13 Best Book Releases to Read This October

This month's fiction haul includes Soviet nepo babies and a starving spectacle inspired by a real 20th-century sideshow act. Plus, the return of a 2010s-famous author.

Unconventional Outings to Round Up the Crew for Something Different

Hands-on outings across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne for the group chat that's already bored of brunch, bar-hopping and the same old dinner booking.

Theatre and Live Performances to Build a Whole Night Out Around

Theatres, cabaret rooms and live-music stages across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, from new Australian drama to West End-scale musicals — plus where to eat before curtain.

Road Trips Just Outside of Town to Fill an Entire Day Out

Nine day trips close enough to squeeze in before dinner, from high tea in a 1904 hydropathic retreat to a solar-powered treetop park in the Otways.

Late-Night Cocktail Bars Made for Just One More Round Before Ubers

Twelve bars built for the hour when "one more round" turns into three, spanning a Godfather-themed basement, a moon-lit Shanghai den and a bar that distills its own fernet.

Kid-Friendly Spots Where the Whole Family Will Love Spending Time Together

Nine family-friendly venues where a pig named Kevin Bacon, a cubby house inside a brewery, and gluten-free doughnuts do the heavy lifting of keeping everyone happy.

Jazz Bars to Settle Into and Lose Track of the Whole Night In

The jazz bars across Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney drawing crowds with world-class acts, great drinks and a distinct lack of signage out the front.

A New Music Series Is Bringing Missy Higgins, ICEHOUSE and The Teskey Brothers to Sydney Harbour This Spring

The Point concert series will bring live music to Fleet Steps at Yurong / Mrs Macquarie’s Point across September, October and November.

Independent Cinemas with Interesting and Unexpected Screenings

Characterful independent cinemas across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne where the room, the bar and the backstory matter just as much as the film.

Galleries to Spend a Rainy Afternoon Wandering Around

Twelve galleries across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne that earn a proper look, not just a walk-by — made for filling a slow, rainy afternoon.

The Best Films of 2026 So Far — According to the Staff of Concrete Playground

This Just In: Cheeky Aussie Podcast Duo Toni and Ryan Will Joke Around in Seven Cities on Their First Australian Live Tour

The Melbourne pals are back on the road after a North America tour in 2023.

The Best New Australian Books to Curl Up With This August

A time-travelling news agency, fables about digital dystopias, the grief of losing a best friend and more.

This Just In: Netflix Is Backing a New Australian Screenwriting Program — Where Emerging Creatives Pitch Directly to Its Executives

Eight emerging women and non-binary writers will have the chance to pitch original scripts to Netflix execs through a new national development program.

This Just In: Contemporary Queensland Artist Michael Zavros Wins Archibald People's Choice 2026 with Doppelganger Portrait

The hyperrealist oil painting scored a record-breaking People's Choice vote.

Wildlands Festival's 2027 Lineup Is Here, with John Summit, Skepta, KI/KI and Disco Lines Leading a Massive New Year's Party

Consider your NYE plans sorted: this stacked 2027 lineup is packed with global dance music heavyweights.

Now Streaming: Every Show to Add to Your Streaming Queue In September

Here's what's hot and fresh in the world of streaming content this month.

American Apparel Is Backing Australia's Next Music Stars with $10K of Custom Merch — Plus a Slot on Spilt Milk Gold Coast's Lineup

From fresh merch to festival stages, this stacked fund is helping Australia's next wave of artists hit the ground running.

Now Playing: Every Movie Releasing in September You Can Watch in Theatres or at Home

Prep some popcorn, pour your soft drink of choice and kick back to catch these movies releasing this month on a screen of your choosing.

Some of the World's Sharpest Thinkers Are Touring Australia — Here's Who to See

Your Future Is Calling: This Unsettling AI Fortune Teller by ENESS Reads Your Horoscope After Peeking Inside Your Psyche

Question the lure of modern technology, as this futuristic fortune teller blends AI, nostalgia and existential uncertainty.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Are Revealing the Weird and Wonderful Objects Behind Movie Sound Effects

From snapping celery to clacking coconut shells, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is uncovering the techniques Foley artists use to bring films to life this winter.

The 12 New Blockbusters Worth Adding to Your Winter Home Cinema Lineup

Cold weather, couch plans and a stacked release calendar. These are the biggest new films to rent and buy for your next home winter movie night.

SANDBOX Emerges From Sydney's Underground to Launch a Massive Multi-City Hard Techno Takeover Stacked with Huge Names

After four years underground, SANDBOX is stepping into the spotlight with a hard techno tour spanning four cities.

The Book-It List: Every Big Concert, Comedy and Show On Sale Across Australia Right Now

The shows worth locking in before they sell out, sorted by the month they land.

Score a Double Pass to an Exclusive Sydney Set With Genesis Owusu or Hooligan Hefs

Hooligan Hefs and Genesis Owusu are playing a pair of intimate Sydney gigs. Here's how to win your way into these exclusive performances.

A Cosy Winter Day Out for the Whole Family is Landing at Hamer Hall This August

John Powell’s beloved 'How to Train Your Dragon 2' score will be performed live by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra alongside the sequel for a memorable family-friendly winter night out.

How Bangarra Dance Theatre is a Living Archive of First Nations Storytelling

"Dance is integral for passing knowledge because it's what we've done for millennia."

Matt Berninger on Writing 'Get Sunk', Surfacing From Depression and What He Plays When He's Sad

Ahead of his first solo Australian tour, the unmistakable voice of The National sat down with us for a wide-ranging chat about songwriting, sadness, and Leonard Cohen binges.

Movies Are Officially Back: HOYTS Will Open Ten New IMAX Locations Across Australia and New Zealand by 2029

While we don't know exactly where they'll be, Aussie and Kiwi moviegoers will see their available IMAX screens double in the next two years.

Stan's 'FROM' Is the Addictive Thriller Mystery to Start This Weekend

If you loved 'LOST', you’ll be obsessed with the thriller mystery from the same producers.

New to 'FROM'? Here's Everything You Need to Know About The Show Millions Are Watching

It’s the mystery thriller that has fans begging for answers, with a new season just around the corner.

Why Bangarra Dance Theatre is the Cultural Experience to Try in 2026

Bangarra Dance Theatre brings 65,000 years of First Nations culture to life through contemporary dance, design and music.

Record Store Day Is Back — Spin Into Your Local Vinyl Shop to Catch Live Gigs, Special Events and Limited-Edition Releases

From vinyl drops to live sets, Record Store Day celebrates Australia’s thriving indie record store scene and growing physical music sales.

This Just In: Kylie Minogue Is Headlining the 2026 AFL Grand Final Pre-Game Show

Tune in to the big game this September to see the legendary Australian musician make an overdue AFL Grand Final debut.

CP Picks: Breaking Down the Must-Do Moments From the Dark Mofo 2026 Lineup

From groundbreaking global artists to renowned after-dark events, winter solstice festival Dark Mofo returns this June in a celebration of rebirth and renewal.

ICYMI: Grammy-Nominated Artist Alex Warren Is Playing Arena Shows Across Australia and New Zealand

Alex Warren is once again taking us out of the ordinary, announcing seven stops in Australia and New Zealand on his 2026 tour.

RAC Arena Has a Huge 2026 Lineup — Here Are the Gigs and Shows Worth Planning a Perth Trip Around

From big-name comedy to hot-ticket pop and arena-sized live entertainment, these are the RAC Arena dates worth building a Perth escape around.

Where You Can Watch This Year's Oscar Winners

Stay up to date on the best films of last year with our curated guide.

This Just In: Bluesfest Announces 2026 Cancellation, with a Liquidator Appointed to Handle All Financial Matters

One of Australia's most iconic festivals has been cancelled just weeks before the event is set to take place.

This Just In: A 'Harry Potter' Exhibition Is Conjuring the Wizarding World in Sydney This May

Wands at the ready, because you'll be able to immerse yourself in the beloved franchise when this exhibit is conjured down under.

This Just In: Denzel Curry, Ninajirachi and Matt Corby Lead the 2026 Lineup for Groovin the Moo

After a few years off, GTM is back with a focused format and showstopping lineup.