Can we just say....how the heck is it August already? The one small mercy of this pandemic is that time has sped up to a breakneck pace, and although we swear it was June just yesterday, apparently we’re well into the last month of winter. If you’ve finally dug out that diary you bought on sale in February and promptly never looked at again, here’s a heap of events to fill it with—as long as you’re healthy, hale and regularly washing your hands.
Nerds Frozen Margaritas
El Camino Cantina’s margarita of the month specials are always a good time, but this month they’ve really outdone themselves with an awe-inspiring frozen purple grape number sprinkled with Nerds. You’ll find it pouring all month at both the Bowen Hills and Chermside venues, but only until the end of the month, so get in quick.
Ekka Online
Sure, we might not be able to wander the alleyways of the Brisbane Showgrounds this year, but the team behind the Ekka have found a new way to keep us going—Ekka Online. Whether it’s learning how to bake a sponge sandwich, virtually meeting a dancing border collie or getting your green thumb on, all of the Ekka’s most wholesome parts are taking their acts and expertise online, for your viewing pleasure. And before you wail about missing the strawberry sundaes, we’ve got good news—there’ll be drive through vendors popping up across the city where you can get your fix.
When: August 7–16 Where: Online Find out more here.The City Comes To The Country
If you haven’t been drawn in by the countryside charm and rich rural allure of the Scenic Rim yet, you’re about to be. Because the regions producers and farmers won't be coming to the city for Ekka this year, they're inviting you to come to them with a week long event ‘The City Comes to the Country.' Once you’re there, we guarantee you won’t want to leave anytime soon between the breathtaking scenery and packed lineup of events, including markets, cooking classes, camels, country hoedowns and farm tours—just to name a few. You can tempt yourself with the whole program here.
When: August 7–16 Where: Around the Scenic Rim Find out more here.Cluedo! The Interactive Game
Grab your murder mystery loving friends and solve your favourite game, in real time! Step into the 1930s high society thanks to Cluedo! The Interactive Game, and spend an evening sleuthing around Baedeker Bar. Your night will be underscored by a jazz band, and you can expect to interact with your old faves like Colonel Mustard and Miss Scarlet. There’s only one date currently still available though, so snap those tickets up quick.
When: Sunday 16 August Where: Baedeker Bar, Fortitude Valley Find out more here.Gigs And Picnics
Food trucks and live music in a garden? Sign us up. Soundtrack an afternoon in the gardens with jazz, modern reggae, gypsy swing and more with the return of Gigs and Picnics to the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens on the last Saturday of each month. Relax on the grass as you eat your way through the hoard of food trucks available. If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, you can pre-order a picnic basket from The Gardens Club or opt for a luxe hamper from The Westin, and soak up all the goodness of park vibes and great music.
When: Saturday 29 August, 12pm–4pm Where: City Botanic Gardens Find out more here.Truffle Sundays At Signature
Truffles might seem like they’re out of reach for us mere mortals, but thanks to Signature, you can indulge in a five course truffle feast for just $75 this month. Every Sunday in August, Signature’s Sunday Lunch menu will dish up five different courses heroing fresh truffles—including a truffle dessert. Sounds like heaven on a plate (or five). Book your table here.
When: Sunday 9, 16, 23, 30 August and 6 September Where: Signature, South BrisbaneCamargue Pop Up Warehouse Sale
Camargue’s Annual Warehouse Sale is one to hit if you’ve been saving your pennies in iso and are ready to snap up designer labels at up to 90% off—or if you’ve been online shopping up a storm and have only pennies left to spend, to be honest. Over two days, a heap of international and Australian women's designer fashion will be up for grabs at a fraction of retail price, all under one roof at Victoria Park.
When: Friday 7 and Saturday 8 August, 9.30am–5.30pm Where: Victoria Park, Herston Find out more here.Creature at IMA
In her first Australian exhibition, London based artist Marianna Simnett brings her visceral and theatrical work to Brisbane with Creature, on display at the Institute of Modern Art for an extended period. Featuring three of her most significant works, Creature mixes film and installation with differently bodily states which, honestly, can be quite graphic and confronting. While not for the faint of heart, Creature is definitely the work of an artist most in touch with their emotional and performative self. Just don’t take the kids.
When: Until August 22 Where: Institute of Modern Art, Fortitude Valley Find out more here.Harry Potter Marathon At Yatala Drive-In
Accio good times! Yep, the Harry Potter marathon we’ve been waiting for is finally here, taking over the screens at the iconic Yatala Drive-In. All eight HP movies will be played on the big screen over four weeks, so don’t stress if you can’t make one of the dates. Tickets are $49 per car, so cram your friends in and take all the snacks you can muster.
When: Saturday 22 and 29 August, 5 and 12 September Where: Yatala Drive In Find out more here.Brisbane Street Art Festival
This month, the Brisbane Street Art Festival returns, and that means seven epic works will be popping up in the Ipswich CBD, the first time the city has been included in the festival. From August 8, you can view the completed murals, get to know the artists and get hands on at socially-distanced workshops. You can also jump in on the live-streamed Switch Up Party, where you can watch artist interviews, get down to music or watch the Scribble Slam art battles take place.
When: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August Where: Ipswich CBD and online Find out more here.Urban Produce Market
This month, Wandering Cooks is launching their Urban Produce Market, featuring coffee, pastries, sourdough, breakfast fare and of course, all of your produce and gourmet pantry needs. Swing by and grab a coffee, eat some breakfast and stock up on pantry and produce from local and Australian producers.
When: Saturday 22 August, from 6am Where: Wandering Cooks, South Brisbane Find out more here.Check out what’s happening in Brisbane in September here.
Image credit: El Camino Cantina