The Best Things to Do in Brisbane This Queen's Birthday Long Weekend
Plan a royally massive long weekend.
The Best Things to Do in Brisbane This Queen's Birthday Long Weekend
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Plan a royally massive long weekend.
It's an occasion everyone should be excited about, as well as one you mightn't realise is coming. Queensland's public holidays have jumped around over the past few years, switching between May, June and October — but the most important thing is that Monday, October 3 is (for most of us) not an ordinary work day.
Instead, it's the date the state is celebrating the Queen's birthday — and it's mighty regal reason to plan a royally massive long weekend. As with every three-day break from the daily grind, there's plenty to do around town. Here's our top ten choices.
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Sunday afternoons, The Triffid and a Sarah Howells-selected roots lineup go hand-in-hand — or they have since the Newstead hangout started asking the ABC radio host to help curate their end-of-weekend acoustic gigs back in November 2014. So, it was only a matter of time until the venue decided to turn their regular shindigs into a festival.
Meet the Newstead Roots Festival, aka a beefed-up version of the events everyone already knows and loves. With Bullhorn, Dubmarine, Cheap Fakes, Bobby Alu, Bearfoot, Leanne Tennant, Black Rabbit George and Claire-Anne Taylor on the bill, playing on both the main stage and out in the beer garden, it’s the ultimate Sunday roots session — and even better if you don’t have to go to work on Monday.
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9
If you’re looking to add some magic to your Sunday, then there’s only once place to head to. And, once you’re at Zillmere’s O’Callaghan Park, prepare to get stupefied — this event not only boasts Harry Potter markets, but the Queensland’s quidditch finals.
First you’ll stock up on HP-themed merch, handmade trinkets, some Felix Felicis (if you’re lucky) and other presumably niche-referenced items. Then, you’ll watch a heap of folks take to the field to throw quaffles, hit bludgers and chase snitches (in case you haven’t seen muggle quidditch, the snitch is an actual human wearing gold you have to chase).
A lineup of food trucks will also enchant your stomach (fingers crossed for cauldron cakes) — and, while dressing up in costume isn’t mentioned on the event’s Facebook page, you already know that you’re going to.
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8
Sometimes, the smallest steps are the most important. Creating an environment for different voices to be heard may sound simple — but don’t underestimate its impact.
Whether you have a story to tell, or you’re keen to hear prose and tales from others, you’ll find both at Voices of Colour. Young folks who identify as people of colour or First Nations people can share their stories and poetry at an open mic spoken word session, with every performer given five minutes in the spotlight. Everyone else: listen up.
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7
They serve French toast burritos as well as peaches and cream shakes — but on Saturday, October 1, delicious food and beverages won’t be Southside Tea Room‘s only drawcard. Oh, you can eat and drink, of course — but you’ll do so while perusing a bunch of art.
As presented by Sober Bob Monthly, attendees will find a heap of creative bits and pieces for their browsing and buying pleasure, with the likes of Yippywhippy, Hacklock, QueerContent Comix & Zines and Junky Comics taking part. Basically, it’s a pop-up that everyone’s going to want to pop into.
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6
How do you celebrate an occasion linked to a British monarch? With a day of knocking back more than a few British beers — obviously. That’s what Bacchus Brewing Co. have in store on Saturday, October 1 anyway, courtesy of their second Harvey’s Real Ale Beerfest.
As the name suggests, the day-long drinking extravaganza is dedicated to Harvey’s Brewery, who are actually the oldest independent brewery in Sussex. Bacchus will be pouring four of their best brews, as well as their own English-themed creations — and they’ll be putting on a ploughman’s lunch as well.
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5
Get ready to rumble and rock out, because both are on the agenda at Rumble Rock 2016 (if you hadn’t guessed). You’ll watch wrestling. You’ll hear bands play. You’ll have a ripper time.
The Australian Wrestling Alliance will jump into the ring and take care of the former, while Hits, Velociraptor, The Way We Were and Shutup Shutup Shutup will hop up on stage and crank out the latter. And, in case that’s not enough entertainment for one evening, the NRL Grand Final will also be broadcast on the big screen.
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4
For those who haven’t been there, there’s much that’s simply unimaginable about war, including fighting on the front lines and being left behind. It’s the latter that Merge Dance Theatre explores in their latest work. Through the medium of dance, they’ll bring to life the untold tales of women waiting for their loved ones to return.
It’s a different kind of ANZAC story, staged by a different kind of dance group, with Merge endeavouring to bridge the gap between dance schools and professional companies. And, at a time when everyone’s enjoying a break from work, it’s a reminder of the sacrifices behind our way of living.
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3
You don’t normally need to get dressed up to go to the movies, but you might want to wear your best threads to Griffith Film School’s latest cinema showcase. As part of Brisbane Fashion Month, they’re adorning their screen with the most fashionable docos they can for a two-day Fashion Film Festival.
It all kicks off with the Australian premiere of tailoring doco Men of the Cloth, which we’re assuming is cut to fit sartorial savvy viewers. Audiences can also get a refresher about ageing with individuality thanks to Advanced Style, explore a couture-focused life with Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel, and pay tribute to an inimitable social photographer with a tribute screening of Bill Cunningham New York.
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For most of us, selecting our preferred type of alcohol is like trying to pick our favourite public holiday — we love them all equally. Alas, Cloudland is determined to make everyone decide which kind of best booze is best — or try to, at least — at their first Beer vs Wine dinner.
Kicking off the long weekend with a Friday night meal on September 30, the Fortitude Valley venue will put the two tipples to the test. Expect four wines and four beers matched with four courses, complete with Craig from Pernod Ricard and Nick from Young Henrys on hand to help. Come prepared.
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It’s the combination of steeped warm beverages, cakes and pastries that everyone associates with England — that is, high tea. And it’s probably the most appropriate way to treat yourself to a feast this Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
Trust the Regatta Hotel to do the honours, offering up a spread that includes sandwiches, quiches, tarts and mini scones, as well as champers, white wine and teapots filled with the good stuff. Places are limited, so booking in advance is a must. How else are you going to eat and drink like royalty?
