Brisbane's cultural ecosystem is booming. Cafes and bars are opening on a (almost) weekly basis, restaurants and pubs are more forward-thinking and imaginative than ever and you can find innovative cultural events and pop-up spaces to visit every day of the week. As we continue to attempt to define Australian cuisine, chefs continue to push the boundaries. We've seen (and tasted) emu tartare and black ants, eaten bao topped with dumplings and tasted whole kimchi-glazed fish in a cocktail bar At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented vanguards pushing Sydney to be a better, braver city. And so, these six new restaurants — nominated in Concrete Playground's Best of 2017 Awards — are the Best New Restaurants of 2017.
While it might seem like another bar and eatery opens in Fortitude Valley every week, the latest addition to the inner-city suburb isn't your average restaurant or boozy hangout. For starters, when we say it's in the Brunswick Street Mall, we really do mean it. That's because 88 Forty Eight Bar and Restaurant isn't just a new place to eat and drink when you're out and about. It's also the next pod-based space to pop up as part of the Brisbane City Council's Fortitude Valley revitalisation plan. From July 1, it'll serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week from its compact, cosy confines right in the middle of the popular thoroughfare. Owned and run by Nepalese-born chef Hom Pyashi, 88 Forty Eight takes its name from the peak height of Mount Everest. The menu offers up modern multicultural fusion, such as French toast for brekkie; burgers, salads and schnitzels for a midday meal; and steak, nachos, pasta and Asian Atlantic salmon in the evening. In tribute to Pyashi's homeland, a percentage of the bar's profits will be donated to Nepal-focused charity The Uniting Hands Foundation. In case you're not quite up-to-date on the pod concept, allow us to enlighten you. If you wandered through the Brunswick Street Mall over the last year or so, you've probably noticed a few new structures starting to materialise. They're ideal for small bars and stores, and can house anything from a Mexican joint to an entertainment space. As a matter of fact, the first two pods boasted just that, with Tuckeria's Burrito Shack unleashing everyone's favourite tortilla-wrapped dish since April 2015, and a second space operating as a combined stage and information booth. Find 88 Forty Eight Bar and Restaurant in the Brunswick Street Mall from July 1. Check out their website for more information.
These days, barely a week passes by without a new Mexican eatery joining Brisbane's vibrant, multicultural restaurant scene. But don't dismiss the city's next addition as 'just another taco joint'. If you've been to Chingon Cantina y Taqueria in Melbourne, you'll know what we're talking about. From late July, Chingon will bring its street food focus to Brisbane's Eagle Lane, including five different types of soft tortilla tacos, three kinds of salsa and fire-roasted corn on the cob. If you're already salivating at that lineup, you'll pleased to know that everything will be available for both lunch and dinner six days a week. Drinks-wise, expect plenty of citrus-focused cocktails to wash it all down with — and, yes, plenty of tequila as well. No, it's not a coincidence that the cantina will be nestling in next door to US-themed dive bar Brooklyn Standard. Sharing the same owners (Adam Barton and Emmanuel Sakellarakis), it's actually the next step in their plan to turn the laneway into an American-focused food and drink haven. A Cuban-oriented joint is also in the works further down the track. Find Chingon Cantina y Taqueria Brisbane in Eagle Lane from late July, and keep an eye on their Facebook page for more details.
Charismatic foursome All Our Exes Live in Texas are hitting the road for a national tour throughout March and April, celebrating the release of new single 'Sailboat', from their forthcoming debut album. The group represents the bringing together of four of Sydney's foremost singing and songwriting talents: Elana Stone, Kate Wighton, Hannah Crofts and Georgia Mooney. Since releasing their debut EP back in late 2013, they've been winning over indie-folk crowds with their lush four-part harmonies, haunting melodies and stories of heartbreak and fresh beginnings. The EP scored quite a few spins on triple j's Roots 'n' All. In the meantime, they've been sharing stages with a bunch of well-known acts, including Megan Washington, Tinpan Orange, Mama Kin and Jordie Lane. The Sailboat National Tour covers several major festivals, including Port Fairy, Blue Mountains, the Tasmania International Arts Festival and the National Folk Festival, as well as appearances at the Melbourne Folk Club on March 25, The Basement on April 18 and Black bear Lodge on April 19.
With Splendour in the Grass just days away, Brisbanites should be getting ready for one of two things: carting their festival survival kit down south, or moping around town with a serious case of FOMO. Thanks to the Southside Tea Room, there's now a third option. Prepare to feast on street food at the inner east's coolest cafe and bar combo. From July 22 to 26, the beloved Morningside hangout is opening up their beer garden to four of the city's favourite mobile eateries. There's a reason they're calling it a food truck takeover, after all — and not just because their usual meals on wheels joint, Red Robin Supper Truck, has hightailed it to Byron Bay for a weekend of backstage catering duties. Grab dinner on Wednesday from the fine sandwich-loving folks at How We Rolls, then enjoy the Bone Lorry's burgers on Thursday evening. To properly kick off the weekend, munch on King Of The Wings' fried chicken goodness on Friday. Saturday is a food-truck-free day, but you'll want to rush back for a Mexican brunch from Juan More Taco on Sunday morning. Delicious bites to eat aren't the only attraction, with Southside's grungier sibling, Death Valley, open for business as well. Pairing several of their ten beers on tap with a feast of bread, meat, wings and tacos sounds like bliss. You'll soon be saying "what music festival?" Southside Tea Room's Food Truck Takeover runs from July 22 to 26. Check out the event's Facebook page for more information. Image: How We Rolls.
Casual face-melter Courtney Barnett is finally about to have a debut album under her already trophy-laden belt. So naturally, the Melbourne-based shredder has announced her Australian debut album tour for May 2015. This one's going to sell fast. Marking the release of her first ever LP, Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit (out Friday, March 20 via Barnett's own Milk! Records and Remote Control), this tour follows Barnett's epic performances at Laneway festival around the country over the last few weeks. Having already proved herself one of Australia's brightest sparks over the last few years with her 2013 EP release The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas, Barnett's spins one hell of a live show — having nailed sets at Lollapalooza, South by Southwest and New York City's CMJ. Barnett will cruise from Adelaide's The Gov on Friday, May 1 to Perth's Bakery on Saturday, May 2. Then it's over to Sydney's The Metro on Friday, May 8 and Brisbane's Hi-Fi on Saturday, May 9. In classic Australian artist form, Barnett will wrap things up in her hometown of Melbourne on Friday, May 15 at The Forum.
If you're thinking about fermentation and yeast, you're probably thinking about beer. You may not realise it, but you could also be thinking about bread. Brewing ales and baking loaves have more in common than it seems. Don't believe us? Well, maybe you'll believe the gang at the Scratch as part of the Alementary series. That's where they broaden your horizons, and we're not just talking about them pouring you drinks. Their popular classes dive into the method behind the magic of your favourite beverage. This week, the topic is sourdough, in all its fermented glory. Why does it taste so good? How do you make it at home? And what does it have to do with beer? Expect to learn all that and more, plus eat and drink more than a few samples. You'll be an expert on wild fermentation, alternative grain and sourdough brews in no time, and you'll get a starter kit and recipes to make your own bread at home, too. Space is limited, so if you want to get baking, you'd best get booking. Tickets are available over the bar or by calling (07) 31079910.
They're two of the biggest food trends filling stomachs around the globe, and they're making their way to Brisbane. We're talking about poke bowls and sushi burritos. One is a Hawaiian salad dish combining rice, greens and raw fish, while the other is exactly what you think it is — and they'll both be available at South Bank newcomer Suki from November. In fact, the latest venture from The Ole Group (aka the folks behind Mucho Mexicano, Ole Restaurant and Mister Paganini) will be Brisbane's first specialty sushi burrito and poke bowl eatery. And, while pre-made options will be available, Suki won't just providing its scrumptious offerings from a set menu. Making your own will be all the rage here, with diners selecting the grain base, protein filling, other accompaniments and type of wrap for their burritos, and stepping through a similar process for their bowls. A completely different venture to Fortitude Valley's new Suki Japanese & Sushi (although some confusion is more than likely), Suki takes over the space Italian restaurant Dell U'Go previously called home on Grey Street — and they won't be alone. A ramen joint will also sharing the site. While it doesn't currently have a name, anywhere that serves up more ramen is fine by us. Suki will open at 182 Grey Street, South Bank from November. Via The Courier-Mail. Image: Michael Saechang.
Throw those GoPros, bubble bottles and novelty gumboots in your rucksack, Splendour in the Grass is returning to North Byron Parklands for another year of festival merriment. After an little ol' Spotify playlist gave the game away last week before the official announce on triple j this morning, Splendour have released their 2015 lineup. Joining the already-leaked, epic likes of Blur, Mark Ronson, Florence and The Machine, Death Cab For Cutie, The Wombats, Tame Impala and Of Monsters And Men, Pond, Royal Blood and the Dandy Warhols is one heck of a huge lineup. Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt is back, Australia's own dancefloor kings Flight Facilities are landing back home, Azealia Banks makes her Australian festival return and Spiritualised will play their only Australian show. Ryan Adams is comin' on over, Best Coast is bringing the beachery back to Splendour, while recent Coachella-smash Jenny Lewis is one of the non-leaked bigwigs we can all get squealy about. SXSW buzz artists like Gengahr and Elliphant are coming, UK producer Shlomo will take things down a notch (and King Khan will do exactly the opposite), while Canadian duo Purity Ring should be one packed-out, all-the-emotions must-see. Australian artists really dominate the lineup this year, including Client Liaison, Elizabeth Rose, Hayden James, Megan Washington, Thundamentals, Meg Mac, Japanese Wallpaper, Dune Rats and more. Plus, there's going to be four stages this year, with the new Tiny Dancer stage joining the Amphitheatre, Mix Up, GW McLennan stages to host Splendour's DJ lineup. Anywho, here's what you came here for, get amongst it. Splendour In The Grass 2015 lineup Blur Florence + The Machine Mark Ronson Of Monsters & Men The Wombats Tame Impala Peking Duk Ryan Adams Flight Facilities Royal Blood (only Aus show) Death Cab For Cutie Earl Sweatshirt Boy & Bear Porter Robinson (Live) The Dandy Warhols (only Aus show) Xavier Rudd & The United Nations Azealia Banks The Rubens Jamie T Pond Spiritualized (only Aus show) Alison Wonderland Thundamentals Best Coast Everything Everything San Cisco MS MR Jarryd James Purity Ring Allday Carmada The Grates The Smith Street Band Tkay Maidza Johnny Marr Last Dinosaurs Megan Washington The Vaccines #1 Dads The Church Kitty, Daisy & Lewis The King Khan & The BBQ Show Alpine Catfish and the Bottlemen Paul Mac Dustin Tebbutt MØ Years & Years Jenny Lewis C.W. Stoneking Seekae George Maple Elliphant Client Liaison Palma Violets SAFIA Hayden James Dune Rats Wolf Alice Meg Mac Cosmo's Midnight Marmozets Oh Mercy Mansionair The Districts Shlohmo Elizabeth Rose The Delta Riggs Circa Waves Nancy Whang Eves The Behaviour Urban Cone Art of Sleeping Japanese Wallpaper Gengahr Bad//Dreems Ecca Vandal Holy Holy Vallis Alps UV Boi The Babe Rainbow Harts Generik Young Franco Mickey Kojak GL Benson Harvey Sutherland Total Giovanni DJs Dugong Jr I'lls Akouo Noise In My Head triple j Unearthed Winners Plus ... Joyride Post Percy Ara Koufax CC:Disco! Adi Toohey Set Mo Edd Fisher Mike Who Shantan Wantan Ichiban Splendour will return to North Byron Parklands on Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July. Onsite camping will once again be available from Wednesday 22 July. Tickets go on sale on 9am AEST, Thursday 23 April. More info available at the official Splendour In The Grass site.
It has a marketplace, cinema, pub, more than a few bars, cafes and restaurants, and plenty of places to go shopping — but one thing Fortitude Valley's James Street doesn't have is a boutique hotel. Well, it doesn't at the moment. Come 2018, that statement will no longer be accurate. Meet The Calile, a resort-style haunt due to pop up right on the edge of the city — and right in the heart of one of the most happening parts of town. Described as "a true urban oasis", the seven-storey, 178-room, Richards & Spence Architects-designed accommodation hub will be the second establishment in the TFE Hotels Collection after Canberra's Hotel Kurrajong, Of course, given its location, The Calile won't just offer a nice place to stay for tourists and anyone looking for a fancy staycation spot, though it'll definitely do that. It'll also boast a pool, cabanas, day spa, fitness centre and a poolside restaurant, plus over 2600 square meters of new retail and hospitality space for more stores and eateries. Basically, given the current makeup of James Street, it'll fit right in. Plus, news of the new hotel answers a question that plenty of Brisbanites have been wondering about since the building on the corner of James, Doggett and Wandoo streets was torn down recently. Yes, that's exactly where you'll find what's certain to be your new favourite place to hangout in two years time. And with nearby Palace Centro also kicking off their renovations — including adding more cinema screens — the whole area is about to look quite a bit different. The Callie Brisbane is due to open on James, Doggett and Wandoo streets, Fortitude Valley in 2018. For more information, keep an eye on the hotel's website.
Film festivals don't just happen all the time — they happen all over the place, too. Yes, Brisbane plays host to more than its fair share of cinematic celebrations; however it's not the only spot in Queensland to showcase movie gems from around the world. Since 2002, the Gold Coast Film Festival has also been serving up an annual feast of film, with everything from Pan's Labyrinth and The Cabin in the Woods to The Grand Budapest Hotel and Ex Machina gracing its screens over the last thirteen years. They're quite the nice flick picks — and their 2016 program also offers up its fair share of gems from March 31 to April 10. Take these five, for example. If anything's worth making the drive down south — and hitting the beach beforehand to make a day of it, of course — it's these movies. SCARE CAMPAIGN Winking, nodding, all-knowing meta-textual horror efforts have been all the rage for more than a few years now; however the Cairnes brothers' follow-up to 100 Bloody Acres is a welcome addition to the fold. Named after a fictional TV program that pranks unsuspecting people by placing them in frightening situations, the movie follows the show's attempts to boost scares and ratings to compete with a new, gorier web series. To say that the aftermath of their efforts boasts quite the body count is an understatement. Expect plenty of blood, just as many screams, and a film that works through a checklist of genre staples but never feels like it's just ticking the usual boxes. GIRL ASLEEP If Wes Anderson made an Australian-set, 1970's era film about the trials and tribulations of being a teenage girl — and the dream world its 15-year-old protagonist needs to escape into to find the strength to cope with problems such as dorky parents, bullying peers and a best friend who wants to be something more — there's no doubting that it would look like Girl Asleep. This stage-to-screen production is as inventive as it is insightful, and as heartfelt and hilarious too. And, the Aussie treat comes to the Gold Coast after opening the teen-oriented section of the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival. MR RIGHT We've all been there: recently single, looking to mingle, and falling for someone new. Luckily, unlike Anna Kendrick in killer comedy Mr Right, few of us have found out that the object of our affections is also a hitman. That the assassin in question is played by the ever-charming Sam Rockwell is certain to soften the blow, and to make the amusing action effort that results an irreverent affair. Plus, with this likeable twosome as the leads and their antics falling into both the shoot-em-up and screwball categories, this really is a film that should appeal to absolutely everyone. DRAMA Who said the French were the only ones that could make Paris-set romantic comedies? Aussie writer, director and star Sophie Mathisen tries her hand at a relationship drama set in the city of love, playing a struggling actress pining after her ex while worrying about her future. That might sound like a conventional tale, but given the film's atypical off-screen story, we're guessing it'll prove anything but. At a time when the Australian screen industry is finally thinking about gender equality, Mathisen is leading the charge, ensuring 50 percent of her movie's crew were women. MUSTANG We've been raving about this Turkish movie since last year, but with good reason. First-time filmmaker Deniz Gamze Ergüven tells the tale of five sisters struggling with their strict family's expectations — particularly their uncle's determination to marry them all off — and finally driven to do something about it. If you missed Mustang at November's Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival, don't make the same mistake twice. And if you're wondering why it sounds familiar, other than effusive enthusiasm and its seeming narrative similarities to The Virgin Suicides, that's probably because the feature was nominated for best foreign language film at this year's Academy Awards. The Gold Coast Film Festival runs from March 31 to April 10 at the Gold Coast Arts Centre and Birch Carroll and Coyle Coolangatta. Visit the festival website for the full program.
The clocks have ticked forward, and we all know what that means: the outdoor cinema season is almost here. Movie lovers in Brisbane are spoiled for choice when it comes to openair screens — and from the looks of things that doesn't appear to be changing any time soon. Following on from Moonlight Cinema's announcement of their 2016/17 program, Sunset Cinema is the city's latest pop-up picture house — and we can't wait to check it out. Sunset ran outdoor cinemas in North Sydney, Canberra and Wollongong last year, but this is their first Queensland venture. Located at the Mt Coo-tha Botanic Gardens, Sunset Cinema kicks off on Friday, March 17, before running Wednesdays through Saturdays until April 15. The program skews towards more recent films including Captain Fantastic, The Magnificent Seven, Bridget Jones's Baby and The Girl on the Train, although they have squeezed one retro title in there: Dirty Dancing. They've also put together a top-notch food and beverage offering, in order to keep your stomach from grumbling during the film. They'll set up a snack bar and the site will have a fully licensed bar, serving 4 Pines craft beers and MadFish wines. For more information about Sunset Cinema, including the full program, visit sunsetcinema.com.au/brisbane.
Everybody loves bacon, at least as far as Brisbane's latest eatery is concerned. With a name like B'coz Bacon, their devotion to everyone's favourite pork product is hardly surprising. This new restaurant's moniker also cancels out the need to ask why they're dedicating their business to Homer Simpson's magical animal. Indeed, their menu might only boast three items so far, but they've all got one mouthwatering, meaty thing in common. Maybe you like your bacon covered in breadcrumbs, then served on sourdough with rocket, avocado, mayonnaise and tomato? Perhaps you want it ground into a beef patty, placed on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheese, caramelised onions and special sauce, and then topped with more bacon? Or turned into dust and sprinkled all over a plate of hand-cut herb and parmesan-coated chips? If so, you're in luck — well, you will be once B'coz Bacon starts trading that is. After a period of taste testing and conjuring up their delicious-sounding dishes, they're now in the building phase. Expect to see them inhabiting a mobile shipping container and popping up at markets around the city in the coming weeks. For more information about B'coz Bacon, keep an eye on their Facebook page.
Missed The Preatures on their huge sold-out 'Cruel' tour this spring? How'd you like to catch them live this summer, for free? The Sydney fivesome are gearing up for another national escapade, this time joining forces with Corona Extra for a huge free November tour. Locked in for 20 locations across the country, Corona Sunsets will see the Sydneysiders play unplugged shows everywhere from Bondi Beach's Bucket List to the Portsea Hotel. Kicking off in Yallingup, Western Australia on November 6, the tour will wind through some of The Preatures' favourite bars in WA, NSW and Queensland before finishing up in Victoria on the last weekend in November. Isabella Manfredi, Gideon Bensen, Jack Moffitt, Thomas Champion and Luke Davison will be careening through their 2014 debut album Blue Planet Eyes, from crowd favourite singles like 'Cruel', 'Somebody's Talking' and 'Is This How You Feel?' to lesser known album gems like 'Ordinary' and 'Whatever You Want'. Fingers crossed for a raucous pub singalong to The Preatures' go-to cover, The Angels' 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again'. All shows are free entry, over-18s only and it's first-in, best-dressed. If Corona Extra's previous free Australian tours, like Cloud Control, are anything to go by, you're going to want to get there pretty damn early. For details head to Corona's website. THE PREATURES' CORONA SUNSETS QLD TOUR DATES: November 20 Beach House Hotel, Scarness, 8pm November 21 Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point, 3pm Noosa Heads S.L.S.C, Noosa Heads, 9pm November 22 Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta, 3pm
If you like your pasta round and made from potatoes, then you're going to like the latest cuisine-specific eatery setting up shop in Brisbane. No, it's not an Italian joint. Not, it isn't dedicated to doughy noodles in all shapes and sizes. Instead, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers is about to become Australia's first dedicated gnoccheria. If that name sounds familiar, that's because you've likely come across Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers' busy stall everywhere from the Jan Powers Farmers Market in the CBD and Eat Street at Hamilton to the brand new Mount Gravatt Marketta or Night Quarter on the Gold Coast. Due to start serving their fresh, house-made potato parcels from Paddington's Given Terrace in late October, they're now making the leap so many market-based Brissie businesses have in recent years by opening their own bricks-and-mortar establishment. What none of their predecessors offer, of course, is an impressive array of gnocchi in varieties such as pumpkin and ricotta, and with sauces including bolognese, wild mushroom and truffle, and cherry tomato and black olive. Everything is made from organic ingredients — and if you want something other than the the Brothers' dish of choice, then you'll also be able to grab an Italian cannoli, tiramisu and panna cotta for dessert. When the store first opens its doors, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers will be a takeaway-only affair; however plans for a small dine-in area are also afoot. And you'll be able to pick up a small range of Italian groceries on site as well. We recommend stopping by on an empty stomach. Find Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers at 210 Given Terrace, Paddington from late October. Check out their Facebook page for more information. Via The Courier-Mail. Image via cyclonebill.
It's one of the most popular podcasts in the world, and one that has educated listeners on topics from the inner workings of waterslides to the ingredients that make up Spam. Now, Stuff You Should Know is coming to Brisbane for the first time. Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant are the hosts of the research-based, general knowledge podcast. The pair became friends while working at HowStuffWorks.com and created the podcast as an attempt to repackage some of the website's most popular content. So far they've recorded episodes on everything from disco to the time when Nazis invaded Florida in WWII; wonky stuff like trickle-down economics and voter suppression; science-y topics like the sun, global warming, bioluminescence and willpower; and totally random topics you'd never think could be interesting, like grass, zoot suits and shotgun houses. Since 2014, Josh and Chuck have taken the Stuff You Should Know live show on the road to cities across the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland. Like the podcast, the live experience bundles up learning with laughter. Expect to witness a never-heard-before episode unfold in real time.
The balmy season's about to kick off on a ridiculously blissful foot, with Tame Impala announcing a huge national tour this morning, hitting some of Australia's biggest outdoor venues this November. Following one widely celebrated comeback set at this year's Splendour in the Grass, Perth's favourite psychedelic outfit are doing an epic tour through Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and back to their Perth hometown. Tame brain and frontman Kevin Parker will be teaming up with Dom Simper, Cam Avery, Jay Watson and Julien Barbagello to bring the insanely successful new album Currents to venues like the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Melbourne's epic Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the Brisbane Riverstage. Such big outdoor shows deserve one heck of a support, and you'll get it in Mini Mansions (Queens of the Stone Age bass player Michael Shuman's side project). Tame Impala will also be joined by Fremantle's seven-piece hip hop outfit Koi Child for the Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth shows. TAME IMPALA 2015 NATIONAL TOUR DATES: Saturday, November 7 — Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Tuesday, November 10 — Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney Wednesday, November 11 — Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney Saturday, November 14 — Belvoir Amphitheatre, Perth Wednesday. November 18 — Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide Saturday. November 21 — Riverstage, Brisbane Tickets on sale Monday 31 August, 9am local time, from tameimpala.com. Image: Matt Sav.
It's only been running since 2013, but the British Film Festival has achieved something most other fests can only dream of. In four short years, it has become the must-attend movie event brightening up cinema screens as the year comes to an end — and if you've been to one of the previous festivals, you'll know that it's always busy. Kicking off in Brisbane on October 27 and making its way around the country, the 2016 instalment promises another jam-packed year of Old Blighty's movie delights. From opening night's real-life love story A United Kingdom to the spirit-soaked comedy hijinks of Whisky Galore — and including a doco about a man determined to swipe Banksy's street art, the latest film from the director of the glorious Sunset Song, and a chance to see the likes of Goldfinger, Highlander and Oliver! on a big screen as well — the 2016 fest has it all. We recommend grabbing a Pimm's cup, munching on some jam-smothered scones, and adding these five must-see flicks to your viewing list. I, DANIEL BLAKE Only eight filmmakers have won Cannes Film Festival's coveted Palme d'Or more than once — and after nearly fifty years of making movies, the now-80-year-old director Ken Loach has become one of them. His latest feature, I, Daniel Blake, showcases just what the veteran does best: craft social realist dramas that get to the heart of British life. Starring English comedian Dave Johns alongside A Royal Night Out actress Hayley Squires, the film follows the titular character's attempts to obtain government support following a spate of health troubles, as well as the similar situation faced by a young single mother. Loach dissects the bureaucracy that comes with their predicament, resulting in an effort that's been called his angriest to date. It's must-see viewing. A MONSTER CALLS Things have been pretty hectic for Felicity Jones of late. She's currently running around Europe with Tom Hanks in Inferno, and will soon travel to a galaxy far, far away as the lead in forthcoming Star Wars side-story Rogue One. And, playing a mother with terminal cancer, she's also the reason that a young boy befriends a tree-shaped, Liam Neeson-voiced giant in A Monster Calls. Directed by The Orphanage and The Impossible's J.A. Bayona, the film adaptation of the beloved book promises to be that other kind of creature feature — you know, the heart-warming, spell-binding, moving and magical kind. OASIS: SUPERSONIC This one will have music doco lovers — and fans of the bad boy Britpop rockers who catapulted to fame, said they were bigger than The Beatles, and got into a top-of-the-charts tussle with Blur — rejoicing. Yep, Oasis made us wonder about champagne supernovas in the sky, asked "what's the story, morning glory?", and probably inspired you to call someone your wonderwall — however, they haven't received the comprehensive documentary treatment until now. Trust Amy filmmaker Asif Kapadia to be involved (though he's just an executive producer this time), with Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll's Mat Whitecross actually in the director's chair. You'll also spot the Gallagher brothers' names among the EP list, but that doesn't mean the doco presents a sanitised version of the band's tumultuous career. Noel and Liam have well and truly proven that they like a bit of drama, after all. TRESPASS AGAINST US In Trespass Against Us, Michael Fassbender plays a caravan-dwelling father and small-time crim who can't find his way away from his own not-so-positive paternal influence, who's played by Brendan Gleeson. Yep, the movie clearly delivers in terms of both casting and an intriguing tale — and then there's the behind-the-scenes talent. Filmmaker Adam Smith hasn't actually made a feature before, but the Skins veteran is known for his work with the Chemical Brothers — in fact, he has designed the visual elements for their gigs since their first show back in 1994, and also directed their stellar concert flick Don't Think. That's obviously why the electronic music legends are involved as well, lending their distinctive sonic stylings to the film's score. And yes, their first such effort since 2011's Hanna sounds amazing as expected. THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH Has ever a film's title described its star so perfectly? Has a performer ever been so accurately cast in a movie? We can only be talking about one feature and one musician-turned-actor, of course — and with David Bowie's passing in January, the British Film Festival is giving everyone the opportunity to see one of the big-screen highlights of his career. Playing the literally otherworldly Thomas Jerome Newton, Bowie really is a starman in this gorgeously restored version of the sci-fi classic. It's the role he was born to play, in a movie that's as astonishing today as it was when it was first released 40 years ago. The 2016 BBC First British Film Festival will be screening at Brisbane's Palace Barracks from Thursday, October 27 to Wednesday, November 16. For more information and the full program, visit britishfilmfestival.com.au.
Brisbane movie buffs, prepare to spend even more time at the movies, because the 2016 film festival season is about to officially commence. Brisbane Queer Film Festival is one of the first cabs off the rank, and they've unleashed an 11-day program brimming with cinematic excitement. It is their 17th year, after all. BQFF 2016 gets things started with not one but two high-profile retrospective screenings, because film festivals are about looking back at those great movies from times gone by just as much as showcasing new cinema treats from around the world. Leading the lineup is opening night's '70s-set disco wonder 54: The Director's Cut — aka the Ryan Phillippe, Neve Campbell, Salma Hayek and Mike Myers movie done the way filmmaker Mark Christopher originally intended. And as a sneak peek of the program the day before the official kick-off, the fest is showcasing Fred Schepisi's controversial The Devil's Playground to commemorate its 40th anniversary, complete with star Simon Burke in attendance. On the fresh flicks front, BQFF boasts local and international festival faves such as the Lily Tomlin-starring comedy Grandma, Sundance 2015 best director winner The Summer of Sangaile, Aussie surf fare Drown and Peter Greenaway's Eisenstein in Guanajuato. Everyone who was moved to tears by Holding the Man should bring tissues to documentary Remembering the Man, which similarly revisits the heart-wrenching tale of Tim Conigrave and John Caleo. The rest of the packed lineup includes everything from Berlinale Teddy award-winning doco The New Man to Swedish supernatural body swap effort Girls Lost. Yes, it's all shaping up to be yet another great of queer cinema; however not everything at BQFF 2016 adheres to the business-as-usual model. This year, the film-focused companion event to Brisbane Powerhouse's MELT continues its game of musical chairs, having moved from Brisbane Powerhouse to Palace Centro in 2015, and now taking place at New Farm Cinemas. That's not really all that surprising; in the last six months, the Brunswick Street theatre has played host to the Queensland Film Festival, the Iranian Film Festival Australia, the Indian International Film Festival of Queensland, the Jewish International Film Festival and the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival, among others, with the Brisbane Underground Film Festival also due to call the venue home this February. Brisbane Queer Film Festival 2016 runs from February 18 – 28 at New Farm Cinemas. For more information, visit their website.
When a laneway boasts a pub, bar, bistro, pizzeria and beer cafe — and will soon play host to Brisbane's only Gelato Messina store — it's the kind of place you want to spend plenty of time in. And whether you've been hanging around South Brisbane's Fish Lane already, or you're planning to in the future, here's another reason to stop by: they're throwing their own free festival. That'd be the aptly titled Fish Lane Festival on May 7, which promises to showcase all of the food and drink options the stretch of road between Merivale and Grey streets is known for, plus a few other nearby favourites as well. Satisfying your hunger and thirst isn't the only thing on the agenda, though. Two stages of live music will also feature among the gourmet eats, signature dishes, and craft cocktail beer and wine bar pop-ups, complete with tunes by Reece Freeman, Franky Smart, Groove or Die, Soulergy Music and Parasol. Trust the folks from The Fox Hotel to be behind the fun; they are the laneway's most prominent hangout, and one of its longest-standing hotspots, after all. They'll be joined by Billy Kart Kitchen, Birds Nest Restaurant, Fish Lane Bistro, Gauge, Habitat Restaurant & Bar, Julius Pizzeria, Madame Wu, Maker, Saccharomyces Beer Cafe and The Gunshop Cafe. And, gelato fans, Gelato Messina will be making a pop-up appearance ahead of their much-anticipated October opening. Not only does it sound like a great day out, but it's also the kind of party that wasn't possible even a decade ago. Remember when Brisbane didn't have thriving nooks and crannies like this? Yes, we're choosing not to, too; however Fish Lane Festival proves a very fitting celebration of the city's blossoming laneway culture. Fish Lane Festival takes place from 12pm on May 7. For more information, visit the festival's Facebook page. Image: Dana Newman for Gelato Messina, coming soon to Fish Lane.
There's a brand new festival coming to New South Wales, sporting a mini-Meredith lineup, an outdoor cinema and an independent record market. Plus, it's in one of Australia's prettiest coastal towns. Fairgrounds is Australia's newest boutique music festival, coming to the NSW town of Berry this December. It's just two hours out of Sydney on the south coast, so one easy peasy road trip. Pioneered by Handsome Tours, the shiny new festival fuses local food, boutique beverages, markets, movies and music in one sweet-sounding event. Taking cues from the recently-announced Meredith lineup, Fairgrounds' folk, pop and garage-focused lineup will see LA-based crooner Father John Misty headline, with Brooklyn glitchy duo RATATAT and dream pop legends Mercury Rev at the top. San Francisco's quirky characters Unknown Mortal Orchestra will be there, alongside folk-rocker Jessica Pratt, Sydney's immortal Royal Headache and the gospel dancehall blues of C.W. Stoneking. While music is your main drawcard to most festivals, Fairgrounds has given more weight to the in-between elements than many festivals do. Foodies will find a gastronomical paradise at the event, with wines and local nibbles sourced from neighbouring estates. There'll be markets and field games — sounds like someone enjoyed Secret Garden Festival — and the best bit? There'll be an outdoor cinema: Fairgrounds' Cinema Under the Stars, presented by Madman Films. FAIRGROUNDS 2015 LINE-UP (SO FAR): C.W. Stoneking Father John Misty Jessica Pratt Mercury Rev RATATAT Royal Headache Unknown Mortal Orchestra Fairgrounds Festival is happening on Saturday, December 5 in Berry, NSW. Earlybird 'Fairgrounds Founder' tickets are $110 and go on sale on Thursday 20 August at fairgrounds.com.au and moshtix.com.au. Kids under 12 enter the festival for free. You can choose to stay offsite in a B&B, or Fairgrounds offers in-site camping. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
It's the gloriously bready circular snack that's been taking over Brisbane one market at a time — and nope, it's not doughnuts (for once). From August 20, one of Brisbane's favourite bagel sellers is setting up a new store right in the heart of West End. Schmears all round. Of course, if you've frequented NYC Bagel Deli's Chermside shop or dropped into their space in The Market Room at Logan, then you'll know that this isn't their first bricks-and-mortar establishment. And if you've flocked to Davies Park on a Saturday morning to get your fix, you'll know their permanent Vulture Street digs aren't their first foray into the inner-city suburb either. That said, knowing that you can grab one of their freshly made sandwiches any time the craving hits — and just a stone's throw away from the CBD, too — was always going to be welcome news. Did we mention that you can pick from 12 kinds of bagel, ranging from plain to jalapeno to blueberry? Or that fillings include grilled haloumi, the BRAT with bacon, rocket, avocado and tomato, and honey and maple cream cheese? Yep, those bagel cravings will be ramping up soon. Expect new flavours to join the fold at the new setup, which is reason enough to head along more than once. And if you live on the west or north sides of town and have made a Sunday morning bite part of your weekend routine, don't worry. NYC Bagel Deli will continue to pop up at the Milton and Eagle Farm markets as well. Find NYC Bagel Deli at Vulture Street, West End from August 20. Check out their website and Facebook page for further information.
Whenever you head to Jocelyn's Provisions on James Street for your fix of sweet and savoury morsels, you're paying tribute to the efforts of one woman. Her name is featured in the store's moniker, and she's the reason it became one of Brisbane's most beloved places for cakes, pastries, pies and other scrumptious items fresh out of the oven. The eponymous Jocelyn Hancock is now taking on a new challenge — or going back to an old favourite, whichever way you'd like to put it. After also having a hand in the tasty food offerings available at Alfred & Constance, Kwan Brothers and Chester St Kitchen, she's returning to all things baked. Cake & Bake is her new venture, opening on Montague Road in South Brisbane at the end of November. Not only is her love of the titular concoctions important, but the place. Hancock considers South Brisbane and West End to have "a spirit that’s stuck around through all the changes," that she can’t wait to be part of again. Expect take-home treats made from produce sourced from Hancock's childhood home of Braeside, as well as from a network of local farmers. Also expect a seasonal menu of cakes and slices, plus some not so-sweet offerings, as well as fresh filled rolls using their own relishes, salads for lunchtime eating, and even the store's own range of fresh-made preserves. Yum. Find Cake & Bake on Montague Road, South Brisbane, and visit their website and Facebook page for more information.
Brightside proved itself in 2014 to be incapable of doing wrong when it comes to live performance. True testament to this is their Australia Day Eve lineup, which rivals that of any major music festival on our horizon, and at a good price to boot. The party includes sets by dream-spinning, rock demigod Ariel Pink, New Zealand indie-rock pioneers The Clean, our mate American singer/songwriter How to Dress Well and eletro-wizard Dan Deacon. From the local circuit, Tincture, Primitive Motion and Thigh Master will also welcome in the public holiday. Tickets online are $56.10, but a few boutique outlets, such as one on Winn lane that rhymes with ScoutMost, may be selling them a little cheaper. You didn't hear it from us.
The One Day crew is hitting the road, bringing their famous daytime block parties to live music venues around Australia. Between the end of October and the week before Christmas, DJs from the beloved Sydney hip hop collective will bounce from coast to coast, stopping by a dozen capital cities and country towns along the way. Taking its cue from the group's massive monthly blowouts in Sydney, the One Day Block Party National Tour will see the One Day crew team up with local DJs and artists as they roll through pub, beer gardens, courtyards and car parks. Expect food and booze, live graffiti and a whole bunch of hip hop. The tour will start on October 29 in Adelaide before rolling through WA, Queensland, NSW and Victoria, finally wrapping up in the nation's capital on December 18. ONE DAY BLOCK PARTY NATIONAL TOUR Saturday 29th October – The Ed Castle, Adelaide Sunday 30th October – The Rosemount, Perth Saturday 12th November – Kirwan Tavern, Townsville Sunday 13th November – Magnum's, Airlie Beach Saturday 19th November – Miami Tavern, Gold Coast Sunday 20th November – Ric's Backyard, Brisbane Saturday 26th November – The Rosemount, Perth Sunday 27th November – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough Saturday 10th December – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Sunday 11th December – Beer Deluxe, Albury Saturday 17th December – Proud Mary's, Erina Sunday 18th December – Westside Village, Canberra To book tickets, visit www.onedayblockparty.com.
It's never too cold for ice cream, right? Thankfully, that's certainly the case in Brisbane. Here, a new gelato place can open in the middle of winter and no one bats an eyelid. Where else but Queensland indeed. Nom Nom Natural Gelato is the family-owned store in question, bringing 18 flavours of deliciousness to Oxford Street — and that's just the beginning. Those fond of sweet, frozen dairy treats best flock to Bulimba for the latest taste sensation — and if their menu is anything to go by, it's a trip worth making. Combining Maleny dairy milk and cream with the best ingredients, the nomworthy range includes all the usual suspects. Think Belgium chocolate with or without orange or coffee, Madagascar vanilla bean plus optional salted caramel sauce, as well as fruity servings of blueberry and strawberry. But it's the not-so-usual flavours that should get gelato lovers excited, courtesy of a few housemade blends. First, there's the pistachio, almond and cashew concoctions made with 100 percent real nut paste. Then there's the cheesecake, apple pie and gingerbread varieties. And don't forget fresh mint with chocolate chips, green tea and fresh lemon, banana and cinnamon, and coconut with shreds, too. Gluten-free, lactose-free and vegetarian recipes are still to come, so those with dietary requirements can soon join in the fun. And for anyone in need of a caffeine fix with their sugar hit, Nom Nom Natural Gelato also boasts a variety of Abrisca cold presses. They're garnering nom noms in more ways than one. Find Nom Nom Natural Gelato at 139 Oxford Street, Bulimba or visit their Facebook page.
They've been filling Sydneysiders' stomachs with amazing Italian meals for years, but it seems Otto Ristorante seek more northern palates. After conquering the New South Wales fine dining scene, the Woolloomooloo mainstay is expanding their footprint. Next stop: Brisbane. Come mid-June, Queenslanders can head to 480 Queen Street to enjoy the eatery's modern take on Italian classics — and no, we're not just talking about the usual pizza and pasta set-up. Instead, you'll find Byron Bay Berkshire pork cutlets, eggplant parmigiana and corn-fed chicken breast wrapped in pancetta on the menu, plus a seven-dish tasting menu with optional matching beverages. Okay, so that all sounds good and delicious, but whether you eat meat or avoid it, your salivating is only beginning. Otto's signature whole roasted suckling pig for eight will keep the former satisfied, while their new vegan lineup caters for the latter. And there's a mighty nice wine list to go along with both, naturally. That's the food and drink side of the equation covered; however Otto isn't just about consuming scrumptious things. Setting up shop on the fourth level of one the Brissie CBD's most-awaited developments, it'll also feature an exterior bar with killer river views, and have access to the building's high-rise park. Yep, their morsels won't just make your mouth water — they'll come with multiple views. Find Otto Ristorante Brisbane at 480 Queen Street from mid-June. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more information.
Brisbanites, if your daily routine involves a trip to, from or past King George Square, then life is about to get a whole lot sweeter. And doughier and more delicious — and maybe filled with Nutella, glazed with chocolate, topped with fruit loops and oozing with jam, too. Yes, those tasty pastry dealers known as Doughnut Time have set up shop in the CBD's main commuter hub, much to the delight of, well, everyone. Sure, their new hole-in-the-wall store only serves doughnuts, but we're okay with that. Given how delectable and indulgent their circular orbs are, we can live without the accompanying freakshakes and hot choccies on offer at their other locations. That brings the fast-growing chain's inner-city stores to two — two of a whopping 21 locations Australia-wide, and that's in under two years. Their Topshop hotspot is still going strong and their Brisbane outlets amount to seven alone. This colossal doughnut empire won't let up — but we'll gladly accept more hectic doughnuts into our lives for now. Find Doughnut Time in King George Square, Adelaide Street, Brisbane, or check out their website and Facebook page for more information.
Hungry musicians doing it tough on tour, prepare to satisfy your appetites. All it takes is a stopover in Brisbane for a gig, and a trip to a certain Fortitude Valley café. That'd be LostBoys, the new saviour of starving artists visiting sunny climates. The Ann Street establishment isn't just largely staffed by those handy with a guitar, drum kit or microphone, but wants to support them too. That's why they've taken it upon themselves to offer a solution to the scourge of musos everywhere: barely making enough money to eat while they're away from home. Travelling around the country playing live shows might seem like a fun life, but the thrill of taking to the stage is tempered by the not-so-glamorous, not-so-financially-lucrative reality. At LostBoys, musical talent dropping by Brisbane can treat themselves to whatever takes their fancy from the cafe's lineup of 100 percent natural, locally-sourced options. Vegetarians, vegans, dairy free foodies and gluten intolerants, there's something on the menu for you, too. The initiative is a brand new addition to what has fast become one of the area's favourite hangouts — which is no mean feat given that LostBoys only opened in October 2014. Of course, their magic all stems from their name. Trust a Peter Pan-inspired eatery to come up with a wondrous way to help creatives' dreams come true. Via The Music. Visit LostBoys at 694 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, or check out their website.
Ice cream-style drumstick cones filled with tuna and avocado, prawn doughnuts with kimchi mayo, lobster katsu sandwiches and whole snapper karaage — they're just some of the inventive dishes on the menu at Fortitude Valley's new Japanese restaurant, Hôntô. While Brisbane boasts plenty of Japanese eateries, this addition to Alden Street adds a unique twist to the country's culinary staples, as the above highlights demonstrate. Fancy grilled scallops with wasabi salsa verde, wagyu tartare, rice crackers made with chilli edamame or a few scoops of miso ice cream? They're all part of head chef Nathan Lastevec's creative lineup as well, along with a daily sashimi selection, tuna ceviche and raw scampi. Open from 5.30–10.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, Hôntô comes from a team known for trying something different, with the venue a sister site to Longtime on Ann Street. Basically, where Longtime gives classic Thai cuisine a twist, Hôntô does the same with an exclusively Japanese focus — and with a range of rare Japanese whiskeys and sake to wash it all down with. Indeed, in addition to the main dining room and raw dining bar, the restaurant features its own bar, ÔÔ. Like the rest of the place — which is accessed through a black door next to the loading dock for Matt Blatt Furniture — it's dark and moody, though it has quite the boozy range. As well as the types of tipples you'd expect to find in a particularly well-stocked Tokyo izakaya, there are more than 100 wines, plus cocktails, other spirits, liqueurs and craft beers. And, food-wise, if you're keen to settle in for the long haul in Hôntô's backstreet surroundings, you can also opt for one or two banquets: a ten-dish feast for $55 per person, and a 12-dish version for $70 each. Hôntô is now open from 5.30–10.30pm Tuesday to Saturday at Alden Street, Fortitude Valley. Images: Natalie Hoo and Sam Thies.
You'll scream, we'll scream and everyone in Brisbane will scream in March, when the city's ice cream festival returns for its second year. Once again taking over the new West Village in West End — fittingly, the old Peters Ice Cream Factory — the fest is back with more scoops of frozen goodness than you've likely ever dreamed of, including both old favourites and inventive new creations. In short: if it's a frosty, creamy sweet treat of the ice cream or gelato variety, whether simply piled onto a cone, delightfully smashed into a sandwich or ingeniously fashioned into some other tasty concoction, you'll find it here on March 10. That includes the exciting likes of La Macelleria's pistachio gelato-filled cannoli, Ruby the Little Red Ice Cream Van's Stranger Things-themed soft serve and Chop Chop Chang's serving up Golden Gaytime bao. And, based on last year's lineup, we're guessing everyone from Gelato Messina and Queen of the Pops to Boss Bites and Minus 32 will be there as well. Just what else is in store hasn't been revealed, but attendees can expect more than 20 ice cream-fuelled market stalls to visit, and even a few old-school ice cream van jingles ringing through the air. Live music and boozy frozen beverages were also a part of the 2017 offering, so fingers crossed. And while entry is free once again (although you'll have to pay for your ice cream, obviously), registration is absolutely required. With tickets for the first fest snapped up faster than you can devour your favourite dessert, they're certain to be popular. This year, Brisbane Ice Cream Festival will operate in three timed sessions — from 11am–1pm, 1–3pm, and 3–5pm — with tickets available online from 10am on Tuesday, February 13. Brisbane Ice Cream Festival takes place on March 10 at West Village, 97 Boundary Road, West End. For more information, head to the festival website and Facebook page. Register for your free ticket online at 10am on February 13.
It starts with an encore run of a Helpmann winner, ends with a real-life couple taking on a famous dissection of marriage, and features everything from a play about cinema employees to the world premiere of a lauded and applauded script in between. Yep, it's Queensland Theatre's 2017 season, with the Brisbane-based company championing a diverse lineup under new artistic director Sam Strong — and a diverse makeup behind the scenes. Crowd-favourite Ladies in Black may kickstart the theatre troupe's new year in January, complete with over 20 original songs by Crowded House's Tim Finn, however February is when eager audiences can start flocking to fresh content. Telling a tale of selling popcorn and falling in love with a projectionist, international hit The Flick won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for drama, and earned rave reviews in London and New York. That the production will be directed by screen veteran Nadia Tass (Malcolm, The Big Steal) feels rather appropriate. Debuting in March, the Kat Henry-directed science-infused romance Constellations similarly looks set to be a standout, as does the Nakkiah Lui-helmed provocative interrogation of identity, An Octoroon, which makes its way to the stage in September. Throughout the rest of the year, other highlights include Strong's farcical first Queensland Theatre directorial effort Noises Off, as well as Michelle Lee's Queensland Premier's Drama Award-winning multicultural exploration Rice. The Torres Strait-set, multi-generational My Name is Jimi also ranks among the season's must-see productions, as does Scenes from a Marriage, with actors Marta Dusseldorp and Ben Winspear tackling relationship issues in Joanna Murray-Smith's adaptation of Ingmar Bergman's television classic. So far, so filled with options — and if it seems like ladies feature prominently in the lineup, that's by design. Indeed, gender parity is one of the newly renamed Queensland Theatre's key commitments for 2017, with their nine shows achieving an even split of male and female writers and directors. To see the full Queensland Theatre 2017 program and to book tickets, visit the Queensland Theatre website.
Whiskey fiends of Brisbane, it's time to add another spot to your citywide bar crawl. Blind Tiger is about to open its doors in Bulimba, not only gifting the riverside suburb with the quaint and quirky speakeasy-style establishment it has always needed, but also treating liquor fans to their favourite beverage thanks to its focus on amber-coloured spirits. Of course, the finest distilled, fermented grain mash-derived alcoholic tipples from around the world aren't the only thing on the Oxford Street dive bar's drinks menu — although there'll be plenty on offer in keeping with the Prohibition theme, don't worry. Its sugarcane-focused counterpart, aka rum, will also feature. So will six taps pouring out tasty, foamy beer, plus a range of boilermakers and a cocktail menu. That's not bad for a tiny space that you could easily fill with two dozen of your closest friends — and with Brisbane bartender Jesse Stowers helping Blind Tiger come up with their complete beverage list, and owner Robert Harding also behind neighbouring men's-only grooming palace The Moustachery Barbery, there's certain to be plenty more goodness in store. For those after a bite to eat with their refreshments, that includes cheeseboards, charcuterie plates, nachos and sliders, all served up amidst an eccentric, antiques-meets-log cabin-style of decor. Find Blind Tiger at 1b/204 Oxford Street, Bulimba from April 29, or check out their Facebook page for more information.
It's the age-old dilemma: the season of gift giving arrives, accompanied by seemingly constant sales and deals, but every store seems to be selling the same thing. Thankfully, hidden amongst Brisbane's big shopping establishments are a selection of retailers that stand out. Whether it's for their range, for their specific focus or for their eclectic assortment of the expected and not so, these are the stores that offer more than just the usual gift suspects. If they do stock socks, you know they're not just socks. So where should you flock to amid the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle to find the perfect unique present? Here's eight shops with wares a little less ordinary.
Brisbane has another tourist attraction, and lovers of giant sculptures shouting the city's name have reason to celebrate. A new Brisbane sign has popped up at the Cultural Centre Forecourt at South Bank, and this time it is here to stay. Yes, a similar large set of letters adorned the same spot just one short year ago, when a who's who of international leadership descended upon Brisbane for the G20 Summit. Bringing all these global heavies to town might've shut down the streets, but it was the sign that really got Brisbanites excited. It was colourful, it towered over passersby, and it became an instant icon. It filled your social media feeds, and not just because you had your photo taken next to it. And while that enthusiasm and delight resulted in the sign staying put long after Obama & Co. had gone home, it was taken away, letter by letter, in February. "It'll be back," the powers that be told us. Now, they've made good on that promise. The new and improved structure is made from aluminium, making it sturdier, which is quite important given Brisbane's weather frequently alternates between streams of sunshine and thunderous storms. It has also been placed a little bit further away from QPAC, purely so that eager snappers don't have to stand in the road to take pictures of it. And, it's illuminated thanks to 11 LED strips, so it will light up the riverside day and night. Sure, it's not quite the same as the Hollywood sign, but it's close enough.
Ever fancied tucking into a po'boy and a pizza at the same restaurant? It's the stuff random food cravings are made of, and it's now a reality. Just follow your tastebuds to Creole Soul Kitchen, Brisbane's first Creole-Italian establishment. Based on a similar place run by owners Marc Lewis and Leena Monson in Vail, Colorado, Creole Soul Kitchen brings a spicy blend of Louisiana and Italian-style delights to Boundary Street in Spring Hill. Think sub-like sandwiches with fried oyster, soft shell crab or roast beef, and doughy bases topped with everything from meatballs to crocodile sausages. Waffle fries, gumbo and salad also feature on the menu, and in the coming weeks, you'll be able to build your own pasta dish — you can pick your choice of sauce, filling and pasta — too. Whichever kind of meal you're after, you'd best schedule your feasting for weekday lunch, because that's when you'll find the eatery's doors open at present. Dinnertime munching is on its way though, as is a selection of wines and beers on tap to complement its current bottled booze offerings. Find Creole Soul Kitchen at 448 Boundary Street, Spring Hill, or visit their Facebook page for more information. Image: Nirzar Pangarkar, Unsplash.
Hanging out at the old Albion flour mill isn't really something anyone in Brisbane does — yet. Fast forward a few years, and heading to the Albion Mill Village for something to eat, a spot of shopping and a game of table tennis might just be a common occurrence. That's the plan anyway, and one that a just-approved $400-million development is keen to put into action. Two new 20-storey buildings will help transform the Hudson Street site into an urban hub, which is exactly the boost the area needs. Those with good memories might recall that the historic mill was demolished in late 2013 after a devastating fire engulfed the landmark. Architects Elenberg Fraser have been entrusted with the design, so if you like what they're doing with Fortitude Valley's Night Edge development, then you're in luck. Plus, if you happen to have the dosh to buy one of the 633 units that'll be part of the new towers, you'll have access to one of the coolest of perks imaginable: an outdoor cinema that can be enjoyed from the splashy confines of one of the complex's infinity pools. If that's not enough motivation to start saving, then we don't know what is. Via Brisbane Times. Image: Kgbo.
They're the brownies every Brisbanite loves — and rushes to Newstead to devour whenever they get the chance. Soon, these moist, dense, to-die-for morsels won't just be available in one location. Yes, one of the city's favourite dessert makers is bringing their delicious wares to the CBD. We're talking about Dello Mano, of course, and their velvety, chocolatey squares of melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Come early June, prepare to get rather well acquainted with Tattersall's Arcade, because you're about to spend a whole lot of time at the new Dello Mano store there. Die-hard brownie devotees — aka everyone who has tried their artisanal efforts — won't need any more convincing than that, but let's try to get your stomach grumbling anyway. Their luxury handmade offerings were inspired by a trip to Rome, gained attention at local markets, and come in classic, honey caramelised macadamia, peanut butter, nut assortment and gluten-free varieties. You'll also find cakes, tarts, truffles, fudge, chocolates and cookies on their menu too, because Dello Mano really do believe in spreading the gourmet bakery love. You'll never be stuck without a sweet inner-city treat ever again. Hanging out in Tatts waiting for the new shop to open is completely acceptable. Find Dello Mano in Tattersall's Arcade, 215 Queen Street, Brisbane, from early June. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for more information.
It's not everyday that Peter Gunn and Zach Furst shower Brisbane diners with the gastronomical delights that have made Melbourne's IDES such a hit. In fact, there's only two days when that'll be the case: July 25 and 26 during Good Food Month. That's when the duo will be teaming up with Gauge for an up-close-and-personal evening of dinner and drinks. Over eight courses paired with appropriate beverages, you'll discover the truth behind the rave reviews. Our advice: if you want to make the most of this rare opportunity, you might want to arrive hungry.
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is on the verge of a massive expansion, with founder David Walsh announcing his vision for an epic five-star hotel — among other things — on the site of the iconic Hobart gallery. The Hotel at MONA — or HOMO for short — has been described as the next phase of growth for the museum, which, since opening in 2011, has become one of Tasmania's biggest draws. "It's very simple really. We like building stuff," said Walsh. "So far it has gone pretty well for us." Pretty well is a bit of an understatement, with the gallery's citywide winter festival, Dark MOFO, having just wrapped up quite possibly its most successful and most talked about instalment so far. Walsh's HOMO announcement is well-timed — and, it must be noted, these plans are by no means approved, as they haven't yet been submitted to MONA's local city council — but what exactly can visitors (and locals) expect from the proposed addition to the Berridale site? And what other changes do Walsh and co. have up their sleeves? Well, a lot. We've broken in down so you can begin to understand what is going on in Walsh's brain. [caption id="attachment_628671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fender Katsalidis Architects.[/caption] A HUGE NEW HOTEL The hotel will be built on the museum's current site in Berridale. With rooms elevated over the Derwent River, the design has been based on San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge flipped upside down.HOMO will consist of 172 rooms, including a number of special 'experience' rooms developed by a selection of internationally renowned artists. Rooms facing the northeast will enjoy a view of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, while rooms facing southeast will look up the river towards Claremont and Otago Bay. It looks nuts. [caption id="attachment_628672" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fender Katsalidis Architects[/caption] AN AMPHITHEATRE The hotel will also house a three-storey library to house Walsh's collection of rare books and manuscripts and an indoor theatre with seating for over 1000 people. Most notably, there will also be an outdoor stage and amphitheatre complete with playground designed by textile artist Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam. A restaurant, conference centre and spa will also be on-site. [caption id="attachment_628674" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rémi Chauvin.[/caption] A MOVE FOR MONA FOMA In related news, MONA is also planning to move the Festival of Music and Art (FOMA) from Hobart to Launceston. "The festival's original ten-year plan — to change the culture in Hobart — has come to fruition ahead of schedule," said FOMA creative director Brian Richie. "We'd like to embark upon a new creative journey - to relocate to Launceston in search of new challenges, new collaborations, fresh partnerships and novel creative models." MONA has requested funding from the State Government to do this. [caption id="attachment_628675" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fender Katsalidis Architects.[/caption] AN ART 'ANTI-CASINO' Perhaps the most intriguing element is 'Monaco', a private, high-limit, pokies-free 'anti-casino' that will double as an outlet for art and design. We're really not sure what this means, but that's probably the point. [caption id="attachment_628676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fender Katsalidis Architects.[/caption] WHEN WILL IT ALL HAPPEN? Construction is expected to take approximately three years — although the start date could still a while away as the hotel's development plans are yet to be submitted to Glenorchy City Council. A "comprehensive consultation process" with the public will also be held. MONA hopes to start building in 2019 for an opening in early 2022. For what it's worth though, State Premier Will Hodgman seems keen on the project, telling reporters that "I think whatever comes out via Mona and David Walsh is always worth listening to." We'll keep an eye on this one. Top image: Fender Katsalidis Architects.
If you love surrounding yourself completely in Zara, you'll now be able to extend the Zara-love to your bedroom. Zara Home has opened its first Australian store at Melbourne's Highpoint Shopping Centre, with a flagship store set to open in Sydney in just a few months. The home decor arm of the Zara-owning Inditex Group, the Australian stores is home to Zara's gorgeous printed bedding lines, table and bath linens, decorative furniture (we're talking seriously cute lamps and rugs), tablewear worth investing in, cutlery and ornamental items, all based on seasonal fashion trends — so you might be able to match your handbag to your bedspread for an undeniably strong look. The brand new 310-sqm Melbourne store embodies the Zara brand in interior design — think elegant chestnut wood and marble floors, neutral paints and mother-of-pearl details, not to forget that epic gold logo. Coinciding with international Zara Home stores (now operating in 60 countries with 437 stores), the Australian stores will unveil two collections per year, with new items delivered every week. Along with the slick furnishings and oaky utensils you'll be visualising in your rich mahogany-smelling apartments, you can pick up the Zara loungewear/pyjama line and bath and body collection instore. With 13 Zara stores currently operating across Australia, it's safe to say we're pretty dedicated Zarans. The stores mark some of the first international brand openings this year, following hugely hyped openings H&M and Uniqlo last year. Zara Home opens in Melbourne's Highpoint Shopping Centre on February 12, head for 120 - 200 Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong. Sydney flagship date still to be confirmed.
Bingo. Rave. Two ends of the spectrum of fine holiday fun and finally — finally — together as one. Bongo's Bingo is a games night like you've never seen before. Part club, part rave, and, of course, part bingo night, this unlikely fusion event has been wildly popular in the UK since 2015. Now, they're taking the show on the road and launching in Australia this June. In partnership with Wats On Events, Bongo's Bingo Down Under is throwing a massive bingo rave at The Tivoli in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley on June 30, after Sydney's Paddington Town Hall and Melbourne's Collingwood Town Hall. Patrons can expect all of the debauchery of the original British version of Bongo's Bingo, including rave intervals, dancing on tables and a loose kind of bingo that you definitely never played with your nan (well, maybe you have). The victorious players can win everything from big cash prizes to a Hills Hoist, with a range of some absolutely ridiculous surprises on offer. The Brisbane launch event will be presided over by founder and comic ringleader Jonny Bongo who, as one would expect, is a character in the truest sense of the word and even holds the world record for the biggest ever pub quiz. Australia is the second international location for Bongo's Bingo, which recently launched in Dubai as well and, based on popularity, we imagine the event will continue to expand around the globe. Venues, guest lineup and DJ hosts will be announced in coming weeks, and tickets will go on sale Wednesday, May 31 at 6pm. Keep an eye on this space for further updates and brush up on those bingo-break down skills in the meantime. Bongo's Bingo will hit Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in June. For more information and to buy tickets, visit bongosbingodownunder.com.au.
First, the bad news: Brewsvegas, Brisbane's annual celebration of beverages, doesn't take place until March. Now, the good news: once again, they're getting into the early swing of things at the ideal summer event for those who like to cool off with both a beer and a swim. Say hello to the Great Brewsvegas Pool Party, aka the get-together that wants to amp up your excitement not once, but twice. The festival's 2018 lineup has already been revealed, but there's plenty to celebrate — and descending upon Ithaca Pool ready for an evening of splashing about is certain to get you pumped as well. Tickets to the pre-fest shindig cost $10, and include a program and a glass of the official Stone & Wood Brewsvegas beer for the year, with all proceeds going to OzHarvest Brisbane. For added merriment, surf rock band The Wet Fish will crank out the on-theme tunes, there'll be an onsite food truck serving up festive eats and extra brews will be on tap.
Cooking with beer: it's a tradition as ancient as the Egyptians. Yet for many modern beer drinkers, beer's potential ends at the bottom of the bottle. It’s no great secret that beer and food go hand-in-hand, whether paired with an arvo barbecue or late-night munchies. But beer can — nay should — be so much more than just an accompaniment to the food you eat; it adds rich flavours, tenderises meat and makes for all-round juicier dishes. And its helping hand can reach all the way down to dessert. Here are five key you'll want to try wielding your beer in the kitchen. GRILLING WITH BEER Aussies are known for their barbecues, which more often than not involve booze. To baste any grill food with beer, simply pour your favourite beer over the top and close the lid. The beer has a caramelising effect and adds to the juiciness of the meat. Possibly the most epic way to cook beer is the beer butt chicken — achieved by sitting a whole chicken on top of a can of beer. (You know when a recipe instructs you to take a swig it’s going to be a winner.) For beer grilling, VB really comes in handy, but if you’re looking to go craft, a James Squire Sundown Australian Lager will also do the trick. Image: Manners. BATTERING WITH BEER Beer-battered food is probably the most widely known form of cooking with beer. For beer battered fish, make sure the beer is cold and freshly opened so it’s still fizzy — the bubbles add body and lightness to the batter. The beer also makes the batter appear thicker while keeping it airy and also imparts aroma and flavour. Most recipes will call for a simple lager, but we like the added flavour of easy drinking ales like Riverside Brewing Company 69 summer ale. Image: Kimchi Chronicles. STEWING WITH BEER The classic beef and Guinness stew is pretty self explanatory; simply add and simmer, burning off the alcohol but not the caramel or nutty flavours. You aren’t limited by beer choice, though, and can use any stout/porter or even dark ale you like. Jamie Oliver's recipe does just that. A few easy pairings for a stew are Mornington English brown ale and Holgate Temptress chocolate porter. This recipe is perfect for those chilly nights in. Image: Redbrick. SAUCING WITH BEER Beer doesn’t have to be boiled or heated down to be useful in cooking. It is great for a variety of sauces, from vinaigrettes to barbecued sauced ribs. Beer also works really well as a marinade, since its enzymes help break down tough fibres and really tenderise meat. Beer’s role as a marinade is so versatile, the best rule here is to use a beer you enjoy drinking. If you like the taste, you’ll like it in your food too. Image: Droolworthy Daily. BAKING WITH BEER The parallel history of beer and baking goes back to the Egyptians — a topic dear to beer geek/historianJohnathan Hepner of Batch Brewing. This is true especially in the case of bread, the ingredients of which make it a close cousin to beer. A few Australian bakeries have beer and barley sourdough, but there’s nothing more satisfying than baking your own. The malted syrup used in this recipe mimics the malt in the beer, giving a well-balanced and complex flavour. Beer brownies? Absolutely. Stouts and porters add a richness and nutty sweetness to desserts. Try The Butcher Porter from The Rocks Brewing Co or James Squire Jack of Spades in your next chocolatey dessert. Image: Community Table. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
The One Day crew is hitting the road, bringing their famous daytime block parties to live music venues around Australia. Between the end of October and the week before Christmas, DJs from the beloved Sydney hip hop collective will bounce from coast to coast, stopping by a dozen capital cities and country towns along the way. Taking its cue from the group's massive monthly blowouts in Sydney, the One Day Block Party National Tour will see the One Day crew team up with local DJs and artists as they roll through pub, beer gardens, courtyards and car parks. Expect food and booze, live graffiti and a whole bunch of hip hop. The tour will start on October 29 in Adelaide before rolling through WA, Queensland, NSW and Victoria, finally wrapping up in the nation's capital on December 18. ONE DAY BLOCK PARTY NATIONAL TOUR Saturday 29th October – The Ed Castle, Adelaide Sunday 30th October – The Rosemount, Perth Saturday 12th November – Kirwan Tavern, Townsville Sunday 13th November – Magnum's, Airlie Beach Saturday 19th November – Miami Tavern, Gold Coast Sunday 20th November – Ric's Backyard, Brisbane Saturday 26th November – The Rosemount, Perth Sunday 27th November – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough Saturday 10th December – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle Sunday 11th December – Beer Deluxe, Albury Saturday 17th December – Proud Mary's, Erina Sunday 18th December – Westside Village, Canberra To book tickets, visit www.onedayblockparty.com.
If you're heading to New Zealand's Christchurch region for a short holiday, you can't leave without going bungy jumping. There are plenty of opportunities to get your adrenaline going, so why not live on the wild side of life? Experience breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, beautiful coastal vistas and lush green forest while you get reacquainted with the thrill-seeking side of yourself. If you're into the kind of fun that leaves your stomach in knots, then this guide will not disappoint. The adrenaline-junkie kiwis seem to know a thing or two about going on an adventure. TACKLE THE RAPIDS IN HANMER SPRINGS Drive for 90 minutes to Hanmer Springs and book yourself in for a white water rafting adventure. You'll find yourself situated within a stunning mountain range, with pink marble land formations heading all the way down the Waiau River canyon. The rapids are Grade 2 in Hanmer Springs, so expect medium-size rapids and low drops with waves less than a metre high. After all the twists, turns and drops you can still get your fair share of serenity — Hanmer Springs is known for its beautiful blue water and stunning scenery. Don't forget to pack something to swim in, there's no doubt you're going to want to relax with a swim at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools after a day out on the rapids. Even adrenaline junkies need some time to chill out. GO JET BOATING IN WAIMAKARIRI GORGE The Waimakariri River, translating to 'cold water' in Māori, is the home of jet boating in Christchurch, with canyons, gorges, rock faces and native forest lining an adventure trail through the water. You can choose between a 30- or 60-minute jet boating adventure in the beautiful blue water — expect 360-degree spins, hairpin turns and a high-speed ride that'll get your heart racing. The Waimakariri river is 90 minutes from Christchurch, but Alpine Jet organises transfers that pick you up from the city and drop you back when the day is done. Because there are so many beautiful rivers in the Christchurch region, there are many places to go jet boating. Another option is at Hanmer Springs. Once you've tested the strength of your stomach there'll be plenty of opportunities to sit back and take in the fresh air in both locations — catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Southern Alps if you're lucky. BUNGY JUMP AMID STUNNING SCENERY You're heading to New Zealand, which means you're going to want to throw yourself from a tall structure connected to an elastic cord — this is the home of bungy jumping after all. Why not let yourself free fall from a bridge for 35 metres towards a surging river to get the blood pumping and the bones jumping? It's an adrenaline rush like no other and one that you're bound to get addicted to. The idyllic Hanmer Springs Bungy, 90 minutes from Christchurch, is the perfect spot for first timers who may need to distract themselves with stunning scenery before taking a leap of faith. MOUNTAIN BIKE THE EDGE OF THE CITY The Christchurch region's beautiful scenery and stunning mountains make it an ideal destination for avid mountain bikers. There are many cycling tracks to discover, but the Port Hills is one of Christchurch's best kept secrets and one of our favourites. With its dramatic landscape of tussock grasslands and rugged mountain terrain, it's easy to see why. Ten different trails in this area each have their own unique highlights — and they're perfect for both new and experienced riders. The new Christchurch Adventure Park is another mountain biking option. The huge trails inside range in difficulty — from beginner courses to those designed for experts only. If you're new to mountain biking and want to learn some skills in a safe environment, head here. It's the biggest mountain biking path in the Southern Hemisphere — you won't be short on space. FLY THROUGH THE ADRENALIN FOREST If you consider yourself to be a little bit of a George of the Jungle, here's your chance to prove yourself in the tree tops. A 20-minute drive from Christchurch is the Adrenalin Forest, a two-kilometre aerial obstacle course set in the beautiful Spencer Park. We can't promise you'll have the opportunity to hang from vines, but there's more than enough to keep you challenged with over 100 activities and six courses to sink your teeth into. If you're a real adrenaline junkie, tackle the high-wire course. It's not quite walking between the twin towers Man On Wire-style, but you're sure to get up to 20 metres into the forest canopy — that's at least two or three stories off the ground and more than enough to get you shaking in your boots. Maybe you've been to New Zealand's North Island, but have you ever ventured down South? Christchurch, and New Zealand's surrounding Canterbury region, is the perfect place for a quick holiday. Use our planning guide to book your trip, then sort out your itinerary with our food, nature and relaxation guides.
Getting down to your local for a nice cold beer is now as easy as pushing a button. As part of a new marketing campaign, Czech beer company Kozel has devised the Tap Out button, which when pressed will summon a taxi to ferry you to the nearest pub. Could this be the greatest scientific innovation of the modern age? Until Dominoes rolls out that pizza robot of theirs, we reckon it might just be. The buttons, of which there are three, will be made available via twitter. All beer lovers need to do is mention a mate and use the hashtag #PushforPub, and they could soon be on their way to the closest establishment that serves Kozel. What's more, there'll be two pints waiting for them on arrival. Pretty crafty. The button is good for three uses, at which point it presumably self-destructs, Mission: Impossible-style. Now the bad news: for the time being at least, the Tap Out buttons are only available in the UK, although according to PSFK, there's a chance more will be made available if the initial campaign is successful. And frankly, how could it not be. Rest assured, we'll let you know if they make it down to our part of the world. Until then, it looks like you're stuck with walking. https://vimeo.com/175340774 Via PSFK.
Yeah, yeah, so Meghan Trainor spent X weeks at the top of the charts with her multiplatinum mega-single and No 1. album at only 22 years old. Yeah, good. We're pretty set to continue burling 'ROBBED!' for a good few hours after Australia's Courtney Barnett just missed out on her first Grammy award for Best New Artist, with the 'All About That Bass' artist nabbing the gong. But the Melburnian/Hobartian won the live blogging for the event, taking over Tumblr's music page for the day. Apart from Kendrick Lamar rightly dominating errrrthing, Lady Gaga's Bowie tribute and Pharrell's quaint Chanel jacket, Barnett's quiet blogging stole the show for us. Takin' mad selfie GIFs before the show: http://music.tumblr.com/post/139381160531/just-me-and-then-dave-and-then-bones Rockin' the outfit we'd want to wear to the Grammys: http://music.tumblr.com/post/139388982451/me-on-the-red-carpet Waiting for Swifty and Selena to wrap up: http://music.tumblr.com/post/139390159691/taylor-and-selena-in-front-of-me-nbd Before and after-ing on the red carpet. http://music.tumblr.com/post/139390666806/pre-red-carpet-post-red-carpet-we-did-it Scoping out after-Grammy tacos: http://music.tumblr.com/post/139405254176/hanging-with-my-awesome-tour-manager-hook-waiting Go check it out here. What a boss.
Ask a Brisbanite about their favourite ice cream, and they'll likely tell you about a treat that's only available for a brief period every year. That'd be the iconic strawberry sundaes served at the Ekka — or reason enough to brave the flu-riddled crowds if rides and showbags aren't quite your thing. Lick! Ice Cream clearly feel the same end-of-August sundae-less pain as the bulk of the city's population, and while they can't offer up the Ekka exclusive all year round, they can provide the next best thing. Enter an idea as brilliant as it is tasty. After 11 years in operation, the dessert company is opening a flagship store in Graceville and making strawberry ice cream a permanent feature of their menu. Come early November, everyone can head to Honour Avenue for Lick!'s cream of the ice cream crop — and for a two-for-one bonus on opening weekend, too. Other things will be on offer, of course, in a rotating range that will span 18 flavours and also includes sorbet, in case anyone gets sick of all things strawberry. The chances of that are slim, though. For those tempted to try something other than their strawberry flavour, macadamia praline, Oreo cookie and rum and raisin certainly whet the appetite, as do the likes of the less commonly seen salted peanut and Redskin. And then there's a concoction that sounds so delicious that we can't quite think of a name for it. What do you call a housemade doughnut/waffle hybrid? Find Lick! Ice Cream on Honour Avenue, Graceville from November 4, and enjoy the 2-for-1 deal from November 7. For more information, check out their website and Facebook page. Image: The Ekka.
Australia's most sinister festival, Dark Mofo, is back for its seventh year — and it's set to be as boundary-pushing as ever. As always, the festival will take place in the lead up to the winter solstice, exploring connections between old and contemporary mythology through art installations, performance, talks and music — all taking place in the darkness of Tasmanian winter. Hosted by the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Dark Mofo will takeover most of Hobart between June 6–23, showcasing a melting pot of artists, creatives and thinkers who dwell in the shadows of mainstream culture. Just-announced musicians include FKA Twigs — who's also bringing her experimental dream pop to Vivid Sydney this year — New York-based composer Nicolás Jaar, American singer John Grant and multi-instrumentalist Roger Eno. Other highlights of the music program include an audiovisual 'soundbath' by Sigur Rós; an international metal program, featuring Brazil's Mystifier; and the return of Night Mass, a ritualistic series of multi-venue late-night parties featuring Sampa the Great, FAKA and Empress Of. These musicians and creatives join those announced in the first lineup drop last week, which included boundary-pushing speakers in the Dark + Dangerous Thoughts program, artists Ai Weiwei and Mike Parr, and singer and actor Sharon Van Etten. The festival's dark and quirky arts lineup has grown, too, with the addition of a latex-filled installation and performance by Japan's Saeborg and an immersive group exhibition — of ten international artists, including Canada's Cassils, USA's Paul McCarthy and India's Shilpa Gupta — inside the former Forestry Tasmania Building. The award-winning building — which once housed its own forest — is just one of many new venues to join this year's program. Come June, revellers will also be able to party inside the Old Hobart Blood Bank, the Avalon and Odeon theatres, the Old Davey St Congregational Church and aboard a floating natural wine bar, dubbed Natty Waves. Of course, all the festival favourites are set to make a triumphant return, too. You'll be able to drink and eat amongst inverted crosses and candles at the Winter Feast, try not to freeze during the very cold Nude Solstice Swim and absolve your sins at Night Mass. Images: Rémi Chauvin and Rosie Hastie.
