Dragon may have warned us against going out in the pouring rain, but we choose to respectfully disagree with this warning. A little precipitation shouldn’t stop you from living your best weekend life! From Brisbane’s first-ever burger festival to tropical teases and rubber duck racing, we’ve scouted the best of what’s happening in Brisbane on the October 19–22 weekend. more
At least once in our lives we’ve all looked up at a bright blue sky and wished we could step right into it, free as a bird and without a care in the world. Well, the expression 'head in the clouds' is about to take on a literal meaning – ephemeral pop-up The Size of Air from visionary installation artist Kinly Grey is coming to the Queen Street Mall for three evenings only across October 25–27, inviting us all to experience a piece of the sky without leaving the ground. more
When you think about Noosa, your mind probably wanders to thoughts of pristine beaches, lush national parks, high-end shopping on Hastings and hazy days spent in the sun. Whilst all of this is part of what makes the Sunshine Coast hotspot famous, Noosa also has a thriving cultural scene that is truly blossoming into its own unique entity. One of the key events emerging in this renaissance is the Noosa International Film Festival, returning for its second outing following a sterling debut last year. Running from October 26–29, the world-class event brings a taste of film, rock, talks and workshops from all around the globe to the coast. more
Real talk – we all know a wine wanker. Whether it’s one of your close mates (sucks to be you) or a mouthy friend-of-a-friend, these insufferable souls are the sort of people who kind of make you want to punch them. Why is it that experts in this field tend to come with an almost guaranteed air of arrogance? Don’t give up hope just yet, friends – The Wine Bluffs are headed to the Brisbane Powerhouse from November 16–18 and they’re here to school you on all things grape, minus the pretence and with an added dose of belly laughs. Disclaimer: almost none of this knowledge is legit. more
Turning 21 is a pretty big deal – it’s the kind of occasion where you throw a massive rager, invite all of your friends and try to extend the good times for as long as possible, right? It’s definitely a milestone worthy of a two-day party featuring killer bands, loads of live entertainment and drool-worthy food, which is exactly what iconic street festival Valley Fiesta is doing to celebrate its upcoming birthday. Taking over the Brunswick Street and Chinatown malls as well as a host of adjoining venues on the October 27–28 weekend, this is one party you’ll want to invite yourself to. more
The Melbourne Cup is one of those uniquely Australian mid-week excuses to pretty much dress up and get down – sure, some people genuinely care about the racing aspect but a lot of us are in it for the party. Well, dear readers, there exists a place that will cater to every crowd come Tuesday November 7. Whether you’re a serious punter, a social butterfly, a fashion die-hard or just there for the food (no shame), Melbourne Cup at Treasury Brisbane is the place where you’ll feel like you’re winning all day long. more
People change a heck of a lot in 60 years. Heck, if you look back on what you were doing even five years ago it can feel like a lifetime. Thus, it comes as no surprise that artists who are active across multiple decades are prone to switching it up and experimenting, testing the waters across styles and genres to try their hand at most everything that tickles their fancy. One such person is Gerhard Richter, the iconic German artist whose body of work is as storied as it is diverse. Coming to the Gallery of Modern Art from October 14 and running until February next year, Gerhard Richter: The Life of Images provides us with an extraordinary chance to witness one of the world’s most influential artists as he’s never been seen before. more
When it comes to live music, Brisbane truly has it made. We’re ultra lucky to have an abundance of venues that play host to all manner of gigs across limitless genres, from hole-in-the-wall hideaways to mammoth stadiums. Whilst some of the bigger bands tend to play further out, one of our best assets is actually right in the middle of The City. The natural amphitheatre of the Riverstage is undoubtedly one of Australia’s favourite venues, drawing both big-time local and international acts on the regular. From worldwide pop superstars to beloved home-grown artists, we’ve picked our top five gigs coming to the Riverstage that you simply should not miss. more
I think there's a little train wreck in all of us, some of us are just a little more forthcoming in admitting to it ...~ Phoebe Parsons more
Going to the movies as an adult seems to be a rare treat for most of us – it’s so nice to be able to kick back for a couple of hours and truly switch off from the world. While we have no complaints about the traditional formula of popcorn, frozen Coke and blasting air-conditioning, sometimes it’s nice to shake it up and take advantage of our dreamy Brisbane climate. American Express Openair Cinemas is taking up residence in the lush South Bank Parklands from October 6 to November 19, bringing a fresh and seasonal spin to your movie-going experience – trust us when we say this is one instance where the question “Do you want to take this outside?” should be met with the affirmative. more
If you’re anything like us, getting into a post-winter fitness regime can be a little (read: extremely) challenging at first. When it comes to the cold and steely interior of a gym versus the lure of a cheeseburger, how is one to proceed? Look, the easiest way to actually get off your bum and into action is to make it fun and eliminate the pressure aspect, which is exactly what the Medibank Feel Good Program is about. Returning to the South Bank Parklands from October 2 until December 2, the program features a range of free outdoor fitness classes that welcome all ages and fitness levels. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too! more
There’s something about pyrotechnics that gets people really damn excited. Heck, we’re not about to pretend that we’re above stopping and staring in awe when a whole bunch of colourful fireballs light up the sky. Returning as the show-stopping closing event to Brisbane Festival, Sunsuper Riverfire is one such occasion where we all come together to marvel at the wonders of gunpowder let off to a synchronised soundtrack. As a special treat for the long weekend, Uber is giving twenty lucky riders the chance to win the ultimate Sunsuper Riverfire experience this Saturday September 30 – transport, food and killer views all included. more
The race that stops the nation is fast approaching, which means it’s time to ensure that your Melbourne Cup party plans are sorted. This year dozens of Brisbane’s finest spots are frocking up for the 2017 festivities, so before you get caught up finalising your bets and arranging your stellar outfit, make sure you’ve booked a place to celebrate before you’re all dressed up with no place to go. more
Germany is known for a lot of things – its highly expressive language, its iconic selection of food and rich cultural history combine to make it a bucket-list destination for pretty much anyone who hasn’t been already. Undoubtedly one of the biggest celebrations of all things Germanic is the world-famous Oktoberfest, but unfortunately not all of us have the cash to drop on a European getaway. Luckily, we have the next best thing right in our own backyard – Oktoberfest Brisbane! Held over two weekends at the Brisbane Showgrounds in October, this massive party is celebrating its tenth year of bringing us a big ol’ slice of Germany’s culture. more
Love is a tricky old thing, eh? When you’re on the right track with someone else you can feel totally invincible, but having your heart truly broken is probably one of the most traumatic things you can experience as a human. Like it or not, love and life happen simultaneously – and often they get in the way of each other. That being said, lost love is something we can all relate to. Cult musical The Last Five Years is coming to the Brisbane Powerhouse from October 7–14 to give us an all-singing arrow to the heart, following the timeline of a disintegrating relationship from start to finish with no holds barred. more
In many cultures, spring is traditionally a symbol for rebirth – it’s a time for us to start fresh and show the world what we’re made of. The Queensland Art Gallery has spent some serious time committing to this process and is finally ready to reveal to us the new and improved Australian Collection, re-presenting to the public the Gallery’s Australian art holdings in brand-new and innovative ways. Prepare to reconnect with some of the best and brightest art that our country has to offer! more
Here in Brisbane we may not get a white Christmas, but every year we do get one white-hot party. How could you possibly resist the allure of an all-white dress code combined with a mystery location and a moveable feast? Combining mystery with elegance, this annual epicurean adventure is one that sets the city's social scene abuzz. Le Dîner en Blanc returns for its sixth edition on Saturday November 4, taking over a top-secret location and filling it with food, merriment and white for the night. more
Folks, we are at that awkward mid-season point of the year where we’re clinging to spring but the rise in temperature is undeniable. This recent spell of balmy weather has got us looking toward our summer wardrobes and feeling a little less than impressed with what we've got. Are you feeling a tad uninspired by your selection of last year’s denim cut-offs and that same bikini you’ve been rocking for a couple of summers now? Fear not, fam! DFO Brisbane's Big Brand Sale is here to save your wardrobe and your pennies – running from Friday September 29 to Monday October 2, you can indulge in some serious bargains with a side of delicious eats and fun activities. more
We’ve all had instances where we’ve tasted something for the very first time and had our minds blown. You know, from the moment it hits your lips and you instantly think, “Holy smokes, this is a game changer and please give me 100 more.” The thrill of finding flavours that really resonate with you is pretty much unparalleled, which is what makes the Good Food and Wine Show the equivalent of Christmas for adults. Running from October 27–29 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, this culinary paradise brings together a travelling road show of some of the best producers around the country for your eatin’ and drinkin’ pleasure. more
There’s plenty to love about Italy and we all know it – from the joyful nature of its population to the absolutely amazing food, Italian culture has got it going on. One of the strongest points of the country is its film scene, which blends a rich history with forward-thinking innovations to create works that can be admired the world over. From September 20 to October 8, the Palace Barracks and Palace Centro Cinemas will play host to a stunning selection of both old and new cinematic gems from our favourite pasta-fuelled European country – that’s right, the Lavazza Italian Film Festival is back, bella! more
There are certain people who quite simply have a way with words – when they have something to say, we pay attention. One of these people is Tim Rogers, a bona fide Australian arts legend. Perhaps best known as the frontman for rock and roll outfit You Am I, Tim’s prolific career has spanned to include solo albums, books and now a stage production. The celebrated raconteur has teamed up with the Melbourne Theatre Company to bring us What Rhymes With Cars and Girls, coming to the Brisbane Powerhouse from October 25 to November 4 to hit us hard with feelings. more