Things are heating up at the Regatta Hotel, and not just because spring is in the air. Over the weekend between Friday, September 6 and Sunday, September 8, the Toowong pub is playing host to a three-day barbecue festival. You'll eat, you'll drink, you'll watch grilling masterclasses and you'll learn a few tricks — and, in the process, you'll take your barbie experience up a notch or several. All of the barbecue essentials will be covered, from smoking meats, to making side dishes, to rubs and sauces as well. Want to learn how to cook up the best steak you can? Whip up the perfect barbecue sauce? Pick up a few butchery basics? Then you'll be in the right spot. You can also spend time discovering all there is to know about Italian bubbles, Australian pale ales, bourbon cocktails and whisky in general — because a good barbie always comes with a few beverages. From trimming a brisket to cracking tinnies (yes, there really is a session on that), the list goes on. If you're really serious about barbecuing, you can also sign up for an in-depth five-hour class. While attending the Regatta Barbecue Fest is free, as is much of the fun, you can show your commitment for $199, which includes three hours of drinks. The Regatta Barbecue Fest also features a live fire precinct, live music, and a malt, bine and vine hub for satisfying your thirst. Menu-wise, expect smoked wings, brisket burgers, pork tacos, beef short ribs and more — or, if you're feeling extra peckish, you can take part in the hot wings eating competition. Images: Regatta Hotel.
Whether a robot can pass for human has been the subject of many a science-fiction film, from Blade Runner to Ex Machina. Whether a robot can still elicit sympathetic feelings if it doesn't actually look anything like a human — well, that's a different question entirely. It's one that plenty of movies have covered as well, if you're instantly thinking about cute Star Wars droids like R2-D2 and BB-8. But finding CGI pieces of metal adorable and interacting with real machinery are two completely different experiences. At QUT Art Museum's latest installation, you can witness the experiment in action. The result of Katrin Hochschuh and Adam Donovan's European research project, Empathy Swarm ponders how people and robots co-exist — and, specifically, if non-anthropomorphic robots can connect with humans, and demonstrate compassionate responses in response to their presence. A group of 50 droids will try to do just that, so you might just leave with 50 new robotic friends. The immersive exhibition involves entering a dark room, where the swarm of glowing robots all await. They're able to adapt their behaviour to your emotions, so no one will have the same experience twice. Free to attend, Empathy Swarm is on display Tuesday–Friday between 10am–5pm and Saturday–Sunday from 12–4pm.
Whether you're looking for something to eat or drink, you're keen on doing a spot of browsing and buying, or you're just eager for a dog-friendly evening out, you might want to mosey along to East Brisbane's new night market. Launching on Saturday, October 5, running from 3–9pm and taking place at The Lord Stanley Hotel, it's the latest venture from the folks at The Design Collective — who also put on food truck meet-ups around the place, hosted Bulimba's recent street food fest and are just fond of organising markets in general. On the agenda: street food, pop-up bars, boutique stalls and live music, aka the usual market line-up, complete with the likes of Wild Rissole, Carlos Tacos and Oh Waffles on hand. Entry is free and, as well as welcoming your pet pooch along for an evening wander, the East Brisbane Night Market will also have snacks and treats for canines on sale. Image: The Design Collective Markets & Events.
Brisbane doesn't quite boast a pub or bar on every corner, but it feels like it sometimes. With a hefty number of watering holes to choose from, it's easy to get overwhelmed. We've all done it — and just headed to our trusty favourite spot rather than try somewhere new. The Brisbane Pub Crawl hopes to change that. It wants Brisbanites to hop between venues, getting cosy in more than boozy establishment. And, it also wants to make a weekly thing out of sending brew-loving locals touring the homegrown bar scene. Returning from 5pm on Saturday, October 19, the event will take attendees to Barbara in Fortitude Valley. Then, an hour later, it'll head to another spot. When the next two hours tick by, the same thing'll happen, with drinks on offer at each one (obviously). Specifically, your ticket includes a cold one at each location — and discovering where you're going is all part of the fun on the day. You'll also get access to drinks specials, should you fancy more than one beverage at a particular bar, and you'll be surrounded by fellow Brissie pub aficionados.
If you thought having an extra day off to celebrate the Queen turning another year older is about as good as it gets, think again. The Salisbury Hotel's taking the long weekend up a notch with free burgers. Head on down to the family and dog-friendly pub between Friday, October 4 and Monday, October 7 to celebrate the extra day you're not in the office. The kitchen will be slinging 100 free burgers per day over the weekend. That's a total of 400 free burgs up for grabs. The pub's also just undergone a spiffy renovation, which it's only revealing to the public this week. So, you can check out the new lounge, gaming room, events space and spacious beer garden — which is where you'll most likely be spending most of your time sinking brews and tucking into your free feed. All you need to do to get in on the action is RSVP for your free burger here, which we suggest doing ASAP.
2019 is nowhere near over, but it has already been a standout year for South Korean cinema. Not only is Bong Joon-ho's Parasite one of the best films of the year — and one of the most talked about — but it earned the Asian nation its first Palme d'Or from the Cannes Film Festival. No wonder director Bong was greeted by a crowd at the airport when he arrived back from the south of France after the glitzy event. Parasite is also one of the movies on this year's Korean Film Festival in Australia lineup; however the smash hit isn't the only great flick on offer between Thursday, September 5 and Sunday, September 8. If you're keen to dive into the exciting and eclectic films produced by the country — which celebrates 100 years in the movie business this year — then you're in the right spot. Screening at Elizabeth Picture Theatre, this year's KOFFIA features everything from blockbusters to indies and dramas to comedies. Catch cop flick The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil before it's remade in the US — or revel in Korean War tap-dance musical Swing Kids, step into tensions with North Korean in The Spy Gone North and explore a real-life tragedy with Birthday. And, while you're feasting your eyes on all of the above, you'll also help commemorate KOFFIA's huge 10th year.
One of this year's big Sundance hits is making its way to Australian cinemas next month, and New Farm Cinemas is marking the occasion in the appropriate fashion. Starring Awkwafina, The Farewell tells the tale of a family who gather around their beloved matriarch when she's diagnosed with terminal cancer, but decide not to tell her so that she can enjoy what time she has left. If that instantly makes you want to spend more time with your own nanna, the Brisbane venue not only wants you to bring her along to see the movie — it'll let you do so for free. That's what this BYO grandma advanced screening is all about. Buy a single $16 adult ticket, and nab another one for your nan without spending a cent. You can also take your grandpa, if you'd prefer — although you can only take one for free. Make a date in your diary for Sunday, August 25, with a free afternoon tea on offer from 1.30pm and the film kicking off at 2pm.
When the end of the year hits, do you get 'Christmas is All Around', as sung by Bill Nighy, stuck in your head? Have you ever held up a piece of cardboard to tell the object of your affection that, to you, they're perfect? Does your idea of getting festive involve watching Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Rowan Atkinson and Martin Freeman, all in the same movie? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you clearly adore everyone's favourite Christmas-themed British rom-com, its high-profile cast and its seasonal humour. And, you've probably watched the beloved flick every December since it was first released in cinemas back in 2003. That's a perfectly acceptable routine, and one that's shared by many. But this year, you can do one better. A huge success during its 2017 and 2018 tours of the UK (to the surprise of absolutely no one), 'Love Actually' in Concert is finally making its way to Australia — and, to the festive delight of Brisbanites, to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre at 7.30pm on Thursday, December 12. Revisit the Richard Curtis-written and -directed film you already know and treasure, step through its interweaved Yuletide stories of romance, and hear a live orchestra play the movie's soundtrack. Tickets aren't on sale as yet, but you can sign up for the wait list — and, yes, Christmas (and love) will be all around you.
Brisbane's day-long celebration of seafood is coming back, meaning you'll be able to feast your way through the fruit of the sea, without leaving the CBD, once again. If oysters and Moreton Bay bugs are your idea of heaven in food-form, you're in luck, as Sea to the City — Brisbane's Bug and Oyster Trail promises to focus on these two morsels. Seventeen riverside eateries will serve up their best takes on these two main ingredients at the event, which will take over the Brisbane river precinct from Eagle Street Pier to Customs House from 11am–6pm on Sunday, October 13. Patina at Customs House will be serving up a Moreton Bay bug croissant, and will be hosting a pop-up pink champagne garden bar. You'll also find Riverbar & Kitchen slinging New Orleans-style fried oyster po' boys and Madame Wu offering up grilled bugs with XO Sauce. Other restaurants getting in on the action include Cha Cha Char, Riverland, Blackbird, Il Centro, Sake and more. You'll also find live music, markets, plenty of vino and, of course, gorgeous river views. The event is easy to get to by bus and city cat, plus there'll be plenty of parking offers on the day, too. To see the full list of participating restaurants and full menu announcement, head this way.
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 2–4pm on Saturday, October 26, the Annual Designer Rummage Sale will fill Woolloongabba's Princess Theatre with pre-loved fashion and accessories. Even better — everything costs just $5. You'll also need to pay $5 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. A bake sale will also be onsite, slinging coffee and homemade goodies, so you can keep up your energy while you're shopping. Plus, if you have your own unwanted designer clothes to donate, you can do so in the lead up to the day by dropping off your quality pre-loved wares at a number of venues.
Grab your picnic blanket, round up your four-legged best friend and rustle up your hunger for Italian food (not that the latter needs much encouragement). Then, head over to Northshore Hamilton. The riverside precinct is making the most of the warmer weather with a sunny spring outing, pairing pizza, pasta, gelato and cheese with a leafy backdrop and plenty of entertainment. A heap of food trucks will serve up the Italian cuisine you're now hankering for, and a cocktail stand will make sure you don't go thirsty. Elsewhere, expect live music, including a few accordions; jesters conjuring up some laughs; and giant games ready to be played. As for bringing your pet pupper along, they'll even be able to munch on their own snacks, thanks to Brisbane Barkery who'll be serving up doggo treats. An Italian Affair takes place at Hamilton Reach from 1–4pm on Saturday, September 7, and entry is free. Image: Hamilton Reach.
Women can do anything, except remember that straightforward fact without a film popping up to remind us. That's what Hollywood seems to keep telling us — and while it's refreshing to see the industry so eager to finally give female protagonists their due, the rush to support the #MeToo and Time's Up movements (and just work towards the kind of equality that should be a given) comes with a few significant caveats. Pushing ladies to the fore either in front of and behind the lens doesn't automatically make a movie a winner, sadly. Weaving empowerment into a narrative doesn't either. Indeed, the recent cinema slate has offered up plenty of average and underdone examples of all the above, including Ocean's 8 and Captain Marvel. They're pictures with great stars, and with their hearts in the right spot, and yet they remain content to simply pay lip service to the idea they claim to champion. Yes, ladies, you can rob a high-profile gala while looking fabulous. You can be a kick-ass hero who saves the world to 90s tunes, too. But when gender-swapped flicks barely bother to interrogate what it actually means to be a woman in a man's world, they rarely rise above generic levels. In The Kitchen's case, a tale about three women who become mob bosses when their Irish gangster husbands get locked up really doesn't appear to aim any higher. There's a winning cast and intriguing concept at the centre of this 70s-set film, but it shows its true colours in one mid-movie interaction — one that deserves groans rather than the fist-pumps it so desperately covets. Having worked hard to establish themselves as Hell's Kitchen's new kingpins, Kathy Brennan (Melissa McCarthy), Claire Walsh (Elisabeth Moss) and Ruby O'Carroll (Tiffany Haddish) are summoned to meet with the Italian mafioso over in Brooklyn. When the trio leaves their tête-à-tête with the family head (Bill Camp), they're given a few words of encouragement by his wife (Annabella Sciorra), who praises them for being "all Gloria Steinem and shit". Sure, The Kitchen is adapted from a comic book series, however cartoonishness doesn't excuse such a blatant, pandering line. Women can do anything, except appreciate a movie's message without it being spelled out for them so overtly, apparently. Appropriately, The Kitchen's three main ladies are accustomed to being underestimated. While their partners (Brian d'Arcy James, Jeremy Bobb and James Badge Dale) were prowling around, the trio did what they were told — and, in the case of domestic abuse victim Claire, as well as the verbally denigrated Ruby, weathered the consequences for simply existing. When their men are sentenced to three years in jail after a robbery, the new head honcho (Myk Watford) promises to take care of Kathy and company, but his offer is hardly generous. Struggling to get by, and observing that the neighbourhood isn't really receiving the protection that local stores are paying for, the gals decide to take matters into their own hands. Soon, they're not just collecting cash and keeping the streets safe, or negotiating criminal alliances, but getting violent to dispense with their problems. For a film that brandishes its go-get-'em attitude as firmly as its 70s aesthetic (including terrific costuming, the picture's best touch), The Kitchen wades into murky territory, and quickly. A woman's fight to be treated decently, let alone fairly, can be brutal. It's a topic well worth exploring, as the similar and far superior Widows did so exceptionally last year. Here, stock-standard crime antics are on display instead. If you've seen a gangster flick before, then you've seen Kathy, Claire and Ruby's path, as they battle their naysayers, get ruthless over turf and, eventually, face internal squabbles amongst themselves. The film makes it clear that Kathy is just trying to take care of her kids, that Claire wants to regain her sense of power after a decade in a dehumanising marriage, and that Ruby has racial barriers to overcome — not to mention a rude and overbearing mother-in-law (Margo Martindale). And yet, it still treats those details as mere window dressing, without truly stopping to contemplate what they mean. Claire's jump from victim to killer is particularly flimsy, though her romance with kindly hitman Gabriel (Domhnall Gleeson) does give the movie its best and most resonant moment. Evident in the aforementioned scene, and in The Kitchen as a whole, is ample talent. This isn't a badly acted film, with McCarthy, Moss and Haddish all making an impression, adding solid performances to their individual resumes. They just can't lift the thoroughly mediocre and familiar material, not that they're really asked to. They can't patch over the clear gaps in a movie that wants to make a statement, serve up a serious crime story and rustle up a few laughs as well. That's The Kitchen in a nutshell. Marking the directorial debut of Oscar-nominated writer Andrea Berloff (Straight Outta Compton), it has good intentions, however it never feels like it knows what it wants to do with them — other than splash around a clumsy girl power message to get an easy response. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUfGlXdUU8c
How many burgers can one joint serve in five years? We doubt anyone at Red Hook has been counting, but we're sure the Gresham Lane spot has cooked up plenty. We're sure it'll keep doing what it does best, too — including at its fifth birthday party. Whether you love Red Hook's cheeseburgers, can't get enough of its New York-style hot dogs, go crazy for loaded fries, adore as many wings as possible or start salivating over deep-fried Oreos, you'll want to make a beeline to this shindig. As well as just generally celebrating, the eatery will be slinging all of the above as part of their range of $5 specials. There'll be cheap drink offers as well; however if you want to know what you'll be sipping, you'll need to head along on the day. Clear your Saturday afternoon — that's when Red Hook's shindig is going down, running from 4–10pm on August 31. If you can't make it on the day, you can also drop by during the week leading up to the party, with a range of specials also on the menu each day from 5pm. Image: Red Hook.
UPDATE, November 20, 2020: Maiden is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. "Her name is Tracy Edwards, and her dream is to compete in the world's toughest yacht race with the world's first all-women crew." They're the words of a British television presenter in the mid-80s and, as seen in documentary Maiden, they're dripping with condescension. Edwards decided to enter an entirely female team into the prestigious Whitbread Round the World yachting race after first taking part in 1985–86, when she was the cook to an all-male group. During that initial voyage, she was treated poorly — unsurprisingly given the era and the sport's male bias at the time. But those patronising, dismissive, chauvinistic attitudes and insults were like a red rag to a bull, motivating the passionate lover of the open sea to compete again on her own terms. The only way for Edwards to truly sail the 33,000 nautical miles from Southampton, England, and back — via Uruguay, Western Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay again and then America — was to recruit 11 other women to make the journey with her. The 27-year-old knew she'd be instantly mocked, and mocked she was. She assembled a committed crew of women for the 1989–90 contest, and found a boat called Maiden, but no one would sponsor them, support them or even take them seriously. In the media, they were mercilessly made fun of ("tin full of tarts," one journalist called them). In the yachting realm, their male peers bet that they wouldn't finish the race's first leg, let alone all six over its eight-month duration. At every turn, they were belittled, underestimated and considered a sideshow (and when they dared to be seen in swimsuits at one point on their watery trek, they were also shamelessly objectified). With this chapter of sporting history now sailing across the cinema screen 30 years later, one thing should be obvious: Maiden's voyage through the Whitbread race is a story worth telling. It's the ultimate underdog tale, as well as a rallying cry against sexism that's no less relevant today than when the fearless skipper and her dedicated crew hit the seas. As chronicled via archival clips and contemporary interviews by filmmaker Alex Holmes, his doco makes all of the above plain, giving this plucky story and the gutsy gals who made it happen the treatment and respect that both deserve. Holmes' task is a relatively easy one, admittedly; with real-life events this gripping, this tale almost tells itself. Recognising this fact, the director steps through the specifics in a linear, unfussy but deftly edited fashion, deploying the formidable Edwards as his anchor. He starts with her backstory, explores how teenage rebellion led her to the freedom of venturing across the world's oceans, and then follows her Whitbread efforts — from her initial inspiration to the white-knuckle on-the-boat reality in the team's secondhand vessel once the race began. Even when the film leans heavily on talking heads, the details are riveting; however the documentary steps up a gear once it weaves grainy home-video footage from Maiden's journey into the mix. Candid and unfettered as it captures women doing battle with the water ("the ocean is always trying to kill you; it doesn't take a break," Edwards notes, looking back), it puts viewers right there on the yacht with the all-female crew. The fist-pumping, cheer-worthy highs and tense, dangerous lows of Maiden's trek are best discovered by watching, with the yacht's trip serving up the kinds of thrills usually penned by Hollywood. Indeed, it's incredibly surprising that a dramatisation hasn't hit the big screen already. Never forgetting or downplaying just how appallingly Edwards and company were treated three decades ago, Holmes' doco does more than simply relive or revel in their tale. Crucially, it also gives the film's subjects a voice, letting them relay the nitty gritty of their experiences in their own way. Back in the 80s, they were asked about squabbles, surviving without makeup and whether a round-the-world yacht race was the best place for the fairer sex, all while the men were were asked about strategies, tactics, skills and accomplishments. Redressing that egregious wrong — and showing the determined sparks still gleaming in these women's eyes — this rousing and exhilarating documentary proves a stellar snapshot of an inspiring feat, a rebuke against gender stereotypes and misogynistic attitudes, and a fierce portrait of persistent ladies telling the world that they'll do whatever they damn well like wherever they damn well like. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjFXdXSmGZ8
It's the excuse you need to stop for a drink on the way home from work — or even hit quittin' time a little early. Once Thursday and Friday roll around, Bar e'cco serves up $1.50 oysters from 4–6pm. The happy hour special is also available on Saturdays, too, if you're keen on slurping down some saltwater bivalve molluscs on the weekend as well. Happening across each of the three days every week until the end of 2019, this celebration of freshly shucked Tasmanian Pacific oysters also comes with a heftier option. Fancy tucking into half a dozen and pairing them with a glass of French rose? That's on the menu for $18. You'll also find Bar e'cco's usual array of eats and drinks on offer, including cocktails and charcuterie, should you feel like turning your visit into a long, lazy afternoon. Bar e'cco's $1.50 Oyster Happy Hour is available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4–6pm.
The silly season is for cooking, decorating and creating napkin swans for Aunt Julie, who insists on tradition even though it is 40 degrees outside and everyone is already in a punch coma. Yes, DIY Christmases are where it's at. Join those who actually know what they are doing (and buy some gifts with the same amount of love) at this year's Christmas Design Market. Find jewellery, ceramics, textiles and pre-loved fashions for some of your favourite humans (or perhaps as a self-gift, because you're worth it). The annual market always compiles a bunch of well-known names in the creative gifts department — and taking the time to peruse the GOMA collection of books and art is always recommended, as is checking out the edible delights to keep you going. Remember: cute design gifts call for cash, as EFTPOS facilities might not be available at all sellers. The QAGOMA Store Christmas Design Market runs from 9am–4pm on Saturday, November 30 on the GOMA forecourt. Merry shopping!
Australia's touring celebration of genre cinema, Monster Fest loves all things weird and wonderful on the big screen. From outback-set horror flicks to eye-popping remakes to strange Lovecraftian tales, this festival fills its program with horror, sci-fi, and anything else that's dark and twisted — and likely destined for a cult following. Bringing its 2019 lineup to Brisbane, this excuse to spend plenty of time in a darkened room boasts quite the program. From opening night's 3 From Hell, aka Rob Zombie's latest ultra-gory crime effort, to the mind-bending wonders of Vivarium, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots, you'd best prepare for plenty offbeat treats. Other standouts include Deerskin, in which Jean Dujardin is creepily obsessed with a fringed jacket; Color Out of Space, complete with Nicholas Cage going crazy; and Ireland's ghostly and humorous Extra Ordinary, which boasts Will Forte and Claudia O'Doherty among its cast. Or, you can delve into the history of martial arts cinema with documentary Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks. And, you won't want to miss Tammy and the T-Rex, a 1994 comedy with Denise Richards and Paul Walker that really does have to be seen to be believed. A word of warning: if you like your movies happy and chirpy, this isn't your kind of festival. If you're eager for the exact opposite, Monster Fest takes over Event Cinemas Myer Centre from Thursday, October 31 to Sunday, November 3.
Eagle Farm Racecourse's giant screen is getting another workout — and this time, it comes with bumps and jumps. 'Tis the part of the year where all things scary, creeping and unnerving come into focus, after all, with Big Screen on the Green showcasing an absolute horror classic for Halloween. Spiriting viewers away to a haunted hotel, The Shining is getting the huge treatment, with the screen measuring a massive 44 metres long. Head by from 7pm on Thursday, October 31 to revisit the flick that's a macabre delight for all kinds of reasons. It's based on Stephen King's novel, directed by Stanley Kubrick and features a terrifying performance from Jack Nicholson. And, thanks to elevators filled with blood, creepy twins and eye-catching orange carpet, it's filled with eerie imagery that isn't easily forgotten. If you need a pre-film refresher, The Shining follows the Torrance family, who move to the Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies so that writer Jack (Jack Nicholson) can work as the venue's caretaker during the offseason. Slowly, they discover that things aren't quite right — and the rest is movie history. Gates open at 5.30pm if you're keen to get cosy as early as possible. Tickets cost $15, which gets you a spot on the public lawn — or you can spend $25 and get a large popcorn as well, plus your choice of wine, sparkling, house beer or a non-boozy beverage. You can't BYO food or drinks, but there'll be more available to purchase. Or if you'd like a picnic, bring a pal and nab a $60 gourmet hamper package for two, which includes charcuterie, a cheese platter and breads. And, if you need something to sit on — or to keep warm — you can hire picnic blankets for $12, blankets for rugging up for $5 and bean bags for $8. When it comes to screaming "here's Johnny" and "redrum", the timing really couldn't be better, with The Shining sequel Doctor Sleep hitting cinemas the week after on Thursday, November 7.
2019 is shaping up to be a mighty big year for Elton John. Biopic Rocketman launches into cinemas in May, starring Kingsman's Taron Egerton as the singer and covering his wild 70s antics. The live-action version of The Lion King hits screens come July, featuring the musician's iconic tunes from the original, as well as new songs. And to cap it all off, the star himself is headed our way for a huge farewell tour. Bringing his 300-stop Farewell Yellow Brick Road shows to Australia and New Zealand between November 2019 and February 2020, John will be doing over 40 concerts across more than two months — including gigs in capital cities, a number of regional dates, and shows at A Day on the Green. There are still a limited number of tickets available for his three shows at Brisbane Entertainment Centre. He kicked off the extensive tour last September, embarking on a three-year global goodbye trip. When it comes to an end, he'll retire from touring after five decades on the road. If that all sounds rather massive, that's John's career in a nutshell. He's played more than 4000 shows across his career, has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and holds the record for the biggest-selling single of all time thanks to the 1997 version of 'Candle in the Wind'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtVBCG6ThDk Fans can expect to feel the love through all of his hits, including 'Rocket Man', 'Tiny Dancer' 'Bennie and the Jets', 'Crocodile Rock', 'I'm Still Standing' and 'Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting' — especially the latter, you'd expect, on his six Saturday shows. The concerts will also feature never-before-seen images and videos show from John's 50-year career, which'll be displayed throughout the show, as well as a new tour wardrobe designed by Gucci. Image: Ben Gibson.
You walk into a bottle-o eager to buy some great wine, but you don't know where to start. We've all been there, because vino is a large and evolving field. Even if you pride yourself on drinking a good drop with every meal, you still might not know all the ins and outs. And, with organic, biodynamic and vegan wines becoming more and more popular, there are plenty of new details to learn. Basically, being a student in this boozy arena is a lifelong pursuit. But, if you'd like to fill your head with knowledge about the growing realm that is natural wine (and let a few roll over your tongue, too), the aptly named West End Natural Wine Fair just might help. Running from 2–4pm on Saturday, December 7, it's really just an excuse to head to Bottleshop Carrington in West End, taste a heap of wines for free and discover more about natural drops. Of course, that's as good a reason as any to get sipping, sampling and asking questions of the folks who know their vino.
Fancy filling everyone's stockings with locally made art, crafts, homewares, ceramics, stationery or fashion? From 4–9pm on Friday, November 29, the Museum of Brisbane can assist. For one afternoon only in the lead up to Christmas, it's holding an artisan market in the middle of the city. If it's browsing and buying that you're after, BNE Design will feature more than 25 stallholders when it takes over Reddacliff Place— and they all know you're there to do some festive shopping. Expect a curated range of Brisbane artists and designers showcasing their wares, with the market celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship of the city's best creative folks. Whether you're after jewellery by Bianca Mavrick, Chloe Waddell and C+K+V; wheel-thrown ceramics from Ever Ceramics; Bee One Third's honeycomb, bee pollen and beeswax; or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pieces from Blaklash, you'll find them here. Live music will help set the mood, and you'll also be able to grab a bite to eat — Christmas shopping is hungry work.
Hey boy, hey girl — we've got some news. Pioneering electronic music duo The Chemical Brothers is heading Down Under — for their first Aussie tour in six years. Off the back of dropping their ninth studio album No Geography earlier this year, the pair are taking a new live show (also called No Geography) around the world. Stops include the UK, US and Mexico — and, luckily, also Australia. If you've been lucky enough to catch The Chemical Brothers live before, you'll know their shows aren't your average stand-behind-the-decks-and-play performances. They feature strobe lights, lasers and mind-bending images projected onto huge screens. It's sort of like a trip, without the LSD. If you haven't seen one before, take a peek at one of the psychedelic shows below. As well as new hits off the new No Geography album, including 'Free Yourself' and 'MAH', we're hoping the duo will add some throwbacks to its live performances — the late-90s and early-2000s hits 'Hey Boy, Hey Girl' and 'Galvanize' would be particularly welcome. As an added bonus, the duo will be touring the country with a big-name local: The Avalanches. The Melbourne-born electro group will be playing a live DJ set at all The Chemical Brothers' shows. If you don't know them, you'll definitely know their song 'Since I Left You'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tri7gjlmfdk
Get your chills two ways this Halloween at Blackbird Bar & Grill. The riverside venue will be transforming into a haunted manor, plus you'll be experiencing it with a cool glass of Veuve Clicquot in hand. The French bubbly is getting behind Blackbird's Halloween event, bringing you Yelloween on Saturday, October 26. So, prepare for low lighting, shadowy creatures, terrifying surprises and plenty of boogying. Making sure of this will be DJ Beast Mode, who'll be hitting the decks from 1am till the wee hours of the morning. Whether you're on the dance floor or facing up to ghosts, you'll have champagne to help your Dutch courage. Work your way through three glasses and Veuve Clicquot will upgrade you to a bottle — for no extra cost. You'll also have the chance to win an experience for yourself and four friends. If you win, you'll get a private booth, two bottles of Veuve and a loads of food — think fresh seafood, charcuterie and cheese. To win, you can either tag four mates on Blackbird Bar's post on Instagram or let Blackbird know who you'd share this prize with on a their relevant Facebook here. The only catch? You'll find out on the night and have until 9.30pm to claim your prize. Entry to Yelloween is free. Or, if you'd prefer to lounge in a serviced booth, you can book via (07) 3229 1200 or at events@blackbirdbrisbane.com.au.
Feel like scoring a dose of da funk on a Friday night, losing yourself to dance and getting lucky? Of course you do. You'll be burnin' up the floor, getting derezzed and giving life back to music in no time at The Foundry from 8pm on January 3 — and if you do so harder, better, faster and stronger, you'll be doin' it right indeed. If you haven't guessed just who is in the spotlight at Robots After All — A Daft Punk Appreciation Night, then you probably need to take your helmet off and prepare to give some of the best albums of the past two decades a spin one more time. There'll be robot rock, plenty of digital love and you might even think you've been around the world while you're throwing shapes. Yep, indulging your instant crush on the electronic duo best known as Daft Punk is easy as the Wickham Street venue works its way through the French headpiece fans' discography. Entry is free, and a selection of other electro artists will pump through the speakers between Daft Punk tracks, including The Chemical Brothers, Basement Jaxx and more.
A long-term Friday night favourite, the Treasury Casino has been ending the working week with regular of wine and cheese shindigs — and its latest event has a little extra fizz. On November 22, the CBD venue's blend of dairy and drinks also includes bubbles. Tis the season for indulging in a big splash of effervescence, after all. Cheese, Wine & Bubbles goes down between 5–8pm, and features Australian wine tastings, cheese sampling, and a range of canapes and antipasto, too. Sip your way through tipples from Moet Hennessy, Treasury Wine Estate, Samuel Smith and Sons, Accolade Wines and more — and prepare to say "cheers" a whole lot. The tastiness takes place across the Treasury's ground floor, including its courtyard, so expect a starry backdrop and some live music as well. And, this night of drinking and eating is rather affordable as well, with the three-hour package costing $59 per person.
For more than two decades, Fortitude Valley has been home to a huge annual street party, with live tunes taking over its two malls, various bars and plenty of venues. That's the old Valley Fiesta. In 2019, the event has had a considerable revamp. Now, instead of jamming all your fun into a hectic couple of days, you can enjoy a free gig every Friday afternoon all-year-round. You'll either need an arvo off work, a long lunch or a cruisy afternoon break, because these shows are happening from 2–4pm. Head to the Brunswick Street Mall and Chinatown Mall, as well as Bakery Lane and other spots around the suburb, with the lineup changing each week. On the upcoming bill: Charlie Shay and Leo Altarelli on November 8, Sid Whitely and This New Light on November 15, Liam Norton, Maisy Taylor and The Brothers Calling on November 22, and The Letter Elle on November 29. And yes, every great Friday ends with ace music. Every great weekend starts with it, too.
Sick of looking at the same old walls? In dire need of some creative new threads? Eager to find a few crafty trinkets to pop around the house? Desperately keen for some new reading material? From prints and clothing to homewares and zines, Hidden Gems Arts Fair is bringing a heap of arty pieces to The Station Brisbane. The returning one-day pop-up is all about showcasing local artists, businesses and entrepreneurs, which means that heading along helps a creative Brisbanite — and helps your wardrobe, empty picture frames and waning reading pile. Jewellery from Shanice Casey, recycled pots from Chloe and the Paper Pots, vintage threads from The Body Gallery Vintage and colourful prints by Rina Z are just some of the items vying for your attention. Just mosey over to 44 Barry Parade, Fortitude Valley, with the market running on Sunday, October 13 from 10am-2pm. As well as plenty of stuff to buy, there'll also be live music as well. As for entry, it'll set you back $2. Image: Chloe and the Paper Pots
A day of revelry is coming to Woolloongabba — and despite the suburb's most prominent landmark, it has nothing to with sport. Instead, The End of the Line Festival is returning for another massive outdoor outing. It's free, it'll be jam-packed with music, performance and art, and it also aims to showcase the best restaurants and eateries the area has to offer. In its sixth year, the fest is keeping its boutique setup and an afternoon-to-evening format. In a lineup once again curated by West End's Jet Black Cat record store, GL leads the cohort heading to Jurgens Street from 2pm on Saturday, November 9. Also on the bill is Ainslie Wills, Sycco, Cool Sounds, Quivers, Tiana Khasi, Family Jordan and Selfish Sons, with the rest of the arts and events program yet to be revealed. Food-wise, food trucks and local eateries always get in on the fun — so expect to feast on dishes and beverages on offer. And while entry won't cost you a thing, and neither will the performances, you will need your wallet for the food and drink part of the street party. Image: The End of the Line Festival.
If, at the end of a long working day, you have a hankering for all-you-can-eat bao, that's perfectly understandable. You're only human, after all. Thankfully, that's just what Friday's Riverside is dishing up every Thursday night until the end of the year. Whether you're eager for an early or late dinner, your endless bao bounty will cost $25, with sittings available from 6–7.30pm and 8–9.30pm. As well as tucking into as many fluffy filled buns as you can handle, you'll also receive a selected beer or wine on arrival. And, as the above time slots make plain, you'll have 90 minutes to feast away. Arrive hungry, naturally. Flavour-wise, Friday's is slinging a range of different varieties — so, as well as a hefty meal, you'll get a few surprises. And, alongside the feast, you'll be enjoying river views, too. Because Brisbane is a city that loves its bao, bookings are essential and can be made here.
If you like beer and you live in Brisbane, then you've probably noticed a trend in recent years. In fact, you've probably been making the most of it. That's to be expected when a certain patch of turf starts welcoming new drinking spots with frequency. Thanks to Ballistic Beer Co in Salisbury, as well as Helios Brewing Company and Slipstream Brewing Company in Yeerongpilly, there's no shortage of breweries to have a beer at on the southside — and while you've likely been hopping between them all anyway, Beermuda Triangle gives the area's boozy crawl an official spin. Head to one the above list of places from 1pm on Saturday, November 16, catch a bus to the other two and back until 7pm, and drink frothy ales at each. Entry is free, more than 30 brews will be on offer, and there'll also be food and live music. Plus, obviously, just the general fun of soaking in the boozy Salisbury and Yeerongpilly vibes. Image: Ballistic Beer Co.
The festive season is upon us, again, which means that Christmas shopping is about to become everyone's favourite pastime. Thankfully, trawling the mall isn't your only option when it comes to finding a gift, either for your loved ones or yourself — or grabbing ingredients for a delicious meal. Returning for another year from 6.30–10pm on Friday, November 29, the Carseldine Markets is hosting a twilight event brimming with the spirit of the season. Get your list ready, because all the art, craft and fresh produce stalls you know and love will be on site, just waiting to help you out of a festive fix — more than 180 of them, in fact. Prepare to tuck into festive treats, too (because you'll need to eat while you browse), as well as ample entertainment. Yes, it's a Christmas wonderland, with the decorations, carols and workshops to prove it. Warning: if you're more of a Grinch than one of Santa's elves, you'd best prepare yourself for an overdose of holiday cheer.
Feeling worked up about the bushfires currently raging across the country? Perhaps chucking an axe at a target will help. Actually, if you book a session at 11am on Sunday, January 26, we know it will. Hurling hatchets is Lumber Punks' usual gambit, with the venue letting Brisbanites throw bladed weapons — at a target, in controlled circumstances — since it opened back in 2018. On Australia Day, however, it's donating 100-percent of all fees for its 11am session to the Rural Fire Services in New South Wales and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in Western Australia. That's what Throw for the Firies is all about. For $45, you'll spend 90 minutes flinging axes and assisting a worthy cause. Just remember that you'll need to wear enclosed shoes that cover your toes, because safety is paramount. Lumber Punks is booze-free, but there'll non-alcoholic beverages and snacks available.
Getting up before daylight mightn't be your usual idea of an ace Sunday morning; however some things really are worth shortening your snooze for. Seeing what just might be the best view of the sunrise in the city, for one. Climbing a mountain for the calm and tranquility that can only come from bending and stretching is another. Oh, and then there's the whole taking part in a silent yoga class on Mt Coot-tha, for another. All three combine at Sound Off at the Summit, Urban Bliss Yoga's latest adventurous exercise outing. They've done it before and now they're back to do it again — and this will be the last time before new owners take over the venue. Yes, mountaintop yoga will literally take you to another level. Expect to show off your best mountain pose while you're standing on one, do downward dog as you stare down from a massive land mass, and whip out your liveliest sun salutation as that ball of heat above us ascends over the city. Taking place on Sunday, January 19, eager yogis will climb up to the Brisbane Lookout for this early session, with all of the fun kicking off at 5.15am. And, thanks to the illuminated headphones everyone will be wearing, there'll be quite the glow coming from the class as well. 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. Images: Urban Bliss.
Browsing for arts and crafts, stopping for a bite to eat, checking out live performances — sounds like quite the itinerary, doesn't it? Forget running around town to fit everything in, however, with this list of activities all on offer at this year's BrisAsia Bazaar. A one-night market within the broader BrisAsia Festival program, the event includes handicraft stalls, roving performances and plenty of food — plus workshops, forums and discussions; other demonstrations; and festive lights, too. That's what Brisbanites will find at Aspley Central from 4–9pm on Saturday, February 15. While the stall lineup is yet to be revealed, this fest doesn't do anything in a small way, so consider your evening plans sorted. Entry is free, although you'll want to bring your wallet so that you can fill your shopping bags (and your stomach).
What do you do when wild weather hits, Brisbanites? Watch the radar to see just when and where it'll strike? Stay glued to your couch? Come up with a new festival of contemporary dance? The latter was Kate Usher and Glyn Roberts's answer in 2017, and after a successful first three outings, their venture is returning for a fourth time in 202p. Yes, things are getting stormy on the stage instead of in the sky again (although, given the time of year and the weather of late, the latter is still likely to happen as well). From Friday, February 21–Saturday, February 29, Supercell: Festival of Contemporary Dance Brisbane is taking over a number of Brisbane locations — such as the Queens Street Mall, Anzac Square, Bunyapa Park, New Farm Bowls Club and Rumpus Room Shed — for a repeat bout of frenetic footsteps. Celebrating Queensland's place in the dance world, the festival brings together local and international artists, performances, workshops and conversations. Highlights include Mine!, a piece that uses dance, Lego and Tonka trucks to respond to Australia's reliance upon coal; City Horses, a participatory piece that encourages audiences to join in and, well, dance through the city like horses; and The People's Dance Party, which is exactly what it sounds like. [caption id="attachment_762387" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Mine! - Australian Dance Party[/caption] And, in a new initiative for 2020, Supercell is completely free to attend.
In case you missed the news, southeast Queensland is now home to its first TGI Fridays, with the American eatery setting up shop in Robina late last year. The chain's mozzarella sticks and potato twisters have probably just rocketed to the top of your must-eat list, which is understandable — but until Friday, March 29, it's the $5 margaritas that'll likely tempt you to make a trip to the Gold Coast. No matter what time of day you drop by, you'll only have to hand over a prawn — and you'll nab a cocktail in your choice of four flavours in return. Classic margs are available, of course; however your tastebuds can also sip down mango, blood orange, and strawberry and coconut varieties. You will need to sign up to TGI Friday's rewards program to score the super-cheap price, which you can do by downloading the app. Otherwise, those vivid-hued margaritas will set you back $10.
Last year, VEND Marketplace added a new space dedicated to plants. Its mission: to help you fill your home with all types of greenery. And to help you do just that, it's hosting another of its regular — and huge — sales. Welcome to the Greenhouse, as the area is aptly known. The place where gardeners' dreams come true, it's upping the ante from 8am on Saturday, February 29. That's when the 250-square-metre indoor garden will be slinging its green babies at a special one-day event — and yes, there'll be succulents, cacti, indoor plants, hanging plants, outdoor plants, pots and more. Plenty of plants will be on sale for less than $12, and there'll also be juice, smoothies, tea, coffee, beer and wine to drink. Plus, if you can find a hidden jungle animal, you'll nab yourself a free piece of greenery. VEND is also doggo-friendly, should you want to bring your four-legged pal with you. Image: VEND Marketplace.
There are few food pairings so delightfully well matched as citrus and seafood. Throw in endless summer sunshine and the ambience of a Mediterranean garden and you've got the makings of a heavenly afternoon. If these vibes sound like just what you're looking for, there's no need to start rummaging through your bag for loose change and saving for a flight to Europe. Instead, pop down to Paddington's Darling & Co, which has gone all out on the dream Euro-chic summer aesthetic, complete with citrus trees, vibrant floral arrangements and a new citrus and seafood lunch special. For just $40, you'll get Moreton Bay bug rolls for two, a huge serving of bottomless fries and a cheeky citrus-infused spritz for each of you. Wanting to level-up your day out? You can keep your glasses topped up for two hours at an additional cost of $20 per person. This deal is available seven days a week for a limited time, so book here to make sure you don't miss out.
In 1997, Christmas changed. With a single episode of Seinfeld, the world became privy to a new form of holiday celebration that eschewed other traditions and denominations. Instead of a tree, an unadorned pole gets pride of place. Rather than share happy stories, everyone gathered airs their grievances. And, instead of settling down on the couch after a hearty meal, attendees compete in feats of strength. Okay, so maybe you still enjoy tinsel, turkey and street cricket with your family on December 25; however Fritzenberger is making sure you can have some Festivus fun as well. It's hosting two trivia nights that are all about Seinfeld's take on the season, with Man vs Bear on hand to ask the questions. The evening quiz takes place at the Petrie Terrace burger joint on Wednesday, December 11, and over at the Wilston abode on Thursday, December 12. Yes, that's a few days before the official Festivus date of December 23 — but hey, if you're not happy about that, add it to your grievance list. We don't know if there really will be a grievances box, but you'll certainly be able to air your unhappiness. Entry is free, and registering in advance is recommended — as is wearing your favourite puffy shirt. Need a Festivus refresher? Let the show itself help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKdnqjnegEs
No strangers to a party, the Treasury Casino is getting into the swing of summer with not just one shindig, or two, but several. On the first three Friday nights in December, the inner-city venue is heading to the adjacent Queen's Park, settling in on the paved area and letting the drinks flow. Taking place from 4.30–7.30pm on Friday, December 6, 13 and 20 — Summertime Drinks is really all about kicking back when the working week is done, enjoying the sunny weather and letting the season wash over you. If you're heading out for a big night to celebrate the weekend or the festive season, it's a way to warm up for the evening. If you're just looking for a few tipples on the way home, consider it your stopover before the bus or train comes calling. Entry is free, and includes live entertainment. And while the beverages aren't free (sorry), you'll be able to knock back Byron Bay Brewing beers and a selection of cocktails. Images: Treasury Brisbane.
They're just humble cucumbers left to ferment in vinegar, but pickles certainly get plenty of attention. We love them on sandwiches, and to munch on individually. We love drinking whiskey, then chasing it down with a shot of pickle brine. Sometimes, folks even make beer that showcases the zesty pickle flavour. If you're fond of all of the above, then get your pickle-loving self to Pickle Fest. Hosted by The Woods Bar — in collaboration with Picklehead Pickles and Soapbox Beer — the event celebrates its eponymous ingredient in a whole range of guises. In other words, it's an excuse to eat pickles, drink pickle brine and sip pickle-flavoured brews. And, to eat reuben sandwiches, aka the go-to food when anyone thinks of pickles (and a great way to line your stomach, too). Also on the menu: deep-fried pickled jalapeños, pickle pate and pickled onions, as well as a custom bloody mary selection — including a smokey whiskey version, and another made with tequila, lime and chilli. The one-day festival takes place on Sunday, December 1, with the Mitchelton watering hole getting into the pickled spirit from from 11am. Image: The Woods Bar.
UPDATE, January 5, 2021: Martha: A Picture Story is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Is Martha Cooper the Bill Cunningham of the street art world? That's a big call, we know, but as Martha: A Picture Story shows, it's accurate. What he did for New York street style — immortalising it with obsessive devotion and sharing it with the world — she did for graffiti. And she's still doing so, there and around the world. That dedication has made an impact. Street art was considered a scourge when the Maryland-born Cooper moved to the Big Apple to chase her shutterbug dreams, but, as she traversed the five boroughs taking pics for the New York Post in the 70s, she was drawn to NY's colourful, creative murals. And so she filled reels of film with images, got to know the scene's major players and chased tag-covered trains all over town. As Martha: A Picture Story also documents, her efforts helped shape the medium. Before Banksy became a graffiti phenomenon, Cooper's was the name on every artist's lips. Thanks to her 1984 book Subway Art, co-authored with fellow photographer Henry Chalfant, Cooper gave street art a how-to guide. It initially sold poorly, but made its way through the scene via black-and-white photocopies that were passed around and coloured-in by hand by aspiring taggers. Now, 35 years later, she's considered a rock star due to the seminal text. Brazil's Os Gemeos (twin brothers Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo) are famous in their own right, but they buzz with excitement when they mention Subway Art. As seen in this Selina Miles-helmed documentary, Cooper's recent book signings — where fans flock for her signature — paint a similar picture. Making her full-length debut, Australian director Miles has found the holy grail of factual filmmaking: a subject with a lengthy and captivating history, in a field with broad appeal, who hasn't been given their due by the wider world. As an overview of Martha: A Picture Story, that's too cynical, though; nothing about this film, its exploration of Cooper's career and influence, and its loving showcase of her photos is anything but authentic. Cooper herself invites genuine fascination and wonder. Her no-nonsense attitude and her evident enthusiasm are contagious, and Miles willingly catches that disease. This is a crowd-pleasing doco, winning the audience award at this year's Sydney Film Festival — but it inspires wide smiles and warm feelings solely because Cooper's pics are so exceptional, her passion so palpable and her impact so immense. Indeed, if a documentary about the now-septuagenarian didn't cause this reaction, it wouldn't be doing its job. Cooper's entrance into the film couldn't underscore the above point better. It's 2018, she's in Germany, and she's eager to snap photos of the 1UP crew in action. Carrying her gear on her back, she follows them into the night as they tag their way around an unnamed city — including in subway stations and by sneaking into train yards. Shot on the ground in a suitably shaky style, these sections of Martha: A Picture Story feel vivid and alive. Clearly, that's how doing her job makes Cooper feel, too. As the film begins to step through the photojournalist's past in a more traditional then-to-now format, these opening scenes mirror events that come later in the doco but occurred earlier, when Cooper did the same in NY with its street art bigwigs of four decades ago. Threading together its absorbing chronicle, Martha: A Picture Story keeps finding riveting details to fill its frames, such as Cooper's early quest to work for National Geographic, her globe-trotting efforts to try to make that a reality and her book on Japanese tattooing. The photographer's tale is also intertwined with both gender and class politics, which gives it added significance — she was the first female intern at Nat Geo, she notes, and she's well aware that she has spent years giving visibility to art, neighbourhoods and people that many would rather overlook. It's an informative and engaging delight to hear Cooper reflect on her experiences, and to listen to her friends, relatives, colleagues and admirers relay their parts of the story. But, in a doco like this, the old adage about a picture being worth a thousand words was always going to ring true. Martha: A Picture Story features home-video footage and personal photographs collected over the years, taking viewers through the various stages of Cooper's existence. When it lets the photographer's own snaps take centre stage, however, it makes the case for her greatness one image at a time. Whether she's documenting graffiti on both a broad and intimate scale, focusing on NY children and their makeshift toys, or turning her lens towards the reality of the Baltimore streets, where she grew up, she trades in candid portraits of life, art and personal expression. And, as only the very best pics do, they beam their glory and importance for everyone to witness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOMUHQEYsBQ
Round up the Avengers, call all your SHIELD buddies and pick up your mighty mjolnir. It's time to hulk out at Brisbane's latest Marvel Trivia night — and The Flying Cock's last trivia night, actually. So rove your hawk-like eye over plenty of questions about the huge film franchise, snap out answers faster than Thanos can snap his fingers and prepare to say farewell to the venue. If you've caught all 23 films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to-date, watched every TV show, basically dedicated the past 11 years to this superhero-filled realm and already signed up for Disney's streaming service, then it's an evening that you've been training for. And if you're down with flerkens, wish you'd visited Wakanda, and know the difference between Peter Parker and Peter Porker, then you'll be in your happy place. Taking place from 6.30pm on Thursday, December 12, the MCU trivia onslaught comes hot on the heels of Phase Three's final flick, Spider-Man: Far From Home — and will help keep you occupied before Phase Four starts with Black Widow next year. The Flying Cock's Marvel Trivia: Endgame is free to play; however registrations are required. And yes, there'll be prizes — for first, second and third place, and last place too. Also, you can nab a special prize for best dressed if you don a costume, so you'd better break out your finest cape and spandex outfit.
Feel like you've experienced every date option that Brisbane has to offer? Run out of new ways to spend an ace night with your mates? Don't want to celebrate the festive season in the usual manner? If glitz, glamour, drinks, dinner and feeling like you're in a speakeasy several decades ago amount to your idea of a good — and novel — time, then make a beeline to Cloudland's returning Big Band Cabaret. This time, it's Christmas-themed. Taking place in the Valley venue's Rainbow Room on Saturday, December 14, the decadent shindig will have you and your loved one dancing to the Swing Central Big Band, listening to Susanne Campbell and Renae Suttie, and lapping up performances by Jacqueline Furey's Burlesque Ensemble — all while eating your way through a three-course meal and enjoying a three-hour package of beer, wine and sparkling. It has been such a hit on previous occasions that it's no wonder that Cloudland has brought the event back for one particularly merry occasion. Tickets aren't cheap at $110 per person, but it's certain to liven up your pre-Xmas routine with something more than a little different.
Pups and pints: it's a winning combination. And, it never goes out of style. Brisbanites keep going barking mad for downing beers with their doggos, so The Brightside's Barks & Brews sessions just keep coming back. Folks of the two- and four-legged variety, make another date with your pooch and a few pints. With its appropriate name, the canine-centric afternoon doesn't really need to offer up anything more than just that — but, it wouldn't be a Brighty shindig without some extra fun. Those heading to Warner Street from 12pm on Sunday, November 24 can also expect free doggie portraits for maximum cuteness, dog markets, an off-leash area, cocktail specials and live music. So grab your fluffy companion, flock to the beer garden and prepare to sink a few cold ones while enjoying Brissie's finest late spring weather. And, expect to spend time in the company of plenty of other dog lovers and their pooches too. BYO frisbee.
If you've been making plans to revamp your style, but haven't been able to rustle up the coin, here's your chance. For five days, Hugo Boss will be hosting a mega sale at its outlet stores. You'll be able to score a further 50 percent off a massive range of premium clothing — from comfy t-shirts and soft sweaters to suave suits and women's dresses. Whether you're after a suit for a special occasion or looking to level-up your wardrobe, Hugo Boss's end-of-year outlet sale will have you sorted for a fraction of the fashion label's usual prices. You'll have to get in quick to score though, with the sale only running from Wednesday, December 11 to Sunday, December 15. The only catch? You'll have to take a trip to the Gold Coast to bag yourself a bargain. Just head to the BOSS Outlet at Harbour Town Premium Outlets to get these quality threads for such a steal. Opening hours are Wednesday, 9am–5.30pm; Thursday, 9am–7pm; Friday–Saturday, 9am–5.30pm; and Sunday, 10am–5pm. Hugo Boss end-of-year outlet sale will run from Wednesday, December 11 to Sunday, December 15. To find your closest outlet, visit the website.
Do you like a certain scary movie that helped revitalise the genre in the mid-90s? Are you keen to revisit it on the big screen? If you also like reptiles that've crawled through radioactive ooze and the film that turned Quentin Tarantino into a superstar director, then prepare to settle in for quite the movie-watching evening. Three films. One night. A huge blast from the past. That's Metro Arts' lineup on Friday, November 22, with Kristian Fletcher presenting a trio of 90s gems in one marathon session. Start with the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, complete with an early-career appearance by Sam Rockwell. Next, try to avoid ghostface thanks to a screening of the original Scream. And, to wrap it all up, revisit Pulp Fiction — after taking part in the pre-movie twist contest first. Tickets cost $12 for one film, $16 for two and $20 for all three. It all kicks off at 5.30pm, because turtle power is a great post-work vibe, before jumping into slasher territory at 7.15pm, then pondering royales with cheese from 9.15pm.
Made Neapolitan style in an oven imported from the Italian region, pizza plays a hefty part on Mister Paganini's menu every day of the week. Come Wednesdays, however, pizza is the main attraction — as you'd expect at the South Bank eatery's all-you-can-eat pizza evening. For $20, you can indeed feast on all the slices that your stomach can handle. You can't choose your flavours — instead, you'll munch through a chef's selection — but you can eat as much as you'd like. And, who doesn't love a surprise when it comes to each serving? With Mister Paganini's range feature everything from four-cheese creations, to anchovy-filled marinara pizzas, to a rustic potato-topped slice, your tastebuds can embrace the variety. $20 All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Wednesdays runs weekly from 5pm. Even better — there's no time limit, so settling in and going at your own pace is completely acceptable. Image: Mister Paganini.
Between Saturday, January 18 and Monday, January 27, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is hosting a sales event of most peculiar stock. Strange things they are, full of pages, rampant with words and with covers of the most beautiful colours. You can't charge them, they don't run out of battery, their brightness is unalterable, and they won't smash when you drop them and have them lost forever. Lifeline Bookfest is back for another round of vintage bargains and startling ranges of everything from Australian Women's Weekly Cookbooks to a bit of cheeky erotica. If you're been before, you'll know there are warehouse quantities of books for sale – your grade five diary is probably hidden under a copy of Shantaram, and you'll come across at least three copies of Cooking with Days of Our Lives. Prices range from cents to the big bucks — bring a trolley and your glasses, and absorb yourself in books. Bookfest runs from 7.30am–6pm on its opening day, then from 8.30am–6pm afterwards. Image: Bookfest.
Printed on a piece of card and stuffed in many a letterbox, "sorry we missed you" ranks among the most frustrating phrases in the English language. If you're expecting a delivery, it means that you'll need to contact the courier company, book in another day and spend more time waiting, which is never convenient. But for those who dedicate their hours to transporting parcels around town, those four words can also indicate something far worse. To some employers, it can mean that they haven't done their job — and that has far-reaching consequences. Continuing his career-long examination of Britain's working class, Ken Loach's latest social-realist drama steps into this world, and into the punishing expectations that have become normalised in today's gig economy. Everyone has been annoyed about a delayed delivery, but the reality for overstretched couriers saddled with too many parcels, too little time, nowhere near enough pay and restrictive working conditions is much more bleak than simply having to wait an extra day for your latest online purchase. Sorry We Missed You focuses on Ricky Turner (Kris Hitchen), who's new to the courier business; however it could've just as easily followed his path through plenty of other industries. Loach and his regular screenwriter Paul Laverty have chosen wisely, though, picking a field that everyone has had an experience with (even if only on the consumer side). Still, the same principles apply to many service-oriented professions these days — insecure work, no guaranteed hours, round-the-clock demands and an all-round arrangement that puts employers at an enormous advantage to the contractor's detriment. Ricky's wife Abbie (Debbie Honeywood), a nurse and in-home carer, also navigates a similar system. That we live in a world where meeting set targets and sticking to arbitrary timeframes is more important than giving proper medical care sounds like something out of a grim dystopian future, but Sorry We Missed You isn't exaggerating. After losing not only his construction job in the 2008 financial crash, but his chance to buy a house, Ricky gets into courier work as a last resort. Debts are piling up, he wants security for his family's future and there are no other options. On paper, it seems ideal and even easy. Convincing Abbie to sell her car, he uses to money to purchase a van and starts contracting for a big company. Then, under hard-nosed manager Maloney (Ross Brewster), he discovers how the gig operates. He's soon working seven days a week, getting sanctioned when he can't meet KPIs and resorting to peeing in bottles because he doesn't have time for a toilet break. He's also vulnerable to robberies and financially responsible for the cargo he's delivering. And taking any time off — when he's injured, when the equally overworked and exhausted Abbie needs help, and when their adolescent son Seb (Rhys Stone) gets in trouble with the law — comes with severe monetary penalties. Some days, he even takes his pre-teen daughter Liza Jane (Katie Proctor) with him just so he can see her, although that's also frowned upon. Across his more than 50 years behind the lens, Loach has always been drawn to these types of scenarios. His films are fictional, but they're steeped in actuality. That proved true in 1969's Kes, which relayed the story of a downtrodden Yorkshire boy's life-changing friendship with a kestrel, and just might be the finest British movie ever made. It was also true in I, Daniel Blake, his 2016 Palme d'Or-winning drama about government benefits that's a clear companion piece to Sorry We Missed You. That these tales keep needing to be told is heartbreaking and infuriating, of course — but there's no one better at it than Loach. He's an empathetic and humane filmmaker determined to give a voice to ordinary folks, to tackle everyday issues and to show life as it really is. He's also just as passionate about calling out vast societal inequities that, as seen in the Turners' experiences, exploit the masses for corporate gain. As is his trademark, Loach brings all of the above to the screen with a keenly naturalistic eye and a largely non-professional cast, shooting his characters and their lives as though he's recording reality. There's no one better than cinematographer Robbie Ryan to help — the man who not only achieved the same feat on I, Daniel Blake, but on Andrea Arnold's American Honey and Noah Baumbach's Marriage Story as well. Under the duo's combined gaze, Sorry We Missed You's images speak a thousand frustrating words, and draw audiences into the film's despairing situation. The feature stares daggers at a system the world has simply accepted, too, and forces audiences to see how it affects average people. And, while the movie's message isn't subtle, this is still a nuanced and astute picture that's exactly as stirring and galvanising at it needs to be. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sdnSZ6J6HA
