Once, not that long ago, Brisbane had never played host to a gin festival. Now, that's definitely no longer the case. They seem to pop up every few months, alongside plenty of other regular gin-focused nights, gatherings and parties. We do have several bars solely focused on gin in this city of ours, after all. They all have one thing in common, of course: oh-so-many juniper spirits. And another: oh-so-many G&Ts. That's exactly what's on the menu at the latest gin-fuelled addition to the fold, aka Pig 'n' Whistle Brunswick Street's Ginfused Festival. Originally scheduled to take place in February, but rescheduled to 11am–6pm on Saturday, March 30 thanks to bad weather, this patch of the Valley will become a gin mecca — complete with plenty of artisanal gins, a heap of cheese and charcuterie to help soak up the botanical booze, free cocktail masterclasses and live music. Distilleries including Tanqueray, Nosferatau, Jinzu, Gordon's Pink, Ink and more will be slinging drinks, and entry is free. You can also purchase a $35 package in advance, which includes a drink token and a charcuterie board.
If summer screams ice cream to you, then there's only one way to start the season: indulging in your favourite frosty treat. That's great advice in general, but gelato chain Gelatissimo has an even better spin on it. Hit up one of its 48 stores around the country from 5pm until closing time and you'll nab $3 scoops. The date: Friday, December 1. The place: at all Brisbane Gelatissimo shops. The offer: creamy gelato for just a couple of gold coins, all to celebrate the official start of the warm weather and indulge in a dessert staple. The deal stacks, too, so you can get a double scoop for $6. Friday, December 1 also happens to be the day that Gelatissimo is releasing its latest limited-edition flavours, which you can try for just $3 a pop as well. Get ready for cookies and cream made with Milkybar, a mint version but made with KitKat and a blue take.
Talk about a perfect name: if you're going to start a new music festival that revolves around The Smashing Pumpkins, then calling it The World Is a Vampire is a no-brainer. This exciting addition to Australia's festival scene is being sent to drain all of your attention this autumn, when it heads around the country with one helluva bill. Billy Corgan and his band members will be there, of course, and so will fellow alt-rock legends Jane's Addiction. Naturally, you can expect the rollicking classic that is 'Bullet with Butterfly Wings' to get a spin. As well as hearing fellow Pumpkins greats such as 'Disarm', '1979', 'Tonight, Tonight', 'Today' and 'Zero', the Perry Farrell-led Jane's Addiction will be on hand to bust out 'Been Caught Stealing', 'Jane Says' and the likes. How many 'Zero' shirts will you see at the fest? Oh so many, as at every Pumpkins gig. Also on the bill: Australia's own Amyl and The Sniffers, RedHook and Battlesnake, plus yet-to-be-announced local acts opening each stop. And this fest has stops. It'll be singing about rage and rats in cages at Eatons Hill Hotel on Saturday, April 15 and at Bribie Island's Sandstone Point Hotel on Sunday, April 16 — and also heading to the Gold Coast as well. Each show also features professional wrestling, including matches between Billy Corgan's NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) and the WAOA (Wrestling Alliance of Australia). Wrestlers will take to the ring in-between the bands — and yes, Corgan does own the alliance that bears his name.
There's never a bad time to stick your nose in a book or several at the University of Queensland; however, when the UQ Alumni Book Fair pops up, it's a better time than most. That's on the agenda from Friday, April 28–Monday, May 1, and it isn't just an excuse to fill your shelves with future reading material — from Wednesday, April 26–Friday, April 28, it's also a reason to tuck into an impressive meal. For three days only, to celebrate UQ's Rare Book Auction — which takes place as part of the book fair — St Lucia restaurant Patina at Alumni Court is whipping up a few special dishes. Executive Chef John Offenhauser is picking from two of the best-selling cookbooks of the 18th and 19th centuries: Hannah Glasse's The Art of Cooking, Made Plain and Easy from 1747 and Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management from 1861. On the menu is a 276-year-old caramelised rice pudding recipe found in Glasse's tome, as well as a 162-year-old salmon recipe — which features caper sauce and asparagus — from Beeton. Tuck in and you'll be tasting history, with the dishes available from 11.30am–2pm each day. Keen on making them yourself? Those two books are up for grabs themselves at the auction. You might need deep pockets to add them to your kitchen shelves, but you will be helping raise money for scholarships to support UQ students.
Once a year, Monster Fest treats cinemagoers to a weird and wonderful film festival filled with genre and cult movies — but that's obviously not often enough. So, behold Monster Fest Weekender, aka the fest that the Monster team hosts midyear when it's not rolling out the full shindig. Hitting Sydney's Event Cinemas Myer Centre from Friday, July 14–Sunday, July 16, this three-day affair has an added focus in 2023. Get ready to peer out of blue and red lenses, because every movie on the lineup is showing in 3D. No, none of them are Avatar. Yes, they're all horror flicks. As well as being the first time Monster Fest has focused on giving every title it's screening an extra dimension, it's also the first time that the event has solely programmed classics. The fun starts with a tenth-anniversary session of Texas Chainsaw 3D, which is playing Aussie cinemas for the first time. After that Amityville 3D celebrates its 40th anniversary, while the Vincent Price-starring House of Wax — the first colour 3D film from a major studio — notches up 70 years. Monster Fest Weekender's 3D lineup also includes Andy Warhol's Flesh for Frankenstein 3D, remake My Bloody Valentine 3D and direct-to-video 1984 effort Silent Madness 3D — the latter of which is similarly making its big-screen Australian debut.
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.
Maybe you really love Patrick Swayze. Perhaps you just need some more terracotta or ceramics in your life. Or, the idea of pottering around a clay-based showcase and finding pottery pieces — for yourself or as gifts — could just be your idea of a great Saturday. Whichever category you fall into, coast on over to Clayschool's Winter Show. Browse, buy, support local artists — it's the ultimate exhibition-slash-market. Indeed, while we're talking multi-tasking, Clayschool's students are hoping to show off their unique, handcrafted designs, and sell some as ace one-off wares. Christmas might be quite a few months away, but you can start planning already — or pick up something special for someone special, just because. (Yes, that includes for yourself). Plus, given that it's all taking place at West Village from 11am on Saturday, June 18, that means food and drinks will be in the vicinity as well. No one likes shopping on an empty stomach, after all — or while thirsty.
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 serious about bacon, then there's only one place to be over the weekend of Friday, August 19–Sunday, August 21. That's the town of Kingaroy, about two-and-a-half hours north-west of Brisbane. As it does every year — well, when the pandemic isn't getting in the way — it's dedicating three whole days to one glorious type of foodstuff. Whether you're keen on eating it or buying a heap of it, if there's bacon involved, it's on offer during Kingaroy BaconFest. Browse the bacon market, watch bacon cooking demonstrations, catch the smoking pork masterclass or try your hand at the tastiest eating contest there is. Yes, it's about bacon, obviously. Live music is also on the bill, as is bacon ice cream, a wine and swine evening, a cycling and running event called Rasher's Rush, and a barbecue pork smoke-off competition. Celebrity chef Miguel Maestre and Queensland favourite Matt Golinski will be in attendance, too, at a fest that deserves one straightforward but fitting word: sizzling. [caption id="attachment_854893" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nancy Jayde Photography[/caption]
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.
Forget scones, jam and cream, as delicious a combination as that is — at The Lab's lunar new year high teas throughout February, it's ditching the classic setup. Instead, you'll tuck into pork belly bao, red bean buns and mandarin curd tarts to celebrate the year of the tiger, with the $50-per-person spread available every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm throughout the month. Also on the menu: prawn dumplings and xiaolongbao from the dim sum range, plus sweet treats such as pistachio macaroons, pistachio and chocolate pyramids, gold foil chocolate leaves, layered chestnut cakes with meringue and pineapple shortbread. And, to treat your eyes as well as your stomach, they'll be served in a candy box platter. The full 12-dish lineup has been designed to symbolise celebration and good fortune, if you feel like your luck could use a bit of a boost as the lunar new year kicks into gear. Something that'll definitely be brightening up the place: an interactive lantern installation filled with glowing rows, so get ready to take some snaps as well on your trip to The Treasury.
Is it classical music? Is it something you'd hear in a club? No, it's something somewhere in between. Dots + Loops has been blurring the lines between conservatory and underground music for a few years now, and now it's bringing that blend of sounds to Newstead Brewing Co Milton for a one-day festival. Post-genre is the term that Dots + Loops uses; however, whatever you want to call it, it's not going to be what you expect at Dots + Loops Nonstop Festival. Taking place from 4pm on Sunday, December 12, the fest features two stages jam-packed with talent — including Shoeb Ahmad's blend of guitars and electronics, Cigány Weaver's upbeat tunes, Expo 88's jazz-influenced electronica and DJ Avaxa on the decks. Taking place in Newstead Brewing Co Milton's barrel hall, the event also includes a pop-up art gallery with work curated by The Third Quarter, an installation by local artists Tim Tate and Zenobia Frost, and photography exhibition Obviously, given the venue, there'll be brews as well — and the fest is doing pay-what-you-can-afford tickets, with a $20 minimum and $35 recommended price. Top image: Sub Rosa.
Any day of the week can be improved with pizza. Fridays don't really need any help if you hit the office for a stand work week, but a few slices can make a great day even better. Throw in the fact that Treasury Hotel is serving up this champion of dishes in its openair courtyard from 4.30pm each week until Friday, December 2 and, yes, you have yourself a winning way to welcome the weekend. This is exactly what your Friday arvos need: $15 woodfired pizzas, with supreme, Hawaiian and pepperoni versions available. If you're still hungry, you fancy something to go with your slices or you're in the mood for something snackier, there's also warm marinated olives, warmed whiskey nuts and a garlic pizza with dips for $9 a pop. Also on offer: a bar slinging sips and live entertainment, all in the Treasury Hotel's heritage surroundings. You'll need to pay for your drinks on top, of course, but consider this a tasty way to line your stomach for those after-work tipples. Keep an eye on the weather, however, because Woodfired Fridays will only happen if it isn't rained out.
First, the sad news: Melbourne Queer Film Festival doesn't run year-round. That makes its in-person festivals all the more special, of course, but hitting a Melbourne cinema isn't the only way to get your MQFF fix in 2022 — including if you live beyond the Victorian capital. Spreading its program of LGBTQIA+ movies as far and wide as it can, MQFF also has an online component this year called MQFF+. Streaming from Monday, November 21–Sunday, November 27, it features 25 films that you can watch from home. Yes, that's more than half of the physical lineup, complete with many of the fest's big highlights. On the bill: the Brazilian titles that both launched and wrapped up the fest in-person, aka opening night's Private Desert, about a genderfluid blue-collar worker in an online relationship who goes missing; and closing night's Uýra: The Rising Forest, focusing on trans-indigenous artist Uýra. Or, among other highlights, movie lovers can check out Blitzed!, about the eponymous London nightclub, with Boy George, Princess Julia and Spandau Ballet sharing their memories; Black as U R, a documentary about the lack of attention paid to the black queer community; Youtopia, exploring the inadvertent formation of a hipster cult; and My Emptiness and I hones in on a young trans call-centre worker. Films are available individually, or with three- and five-movie passes — with the latter giving cinephiles a discount.
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.
Their contributions to music — to stage and screen, too — are filled with tunes that virtually demand a call for an encore. For its production based on George and Ira Gershwin's songs, Queensland Ballet is now doing exactly that. After proving a soldout hit in 2016, Strictly Gershwin is bringing its tribute to Hollywood musicals and the Gershwin brothers' show-stopping tracks back to QPAC, taking over the Lyric Theatre from Thursday, September 28–Saturday, October 7. Expect not just ballet, but also tap, jazz and ballroom — and expect to feel like you're being whisked off to both Broadway and Tinseltown a century ago as well. Created by British dancer, choreographer and director Derek Deane for the English National Ballet in 2008, Strictly Gershwin pairs multiple styles of dance with iconic tunes. Strike up the band indeed. Whether or not you saw An American in Paris when the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical was in Brisbane in 2022, the fact that Strictly Gershwin ends its shows with a nod in that direction is a massive highlight. So, expect 'I Got Rhythm' and ''S Wonderful' among the glitzy production's big numbers, obviously — and everything from 'Rhapsody in Blue' and 'Shall We Dance?' to 'Summertime' and 'Someone to Watch Over Me'.
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.
It's that time again, Brisbanites: time for another commemorative day that heroes one particular type of food or drink. Whatever you think of these celebrations, this one is worth saying cheers to, with International Beer Day set to inspire plenty of clinking glasses all over the River City. The occasion itself falls on Friday, August 4 in 2023; however, CBD rooftop bar Sixteen Antlers is getting into the spirit — or should that be yeast and hops? — for a five-day stretch to prolong the merriment. From Tuesday, August 1–Saturday, August 5, it's hosting Wing It, Sip It, Vibe It, complete with cheap brews and wings. Head 16 levels up to enjoy $8 beers and $8 wings, plus those free city views, and also live music and DJs spinning tracks. The drinks special covers selected types of both bottled and canned beers, as well as ciders. And no reservations are necessary unless you plan on heading up with nine pals.
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.
Dear Pluto finally arrived in Brisbane in 2018 — and for its first speed-dating event of 2019, it's giving people what they love. Pizza. Oh-so-much pizza. If you can't bond over a slice of flat, cooked dough piled high with toppings, then perhaps there's just no hope. Love at First Slice combines meeting a bunch of folks you might want to spend more time with (up to 20, in fact)i, munching on pizza and drinking negronis, all on the night before the (supposedly) most romantic day of the year. Mark the occasion by indulging in the cheesiness that comes with forced celebrations of love. And by eating cheese on your pizza, obviously. The pizza — the main attraction alongside the speed-dating, let's be honest — is included in your $20 ticket price, but you'll need your wallet for a few drinks. Aimed at straight and straight-ish 20–35-year-olds, the event takes over Barbara from 7–10pm on Wednesday, February 13, and tickets are on sale now.
By the time that Thursday night rolls around each, most of us are thinking about escaping the 9-to-5 grind. There's still one pesky weekday left to go until the weekend, of course, but sinking underground with a glass of whiskey in your hand — and with jazz tunes setting the upbeat but relaxing mood — sure does sound enticing. That's a regular Jazz Thursday at The Walrus Club, aka the Regatta spot you go to when you've got malt drinks and a cosy, dark space on your mind. The event is a regular fixture from 8–11pm, combining the watering hole's hefty array of 300-plus spirits and prohibition bar vibes with lively — and live — music. If we were lucky enough to be living in an episode of Parks and Recreation, you'd probably find Ron Swanson there. Because we're not, you can always don some snappy threads, order a Lagavulin neat and pretend.
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.
Returning for its 20th year, 2019's Brisbane Queer Film Festival starts with a restored masterpiece and ends with a new look at an icon. Sounds fitting for a fest that celebrates LGBTIQA and gender diverse tales on screen. It opens with Buddies, the 1985 movie that marked the first feature-length film about AIDS — and then closes with Wild Nights With Emily, starring Molly Shannon as poet Emily Dickinson. Across BQFF's 11-day program, the festival has plenty of other stories to show when it arrives at New Farm Cinemas between Thursday, March 7 and Sunday, March 17. French film Sauvage follows a 22-year-old selling his body on the streets, rom-com Anchor and Hope contemplates the mechanics of starting a family with Oona Chaplin and Game of Thrones' Natalia Tena, and Mapplethorpe sees Matt Smith play the famous photographer. Or there's also Obscuro Barroco, TransMilitary and Genderblend, which take three different looks at gender — one charting the life of transgender figure Luana Muniz in Rio de Janeiro, the second focusing on four US soldiers trying to serve as their country keeps changing its policy on their rights, and the last honing in on five folks who neither feel male or female. BQFF also features multiple shorts programs from its 20-session lineup, delivering diversity in plenty of ways.
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.
