This is your August edition of What’s On for Australia, curated by your local staff across Australia sharing all of their recommended events and must-do’s for the month. Current students can check their inbox for the full digest.
Brisbane
Ekka – Royal Queensland Show [$31]
When: Aug 5- 14 (Public Holiday for Brisbane only Wednesday Aug 10)
Where: Brisbane Showgrounds
The Royal Queensland Show, or Ekka as it’s most commonly known, is Queensland’s largest annual event. Experience QLD’s best food, unique competitions, agriculture and animals, music, rides,show bags, and more.
Steam Train Sunday [Concession $18]
When: First Sunday of the month
Where: Roma Street Station
“Once a month you can travel over the Brisbane River and through some of Brisbane’s train stations in vintage carriages pulled by a coal fuelled steam train. With the breeze from the open carriage windows and the sound of the whistle blowing, you could almost imagine you are aboard the Hogwarts Express.”
Gathering with Troy Brady [FREE]
When: Every Wednesday from 12 – 1pm
Where: Queen Street Mall
Western GuguYelanji and Birri-Gubba man Troy Brady shares his unique style of storytelling through music, song and visual art.
Fortitude Valley Markets [FREE]
When: Every Saturday and Sunday 9-4pm
Where: Brunswick Street Mall
The Valley Markets has a diverse range of vintage clothing, knick knacks, and accessories. It makes for a nice afternoon as it is located next to Brunswick Street, home to many of Brisbane’s popular restaurants. Night Markets are expected to start soon as well.
Eat Street Markets [$2 Entry]
When: Every Friday and Saturday, 4-10pm and Sunday, 10am-3pm
Where: Hamilton Wharf
“Eat Street’ is a wonderment of the senses. From aromatic international cuisines and vibrant textiles, to the enchanting sights and sounds of our live performers, Hamilton Wharf plays host to Brisbane’s newest and most interactive market experience.” Cronuts and Cruffins are a must! New Drive-In Theatre too!
Davies Park Markets [FREE]
When: Every Saturday from 6am to 2pm
Where: Davies Park- West End
These markets have a wide range of goods in produce, clothing, and home wares. They also have a lot of international hot foods for you to try different tastes from around the world.
Riverside Gardens Market [FREE Entry]
When: Sundays 8am-3pm
Where: City Botanic Gardens (near QUT)
Grab a bite to eat from International food vendors then meander through a wide variety of stalls offering everything from hand-made jewellery, craft, homemade products, pottery, rugs and household goods and clothing of every kind, mostly made or designed by the marketeer.
Brisbane Lions AFL Games [$25.50]
When: Aug 13, 1.45pm v Carlton and Aug 21, 3.20pm v Geelong Cats
Where: The Gabba (in Woolloongabba)
Check out another unique game known and adored by Aussies as “The Australian Football League. “This is the game where you’ll see spectacular marks, incredible athletic endurance, impossible goals, and amazing action all around you! The crowd goes wild, the stadium is alive and you won’t want to miss a second of the action!”
Art by the Boardwalk [FREE]
When: August 7 fron 10am-3pm
Where: Raby Bay Harbour- Shore Street West, Cleveland
“Stroll along the picturesque Raby Bay Harbour and check out a fantastic selection of local art for sale. Art by the Boardwalk is open on the first Sunday of every month from 10am – 3pm.” More info: http://redarts.org.au/blog/2015/03/11/art-by-the-boardwalk/
Green Jam Sessions [FREE]
When: Friday nights
Where: QPAC’s Melbourne Street Green
“Ease into your weekend with free, chilled tunes. Swing on by every Friday at dusk for Green Jam Sessions; a free evening of smooth jazz and great company held at QPAC’s Melbourne Street Green.”
100% Brisbane [FREE]
When: August- December
Where: Museum of Brisbane – City
“We are pulling back the layers of our city, going beneath the surface of high rises and the jacaranda trees to discover the very real heart of Brisbane’s story.”
Active Parks Dance [FREE]
When: Aug 1, 8, 15 from 5:30-6:30pm
Where: Courier Mail Piazz (South Bank)
“Get your dancing shoes on and head to Ballroom Dancing with Orchard’s Dance Studio on Mondays, 5.30-6.30pm. Experience two exciting ballroom dance styles as you learn to dance to the beautiful jazz rhythms of the Foxtrot and the fiery and passionate Tango.”
Gold Coast
Gold Coast Multicultural Festival [FREE]
When: Sunday, 7 August (10am to 4pm)
Where: Southport Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport
Experience the whole world in one day! This is the ninth year of our annual Gold Coast Multicultural Festival, with international acts from up to 35 nations on three festival stages, sixty-five stalls of international food, art, craft and information.
The Village Markets [FREE]
When: Sunday 7 & 21 August, 8.30am to 1pm
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, Lower Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
95+ of the best boutique market stalls around by the loveliest of folk in fashion, vintage, art, homewares and lifestyle, plus street eats, live tunes and plenty of sweet Sunday vibes.
ZOO RUN @ Sea World [$25]
When: Sunday, 14 August – 6am to 9am
Where: Sea Word, Sea World Drive, Main Beach
The Zoo Run is a fun run, through a Zoo, raising funds for wildlife conservation. Wear a crazy costume, or just check out the other dress-ups, and enjoy a fun, festive atmosphere. Win great prizes and give-aways Event: Five (5) kilometre Zoo Run and a two (2) kilometre Zoo Run (or walk). Your ticket includes free admission to Sea World for the day!
Miami Marketta – Gold Coast Poetry Slam [$21]
When: Sunday, Aug 14 from 3pm
Where: 21-21 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
Providing a platform for expression and a space to host feature poets and artists, Miami Marketta is hosting internationally acclaimed artists L Fresh The Lion and Luka Lesson.L-FRESH is renowned for his powerful presence, inspiring live shows and thought-provoking lyricism. Luka Lesson is a poet and rap music artist and winner of Australian Poetry Slam Champion 2011 and Melbourne Poetry Slam Champion 2010. Musically, Luka has released two albums, and blurs the lines between conscious rap lyricist and insightful story-teller.
2016 Bledisloe Cup – Rugby [FREE]
When: Saturday, 20 & 27 August (Final Match 22 Oct)
Where: Broadbeach Tavern, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Watch one of Australia’s biggest sporting matches – the Rugby League “Bledisloe Cup”, where the Australian Wallabies take on long-time rivals, the New Zealand All Blacks. Catch the game live and loud on the big screens!
Barre by the Beach [FREE]
When: Every Tuesday, 6.30am – 7.15am
Where: Marine Pde, Nobby Beach
Barre by the Beach is a fun free class mixing a dynamic blend of ballet barre techniques, yoga flows and pilates exercises. Meet near the corner of Nagel St and Marine Parade Nobby’s beach – in the park by the beach.
Miami Marketta – Street Food Market [FREE]
When: Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday night, 5pm to 10pm
Where: 21-21 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
Watch Miami come alive with Gold Coast’s first street food markets from all different nationalities – complete with a dessert hall! Street food brings together an eclectic and authentic food mix in an open air dining experience. The main stage hosts local independent blues, jazz, and indie alternative artists.
Up Late at The Oracle Boulevard [FREE]
When: Every Thursday night from 5pm
Where: The Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
The entire Oracle Boulevard shut down and lit up with DJ sets, eats and drinks al fresco style! Mingle and dine at the ultimate dining destination on the GC!
AFL (Australian Football League) Match [$26]
When: Saturday, Aug 6 from 4.35pm
Where: Metricon Stadium, Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Carrara
Watch the mighty Gold Coast Suns take on the GWS Giants in one of Australia’s most loved sports. Wear red and gold to support your (new) local team.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving Demonstrations [FREE]
When: Every Friday and Saturday, 7.30pm
Where: 3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
iFLY present choreographed Indoor Skydiving Shows for FREE every weekend. iFLY’s professionally trained instructors will be showcasing a plethora of neat tricks as a fun and quirky entertainment option to start your night off.
Broadbeach Jazz Weekend [FREE]
When: Saturday, 20 August (10am to 8pm)
Where: Broadbeach Mall
The Broadbeach Jazz Weekend features outdoor stages and venues, a host of roving street entertainment, markets and more. This completely free event will feature a host of incredible entertainment along with an array of activities for people of all ages throughout Broadbeach.
Surfers Paradise Beachside Night Markets [FREE]
When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night
Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore
Wander along the coastal stretch of more than 120 market stalls, while live entertainers set a casual mood. One of the largest of the Gold Coast Night Markets, the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets feature a variety of premium products, including fashion, jewellery, accessories, artworks, photographs, beauty products and décor (pick up some unique stuff for family and friends back home!)
Stand up Comedy Night [FREE]
When: Every Monday night, 7.30pm
Where: Broadbeach Tavern, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Some of the best stand-up comedians from around the country take to the stage to entertain you. The venue also hosts a Sunday Session featuring local and national bands and DJ’s.
Il Ritorno Circa – Stage Show [$42]
When: Friday Aug 21 & Saturday Aug 22, 7.30pm
Where: Gold Coast Arts Centre, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Il Ritorno is a ground-breaking new work fusing Circa’s world-renowned stripped-back acrobatics with baroque opera. Over 80 taut minutes, it retells Claudio Monteverdi’s Il Ritorno D’Ulisse in Patria, intermingling it with folk song and new compositions. Since 2006, Circa has toured to 33 countries across six continents. Circa’s work has been rapturously received by audiences, presenters and critics around the world.
Townsville
Australian Italian Festival [$23]
When: Aug 6-7
Where: TYTO, Macrossan Avenue, Ingham
The Australian Italian Festival is celebrated annually, and is a fantastic event that promotes, showcases and celebrates the cultural attributes of Italian migrants and descendant’s in the Hinchinbrook Shire and Australia. It has been estimated that over half of Ingham’s population has one or more Italian ancestors making it the ideal place to hold this event. It is a celebration of all things Italian – Food, Wine, Cooking Demonstrations, Entertainment, Market Stalls, Historical display, Spaghetti Eating Challenge, Greasy Pole Challenge, Great Toga Race and much more. The 2016 entertainment will feature acts such as fire twirling, 1RAR band, Italian Comedian James Liotta, Tenor Paul Gulinello, MKR Chefs Martino and Luciano, Tango Kraze, Tom Jones and Tina Turner Tribute Show, The Rustica Project, CIAO Freestyle Dancers and The DeBellis Show Band and many more. Tickets are on sale now at the Townsville Tickets website and will also be sold at the gate. But if you buy now you will save up to 25 per cent off the gate price!
NQ Roots Connection [$12 entry]
When: Aug 13 from 7pm to midnight
Where: Old Courthouse Theatre, 81-99 Sturt Street, Townsville City
Get your funk on with a night of rock ‘n’ roll & soul with local legends Red Cat, The Hinges, Goodo and the Sexies and the Longshots! NQ Roots Connection and Full Throttle Theatre proudly present a night full of tunes sure to get your toe tapping and your head nodding. Support local live music @ Old Courthouse Theatre.
Townsville Cultural Festival [$15]
When: Aug 17-21
Where: James Cook University grounds
Beneath the clear and sunny winter skies of Townsville, Townsville Cultural Fest celebrates the depth and diversity of Australian culture with ever increasing jubilation. With this year’s festivities being the twenty-second anniversary, they are taking it to the next level. There will be 90 performing groups, 30 food stalls, nine days, four stages and 75 art/craft market stalls. Local and international acts will be offering everything from folk, rock and pop, to Indigenous Australian music, African drum troupes, Pacific Islanders, Middle Eastern and Latin dance groups. The event will start on August 17 with a massive parade of lanterns including exciting and decorated community and cultural entries, from Harmony Park (Corner Warbutton and McKinley Street).
Riverway Movie Night: Goosebumps [FREE]
When: Aug 19
Where: Riverway Parkland, 20 Village Boulevard, Condon
Based on the best-selling books, Goosebumps is like Jumanji, with abominable snowmen and gnomes (not the friendly kind) instead of stampeding rhinos and monkeys. When Zac moves to a new town he befriends his neighbour Hannah. Hannah’s Dad, horror writer R.L. Stine (Jack Black) has a secret library of glowing books. They’re no ordinary novels; they’re Goosebumps stories that can never be opened. Uh-oh – they’re opened, and what follows is a barrage of spooky story characters and crazy adventures. Be entertained by their efforts to put them back on the shelf, for good.
Sydney
Sculpture at Barangaroo [FREE]
When: Saturday, Aug 6 – Sunday Aug 21
Where: Barangaroo Reserve, Barangaroo Point Park
This new outdoor sculpture festival is a collaboration between Sculpture by the Sea and the Barangaroo Delivery Authority, and will feature 12 works installed along the Harbour foreshore promenade – from Wulugul Walk to Nawi Cove, and up to Stargazer Lawn and Walumil Lawn.
Burgers and Beats [$10]
When: Friday, Aug 5 from 6-10pm
Where: The Workshop, 175 Cleveland St, Redfern
Burgers and Beats returns to Workshop with burgers from Guilty and B L Burgers. Enjoy burgers, fries, shakes, artisan ice cream, beers and beats from Sydney’s finest for just $10!
Monday Movie Nights @ The Soda Factory [FREE]
When: Mondays, doors open 5pm, movie begins 8pm
Where: The Soda Factory, 16 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills
Catch a classic movie each Monday at the Soda Factory. Hotdogs are $10 and if you arrive early you can order a side for just $5 between 5-7pm. You can book your spot at hello@sodafactory.com.au See the website for the movie schedule.
Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera [$16]
When: June 25 – Oct 9
Where: Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Road, The Domain
Don’t miss this rare chance to see masterpieces by the two leading figures of Mexican 20th century art. The exhibition presents 33 artworks including outstanding self-portrait paintings and drawings by Frida Kahlo, and major examples of Diego Rivera’s canvas paintings. Alongside these works are over 50 photographs which provide insights into the artists’ worlds and their intriguing relationship. Some sessions have sold out so make sure to book timed tickets online to avoid disappointment
City2Surf [$65-85]
When: Sunday, Aug 14
Whether you’re a serious runner, jogger or walker don’t miss your chance to be a part of Sydney’s favourite sporting event. The 2016 city to surf course starts at Hyde Park and follows the same route as always through to the world famous Bondi Beach.
The Standard Bowl [FREE]
When: Wed-Thu 9pm-2am and Fri-Sat 6pm-3am
Where: Lvl 3, 383 Bourke St, Surry Hills
This miniature bowling alley, bar and live music venue sits a top of Kinselas and Lo-Fi at Taylor Square. Bands are always free and DJs spin floor-filling tunes until the early hours of the morning. The owners came upon the idea after visiting the famous Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg.
Volumes Festival [$40-76]
When: Aug 26-27
Where: Brighton Up Bar, the Cliff Dive, The Burdekin & Oxford Art Factory
The second Darlinghurst mini fest unites live music venues, local businesses and musos to foster a day of ‘musical discovery’. This relatively new festival aims to breathe life back into the heart of Oxford Street with punters moving between the four venues across the two days. Alongside the music there’ll be local artists curating visual elements and interactive experiences to complement the curated mix of local record labels, collectives, bands and artists taking over the sound systems and stages.
Del Kathryn Barton: Angel Dribble [FREE]
When: Thursday August 11 – Saturday September 10
Where: Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, 8 Soudan Ln, Paddington
The Archibald Prize-winning artist branches out from her usual painting practise presenting a large-scale tapestry, collages and some small sculptures. Her works are well worth a look as they capture both the real and imagined.
Wollongong
Eat Street Market [FREE]
When: Thursday nights, 5-10pm
Where: Crown Street Mall, Wollongong
Crown Street Mall comes alive every Thursday night with food stalls and music. Head here for food made from fresh local produce.
Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
Where: 182 Knights Hill Road, Knights Hill
This zipline tour features great views of everything from the forest floor, into the canopy and out to the Pacific Ocean. At 710m above sea level it is officially the highest zipline tour in Australia. The tour is a 2.5 hour experience and less than an hour from Wollongong so you would need to make a day of it.
Tasty Tuesdays @ Humber (1/2 price)
When: Tuesdays, 5pm
Where: Humber, 226 Crown St, Wollongong
Every Tuesday the burgers and fries on Humber’s evening menu are 1/2 price!
The Illawarra Brewery Beer Tasting
When: Mon – Sun 11am – late
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Corner Crown and Harbour Streets, Wollongong
The Illawarra Brewing Company is the new incarnation of the Five Islands Brewing Company, established in 2001. Their repertoire includes seven staple handcrafted beers and two seasonally changing brews that are supplied to local cafes and pubs. If you bring a group of 10 or more you can order the Beer & Cheese Degustation for $25 per person.
Newcastle
Run Newcastle [12k run $45 / 6K Run $35]
When: Sunday, Aug 7 from 8am
Where: Foreshore park Newcastle (Near Nobby’s beach)
Last minute registration open at 6:30AM at start line.
The Olive Tree Market [FREE entry]
When: Saturday, Aug 6 from 9am – 2pm (First Saturday of each month)
Where: Civic Park, (in front of the library and art gallery)
This is a great place to buy from a local artist. Want to get a gift for someone or a souvenir that’s more significant than a fake boomerang? This is the place! Discover Newcastle’s Leading Contemporary Handmade Art & Design Market in the beautiful grounds of Civic Park. Wander amongst over 150 unique stalls, meet the makers, sample gourmet artisan food, take part in workshops with local artists and designers and sit back and enjoy live music by talented local musicians.
Microthreatre Festival [$15]
When: Aug 23-27 from 9:12-11:12am
Where: Various Newcastle CBD locations
Micro Theatre is an independent short play festival held in Newcastle, NSW where short plays are performed in coffee shops and a small art gallery.
Newcastle Farmer’s Markets [FREE entry]
When: Every Sunday from 8am-1pm
Where: Newcastle Showgrounds, Broadmeadow
Farmer’s market for fresh local produce, arts, crafts, and other items. A great place to buy a local souvenir.
Newcastle Wine and Food Expo [From $20]
When: Aug 26-28 from 11am-5pm
Where: Newcastle Entertainment Centre (Newcastle Showground, Broadmeadow, just a short walk behind the Samdon st house)
The Food & Wine Expo is excited to bring gourmet food, exquisite wines and celebrity chefs to Newcastle!
Enjoy FREE tastings and samples from over 80 gourmet exhibitors inside the show. Businesses in all areas of food, wines, homewares and kitchenware come together to show you the latest products and ideas for you to try at home.
Wicked The Musical [Students $55]
When: Aug 24 – Sept 3 from 8-10pm
Where: Civic Theatre (Newcastle CBD Hunter St)
Description: Awe-inspiring and spectacular, WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz Elphaba, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. Galinda is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the enthralling story of two unlikely friends and how they became the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
Melbourne
Melbourne International Film Festival [Tickets from $15]
When: July 28 – Aug 14
Where: Various venues around Melbourne
Established in 1952, the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is one of the oldest film festivals in the world and the most significant screen event in Australia. An iconic Melbourne event, the festival takes place annually in the heart of the city, presenting an acclaimed screening program alongside industry and celebratory events. MIFF showcases the best in current cinema from around the world as well as retrospectives, tributes and discussion programs. Since its inception, MIFF has also been committed to local film: it is Australia’s largest showcase of new Australian cinema and is the country’s most vocal champion of emerging and established local filmmaking talent. The festival also hosts many celebratory world premieres of local films.
European Night Market
When: Every Friday till August 12
Where: Madame Brussels Lane, just off Lonsdale Street
Following the success of last year’s festivities, Madame Brussels Lane will once again embrace the magic of winter with the return of the European Night Market which draw inspiration from the classic Christmas night markets in Manchester (UK) and adored in countries such as Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Rug up in your winter woolies and take in the rich European aromas of mulled wine, German sausages and freshly baked pretzels as you browse the mix of new and returning food stalls. Inspired by the classic Christmas night markets in Manchester and adored in countries such as Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Love Locks @ The Melbourne Town Hall [FREE Entry]
When: Aug 8-21
Where: Melbourne Town Hall, Cnr Little Collins and Swanston Street
The City of Melbourne has partnered with Craft Victoria to ask artists to repurpose the 20,000 love locks that were removed from the Southbank footbridge in May 2015. These locks were attached by members of the general public as acts of devotion to a loved one and as such have enormous sentimental value. Their removal was necessary due to safety concerns and damage to the bridge which was never intended to carry so much added weight – both emotional and physical. Melbourne love locks will be transformed into intricate works of art and auctioned to raise money for charity.
The Glow Winter Arts Festival [FREE and ticketed events]
When: Aug 11-21
Where: Various venues around the City of Stonnington
The City of Stonnington’s Glow Winter Arts Festival launched in 2014 with over 50 events taking place across Stonnington. The festival embraces the strong artistic communities of Prahran, Malvern, Armadale, Toorak, Windsor and South Yarra, with everything from comedy clubs, cinema, street proejctions, roving performers and live music. The festival’s diverse program offers something for arts lovers of all ages and persuasions. In 2016, Glow will take over the streets of Stonnington with a packed program of free and ticketed events across the art forms, on rooftops, in intimate spaces and traditional theatres.
Melbourne Writers Festival [FREE and ticketed events]
When: Aug 26 – Sept 4
Where: Various venues around Melbourne
Melbourne Writers Festival (MWF) is for everyone who reads. It is Melbourne’s annual, two-week celebration for writers, readers and thinkers. This August MWF celebrates 31 years of presenting the talent and ideas of hundreds of writers from Australia and around the world, through a vibrant program of storytelling, conversation and discussion, intellectual debate, educational programs, live performance, music and art events. The Festival includes events for people of all ages and more than a third of the program is free.
NGV Friday Nights [$30 online]
When: Every Friday night, July 29 – Sept 16
Where: National Gallery of Victoria, St Kilda Road, Southbank
To complement the 2016 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition Degas: A New Vision, the NGV stays open late with Friday Nights at NGV. Running over thirteen weeks from 24 June to 16 September, enjoy after-hours access to the exhibition, music, short talks, food and bars, and performances by local and international acts. This winter, rock, folk, pop and garage punk are all on the menu. Doors open 6pm. Headline act 8.30pm.
Jurassic World: The Exhibition [Students $26]
When: Now until October 9
Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Get closer to dinosaurs than ever before in Jurassic World: The Exhibition! Based on one of the biggest blockbusters in cinema history, the exhibition immerses audiences of all ages in scenes inspired by the beloved film. Now, the park that was only a promise comes to life…right before your eyes.
First Peoples @ The Bujilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre [FREE for students]
When: Permanent exhibiton on now
Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Told through the voices of Victoria’s first peoples, and utilising immersive multimedia, Aboriginal language, artefacts and contemporary artworks, First Peoples celebrates the history, culture, achievements and survival of Victoria’s Aboriginal people, and tells the story of Aboriginal Victoria from the time of Creation to today. Visit the exhibition to be transported to the time of Creation through the story of Bunjil (the wedge-tailed eagle), Creator for many Victorian Aboriginal clans, inside the Creation Cinema.
The Winter Night Market [FREE Entry]
When: Every Wednesday night till August 31
Where: The Queen Vic Market, corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets, Melbourne.
The Winter Night Market is back for 2016 bringing the best of Winter food, design and theatrics to the Market every Wednesday night. This season you will be welcomed with crackling fires, mulled wine and Melbourne’s most talented craftspeople. Foodies won’t be disappointed either as the Winter Night Market will be bursting with flavour featuring over 30 street food vendors offering cuisines from around the world.
Melbourne Spring Fashion Week [FREE and ticketed events]
When: Aug 25 – Sept 3
Where: Various venues around Melbourne
Melbourne has an enviable status as the fashion capital of Australia and a global reputation for combining fashion, shopping, entertainment and hospitality. Established and emerging local designers, brands and retailers will dazzle and inspire as they reveal the new season styles. This year’s events program showcases the city’s vibrancy and highlights Melbourne’s passion for fashion and events.
Melbourne Day [FREE Entry]
When: Aug 30
Where: Enterprise Park, Docklands and Federation Square
Melbourne was founded on August 30 when John Batman and co landed on the north bank of the Yarra River from the schooner Enterprize in 1835. Show your pride and get behind the events and activities celebrating our amazing city. Events include the official raising of the flag, free ferry cruises, a pop-up Aboriginal Art gallery, a special Melbourne Day Sunday market, roving entertainment and a free concert at Docklands.
Perth
CinefestOZ Film Festival [Tickets from $25]
When: Aug 24-28
Where: Various Locations (Bunbury, Margaret River & Surrounds)
CinefestOZ is Australia’s premier destination film festival. It attracts filmmakers, stars and visitors to Australia’s South West, with a massive program of film related events and film industry forums.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – This Unruly Mess I’ve Made Tour [Tickets from $75)
When: Thursday, Aug 11
Where: Perth Arena (Wellington Street and Milligan Street)
Grammy-Award winning superstars MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS will bring their show-stopping world tour to Australia this August for their biggest national tour yet! More than three years after releasing their debut album The Heist – featuring worldwide smash hits ‘Thrift Shop’ and ‘Same Love’.
Monday Madness – Student & Industry Night [FREE Entry]
When: Every Monday in August
Where: The Brass Monkey, 209 William Street, Northbridge
On Mondays you’ll find free pool from 5pm, a free BBQ 7pm to 9pm and free entertainment from 7pm. The drinks are student priced all day – Let us help ease your Monday Madness Brass Monkey style.
Little Shop of Horrors Stage Show [Tickets $56]
When: Aug 4-12
Where: His Majesty’s Theatre, 825 Hay St, Perth
The Little Shop of Horrors musical is not a syrupy sweet, skipping in the sunshine musical. This cult musical comedy captured fans with its gruesome story of a flesh-eating plant that threatens to wreak havoc. It has dark humour, unique puppetry and a rocking upbeat, doo-wop Motown score.
The Core – Light & Photograph Exhibition [FREE]
When: Aug 4-31
Where: The Goods Shed (Cnr Claremont Crescent and Shenton Road, Claremont)
Tunisian Karim Jabbari is an abstract calligraphy and lightgraff artist whose work is inspired by antiquated Arabic scriptures. His abstracted form of calligraphy creates compositions of classic Kufi and Maghrebi text, reflecting his North African background and his desire to help keep dying traditions alive.
Perth Poetry Festival [FREE]
When: Aug 5-14
Where: Various venues in Perth and Northbridge
The Winter Arts program continues to warm up the city with a variety of performances including the Perth Poetry Festival. This annual celebration of verse in all its forms features local and national poets, readings, discussions and workshops.
Local & General Markets [FREE]
When: Every weekend in August
Where: Armadale, Secret Harbour and South Perth.
Market-goers can enjoy perusing a wide variety of handmade and unique stalls, offering baked goods, homemade jams and quality homewares. Plus there’s informative community displays and fun activities, including live music performances and gourmet food,
UFC 202 Diaz vs McGregor [FREE Entry]
When: Sunday, Aug 21
Where: Various bars & pubs (including local favourite, The Brass Monkey)
UFC 202 is the highly-anticipated rematch between two UFC superstars, as Nate Diaz looks to repeat his March win over Conor McGregor in the main event. After the first loss of his UFC career, McGregor is hungry for redemption, while Diaz aims to close the book on his rivalry with “The Notorious” one. Don’t miss this epic battle live and loud.
Indi Jam! [FREE Entry]
When: Every Tuesday in Aug – 6pm
Where: Indi Bar (27 Hastings St, Scarborough)
Jump in the Indi Jam! Bring your instruments, bring your music, bring your friends and bring your vibes. Let’s jam the night away! Free entry, Margherita pizzas $10, Free drink for those who join the jam!
Perth Science Festival [FREE]
When: Aug 13-14 from 10am – 4pm
Where: Perth Cultural Centre, James St, Northbridge
The Science Festival features more than 50 stalls and interactive activities. Many are related to this year’s theme of Drones, Droids and Robots. There will also be SciTech shows, native animals and reptiles, astronomy, medicine and much more.
