At a time when we've all been spending more of our minutes, hours, days and months on home turf, Instagram has just launched a new feature to help you make the most of it — and to help throw some love towards all of the small businesses in your area. Hitting the social media platform from today, Tuesday, September 14, the new 'Map Search' function lets you use Instagram to find restaurants, bars, shops and venues near you. Can't decide where to grab lunch? Looking for a hair salon in your vicinity? This'll assist. How does it work? Map Search uses a map (obviously) that highlights popular tagged locations. You might've seen these spots pop up in your feed anyway, and you could've even tagged some yourself. And, you can access the new function in a few different ways. You'll see an icon in Instagram's Explore feature, which is where you can hit up the map, and even filter locations by fields such as salons and restaurants. You'll also now see maps pop up whenever you search for particular hashtags — the very pandemic-appropriate #takeaway, for instance — which'll then highlight the relevant places that fit the hashtag near you. The aim: to support small businesses, and to help Instagram users do the same. Thinking local has been one of the mantras of the past 18 months or so, due to lockdowns, restrictions and border closures — and we all know that the hospitality industry, and small businesses in general, have been doing it tough during the pandemic. Map Search also helps give small businesses a boost on a platform plenty of them are using, and that many of us are using to find them anyway. So, the proprietors of restaurants, bars and shops get another way to be seen by potential customers, and patrons get another way to discover their local haunts. Fancy looking further afield? While Map Search definitely lets you find places immediately around you, users can also search anywhere they like. Either pinch and drag the map to wherever you're interested in, click on an Instagram geotag — which'll bring up the map, so you can start searching from there — or just type wherever you're looking for into Explore. For more information about Instagram's new Map Search function, head to the social media platform's website.
Kiko Design is the lush floral and styling studio sitting prettily in Rosebery's La Porte Space. Here, you can expect grand architectural bouquets, statement arrangements and an abundance of flower-filled vases — and a bespoke approach to your next event's styling needs. It's a family affair too, with the winning blooms biz helmed by the husband-and-wife duo of Kowsh and Josh Rawson. Kowsh (pictured above) has always had a natural affinity with petalled creativity. With a CV chockers with experience in the Harbour City's leading floral studios — like Hermetica Flowers and Poho Flowers — it was a venture she was called to. Since launching in 2017, Kiko Designs has seen Kowsh creating arrangements for both homes and editorial features, taking on the styling for both weddings and the most fashionable of events, all with her partner alongside. Those after the standout blooms can choose from bunches full of pastels or the brilliance of a sunset, or the classic all white with a backdrop of green foliage. You can opt for the simple elegance of exclusively red roses, the romantic's go-t0, or leave it to your florist with a seasonal selection. A bouquet of classic roses, with each petal artfully curled back, will eternally be a winning gift. Or, choose to go all out and opt for the biggest and boldest: The Statement. For any and every floral need you might have, dear reader, Kiko Design is a stellar choice. You'll find Kiko Design at La Porte Space in Rosebery. It is open from Monday to Friday, from 8am–4pm. Drop in or order online and have your blooms delivered. For more information, head to the website.
"There was me, that is Alex, and my three droogs, that is Pete, Georgie, and Dim, and we sat in the Korova Milkbar trying to make up our rassoodocks what to do with the evening," reads the opening line of Anthony Burgess's scandalous novel, A Clockwork Orange. How ringleader Alex and his band of teenage delinquents do eventually spend their night — on a rampage of brutal assault and rape which ends in the murder of an elderly lady — propels the audience of Action to the Word theatre's contemporary reimagining of Burgess's seminal text, directed by Alexandra Spencer-Jones, into an exploration of testosterone-fuelled boredom gone awry. Those who may have attempted the novel but baulked at its unfamiliar, somewhat jarring 'Nadsat' dialect (an English and Russian hybrid language invented entirely by Burgess and later, in a case of life imitating art, employed by real-life gangs following the success of the text) will be grateful for the physicality of the dynamic, all-male cast. Where it may be easy to verbally miss what it means to "tolchock a chelloveck in the kishkas", the actualisation of Alex (Martin McCreadie) senselessly brutalising those unfortunate enough to fall under his malicious gaze when he's looking to break up the monotony of it all cannot be lost in translation. Although a fascination with violence is inherent to the performance, a stylistic emphasis on dynamic dance sequences, accompanied by a modern, high-energy soundtrack, allows some of the more shocking portrayals to remain implied, rather than descend into self-serving vulgarity. This is no coincidence — unlike Stanley Kubrick's highly graphic film adaptation, UK company Action to the Word's stage performance has authorial integrity, having been developed in association with Burgess, who sought to rectify misconceptions of the text as being designed as an invitation to the disillusioned youth of the world to mirror the rage of his fictional droogs. Unlike the originally published and widely circulated American version of the novel, Spencer-Jones’s stage adaptation remains true to Burgess’s original ending. By privileging the author’s intended sequence of closure, a protagonist whose behavior is undeniably animalistic and barbaric throughout the performance is ultimately humanised — it turns out it was all a case of ‘boys will be boys’ and what Alex really wants is the wife, kid and white picket fence, just like the rest of us. Where Burgess may have intended this to suggest an innate potential for goodness in even the most seemingly depraved members of society, it simultaneously highlights the audience's ability to feel empathy for, and identify with, a violent murderer. When played by the achingly charismatic McCreadie, despite his propensity for kicking heads in and pillaging innocent women, Alex is strangely mesmerising and even appealing — what might be most interesting is what that implies about our own attitude towards aggression, manhood and "that old ultra violence". Just what that wider societal attitude might be remains unclear, although just shy of two years on from the London riots, audiences of A Clockwork Orange will feel that its depictions of the human propensity for violence, aggression and brutality remain as scandalously relevant today they were when first published as a text 50 years ago. While it may leave you unsure of whether to take up adult dance classes, attempt (probably feebly) to kick down a street sign or run for cover from the mad, bad world outside, A Clockwork Orange is an immersive triumph of modern theatre that will confront then refuse to neatly provide answers to all of the terror it raises — real horror show, in all senses of the term. This review was written about the Melbourne run of this production, in April 2013.
Dom Dolla just keeps making history. Back in December 2023, the Australian DJ and producer notched up a hefty achievement, playing his biggest-ever hometown show in Melbourne at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Then, come 2024, his national tour became the largest ever by an Australian electronic artist, selling 170,000-plus tickets in four cities. What does 2025 hold, then? Oh, only the Grammy-nominee doing his first-ever Aussie stadium show and biggest headline gig ever. He's played Coachella, Lollapalooza, Wildlands, Spilt Milk and more — including soldout Madison Square Garden gigs with over 30,000 attendees, plus Ultra Miami and EDC Las Vegas. When Europe's summer hits, he's doing a ten-week residency at Hï Ibiza. Then, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, Dom Dolla will head home in a massive way, headlining Sydney's Allianz Stadium. The three-time ARIA-winner (and 16-time ARIA-nominee) also has something else sizeable to add to his resume in 2025: with 'No Room for a Saint' featuring Nathan Nicholson, he's making his film soundtrack debut. The movie: the Brad Pitt (F1)-starring F1. Also this year, Dom Dolla has released two other tracks: 'Dreamin' featuring Daya and 'Forever' with Kid Cudi. On his 2024 Aussie tour, the venues weren't small, given that he played Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse, Sydney's Domain, Brisbane's Riverstage and Perth's Wellington Square. But making the leap to a headline stadium gig is no minor feat. Only the sole Allianz Stadium show has been announced, so if you're keen to head along and you're outside of the Harbour City, you'll also want to make travel plans. Dom Dolla is playing Allianz Stadium, Sydney on Saturday, December 20, 2025. You can sign up for ticket presales from 11am AEST on Monday, May 19, then buy presale tickets from the same time on Thursday, May 22, with general sales from 12pm on Friday, May 23. Head to Dom Dolla's website for more details. Images: shevindphoto / Beyond the Valley, Chloe Hall.
Circular Quay go-to Bar Mammoni has been transformed into a neat Italian joint that now centres on made-to-order takeaway. This 30-seat cafe and bar has heeded the demands for high-quality takeaway from Grana, its neighbouring sister venue inside the huge Hinchcliff House precinct, and has now turned its attention to dishing up just that. Now operating as a two-in-one pasta bar and deli, the reimagined Bar Mammoni features made-to-order pasta bowls for lunch and dinner, as well as an array of focaccia sambos, pastries and deli goods — like freshly made pasta — to take home. This pivot to takeaway came as a solution to increased demand for on-the-go meals, providing Grana's coveted dishes in a more accessible form for CBD-goers to enjoy from their office, at home or while dining in. "Grana is busy seven days a week but we don't offer takeaway, so the pasta bowls at Bar Mammoni allow us to provide a quick, quality pasta lunch for those who prefer to eat at their desks, or grab one of our laneway seats to take in some sunshine," said Scott Brown, House Made Hospitality Director. If you swing by of a morning, you'll be met with the familiar coffee-slinging sunrise crew alongside the popular B&Es and additions to its pastry selection, including a zesty passionfruit and cheesecake cruffin and a raspberry, rose and salted white chocolate danish, all of which are on offer until lunch. Once lunchtime — or dinnertime — rolls around, you'll be able to order affordable Italian dishes spanning from $18–22 a pop. Expect the likes of cacio e pepe, beef ragu trottole and wagyu lasagne among the selection. As for sambos, you can opt for a mortadella-, salami- and cheddar-starring sandwich paired with green sauce, a falafel, pickled cabbage and labne option or even a classic ranch-dressed roast chicken. You can pair your meal with a tomato, basil and burrata salad, arancini or garlic bread, and round out your feast with a citrus-forward limoncello sorbet or an indulgent tiramisu slice. As for the deli offerings, you'll be able to grab an array of top-quality ingredients, or ready-made pastas, to impress dinner guests or for a hassle-free meal. Take your pick from fresh hand-rolled pastas like gigli, rigatoni, mafaldine and spaghetti, baked lasagne in 500 gram or one-kilogram serves, organic olive oil, and top-shelf Australian provisions and antipasti. In the coming months, you'll also be able to purchase pasta sauces made in-house, so keep an eye out for those. Bar Mammoni is open from 7am–7pm Monday–Friday, and 8am–7pm on Saturday, at 3 Loftus Lane at Quay Quarter. Image credit: Yusuke Obe and Steve Woodburn.
There's certainly no shortage of cafes in St Leonards — both locals and the business people are spoilt for choice when it comes decision time to appease their rumbling stomachs. And one place they shouldn't be overlooking is The Wooden Whisk. Owned by Sean Flanagan, whose CV includes La Buvette in Potts Point and numerous stints in reputable London restaurants, this cafe is dishing up five-star-quality food and service, and you'd be a fool to walk past without stopping. The place is at once welcoming with a homely, wooden fitout. The staff are neatly attired in beige aprons, and the place holds such a relaxed atmosphere, you might even be tempted to sink into the booth seating post-meal. Speaking of meals, given that Sean has spent some time in the kitchen, the menu doesn't fail to impress. An array of juices and smoothies are a must-try — like the Kale Crave ($5.90), which is sweetened up with apple, cucumber and mint. The Green Supreme ($5.90) suggestion was also a straw-slurping winner. Sean's Irish background and how it filters through in this place's menu is enough to make your morning quite the experience. Try the truffle butter with sauteed field mushrooms ($12.50) or the Spanish-style baked beans ($14.50) with chorizo sausage and black pudding. A warm toasted croissant with Nutella ($6) is decidedly wicked, and the breakfast grazing board ($14.50) is a delicious steal with house-made tomato chutney and creamy goats cheese to spruce things up. The Wooden Whisk's lunch offerings are equally notable. A range of sandwiches ($9) such as an Asian pulled pork or smoked salmon with cabbage and mint slaw, are spiffier than the usual suspects sandwich shops offer. The Ruben ($14.50) comes served with shoestring fries and the balance of mustard, pickled cabbage, pastrami and Swiss cheese is just right. Salad wise, it's a difficult choice. A smoked chicken salad ($15) with apple and cabbage slaw or a green mix of fennel, zucchini and cucumber with marinated feta ($14.50) are two standouts. Goat's cheese and pear with roast pumpkin ($14.50) or ocean trout with pearl couscous and pesto aioli ($16) could also be your pick. With restaurant-quality food and cafe prices, The Wooden Whisk is sure to whip this neighbourhood into a food frenzy and we reckon it's time you joined in.
Manly Cycles stocks a selection bikes from Specialized, whose tag line is 'made for riders, by riders'. The US-based company is all about social responsibility and environmental sustainability; its practices include a carbon fibre recycling program and a code of conduct which it use to audit suppliers and protect workers. At the Manly bike shop, you can chat all things Specialized with the small team, including owners and cyclists Steve and Krista, who've worked at the store since 1999. Manly's longest running bike shop has developed a community of riders who join weekly road and mountain bike social rides. It's also where you can have your bike serviced, consult trained Body Geometry technicians, and book a cycling assessment to help you avoid injury and ride your best. Images: Leigh Griffiths
Still haven't made any firm plans for New Year's Eve? You're in luck. In fact, you might not need to. In collaboration with the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, we're giving away a VIP experience that could see you and up to six friends kicking back Harbourside — in full view of the NYE fireworks — and drinking Heineken 3 all night long, without paying a cent. On top of all that, you'll be travelling in style, in a bona fide Heineken 3 Kombi Van with a driver, who'll pick you up from an address of your choice (within a ten-kilometre radius of Watsons Bay). So, if you happen to start celebrating early, with a sneaky Champagne or two, you won't have to worry about driving. On arrival, you'll be ushered into the Beach Club, given a spot close to the main stage and handed a bucket of Heineken 3, which should keep you well hydrated until midnight. Plus, while you're anticipating the fireworks, a stellar lineup of DJs will get the party going. Listen out for Luke Million's retro synth, indie pop band Kinder and Sydney dance duo Pluural among others. To enter, see details below. If you don't luck out, then despair not, you can still buy a ticket. The third and final release is on sale now for $139, or you can upgrade to a VIP ticket for $259 — to add exclusive bar and balcony access (where the best views are), as well as bites and beverages from 6–8pm. And they've arranged public transport, to and from the venue, so you don't need to worry about trying to book a ridiculously overpriced Uber. [competition]650390[/competition]
This MacLeay Street shop wants to light up your life in a rather literal manner. Here, you'll find designer candles of all shapes and sizes — including dinner candles for that romantic meal, pillar candles for some flickering ambience, and many a scented candle so your home can smell like lavender, vanilla or whatever other aroma you prefer. Obviously, there are more colours on offer than there are shades in the rainbow, too. That way, you'll always be able to get your hands on a piece of wax to match your decor or personality. And if you're after outdoor candles, floating candles, and everything from candelabras and lanterns to votives to place them in, they're on the shelves as well. Images: Kitti Smallbone
It's time to get excited about dinosaurs again, not that anyone ever stopped being fascinated with the planet's ancient creatures. Come May, one of 2022's best new shows is making a return for 2023 with a brand-new season filled with dino love — yes, David Attenborough's spectacular Prehistoric Planet is returning. Apple TV+ has just announced the roaringly great news, and will again air the show's second season as a five-part nightly event. So, across Monday, May 22–Friday, May 26, one instalment will arrive each day, serving up more stunning dinosaurs, more informative insights voiced by the one and only Attenborough, and more of Hans Zimmer's soundtrack. "The award-winning first season of Prehistoric Planet brought dinosaurs back to life in a way global audiences had never seen before," said Jay Hunt, Creative Director, Europe, Apple TV+, announcing the news. "Collaborating with the brilliant Jon Favreau and our fantastic partners at the BBC, we are thrilled that viewers will once again have the opportunity to be immersed in our world as it was 66 million years ago and to experience even more weird and wonderful creatures." This time around, the team at BBC Studios Natural History will be using photorealistic visual effects by MPC — the kind that Favreau used in his versions of The Jungle Book and The Lion King — to focus on new dinosaurs, habitats and scientific discoveries. So, you'll spend time with the Tarchia, one of the largest Ankylosauri, for instance. That said, the Tyrannosaurus rex will be back among other dino favourites. Of course it will. What's better than one of the Attenborough siblings marvelling over our planet's ancient creatures? None other than David following in his brother Richard's footsteps, of course, just as it was in 2022. While the latter showed dinos some love back in Jurassic Park — with the now-late actor and filmmaker even uttering the iconic words "welcome to Jurassic Park" — his broadcaster, biologist and natural historian sibling largely surveyed the rest of the earth's living creatures in his iconic documentaries before Prehistoric Planet. With its first season, the show instantly earned its place among David Attenborough other doco highlights — a list that spans The Living Planet, State of the Planet, The Blue Planet, Frozen Planet, Blue Planet II, Our Planet, Seven Worlds, One Planet, A Perfect Planet and Green Planet, as well as Planet Earth and Planet Earth II, plus documentary David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet), just to name a few. There's no trailer for Prehistoric Planet's second season yet, but you can revisit the season one trailer below: Prehistoric Planet season two will hit Apple TV+ across Monday, May 22–Friday, May 26, with a new episode available to stream each day. Read our full review of Prehistoric Planet season one.
If you’re after sparkling, sexy new disco, New York label Italians Do It Better is for you. Label head (and one of disco's best advocates) Mike Simonetti is in Sydney this weekend, playing at La Campagna thanks to Resident Advisor. Simonetti was last in Sydney mid 2008 and turned out an incredible performance; hours and hours of hypnotic grooves journeying through pop, disco, new electronica and rock. Support comes from the gorgeous lady of the night Kali, Ksubi main-man Dangerous Dan, Modular’s Magic Happens, and Ro Sham Bo party-starter Spruce Lee. Dance into Spring.
When Australia's last Blockbuster store closed its doors back in 2019, it marked the end of an era — especially if you spent your childhood and teenage years trawling through racks of VHS tapes, renting as big a stack as you could carry, then gluing your eyes to the TV every weekend. Every Aussie city also has its own stories about losing beloved independent video shops and, if you're still a fan of physical media in the streaming era, you might even have a few ex-rental bargains from closed-down stores sitting on your shelves at home. It's these fond feelings for a part of life that's now gone that new live cinema performance Coil aims to tap into, all while paying tribute to all the long-lost spots that once celebrated and nurtured cinephilia. Video stores were more than just places to rent tapes — they were havens of filmic discovery, sources of inspiration and thriving local communities — and that's all baked into this production. Coil made its world premiere at this year's Mona Foma, and brings its tribute and farewell to Australia's video shops to Sydney and Melbourne — playing PACT in Erskineville from Thursday, February 10–Saturday, February 12, then heading to Brunswick Mechanics Institute from Thursday, February 17–Saturday, February 19. The latest work from re:group, a collective of artists based between Hobart, Wollongong and Sydney, Coil stages its show in a set that recreates a 90s-era video shop. The focus: telling a tale of nostalgia, loneliness, friendship and viability that pays homage to those gone-but-not-forgotten spaces and celebrates the communities forged within them. It's a performance designed to ponder questions — including what we've lost now that we browse online sites for flicks instead of physically walking the aisles. That's a line of thinking that resonates with re:group well beyond simply yearning for the glory days of renting out VHS tapes. The collective itself started almost a decade ago with a cast of ten, but now only has one performer. "It parallels our own story as a theatre collective continuing to make work despite the clear unviability of it all, trying to survive in the business of live performance in an age of online streaming," explains co-creator and performer Steve Wilson-Alexander. And if you're wondering how a live cinema performance with a one-person cast works, Coil takes place live on stage before its audience, but deploys video design that lets its lone performer play every character in cinematic scenes. You'll be watching all of that happen, with the show combining verbatim interviews with real-time filmmaking — all to make the kind of performance that you definitely won't see on streaming. Coil plays PACT, 107 Railway Parade, Erskineville, from Thursday, February 10–Saturday, February 12, then heads to Brunswick Mechanics Institute, 270 Sydney Road, Brunswick, from Thursday, February 17–Saturday, February 19. For more information, head to the production's website. Images: Rosie Hastie.
This time last year, Sampa the Great was the first artist named on the Vivid 2021 lineup; however, due to the pandemic, the Sydney festival didn't go ahead. Now, the Zambian-born musician is giving her new stage show An Afro Future another run, including setting up a new Vivid stint — and hitting up Melbourne and Brisbane as well. Sampa will tour the east coast capitals this May and June, starting at The Tivoli in Brisbane. From there, she's headed to Sydney for two Vivid gigs in the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House, and then to Melbourne for two concerts at its own citywide arts festival, Rising. Joining her across all five shows will be Zimbabwe-born, London-raised, Australian-based singer KYE and Sampa's younger sister Mwanjé, plus sounds by C.Frim. And, while that's all mightily impressive, the tour will also mark the first time that audiences can see Sampa live with her full band from Zambia. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sampa The Great (@sampa_the_great) Sampa's 2022's tour marks her return to Vivid after supporting Hiatus Kaiyote in 2016 and performing as part of The Avalanches' Since I Left You Block Party back in 2017. It'll also finally let her show An Afro Future to fans, after it was originally set to premiere over the summer of 2020–21 as part of Live at the Bowl in Melbourne, Summer in the Domain in Sydney and Womadelaide, but was forced to cancel due to border restrictions. As for what's in store now that An Afro Future is hitting Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, attendees can expect to be treated to songs from Sampa's critically-acclaimed debut album The Return. Released in 2019, the album received universal praise at the time, winning Best Hip Hop Release and Best Independent Release at the 2020 ARIA Awards, and being named the eighth best Australian debut album of all time by Double J. And, Sampa will be playing new tunes, too — because a lot's been going on over the past few years. SAMPA THE GREAT 'AN AFRO FUTURE' TOUR 2022: Wednesday, May 25 — The Tivoli, Brisbane Friday, May 27–Saturday, May 28 — Vivid, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Wednesday, June 1–Thursday, June 2 — Rising, The Forum, Melbourne Sampa the Great's An Afro Future tour will head to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in May and June. For more information or to buy tickets, visit Sampa's website. Top image: Sampa the Great, Lucian Coman.
Between January 3-27, Architects of Air (who treated us to Mirazozo in 2011) will transform the Sydney Opera House forecourt into a multisensory experience, with their massive inflatable sculpture EXXOPOLIS. 53 metres long and nine metres high, it's an immersive luminarium, comprised of tunnels and domes, and filled with light and sound. Architectural inspiration includes Gothic cathedrals, Archimedean solids and Islamic stylings. EXXOPOLIS is open daily from 10am – 7pm.
Before Sydney went into its current lengthy lockdown, whipping out your phone, opening the Service NSW app and using it to check in at venues had become a normal part of everyday life. When the city begins to reopen again — when 70-percent of New South Wales residents have had both their COVID-19 vaccinations, which is expected around mid-October — you'll be falling back into that habit. And, ideally, that's how you'll also show that you're fully vaxxed as well. Crucial to NSW's roadmap out of lockdown is loosening rules and restrictions for folks who've received both vaccination doses — as also applies with the state's current outdoor gathering rules, which came into effect in mid-September. So, unsurprisingly, the government wants to streamline the process of showing that you've been double-jabbed. Today, Wednesday, September 22, NSW Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello announced that the state will pilot an update to the existing Service NSW app that integrates vaccination certificates — which are provided by the Federal Government via its immunisation register. The aim is to start to test the update in regional NSW with 100–500 people from Tuesday, October 6, for two weeks. "Hopefully, the subject of that pilot will be strong, and as a result of that we can then open up to the rest of the state," Dominello said at NSW's COVID-19 press conference. As promised - here is an update on the vaccination integration with the Service NSW app. 1. Display - this is a draft. We have added an additional privacy feature with the show more/show less status 👍🏼 pic.twitter.com/eiUkXlBVu6 — Victor Dominello MP (@VictorDominello) September 22, 2021 At present, you can access your COVID-19 vaccination certificate via the Medicare Express app, and then either keep logging in there when you need to show it, or save it to your Google or Apple wallet. "What we will be doing is integrating that, and providing people with the option of then having it in their Service NSW app to make it really easy when they're checking into venues across NSW," the Minister said. "That way, you don't have to open up several different apps just to get into a venue. You open up one app, the Service NSW app. On that app, it'll enable you to check in, and at the same time on that same screen it'll show your vaccination status," he continued. You will need to consent to give the app authority to access your immunisation record, so it won't happen automatically. First, though, the NSW Government is still working with the Commonwealth Government regarding access to the latter's data, and is also consulting with industry on the design of how it should work. It's also planning to implement security features, such as a hologram just like on digital drivers licences, as well as another QR code. It's expected that the app might be able to be used to show your vax status when state borders reopen as well. Whether the update to the app will be ready to be rolled out statewide when Sydney comes out of lockdown isn't yet known. But, if it isn't, you'll be able to show proof of vaccination via the Medicare Express app, or your Google or Apple wallet, until it is. For more information about the Service NSW app, or to download it if you haven't already, head to the government department's website.
UPDATE: DECEMBER 16, 2019 — Since publication of this article, the doughnut supplier has changed. Complimentary doughnuts will now come courtesy of Woofy's, not Donut Papi. Want to get your hot little hands on a doughnut...for free? Then read on and clear your schedule for this Thursday, December 19. Japanese retailer Uniqlo is opening its eighth NSW store in Castle Towers, and Woofy's is joining in the fun by giving away a heap of its holey baked goods. When the doors open at 10am on Thursday, complimentary doughnuts will be handed out to the first people through the door. If you're at the centre to battle through the last of your Christmas shopping, the baked treat will hopefully give you the energy to do so. The grand opening festivities also involve freebies of the sartorial variety. On launch day, Uniqlo Castle Towers will have special offers on a swag of men's, women's and kids' clothes, while the first 500 customers who spend over $100 in store will each score a free Uniqlo cooler bag (perfect for all those summer picnics). The new outpost will also play host to the complete range of Uniqlo's LifeWear apparel.
Described as a "high-sensory experience," the latest exhibition from Argentinian artist Adrián Villar Rojas promises to have you seeing light and darkness in an entirely new way. The inaugural installation at Art Gallery NSW's former wartime oil bunker known as the Tank, The End of Imagination is powered by a maelstrom of code dubbed the Time Engine. It generates hypothetical scenarios across millions of years before filling the space with mindbending light sculptures inspired by said situations. In 2021, Rojas 'downloaded' the virtual sculptures and painstakingly recreated them in mixed media before transporting them across the world from his home country. Displayed in a pitch-black environment teeming with moving lights, Rojas' creations seek to answer environmental, socio-political and anthropological quandaries we haven't even yet begun to ask ourselves. Images: Installation view of Adrian Villar Rojas 'The End of Imagination' 2022 in the Tank at the Art Gallery of New South Wales © Adrian Villar Rojas, photo © Jörg Baumann
A six-week music and art festival with an absolutely stacked lineup is taking over an abandoned Chinatown cinema across September and October. Running between Thursday, September 22 and Monday, October 31, Pleasures Playhouse has been pulled together by influential Sydney party-starter Kat Dopper of Heaps Gay and Summer Camp. Dopper has curated a vibrant, varied and inclusive program of gigs, parties, film screenings and yum cha that will reactivate the Harbour City Cinema. Originally a space for showcasing Chinese films, the longstanding cinema will be given a new life throughout the festival after laying empty for the last 15 years. "This is one of the most exciting projects I've been able to work on, literally a dream. Collaborating with all my favs to take over an unused space in Sydney to bring together some of the best of our arts scene to create a new cultural destination that promotes artistic excellence," said Dopper. So, what can you catch across this 35-day lineup? If you're in search of live music, the program has plenty on offer. New Sydney hip-hop supergroup BBGB Worldwide consisting of B Wise, Kwame, Manu Crooks, BLESSED and Lil Spacely will be performing, and Haiku Hands and Chela will be taking to the stage at the Ur-Asian Haven program alongside Marcus Whale and Anso. Hiatus Kaiyote's Nai Palm will be also be popping up with Billy David for an intimate show, and Donny Benet will be hosting a night of sultry synth-pop with a bunch of special guests. [caption id="attachment_836378" align="alignnone" width="1920"] B Wise[/caption] If you're looking to hit the dancefloor, there's a range of parties popping up on the program. Ranging from underground electronic music to big pop sing-a-longs, dance music collectives and record labels including Heaps Gay, Nina Las Vegas' NLV, BYPASS, Athletica, AM//PM Emo Night, Monster Children, Leak Your Own Noods and Show Us Ya Tips will all be running parties boasting some of Sydney and Australia's best DJs. Other exciting additions to the festival include the Send Noods Cinema's weekly arthouse movies accompanied by P&V's natty wines and noodles from Biang Biang; yum cha pop-ups, record nights and yet-to-be-announced events curated by Maurice Terzini (Icebergs, Ciccia Bella, RE-) and The Preset's Julian Hamilton. Dopper and co are collaborating with local Haymarket restaurants for the space's food offerings, while P&V's Mike Bennie and Rosebery's Archie Rose Distilling Co are leading the charge behind the bar. You can explore the full program at the festival's website. A range of events are free, and no event is charging more than $30 for entry. [caption id="attachment_867881" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Hay[/caption] Pleasures Playhouse is taking over the Harbour City Cinema, Haymarket from Thursday, September 22–Monday, October 31. Top image: Anna Hay
Every music festival has its own distinctive traits and drawcards, no matter who happens to be hitting the stage in any given year. Held on the banks of the Murray River, Strawberry Fields is no different. Fancy escaping into nature to listen to live and electronic acts, wander through art installations and hit up a bush spa? That's all on this fest's bill. Taking place across the weekend of Friday, October 28–Sunday, October 30 in Tocumwal, New South Wales, this year's Strawberry Fields has just unveiled its lineup, and it's full of impressive names. The Pharcyde, Massive Attack founder and DJ Daddy G, Acid Pauli, Moodymann, Barkaa and Jesswar are just some of the talents on the list — and yes, it goes on. Also exciting: being able to soak away your stresses, not that you should have any at a music fest, at the bush spa; the Moroccan Bedouin lounges and tea ceremonies in the festival's Mirage Motel space; and the glamping options, given that you'll want to make a weekend of it. For the fourth event now, Strawberry Fields is also implementing a low-income ticket program, which helps open up the festival to more punters — regardless of income. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis, after providing supporting documentation, and receive 50-percent off the standard entry ticket rate. Also, if you happen to be born on this year's festival dates, you can also register to score a free ticket. Happy birthday to you indeed. Strawberry Fields 2022 will also add two new stages — and if you're wondering what's on the arts, workshops and performances lineup, or what food, drink and market stall options will be available, the fest is taking applications for those now, with details to be announced closer to the fest. STRAWBERRY FIELDS 2022 LINEUP: Acid Pauli Ash Lauryn Barkaa Bumpy CINTA Claire Morgan Daddy G (Massive Attack) DJ set DAVI DJ PGZ DJ Python EFFY Egyptian Lover FLEWNT Gioli & Assia Glass Beams Henry Wu Horse Meat Disco IN2STELLAR Janus Rasmussen Jesswar Julian Belbachir Kamaal Williams Kiasmos (DJ set) La La Mella Dee Merve Millú Mindy Meng Wang Moodymann Moontide Ensemble NO ZU Omar S Paramida Pjenné Roy Blues Roy Rosenfeld Roza Terenzi Sassy J Sebastien Leger Soju Gang SQL & Child Tamikrest The Pharcyde Tijuana Cartel Wayne Snow Strawberry Fields takes place at Tocumwal, New South Wales, from Friday, October 28–Sunday, October 30. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, July 28 — head to the festival website for further details. Images: Duncographic.
After a three-year hiatus, The Big Design Market makes its return to Sydney this September. The three-day independent design extravaganza will hit Barangaroo's expansive event space The Cutaway and feature more than 200 designers from across the country. As always, the market will showcase original and ethically made designs from small to medium makers. Once you've made it to the waterside venue, you'll want plenty of time to explore. The curated lineup includes Au Revoir Les Filles and its sparkling jewels, bush botanical-rich skincare from Bush Medijina and the bright, belly-buttoned ceramic vessels from the delightfully named Voluptuary Ceramics. You can also fill your basket with tasty groceries from Really Good People and the saucy experts at Condimental. Then, there's the cute-as-pie berets from France Island (hello to this berry-inspired baby). Should you grow hungry mid-shop, you can grab a sweet treat from local faves Shortstop and Natas and Co — plus Melbourne's Billy Van Creamy is coming interstate with its winning scoops. Want something more substantial? There's poke bowls and pies, pho and sambos — plus St Ali, Archie Rose and East Forged (among others) to keep you hydrated. The cashless event is set to be a stellar day out, and the ideal opportunity to spruce up your space and chat to the designers behind your favourite pieces. The Big Design Market will hit The Cutaway on Friday, September 9 (10am–9pm); Saturday, September 10 (10am–6pm); and Sunday, September 11 (10am–5pm). To check out the full lineup, head to the website. Images: Amelia Stanwix
More than once in Heartstopper, a question drifts from the lips of the Netflix series' British teens, asking something that every adolescent has contemplated. That query: "why are we like this?", pondering why hitting puberty always brings an utter lack of elegance with emotions, identity, relationships and expressing yourself. It can't be answered in any satisfactory way, but in this delightful streaming newcomer — with an eight-part first season that's become a must-see within a week of hitting the platform — what that question isn't referencing is also crucial. The LGBTQIA+-championing show doesn't ever have its gay, trans and bisexual characters pointlessly wonder why they love who they love or feel how they feel, welcomely, refreshingly and heartwarmingly so. That's enough to earn the series its title; for viewers, plenty about this webcomic-to-page-to-screen charmer will cause entranced tickers to miss a beat. Within the story, though, it takes mere minutes for Heartstopper to warrant its name — showing rather than telling, as all great art should. A year ten student at Truham Grammar School for Boys, Charlie Spring (first-timer Joe Locke) finds himself seated in his form class next to year 11 rugby player Nick Nelson (Kit Connor, Little Joe) at the start of a new term. Sparks fly on the former's part, swiftly and overwhelmingly, as a crush and then a life-changing love story is born. It's not the only moment that'll make Charlie pause, his heart all a-flutter and his cheeks a-glow — or any of the show's figures for that matter — but it leaves an imprint that sets Heartstopper's astutely endearing tone. Nodding to the series' graphic-novel origins, Charlie and Nick's first meetings inspire a flurry of hand-drawn animated hearts on-screen, illustrating how we all know that such an experience feels. The cute twinkling imagery is such a small but pivotal touch, used to illuminate small yet essential moments, and couldn't be more perfect. Others that follow, all also flawless: lightning bolts, flowers, stars and rainbows, all whizzing around when the sweetest of emotions run high. Everything isn't all rainbows for Charlie and Nick, narrative-wise, though — although the colour scheme favoured by director Euros Lyn (Dream Horse) goes heavy on pink lighting, blue and yellow school walls, the green grass of sports fields, and violet-hued clothing. In Heartstopper's opening episode, Charlie has a secret boyfriend, Ben Hope (Sebastian Croft, Doom Patrol). Their clandestine rendezvous in empty classrooms aren't his choice, but Ben won't even acknowledge Charlie in public. He's also cruel, rude and demanding without ever caring about Charlie's feelings, and filled with loathing about his sexuality — and fear that he might be found out. Thankfully, Charlie realises that he deserves much, much better, including with Nick's help. Also an issue: Charlie hardly thinks of himself as sporty, even after Nick asks him to join the school rugby team because he's super-fast at running. That train of thought speaks to a lifetime of self-doubt, with Nick telling Charlie to stop apologising for, well, everything — and Charlie's high-drama best friend Tao (fellow debutant William Gao) describing him as having "a tendency to believe him just existing is annoying for other people". Accordingly, while a friendship quickly solidifies between Heartstopper's central duo, Charlie is initially unsure whether anything more can happen. And, after spending a year being bullied by homophobic classmates after coming out — often hiding in the art room at lunch with a kindly teacher (Fisayo Akinade, Atlanta) to escape — he's anxiety-riddled in general. The nervy Charlie and calm-and-collected Nick — a self-described "gay nerd" among "borderline outcasts" and Truham's rugby king — don't simply cycle through an opposites-attract scenario, thankfully. This is an upbeat, soaring and joyful tale, too; yet another take on Romeo and Juliet, it definitely isn't. Heartstopper's focus: all those things that Charlie, Nick, Tao, recently out trans pal Elle (Yasmin Finney), her lesbian school friends Tara (Corinna Brown, Daphne) and Darcy (Kizzy Edgell), and the quietly happy-go-lucky Isaac (Tobie Donovan) navigate as they grapple with their feelings, working out what they want, self-acceptance, and relationships both romantic and platonic. The series isn't afraid of teen tropes or rom-com cliches, such as grand gestures in the pouring rain, blissful montages and the stress of text messages, but it also isn't willing to deliver anything other than a thoughtful and tender account of high schoolers being and finding themselves, even amid unavoidable teen angst and taunting. As well as writing Heartstopper's source material, Alice Oseman pens every episode of this perceptive gem, which bubbles with warmth, care and honey-coated emotions from the outset. Its coming-of-age story and central love story alike prove wholly relatable, aptly awkward but also wonderfully sweet and sensitive; Skins, Euphoria or either version of Gossip Girl it isn't, either. In short, it's a series that plunges so convincingly and inclusively into its characters' experiences that it feels like its heart is constantly bursting with affection for everything they do, want, hope for, dream of, pine over and go through. First crushes, young love, the swirling swell of feelings that comes with both and also figuring out who you are: all of this dances through Heartstopper's frames, and marvellously. Also, when Oscar-winner Olivia Colman (The Lost Daughter) pops up, she's glorious as always — although her teen colleagues are truly the stars of the show. The first season of Heartstopper is available to stream via Netflix. Images: Rob Youngson/Netflix.
When it comes to matching drinks with our dinner, sake probably wouldn't be everyone's first choice. Nor would it probably be on the menu. Even in Japan, food and sake matching wasn't really a big thing until recently. However, more and more people have been jumping on the sake bandwagon as of late, lured by its heady aroma and diverse flavours, which span across the floral, the fruity and that of yeast and mushrooms. Slava Beliakova, one of Australia's first sake sommeliers and writer of Sake Guide, has been dedicated in breaking the traditional Japanese drink into Sydney's dining scene through leading workshops and teaching other sommeliers about its values. For Vino Paradiso, Beliakova is presenting a masterclass on 'Demystifying Sake', where participants can learn the real story of the alcohol and get the opportunity to taste three premium Japanese sakes. To tide you over until then, we put Beliakova to the sake pairing challenge. She's picked the perfect sakes to match some of the foods we've thrown at her — all favourites of ours, all oft-consumed. The sakes suggested below are available in Australia from leading restaurants and bottle shops. Sashimi Platter "Such a light, delicate dish is begging to be paired with a similarly light and fresh-tasting sake. Sake from the north-eastern prefectures of Japan has been traditionally brewed to match seafood-heavy local cuisine. Niigata, in particular, produces light, dry and smooth sake perfect for sashimi. Try Hakkaisan Junmai Ginjo or Yoshinogawa Gensen Karakuchi. Have the sake well-chilled, too." Okonomiyaki "A classic okonomiyaki derives much of its taste from the toppings — rich sauce similar to Worcestershire sauce, seaweed and katsuobushi (fermented bonito flakes). Those toppings are heavy in umami, that elusive 'fifth taste' that has become quite a buzzword. Umami taste comes from the amino acid glutamate, and imparts a pleasant savouriness to the dish. "Sake with a strong umami character is a match made in heaven for umami-rich dishes, intensifying the savouriness of both. Try Suishin Junmai Kome no Kiwami. This is a sake from Hiroshima, which, incidentally, is famous for its okonimiyaki dishes. Another way to enjoy okonomiyaki heartiness is with a gently warmed up, full-flavoured sake, such as Houraisen Kasumizuki Junmai." Pulled-pork tacos "Juicy, spicy, rich pork is just begging for a touch of acidity and sweetness. You could go two ways about it. You could match the high-octane natural flavour of pork with a full-flavoured sake that has acidity in spades. I am thinking Tengumai Yamahai Jikomi Junmai. Or you could inject freshness and fruity sweetness into the dish with an aromatic daiginjo, such as Masumi Sanka Junmai Daiginjo. Candied pineapple and green apple notes will marry well with pork that is not drowning in chilli." Southern Fried Chicken "Okay, how spicy are we talking? Heavy, fried dishes generally beg for something dry, with a prominent acidity. Try Oita Oni Koroshi Ginjo. But, as the chilli-meter rises, so should the level of sugar in the accompanying sake. If your palate is on fire, don’t stab it with acidity! One style of sake that is great with very spicy food is nigori, or cloudy sake. In nigori, some of the fermented rice solids are returned back into sake after pressing, creating a mild, sweet and creamy palate. Try Hakutsuru Sayuri Nigori Junmai." Chocolate Fondant "Sake indeed has a category that can be classified as a digestive, or dessert sake. It is koshu, aged sake. 99 percent of sake is not aged, and most of it doesn’t hold its own after 12-18 months post bottling. Sake that does age well, however, turns into something wonderful. The colour deepens, becoming golden and then amber, and sweetness, acidity and complex honey and herb aromas intensify. "One of the Australian sake importers brings a very special brew, Akishika Shuzo 'Yeast # 7' Junmai Yamahai Muroka Genshu, which is aged for five years. It is complex, sweet, acidic, with a long dry finish. A decadent sake like that could be paired with a decadent dessert — for a gourmand eager to double his or her enjoyment. Want more? Check out our Bluffer's Guide to Sake. Thanks to Vino Paradiso, we have ten double passes to give away to Vino Paradiso's masterclasses. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au with your name, address and masterclass preference out of 'Demystifying Sake' on November 1 at 11am or 'I Love the Smell of Nebbiolo in the Morning' on November 2 at 12.30pm.
Watching any film by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, it's easy to pick that the Thai director is also a visual artist, even if you didn't already know going in. In every one of his features to play in cinemas, including his Palme d'Or-winner Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, Asia Pacific Screen Awards Best Film recipient Cemetery of Splendour and the Tilda Swinton (The Room Next Door)-starring Cannes Jury Prize awardee Memoria, peering deeply is rewarded. So is soaking in imagery that no other filmmaker could conjure up, as well as being immersed in his movies at a patient, reflective pace. The above films, a trio from among Weerasethakul's four most-recent releases, all had dates with the big screen in Australia — but A Conversation with the Sun (Afterimage), his next creation, isn't showing at a picture palace. Instead, the acclaimed director has crafted the cinematic installation especially for the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney. [caption id="attachment_1013105" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chayaporn Maneesutham[/caption] 2025 marks a decade and a half since Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives collected one of the world's most-prestigious film prizes thanks to its 2010 Cannes victory. This is also the year that A Conversation with the Sun (Afterimage) graces the MCA, displaying from Sunday, September 14, 2025–Sunday, February 15, 2026. Musing on cinema and its emotional impact, fittingly, as well as memory, making images and time's passing, the large-scale work is a collaboration with Rueangrith Suntisuk and Pornpan Arayaveerasid, who hail from Bangkok-based collective DuckUnit. Inspired by pondering the sun while walking in nature, featuring video diaries projected onto floating fabric, and designed to provide a dream-like experience that appears to fade and return thanks to the curtain, it is taking over a five-by-16-metre space in the MCA Macgregor Gallery. Weerasethakul is also part of an Artist in Conversation session at MCA Australia on Saturday, August 16, 2025, and a range of his short films from between 2007–24 are screening at the venue on Saturday, October 25, 2025. [caption id="attachment_1013102" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Apichatpong Weerasethakul in collaboration with DuckUnit, A Conversation with the Sun (installation), 2022, installation view, How to Hold Your Breath – 2024 Asian Art Biennial, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Taichung, Taiwan, 2024, image courtesy of the artist, photograph: Apichatpong Weerasethakul[/caption] Top images: Apichatpong Weerasethakul in collaboration with DuckUnit, A Conversation with the Sun (installation), 2022, installation view, BANGKOK CITYCITY GALLERY, Bangkok, Thailand, 2022, image courtesy the artist and BANGKOK CITYCITY GALLERY, photograph: Miti Ruangkritya. Apichatpong Weerasethakul in collaboration with DuckUnit, A Conversation with the Sun (installation), 2022, installation view, How to Hold Your Breath – 2024 Asian Art Biennial, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Taichung, Taiwan, 2024, image courtesy of the artist, photograph: Apichatpong Weerasethakul.
If you have plans this Saturday, take a raincheck. AdHoc.FM, Preservation Records and Rose Quartz are throwing one hell of a night at Dirty Shirlows, a warehouse that holds cultural events and gigs that are for people looking for something a little left of field. The name of it is ASTRALWERKS, a night of cosmic and psychedelic music to send you straight into the stratosphere. The set list is as follows: DEEP MAGIC (Los Angeles) SunAraw Preservation PIMMON Preservation Stunned SECRET BIRDS No Kings Sonoptik ANGEL EYES Melbourne NotNotFun FOUR DOOR Naked On The Vague + Holy Balm + Guest Djs: Tom Ellard (Severed Heads), DJ Preservation and Ears Have Ears DJs til late From the former editors of Pitchfork’s experimental blog Altered Zones, Ad Hoc (http://adhoc.fm/) is a Brooklyn-based, 100% independent, daily music and visual culture publication that brings together music bloggers, writers and active imaginations from all across our global grassroots community. It aims to expose pockets of DIY culture the world-over, strengthen ties across countries, and foster scenes that are working in the shadows cast by the gleam of traditional cultural focus. In line with this, Astralwerks compiles some of Australia - and the world’s – leading practitioners of mind-bending and forward-thinking music. All proceeds from the event go towards the Ad Hoc project. Rose Quartz (http://rosequartz.blogspot.com/) are five dudes from Australia and New Zealand. They started blogging about great new music at the start of 2007 and since have hit the publish button over 1500 times, put on gigs in New York, the UK, Australia and New Zealand and been one of the founding members of Pitchfork’s collaborative sister blog, Altered Zones. If you want to know what everyone else will be listening to in months to come, this will be the place to hear it.
For its 21st birthday, Splendour in the Grass is giving Australia the party we all wish we could've had hitting that milestone: a party headlined by Lizzo. Ahead of announcing its full 2023 lineup, the Byron Bay-based festival has just revealed one of its major acts, with the 'Juice' and 'Truth Hurts' singer set to take to the North Byron Bay Parklands stage this July. In the words of the US rapper herself, it's about damn time. Splendour hasn't revealed any other 2023 talents as yet, so watch this space — but if a fest is going to kick off its announcements with just one name, this is the one to do it with. The songwriter, singer and flautist — and Grammy- and Emmy-winner, too — will add to a whirlwind few years by making her Splendour debut. Yes, it's set to be good as hell. [caption id="attachment_750739" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Luke Gilford[/caption] Expect to hear hits from 2019's CUZ I LOVE YOU and 2022's Special — including, of course, Grammy Record of the Year-winning single 'About Damn Time'. Expect a set filled with dance-ready beats as well, in what's certain to make Splendour 2023 a fest to remember. After 2022's Splendour in the Mud — or Splendour in the Pool if you like — the two-decade-old festival could use some good news. Lizzo fans, pop Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23 in your calendar now, and start searching for your gumboots (while crossing your fingers that this year's fest won't be as boggy). Splendour hasn't revealed when the full lineup will drop but, pre-COVID-19, the fest's full roster was always here by April at the latest — so expect further details soon. For now, the festival has also announced that first-release tickets go on sale at 9am AEDT on Thursday, March 23. Head to the Splendour website to sign up for access ASAP. Splendour in the Grass will take over North Byron Bay Parklands from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23, 2023. We'll update you with the full lineup details when they're announced. For more information in the interim — and to sign up for first-release tickets, which go on sale at 9am AEDT on Thursday, March 23, head to the festival website.
There aren't many chances for a four-day-long break this year, so we can't blame you if you don't want to spend this Easter cooking. Looking to outsource Easter this year? Hyatt Regency's produce-driven, seafood-focused Sailmaker Restaurant is hosting buffets and dinners all weekend long. If it's dinner you're after, book in for Good Friday or Easter Saturday. Between 6–9.30pm, you and your crew can tuck into three courses of cracking locally sourced seafood, then hop over to an Easter-inspired dessert buffet. Come Easter Sunday, the restaurant will turn on an incredible buffet between 12.30–3pm. Start with a selection of fresh seafood, cheese and cold cuts, before moving on to heartier dishes like paella and slow-cooked roasted beef. Just be sure to save room for that dessert buffet. For adults, both lunch and dinner is priced at $115, and dinner includes a wine-pairing option for $55. Kids are welcome to either — an a la carte kids' menu is on offer on Friday and Saturday, and they can join you on Easter Sunday for $55.
Architecture aficionados and self-confessed sticky-beaks, listen up. The historic city of Bendigo, located an easy two-hour drive from Melbourne, will throw the doors open on some of its top buildings for one weekend next month. Across October 27–28, locals and visitors will get the chance to see inside spaces that are generally closed to the public. A boom town during the gold rush period, Bendigo is home to a rich architectural heritage that has been met with rapid development in recent years. Hop on one of the vintage trams and explore the city from the inside. The Open House weekend is a chance to engage with city planners and discuss Bendigo's design future. Visitors are welcome to explore the iconic designs of the city, from private homes and heritage buildings to commercial and civic developments. Over 20 buildings will be on display — highlights include the $630 million Bendigo Hospital (the largest regional hospital development in Victoria), along with B House, a newly completed, bespoke three-bedroom townhouse designed by E+ Architecture. Plus, you can enter the historic Beehive Building while its still under renovation. The building was designed by the famed Charles Webb (the architect behind Melbourne's Royal Arcade) and erected in 1864. Alongside the program will be a series of talks and public workshops. For more information or to pre-book tours, head to the Open House Bendigo website.
We could all use a bit of a mood boost and if there's one surefire way to up those dopamine levels, it's a weekend spent lazing by the harbour, soaking up a taste of that luxe waterfront lifestyle. A holiday from reality, featuring sunshine, water vistas and maybe even a private pool. Well, dotted all around Sydney, you'll find chic harbourside retreats and beachfront villas you can call your own for a couple of nights, offering exclusive addresses and hard-to-match views. We've done the hard work for you and rounded up Sydney's most exclusive harbourside stays you can book right now. Choose a favourite, pack those bags and get ready to live your best-ever holiday life. Stylish Apartment, Pyrmont Taste the high life with a stay at this next-level apartment, kitted out with luxury features and boasting sweeping harbour views. From $1410 a night, sleeps six. Cloudbreak, Mosman This sprawling hillside home makes for one luxurious group getaway, complete with smart styling, an infinity pool and absolute water frontage. From $385 a night, sleeps two. The Boathouse, Kurraba Point Set right on the shoreline of Kurraba Point, this roomy retreat features both a sunny waterfront lawn and a boat shed-turned-entertaining space. From $1833 a night, sleeps six. Harbour Hideaway, Clontarf A bright, breezy coastal escape for two, set right on the shores of Clontarf. Enjoy barbecues on the spacious balcony, overlooking the beach. From $499 a night, sleeps two. Camp Cove Tropical Retreat, Watsons Bay Your own tropical oasis, set just metres from Camp Cove Beach, featuring modern styling, a pool and leafy private garden. From $300 a night, sleeps three. Postcard View, Kirribilli A spectacular apartment on the water edge with direct view of the iconic Opera house and Sydney Harbour Bridge. With ideal views and luxe furnishings, this is the perfect stay for immersing yourself in the Harbour city. From $491 a night, sleeps four. Manly Beach Views, Manly Centrally located with a two minute walk from Manly Beach and Corso shopping strip, you'll have easy access to everything Manly has to offer - stunning views included. From $260 a night, sleeps two. Luxury Yacht Overnight Stay, Rose Bay Indulge yourself in a night of romance on board your own private French built Beneteau yacht moored in Rose Bay. On the waterfront with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background, it will be a stay to remember. From $517 a night, sleeps two. Balmoral Beach Beauty, Mosman This stunning absolute beachfront apartment offers magnificent views of Middle Harbour and Balmoral Beach. From $330 a night, sleeps two. Magnificent Waterfront Living, Double Bay Step into your own peaceful harbourside sanctuary complete with it's own private ten metre marina berth, when you stay in this chic Double Bay apartment. From $1008 a night, sleeps five. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: courtesy of Airbnb
While Messina's main jam is usually crafting supremely scoffable varieties of gelato, the brand's love of food extends far beyond the freezer. The cult gelateria has often teamed up with savoury-focused culinary heroes, throwing big ol' food parties. While these tasty pop-ups used to be hosted in the carpark of Messina's Rosebery store, the recent unveiling of a massive new Marrickville HQ means they're on the move, kicking off with a huge two-day collaboration with a pair of local favourites. For the inaugural Messina Eats Locals at the expansive new outpost, the dessert specialist has enlisted the help of Marrickville's own Baba's Place and Whole Beast Butchery, which have pulled together a street food menu that will be tough to pass up. The eats will be available in the Rich Street carpark from midday till late across Friday, May 12–Saturday, May 13. The Baba's Place section of the menu features falafel wraps, chicken skewers marinated in a fermented garlic caramel glaze, and the restaurant's famous taramasalata served with salt and vinegar chips. Or, opt for the huge mixed plate, which boasts two skewers, two lamb chops, two spicy pork kolbas, pickled turnip, Lebanese bread, house toum and a Baba's Place x Messina sauce. Whole Beast Butchery is keeping things a little more simple with one menu item based around a whole pig, which will be spit-roasted over charcoal. The spit will be pulled and placed on a long crunchy bread roll, then topped with house vinegar sauce, cabbage salad and pickles. There will also be key lime pie-lova sundaes made with lime curd gelato, pie crust, baked meringue, whipped cream and lime zest on hand — as well as all of the regular Messina treats from inside the flagship store, which offers 40 flavours of gelato, cookie pies, Messina chocolates and Bavarian cream pies. Both of the participating venues will be serving up their signature drinks as well, with Whole Beast Butchery's lemonade and Baba's Place and DNA Distillery's rakija and tonic cans available to quench your thirst.
It's mid-August, so you should probably start getting your New Year's Eve plans in order. Victorian NYE festival Beyond the Valley has just announced the lineup for their celebrated four-day festival in Lardner, Victoria and it's pretty bloody good, so could be a solid option. Just four festivals old, the Victorian festival is still pretty fresh on the New Year's circuit, starting out in 2014. Despite this, they've managed to secure a rather colossal lineup, featuring charismatic rap headliner Schoolboy Q, Sydney electro legends The Presets, falsetto-flaunting folk favourite Matt Corby, UK grime gem Stormzy, East London 'wonky funk' singer Nao and 21-year-old Channel Islands-born producer Mura Masa. Beyond the Valley takes over Lardner Park, Warragul, Victoria from December 28 to January 1. Anyway, here's what you came for. BEYOND THE VALLEY 2017 LINEUP: Schoolboy Q The Presets Matt Corby Stormzy Mura Masa Stephan Bodzin (live) Little Dragon 2MNANY DJs (DJ Set) Adana Twins Âme (live) Amy Shark Andhim The Belligerents B.Traits Crooked Colours Cub Sport Cut Copy Dean Lewis DMAs Dom Dolla FKJ GL George Maple Harvey Sutherland & Bermuda Hayden James Hot Dub Time Machine Ivan Ooze Jack River Lastlings Late Nite Tuff Guy Marek Hemmann Meg Mac NAO Patrick Topping Pleasurekraft The Preatures Princess Nokia Ruby Fields Sampa The Great San Cisco Skegss Beyond the Valley is happening December 28 to January 1 at Lardner Park, Warragul, Victoria. Presale tickets on sale Wednesday, August 16, with general tickets on sale Thursday. August 24, from www.beyondthevalley.com.au. Images: Beyond the Valley.
Whether you're a big nature nerd or err on the indifferent side to the science of it all, chances are you've seen at least some of Sir David Attenborough's Blue Planet. The BBC nature documentary series — narrated by the man himself and accompanied by an epic score from Hans Zimmer — first aired back in 2001, and its follow-up second season, Blue Planet II, was released just last year. But the bits you've seen on TV or YouTube are sure to be belittled when the BBC brings the live show to Australia this April. Like the performances of Harry Potter and Star Wars we've seen in recent months, Blue Planet II Live in Concert will see the documentary screened in all its glory accompanied by a live orchestra. And it's a big score. The music for Blue Earth II was composed by none other than Hans Zimmer (responsible for epics like The Lion King, Gladiator, The Dark Knight Rises and Inception) alongside Jacob Shea and David Fleming. In Australia, the score will be performed by three of the country's leading orchestras and, in lieu of Attenborough, Ab Fab's Joanna Lumley will be narrating in real time. The show will travel around Australia in March 2019, visiting Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney for just three shows all up. Tickets go on October 15. In the meantime, you can watch ehe first season of Blue Planet on Netflix. BLUE PLANET II LIVE IN CONCERT TOUR DATES March 8, 2019— Sydney Theatre, International Convention Centre, Sydney (with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra) March 9, 2019 — Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) March 11, 2019 — Great Hall, Convention and Exhibition Centre (with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra) Blue Planet II Live in Concert will tour Australia from May 8–11, 2019. Presale tickets will go on sale on Monday, October 15. For more info, visit blueplanet2live.com.au. Image: Hugh Miller, copyright BBC NHU (2016).
It's no secret that Adelaide's live music scene is one of the most thriving in the country — though this is probably not a surprise when you consider the city has given the world artists like Jimmy Barnes, Sia, Hilltop Hoods and Paul Kelly. When it comes to live music festivals though, the cities in the east tend to get the biggest acts. Until this November, that is, when brand-new festival Harvest Rock will take over Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina for two massive days. Headlining the bill is Jack White (pictured below), with The White Stripes frontman playing his only Australian show at Harvest Rock. And he'll be joined by plenty more international talent — The Black Crowes, Khruangbin and Groove Armada are all on the roster, as are The Lumineers, Hot Chip and Sam Fender. We reckon that's a lineup worth planning a weekend in Adelaide for. From the local contingent, Crowded House will bring a hefty dose of nostalgia, while The Avalanches, Courtney Barnett, You Am I and Tones And I will also take to the stage. Hailing from Secret Sounds, the crew behind Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival, Harvest Rock's two-day run will also place a big focus on the other part of its moniker: food. That'll include a dedicated stage for chef and bar stars to showcase their skills, a marquee serving up curated bites by chef Jake Kellie (arkhé, Burnt Ends) and a food-truck park. Plus, the bar lineup is being curated by Australian wine critic Nick Stock, and features Archie Rose Distilling Co pouring spirits, wine tastings at a cellar door pop-up, a beer hall and a champagne bar. One watering hole will be a LGBTQI+ space, too, and there'll also be a booze-free bar for anyone keen on avoiding a post-fest hangover. Harvest Rock will take over Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina, Adelaide, on Saturday, November 19–Sunday, November 20. Tickets are on sale now. For more details and to purchase tickets, head to the Harvest Rock website.
Acclaimed French choreographer Olivier Dubois will bring two performances of his minimalist, contemporary dance work, Tragédie, to Carriageworks in September. Tragédie is a meticulously constructed minimalist dance work that features women and men performing a chorus of hypnotically repetitive, marching movements together. Backed by a pounding bass, it is a risk-taking performance in which all performers are naked. Over-exposed in their nudity, the women and men rid themselves of their psychological, historical and sociological anxiety through the constant back and forth movement of their dance. The performance essentially builds until it becomes a giant, on stage, naked rave. Premiering at the Festival D'Avignon in 2012, Tragédie is famed for the pounding energy that it reverberates through the audience. Dubois was inspired by ideas in Greek history and the philosophy of Nietzsche — particularly The Birth of Tragedy — in which Nietzsche praises the transcendent liberation of dance. Carriageworks is hosting Olivier Dubois for his first performances in Australia. Considered to be one of the great French figures of the dance world, Dubois works with one of France's renowned centres for choreography, the Ballet du Nord, and has travelled the world with his performances. Image: François Stemmer.
D4vd has officially been removed from the touring lineup of Spilt Milk, in the midst of official investigations into a dead body discovered in a Tesla registered in the artist's name. His 2025 touring schedule has been up in the air ever since the investigation began, but after quietly being scrubbed on the weekend, the organisers have confirmed their decision today as reported on Rolling Stone. The body was discovered in the Tesla trunk after police were called to a tow yard in Hollywood to investigate reports of a foul smell coming from the car. It took a week for medical examiners to identify the victim as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, who had been missing for over a year. Burke was on tour when Rivas' body was discovered, and he continued to play shows. "Last week we removed d4vd from our website and marketing out of respect for the unfolding story," a statement reads. "We can now confirm d4vd will not perform at Spilt Milk and we are working on a replacement booking which we'll announce as soon as it's finalised." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Spilt Milk (@spiltmilk_au) Tickets for d4vd's headline shows while in the country have also been quietly scrapped. Rolling Stone AU/NZ has contacted promoters for comment. According to a previously released statement, Burke has been "cooperating" with authorities during the investigation. He has not been named as a suspect or a person of interest, nor has he been accused of any crimes. While authorities haven't identified a suspect or person of interest yet, several details about the investigation have come out. For instance, the impounded Tesla was towed from the affluent Bird Streets neighbourhood in the Hollywood Hills, with neighbors telling Rolling Stone that it had been spotted in various places. It was eventually towed from a spot on Bluebird Avenue, where sources said it had been sitting for at least three weeks. After Rivas was identified, law enforcement searched a house around the block from where the car was towed. Police left with several items, including a computer. The home's owner later confirmed to Rolling Stone that the residence had been rented to Burke's manager, Josh Marshall, last year, starting in February 2024. Spilt Milk will take place in Ballarat, Perth, Canberra and the Gold Coast between Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 14. For more information on the lineup, visit the website.
Streetwear gurus and underground hip-hop heads have a chance to meet the Odd Future crew today at Sweat Shop in Sydney, located in the basement of 80 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. Fans will be able to meet the group, as well as purchase exclusive Odd Future merchandise from the store. The group will perform two shows in Sydney. Their headline show takes place tonight at the Enmore Theatre, while they will also feature at the Big Day Out on Australia Day alongside Kanye West, Soundgarden, Nero, and plenty more. The store is open until 6pm each, but a healthy crowd has formed outside so it would be a safe option to head there as soon as possible. Furthermore, the weather's looking a little damp, so you might want to throw on your Supreme beanies and North Face windbreakers for this one. The store will be open 12pm to 6pm until January 29.
The Sydney Trapeze School is bringing its high-flying aerial show to Darling Harbour with two free daily performances of death-defying, acrobatic thrills. With students aged 14 years and over, the school has been training its aspiring circus artists all year so that its top aerialists can showcase jaw-dropping tricks, splits and catches. Bring the whole family to witness their daring flights and be amazed by their incredible skills, with performances daily, excluding Mondays, at 12.30pm and 6.45pm.
Snapping a few selfies over Christmas, and then sharing them with the world? Aren't we all. In this selfie-taking, uploading, sharing and Instagram-filling age, the days of only being able to spy your own image in a mirror or reflective surface are long gone. But, what if you could see it on a cookie, cupcake or even on top of your iced coffee? That's what New York's Selfee promises — and they can place your likeness on cold beverages and other baked goods as well. They've been holding pop-up events for the past six months, and are currently running a crowdfunding campaign to open their own store. At the time of writing, they've raised $23,516 towards their $30,000 goal with six days remaining. https://www.instagram.com/p/BOQBxEVAIgu/?taken-by=selff.ee How does it work, you're probably wondering? Flavourless, FDA-certified edible inks hold the key to feasting on food boasting your own picture — or another snap of your choosing. So does a quick printing method that happens as you watch, which gives it an advantage over existing methods of decorating food with your own image (such as cake transfers that have topped bakery fare for years — or online photo-printed marshmallow ordering service Boomf, which is co-owned by James Middleton, the brother of the Duchess of Cambridge). The New York shop will produce selfie-adorned cold-brew iced coffee, iced green tea, cupcakes, cookies, marshmallows and milkshakes, while an online store will ship cookies across America. Add it to your must-try list if you're heading to the US any time soon, or keep your fingers crossed that something similar pops up in Australia. (If you're heading to Asia, Selfie Coffee has proven popular in Singapore)> For more information about Selfee, visit their website.
Painting sky-high grain solos and 20-storey housing complexes is all in a day's work for Matt Adnate, with the Melbourne street artist earning plenty of attention in recent years for his soaring pieces. For his next project, he's going even bigger, taking on Perth's new Art Series Hotel — which, in keeping with the chain's tradition, will also bear his name. Due to open this October, The Adnate will pay tribute to Australia's renowned big wall artist both inside and out; however you won't need to book a stay to enjoy the site's exterior displays. In a work dubbed the 'Mega Mural', Adnate will splash his creative magic across the entire west-facing side of the hotel, painting a 27-storey-high piece. If that sounds huge, that's because it'll eclipse his work in Collingwood, which became the tallest mural in the southern hemisphere when it was unveiled. In fact, this new record-holder will stand just five storeys shorter than the world's tallest mural in Toronto, which measures 32 storeys. The Adnate's towering external artistry mural won't simply earn a place in the record books; it'll highlight the city's cultural history and community. Three large-scale portraits will emblazon the wall, with the mural depicting "the past through the cultural representation in the subject's dressing elements, the present with contemporary faces, and the future as the subjects are the youth of today," according to the artist. "What excites me most about this collaboration with Art Series is the opportunity to capture the stories and emotions of my subjects and to share them with a new audience in the west," Adnate explains. "I've always held a personal connection towards the First Nation people I paint. Whether it be a connection to country or a strong emphasis on spirituality, I believe we have a lot to learn." With The Adnate marking the first Art Series hotel dedicated to street art, its namesake will also contribute a 50-metre-long external painting known as the 'Laneway Mural', which will include multiple portraits in collaboration with a local Indigenous artist. Inside the hotel, Adnate is completing a 'Staircase Mural', as well as two original canvases. They'll be joined by up to 650 reproductions of 30 of his most famous works from around the world, which guests will spy on the site's internal walls and in its hallways. Other than a vast array of Adnate's art, the hotel will feature 250 rooms, a centrepiece pool area on its first floor, plenty of cocktails and a focus on Mediterranean cuisine. It slots into Art Series' existing hotel portfolio, which spans five sites in Melbourne (The Olsen in South Yarra, The Blackman on St Kilda Road, The Cullen in Prahan, The Larwill in Parkville and The Chen in Box Hill), one in Adelaide (The Watson in Walkerville) and two in Brisbane (The Johnson and The Fantauzzo). The Adnate will open at a yet-to-be-announced date in October at 900 Hay Street, Perth. For further details, head to the hotel's website.
Sorry Thanks I Love You isn't quite like any other store in Sydney — and they're proud of it. A unique mash-up of high-end fashion, gourmet food, craft beverages, jewellery and accessories makes the Sorry Thanks I Love You space feel like a big, boujee playground for adults. A big part of that feel can be attributed to the physical space. Designed by Han Lim from StudioMKZ and hand-assembled over the past four months by Archiway's Scott Sun and his team, you'll be surrounded by eight thousand pieces of interwoven timber as you enter the 300 square metre space. The design is inspired by Japanese sculptor Tadashi Kawamata and immerses visitors and viewers in the intoxicating smell of pine. The store has partnered with small makers and sourced underground artists from across the globe — all the way from Tokyo to Tasmania. Expect to find collections from the likes of Comme Des Garçons, Pleats Please Issey Miyake, Marni and MM6 Maison Margiela. The emphasis here is on handmade, expertly-designed products that tell a story. All of the creations in the space are unique and thoughtfully-designed, so you're in very little danger of doubling up on gifts for your mate. The store also features a sleek specialty coffee and chocolate bar for a perfect pick-me-up. The menu of single origin coffee from Sydney's Single O is complemented by the full range of chocolates from Byron Bay's Loco Love. The chocolates are all handmade and naturally sweetened with coconut blossom nectar. They're made from medicinal spices and superfoods, which means they're vegan, gluten-free and devoid of any refined sugar. Other unique goodies ready to be discovered include a gin-spiked mayonaise, artisanal glassware and a curated range of books from independent Japanese, English and French publishers. Finally, the store can be transformed to accommodate any manner of exhibition or event. A fifteen metre-long crescent of communal, tiered seating will accomodate events including wine tastings from P&V Wines, compelling talks and screenings, free after-dark yoga classes and oozy cheese tastings with Nick Haddow from Bruny Island Cheese. The Sorry Thanks I Love You store is located on Level 1 at Westfield Sydney, Pitt Street Mall and is open from 9.30am – 6pm.
Almost one year after their break-up, a film documenting the final chapters of alternative powerhouse LCD Soundsystem will premiere on January 22 at the Sundance Film Festival. Shut Up and Play the Hits, directed by Dylan Southern and William Lovelace, shows frontman James Murphy in the hours prior to the band's farewell show at Madison Square Garden. This will be combined with unbeatable footage from their epic ultimate performance, as well as Murphy's reactions and reflections on what has been an illustrious career. With a devotion to both the personal and performance aspects of Murphy's character, Shut Up and Play the Hits gives fans an intimate insight into the brains behind one of this generation's most innovative and critically acclaimed bands. The anticipation before the LCD's grand farewell is balanced with the sense of loss the morning after, giving viewers a complete experience on this emotional and artistic rollercoaster. On top of three studio albums and numerous Grammy nominations, LCD Soundsystem were able to forge a cult following which reflected their diverse sound combining disco and punk rock with a distinct indie tinge. Murphy was also the co-founder of DFA Records, home of fellow alternative favourites Holy Ghost! and The Rapture.
Haute couture. Murder. Disco tunes and Studio 54. Throw in one of the biggest names in fashion — and a tale that's filled with both glam and grim strands, too — and that's House of Gucci. Ranking highly among the most anticipated movies set to hit the big screen across the rest of 2021, this Ridley Scott (All the Money in the World)-directed drama steps inside the Gucci family fashion dynasty, charting its successes and shocking moments over the course of three tumultuous decades. If you've read the book The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed, which this new film is based on, then you'll know the details. If you've seen news coverage about or can remember the events that rocked the Italian family back in 1995, you will as well. The focus: Maurizio Gucci, grandson of company founder Guccio Gucci, and the head of the fashion house throughout the 80s and early 90s — until he was assassinated by a hitman in 1995. Adam Driver steps into also Maurizio's unsurprisingly stylish shoes, in what's proving a big year for him in cinemas. He'll also grace the big screen in Scott's next film The Last Duel, which is due to release in October — a month before House of Gucci arrives in November. In the latter flick, he's joined by Lady Gaga in her first big-screen role since A Star Is Born, this time playing Maurizio's wife Patrizia. Obviously, there's quite the tale to tell — and, as the just-dropped first trailer for House of Gucci shows, Scott is going big on striking threads, 70s and 80s tunes and vibes, indulgence and luxury dripping through in every frame, and also an unavoidable air of melodrama. To help, the star-studded cast also includes Jared Leto (The Little Things) sporting plenty of prosthetics and makeup, as well as Al Pacino (The Irishman), Jeremy Irons (Love, Weddings and Other Disasters) and Salma Hayek (The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard). As the trailer reminds us, that's a whole lot of Oscar-winning and Oscar-nominated talent in one flick. Check out the trailer below: House of Gucci will release in Australian cinemas on November 25.
Australia keeps going dotty for Yayoi Kusama — and this time, one of the Japanese artist's dot-filled installations is sticking around on a permanent basis. Acquired by the National Gallery of Australia earlier this year, Kusama's pumpkin-focused infinity room The Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens is now on display at the Canberra gallery, opening today, Saturday, December 1. The piece was first exhibited in 2015 and last seen in Australia earlier this year, in Brisbane as part of the Gallery of Modern Art's Yayoi Kusama: Life Is the Heart of a Rainbow exhibition between October 2017 and February 2018. Comprised of a mirrored cube filled with yellow, dot-covered pumpkins, it's a quintessential Kusama work. Whether you're a devoted fan who considers visiting the artist's own Tokyo museum a bucket-list moment, or someone who has simply placed stickers around one of her obliteration rooms, you would've noticed that dots and the concept of infinity are crucial to her art — "our earth is only one polka dot among a million stars in the cosmos," she says. Inside the cube, the bulbous vegetables appear to create an endless field thanks to the shiny surface. On the outside of the cube, the structure's mirrored exterior reflects the yellow-and-black walls in the surrounding installation room — again, making it appear as though the pattern stretches on forever. The acquisition was made possible via a gift to the NGA from Andrew and Hiroko Gwinnett. "It has long-been my ambition to see a major contemporary Japanese artwork housed in Australia's national collection," said Andrew in a statement. "Kusama's playful installation is a legacy that will keep giving for generations to come." Find The Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens at the National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes, Canberra. Images: Yayoi Kusama, THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO HEAVENS 2015 — Installation view at The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (Museum MACAN). © Yayoi Kusama. Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo/ Singapore/ Shanghai. / Courtesy of National Gallery of Australia, installation view.
The Australia-wide Human Rights Arts and Film Festival is the only cultural event devoted exclusively to exploring humanitarian issues through creative media. The not-for-profit event will be showing at the Chauvel Cinema in from May 29 to June 1, and Concrete Playground has five double passes to give away for the opening night film, Buffalo Girls. The heartening feature-length doco about two girls embroiled in Thailand's 30,000 child boxing tournaments shows the exploitation of the children involved, plus the adults - even their own family members - who take pleasure in watching the so-called sport, betting on the gory outcomes. The livelihoods of the girls are at stake as their tiny fists, elbows, knees and feet fly through the air, forced to fight one another in pursuit of prize money. Is this exploitation, empowerment or economic necessity? See the film and judge for yourself. Concrete Playground has five double passes for the opening night to give away. To get your hands on tickets, make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground, then email your name and postal address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au
If you can't make it to London's dine-in-the-dark naked restaurant — or you got in at the tail-end of the 28,000-strong waitlist — you might be interested in an after-dark dinner of a different kind. For Vivid Sydney, Sydney Tower (aka the ever-present Westfield spire that looms over the city) will be dimming the lights for dinner with a ripper of a view. On Saturday, June 4, Sydney's tallest structure will be switching the overheads for candles for a one-off dinner in their STUDIO event space. With the lights down low, you'll be able to cop an eyeful of the all the ridiculously beautiful Vivid lights down below. But your sight won't be the only sense in total overload. 360 Bar and Dining's head chef Elton Inglis has designed a special five-course menu with matching wines to stimulate your taste, touch, smell and hearing. Not sure how that last one will be integrated, but we're pretty into the taste side of things. Dinner in the Dark is a one-night-only deal, and it will kick off after-dark at 7pm on Saturday, June 4. Tickets cost $199 and include five course with matched wines, a glass of sparkling and potentially the best (and least crowded) view of Vivid in Sydney.
He's played a shimmering vampire in the Twilight films, a circus newcomer in Water for Elephants, a photographer friend of James Dean in Life and a desperate small-time criminal in Good Time. Also on his resume: battling in the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, stepping into Salvador Dali's shoes in Little Ashes, roaming around the Australian outback in The Rover, heading to space in High Life and enduring a nightmarish seaside ordeal in The Lighthouse. Yes, we're talking about Robert Pattinson, who'll also add Batman to his hefty list of roles next year — but, before then, he's playing a creepy man of faith in Netflix's new thriller The Devil All the Time. Since leaving terrible supernatural teen romance franchises behind, Pattinson has chosen many an impressive, interesting part. Indeed, add the David Cronenberg-directed Cosmopolis and Maps to the Stars, the unnerving The Childhood of a Leader, biographical drama The Lost City of Z and Shakespeare adaptation The King to the above lineup, too. So, playing an unholy and unsettling preacher in a small Ohio town between World War II and the Vietnam war seems right up his alley. That said, as The Devil All the Time's just-dropped first trailer shows, Pattinson is just one of the film's many stars. Tom Holland leads the charge as Arvin Russell, who finds himself surrounded by sinister figures — including not only Pattinson as Reverend Preston Teagardin, but Jason Clarke and Riley Keough as a twisted couple, plus Sebastian Stan as a corrupt sheriff. In a movie adapted Donald Ray Pollock's novel of the same name, IT's Bill Skarsgård also pops up, as do Aussie actors Mia Wasikowska and Eliza Scanlen. If it all sounds rather disquieting, that's the point, in a tense feature that promises a fight between the just and the crooked. It certainly looks the part and, hitting Netflix on September 16, The Devil All the Time also boasts Simon Killer and Christine's Antonio Campos behind the lens as well. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIzazUv2gtI The Devil All the Time hits Netflix on September 16. Top images: Glen Wilson/Netflix.
The team behind Bacon Brewfest, Wolli Creek's Discovery Markets and the Brewery Yard Markets at Central Park are bringing their new monthly food extravaganza to Sydney for the second time. Truckstop! Round #2 will take over the carpark of Rosebery's Saporium from 5pm on Friday, August 4. The evening will feature six of Sydney's best food trucks in a night of eats, drinks, live music and art. Food will include pizzas from Happy As Larry, fried chicken from Dirty Bird, yakitori and gyoza from Shiso Fine, tacos from The Nighthawk Diner, pork belly buns from Tsuru Food Truck and barbecue from Eat Art Truck. DJs will be providing beats while Work-Shop runs live street art demonstrations. If you fancy a Friday bevvy, Rosebery neighbours Frenchies will be providing the beers along with Batch Brewing. The carpark will be decorated with long communal tables, white marquees and fairy lights to create a cosy midweek market atmosphere.
Chart-topping UK grime MC Stormzy is finally set to return to Australian and New Zealand before the end of 2022, with a slew of previously postponed tour dates being given new dates. Originally scheduled for 2020 before being pushed back multiple times for obvious reasons, the H.IT.H World Tour will make its long-awaited arrival across Australian and New Zealand from Wednesday, November 23. That's when the tour will begin at Perth's HBF Stadium, before continuing on to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Wellington — and concluding in Auckland on Sunday, December 11. Folks that purchased tickets to the original tour and held onto them for the past two years need not worry, as their purchase is still valid, while limited extra tickets are on sale now. Stormzy last graced our shores for Splendour in the Grass 2018. In the following half a decade, the rapper has released his second UK #1 album Heavy Is The Head, which was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize; made history by becoming the first black British solo artist to headline Glastonbury; and set up multiple social enterprises including the #Merky Foundation and the Storzmy Scholarship at the University of Cambridge. The tour will mark the first time audiences down under will have the opportunity to catch Heavy Is The Head hits like 'Vossi Bop', 'Own It' and 'Crown', alongside favourites from Stormzy's back catalogue. With many of the tickets already snatched up back in 2020, the remaining spots are sure to fill up fast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ClYy0MxsU0 STORMZY AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES 2022 Perth — Wednesday, November 23, HBF Stadium Sydney — Sunday, November 27, Hordern Pavilion Sydney — Monday, November 28, Hordern Pavilion Brisbane — Wednesday, November 30, Riverstage Melbourne — Friday, December 2, John Cain Arena Adelaide — Thursday, December 8, AEC Theatre Wellington — Saturday, December 10, TBS Arena Auckland — Sunday, December 11, Trusts Arena Stormzy will tour Australia and New Zealand in November and December 2022. For further information and to buy tickets, head to Handsome Tour's website. Top image: Raph_PH.
While some interstate travel could be back on the cards for Australians by next month and trans-Tasman travel by July (according to the Federal Government's three-step plan for a COVIDSafe Australia), it looks like other international travel could still be a while off. Australia and New Zealand's borders are currently closed and all international travel is banned, and Australia's Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy has said he can't see this changing any time in the foreseeable future. Murphy told a Senate inquiry into COVID-19 as much yesterday,Wednesday, May 13: "I cannot see border measures materially changing for some time." Murphy also said that two-thirds of Australia's COVID-19 cases had been overseas-acquired and he had "no vision" of when strong borders could be relaxed. An analysis released earlier this week by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association for the world's airlines, and Tourism Economics has an equally dire outlook — for international travel, not so much for domestic. According to the report, the best case scenario is that air travel will be back to normal (2019 levels) by 2023. While it's expected international air travel will take four years to recover, the report predicts domestic travel will bounce back faster. "The impacts of the crisis on long-haul travel will be much more severe and of a longer duration than what is expected in domestic markets," said IATA CEO Alexandre de Juniac in the report. The average length of flights will drop — as shown by the below graph — as people preference exploring their own backyard, over international jaunts. So, while European adventures and could still be a while off, exploring Australia could be a possibility in the not-so-distant future. Many states and territories have closed borders at the moment, though — including Queensland, Tasmania, WA, SA and NT — and regional travel is still off-limits, but we'll let you know when that changes. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and what travel is and isn't allowed, head to the Department of Health's website. Domestic travel is now allowed in New Zealand — read more about COVID-19 Alert Level 2 here.
For the first time in five years, artist Patricia Piccinini's floating artwork Skywhale is back in Victoria. The Skywhale isn't any old artwork either, it's a 34-metre-long hot air balloon in the form of a large fleshy animal — and it just flew high above the Yarra Valley. Taking off in the wee hours (when you were hopefully still curled up in bed) from Dixons Creek, it made its way across the Yarra River travelling from Yarra Glen to Tarrawarra. The theriomorphic balloon isn't floating here by chance, either, it's in the Valley to promote Piccinini's latest exhibition at the TarraWarra Museum of Art, dubbed Patricia Piccinini and Joy Hester: Through Love..., which kicks off this Saturday, November 24. On display until March 11, 2019, the exhibition not only focuses on Piccinini's weird and wonderful works — that tread the thin line between humanity and animal — but on fellow Australian artist Joy Hester. If the latter's name doesn't sound familiar, she was a Melbourne artist who passed away in 1960, favoured brushwork and ink on paper, and is considered one of Piccinini's key influences.This'll be the first time anywhere in the world that a gallery has explored the connection between the pair, with more than 50 pieces on display. But back to our Skywhale. Here it is floating in all its fleshy glory today: https://www.instagram.com/p/BqdGVb_l7a8/ https://www.instagram.com/p/BqdBj1Dhm4b/ If you missed it this AM, it might be taking flight once again this weekend. While the flight is dependant on the weather, if it does takeoff, it'll be doing so very early in the morning (around 5.45am). For updates, keep an eye on the TarraWarra Museum of Art Facebook page. Image: Patricia Piccinini Skywhale, 2013, courtesy of the artist, the Australian Capital Territory Government, Tolarno Galleries and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery.
Having operated for over 46 years, Eddy Avenue Florist blends into the familiar landscape of Central Station. The boutique is located right at the Eddy Avenue station entrance making it convenient for an impulse self-purchase or last-minute gift. All bases are covered with a vast range of flora on offer — from elegant native arrangements to brightly-coloured bouquets. Owner Emmanuel — a mainstay at the store entrance — will be on-hand to help select the perfect arrangement for any occasion.
