What’s on in Australia this month, an event guide carefully curated by some of our local TEAN staff in Australia. It’s a mix of free and paid events that includes everything from comedy shows and food festivals to fun runs and volunteer opportunities. Current students, please check your inboxes for the complete list of events.
Sydney
Jon Frank AUSTRALIANS [Free]
When: Now until Sunday 21 June from 10.00 to 05.00
Where: Juniper Hall, 250 Oxford St Paddington 2021
This exhibition presents a selection of images from Jon’s street photography series documenting Australians in Australia. It promises to take you on a trip through a modern-day Australia far removed from the colour brochure. This is not merely a record of the physical landscape but an emotional one; stories of humanity and frailty amidst the relentless thrust forward into a more frenetic, wealthier future. Heroes are ordinary people, unposed and going about their daily lives.
Papunya Passing A Dream Through Generations [FREE]
When: Sunday 28 June from 10.30am to 4.30pm
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, 199 George St Sydney 2000
Traditionally Papunya is the epicentre of the honey ant dreaming where songlines converge. The resultant explosion of artistic activity is generally regarded as the origin of contemporary indigenousAustralian art – the modern form of art of the oldest surviving race of peoples on the planet. Accordingly, as one of the newest art movements in the world and being so definitive from such a small group of people, it has excited collection around the world, particularly in France and Germany and the United States of America
Head On Photo Festival, ‘Moving Image Prize Finalists’ [Free]
When: Now until Saturday 06 June from 11.00 to 18.00
Where: Brenda May Gallery, 2 Danks Street Waterloo 2017
Head On is Australia’s largest photography festival celebrating excellence in all genres from photo-artists from across the globe and provides a major platform for discovering new talent, re-discovering established artists and exploring new technologies and ideas. The Head On Moving Image Prize was established in 2014 and forms part of the acclaimed Head On Awards which are the centrepiece of Head On Photo Festival. This Prize is showcased in Brenda May Gallery’s dedicated screening room, Black Box Projects.
Local Markets [FREE]
When: all year round
Where: Sydney centre and suburbs
Sydney has many markets, most of them happen on Saturday or Sunday, products on offer range from organic local farmer produce, to arts and crafts, souvenirs, fashion to music and freshly made food.
Vivid Sydney Festival of Light, Music and Ideas [A range of activities starting from $0]
When: Now until 08th June
Where: Circular Quay, Opera House, The Rocks, Martin Place and selected venues across the city.
Vivid Sydney is an annual outdoor lighting festival with immersive light installations and projections. Part of the lighting festival also includes the performances from local and international
musicians and an ideas exchange forum featuring public talks and debates from leading creative thinkers.
Sydney Film Festival [Tickets from $19.50]
When: Now till 14th June, 9.00 – 23.00
Where: Various cinemas around Sydney, see website for details
The 62nd Sydney Film Festival offers Sydneysiders another exciting season of cinema amidst a whirlwind of premieres, red-carpet openings, panel discussions and international guests. Each year the Festival’s programming team curates 12 days of cinema sourced from world-famous film festivals, including Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and the Berlin; as well as Australia’s finest local productions.
Remix Summit Sydney 2015 – Culture, Technology & Entrepreneurship [ca $30 per ticket]
When: Tuesday 02 June and Wednesday 03 June from 08.00 to 18.00
Where: Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street 2000
REMIX Sydney is the Asia-Pacific event in a series of summits on Culture, Technology and Entrepreneurship held also in NY, London and Dubai. 75 inspirational speakers from the Creative Director of Google Creative Lab to the Director of the MCA discuss the future of culture, creative cities and the creative economy. Join 4,000 global creative leaders exploring the intersection of Culture, Technology and Entrepreneurship. Also taking place in London, New York and Dubai.
Cancer Council City Mile Dash [$39 Early Bird Price]
When: Friday 26th June 12.00 to 17.00
Where: City Mile Dash, Barangaroo Headland Park, Hickson Rd Barangaroo 2000
Cancer Council’s City Mile Dash is back for its 4th year. A fun and challenging lunchtime corporate 1 mile (1.6km) run. For the first time the run leads through the newly developed Barangaroo Point Headland Park, whilst raising funds to help beat cancer.
SIMA Presents Duo Ras Dashen (Israel) [Tickets from $39.50]
When: Wednesday 03 June from 20.30 to 23.00
Where: Foundry616, 616 Harris Street Ultimo 2007
Duo Ras Dashen, named after the highest mountain in Ethiopia, take Ethiopian folk songs and prayers as sung by Keisim, Ethiopian Jewish religious leaders and present them with a fresh and modern twist adding blues, gospel and jazz influences. These songs express the longings of the Beta Israel, Ethiopia’s Jews, for Jerusalem and the story of their journey, The album of Duo Ras Dashen is regarded as one of the finest and most original jazz albums to have been produced in Israel in the last decade and the music of Ras Dashen emphasizes the ancestry of these musical roots of blues and jazz to Africa.
An evening with Dr. Cornel West – A Think Event [$49 Student Ticket]
When: Saturday 13 June from 18.00 to 21.30
Where: Luna Park, 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061
This is the call for action from Dr. Cornel West – philosopher, academic, social theorist, educator, author, and poet – who is bringing his intellectual locomotive to Australia in 2015. A Harvard graduate in his Bachelor’s degree, and the first African-American to graduate from Princeton University with a PhD in Philosophy, Dr. West has spent his life – personal and professional – breaking down the social barriers which have disenfranchised minority groups for decades, if not centuries.
Les Misérables [$55]
When: Whole month of June
Where: Capitol Theatre
Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of Les Misérables is now playing at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney. Completely reimagined with incredible new designs and an astonishing cast. This new production features classic songs including ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘One Day More’, ‘Do You Hear The People Sing?’ and ’On My Own’. This is Les Mis like you’ve never seen it before.
Brisbane
South Bank Parkrun [FREE]
When: Every Saturday Morning, 7:00am
Where: Riverside Green (next to the Lagoon) , South Bank
Parkrun is a free, weekly 5km timed event for runners and walkers of all standards. It takes place every Saturday morning at South Bank’s Riverside Green. You can make Parkrun whatever you want it to be – improve your time for an upcoming competition, simply use it to help improve your fitness, or just make it a social occasion with friends. Participants can walk, jog or run. Taking part is easy – just register on the official Parkrun website by 6pm on the Friday before your first session and then turn up to the event as many times as you like. You only need to register once.
The Founding Years 1895-1915: A Collection for Queensland [FREE]
When: Everyday until 14 June, 10:00am-5:00pm
Where: QAG (Queensland Art Gallery) , South Brisbane
An exhibition of works acquired in the first two decades of the Gallery’s establishment offers a fascinating insight into the individuals who defined Queensland’s earliest art collections, as well as a glimpse into the years preceding World War One, in which a sense of local and national identity was rapidly forming. This exhibition presents some of the most loved and iconic works acquired during this period, including Blandford Fletcher’s Evicted 1887 (purchased 1896), Josephine Müntz-Adams’s Care c.1893 (the first Australian acquisition; purchased 1898) and Godfrey Rivers Under the Jacaranda 1903 (purchased 1903).
Michael Parekowhai: The Promised Land [FREE]
When: Everyday until 21 June, 10:00am-5:00pm
Where: GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art), South Brisbane
‘Michael Parekowhai: The Promised Land’ is a major exhibition of one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary artists, featuring spectacular new works and key loans alongside a selection from the Gallery’s own Collection. Primarily sculptural, his works often play with scale and space, using humour to comment on the intersections between national narratives, colonial histories and popular culture. ‘The Promised Land’ will see the Gallery transformed into an immersive environment for viewing art: a ‘memory palace’ within which to discover photography and sculpture spanning more than two decades of Parekowhai’s expansive practice.
The View From Here – The Photographic World of Alfred Elliot [FREE]
When: Everyday until 30 August, 10:00am-5:00pm
Where: Museum of Brisbane, inside the City Hall on King George Square, Brisbane City
Discover Brisbane at the turn of the 20th Century through 50 years of photography captured by Alfred Elliott.
LUMINOUS Lantern Parade [FREE]
When: Friday 5 June
Where: South Bank Cultural Forecourt
It begins with a colourful walk from the Cultural Forecourt, joining the parade of captivating lanterns. It winds its way through Southbank Parklands in a dazzling display of light before entering the Courier Mail Piazza for a free concert filled with world music and dancing.
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium [FREE entry, shows from $12]
When: Everyday except Monday
Where: Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha
Get your geek on! Check out the planetarium shows all about our universe! Show titles include Cosmic Collisions, Black Holes and the Dark Universe.
Queensland Cabaret Festival [Tickets at various prices]
When: 10 June – 20 June
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
Be thrilled, beguiled, excited and bewildered by the unique cabaret style, talents and all that jazz.
Eat Street Markets [Entry $2]
When: Every Friday & Saturday, 4:00pm-10:00pm
Where: Macarthur Avenue, Hamilton
‘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.
Caxton Street Festival [Tickets from $34]
When: Sunday 7 June
Where: Caxton Street, Brisbane
With thousands of revellers gathering in the street each year, Caxton Street Festival has built a reputation as being Queensland’s most iconic street party. Check out an awesome line up of live music acts, a huge selection of tasty street eats, as well as a great range of local wines, craft beers and cocktails.
Comedy: Judith Lucy [Tickets from $40]
When: shows to 7 June, various times in the evening
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
Always hilarious, honest and occasionally shocking, Judith doesn’t write a show unless she has something to say and she’s more than ready for this one. It is virtually impossible to imagine the Australian comedy scene without Judith Lucy and luckily, this year, you won’t have to.
Absinthe [Tickets from $54]
When: From 5 June
Where: King George Square, Brisbane
Inspired by the absinthe-drenched cabarets of late 19th century Europe, ABSINTHE is an adult-themed cocktail of circus, burlesque and vaudeville for a 21st century audience
Dirty Dancing Musical [Tickets from $60]
When: Now till 19 July
Where: Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane
Seen by millions across the globe, it’s the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.
Melbourne
Melbourne International Jazz Festival [Various ticket prices]
When: Thursday 28th May – Sunday 7th June
Where: Various venues around Melbourne
This years Jazz Festival is set to warm up the city in midwinter with an incredible program featuring some of the world’s most important and iconic jazz artists, genre bending innovators, virtuosic instrumentalists and soulful singers. Shining a light on some extraordinary musical collaborations, the 2015 MIJF program celebrates long established and newly formed connections such as the opening night performance featuring jazz legends Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock; and the closing night concert celebrating the spirit of New Orleans showcasing vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and trumpeter Irvin Mayfield with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. From Melbourne’s CBD to downtown Footscray, enjoy intimate club gigs, late-night art parties, film screenings, conversations, workshops, events for families and children and a wide range of free events.
The Light in Winter [FREE]
When: Now – Sunday 21st June
Where: Various venues around Melbourne
The laser is a unique kind of light, the most intense and concentrated on earth. It is already part of our daily lives, in supermarket scanners, video and compact discs, and in medical tools. A laser bores holes in the hardest of diamonds, but also performs delicate surgical operations. Lasers are part of scientific research, space and environmental exploration and are also part of art and fun. Come into Fed Square at 5.30pm each night from 1 June and experience Chris Levine’s laser-based installation Molecule of Light. There are other exhibitions, talks and screen programs throughout the month, so warm up in winter 2015, the International Year of Light.
The Australian Ballet presents The Dream [$39 Student Rush tickets available at some
performances]
When: Thursday 4th June – Saturday 13th June
Where: State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne
Experience the physicality and musicality of ballet in three works by the great 20th century English choreographer Frederick Ashton. Step into faraway woodlands in Ashton’s charming take on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, guaranteed to bring the house down with a hilarious tangled romance, dazzling dancing and the playful music of Felix Mendelssohn. Fall into new worlds in Monotones II, a stripped-back masterpiece made famous by its breathtaking pas de trois (dance for three) set to Erik Satie’s ethereal music. And for the first time see the company perform Symphonic Variations, well known for its hard demands on the dancer, classical technique and pure, airy movement that awes from start to finish.
First Peoples [FREE for students]
When: 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.
Good Food and Wine Show [Tickets from $29]
When: Friday 5th – Sunday 8th June
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
With hundreds of local and international exhibitors, your new favourite food and drinks are only a sample away. Whether you’re into sweet or savoury, beer or wine, we’ve got you covered. Be surrounded by iconic chefs and restaurateurs at the top of their game, you’ll be inspired by them in the Good Food Theatre where the experts will show you how to make restaurant-quality dishes with ease at home. Love wine? If you’re a wine connoisseur or a beginner looking for the right information head to the Cellar Door where you can take a class in wine appreciation and sample an array of wines from the show. And don’t forget to stop by the Grazing Garden where you can relax with friends over a bite to eat from one of your favourite local food trucks.
A Taste of Portugal [FREE performances]
When: Sunday 7th June
Where: Queen Vic Market, 65-159 Victoria Street, Melbourne
Come to Queen Victoria Market for A Taste of Portugal, a lively annual event organised by the Portuguese Speaking Communities (CLP Inc.) to coincide with Portuguese National Day. It celebrates Portuguese culture and showcases Portuguese cuisine, music, dance, history, language and tourism. The Festival unites all the Portuguese-speaking communities from countries including Portugal, Brazil and East Timor, to celebrate historical ties. There’ll be traditional street food and handcrafts for sale, plus samba dance classes, fado singers, tourism and cultural displays, exhibitions and lots of activities for the kids. It’s a day of fun, food and entertainment for the whole family, Portuguese-style.
Mind, Body, Spirit Festival [Tickets $18]
When: Friday 5th – Sunday 8th June
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Enjoy an exciting, fun-filled day at Australia’s largest health, wellbeing and natural therapies show. Learn from over 200 exhibitors, attend free inspirational seminars, book yourself a psychic reading, try some body pampering, watch the free stage performances, join a free meditation session and taste some delicious health foods! Indulge yourself; see, try and buy unique products and gifts from more than 150 pop-up shops selling jewellery, cosmetics, music, books, giftware, clothing, crystals, educational courses, body treatments and more! With so much to try and buy, don’t forget to bring cash or your credit card. There’s something for everyone!.
Suitcase Rummage [FREE]
When: Sunday June 14th 11am – 4pm
Where: The Atrium, Fed Square
Suitcase Rummage is a mini scaled market with giant rewards; it promises to be everything that is a market without the hassle. Its about bringing a suitcase (or two!) filled to the brim with your goods and treats. You can be a part of the Rummage experience by selling wares or come along to buy some real beauties! There will be brilliant vintage, artwork, bric-a-brac, clothing, books, jewellery, seconds, hand-made, shoes, records, music, badges, cards, handmade paper, ……you name it! Come for a bargain, a swap, or an old fashioned haggle. Suitcase Rummage is not to be missed!
Melbourne Cabaret Festival [Tickets from $23]
When: Thursday 18th – Sunday 28th June
Where: Various venues around Melbourne
Presenting fresh faces, the Cabaret Festival have wooed the best and the brightest talent across the country. This year, there will be 30 different shows bursting onto the stage across 18 big days at various fantastic venues in Melbourne.
Townsville
World Oceans Day at Maggie Island [FREE]
When: June 8th (all day)
Where: Base Backpackers on Magnetic Island
World Oceans Day is an international celebration declared by the United Nations and held on June 8 each year. Magnetic Island will hold its WOD 2015 celebration on Monday June 8 (public holiday!) at Base Backpackers, on the beach at Nelly Bay. It will be a fun day with talks by experts, ocean-related market stalls, beach clean up, arts and crafts and games on the beach.
North Queensland Home Brew Competition [FREE]
When: 7th of June (all day)
Where: 123 Sooning St. on Magnetic Island
Like Beer? I thought so…The North Queensland Home Brew Competition is back on Magnetic Island. Enjoy a wide selection of home brews to taste from the many competitors. It will be a great day for both experienced brewers and new brewers wanting to pick up a few tips and tricks from the pros. With prizes valued at over AUD5000 plus raffles, tastings, and great food it’s bound to be an amazing Aussie experience.
Handmade in Hinchinbrook – Artisan Markets [FREE]
When: June 6th (afternoon)
Where: TYTO Regional Art Gallery on Macrossan Avenue
Enjoy an afternoon wandering through an elaborate showcasing of some of original works by local arts and crafts enthusiasts. Chat to artists, watch demonstrations, take part in mini workshops and purchase unique gifts.
John MacNally: Love and Roses Live [$15]
When: June 12th (10:30am)
Where: 82-90 Mosman St.
Distinguished recording artist John MacNally entertains with songs of romance, inspiration and songs of Ireland along with some country classics and musical theatre Distinguished recording artist John MacNally entertains with songs of romance, inspiration and songs of Ireland along with some country classics and musical theatre John’s dynamic stage personality and glorious voice are reflected in his more than 40 phenomenally successful albums, his top rated television specials and his many appearances both on stage and on television.
North Queensland Cowboys vs. Manley Sea Eagles [$20]
When: May 30th
Where: 1300 Smiles Stadium, Kirwan
In case you missed our TEAN rugby game event or want to catch another game, this is your last chance to see a home game here in Townsville. Led by three-time Dally M Medal winner Johnathan Thurston and the game’s best front-row forward Matt Scott, the Cowboys have finished as the leading Queensland team in the NRL competition for the past three years, playing an exciting brand of attacking football that always thrills their members and fans.
BMX Far North Zone Championships [$25]
When: June 6th and 7th (all day)
Where: 27 Kennedy St.
See the regions most talented BMX riders at the Far North Zone BMX Championships. Definitely a great weekend of activity and entertainment! The Far North Zone BMX Championships are held annually, the hosting of the event is on a rotational basis with all 5 clubs in the North Region getting a chance to host the event, including Townsville!
Full Moon Down Under and MTV Present Will Sparks ‘Let’s Bounce Australian Tour’ [$32]
When: June 23rd (7:00pm)
Where: The Venue, Townsville
Melbourne Bounce curator Will Sparks is once again setting his sights on his homeland of Australia for a jam-packed ten-day tour to celebrate his return. The ‘Let’s Bounce’ tour, presented by MTV Dance, will hit ten of the Australia’s biggest venues including Marquee Sydney, Billboard Nightclub, The Met Brisbane, and HQ, Adelaide. With an ever-growing discography of unreleased tracks and a sound that has evolved immensely throughout his travels – the captivating and electrifying performances of Australia’s #1 DJ (As voted by inthemix) are set to be bigger and better than ever.
Gold Coast
Cooly Rocks On Festival [FREE]
When: 29 May – 8th June
Where: Marine Parade, Coolangatta.
Feel like checking out some rock n roll and rockabilly fun?! More than 50 rock’n’roll and rockabilly bands from across Australia will perform alongside special guest international artists from around the world. Over 1,300 cars will line the streets for one of the biggest car displays ever staged in Australia. There will be loads of free entertainment and retro markets plus free rock n roll and swing workshops. If you feel like seeing something different then check it out.
Miami Marketta [FREE]
When: Friday and Saturday nights; 4pm – 10pm
Where: 21-23 Hillcrest Parade; Mimi.
If you haven’t yet checked out the Miami Marketta – then you have to before you leave!! This is the first and best night food markets on the Gold Coast. Try foods and desserts from all over the world; sample some fine beverages and listen to some funky tunes from local and international jazz, blues and independent artists. It’s a fun night and has a great vibe.
Movie Mondays [FREE]
When: Every Monday night
Where: Jupiter’s Casino, Broadbeach
If you don’t yet know about this – then it’s a good option! Jupiter’s shows movies every Monday night and they are only $5. OR if you are a member the movie is free. And best bit – its FREE to become a member. So head on over and check out the next line up of latest movies and check out a Free movie right on your doorstep.
Broadbeach Country Music Festival [FREE]
When: 19th – 21st June
Where: Broadbeach; Various venues
Uniquely combining Country with the Coast, the festival will feature an enviable herd of incredible country music talent including ARIA award winners The McClymonts, Beccy Cole, The Wolfe Brothers, Catherine Britt, James Blundell, The Wolverines, Travis Collins and many more. The entertainment will be featured across outdoor stages and within venues in Broadbeach, and the best bit is – it’s free.
Miss Saigon [$40]
When: Friday 12th June – 20th June, 7.3pm
Where: The Arts Centre; 135 Bundall Road; Bundall.
Sticking with our musical culture theme – if Musical Theatre is your cup of tea – then Miss Saigon will be showing for one night only at the Arts Centre. This epic show has performed in over 3000 cities around the world and is an amazing love story with incredible songs.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra [$80]
When: Friday 6th June, 7pm
Where: G40 Auditorium, Griffith University – Gold Coast
If classical music is your thing then consider attending a very special performances featuring the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. “International Classic Favourites – including Mozart, Gershwin and Brahms” on Saturday 6 June at 7pm
Dreamworld and White Water World [$80]
When: Every day.
Where: Upper Coomera; Gold Coast.
Yet to check out a Theme Park?? Then Dreamworld and White Water World are my picks. We have a few to choose from on the GC but I think this one has the best to offer. Some good rides; plus a water park; plus see tiger island. We are having some awesome weather now so it’s a great opp to check out one of the parks for a day of thrills and spills.
Perth
Churchlands Chamber Music Season [Tickets from $15]
When: Now till October 14, Wednesday Evenings
Where: 20 Lucca Street, Churchlands
Discover Perth’s classical music scene! Enjoy this complete chamber music experience, with performances from WASO, UWA, ASQ, and over 15 other talented Western Australian musicians! Held right in Churchlands Concert Hall, take part in this experience for as low as $15.
Food & Drink Safaris [Tickets from $39]
When: Various Dates
Where: Fremantle and Perth
Western Australia is home to a diverse collection of food and drink potions. Enjoy guided tours of some of WA’s best kept secrets! Each tour offers you different types of indulgences, from chocolate to beer to wine and everything in between! Not only will you get to taste and try the variety of food and drink, but learn what goes into making each as well as the history of each location. Grab some friends, an empty stomach, and get ready to taste what Western Australia has to offer!
Dalai Lama Public Talk [Tickets from $62]
When: Sunday, June 14
Where: Perth Arena
An incredible opportunity to see a world known public figure, the Dalai Lama. His Holiness will be discussing “Wisdom of Giving & Receiving” in order to enlighten and enrich yourself and others. Don’t miss out on this chance to be in the presence of such a highly respected individual and hear what he has to say on today’s world. Tickets go fast, and are done based on location in the arena, so don’t wait to grab yours!