On most days of the year, a frosty, frothy beer seems like the solution to many of life's woes. On Tuesday, August 14, however, your cold brew really could help someone in need. At Fritzenberger's Ekka Beers for Drought Relief, the Petrie Terrace hangout is not only slinging yeasty beverages — it's also donating part of the proceeds to help Australian farmers to get back on their feet. From 6–10.30pm, all you'll need to do is swing by, and buy either a Scenic Rim Brewery or Fritzenberger beer. From each schooner, $1.50 will go to Drought Angels. They're the charity helping farmers to stay on their land, especially in such tough, dry, recent conditions. You'll also be able to hear stories from Scenic Rim locals about conditions in the area, with Tommerup's Dairy Farm's Kay and David dropping by as well — and giving away a two-night stay at their family farm, too. Beverage-wise, the event will mark Scenic Rim Brewery's first trip to Fritzenberger; however the 'Berger also has its own tasty tipples. In fact, because the whole shindig happens to fall on Ekka public holiday eve, there'll be a Strawberry Sundae Ice Cream Ale on offer, combining Fritzen Strawberry Belgium Blond and Fritzen Ice Cream Ale.
Do your ears prick up every time you hear the words 'boozy brunch'? Does your heart then sink, because you know that anything before noon is just too early in the day? Darling & Co gets around that dilemma by slinging its boozy weekend session at lunchtime. All of the drinking, plus a meal — but without rolling out of bed before you want to. Happening every week from noon until 2pm, Bottomless Bellini Sundays serves up four types of the drink in question over your choice of stomach-filling dish. Yes, the free-flowing part of the equation does mean that you can try each variety, with peach, passionfruit mango, strawberry and blood orange on offer. Meal-wise, the selection changes seasonally, but currently includes asparagus risotto with goats curd, wagyu brisket ragu tagliatelle and Bangalow porchetta with vegetables. That'll set you back $39 per person, or $49 if you'd like dessert as well.
Come quitting time on a Friday, everyone has a spring in their step — an extra bounce, plenty of zest and the energy to tackle the weekend. With that in mind, you probably don't need an espresso martini. Still, you probably want one. Enter Espresso Martini Fridays. It might be what you call your Fridays anyway, but at The George it means $12 drinks right through into the evening. Taking place from 4pm on July 20 and 27, it also means DJs spinning tunes to turn your afternoon beverage into a party. As for what you'll be drinking, The George's espresso martinis come with fresh, finely-ground coffee from roastery AllPress, plus the boozy part. You can also pair it with a bite from the food menu — think cheese boards, arancini, truffled fries, steak frites and grilled chicken burgers.
When Prince told us he'd be partying like it was 1999, he probably figured he'd get a few good years out of the song. And yet, 36 years after his single was first released back in 1982 — and nearing two decades since the year in question passed — we're all still following in his footsteps. At The Elephant's second annual All '90s All Nighter on Saturday, July 22, the venue will be doing the purple one proud; however, that's not all it's doing. Thrusting 1999 and the nine years prior into the spotlight, it's serving up the next best thing to time-travelling back to the era that gave us everything from grunge to girl power to tamagotchis. Wear something made out of flannelette. Stick some butterfly clips in your hair. Sure, it's winter, but a slip dress would definitely fit in here. There'll be prizes for best '90s wardrobe, and you'll be wanting to give the DJs prizes for cranking out some retro hits. The drinks will also be '90s-themed, and entry is free.
Laser shows, live tunes, learning to make crafty wares and looking at art: they're just some of the fun on offer at southeast Queensland's returning Generate Festival. Taking over the Caboolture Town Square on Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30, it'll do so with music, installations, roving performers, food trucks and more. Yep, it's enough to make you head north of Brisbane for the weekend. Highlights include a night of outdoor comedy to get things started, a light and laser show, and a man made out of milk crates — and that's just the beginning. Throw a sculpture trail, discovering how to play the ukulele, and a heap of glowing bits and pieces into the mix, and just try not to feel creative. Or entertained for that matter. And if that's not enough, Generate's second year will also feature outdoor galleries, pop-up laneways and markets.
Even the best things in life can use a little tweaking — and that includes shopping for vinyl and general vintage fare. Thanks to Bloodhound Corner Bar, your buying and browsing will get better over a few beverages at the venue's aptly named Vinyl & Vintage Fair. Between 1–4pm on Saturday, July 21, you won't need to choose between heading to the markets or heading to the pub, as you can enjoy the best of both in one spot. It's all part of the Brisbane Mod & Soul Weekender, which means that your purchases will have a definite 50s, 60s and 70s feel. No word if you'll be enjoying era-appropriate prices, however, but you can expect to pick up some bargains. For refreshments, Bloodhound's usual food and drinks menus will be available, so expect to pair your afternoon with tacos, burgers and a few craft beers. It's all happening in the venue's upstairs area — with DJs spinning tunes to suit the old-school mood.
Sometimes, even the most adventurous among us need a little push; a piece of extra incentive to take a particular leap. So you've always wanted to wander around southeast Queensland's Scenic Rim region, but have never found the time? Well, consider the area's annual Eat Local Week all the motivation you need. If exploring, eating and drinking can't get you in the car and down the highway, then nothing can. Unsurprisingly, that's just the big-picture view of this nine-day festival. Promoting Scenic Rim produce and the people behind it, the program includes everything from olive grove tastings, brewery chats and artisan markets to a street food fest, wine and pizza in a vineyard, and cheesemaking classes. Camel training, bush tucker, country cooking and a picnic in a Tamborine Mountain paddock are also on the bill — as is a spot of farm yoga. Basically, if it's an event in the Beaudesert, Boonah, Beechmont and Mt Barney area between June 30 and July 8, it's on the agenda. Image: Scenic Rim Eat Local Week
Thirty years since Expo 88 lit up the Brisbane River's southern banks, the area we all know as South Bank still has a few luminous tricks up its sleeves. Flowstate is one of them, a new temporary creative space taking over the former Arbour View Café precinct, featuring an immersive digital art installation, an open-air performance pavilion and a grassy relaxation zone. It's the first aspect, JEM by design studio ENESS, that'll immediately capture the city's attention — and have Brisbanites rushing to the South Brisbane parklands. A glowing arc-like structure fashioned from LEDs, it responds to movement, meaning that everyone can influence its display of light and sound. Or, to put it another way, it emits a symphonic and visual experience when approached. In addition to JEM's eye-catching wonders, the 3000-square-metre space will also boast an array of performances, including a year-long free program during its first year of operation. On the just-announced 20-show-plus bill: CIRCA showing off their acrobatic skills in Aura, Dead Puppet Society unleashing their roving installation Megafauna and live, immersive, moonlit orchestra event Song to the Earth. Other highlights include participatory dance performance Planets, South Bank art tour What I'm Here For, and whispered storytelling from Brisbane writers, poets and artists in These Frozen Moments. Find Flowstate at South Bank Parklands near the Epicurious Garden, and visit flowstate.southbankcorporation.com.au for further information.
On any old night of the week, Brisbanites can wander down to Netherworld, pop a few tokens into their chosen machines and spend a flipping great evening immersed in pinball. That's not about to change; however if you head by from 5pm on March 6, you'll find yourself in the middle of a Hawaiian Shirt Pinball Party. Never thought twice about what you're wearing when you're watching a silver ball bounce around a table? Never even contemplated donning a Hawaiian shirt while you're in the pinball zone? It's a combination requested by Jessica Lea DeNardo, host of American podcast The Pinball Podcast and creator of the Belles & Chimes Portland Ladies Pinball Club, who'll be onsite for this tropical get-together. Also on offer is Netherworld's usual fortnightly Brisbane Pinball Club shenanigans, pineapple punch cocktails, themed food specials from the kitchen and prizes for the best outfit.
Laughing in a doubled-over, can't breathe, feels-like-you-have-a-stitch kind of way isn't a planned thing. It happens spontaneously. It happens without warning. It happens at times and from sources you mightn't expect. That's what Brisbane Comedy Festival's After Hours component is all about — making the humorous magic happen in a different fashion, away from the usual routines, well-oiled jokes and hilarious shows that unleash the same comic gems night after night. Taking over the Brisbane Powerhouse Turbine Platform on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the fest, this always-changing late-night show is a chance for everyone involved to get loose. As for who that might be each evening, well, that's part of the surprise. Image: Studio Impressions/Brisbane Powerhouse.
They're the business with one of the best names we've come across — and they've been one of Brisbane's favourites for a few years now. From March 10 to 11, they're also one of the reasons you should mosey on over to Portside Wharf for their annual Cheese & Champagne Pop-Up. Yes, we're talking about The Cheese Pleaser, those purveyors of a certain dairy product. If you've bought any of their sharp or creamy wares before, you'll know that they well and truly live up to their moniker. At Portside, they're not just showcasing artisan cheeses, although they'll be doing plenty of that, don't worry. They'll also be teaming up with Gusto da Gianni and Moët & Chandon to showcase great bites and beverages, all set to the sounds of some rocking live music. It's the kind of event that you'll want to bring a picnic blanket to, then settle in for an afternoon of drinks, tunes and $15 platters. That's right, this pop-up won't just be yum — it'll be fun, too.
For their latest excuse to eat, drink and be merry, the Treasury Casino is taking inspiration from Australia's south. Over one cheese and wine-filled evening, the CBD hotspot will be serving up the best dairy and vino that Victoria and South Australia have to offer. Yep, between 5pm and 8pm on March 23, your tastebuds will think they've ventured to the other end of the country, thanks to a lineup of wares from the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills. Your wallet, however, will thank you — sip and sample away for three hours for $49 per person. The tastiness takes place in the Treasury's courtyard, so expect a starry backdrop and some live music as well. And if you're feeling extra peckish, there'll be chargrilled vegetables, assorted dips and artisan breads too — or, you could just dive deep into as much cheese as you can.
Do you spend your working hours wishing you were far, far away from your desk? Does fantasising about your next holiday get you through the week? Don't worry, we've all been there. And while we can't all always make our far-flung dreams a reality, Brisbanites can head on down to Blackbird every Friday afternoon to keep the jet-setting pretence going. Faking it till you make it overseas is part of the fun of Jet Set Fridays, which occur weekly but celebrate a different destination each month. During March, Japan is in the spotlight — which means themed cocktails, oyster shooters, Asahi and Nikka boilermakers, prawn and scallop dumplings, Japanese drummers and plenty of cherry blossoms. Oh, and sipping Chita Suntory Highballs while overlooking the river. Image: Blackbird Bar & Restaurant.
Dreaming of a new wardrobe, need to make some room in your existing cupboard first, but don't have much more than pocket change? We've all been there. On March 11, the solution is simple. Just pick up to ten of your own unwanted items that could use a new home, rustle up a gold coin and head to one of five Brisbane hangouts. That's how the inaugural Collaborative Clothes Swap works, and it couldn't be easier. Taking place at Avid Kitchen and Garden, Brown's General Store, Southside Tea Room, Sun and Company, and The Low Road, it'll turn two hours of your Sunday afternoon into a preloved shopping frenzy, with the swapping going down between 12.30-2.30pm. There are a few ground rules, of course. You'll get a ticket for each item you bring, and you'll be able to then swap that for something new. And, don't bring along something in a state you wouldn't be happy with yourself. Other than that, your entry fee will be given to a women-focused charity of the venue's choosing, and any leftover items will be given to a charity as well.
When Welcome to Bowen Hills was first announced, the new permanent food truck hub promised to drive a truckload of deliciousness into Brisbane's food scene — not only courtesy of their regular meals-on-wheels lineup, but via their special events as well. It's safe to say that they've delivered thanks to their latest festival. Who doesn't want to attend a fest dedicated to rosé and cheese? Pink vino lovers and gooey dairy fiends, prepare to head just north of the CBD on March 24 and 25 for two days dedicated to one of the best culinary pairings there is. You'll dink the tipple in question. You'll eat oh-so-much cheese. It's simple really. The local winery list is still be to announced, but food-wise, prepare for quite the feast. On the menu: a flaming cheese wheel from Fuel by Salt Meats Cheese, a special raclette burg from Mr Burger, deep-fried camembert and African nachos from Tastes of Africa, and cheesy versions of the dishes that Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, Brat Haus and Mac From Way Back all do best.
Nothing says summer like wandering around an outdoor market, picking up bargains, enjoying a feast of food truck eats and revelling in Brisbane's balmy weather — even if the season is officially over. At The Endless Summer Markets, it doesn't matter that it's officially autumn. And it shouldn't matter to you either. Coming to 204 Montague Road, West End from 9.30am on March 11, the new one-off event is either the perfect way to keep the summer vibes rolling on or the best way to pretend they never left. We'll let you decide which works best for you. Whatever you opt for, there'll be stalls and suitcases ready for you to browse through, filled with secondhand clothing and treasures as well as artisan goods. And, don't forget the city's meals-on-wheels contingent, ready to serve you up something delicious. All that shopping is bound to make you work up an appetite, and no market in this town is complete without Brissie's best mobile eateries.
There's a certain type of song that everyone knows: Disney songs. Maybe they're the bare necessities? Perhaps they're part of the circle of life? Or, maybe we just can't let them go? Whatever the reason, they're the tracks we all still remember all of the words to, so Southside Tea Room wants you to be their guest to belt out a tune or two. In news that'll make you want to hold a baby animal up to the sunlight, the Morningside hangout's popular Disney Karaoke is back. You just can't keep a good animation-fuelled singalong — and a Disney-themed costume contest, plus temporary tattoos — down. It's a whole new world of fun, and what can you say except you're welcome? To meet demand, two sessions will take place on March 24, at 5pm and 8pm. If you just can't wait to be the karaoke king (or queen), just make sure you book in advance —tickets cost $5 per person, and reservations open at 9am on February 26.
Start your long weekend with an extra spring in your step — and an extra-special cup of coffee. Every year when Good Friday rolls around, Bunker Coffee dedicates the day to damn good caffeinated brews, and 2018 is no different. From 7am, the Milton hangout is heading outside, setting up a gazebo and whipping up a filter coffee menu that'll have you buzzing until Easter. Actually, cuppas will be available in sizes ranging from 100ml to 500ml, so you will be able to sleep — and try them all. On the Black Coffee Friday lineup: five selections that showcase four different coffee processing methods and the flavours they can produce, with beans from Bolivia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Colombia. Plus, Alphabet Cafe will be on hand with their treats, Roesti Revolution have something for you to eat too, and there'll be live music as well.
Cabaret really doesn't get much racier than this — or seductive, subversive, or brand spanking new, either. If you've seen one of the previous seasons of Boy&Girl, then you know what you're in for. If you haven't, well, prepare to have your musical theatre horizons broadened as this group of more than 25 performers take to the stage. Here, there's no rules. Instead, there's just gender-bending theatre fun. And singing and dancing from a talented ensemble that knows how to make a whole heap of things pop. In case you're wondering, drinking wine and bubbles while you watch is heartily encouraged. Okay, okay, we'll stop being coy: the show comes with a warning about coarse language, adult themes, nudity, glitter and show tunes. We know that the latter two aren't everyone's thing, but don't let some shininess and songs keep you away from the production everyone in Brissie will be talking about. Again.
It's the garden gift that keeps on giving. And, it's one you can give to the person who brought you into the world, whether your mum works her magic with plants or possesses a couple of not-so-green thumbs. It's also just the thing that the folks at The Succy Bunch specialise in. When they're not helping you send a spiky surprise across Brisbane, they're hosting a one-day market so you can drop by and pick up a few in person. Taking place from 8am on May 12 at Clayfield College, The Succy Bunch's Pre-Mother's Day Succy Sale will be overflowing with potential additions to your mum's garden — think succulents and cacti, both soft and spiky, with plenty of bursts of colour. As well as a blooming sea of green, there'll also coffee from Third Wheel Espresso, in case you need some extra shopping energy. Plus, the school is putting on a sausage sizzle, with funds from every snag going towards their leafy grounds.
As much as we all might want to, not everyone can make it down south for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. No, we're not happy about it — but it's time to turn that frown upside down, because you can go to the next best thing. Yes, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is back for another year of touring hilarity. Bringing the best of the fest to the Brisbane Powerhouse, its showcase of highlights and hijinks is almost like being there. This year's line-up of local and international acts is certain to tickle your funny bone, with Kyle Kinane, Phil Wang, Fin Taylor, Fern Brady and Sean Patton on the bill, plus Mel Buttle on MC duties. Catch their funny acts live on stage during the chuckle-heavy set, trading their best jokes for your loudest laughs.
Spring is about to hit, and that means having a picnic is one of the best things you can do in Brisbane. The sun is almost always out, the grass is typically quite the shade of green and we've got plenty of parks just begging for you to visit. Combine all of the above with a historic site, food trucks and jazz and you have Newstead House's Sunday by the River. Returning not only for another weekend gathering, but for Father's Day no less, it comes from the folks at the Food Truck Collective — and it'll take over the venue's stunning lawn from 10am on Sunday, September 2. Sunday by the River is the chilled kind of daytime hangout we all need every now and then (or maybe even more often), so bring your best picnic blanket, your dad, your mates and some cash for something to eat, and let the event take care of the rest. There'll be live jazz tunes to set the mood; food from King of the Wings, Micasa, Rolls Pho Mi and more; and beers from Newstead Brewing Co. And, because a Sunday picnic is for everyone, doggos are welcome.
UPDATE, December 2, 2020: Disobedience is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. There's a moment in every Sebastian Lelio film that cuts to the core of the writer-director's protagonists; that lets audiences peer into their hearts and souls. As seen in Gloria and A Fantastic Woman, it's usually a contemplative pause amidst a hectic frenzy — one heightened not only by the filmmaker's empathetic gaze, but by the stellar talent he's always pointing his lens towards. In Disobedience, this moment comes early. Photographer Ronit Krushka (Rachel Weisz) segues from busy days taking pictures to frantic nights finding comfort in bars, clearly masking her true feelings behind a carefully controlled facade. And so she sits for mere seconds, catching her breath, her eyes darting around as she looks towards the camera, and her hands ripping at her shirt with frustration and yearning. If Ronit is inwardly restless just going about her regular New York routine, then she's almost jumping out of her skin when she's called back to North London upon the death of her rabbi father. The Orthodox Jewish community she once belonged to is barely cordial, with the traditional greeting "may you have a long life" cutting like a weapon. But childhood friends Dovid (Alessandro Nivola) and Esti (Rachel McAdams), now married and still devout, welcome Ronit into their home, black sheep though she may be. Grief about her dad and guilt over their estrangement aren't the primary source of Ronit's distress, however. Nor is the rebellious, defiant reputation she's instantly given upon her homecoming. Rather, it's the torrid relationship that Ronit shared with Esti when they were teenagers — and the rekindled feelings sparked by her return. Adapted by Lelio and co-writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz (Ida) from Naomi Alderman's 2006 novel of the same name, Disobedience isn't a film about romance with religious tension layered on top, or one about religion with romance thrown in. Matters of affection and matters of theology are both involved, but characterising this complex, nuanced and soulful movie as one or the other does it a disservice. This is a story that recognises the many competing factors that shape a person's identity and choices, as well as the ongoing tussle between being true to oneself and meeting the expectations of others. Accordingly, desire, duty and faith intertwine in a picture that charts the influence each has had upon each member of its central love triangle. And make no mistake: while the film follows its two female protagonists as they try to follow their hearts amidst oppressive circumstances, Disobedience is a love triangle as much as it's a lesbian love story. The sensitivity Lelio brings to the forbidden romance is also applied to Dovid, a rabbi-in-training who embodies the fundamentalist principles blocking Ronit and Esti's bliss, yet proves just as torn about what's right. A lesser film would paint him as the villain, but that's the kind of easy depiction Disobedience shies away from at every turn. Although the movie delves into a cloistered world that's set in its ways and unwilling to change, nothing about its characters, their emotions or their struggles is anywhere near as straightforward or clear cut. There's a reason that Lelio favours shades of grey, visually, after all. Weisz, McAdams and Nivola are similarly multifaceted — so much so that, in the ultimate compliment to each actor, their respective characters feel as though they could walk right off the screen. The blend of steeliness and vulnerability Weisz brings to the bulk of her work courses through Ronit's veins, with the star also one of the movie's producers. Nivola plays Dovid as decent but conflicted, weathering every narrative beat with quiet poignancy. But it's McAdams who is in rarely-seen form. Earlier this year, she stole the show while showcasing her comedic chops in the vastly dissimilar Game Night. Now, she dons a kosher wig to lay bare the devastating pain of a woman torn between her head and her heart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnCLTbLKfv4
Everyone's favourite annual celebration of France is back for another year. That'd be Le Festival, aka the Brisbane French Festival, complete with all the fine food, busy market stalls and fun activities Francophiles have come to expect. Running from July 6-8, this year's three-day cultural affair features plenty of all three, although the wine selection is always popular. If you're able to tear yourself away from sipping on deliciousness, then head to the cheese display. Afterwards, snack on crepes and mussels, browse for homewares, gifts, fashion, books and magazines, and enjoy live tunes, cabaret and even can-can dancing. Also on the music bill: Australia's Daft Punk tribute band, Discovery. Want to steep yourself a little deeper in French style? That's where the masterclasses come in. Learn about everything from making French perfume to dairy to whipping up some profiteroles to dressing like you're in Paris. Then, cap off your weekend of Gallic goodness with a glass of champagne — yes, there's a session on that too.
If you know your alohomoras from your sectumsempras and have read your Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them from cover to cover, Harry Potter Trivia Night might be your time to shine. There will be glory, prizes and all-round Harry Potter cred to all those who can trance a boggart, tame a hippogriff and tell the difference between Finch's cat and Fluffy. Harry Potter Trivia Night will be hosted by the always brilliant Man vs Bear Trivia, and will take place at Shady Palms. It may not be the Leaky Cauldron, but you can pretend you're drinking butterbeer throughout the evening. There's your magical plans from 6.15pm on May 10. This is the type of trivia night that rounds up only the truest of diehard fans and makes them compete with more blood and gusto than a Quidditch grand Ffnal. A word of warning: choose your team wisely.
There's something oh-so-relaxing about staring at the sea; however, despite our glorious sunshine most the of year around, Brisbane isn't really a coastal city. Forget the fact that we have rivers, pools and man-made beaches instead by heading to the Ocean Film Festival World Tour. From April 16 to 18, it'll unleash a cinematic feast of water-focused wonders onto the big screen at the riverside Brisbane Powerhouse. Viewers will spend time both above and below the ocean's surface thanks to a compilation of short films from around the world. Chase big waves with the surfers dedicated to the ultimate ocean rush, tag along as to men decide to row across the sea from Namibia to Brazil, find out what it's like to bond with a shark and follow a champion freediver — and they're just some of the sea adventures on offer. Together, the program is united by a love of the ocean, an appreciation of the creatures who dwell in its waters and a curiosity to explore the substance that comprises more than two-thirds of the earth. It's the next best thing to diving in, all without getting wet.
There has been much discussion about what the future of food will look like — lab-grown meat, veganism, Soylent-like meal replacements, insects. And news and finance magazine The Economist wants you to get accustomed with the last-mentioned possibility: eating critters. To help ease you into the idea of snackin' on creepy-crawlies, it's giving out free ice cream. But don't expect your usual go-to flavours — instead think chocolate with grasshopper chunks, strawberry with mealworm swirls and neapolitan with mixed bugs. The insect-laden ice cream truck is popping up in the Queen Street Mall between 10am and 4pm on March 15, as part of the magazine's new Feeding the Future campaign. While insects aren't a totally new concept to Australia's dining scene — in Sydney, you can eat them at Kylie Kwong's Billy Kwong and at Bea in Barangaroo House — this is certainly one of your only chances to try them for free (and prepared by a professional, not collected from your backyard).
Everybody loves a good dip. Barbecues, gatherings, whenever you're eating finger food, when you're trying to justify devouring a whole packet of chips — where would all of these occasions be without this humble condiment staple? And while there's plenty of options lining supermarket shelves, it's also the kind of thing anyone can whip up at home with little more than some sour cream, garlic, parmesan and French onion soup mix. We're guessing you have your own recipe — or, you've just realised how easy dip is to make. Either way, the Southside Tea Room is hosting the perfect event to test out your talents. At the Morningside hangout's first Chip & Dip, attendees are asked to bring their own creation along, which will then be rated by two very important groups: a judging panel and everyone who comes along. Whether it's cold, room temperature, hot, melted, blended or something else, everyone wants to give it a try — just make sure you also bring along the best chips to go with it. Everyone who enters will receive a $10 bar tab, and everyone in the building will get a taste of all the dips. Just remember: no double dipping.
It mightn't be a skill that you can put on your resume, but knowing everything there is to know about gin is definitely one worth mastering. Thankfully, West End has a dedicated gin bar for doing just that — and when they're not simply serving up clear spirits for your drinking pleasure, they're holding juniper-fuelled masterclasses. After their first session sold out quicker than you can knock back a gin and tonic, their next 90-minute effort arrives on February 21. Husk Distillers, the folks behind Ink Gin, are in the spotlight for a night dedicated to their particular tipple. Attendees will learn about the beverage in question, discover how it's made and taste it, obviously, with a Spanish-style G&T and a deeply infused version on offer. Ink Gin-inspired canapes will also be on the menu. And, if you need a sip of something different, there'll be some rum sampling as well.
Calling all clever canines — and their beer-loving human buddies. The Scratch is looking for particularly skilled pooches to take part in their Dog Days of Summer talent show. Yes, being completely adorable totally counts. Whether your pupper can walk on its back legs, bark your favourite tune or just bowl folks over with its charm, this is its time to truly shine. Entries are currently open now via email, with the judging taking place from 4pm on March 3. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place — and for congeniality. And if that's not enough, there's also a separate photo contest as well. Plus, if your doggo wants to make a day of it, the Milton watering hole will be welcoming patrons from midday for Moon Dog, Beard & Brau and BrewDog beers. Keeping the theme going, both meat-filled and vegetarian hot dogs will be on the menu too, from Netherworld's Hellmouth Dinner.
South Bank's Little Big House boasts plenty of things to lure you in: chicken parmi spring rolls, canned cocktails and a free karaoke room included. The Grey Street has another as well — and it'll definitely pique your interest if you're keen on some not-quite-the-weekend shenanigans. Every Thursday is now a Little Big Thursday, with the venue putting on a big music gig every single week. Young Franco christened the series when it launched, and Client Liaison are the next big act that's dropping by. On April 19, they'll be in the house for a huge DJ set. Even better: like every Thursday night event, it's free. Acts on the curated roster change weekly, which gives you an excuse to drop by regularly. Plus, the twilight timeslot of 5.30pm means your post-work plans just got better. There's also free pool, which'll keep you occupied between tracks and tipples.
When you've been hosting an oyster and beer festival for the past couple of years, and want to up your game, what do you do next? If you're the fun, food and brew loving gang at Green Beacon, you open up the event to more of the ocean's finest, take over the street and throw a seafood block party. That'd be Salty Days, which promises a happy, tasty, drink-fuelled on November 25. Head to Teneriffe's Helen Street from 11am for a bounty of freshly shucked oysters, Mooloolaba king prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, calamari, barbecued seafood and more meals from the surf, plus two special release oyster stouts to wash it all down with. Throw in a few live music performances, plenty of space for hanging about nursing your seafood-filled stomach, and an after-dark DJ, and it's the perfect way to spend a sultry Brisbane Saturday.
It's time to party like it's 1999 — over breakfast, of course. The iconic children's morning show that once brought you Dragon Ball Z, Pokemon, Sailor Moon, SpongeBob SquarePants and Digimon while you ate your Coco Pops is back and all grown up. For two days only, hosts Jade and Ryan from Cheez TV will be serving up nostalgia in the form of "letters from the mailbag", a Q&A session, retro console gaming, cartoon shorts and more. Wearing your pyjamas and sending in letters in advanced is highly encouraged — in fact, host venue Netherworld is currently waiting for your handwritten notes and accompanying hand-drawn pictures at 186 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley. That's where you'll be headed from 9.30am on December 2 and 3, with $20 tickets including a schooner of anything on tap as well as a bowl of cereal. At the time of writing, only tickets to the Sunday session were available (and they're likely to get snapped up fast), so you'd best get in quick. By Imogen Baker and Sarah Ward.
Christmas is one of those things people either love or hate. Love Actually, the Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley and Emma Thompson-starring festive flick, is too. Both have been known to cause arguments — and that's bound to prove the case at Wonderland's Love/Hate Actually. Actually, the entire event is based on a disagreement between pals and creative collaborators. Amy couldn't be more enthusiastic about the movie, Natalie feels the other way. As part of their show, you'll hear their opposing sides and then you'll take part of a vote. Expect to leave airing your own affection for, or grievances about, the film in question.
The catchphrase for Jamie MacDowell and Tom Thum's collaboration says it all, really. In this long-running, highly inventive meeting of musical minds and talents (and styles and genres, too), one is good with his fingers while the other is good with his mouth. Make no mistake: when their guitar strumming and beat boxing combine, a unique sound eventuates. Here, indie-folk meets dynamic rhythms, in a show that won the best music awards at Brighton Fringe 2014 and Adelaide Fringe 2016. It's a one-night-only addition to this year's Wonderland, and it's bound to prove a hot ticket.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it yet another superhero movie? These days, we see the latter as often as flying animals and aircraft. If you're not drowning in comic book film fatigue — or even if you are — you probably have a few questions about these caped crusaders. Let The Modern Guide to Heroism and Sidekickery both pose and answer them. Playing as part of Wonderland, the show comes from the mind of Michelle Zahner, who'll be on stage pondering things like "why are there never pockets in lycra costumes?" and "how do heroes make rent?" Expect comedy, poetry, stories and physical theatre as she delves into our fascination with the folks we expect to swoop in and save the day over and over again.
Call it the Outlander effect. Call it a way to spice up history. Call it comedy that blends the past with the present. Whatever description you throw Elizabeth I's way, this comedic stage show isn't going to turn out how you expect — much like its namesake. In this instance, the production isn't only referring to the first monarch to go by Lizzie. It's also about a Sydney-based royal enthusiast who shares her name and experiences a vision of the past queen. The two combine in a work by the folks behind A Tribute of Sorts and Klutz , and so does stand-up and fan fiction.
Does scouring the city for secondhand threads get you out of bed in the morning? If so, come November 30, you'd best stay up and shopping until well into the evening. That's when Never Ever Pay Retail is hosting its Late Night Thrifting session — and while hitting the racks between 5pm and 8pm isn't all that late in most circles, it is when it comes to the vintage and pre-loved game. In fact, the event's host — the ingeniously named Studio Thrifty 4 — is only normally open during the daytime on weekends, so this Thursday night shindig is special for them. The same applies to SWOP Clothing Exchange, the source of the evening's wares. They might boast two Brisbane stores, but they only usually stay open past 6pm on Friday nights. If that doesn't all sound great enough, in keeping with the venue's usual set-up, everything on offer costs $5. No more, no less. Trawl through clothing and accessories, nab a bargain, catch a recycled runway show at 6pm, grab a drink from the bar and munch on Korean street food. Plus, all proceeds will go to Pay A Sack Forward, meaning that more than your wardrobe will thank you.
Does your pet pooch have its own calendar? We're not talking about monthly cute canine pics — although every pet owner should definitely make their own. Rather, we mean a system to keep track of your doggo's social engagements. Given the number of pupper-friendly events happening around Brisbane, it's really not that far-fetched. To the growing list of markets, festivals, paddleboard sessions and more comes Paws and Pints, The Osbourne Hotel's new doggy drinking session. Taking place for the first time from 11am on November 12, it's not only a chance to take your furry best friend for a few brews — with stalls, a puppy photo booth, drinks specials over Yappy Hour and donations going to the Animal Welfare League, it's quite the occasion. If the concept sounds familiar, that's because downing a few bevs with your barking mate in tow is becoming quite the Brissie trend. In fact, if you're taking old Fido to the Valley for this booze sesh, you can also walk him around a couple of corners to The Brightside's equivalent.
Like your poultry pieces covered in crispy coating and served in in bite-sized chunks? Don't we all. Sure, chicken nuggets probably make you remember being five years old and trying to dip them in as much sauce as possible, but that experience doesn't just live on in your memory — it's on the menu at The Flying Cock every Saturday. From midday until 9pm each week from June 9, it's The Nugg Club time. And while plenty of places serve up chicken nuggets, this valley hangout is cooking up as many as you can eat within two hours. You'll also get bottomless fries and slaw, all for $20. Plus sauce, obviously, in ten flavours that range from good ol' tomato and tangy house barbecue to Korean chilli and lemonade and blue cheese sour cream. It's the kind of all-you-can-eat offering that is tailor-made for helping you recover from a big night out — or ensuring that you line your stomach for the next one. And, if you head along five times and grab a rewards card, you'll get your sixth bottomless bunch of nuggs for free.
How many hours have you spent playing the best karting game ever made? Too many? We'll throw a shell at that idea — when it comes to Mario Kart, there's no such thing as too much. In fact, you should race on out of the house and down to Netherworld to play more at their very own speedway. Between midday and 6pm on Sunday, July 8 the Fortitude Valley bar will become a haven for everyone that knows just when to sling a ghost at their opponents — and just how to press buttons in the right order to get an early boost. The Mario Kart-obsessed afternoon has two components: bring your Switch along and play with other aficionados, or feel the need for speed at the venue's 48-player Mario Kart 64 tournament. By coming along and taking part, you'll also have the chance to win your own Switch (with Mario Kart included, obviously), so you can keep the speedy gaming wherever you are. There'll also be beers on offer, given it's all taking place at a bar — and we're assuming that there won't be any banana peels to throw around the place, but maybe watch where you're walking anyway.
How long has Charles Boyle been dreaming of Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago's wedding? What did Rosa Diaz do before she was a cop? Who keeps swooping in and taking the Nine-Nine crew's cases? Which one is Scully and which is Hitchcock? If you can answer all of the above — and name Captain Holt's dog, Terry's twins, Gina's dance troupe and Jake's favourite movie — then you're set for The Brightside's latest trivia night. Yes, it's all about the hit cop sitcom we all know and love. You know, the one that was cancelled and then resurrected in the space of 36 hours. We'd keep asking Brooklyn Nine-Nine questions and dropping tidbits, but we'll save some for the big night — or nights, to be more accurate. Due to demand, The Brighty is hosting a huge number trivia evenings dedicated to B99; however places are getting snapped up faster than Terry can snap open a tub of yoghurt. If you missed out on a spot on June 1, 2, 8 (7pm_ and 16 — or July 6, 7, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 — then make the 9pm slot on June 8 or the 7pm round on August 10 your night to shine (and that can be the title of your sex tape if you'd like). Entry is free, and there'll be a squad room full of prizes. Updated June 4
Part of Bowen Hills' ever-expanding King Street precinct, Il Verde has become the inner-city area's unofficial home of all things cheesy. Think pasta tossed around in a wheel of parmesan, gooey raclette and the aptly named twice-weekly combination of both: Death by Cheese. And, then there's the Italian joint's signature four-cheese dish, which serves up pasta with melted grana parano, in a cream sauce filled talegio, plus soft montasio and provolone. If just reading about it has your tastebuds salivating, then you'd best sit down: for National Cheese Day, Il Verde are giving away 200 takeaway servings of this cheesy extravaganza for free. Arrive at midday on Monday, June 4 to make all your four-cheese pasta dreams come true without spending a cent — but it you can't make it during the day, then drop by for dinner for something extra special. That's when the restaurant is premiering its new offering, aligot, as part of a quatro formaggi meal for $55. As well as a four-cheese linguine entree, cannoli for dessert and a glass of wine, you'll be among the first in Brisbane to try this combo of melted cheese and mashed potatoes, all blended together, then drizzled over a house-made sausage.
Prepare to forget everything that's traditionally creepy and awkward about beauty pageants, and embrace the sequin-studded, sashaying side of things instead. That's the aim at the MELT Festival Beauty Pageant — which is about as close as Brisbane is ever going to get to having its own version of RuPaul's Drag Race. In this May 18 show of diversity and a celebration of drag queens, kings and transgender beauties, competitors will battle it out to be crowned the city's most fashionable figure. Expect wigs, glitter and many a jaw-dropping outfit, courtesy of categories such as Graceful Glamourzons, Tremendous Talent and Costume with a Message. Plus, afterwards there's a free after-dark dance party. Image: Dylan Evans.
From US congressional hearings to newspaper headlines to every Facebook user that you know (aka, everyone), two words have been popping up rather often of late: privacy settings. For Polytoxic, however, they're not just the options that control who sees what on your social media feeds. Instead, they're the title of the contemporary theatre company's latest performance, which really couldn't be more timely. First premiering as part of The Festival and now coming to Brisbane from April 26 to 29, Privacy Settings delves into the subject of screen-based surveillance through dance and theatre. Collaborating with acclaimed design duo Craig & Karl plus animator Pete Foley, the piece also incorporates costume design and pop-graphic visuals as it examines just what makes living our lives through screens so damn alluring, even when we know we're being tracked, watched and snooped upon. The end result is a site-specific effort that'll fill Flowstate will colour, movement and pop-graphic visuals — and, as part of the South Bank's space first year, it's free. Sessions run at 7.30pm from Thursday to Saturday, plus 6.30pm on Sunday, with registering in advance essential.
It's been three years since Australia's cinema scene welcomed the American Essentials Film Festival — and while a fest dedicated to US flicks might seem obvious, this event sets its sights much further than Hollywood's usual suspects. Given that mainstream, megaplex-friendly movies reach our shores every week, the Palace-run showcase instead curates a lineup of other American titles, delving into films from the US indie realm. Screening in Brisbane from May 9 to 20, the 2018 fest has a particular fondness for emerging practitioners, with artistic director Richard Sowada noting "the obvious talent from some of the filmmakers in the early stages of their feature film careers," as well as "the deep and obvious respect even some of these newer filmmakers have for the traditions of storytelling in American cinema." With that in mind, this year's event kicks off with The Boy Downstairs, a Zosia Mamet-starring effort from debut feature writer-director Sophie Brooks, which proved a hit at the 2017 TriBeCa Film Festival. The opening night pick also highlights one of the festival's other trends — thanks to its focus on American cinema, it boasts plenty of familiar faces on screen. Standouts include Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair battling a murderous rage in horror-comedy Mom and Dad, Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Swank recreating a landmark '80s case for patients' rights in 55 Steps, and war effort The Yellow Birds, featuring Solo: A Star Wars Story's Alden Ehrenreich, Ready Player One's Tye Sheridan, plus Toni Collette and Jennifer Aniston. There's also two star-studded flicks about sons and their fathers: Humour Me, which pairs up Jemaine Clement and Elliott Gould in a deadpan comedy, and Kodachrome, which takes Jason Sudeikis and Ed Harris on a road trip to a photo processing laboratory. Other notable titles range from Stuck, which brings the train-set off-Broadway musical of the same name to the cinema; to Outside In, director Lynn Shelter's latest featuring Edie Falco as an ex-high school teacher; to mob drama Gotti, starring John Travolta as the mob boss and screening in Australia just hours after its Cannes Film Festival premiere. On the documentary front, How They Got Over takes a far-reaching documentary into African-American gospel quartets in the '30s and '40s, while RBG examines the life and career of US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For the fest's retrospective section, Los Angeles is in the spotlight courtesy of classics Chinatown, Heat and Shampoo, as well as '70s masterpieces Killer of Sheep and Wattstax.
The most envy-inducing time of year is here, dividing music lovers into two camps. Either you're literally going camping in Byron Bay or you're moping around Brisbane wishing that you were. Don't worry, non-Splendour-bound folks — The Flying Cock's Splendour in the Cock has you covered. For two nights across Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21, the Valley pub is pretending they're at the centre of the music universe with a playlist of Splendour in the Grass greats not only from this year, but also spanning previous ace lineups. Close your eyes, and you might just think the live cover tracks are the real thing. Do the same while DJs spin the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Lorde, Flume, Kanye, Bloc Party, Florence and the Machine, The Strokes and more, and it might just have the same effect. Wearing something glitzy and flashy is recommended — when you're acting like you're at Splendour, you have to dress the part. Entry is free, so as well as helping cure your desire to be dancing in a muddy field, the shindig will also be kind to your wallet.
Brisbanites, get ready for mud crab mayhem at Eagle Street's Kingsleys. That's right, the epic steakhouse overlooking the beautiful 'brown snake' can do a lot more than just grill a mean piece of beef. Throughout May, it's celebrating the return of mud crab season with $69 muddies for the whole month. They're usually sold at market price — which can push $100 a kilogram — so this deal is one not to be missed. The hefty crustaceans come served one of three ways: steamed with tarragon and lashings of red wine butter; piled high with chilli, tomato and coriander; or chilled with lots of mayo for dipping. With plenty of (sea)foodies expected to take advantage of this crab extravaganza, pre-ordering is highly recommended. If mud crab doesn't quite tickle your fancy — or you have a dining partner who's not (yet) convinced — there are also oysters, Moreton Bay bugs, local fish and, of course, Kingsley's famed steak cuts. It's a butcher's (and a carnivore's) dream, with everything from Angus eye fillet to sous vide kangaroo and wagyu rump. You can also trade your usual desk sandwich for Kingsleys' fab (and affordable) Let's Do Lunch. Choose from two($35) or three($45) courses, and dive into (among other things) natural oysters, truffle arancini, a Kingsleys Burger and a caramelised honey crème brûlée. For a fancy waterside lunch that's under 50 bucks, it's a no-brainer.
"All the world's a stage," Shakespeare's As You Like It proclaims. All of Brisbane is a stage at Anywhere Theatre Festival, a fest the Bard would surely be proud of. Every year, the city-wide event puts on theatre performances anywhere and everywhere — in bars, bowls clubs, markets, homes and pools, for starters. Actually, taking place from May 10 to 27 in a whole host of different spaces, Anywhere Theatre Festival spreads its love across southeast Queensland, with shows on offer from Ipswich to Brissie right on through to the Sunshine Coast. Go west for a choose-your-own-adventure-style mashup of Doctor Who and The Wizard of Oz. Head north for performance workshops in a butter factory or an Aussie take on The Wind in the Willows on the Noosa Ferry. Or rove around Brisbane for Star Wars sketches in a cafe and an intimate play in a bar's bathroom. The list goes on, throwing up anything and everything in places you'd never think of as performance venues. One show takes place in a shopping centre carpark, another at the Queensland Maritime Museum and another in an art gallery. They're the kind of theatre you don't normally see, in the kind of spaces you don't normally see theatre in, so prepare — above all else — to be surprised.
Keen on all things innovative when it comes to technology and culture? Suffer from pangs of envy when SXSW kicks off on the other side of the planet each March? Jetting around the world to get your fix mightn't be realistic; however, thanks to the return of Brisbane's Myriad festival, it's no longer necessary. Holding its second annual program at the Brisbane Showgrounds from May 16 to 18, Myriad might still be a relative newcomer to the scene, but that hasn't stopped the fest from going big. More than 100 speakers will ponder the future of culture, health, food, money, cities, work and play — aka the event's key themes — at the kind of gathering that aims to bring technology's best and brightest together in the one place. As for what everyone will be chatting about, topics include building virtual cities, driving flying cards, hacking the Great Barrier Reef and making digital art — and why artificial intelligence is about to influence our lives, so expect to hear about AI often. There'll also be sessions on how humans and bots can work together, technology in sport, whether 3D printing is a passing fad, and why working the 9-to-5 is falling by the wayside, just to name a few subjects. Basically, it's three days of pondering the future and discussing more technological advancements than you'd see in a sci-fi movie. A word of warning, though: because Myriad is a conference-style event, tickets aren't cheap.
