, and so the site is keeping the Friday evening fun going. You won't find Ben Stiller roaming the halls, of course, but you will find QM's new Monkeys! A Primate Story exhibition as well as its Lost Creatures section. There'll also be music, drinks and demonstrations — plus attendees will get free reign of the space, peering at everything within the South Bank institution's walls. The last After Dark sessions for 2018 takes place from 5.30pm on Friday, October 12 and Friday, November 16. A word of warning — they often sell out so you'll want to nab a ticket quickly.
Someone else's old designer threads could become your new favourite outfit, all thanks to Brisbane's latest secondhand clothing pop-up. Taking place from 10am–1pm on Sunday, October 14, the aptly named Spring Designer Rummage Sale will fill East Brisbane's Hanworth House with pre-loved fashion and accessories. Even better — everything costs just $5. You'll also need a gold coin donation for entry, but once you're inside you can browse and buy until your heart's content. All of the proceeds will go to the Women's Legal Service, to assist women and their children experiencing domestic violence. That means that your wardrobe gets a gift and so does a great cause. If you have your own unwanted designer clothes to donate, you can also do so in the lead up to the day. Just drop off your quality pre-loved wares at the Women's Legal Service in Annerley, at the concierge desk at 111 Eagle Street in the CBD or the office of Aspire Retire on Level 6 at 345 Ann Street.
Another Brisbane public holiday is upon us, you're keen to spend it in a cinema, but your wallet doesn't want to play ball. Call Dendy Cinemas' latest special a case of great timing, then, with the chain offering up discount tickets that'll solve your problem. All day on Monday, October 1, regardless of whether you purchase online or in person, you'll only pay $5 for your movie of choice at Portside and Coorparoo. Or movies. With everything from A Simple Favour and Crazy Rich Asians to Christopher Robin and Ladies in Black currently screening — plus The Predator and Searching, too — there's plenty to watch if you're keen to spend as much time in a darkened room as possible. The special isn't available for special events, Dendy Arts sessions or preview screenings, but you're certain to find something to watch regardless. Plus, if you haven't had a chance to drop by the chain's still new-ish digs in Coorparoo, here's your excuse.
It's not quite summer yet, but Fortitude Valley's Eleven Rooftop Bar is setting the tone for the season with a weekly series of seafood and rosé parties. Kicking off from midday on September 30 and running every Sunday until the end of summer, the shindigs will combine platters of the ocean's finest, bug rolls and magnums of Pour Les Amour Rosé — plus the venue's scenic view over the city, and DJs spinning vinyl. Two sessions are available each week. You can have a feast and a few tipples smack bang on lunch time, or wait until for a leisurely late meal. Either way, it'll cost you $60 per person for your pink wine and seafood platter, with bookings available for groups of four — so this is really a time to gather the gang and eat and drink your weekend afternoon away.
Where can you swap a lobster for some mussels? No, there's no punchline — it's just how you get dinner at Dutch Courage Officers' Mess in September. Drop by on Thursday nights for the venue's Mad About Mussels evening, where a crisp $20 note gets you a plate of molluscs. Tasmanian molluscs, to be specific. The mussels come Moroccan-style, cooked in a tomato, saffron and 'nduja sauce, and accompanied by toasted sourdough. And, the price also includes a glass of beer and wine. Whether you're just thinking about how broke you normally before payday, or you're in need of a cheap date option, there's your highly affordable Thursday night taken care of. If you're keen to use your stomach muscles to digest some mussels, the special is available from 6pm each week. You'd best plan in advance, however, with bookings essential.
Walt Disney and Hayao Miyazaki might be the biggest names in big-screen animation, but they're really just the tip of the iceberg. If you're eager to delve beyond the usual suspects, the Gallery of Modern Art has just the program for you — three weeks dedicated to the Golden Age of Czech Animation. Between September 7–30, GOMA's Australian Cinematheque is highlighting the work of Czech animators Hermína Týrlová, Jiří Trnka and Karel Zeman. Týrlová has been called the mother of the country's animation, Trnka was dubbed 'Disney of the East' and Zeman was labelled the 'Czech Méliès', which speaks volumes about their respective work and impact. In free sessions, Brisbanites can watch Zeman combine live action and animation in the dinosaur delight Journey to the Beginning of Time, catch Trnka's puppet-filled take on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and see how Týrlová worked her magic with rags, yarn and wooden toys. The list goes on, with sessions playing on Wednesday and Friday evenings, plus Saturday and Sunday during the day, until the end of the season.
When Brisbane Festival comes to an end in 2018 — just for the year, don't worry — it won't just be lighting up the sky with Riverfire. The fest is also putting together a one-day mini music festival within the overall three-week festival, because that's how you throw a closing party. On the bill is Violent Soho, Meg Mac, Methyl Ethel, WAAX and Mane, all hitting the stage on Saturday, September 28 from 2pm onwards. They'll be joined by I Oh You DJs, Tired Lion DJs, Last Dinosaurs DJs — and yes, if fireworks are your thing, you'll be able to see them bursting overhead once evening hits.
It's the studio that's given Brisbanites the gift of puppy pilates and kitten yoga; however with Stretch Yoga's community classes, it's sharing the love around. On various Tuesday nights in the CBD and Sunday mornings in Holland Park, sessions will only cost $6 — and all of the proceeds will be donated to a selection of charities. You'll benefit from bending and stretching for less than the cost of a glass of wine, which is perfect if you're a newcomer keen to finally try yoga, or you're just feeling a little less financial. Good causes will benefit, obviously. And Stretch Yoga's graduate instructors will benefit, as they'll be teaching the classes. The CBD sessions run from 6.40–7.40pm on select Tuesday evenings, with the next sessions lined up for March 3 and 31, April 21 and 28, and May 5. If you're closer to Holland Park, drop by from 10.30–11.30am on Sunday mornings, with classes on March 8 and 22, April 5, and May 3 and 17 Places are limited, so bookings are essential, with all yoga skill levels welcome. Image: Stretch Yoga.
