Lucky winter is basically over here in sunny Brisbane, because you're going to be out all month with all the events on this August.
Three Blue Ducks Global Trail
Guys, Three Blue Ducks is taking their deliciously sustainable eats international, and you should definitely go with them. Darren Robertson is heading for W Bali's Starfish Bloo in Seminyak at the end of August, and frankly the event they've got planned sounds like an excuse to book a trip. Darren will be taking over the Starfish Bloo kitchen to plate up fresh, tropical flavours with locally caught, sustainable seafood. Not that dinner and a staycation at W Brisbane isn't equally as appealing, but we know where we're heading.
When: Friday 30 August
Where: W Bali, Seminyak
For more information, click here.
Bris Funny Fest
An indie fringe collaboration of comedians here to deliver all things side-stitching, from stand-up to musical comedy and improv, Bris Funny Fest is back for 2019 with over 100 shows across 26 days. A fully independent comedy festival run by volunteers, this festival showcases a diversity of talents that are sure to outdo any cringe dad joke you hear on the regular. For the full lineup, click here.
When: 7 August–1 September
Where: Venues across Brisbane
For more information, click here.
Regatta Winter Woodlands
Brisbane’s idea of cooler weather might be much milder than most, but who says you can’t wrap yourself in a furry blanket and enjoy a hot cup of mulled wine in an enchanted woodland? The Regatta’s Winter Woodlands says you can. For three months, Brisbane’s iconic Regatta Hotel will transform its open-air courtyard into enchanted woodland, serving delicious winter warmer eats and mulled wine to cosy up and enjoy.
When: Until 2 September
Where: Regatta Hotel, Toowong
For more information, click here.
Storm Boy
In this cherished coming-of-age story, Colin Thiele’s renowned Storm Boy is being brought to life on the Brisbane stage for an unmissable show that will be sure to tug on your heartstrings. Presented by Queensland Theatre and directed by Sam Strong, this masterful stage retelling of Storm Boy brings life to the well-known story through unique puppetry and an impressive cast.
When: Until 17 August
Where: QPAC, South Bank
For more information, click here.
Winter Festival
If you’re still on the comfort food and mulled wine train (we’ve got at least until mid-August, right?), make sure you stop by Riverbar & Kitchen for this month’s rendition of their winter festival. On the menu all month they’ve got baked camembert and hot buttered rum, with a cheeky strawberry ice cream sandwich and strawberry margarita in celebration of Ekka.
When: All Month
Where: Riverbar & Kitchen, Brisbane City
For more information, click here.
Raw Stellar
A one-night event featuring over 50 hand-selected emerging Brisbane artists in visual art, film, fashion, music, performance art, crafts and photography, Raw Stellar is the one-stop for your ultimate creativity and inspiration fix. Take a wander through the pop-up interactive art gallery, or head to the stage for incredible live performances and show-stopping runway performance. Loud, colourful and creative—this is not your average art show.
When: Thursday 1 August, 6.30pm–10pm
Where: The MET, Fortitude Valley
For more information, click here.
Tales From The Road
Hosted by Australian comedian and media personality, Gretel Killeens, ‘Tales from the Road’ brings together some of Australia’s most loved music legends in a gala lunch where the saying, ‘What happens on tour, stays on tour’ doesn’t exist for the day. With major names including John Collins of Powderfinger and Tom Busby & Jeremy Marou of Busby Marou to name a few, all funds raised from the event will go to Brisbane charity, Youngcare.
When: Friday 2 August, 12pm–4pm
Where: The Fortitude Music Hall
For more information, click here.
Netherworld Sideshow
For two weeks over the course of the Ekka, Netherworld is hosting their own version of Sideshow Alley, complete with fairy floss, carnival games, showbags and a creepy clown or two. There’ll even be a special carnival-themed menu, along with a slew of visiting arcade games with a carnival theme. So roll up, roll up and test out your skills while you eat and drink far better fare than you’ll get at the actual Ekka.
When: 6–18 August
Where: Netherworld, Fortitude Valley
For more information, click here.
Dart Championships
The biggest names in darts will visit Australia this year as Brisbane and Melbourne get ready to host the 2019 Darts Masters. Featuring eight of the world’s best players, the Convention Centre will play host to a few thousand punters, more than a few in costume, so don’t think this will be anything like your usual darts night at the pub—things tend to get a little wild.
When: Friday 9 August and Saturday 10 August, 7pm
Where: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank
For more information, click here.
Rum Royale
Instead of heading for the Ekka on Show Day, spend an afternoon sipping your way through 12 rums from around the world, while nibbling on a range of cheese and charcuterie. It’s all going down at The Walrus Club for International Rum Day and will provide you with the opportunity to take in some exclusive masterclasses and taste a wide range of craft rums—no to mention give you a pretty good excuse to call in sick on Thursday.
When: Wednesday 14 August, 3pm–7pm
Where: The Walrus Club, Toowong
For more information, click here.
Synthony
Orchestras and DJs aren’t typically two disciplines you would think go hand in hand, which is exactly what Synthony is here to prove otherwise. A unique collaboration between orchestras, DJs, live vocalists and feature musicians, playing the biggest dance tracks of the last 30 years, Synthony is no ordinary orchestra and will be taking over Brisbane City Hall with state of the art audio, lights, lasers and a visual show.
When: Saturday 17 August, 8pm–12.30am
Where: Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane City
For more information, click here.
Brisbane Burger Fest
Who hasn’t ever had a craving for a good burger, but could never decide on which joint to visit? Lucky for us, the Brisbane Burger Fest has provided a tasty, day-long solution to this. Back for its third annual year, the Triffid’s Burger Fest will feature a line up of Brisbane’s most famous buns, with Ben’s Burgers, Miss Kay’s and Moo Free Burgers just to name a few.
When: Saturday 17 August, 11am
Where: The Triffid, Newstead
For more information, click here.
Praise You
What’s better than supporting independent and up and coming artists? Supporting art that celebrates body positivity and empowerment, of course. As Australia’s largest female art show, Praise You is back for 2019 with a lineup of renowned female artists from across the globe to showcase compelling artworks across a range of mediums, including illustration, typography, wearable art and photography.
When: Thursday 22 August, 6.30pm–9.30pm
Where: Lightspace, Fortitude Valley
For more information, click here.
It’s More Than Just Sneakers
Time to make some extra space in your wardrobe for new kicks because you’re probably not going to leave Brisbane’s new sneaker festival empty-handed. The ‘It’s More Than Just Sneakers Tour’ is coming our way this August and it’s the perfect chance to get a peek at the newest sneaker drops and find some amazing deals.
When: Saturday 24 August, 11am–3pm
Where: Concept, Fortitude Valley
For more information, click here.
Armakeggon
This month you can get some of the very best local and international beers in one place, because the Armakeggon Craft Beer Fest is back for 2019 with over 50 tasty beers, games, giveaways and a DJ belting out funky tunes for the entire day.
When: Saturday 24 August, 11am–late
Where: Archive Beer Boutique, West End
For more information, click here.
Quandamooka Festival
The annual Quandamooka Festival in the coastal region of East Brisbane is one of the best opportunities to become immersed in one of the oldest living cultures on earth. The full event calendar features over 50 events taking place throughout all of August, but the one you shouldn’t miss is Kunjiel Goompi, when superstars Jessica Mauboy and Dan Sultan will take to the stage for an intimate concert under the stars.
When: Saturday 31 August
Where: Quandamooka Country, Dunwich
For more information, click here.
You should definitely also check out the Feijoa Fiesta hitting the Sunshine Coast.
Image credit: Riverbar & Kitchen