Stay classy, Brisbanites. At the city's newest mini film festival, you won't have a choice. Across four Friday nights in August, Event Cinemas Myer Centre is paying tribute to the funny flicks of Will Ferrell — and, obviously, it all starts with Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. That's the first movie on the bill at Ferrell Fest, and like the scotchy scotchy scotch favoured by San Diego's top newsman, there's more where that came form. After kicking things off with the comedy classic on August 10, you'll want to race into Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby on August 17, then get your skates on for Blades of Glory on August 24. Lastly, on August 31, Step Brothers rounds out the season to celebrate ten years of manchild siblings. Each session kicks off at 7pm, and tickets cost $8 for members and $10 otherwise. The only other thing this festival needs? More cowbell.
You don't need to be Liza Minnelli to think that life is a cabaret, particularly if you're in Brisbane this June. Yes, it's Queensland Cabaret Festival time again, which means that spending your nights watching talented singers tell stories through song is well and truly on the menu. For its third year running, the Brisbane Powerhouse-based festival is back with another jam-packed program of music-fuelled fun, spanning new takes on old classics, repeat tributes to lost icons, and everything from ukuleles to comedic musical therapy in between. In fact, if one of the fest's 13 shows doesn't inspire a prolonged bout of humming, clapping and toe tapping, then you're not looking hard enough. We've picked our five favourites to get you started.
When it comes to being male, middle-class, and white, there are few names bigger than pop icon Ben Folds. Since going on hiatus from his not-so-aptly named trio, Ben Folds Five, the eponymous figure is venturing beyond his traditional classic-pop fusion. He still sings and plays piano, but he's upgrading slightly from his three-man ensemble (bass, drums), to a legitimate New York-style instrumental group in the form yMusic (string trio, flute, clarinet, trumpet). This new ensemble has naturally influenced Fold's sound, one only needs to listen to his solo project released last year So There, heavily featuring the chamber ensemble to hear this. Folds himself testifies to his fraternal connection with the ensemble, and it will be on display all through Australia in the month to come. Starting at QPAC in Brisbane on August 18, Folds and his new band will be playing the Opera House on August 20 and 21, the Perth Concert Hall on August 23, the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on August 25, the Palais Theatre in Melbourne on August 26 and 27, and finally the Canberra Theatre on August 28. If you want to see truly canonical pop, bridging the last few decades, you might want to catch these shows.
The Ancient Romans knew how to party. Every winter, they threw a festival dedicated to nighttime feasting, drinking and merriment. You know, the good stuff. Bacchus Brewing Co also knows how to party, and they're resurrecting this age-old ritual. It shouldn't come as a surprise — they are a beer-making company named after the Greco-Roman god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine. And they're taking that history and running with it. That means an event dedicated to the best beverages one could get, although they're focusing on yeasty rather than vine-ripened goodness. To celebrate their fourth birthday, they've invited their brewer friends, both local and interstate, to come along and brew special one-off beers. There'll be 26 in total, plus food trucks and house pizzas to do the important job of lining the stomach. Yes, that means two whole days of all the ale you could ever imagine. Yes, you won't want to miss out.
Swapping the Californian coast for the sweltering Aussie summer, The Growlers are heading our way for a string of nationwide shows. Showcasing tracks fresh from their latest record Chinese Fountain, the Cali-based fivesome will be making their way from Melbourne to Maroochydore for fans this January. Blending garage rock rhythms with spaced-out gravely vocals, The Growlers are no strangers to our shores. Selling out four headline shows in March last year, the band will be putting on 14 ripper gigs in cities and regional spots across the east coast. With five studio albums and countless had-to-be-there shows dotted throughout their career, 2015 is set to be another standout year for The Growlers. Renowned for putting on a smashing live set, the band's beachside upbringing guarantees these to be some psychedelic, high-energy performances. A tad theatrical and a whole lot of fun, gear up for a night of 'beach goth' vibes to get your summer going. Supported by Babe Rainbow + Donny Love.
If you're already squealing, this is the gig you've been waiting for. Bright Eyes frontman and bonafide dreamboat of your formative years Conor Oberst is returning to Australia to play some very special shows for your fast-beating heart. Since the early '90s, Oberst has spun tales of heartbreak, love, joy, life and serious depression, gradually moving from Bright Eyes to the Mystic Valley Band and Monsters of Folk in recent years. Now he's heading back to Sydney, armed with tracks from his most recent album, 2014's Upside Down Mountain as well as those tunes that made you weep, fall in love and appreciate the little things. Fingers crossed for 'Lua', 'First Day of My Life'; you know the drill. This isn't your regular giggin' in pavilions tour though. As well as hitting up Brisbane's Triffid, Melbourne's Corner Hotel and Sydney's Metro's Theatre, Oberst is set to play a series of unconventional gigs among the giraffes, hitting Sydney's Taronga Zoo and Melbourne Zoo Twilights. Bet even the bilbies have a bit of a tear-up. Supported by The Felice Brothers.
He can growl like Tom Waits and wail on melancholic high notes like Jeff Buckley, yet come out of the mix with a sound that's all his very own. If you haven't yet made acquaintance with extraordinary singer-songwriter Steve Smyth, it's high time you tipped your hat. Smyth's been making himself known both within Australia and overseas via the old-school method of extensive touring. In fact, after releasing his debut full-length album, EXITS, mid-last year, he embarked on a seriously epic journey, playing in more than eighty towns across Australia. Steering away from whizz-bang effects and slick marketing, he's kept his focus well and truly on writing and delivering authentic music. So his live performances, accompanied by his band, The Outlaws, are genuinely cracking. You'll find yourself rocking and a-rolling one minute and crying on your best mate's shoulder the next. In March, Steve popped over to Austin to play SXSW, before returning home to play Byron Bay's Bluesfest at Easter. Catch him in Brisbane on May 8, before he packs his bag for a long stretch on the road in Europe.
Get the bacon and whisky ready, and start making your own canoe — Nick Offerman is coming to Brisbane. After last venturing to our shores in 2016, the Parks and Recreation star is headed back for with his all new All Rise show. Yes, Ron effing Swanson will be in the country again on Friday, June 21. All Rise sees Offerman do what he does best, other than star in beloved sitcoms and whip up items in his woodshop. Here, here'll be comedically contemplating life in a show that's described as "an evening of deliberative talking and light dance". If you've just started thinking about drunk Ron Swanson letting loose, that's understandable; however expect plenty of witty, reflective chatter as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrLZgP-OR6s It's been a big few years for the actor and comedian, with Offerman popping up in everything from Fargo, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Curb Your Enthusiasm to The Founder, Hearts Beat Loud and the forthcoming The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part since Parks and Rec ended.
UPDATE, FEBRUARY 15: Moonlight Cinema has now dropped its March program, which'll take the openair cinema through until the end of its 2019–20 season on Sunday, March 29. Highlights include the creepy new version of The Invisible Man, and a couple of chances to see Margot Robbie unleash mayhem in Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) and Daniel Craig turn detective in Knives Out. You can also enjoy a blast from the past with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. UPDATE, JANUARY 18: Moonlight Cinema has revealed its February lineup, with a fresh batch of films coming to the outdoor venue. Recent gems such as Little Women and 1917 will screen alongside old-school hits such as Mean Girls, Ghost and a sing-along session of Grease (yes, it's playing on a summer night). You can also head along to a pooch-focused night of movies thanks to a collaboration with Top Dog Film Festival, who'll be presenting a best-of screening. Like all sessions at Moonlight, you can bring your pupper along, too. When Moonlight Cinema returns for its 2019–20 season, hitting Brisbane's Roma Street Parklands from Saturday, December 14–Sunday, March 29, the annual feast of outdoor movies will give film fans exactly what we all want. Sure, we're all keen to roll out our picnic blankets, sit under the stars and stare up at the big screen — but, given that this openair cinema launches at the end of each and every year, we also want Christmas movies. In the week leading up to the big festive day, Moonlight will screen Last Christmas, Die Hard, Home Alone, Love Actually and Elf. Yep, all the basics are covered. They're not the only highlights on the bill, but they sure do twinkle brightly among a heap of other movie standouts. If you're wondering what else will tempt your inner cinephile, it's a lengthy list. With recently or newly released movies a big part of Moonlight's lineup, expect to watch Rocketman, Hustlers, Joker, Ford v Ferrari, Knives Out, Cats, Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker and Charlie's Angels. Moonlight also showcases advanced screenings of upcoming films, so add the Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron and Margot Robbie-starring Bombshell and Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood to your must-see pile. Going retro, the outdoor cinema will revisit last year's A Star Is Born and 90s perennial favourite 10 Things I Hate About You. Dirty Dancing is also on the bill, like every year — it wouldn't be a Moonlight without it. As always, Moonlight will also boast its usual food truck and licensed bar offering, and its reserved bean beds. You can also bring your dog — but you can't BYO.
Called it. When more and more breweries started popping up in Milton, we were pretty sure that a brewery crawl was going to be in order. And while Brewsvegas not only made the idea a reality earlier, but has kept bringing it back, hopping around brew-slinging joints isn't just a once-a-year affair. There's no prizes for guessing what happens on The Milton Good Beer Trail, but there is plenty of beer. Yes indeed. Take a self-paced 1.4-kilometre stroll between The Scratch, Aether, Newstead Brewing, Brewski and Mongrel, snaffle a different schooner at each venue, and just generally be merry. Who's thirsty? Even better — your $30 ticket also gets you a stubby cooler to commemorate your trek. And, you can make the stroll whenever you feel like between Friday, September 13 and Sunday, September 15 from 12–11pm.
Cruising to the coast for the long weekend? That sounds pretty great. Jetting to Singapore for an impromptu overseas jaunt? That sounds even better. How better to celebrate the Queen's Birthday public than travelling abroad, doing something different and treating yourself like a queen — or king, or some other type of royalty? Just think: Singapore is only an 8-and-a-half-hour flight away, which is something you could do in your sleep — literally. In partnership with Mastercard, we've put together a quick things of things to do to convince you to make the most of the weekend with a trip. It'll be worth it. THERE'S SO MUCH SMOKED MEAT TO TRY Meat, glorious meat: if it's your kind of food, then this smoked meat experience at Meat Smith is your kind of meal. American-style meat smoking a fairly new thing in Singapore, and this is your chance to get some one-on-one time with the chef to hear the tricks of the trade. You'd best be a fan of pork, as devouring a suckling pig — or opting for a platter of delicious pork options — is on the agenda. You'll eat, you'll learn, and you'll drink craft beer and barrel-aged cocktails. Arrive hungry. THERE'S A LATE-NIGHT JAPANESE THEMED CLUB Yes, you're in Singapore — but that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a taste of a completely different country while you're there. Club kyō is the city's Japanese-themed late-night hangout in the middle of the CBD. Expect minimalistic yet naturalistic decor heavy on stone, wood and sleek surfaces, as well as sake, Japanese whiskey, and gourmet sashimi and sushi. And, because it's a nightclub, expect to dance the evening away to everything from funk to reggae to nu-disco. THE ARCHITECTURE IS INCREDIBLE Wandering, moseying, roaming: there's no better way to get to know a new city, even if you're only there for a few days. During September and early October, Singapore calls attention to its varied architecture at architectre festival Archifest, which includes walks, talks, activities and more. It's the Architours that you'll want to flock to, featuring a carefully curated mix of designer houses, public institutions, expansive landscape projects and religious buildings. You can also head to Raffles Park for a heap of other fun bits and pieces, including a pop-up inner-city farm and a class on taking kickass architectural photos for Instagram. MANY MANY PARKS Singapore has a heck of a lot of parks. The 156-year-old, 182-acre Singapore Botanic Gardens stay open until midnight and are home to the largest orchid collection in the world. There's even one particularly delicate species named after Margaret Thatcher. At HortPark, in the southwest, you'll wander through 21 themed gardens, including one filled with butterflies. For a longer walk, take on the ten-kilometre Southern Ridges hike – an adventure through coastal panoramas, lush rainforest canopy, a 36-metre high undulating bridge called Henderson Waves and Singapore's second highest peak, Mount Faber. THE FOOD IS WORTH THE TRIP ALONE To get the low-down on where the locals queue for food, jump on the Makan Bus Culinary Tour. You'll sample numerous tasty and eye-opening morsels from a diverse array of tucked-away eateries on this bus tour that's run by locals. Try everything from fried chicken and frogs' legs to soup at the rather charmingly and perhaps too-honestly named Pig Organ, for starters. Somewhat surprisingly, vegetarians can be catered for at every stop. Visit priceless.com to see a Singapore long weekend itinerary from @clairecollected and @mrgumbatron, and more priceless experiences exclusive to Mastercard cardholders.
Both the heartbroken and the heartbreakers should take a lesson from Sharon Van Etten, heading to Australia for her 2015 Are We There tour. Renowned for embracing life's emotionally crippling moments, Van Etten has been putting her heart on a platter since her first offering 'Because I Was In Love' in 2009 — released after TV On the Radio's Kyp Malone gave her a nudge in the right direction. The Brooklyn-based, New Jersey and Tennessee-raised singer/songwriter hasn't stopped since, with four gripping albums under her belt including 2012's Tramp. Headlining Secret Garden (February 27-28) with Parquet Courts and Golden Plains (March 7-9), Van Etten is also playing sideshows for those who missed out on tickets — or don't really want to shell out for the airfare.. Supported by Tiny Ruins (NZ) + Heather Woods Broderick (USA).
If you've been struggling to live in the teenies because you're musically and spiritually stuck in the noughties, we have some news that's going to bring you bolting straight into the present. Ministry of Sound are embarking on a super-niche tour. From mid-November, they'll be paying visits to Australia's capital cities to perform, get this, their greatest clubbing moments from The Annual 2001-2004. And that'll be all, folks. Leading the lineup will be OGs John Course and Mark Dynamix, who, between them, have placed millions of CDs in club-loving hands and ears over the past couple of decades. They're the mighty duo behind Ministry of Sound's annual compilations, on which you probably first heard Roger Sanchez, Basement Jaxx, Tim Deluxe, Cassius and Groove Armada. To each gig, Course and Dynamix will be inviting a bunch of cracking support artists. Sydneysiders will be treated to an extra-special tribute to early noughties break beat at a Clubber's Guide to Breaks Room. You can count on appearances by the UK's Plump DJs, as well as by homegrown breaks guru Kid Kenobi. MINISTRY OF SOUND 2001-2004 REUNION TOUR November 18 — The Prince, Melbourne December 16 — The Metro, Sydney December 20 — HQ, Adelaide January 13 — Discovery, Darwin January 15 — Matisse Beach Club, Perth January 21 — The Met, Brisbane Tickets are over here. In the meantime, to get yourself in the mood, have a listen to this dedicated Reunion Tour play list on Spotify.
Peter Bibby’s debut album, released in November last year, is called Butcher/Hairstylist/Beautician. It’s unclear what this eclectic mix of job titles signifies. Perhaps Bibby is a self-styled jack of all trades, just as at home wielding a carving knife as an eyelash curler? Who knows? It’s a nice image. What we do know is that Perth-born, Melbourne-based Bibby, having recently returned from the USA (seems like Americans have a thing for earnest, self-deprecating Aussie guitarists at the moment — see Courtney Barnett), is about to kick off his first national tour. You can expect a damn fine show from the 'Hates My Boozin' spinner of VB-soaked yarns — not for nothing has he played Sydney Festival, Laneway and SXSW already. A ticket to this show will get you change from a twenty, so what are you doing? Get on it. Supported by The Good Sports + Donny Love.
Venues with standard kitchens: that's so last year. Bars with street food options: that's more like it. Southside Tea Room, Death Valley and Red Robin Supper Truck did it, and now the Brightside and Lucky Egg are too. Yes, it's officially Brisbane's latest trend. From June 25, the Brightside will say goodbye to the toasted sandwich menu punters have come to know and love, and will say hello to fried chicken goodness served from a shipping container. Burgers and wings are the main attraction, of course — all buttermilk coated, free range and locally sourced. That means slabs of chicken topped with American cheddar, garlic pickles and spinach, or with Hellmann’s slaw and honey mustard sauce — whichever takes your fancy. Wings come with a choice of blue cheese, honey mustard, chipotle mayo, Asian style kimchi mayo and ketchup. If they taste as good as they sound, all other fast food poultry places will soon be nothing but a memory. If finger lickin' good food wasn't enough of an attraction, Lucky Egg is also offering two-for-one burgers and wings on their opening day. Whether you devour both yourself, or share with a friend, that's a deal not to miss. Doors open at 5pm, and we suggest arriving early — the early bird gets the cheap chicken, after all. Find Lucky Egg at the Brightside, 27 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley from June 25, or visit their Facebook page for more information.
Imagine a place that caters to your every cheese need, whether stocking up on the best creamy goodness money can buy or enjoying a delectable dairy-oriented dinner takes your fancy. No, this isn't a fantasy fuelled by too many late-night brie eating sessions. Brisbanites, this cheese heaven is about to become a reality. Fromage [The Cow] is the store dreams are made of — it's the city's first-ever licensed fromagerie. Sure, that's just a fancy French term for cheese shop, but it sounds delicious, doesn't it? When the new addition to Milton's Park Road opens its doors in May, it really will grant all your cheese wishes at once. Not only will Fromage [The Cow] boast a full-service, cheese-centric restaurant — complete with a droolworthy walk-in cheese room as the centrepiece of the space — but it'll also include a bar matching all things sharp and gooey with tasty tipples of wine, beer and sake. Plus there'll be a takeaway coffee and (wait for it) cheese toastie window as well. Basically, whatever type of coagulated buffalo, cow, sheep or goat milk protein you like — and whichever way you like it, be it on crackers, paired with a glass of red, oozing out two warm pieces of bread, melted into fondue or smeared through macaroni — it'll be on offer here. Yep, we're calling it: this is about to be everyone's new favourite hangout. Cheese is good for you, isn't it? Find Fromage [The Cow] at 14 Park Road, Milton, from May. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more information.
Sadly, we can't all be royalty from an unspecified country seeing the sights of Rome with Gregory Peck; however, as far as eating like you're in Roman Holiday (or on one) is concerned, Brisbanites can do the next best thing. For one day and night, Newstead's Locale is bringing more than their usual taste of Italy to the city outskirts courtesy of their Roman Holiday 'Maritozzi' Pop-up Bar. Whether you're an Audrey Hepburn fan, or fond of sweet brioche, November 10 is about to become your favourite day. Locale's theming will whisk you away to the European jaunt you've always wanted to take, or at least make you feel like you're in the movie. And their menu will introduce the traditional Roman cream bun that is maritozzi to your stomach. The latter will be available in seven flavours: strawberries and cream, Italian bacio, passionfruit chantilly cream, pistachio, ricotta and orange, Galliano, and Amarena and coconut. Pre-ordering is recommended; who doesn't want to try one of these sweet treats, after all?
Returning for its third year, and quickly becoming a canonical part of Brisbane's independent scene, The End of the Line Festival has just dropped its 2016 lineup — and given it was curated by West-End-record-store-owning-musical-and-cultural-powerhouse Shannon Logan of Jet Black Cat Music, no-one will be surprised to see an eclectic range of local and inter-state up-and-comers on the bill. This year, Melbourne acts, Fraser A Gorman, Totally Mild and Christopher Port join beloved locals like Banff, Major Leagues, Good Boy, Mid Ayr and Desmond Cheese to name a few. Despite the colossal pressure associated with curating a festival (and pretty much putting your music taste on stage for Brisbane to see) Logan has committed her locally renowned image as music lover to the festival this year, saying that within the combination of bands playing there "surely will be something for everyone". A big claim, but more than substantiated by the lineup, from the dole-wave sounds of Good Boy, the retro space-chords of the Vulture St Tape Gang, to the Kate-Bush-esque power pop of Feeding Fauna, it's going to be represented in Woolloongabba on November 5. And that means, importantly, it's as much an opportunity for well-deserved local bands to play, as it is audiences to hear a range of sounds they mightn't usually. Taking place in the beautiful inner-city Woolloongabba Village Precinct, The End of the Line is as much about the music as it is about community. In previous festival years, the shut-off street has been occupied by the precinct's local coffeemakers, restaurateurs and shop owners serving festival-themed menus and wares, and this year, their presence will be greater and presumably yummier than ever. On top of the food, drinks, great crowd, inner-city aesthetic, and of course music, there will the addition major artistic contributions from the Queensland College of Art's POP Gallery and the Aboriginal Centre of the Performing Arts through dance, visual and performance art. This year The End of the Line promises to catch the unique taste of Brisbane, an opportunity afforded to people of all ages, free of charge. Starting at 10am, and finishing at 11pm, the festival will be heard and smelt all over Woolloongabba. Alright, alright, here's what you came here for. THE END OF THE LINE FESTIVAL 2016 LINEUP: Fraser A Gorman Totally Mild Christopher Port Banff Major Leagues Good Boy Mid Ayr Desmond Cheese Pool Shop the Vulture St Tape Gang Superfeather Low Dive Francis Wolves In Caves Feeding Fauna The End of the Line Festival is happening November 5 in the Woolloongabba Village Precinct from 10am-11pm. Entry is free. For more info, head to the festival website.
Music festivals and writers festivals have existed for years, but they rarely mix. Sure, you'll hear poetic lyrics at the former, and maybe attend a tunes-inspired session at the latter. A true fusion of the two, though, is an elusive beast. Well, it was, until a few smart-thinking folks decided to organise a rock and roll writers festival. In an Australian first, the weekend-long event will explore the relationship between the literary and musical worlds. It's an idea that's so great, we can't believe that no one has done it locally before. Come April 2016, some of Australia’s finest authors, songwriters, lyricists and music commentators will converge upon Brisbane for two days of discussions, interviews, panels and more. An initial lineup boasting stacks of talented speakers has just been announced, featuring performer Jackie Marshall, previous jMag editor Jenny Valentish, journalist and Australian Music Prize judge Kate Hennessy, former Time Off editor and owner Sean Sennett, Courier Mail music writer Noel Mengel, and Pig City: From The Saints To Savage Garden author Andrew Stafford, among others. They'll all natter on about everything that's great about words, songs and the combination of the two, while trying to surprise, entertain, enlighten and challenge attendees in the process. And they'll do at the Brightside, because if you're going to throw a rock and roll writers festival, you have to do it at a rock and roll venue. The Rock and Roll Writers Festival runs from April 2 – 3, 2016, at the Brightside, 27 Warner Street, Fortitude Valley. For more information, visit their website.
When the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl kicked off in 2016, it did so in simple but great style. Recognising that the key to many a good night out is a multi-venue itinerary, it made hopping between Fortitude Valley's finest hangouts a streamlined, well-organised yet still laidback experience — with brews aplenty and an ace live music soundtrack. That was then. Now, the same idea and aim remain; however everyone's favourite multi-venue mini music and beer festival is even bigger and better in its fourth year. After expanding from four venues in its initial outing to five the second time around, and then to seven after that, 2019's event will see attendees jump between ten spots to see 51 interstate and local artists. The simultaneous sonic fun takes place on Saturday, February 16, at returning spaces The Zoo, The Brightside, The Foundry, Black Bear Lodge, Barbara, The Flying Cock and Crowbar, plus new additions Blutes, Greaser and Sabotage Social. As always, the agenda includes running between each to sip frosty beverages and catch crackin' sets, with the entertainment once again sponsored by a brewery. The whole shindig kicks off at 5pm, so the only thing left for you to do is clear your calendar for an ace day of tunes, brews and hopping around the Valley. Well, that and check out the full lineup — although just who will play where will be revealed closer to the event. MOUNTAIN GOAT VALLEY CRAWL 2019: IV League RAAVE TAPES San Mei Mosquito Coast Sunscreen The Jensens Keeskea Sports Bra sleepclub Between You And Me Cry Club Bloom Parade Pool Shop L. Flora Oh Boy Minor Premiers Inigo LÂLKA Sometime Sonny Felivand STUMPS Flowermouth Gooby Jim & The Goobs Being Jane Lane Ascot Stabber Peach Fur Royal & The Southern Echo Bad Sext Vladik Tiny Castle Rap Kitchen The Bonnie Doons CNT EVN Friend & Me Double Bummer Jumbo Dragon Wildheart Electric Zebra Selfish Sons The Ancient Bloods Georgie Neilson & The Growing Pains Jack Spider Warcries Perve Endings Requin Mantashade Jbox Venice on Fire Bayview Terrace Nightwoods Blood Bank Updated December 3.
Nakkiah Lui's new comedy could be a riff on Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? Charlotte Gibson is a lawyer and going places, fast. Her parents are stoked, but they don't know that Charlotte's also procured herself a fiancée. He's white and unemployed, a composer. His upper-middle-class parents are at the stuffier end of conservative and they're headed over for Christmas dinner. But Lui says the idea came from somewhere else entirely. "I just wanted to write something for Aboriginal actors that didn't have death in it. I wanted to write something that didn't come from a place of sorrow… This was actually something that had hope, that had happiness in it." Director Paige Rattray has the helm for this one with a cast that includes Shari Sebbens, Luke Carroll and Geoff Morrell. After proving a hit in Sydney last year, Black is the New White comes to Queensland Theatre from February 1 to 17.
Returning for its third year, and quickly becoming a canonical part of Brisbane's independent scene, The End of the Line Festival has a huge 2016 lineup — and given it was curated by West-End-record-store-owning-musical-and-cultural-powerhouse Shannon Logan of Jet Black Cat Music, no-one will be surprised to see an eclectic range of local and inter-state up-and-comers on the bill. This year, Melbourne acts, Fraser A Gorman, Totally Mild and Christopher Port join beloved locals like Banff, Major Leagues, Good Boy, Mid Ayr and Desmond Cheese to name a few. Despite the colossal pressure associated with curating a festival (and pretty much putting your music taste on stage for Brisbane to see) Logan has committed her locally renowned image as music lover to the festival this year, saying that within the combination of bands playing there "surely will be something for everyone". A big claim, but more than substantiated by the lineup, from the dole-wave sounds of Good Boy, the retro space-chords of the Vulture St Tape Gang, to the Kate-Bush-esque power pop of Feeding Fauna, it's going to be represented in Woolloongabba on November 5. And that means, importantly, it's as much an opportunity for well-deserved local bands to play, as it is audiences to hear a range of sounds they mightn't usually. Taking place in the beautiful inner-city Woolloongabba Village Precinct, The End of the Line is as much about the music as it is about community. In previous festival years, the shut-off street has been occupied by the precinct's local coffeemakers, restaurateurs and shop owners serving festival-themed menus and wares, and this year, their presence will be greater and presumably yummier than ever. On top of the food, drinks, great crowd, inner-city aesthetic, and of course music, there will the addition major artistic contributions from the Queensland College of Art's POP Gallery and the Aboriginal Centre of the Performing Arts through dance, visual and performance art. This year The End of the Line promises to catch the unique taste of Brisbane, an opportunity afforded to people of all ages, free of charge. Starting at 10am, and finishing at 11pm, the festival will be heard and smelt all over Woolloongabba. THE END OF THE LINE FESTIVAL 2016 LINEUP: Fraser A Gorman Totally Mild Christopher Port Banff Major Leagues Good Boy Mid Ayr Desmond Cheese Pool Shop the Vulture St Tape Gang Superfeather Low Dive Francis Wolves In Caves Feeding Fauna The End of the Line Festival is happening November 5 in the Woolloongabba Village Precinct from 10am-11pm. Entry is free. For more info, head to the festival website.
Turns out eating an entire two sticks of buttery, bready garlic bread from the freezer section doesn't count as an 'appreciation conference', because one Melburnian is making this actual event happen. Garlic bread aficionado and straight-up boss Baxter Kirk is putting on the world's very first Garlic Bread Appreciation Conference in Melbourne. Set to descend upon the MCG (yep, the giant, giant MCG) on Friday, January 15 at the strange time of 3.07am, the conference will "discuss the underrated garlic bread," according to the Facebook event. With 47,000+ people supposedly 'attending' the event, this could be the biggest celebration of garlic breadery the world has ever seen. Whether this conference is real or a beautiful, beautiful troll, we'll be raising a glass of cheap cola to that beloved buttery, buttery side anyway, before, during and after the event. Via Pedestrian. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
It's been three years since Florence + The Machine last toured Australia and we were beginning to think it'd be another three years before they toured again. Oh how wrong we were. Not content with just headlining this year's Splendour In The Grass and playing two packed sideshows, the group have announced that they'll be back in November. British powerhouse Florence Welch and her crew will be touring the country with a set list from their third studio album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. Guess they like Australia after all (and if the album's debut at #1 on the ARIA charts is anything to go by, we seem to have a bit of a thing for them too.) 2015 has been a busy year for the group, with performances at Coachella and Glastonbury, plus Austin City Limits this coming October. Now they'll be going solo, performing five dates across Australia. This includes two show at one of the country's most iconic venues: the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, an area reserved for the most popular of acts. You'll be able to enjoy an evening of infectious powerhouse art rock against one of the most perfect backdrops in the nation. Tickets to their Australian tour go on sale from 10 am (AEST) on Monday August 3 – and judging from how popular their Splendour sideshows were, you'll have to be extra quick to get your hands on them. Get ready to get your jive on.
As far as Henry Miller was concerned, alone time is crucial to creativity. “An artist is always alone,” he wrote, “if he is an artist. What the artist needs is loneliness.” But spending day in, day out, with only your cat for company isn’t always a recipe for inspiration. Luckily, Etsy is well aware of the problem. So, every year, they host an enormous, worldwide Craft Party. Artists and craftspeople all over the planet are encouraged to get together to paint, draw, sculpt, sew and make — with like-minded others. This year, the gathering will be happening on June 6 and the theme is 'Kaleidoscope: Paper taking shape'. It's all about collages and paper cutting techniques this year, so come armed with scissors. Etsy Craft Parties will be held all over Australia. You can organise your own, or to attend one of Brisbane's major bashes, book a spot online. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
Australia's about to embark upon an entire month of parties, gigs and backyard shindigs, all raising sweet, sweet money to fight poverty around the world. Having run successfully in the UK for about ten years, Oxjam is a month-long, nationwide music festival aiming to raise money for Oxfam. Now it's launching in Australia, with goodhearted gigs coming to venues, garages and backyards nationwide. Even you can throw one. One of those star-studded fundraisers which has seen the likes of Hot Chip, Fatboy Slim, Coldplay and T.E.E.D. crank out a set for a good cause, Oxjam has been a long time coming for Australia. Teaming up with MTV Music and MTV Dance, Oxfam are launching the festival in August; with the main events happening across Sydney and Melbourne. Local venues, collectives and labels like I Oh You, Noisey, Goodgod Small Club, One Day, Motorik, UNDR CTRL and more are holding some of the official gigs — where of course, funds raised will go directly to Oxfam. Oxjam's major gig lineup will be collectively announced in June. But you don't just have to wait for Noisey's lineup, you can also host your own party wherever you are. Literally anyone can hold their own Oxjam, from existing venues to local bowling clubs, big time clubs to your very own home. So if you're deep house DJ in your crew you could set up the decks in your garage, put a collection tin at the door and throw down one humdinger of a fundraving do. (And if your neighbours complain, give 'em hell until they donate too.) First time at the event-throwing rodeo? MTV Australia are hosting an official event at MTV HQ in Sydney (date TBC), where budding venue managers, club promoters and regular shindig starters can get tips on throwing their own Gig For Good during Oxjam. If you can't make it to the how-to, Oxjam's website has a bunch of handy tips and DIY guides for party planners. Oxjam is happening Australia-wide over August 2015, with the main gigs happening in Melbourne and Sydney. But with one in three people around the world living in poverty, Oxjam's probably one of the best reasons to throw a local backyard gig we've ever heard. Head over here for more info and start planning. Image: Goodgod Small Club.
Bunnings Warehouse is supercharging its usual sausage sizzle, to support a few Aussie communities that are doing it pretty tough. Next Friday, November 22, all of the hardware giant's stores will host a special pre-weekend edition of their legendary snag sessions, raising coin for those impacted by drought and the current bushfires. All of the day's sausage profits will go to to Givit, a national non-profit that works with charities and community groups to connect disadvantaged people with the things that they need. The organisation also works with local councils and state governments to assist communities during disasters and emergencies — of which there are several happening at the moment. Some areas of the country have been struggling with a years-long drought and, this week, bushfires have destroyed hundreds of homes, and displaced thousands of people, across NSW and Queensland. Dangerous fire conditions continue today and into the weekend, too, with out-of-control fires still burning in both states. For updates and advice on Queensland bushfires, head to the Rural Fire Service Queensland website. So, on Friday, grab a snag in bread and show those in need some love. The sausage sizzles will run from 9am–4pm across all Bunnings Warehouses in Queensland.
Because one food-serving, craft beer-peddling ale house is never enough, the fine folks at Yard Bird are adding to their flock. In fact, they’ve already spread their wings, flown to another location, and feathered a second nest. Say hello to Yard Bird Ale House, Paddington. Opening ahead of schedule, the new Given Terrace establishment has served its first tasty meals and fine brews — and the second venue to wear the Yard Bird name comes with a twist. For those who like to start their day with a caffeine kick and a big brekkie — or with waffles done three ways — the new Ale House is open from 7am. Taking over the space that Eurovida Cafe formerly called home, complete with a front-facing courtyard, Yard Bird Paddington also offers the same lunch and dinner meals patrons of the Fortitude Valley hang-out have come to know and love. We’re talking chicken wings, pizzas, burgers and nachos, among other Tex-Mex nibbles, all made to be washed down with one of the eight beer and cider tipples on tap — or thirty or so others in the fridge. Night owls will be able to enjoy a late-night bite and a nightcap, with the Paddington bar trading until midnight seven days a week. Yard Bird’s trademark relaxed vibe also takes flight at a new venue designed to be cool and cosy. Owner Luke Purnell said he wanted “to make sure that there is somewhere for the residents of Paddington to drop in and have a casual drink without feeling the pressure to wear a collared shirt". Launching a second Yard Bird Ale House is just the latest achievement for Purnell, who learned the chef’s life working at Brisbane's Au Cirque, Alibi Room and Rush. He opened Yard Bird’s Fortitude Valley bar in 2011, motivated to create the type of place where anyone was welcome. Now, he brings that friendly atmosphere – as well as scrumptious bar snacks and a range of craft beverages – to the other side of Brisbane’s inner-city suburbs. Yard Bird Ale House is now open at 1/208 Given Terrace, Paddington.
It's something so simple, yet so delicious. Place a slab of meat (or a vegetarian alternative) between two halves of a bread roll, add some sauce, salad and a few other ingredients — and to the delight of your tastebuds, something glorious materialises. That'd be the burger, a culinary creation so mouthwatering that many a person has tried to take credit for inventing it since the 1800s. Two centuries later, the humble bread-centric meal has become a food staple around the world, including Brisbane. Chain restaurants thrive on them — however, anyone who has had to stomach a quick fix in a brightly lit eatery knows that not all burgers are created equal. Forget the junk and fast food varieties, because the city is overflowing with appetizing alternatives. We've rounded up ten of the best for your greasy eating pleasure. Top image: Chur Burger
Brisbane's movie buffs have had quite the eventful few years — festivals have come, gone and been resurrected; cinemas have opened up in New Farm, Elizabeth Street in the CBD, Coorparoo and Newmarket; the Schonell stopped running screenings; and more new theatres have been announced for Red Hill and Woolloongabba. Plus, just last month, the city welcomed its newest seasonal outdoor cinema in the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens — and if you like seeing flicks under the stars, there's more news where that came from. Brisbane City Council is spearheading a plan to build Brisbane's first permanent outdoor cinema, which would form part of the existing McCaskie Park in Kelvin Grove. Unlike Moonlight Cinema in New Farm Park, Openair Cinemas at South Bank and the aforementioned Sunset Cinema in Mt Coot-tha, it'll be a fixed rather than a seasonal pop-up facility. A development application has been lodged, which outlines a proposed space between Kelvin Grove Road and QUT's Creative Industries precinct, featuring a permanent shelter with a drop-down 2.7-metre by 5.4-metre screen, a stage and a speaker set-up. According to the documents submitted, BCC intends for an external party to manage the cinema, which will be operational on weeknights and weekends. Even better — given that it is located in a Council-owned public park, which dates back to 1891 and is freely accessible to everyone, the application notes that the cinema will be free to attend as well. The cinema forms part of BCC's very Leslie Knope-like aim to "enhance Brisbane's public open spaces and encourage and improve user experience", as stated in the submission — that is, to get us all out in the city's parks more often. Speaking with Brisbane Times, the Council's field services chairman Peter Matic advised that it could be used for "family movie events, short film screenings, or as part of twilight community festivals", as well as "for emerging theatre and musical artists, providing a low-cost venue for public performances". As the development application has just been lodged, we can assume that the cinema is still a little way off. But we'll keep you updated on an opening date or any new details.
When the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl kicked off in 2016, it did so in simple but great style. Recognising that the key to many a good night out is a multi-venue itinerary, it made hopping between Fortitude Valley's finest hangouts a streamlined, well-organised yet still laidback experience — with brews aplenty and an ace live music soundtrack. Come 2022, the sprawling music and beer festival will still be going strong — even after the events of the past few years. On Saturday, February 12, attendees can jump between nine Valley spots to see a huge heap of interstate and local artists. The simultaneous sonic fun takes place at The Black Bear Lodge, The Brightside (both indoors and outdoors), Greaser, Kick Ons, O'Skulligans, Ric's Backyard, The Zoo and Suzie Wongs Good Time Bar. As always, the agenda includes running between each to sip frosty beverages and catch crackin' sets, with the entertainment once again sponsored by a brewery. The whole shindig kicks off at 5pm, so the only thing left for you to do is clear your calendar for an ace day of tunes, brews and hopping around the Valley. Well, that and check out the 36-act lineup below: MOUNTAIN GOAT VALLEY CRAWL 2022 LINEUP: ARTISTS: Kwame (a-z) 1300 Adam Newling Bec Sandridge Flowertruck The Lazy Eyes Melaleuca Milan Ring Nyxen RAT!Hammock (a-z) 90Ivy Blue Velvet Bored Shorts The Buzzing Towers Cheap Date CityPiss Cloe Terare Elcid Flores Fomi Fraser Bell Girl and Girl Haliday Hollie Joy Isabel Wood Lucy Francesca Dron Melrose. Monet's Pond Passionfruit Band Radium Dolls Slowrip Square Stage Presence Straight Girls The Tinderboxers Tjaka Willis and the Lovely Ones VENUES: Black Bear Lodge The Brightside The Brightside — Outdoors Greaser O'Skulligans Ric's Backyard Suzie Wongs Good Time Bar Woolly Mammoth Mane Stage The Zoo The 2022 Mountain Goat Valley Crawl takes place from 6pm on Saturday, February 12. Entry is free, but you'll need to RSVP for free tickets online. Images: katexjean / Jared Hinz Photography.
Successful documentaries are often boiled down to a well-worn old adage, with the best films frequently benefiting from filmmakers simply being in the right place at the right time. The saying seems to ring true for Australian Jennifer Peedom, although calling the experienced high-altitude director 'fortunate' isn't quite appropriate. When she went to Nepal in 2014, she was motivated by reported tensions between travellers and their Sherpa guides. With the chasm between the two groups screaming for more attention, Peedom planned to make a movie about one of the local workers, the unassuming Phurba Tashi Sherpa, who was on the cusp of making history. But then nature struck, and the movie had to change. A time capsule of the toughest climbing season imaginable, as well as an exercise in quick-thinking filmmaking at its best, Sherpa is undoubtedly the superior Everest-based movie of the last 12 months. Forget re-enactments, high-profile actors looking frosty, strained accents and 3D special effects. In capturing the blackest day the mountain has ever seen with on-the-ground footage of a tragedy unfolding, as well as the build up to the Khumbu Icefall avalanche and the harrowing, heartbreaking aftermath, the film presents devastating details that could only spring from real life. Phurba's feat — ascending the world's highest peak for a record-breaking 22nd time — would've made a rousing story in its own right, as well as a powerful testament to the largely unrecognised role the Sherpa people play in the mountain's growing tourism industry. The weather had other plans, however. As the ice and snow began to move, his tale became even more emblematic of the broader situation facing Nepalese residents, and brought the appalling labour conditions of the Sherpas, who make wealthy Westerners' treks possible, sharply into focus. With the precision of a master craftsperson and the breathtaking vision to match, Peedom balances the personal plight of one pivotal figure with the anger-inspiring human rights issues that surround the mountain. Viewers will find themselves simultaneously marvelling at the images Peedom and her trio of cameramen have recorded, and wanting to leap out of their seat with frustration at the dangers the Sherpas face just to make a living. In that way, Sherpa is more than just a tale of triumph over adversity. Instead, it's a high-stakes, high-altitude dissection of commercial and financial interests triumphing over a very human cost, as pieced together with an insider's perspective and understanding. Interviewees hail from all sides of the business of climbing, but there's never any doubting the film's allegiances. That's not a consequence of Peedom's lack of balance, but simply a reflection of the galling reality on the mountain. Offering an astonishing account of a just-as-astonishing slice of life, documentary filmmaking doesn't get much better than this.
Forget burgers, Brisbanites — there's a new meat and bread combination in town. If The Yiros Shop has its way, soon everyone in the city will be feasting on their fluffy pitas, stuffed with everything from haloumi and hot chips to pork, chicken and lamb. And we really do mean the city, given that the chain of stores has set up their next shop right in the heart of the CBD. As of earlier this week, they're serving up traditional Greek fare from the corner of Edward and Charlotte streets. That doesn't only include yiros, as tasty as they are. You'll also find Greek salads on offer, plus Greek-topped chips (their take on loaded fries) and a range of home-style desserts. Baklava and loukoumades, anyone? With their number of outlets now totalling four thanks to their existing setups in Cannon Hill, Fortitude Valley and South Bank, The Yiros Shop are well on their way to spreading their Mediterranean delights all around south-east Queensland. For the moment, you can probably remember a time before yiros. At this rate, that won't be the case for much longer. Find The Yiros Shop at 2/120 Edward Street, Brisbane City. Check out their website and Facebook page for further information.
The 35th incarnation of Woodford Folk Festival — a temporary village of alternative lifestyle, music, art and performance — is finally happening this December and January. Over six days and six nights, more than 2,000 performers (and many, many more attendees) will bring this festival to life in the Sunshine Coast hinterland after a two-year pandemic-induced break. The festival will feature music from all over the globe including folk, rock, blues, First Nations performances as well as children's events, comedy, cabaret and talks on everything from social justice to science and innovation. You'll be able to wander through market stalls, encounter installation artworks and take part in workshops and activities at the Bushtime camping experience on Jinibara Country as you see out the year in with thousands of other festival goers. And that's all before the mammoth closing ceremony fire display on New Year's Eve that'll help you welcome in 2023. Keen to head along? The full Woodford Folk Festival program and tickets are yet to be released. For more information, visit the website. Images: Woodford Folk Festival via Flickr.
Undisputed badass, battle hero and SBS newsreader Lee Lin Chin is gearing up to represent Australia on the global stage. Announced on SBS's The Feed last night, Chin will take on the coveted role of Australia's official Eurovision spokesperson. Now that's a Eurovision representative we can get excited about (yeah sorry, ARIAs, charts, vocal range, yadda yadda, but come on). Chin will deliver the famous and vital points from Australia's stash, announcing the final three countries that will receive Australia's eight, ten and twelve points. So while Malta, Demark, perpetual 'London Calling' jokemakers the United Kingdom and more give it their best, most awkward shot in front of the green screen, Australia's modish champion will inevitably deliver the points with poise, urgency and hopefully, in this Logies hat. Given the time difference in Austria, Lin Chin will have to get up pretty early to deliver the goods. But eating, sleeping, raving and repeating is a cakewalk for this party professional. "I’m not worried about being up early, I’ll just have to take a break from the clubs for 20 minutes." *drops mic* As the very first time in Eurovision history Australia has been invited to compete in the contest, and the very first time Chin has dominated the international airwaves, it's all convenient timing for the SBS newsreader — who recently announced her new commitment to campaigning for the 2016 Gold Logie (most popular personality on Australian television, yep she's missing a few decades worth on her shelf). "195 million people watch Eurovision every year and if even just 10 million of those buy TV Week I’ll have it in the bag," she said in a coy and perfectly crafted media statement. "As SBS’s most recognisable personality I couldn’t say no to such an opportunity. I’m the obvious choice — not only have I been to Europe but I also listen to music from time to time." How can you get in on the Eurovision action? SBS will broadcast both semi-finals and the Grand Final live from Vienna on May 20, May 22 and May 24 from 5am. Both semi-finals will be shown in full on SBS ONE on May 22 and May 23 from 7.30pm. The Grand Final featuring Guy Sebastian and Lee Lin Chin's points delivery will screen on Sunday May 24 from 7.30pm. For now, this:
If you love Brisbane as much as the Museum of Brisbane does — and let's face it, their affection is right there in their name — then 2016 might just offer your chance to show it. As part of their calendar of events for next year, the City Hall-based showcase of the Queensland capital's living history is staging a semi-permanent interactive exhibition that uses the people of Brisbane as its basis. Running for three years from July 2016, 100% Brisbane won't just turn the spotlight on the city — it'll deconstruct the population and reflect the real face of the community. Using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, it will find 100 everyday folks to represent the entirety of Brisbane. It all begins with one chosen local, who'll then spark a search that spans over 100 days. That resident will then have 24 hours to recruit the next Brisbanite, who will then select the another person and so on, until 100 people are connected. Fans of globally renowned theatre company Rimini Protokoll might recognise the concept, given that the Berlin-based group has rolled out the project all around the world, including in London, San Diego, Paris, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. Their Brisbane stint marks the first time they've ever collaborated with a museum, as well as being one of the biggest undertakings to date by the Museum of Brisbane. As acting director Christopher Salter puts it, 100% Brisbane will "present the story of Brisbane today in an authentic way, through 100 of our city locals. The heart of the experience is real people with real stories and their experiences in our city today.” Those who don't make the final 100 will also have their chance to participate once the exhibition opens, of course. Attendees will be able to share their information and opinions to compare themselves with the participants. In fact, beyond the performance aspect, the project aims to map how attitudes and perceptions change within the city over its three-year run. 100% Brisbane will also feature a documentary covering the history of the city’s population, as written and narrated by author and actor William McInnes, plus Brisbane-focused contemporary art commissions from Australian artists. 100% Brisbane opens at the Museum of Brisbane in July 2016. For more information, keep an eye on their website. Image: Hamish Snow, Laneway Festival, Brisbane 2015 and 100% Berlin
Ever wanted to see your favourite bands kick a few goals, and help support a good cause at the same time? Since 1993, the Reclink Community Cup has been turning musos into footy players for an annual charity Aussie rules match, with the Melbourne game drawing more than 10,000 people and raising over $100,000 each year. Sydney's been going strong for years too, and now, it's coming to Brisbane for the first time ever. Come September 25, the city's music community will descend upon Pine Rivers Showground to put their sporting prowess to the test. Two teams will take to the field: The Rocking Horses, featuring players from an array of Brissie acts, and the Brisbane Lines, filled with a crew of 4ZZZ veterans, other industry insiders, street press staff and general music-related folks. Full lineups are yet to be announced, however the likes of Paul Kelly, Courtney Barnett, Tim Rogers and Tex Perkins have strapped on boots in previous interstate events. A couple of pollies normally join in, with Queensland upper house members Senator Murray Watt and Senator Anthony Chisholm slated to do the honours, the former with the musos and the latter playing with the media. Plus, the Community Cup isn't just about getting a dose of the live AFL action fans have been missing since the state's two teams failed to make the finals, as ace as the prospect of more footy is. Given that rock stars are involved, of course live music is part of the proceedings as well, with the Reclink Choir (featuring Robbie James from GANGgajang), Screaming Steven & The Heathens, 2Dogs and Sydney's Scabz taking care of the tunes. And, food-wise, expect stalls ready to fill your ravenous stomachs. Watching bands play — both music and footy — is hungry work, after all. Tickets cost $10, with every dollar raised going towards Reclink's efforts to improve the lives of Queenslanders suffering from disability, homelessness, substance abuse and economic hardship through participation in sport and the arts. Yep, whoever emerges victorious from the game, a heap of deserving folks will be the real winners. The Reclink Community Cup takes place on September 25 at Pine Rivers Showgrounds, Gympie Road, Lawnton. Tickets cost $10, and are available at the gate. For more information, visit www.communitycup.com.au/brisbane. Image: Rod Hunt.
Who needs to go to a bar or restaurant when you can go to a food and beverage pavilion? Yes, it does sound a little fancier and intimidating, but there's more to it than that. Think of this as the wondrous nucleus where all the dining and drinking options you could want combine in one venue. It's like a permanent mini-food festival, in a sense. The new venue is coming to Newstead thanks to the folks behind Hatch & Co; the eateries everyone has been flocking to at Garden City, Post Office Square and Gasworks Plaza. Soon the latter spot will have a sibling in the same precinct, however it's not just a rehash of their same tasty seasonal food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Set up marketplace-style, it will also play host to a juice station, express coffee window, open-plan kitchen, takeaway service and large, shared dining tables. Plus, the pavilion will feature 12 craft and local beers on tap, plus a sizeable range of wines and curated cocktails. Yep, it really does sound like the kind of spot that's going to be all kinds of excellent, and there's more to the story. This is a place for people to hangout, and it's also a place the owners want the city to feel a sense of ownership for. Thankfully, they've worked out the best way to do just that, throwing open the job of naming the joint to the general public. All is revealed on June 9, and the person behind it will win lifelong glory, of course, as well as a $1000 dining experience. Who knows, you might just have a new favourite spot that's been given its moniker by one of your mates. That's bragging you can get used to. For more information, visit www.wedonthavea.name. Find the new venue at the Gasworks Plaza Precinct, 100 Skyring Terrace, Newstead. Image: Kgbo.
In 2026, a brick hall perched on Wynnum Road in Brisbane's east will turn 100. That place: Morningside School of Arts. The art deco structure is no longer operating as a place to enhance your creative talents, but it has been everything from a library to a market site over the years. Ballet, karate, gymnastics, life drawing, line dancing: classes on each still pop up within its walls, too. A year before it reaches its centenary, Morningside School of Arts is getting celebrating by joining a different party: Brisbane Open House. This is the first time that it'll be on the event's lineup, letting folks head by to peer behind the scenes — which is what this architecture-loving weekend is always all about. [caption id="attachment_1007055" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Riviere by Aria, Cieran Murphy[/caption] Taking place across Saturday, July 19–Sunday, July 20, 2025's Brisbane Open House is embracing its usual agenda to not only let Brisbanites play tourist in their own town, but to take them exploring the River City's key buildings and landmarks. In total, 91 structures and sites are on the itinerary, spanning returning favourites that welcome in sticky beaks every year and newcomers. Among the second group, Morningside School of Arts is joined by Milton House, Rivière by Aria at Kangaroo Point, St Laurence's College and Bradbury Park Playscape in Kedron. Historical and heritage-listed spots, apartment towers, schools, playgrounds: even just Brisbane Open House's brand-new additions for this year give a decent glimpse at the variety of buildings that attendees can meander through. In the returning camp, Newstead House, Brisbane Arcade, ABC Brisbane at South Bank, Queensland Ballet's Thomas Dixon Centre, Centenary Pool and Roma Street Fire Station are just some of the other locations to hit up. Speaking of Roma Street, it's also on the program a second time, but taking visitors underground. Thanks to the Cross River Rail works, you can venture 30 metres beneath the road to where the new station is set to sit. Brisbane Airport is 100 years old this year, so one tour on Brisbane Open House's agenda commemorates that milestone. Still on huge pieces of infrastructure, Wivenhoe Dam and Port of Brisbane are on the itinerary, too. Plus, 2025's lineup marks the first time since 2020 that private homes are back on the program, letting the public into ten architect-designed houses, thanks to a collaboration with the Australian Institute of Architects. As well as tours and guided walks — such as one through Kurilpa — the program also features an exploration of ancient Egypt's architecture at Queensland Museum, Brisbane Open House's photography competition making a comeback, live tunes and performances, film screenings, a PechaKucha night at ARUP and more. "This is a landmark year for Brisbane Open House, not just in the scale of what we're offering, but in the depth of experience we're creating for locals and visitors alike," advised Brisbane Open House Chair Malcolm Middleton, announcing 2025's program. "Architecture is more than just buildings. It's about how we shape the spaces we live, work and gather in. It's about culture, climate and creativity. It's what leaves a lasting impression on our city's visitors, and it's what fills our lives with everyday beauty." [caption id="attachment_1007058" align="alignnone" width="1920"] HOSPITALITY, COMMERCIAL[/caption] Brisbane Open House 2025 runs across Saturday, July 19–Sunday, July 20 at a variety of places around Brisbane. For the full program, head to the event's website.
One of Australia's biggest beats-loving festivals has been canned. Mushroom Group have announced the discontinuation of Future Music Festival today, after reporting low ticket sales for the last two years. Despite attracted huge crowds to this year's March festival nationwide, Future apparently underperformed with ticket sales. This means Future isn't returning for 2016, with Mushroom looking to steer away from large-scale travelling festivals and put more focus on its touring adventures with Frontier Touring, A Day On the Green, Melbourne's Sugar Mountain and under-18s event Good Life. "The decision to discontinue Future Music Festival was not made lightly," says Mushroom Group Chairman Michael Gudinski. "A point came though where it simply no longer made sense to continue. We believe in the festival industry in Australia and plan to announce an exciting new festival concept in the coming months." Mushroom Group are developing a new festival concept, planned for the same time period previously held by Future and set to be announced later this year. Image: Future Music Festival.
In concurrence with the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, The National Gallery of Australia hosted its 3rd National Indigenous Art Triennial last year. This major exhibition, titled Defying Empire, now makes the jump to Brisbane's UQ Art Museum from July 28 to November 11 — bringing together both established and emerging Indigenous artists from across Australia in a showcase that focuses on themes of identity, racism, displacement and country. Among the 30 participating artists are Brenda L. Croft, whose art looks at themes of home; Fiona Foley, who focuses on race relations; Tony Albert, who examines war and its aftermath; and Brook Andrew, who explores themes of ancestry. Other artists delve into heavy issues of nuclear testing, sovereignty and the stolen generations, using a mix of media from canvas painting, video and photography to weaving, sculpture, metalwork and glasswork. The exhibition reinforces the significance of Indigenous art in Australia's cultural identity and the ongoing struggle for equality. Image: Daniel Boyd by Nikki To, Megan Cope by Pat Scala/Fairfax Media.
Hankering for something sweet, fluffy and moist, but of the healthy (or healthier) variety? Finding something that ticks both boxes is usually no mean feat; however thanks to Nutri Hitt, it's about to become much easier. You could even say it's now a piece of cake (couldn't help it). The new Geebung-based shop specialises in tasty morsels that are actually good for you, which includes raw, vegan and paleo options, as well as goodies free of gluten, dairy and refined sugar. If you've been to a market or deli around town, you might've tried their wares. Now, like many a stall before them, they've made the leap to a permanent store. That's where you'll find all the guilt-free cakes that you could want, including the slice of white chocolate heaven that is the Snow White, childhood nostalgia in the form of the Rainbow Swirl, and everything from lemon, lime and coconut and tiramisu too. If you're after a smaller bite, don't despair — you'll still find slices and cupcakes at Nutri Hitt's stockists around the city. Snow White White Chocolate Cake covered in our own raw White chocolate shards #nutrihitt #nutrihittcakes #raw #rawcake #rawwhitechocolate #chocolate #snowwhite #whitechocolate #rawlife #treatyourself Posted by NUTRI HITT on Sunday, November 8, 2015 Nutri Hitt started out when owners Candi Coonan and Tamara Lord just wanted to serve delicious treats without the kilojoules. As their success shows, they've achieved that aim — and now everyone keen to have their cake but avoid the not-so-good ingredients has become a winner. Find Nutri Hitt at 8/328 Newman Rd, Geebung, or visit their website or Facebook page for more information.
You know that drinking coffee is addictive, right? Well, in Amber and Cynamon Norris' case, so is selling it. After making sure that Mount Gravatt's residents can get their caffeine fix since 2011, the Hallowed Grounds Espresso owners are about to bring their favourite hot brews to Daisy Hill. Don't expect the duo's latest coffee spot to simply replicate their past successes, though, with St Coco Cafe a brand new venture. Here, they'll be shining a spotlight on specialty beans, blends and more, including nitrogen-infused cold brews from Cold Wolff on tap. The full coffee range is yet to be revealed, but that's not all customers will find on Cupania Street come August, with St Coco offering up two types of food that are certain to excite anyone who's not so fond of a hot cuppa. For anyone after a sweet treat that's also wholesome, nutritious and vegan-friendly, Cloverly Cupcakes' baked delights will take pride of place on the menu. And, so will all-day brekkie options, much to the delight of those who like eating bacon and eggs whenever they feel like it (yeah, everyone). Find St Coco Cafe at 3 Cupania Street, Daisy Hill from August. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for further details. Image: Hallowed Grounds.
Spring produce and paired craft beers made Concrete Playground readers particularly happy this month, as James Squire and Concrete Playground teamed up to put on a special Spring Banquet at The Charming Squire — and we gave a group of lucky CP readers a seat at the table. Competition winners sat down to a five-course meal custom-made by executive chef Deniz Coskun, each dish paired with a specific James Squire tipple, and guests heard from Deniz and James Squire brand ambassadors on the night. Have a peruse through the gallery to see what went down (and here's an idea of the deliciousness that was served up). SPRING BANQUET MENU Green pea soup, Noosa spanner crab and fennel pollen with The Swindler Summer Ale Mooloolaba king prawns, scampi caviar, avocado mousse, Pullenvale citrus and nasturtium with 150 Lashes Pale Ale Free range pork belly, Jerusalem artichoke, spiced stone fruit and morcilla crumble with Golden Ale Slow cooked spring lamb shoulder, burnt eggplant, mixed asparagus, broad beans and pickles with Hop Thief American Pale Ale Dark chocolate fondant, new season mango, crumble, Jack of Spades porter ice cream with Jack of Spades Porter To stay up to date with future events at The Charming Squire, sign up to James Squire or head to The Charming Squire's website. Photography: Emily Jane Davies.
Sunny one day, perfect the next. Most of the time. Brisbanites will all agree that summer here, despite all its advantages can be a biatch. On days where the humidity is so stifling you feel as though you could cut the air with a knife and you have sweat dripping down you neck, chest and backs of the knees, all you crave is immediate relief. And this comes best served frozen. Whether you're looking for something healthy and nourishing, or are prepared to go the whole hog for sweet, icy, cooling deliciousness, here's our round-up of Brisbane's best. HEALTHY FROZEN TREATS PAWPAW CAFE: COCOWHIP If you haven't already heard that the Venzin Group have brought the famed BSKT Cocowhip from Nobbys Beach to the 'burbs of Brisbane, you've been living under a rock. This uber-healthy soft-serve treat takes coconut water, probiotic and maqui berry and whips it into oblivion to make a delicious, light and refreshing anytime-snack. Enjoy it with frozen mixed berries or add some granola and have it for breakfast. 898 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba KISS THE BERRY: KTB ORIGINAL BOWL Kiss the Berry really is the queen bee when it comes to who reigns supreme over Brisbane's acai bowl. No matter what flavour or toppings you choose (the Snickers Delight Bowl with cacao and almond butter; the Green Machine Bowl with spinach, kale and coconut water; or the Aloha Tropicana Bowl with mango and passionfruit), it's an option that explodes with flavour and crunch. The ultimate? The KTB Original Bowl is supercharged with superfood — just pure acai, frozen banana, strawberries and apple juice. 1/99 Creek Street, Brisbane City & 114 Grey Street, South Brisbane SKINNY SCOOP: ANTIOXIDANT BERRY BOWL Similar to an acai bowl only minus the acai, Skinny Scoop (of Jan Powers Farmers Markets) blitzes up frozen berry goodness and serves it with your choice of fresh seasonal fruit, shredded coconut or granola and goji berries. Less intense in flavour than an acai bowl, the Berry Antioxidant is cool, refreshing and exactly what your sweltering self needs after a humid morning picking out your week's worth of fruit and veg. Jan Powers Farmers Markets PRESS: PINK PATAYA BOWL You’ll be tickled pink by Press on James Street’s Pink Pitaya Bowl. The key ingredient being dragonfruit, Press blends it with other frozen fruits and ice. They fan fresh seasonal fruit out on top with shredded coconut, gojis and vegan granola. It’s very mild in flavour and perfect for a quick fix to quench your thirst or keep the wolf from the door. 18/65 James Street, Fortitude Valley COULD-PASS-AS-HEALTHY FROZEN TREATS YOFLOW: FROYO Supposedly with the same amount of sugar content as your supermarket Ski yoghurt, Yoflow self-serve froyo in Gasworks adopts the weigh-and-pay method for their regularly rotating flavours of froyo. It’s like a good old-fashioned soft-serve, with the toppings you choose dictating the level of indulgence. Pick from the likes of lime and rosewater, coconut or mango, or opt for the fail-safe natural falvour, then be as liberal as you like with what goes on top. From fresh fruit and tapioca bubbles to crumbled brownie and chocolate chips, it’s ranking on the health scale is in your court. Gasworks Plaza, Newstead BOOST JUICE: BANANA BUZZ A Banana Buzz on a hot day can usually turn your heat stress to happiness. Banana, milk, ice and 'TD4' ("to die 4") frozen yoghurt, plus honey if that’s your jam, are whizzed up into a ridiculously thick smoothie that sometimes means you almost need to resort to a spoon rather than struggle with the straw. It's the epitome of hitting the mall on a hot day. Equally thirst-quenching are the Mango Magic or Strawberry Squeeze, which can also be requested 'lite' with 30% less kilojoules. Various locations PASSIONTREE: BINGSOO Bingsoo, or shaved ice with toppings, is a popular Korean summer snack that Passiontree is bringing to Brisbane dessert lovers. Served in a giant parfait glass with toppings ranging from jelly cubes to cornflakes, it’s a quirky Asian dessert that surprises the tastebuds. For a limited time over summer, they’re also serving giant melon bingsoo: half a hulled-out melon (currently it’s watermelon), with melon juice-infused shaved ice, topped with perfectly sculpted balls of melon and creamy ice-cream. It’ll set you back $20 and is definitely an icy treat best shared between two or three. 103 Elizabeth street, Brisbane INDULGENT FROZEN TREATS LA MACELLERIA: GELATO We may not have a Gelato Messina, but with La Macelleria in Teneriffe serving authentic, artisanal Italian gelato using traditional machinery and techniques and sourcing the freshest of ingredients for their craft, who much cares? With flavours like caramello salato (salted caramel), Crema Bologna (best described as lemony-vanilla) and Castiglione (fresh ricotta with caramelised figs) there is a great mix of contemporary and conventional to suit any taste. Otherwise, a suite of sorbets, shakes and artful gelato cakes are proffered for sale. Made fresh everyday, these cups of creamy spoils are guaranteed to quash any heat-induced craving. 29 Florence St, Teneriffe COWCH DESSERT COCKTAIL BAR: NAKED POPS Cowch has stolen Brisbane’s heart with their range of indulgent desserts, wicked cocktails and up-late hours. The best treat to beat the heat? A deconstructed Naked Pop. Simply choose your flavour of ice cream (essentially a 'naked' Magnum) then DIY with the toppings. Dip it in white, milk or dark chocolate and sprinkle it with your choice of chocolate balls, nuts, honeycomb and dried berries. It’s an eyeball-roll-inducing cool-down. 2/179 Grey Street, South Bank COWCH DESSERT COCKTAIL BAR: BACON ICE CREAM At the beginning of this post, we said you could easily have the Cocowhip for breakfast. If that's too 'healthy' for you, then we suggest pigging out on Cowch's Canadienne Breakfast Waffle Bowl with Bacon Ice Cream and Maple Syrup. The salty-sweet ice cream dotted with crunchy bacon bits comes topped with a paper-thin crisp of air-dried pancetta and is served in a waffle cone bowl. Literally the whole dish is edible. And on a hot day, eat it you will. 2/179 Grey Street, South Bank
The only way is up for Bella BBQ, Brisbane's favourite purveyors of slow-cooked meat seasoned with American-style rubs. You’ve enjoyed their barbecue treats at markets since mid 2014. You’ve been following their new food truck around town since January. Now, you can help them set up a permanent base to sell more tasty meals, more often. Less than a year after bursting onto the street food scene and taking Brisbane's tastebuds by storm, Bella BBQ is looking to set up their own takeaway shop. Their newly launched crowdfunding campaign will hopefully make that dream a reality, complete with mouthwatering incentive rewards — food of course, but there's also merchandise and a chance to attend your own private BB masterclass. Indeed, Bella BBQ's story so far is the type delicious dreams are made of, and one made possible by south-east Queensland's insatiable appetite for barbecued meat. Owner Steve Hellyer had no idea that his efforts as a backyard chef would lead him to looking at opening his own store. "It has taken me by surprise, the popularity of it all," he says. "It has all happened so quickly." Hellyer always wanted to spend his days cooking good food, but was uncertain about making the leap from amateur to professional. Instead, he would go to markets with his wife, and followed his nose to stalls cooking up chorizo and smoked sausage. He decided to look into making his own at home, which inspired further research into flavour profiles for rubs for other types of meats — and an idea was born. "It turns out that I'm pretty damn good at a lot of cooking in the backyard, and a lot of eating some pretty crappy food to start with — and then just perfecting it," Hellyer explains. "I always say to people that I'm living the dream. You wouldn't put this much time and effort into cooking meat for so long unless you had a passion for it." Bella BBQ's products — brisket, pork, ribs and wings — are cooked low and slow for 18 hours, which explains the taste customers know and love. "There has to be a lot of love put in at the start, in order to have the equal amount of love come out at the end," says Hellyer. "I've always loved cooking. I've always loved creating dishes and creating tastes, and that shows." Some of Bella BBQ's best sellers actually came about because of Hellyer's overwhelming affection for his job as pitmaster — and his tendency to cook too much in an effort to perfect his smoke-infused, slow-cooked barbecue skills. "The pulled pork nachos are a dish that I used to serve because I cooked that much at home practicing cooking pulled pork, we had that much left over. Nachos were just something that I started making for myself. Then I introduced them to the markets, and they're one of our highest selling products." The demand doesn't stop there, with other additions to the menu — and offshoots with other stores — stemming from his success. Customers can even order a container of pulled pork to make their own meals, and buy Bella BBQ rubs from Barbecues and More to try to recreate the magic of American-style meat at home. Hellyer, an electronics engineer by trade, also created an app to help fans follow the van around Brisbane for their barbeque fix. Though Bella BBQ is seeking a permanent home, those addicted to rushing around town needn't worry — the food truck will still operate as a satellite store once the shop is up and running. To stay up-to-date with Bella BBQ, download their app or visit their Facebook page. Throw the BB team some dosh for their permanent takeaway joint here. Images: Bella BBQ.
First, Brent Farrell wowed Brisbane with his fine dining establishment. Then, he revamped the acclaimed inner-west restaurant, turning it into a casual eatery. Come January 2016, he's heading over to the south side of town to launch a brand new venture: Slack's Track Cafe. If you've ever enjoyed a meal at Toowong's 85 Miskin Street (or Brent's – The Dining Experience before it) — or tucked into their famed brekkie degustation — you'll know that this is good news. Think the same culinary mastery Farrell has been showcasing for more than a decade, largely focused on an a la carte breakfast and lunch menu, and served up in an even more relaxed environment on Logan Road. Yes, daytime delights will be the main attraction, though that's not all that'll be on offer. To the glee of sugar fiends in the vicinity of Mt Gravatt, Brent's winning ways with homemade sweets and desserts will also feature. Plus, once the eatery obtains a liquor license, there's talk of opening on Friday and/or Saturday evenings with a focus on a fixed-price, multi-course selection. Slack's Track Cafe won't just follow in 85 Miskin Street's footsteps when it comes to food, with its name also keeping on trend. You might not recognise the reference; however Logan Road was originally known as Slack's Track, with farmer William Slack moving his cattle through the area. Now, its namesake dining spot will move its mouthwatering morsels into your mouth. Find Slack's Track Cafe at 1293 Logan Road, Mt Gravatt from January 2016. For more information, check out their Facebook page and Instagram feed.
Sure, you've had a Mexican meal before — but have you had a Mexican 'gastronomy experience'? We're not just talking about the usual nachos, burritos and enchiladas, as tasty as they are. We're talking about Moreton Bay Bug tostadas with avocado and avruga, wagyu beef tacos with grilled onion, horseradish salsa verde, and truffled chicken quesadillas with queso and jalapeno. They're just some of the meals set to take over South Bank's latest Mexican restaurant, Mucho Mexicano. Along with the dish they're calling 'The Mother of All Tacos' — a build-your-own brisket, pork belly and/or am shoulder concoction — everything is designed to be enjoyed communally. That certainly suits the two-level restaurant's other big drawcard: Brisbane's first-ever dedicated margarita bar (apparently), with a drinks list appropriately stacked with tequila and multiple varieties of the signature beverage. Yep, it's definitely fiesta time, whether you're after lunch, dinner or drinks every day of the week, or a brekkie fix on weekends (with Mucho Mexicano's early morning menu joining the fold in the coming months). Plus, the new eatery's name doesn't just describe its menu focus, but reflects the growing number of Mexican places making their home in this particular stretch of the city. In fact, when it opens its doors in Che Asado's former digs on June 13, Mucho Mexicano will be right across the road from both Guzman y Gomez and The Burrito Bar. Ñam ñam. Find Mucho Mexicano at from June 13. For more information, check out their Facebook page.
