This is your April 2016 edition of the What’s On newsletter. Each month our local staff curates a round-up of their favorite events and must-do’s for the month. Current TEAN Australia students can check their inbox to get the full digest for their city.
Brisbane
Brisbane Baroque Festival [FREE and ticketed events]
Where: QPAC, City Hall, and other Venues
When: April 8-16
Step back in time and enjoy the Baroque period’s dancing and music at Brisbane’s Baroque Festival. The festival will included ticketed and FREE events that will be in various venues around the city. Be sure to refer to the Festival’s program to find an event that will best suit you!
Anne Frank Exhibition [FREE]
Where: Pine Rivers Heritage Museum
When: March 27 – May 22
“Let Me Be Myself: the story of Anne Frank tells the personal story of Anne Frank, from her birth in Frankfurt in 1929 to her death in Bergen-Belsen in 1945 and highlights the publication of the diary.”
Annual Rodeo Entertainment [$15]
Where: Eaton Hills Hotel
When: Saturday, April 02
“The rodeo will feature a whip cracking schedule of events with Bull rides, Saddle Rides, Bareback Rides, Junior Bull Rides, and more. Come on down for some good old country fun in the centre of suburbia.”
Australian Football League: Brisbane Lions Match [$25.50]
Where: The Gabba, Woolloongabba
When: April 2 & 16
Come out and support Brisbane’s local AFL team ,The Lions, as they take on North Melbourne and The Gold Coast Suns this month.
Buddha Birthday Festival [FREE]
Where: Southbank Parklands
When: April 29 – May 1
“This cultural event celebrates Buddha’s birthday with festivities including celebration events, activities, cultural performances, entertainment, cooking demonstrations, live music, firework displays, food, market stalls, cultural displays and more.”
Urban Country Music Festival [Starting from $60]
Where: Queensland State Equestrian Centre, Caboolture
When: April 29 – May 1
Experience country and folk artists, food, The Urban Village, live performances, and more at this country music festival at the Queensland State Equestrian Centre. Camping is also available for those that wish to stay overnight.
2016 Ipswich Festival [FREE]
Where: Ipswich Venues
When: April 7-24
“This family-friendly festival will feature art and cultural celebration showcasing live performances, entertainment, entertainers, laser lights shows, fireworks display, festivities, multicultural events and celebrations, cultural performances, parades, classes, workshops and more.”
Riverside Gardens Markets [FREE]
Where: City Botanic Gardens
When: Sundays 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
“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.”
More info:
Festival of Tibet [$20-30]
Where: The Powerhouse Museum
When: April 18-24
Come celebrate and learn about Tibet at this year’s Festival of Tibet. The 2016 line-up includes The Tibetan on Fire Concert which is all about folk dancing and music from some of Australia’s best Tibetan musicians. There will also be various workshops and exhibitions, food, and free daily Tibetan Yoga classes.
Gold Coast
SIPFest Film Festival [FREE]
When: Sunday April 3, from 6:30 pm
Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore
SIPfest, otherwise known as the ‘Shorts in Paradise’ Festival, is an annual showcase of the best short films from across Australia and is a key event of the Gold Coast Film Festival. SIPfest transforms Surfers Paradise beach into a vibrant and unique cinema, delivering a unique outdoor film experience like no other in Australia.
Salute to Paradise [FREE]
When: Friday April 8 from 6am
Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore, The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Free yoga at sunrise beside the beautiful Surfers Paradise beach. All ages welcome, beginners to professionals (on 8th day of each month)
Surfers Paradise Beachside Night Markets [FREE]
When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night
Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore, The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Make your way to the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets to wander along the coastal stretch of more than 120 market stalls, while live entertainers set a casual mood in their performance. 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 decor. It has a funky vibe and you can pick up some unique stuff for family and friends back home.
Seafire Firework Show [FREE]
When: Saturday, April 9
Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore
Surfers Paradise celebrates our passion for pyrotechnics with Seafire, a night of hypnotic performance and thrilling fireworks above Surfers Paradise Beach. Watch two teams of Queensland’s greatest pyros go head-to-head in the skies above the foreshore, lighting up Surfers Paradise with cutting-edge fireworks timed to a thumping musical beat.
The Village Markets [FREE]
When: Sunday, April 3 and Sunday April 17, from 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.
Broadwater Easter Fair [FREE entry]
When: Friday, March 25 to Sunday ,April 10 from 6pm – 10pm
Where: The Southern Lawn, Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Easter continues into April. Carnival rides, fairy floss, show bags and games galore! (Ride costs vary)
Movies at Jupiters [$5-8]
When: Every Monday, 10:00am, 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Where: Jupiter’s Casino, Broadbeach
Get together and head on over to Jupiter’s Hotel & Casino for Movie Mondays. Jupiter’s Theatre will showcase the best in recent releases and 3D movies to hit the Box Office every Monday.
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.
Chillout Sunday at Finders Keepers [FREE]
When: Every Sunday, from 2pm
Where: Finders Keepers Bar & Dining Lounge – 49 James Street, Burleigh Heads.
Every Sunday Finders Keepers hosts James Street’s ONLY Sunday session. Doors open at 2pm, with live music starting at 2.30pm. If you’re looking for a laid back and live Sunday, then Finders Keepers is the place to be! Live Music and weekly offers.
Live Music – Grinspoon [$30 in advance]
When: Friday, April 22, doors open at 7:30pm
Where: Soundlounge, 165 Durringan St, Currumbin
As the voice and face of Grinspoon, Phil Jamieson fronted one of the most popular Australian bands of the last two decades. An accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist, Jamieson’s generation-defining lyrics and vocal melodies first became etched into rock fans’ DNA.
Strike Bowling Bar [$6-16 per game]
When: Open Daily from 10am – 2am
Where: Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Situated smack bang in the middle of the entertainment precinct on Cavill Avenue, Strike Bowling Surfers Paradise is the jewel in the crown of Gold Coast’s nightlife. Not your typical bowling alley. Think 12 bowling lanes, ultra hip karaoke rooms, a killer cocktail bar and a pizza menu that will bowl you over! Then add giant AV projectors, the latest music clips playing all day long, pool tables and a weekend nightclub atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Strike Surfers Paradise is a firm favourite with the locals.
Music in the Park [FREE]
When: Sunday, April 3, 12pm
Where: Justins Park, The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads
Grab a rug, bring a picnic or support your local food vendors there and have a great afternoon out. Head to hear the following performers – Soul Train, Bella Paton, Matti Biskit.
Aqua Splash Inflatable Water Park [$5-15]
When: Everyday, 7am – 6pm
Where: Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport
Experience all the fun of the Gold Coast’s only inflatable water park! Book online. (sessions run every hour)
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.
Sounds of Sunday [FREE]
When: Every Sunday, 6pm
Where: Broadbeach Tavern, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Every Sunday, the Broadbeach Tavern hosts “Sounds of Sunday” – a massive line-up of local bands and DJ’s.
Yoga Classes, Robina [FREE]
When: Tuesday 9 – 10am & Thursday 11am – 12pm
Where: Robina Community Centre, 196 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina
In conjunction with the Gold Coast City Council’s Active and Healthy campaign, the centre presents many new yoga asana, relaxation and meditation classes. All these community classes are free or low cost, so take this opportunity to relax the body and calm the mind. Bring a yoga mat or large towel. Classes also at Mermaid Beach
Melbourne
The Waterhole [FREE]
When: April 1-2
Where: Federation Square
Been dreaming of an Outback adventure? The Northern Territory will come to life at Fed Square with camels, roo burgers, didgeridoo workshops, live music and virtual reality headsets to inspire you to take a journey up north. On Friday night from 6.30-9pm, you’ll hear from indie five-piece At the Dakota, whose first single ‘Stumptail’ won the People’s Choice award for NT Song of the Year
Shadow Electric outdoor cinema [Tickets $20]
When: Now until April 10
Where: Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Helliers St, Abbotsford
As the weather gets cooler this week will be your last chance to experience the Shadow Electric outdoor cinema. The cinema screens a mixture of old, new, mainstream and arthouse cinema each year – and before the film begins, you’re treated to 20 minutes of locally made shorts and music videos. Located inside the grounds of the Abbotsford Convent, the Shadow Electric’s screen is flanked by convent walls – eerily up-lit in blue and purple – with towering spires overhead.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival [FREE and ticketed events]
When: Now until April 17
Where: Various venues across the city
Melbourne plays host to one of the biggest comedy festivals in the world. Now it’s it’s 30th year, with over 400 acts happening all around Melbourne you should definitely get out there and see what is offer. There are free events, and some shows on offer for as low as $15 so have a browse of the website and find yourself some local Aussies to laugh at
Melbourne Queer Film Festival [Tickets from $16.50]
When: Now until April 11
Where: ACMI, Nova and Kino Cinema
Always forward, never straight, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival is the oldest queer film festival in Australia featuring films from all around Australia and the world, showcasing the best in LGBTI features, shorts and documentaries.
Rose Street Artists Market [FREE]
When: Every Saturday and Sunday
Where: 60 Rose Street, Fitzroy
Each Saturday and Sunday from 11am, the Rose Street Market gathers some of Melbourne’s most exciting artists and designers to display their wares and talk all things handmade. Weave your way through the crowds and duck under a tarp to check out the handmade fashion, food and curios for sale. The artists are usually on hand to compare crochet needles and discuss their work, so drop in for a squiz, a chat and an organic snack.
Wine and Cheese Fest 2016 [Tickets from $26]
When: April 10
Where: The Meat Market, North Melbourne
Following on from the 2014 and 2015 spring events at Seaworks in Williamstown, The Wine and Cheese Fest is moving to the heritage surrounds of the Meat Market in North Melbourne with new autumn outlook. More than 40 exhibitors will be showcasing their wine and cheese. There will also be live entertainment, a jazz band, DJ, a grape stomping competition and a kids’ zone, so there’s something for everyone.
Queen Vic Market – Spice Trade [FREE]
When: Every Sunday, 9am – 4pm, April 10 – June 26
Where: Queen Street, near Queen Vic Markets
Be seduced by Queen Vic Sunday Market bazaar as they take you on a culinary journey along the ancient Silk Road spice route. Queen Street will be filled with exotic street food with a spicy, comforting theme. Also enjoy lively entertainment, camel rides through the Market and other enchanting attractions.
ANZAC Day Commemorations [FREE]
When: April 25
Where: Shrine of Remembrance, St Kilda Road
ANZAC Day, originally a commemoration of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli on the 25th April 1915, has grown to become perhaps the most important national day in Australia. In addition to recognising the service and sacrifice of all Australians who have served in war or on peacekeeping operations ANZAC Day has become core to the identity of Australia itself, a day on which Australians reflect on the Anzac spirit and its place in Australia today. The Dawn Service is a major part of the tradition of ANZAC Day and is held in cities across Australia, including Victoria’s State service held at the Shrine, at 6.00am on April 25. Following the Dawn Service, the ANZAC Day March starting at Fed Square will head down St Kilda Road back towards the Shrine.
The Esplanade Market
When: Every Sunday 10am – 2pm
Where: The Esplanade, St Kilda
Every Sunday, Melbourne’s finest creative folk gather in endless stalls, arranged in line with the palm trees which stand tall on St Kilda’s mighty esplanade. Since the 1970s, the market has featured emerging talent in design and handicrafts – think artwork, photography, illustration, jewellery, body products and stationary. At stall number 67 you’ll find potter and musician Jeff Wilmott’s ocarinas (small clay flutes), and a few doors up, poke your nose into Ray and Cathie’s stall, who have been creating their kiln-fired glass tableware in their Dandenong Ranges studio since 1986. Fashionistas will love Prue Griffith’s handmade hats at stall 30, as well as an impressive range of handmade belts, bags and jewellery through the market.
Sydney
Sunrise on the Steps [$22]
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: April 4 – May 26, 7-8am
Sydney Opera House is launching a new series of fitness and wellbeing classes on weekday mornings. 60- minute workouts will take place on the steps of the House with views of the Botanic Gardens and Sydney Harbour. You can book into high intensity interval training (HIIT), functional fitness classes and yoga. Plus, you get a 15 per cent discount on takeaway coffee and brekky at Opera Bar if you need a quick refuel.
20th Biennale of Sydney
When: March 18 – June 6
It includes performances, talks, arts workshops and exhibitions. There are a number of different locations; Art Gallery of NSW, Cockatoo Island (ferry from Circular quay), the Museum of Contemporary Art and Carriageworks (near Redfern station). These venues are always worth a visit even if you are not going to a particular event.
The Spanish Film Festival [$19.50]
Where: Palace Verona, 17 Oxford St, Paddington and Palace Norton Street, 99 Norton St, Leichardt
When: April 12 – May 1
The Spanish Film Festival screens at the Palace Cinemas in 2016 with a selection of the best film from across Spain and Latin America.
Lights on Later [FREE]
Where: The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
When: April 7 – May 26
Experience art into the evening with the MCA’s extended hours every Thursday until 9pm. Take part in a free workshop, enjoy the current exhibitions and hear talks by curators and other creative thinkers. Enjoy this with a glass of wine, a bite to eat and music from Sydney DJs on the MCA Sculpture Terrace.
Movie Night in the Courtyard [FREE]
Where: The Beresford Hotel, 354 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
When: Every Wednesday, from 8pm
Every Wednesday in March the Beresford is hosting a free movie night under the stars. This month you can catch Cleopatra, Terminator, The Commitments and Bridesmaids.
No Lights No Lycra Bondi [$5]
Where: Bondi Pavillion (Mondays) and Main Hall Newtown (Thursdays)
When: Mondays and Thursdays April from 7:30-8:30pm
No Lights No Lycra is a casual free-form dance class in the dark for the pure joy of dancing. There is no need to book a place, just show up when you’re in the mood for a dance! Expect a little hip hop, a few Aussie faves and big room anthems, as well as “noughties divas on high rotation”.
Art at Night [FREE]
Where: Kensington Street – Chippendale Creative Precinct and Greencliff
When: Wednesday March 16, 6-9pm
The event has everything covered; food and wine (french, vietnamese, ramen); live music; and art and design. The federation terraces along Kensington Street will host art exhibitions showcasing the work of local emerging artists, including a local graffiti artist creating his newest masterpiece.
The Standard Bowl
Where: Lvl 3, 383 Bourke St, Surry Hills
When: Wed-Thu 9pm-2am; Fri-Sat 6pm-3am
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.
The Norfolk
Where: 305 Cleveland St, Surry Hills
When: Mondays and Tuesdays (for deals)
The Norfolk is a party pub. It’s a bit on the hipster side but there are also a bunch of locals who hang around the front bar watching league. On a Monday $10 nachos plates and $3 Tacos on a Tuesday. You have to get there early if you want to nab one of the prized outdoor tables. They have also just opened an in-house seafood shack upstairs called House of Crabs.
Wollongong
The Illawarra Brewery Beer Tasting
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Corner Crown and Harbour Streets, Wollongong
When: Daily, 11am – late
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.
Eat Street Market
Where: Crown Street Mall, Wollongong
When: Thursday nights, 5 – 10pm
Crown Street Mall comes alive every Thursday night with food stalls and music. Head here for food made from fresh local produce.
Illawarra Hotel – Retro Night and Trivia Night
Where: Cnr of Market & Keira, 160-164 Keira St, Wollongong
When: Thursdays nights from 9-11pm
The Illawarra Hotel’s Tuesday Trivia nights are the perfect excuse for a night out to enjoy some food, drinks and give your brain a real workout. Every Thursday the Illawarra Hotel hosts a Retro Party, Thursday 21st April is a special tinder retro party.
Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures [Starting from $60]
Where: 182 Knights Hill Road, Knights Hill
When: Open daily 9am – 5pm
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.
Townsville
Cowboys vs. Parramatta Eels Rugby League Game
Where: 1300 Smiles Stadium in Thuringowa
When: April 23, 7:30pm kick off
Australian Rugby League is a pretty big deal over here, so come and check-out what all the fuss is about and support the local NQ Cowboys team!
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow [$45]
Where: Townsville Civic Theatre
When: April 26-27, from 7:30pm
Travelling international comedy festival that takes over one Australian town at a time. Join the finest local and international comedy talents for a good old chuckle! It’s Australia’s ultimate comedy road- trip.
Banff Mountain Film Festival [$32.50]
Where: Townsville Civic Theatre
When: April 28 from 7pm
The world’s most prestigious mountain film festival is screening. It features 2 1⁄2 hours of mountain adventure films, not to be missed. Highly recommended for the biking, climbing, gliding, hiking enthusiasts!
