This is your May 2016 edition of the What’s On newsletter for Australia. Each month our local staff curates a round-up of their favorite events and must-do’s for their city happening for the month. Current TEAN Australia students can check their inbox to get the full digest.
Brisbane
Paniyiri Greek Festival [$10 Entrance]
Where: Musgrave Park, West End
When: May 21-22
Come experience Greek Culture with delicious foods, dancing, markets, rides, and more at the 40th annual Paniyiri Greek Festival!
NRL Fan City Activation [FREE]
Where: Queen Street Mall
When: Friday, May 13 from 12-1pm
Come be a part of the NRL fan nation as Brisbane welcomes the NRL teams and their players that will be involved at the Double Header event,Super Saturday, held at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, May 14.
Acapella Groove (Anywhere Festival) [FREE]
Where: Roma Street Parklands
When: Sunday, May 8 from 2-3pm
Calling all Pitch Perfect Fans- come experience some live acapella music right here in Brisbane as some talented singers take on some of our favorite tunes.
Australian Football League- Brisbane Lions [$25.50]
Where: The Gabba, Woolloongabba
When: May 14 and May 28
Come out and support Brisbane’s local AFL team ,The Lions, as they take on Collingwood and Hawthorn this month.
QUT Classic Fun Run [$15]
Where: QUT Gardens Point
When: Sunday, May 15 from 7:30am
QUT is hosting its annual fun run that includes 5 and 10 km runs. This event is open to the public and anyone can participate. Please visit the event website below for registration details.
Blues on Broadbeach [FREE]
When: May 19-22
Where: Various locations in and around Broadbeach
Enjoy an impressive line-up of Australian and international artists across the 4 days of the event, including Eric Burden & The Animals, Diesel, The Bamboos, Bondi Cigars and Cookin’ on 3 Burners with Tex Perkins & Stella Angelico. All of this and more…and it’s all free!
The Matt Hale Comedy Hypnosis Show (Anywhere Festival) [$20-30]
Where: New Globe Theater
When: May 5-15
“Do not miss this. Real hypnosis, real fun … and no chickens! Globetrotting, award-winning Comedy Stage hypnotist Matt Hale heads to Brisbane with his recent record-breaking sell-out show.”
Crossbows: Chamber Music Festival
Where: Griffith University, Queensland Conservatorium
When: May 6-9
“A free weekend-long celebration of collaborative and innovative approaches to chamber music featuring leading musicians, scholars, students, and special guests from the Tiwi Islands. Held at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, South Bank.”
Fish Lane Festival [FREE]
Where: South Brisbane- Fish Lane
When: Saturday, May from 7 12-10pm
This is a great event for you to try out some of the best restaurants in South Brisbane all at one time! “Explore Fish Lane and enjoy signature dishes, gourmet eats and premium pop-up bars from the neighborhood’s most loved restaurants, bars and cafes including: Billykart • Bird’s Nest • Fish Lane Bistro • Gauge • Gelato Messina • Habitat • Julius Pizzeria • Madame Wu Maker •Saccharomyces Beer Cafe • The Fox Hotel • The Gunshop Cafe. Plus two stages of live music featuring some of Brisbane’s best emerging talent.”
Bounty Family Fun Fair
Where: Bounty Boulevard State School North Lakes
When: Saturday May 14 from 2-7pm
“Support the local community and come along to the bi-annual Bounty Family Fun Fair at Bounty Boulevard State School where there will be international food vendors, 10 family and thrill rides, sideshow alley, licensed show bags, live entertainment and markets stalls.”
RSPCA Million Paws Walk [$25 in advance]
Where: South Bank Cultural Forecourt
When: Sunday, May 15 from 8:30am – 1pm
“Funds raised from registrations, merchandise sales and fundraising pages, will help to provide essential care, veterinary treatment, food and shelter for more than 18,000 dogs that RSPCA Qld cares for each year.”
Green Heart Fair [FREE]
Where: 7th Brigade Park, Chermside
When: Sunday, May 29 from 9am – 2pm
“This fair promotes innovative sustainable living in a free, fun, family-friendly environment with activities for home renovators, fashionistas, foodies, green thumbs and recyclers through to budding energy savers and young eco-warriors looking to make a difference.” You will see a wide range of vendors come out and support this community event that has an educational purpose.
Sydney
VIVID Sydney [FREE with some ticketed events]
Where: Various venues throughout Sydney CBD
When: May 27 – June 18
Vivid Sydney is a festival of lights, music and Ideas. The light installations are free and can be found throughout sydney CBD. Now is the time to book tickets if there is a particular talk or music event you are interested in.
Sydney Comedy Festival
Where: Various venues throughout Sydney
When: April 18 – May 15
The 12th annual Sydney Comedy Festival is a great opportunity to catch some of the top comedians from Australia and abroad.
Xtend Barre @ The Glenmore [FREE]
When: Wednesday, May 4 and May 18, from 7-8am
Where: The Glenmore, The Rocks
This rooftop workout is a fusion of dance, Pilates and Ballet. The three-sixty views of the harbour make it worth the early start. Although it is free you still need to book as there are only 25 spots per class. Post workout you can enjoy a super smoothie on the rooftop.
Redlands Konica Minolta Art Prize
When: March 14 – May 14
Where: National Art School, Forbes St & Burton Street, Darlinghurst
View works by Australia and New Zealand’s top emerging contemporary artists at the National Art School. This annual exhibition features works by 22 established artists who each nominated an emerging artist to also present work in the exhibition. Experience a variety of works as artists had no limitations on their choice of media or subject matter.
Monday Movie Nights @ The Soda Factory
When: The Soda Factory, 16 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
When: Mondays, doors open 5pm, movie begins 8pm
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
Burgers and Beats [$10]
Where: The Workshop, 175 Cleveland St, Redfern
When: Friday, May 6 from 6-10pm
Burgers and Beats, Sydney’s newest monthly burger event, is back for Round #2. Enjoy burgers, fries, shakes, beers and beats from Sydney’s finest for just $10 – get your tickets in advance.
David Attenborough Virtual Reality Experience [$12-18]
Where: The Australian Museum, 6 College St, Sydney, 2010
When: April 8 – July 18
The Australian Museum is the first venue outside of the UK to screen David Attenborough’s First Life VR and David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef Dive VR. These two nature documentaries were made exclusively for virtual reality. Some of the footage was captured in 2015 during Attenborough’s visit to Lizard Island Research Station, north of Cairns. Make sure you book tickets.
Chinatown Night Markets [FREE]
Where: Dixon Street Plaza in Chinatown, Haymarket, Sydney. The Plaza runs parallel to George street between Sussex and Harbour street.
When: Fridays from 4-11pm
Chinatown’s Friday Night Markets reflect the culture, creativity and energy of Sydney’s thriving Chinatown precinct. Sample Asian street food at ‘Little Eat Street’ which offers a range of food including yum cha, teppanyaki, sushi and pho. The Market also has over 50 stores operated by students, young designers and local artists.
Kirribilli Market [FREE]
Where: Kirribilli Bowling Green, 68 Alfred Street, Kirribilli
When: Art, Design and Fashion Market (May 8) and General Market (May 28) from 8:30am – 3pm
A visit to the Kirribilli Markets is an opportunity to explore the North Shore of the harbour. The markets are located at the exit of Milsons point station, the first stop once you cross the harbour bridge. Kirribilli General Market features over 100 stall of new, second hand fashion and accessories. You can also find unique antiques, collectables and homewares. There are a number of food stalls so you can grab something to eat and wander down to the harbour foreshore where you can find a seat under the harbour bridge. The market is 5 minutes from Luna Park (free entry) where you can ride the ferris wheel and experience views of the bridge and harbour.
Wollongong
Humberfest @ The Gloaming rooftop cinema [$10]
Where: Humber, 226 Crown St, Wollongong
When: May 19 from 7:30pm (movie starts at 8pm)
Watch Silver LInings Playbook at the rooftop cinema at Humber. The movie starts at 8pm, arrive early to grab a bite or you can order some tapas share plates to enjoy during the film.
Art On the Grass [FREE]
Where: Red Point Artists Association Precinct, 8/100 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla, Wollongong
When: Saturday, May 14 from 10am – 2pm
Red Point Artists sell their handmade art and crafts in their studios and in the lovely grassed courtyard. Listen to live music in the courtyard with a cup of a coffee or visit the current exhibition at the Red Point Gallery.
Comedy Night [$12]
Where: Rad, 95A Crown St, Wollongong
When: Wednesday, May 4 from 8:30pm
Be amused by the multi award winning comedian Thao Cao this Wednesday night at Rad Bar. Her comedy can be best described as dry, self deprecating and often politically incorrect. She has performed at The Adelaide Fringe Festival and The Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2015. Be sure to book tickets in advance.
Boutique Markets [FREE]
Where: Windang Bowling Club, Judbooley Pde, Windang, Wollongong
When: Sunday, May 15 from 9:30am – 2:30pm
This is a small and intimate boutique market held once a month with about 20 stalls and a live band/singer. We are a very intimate Boutique Market.
Pepe’s Cinco De Mayo Party [FREE entry]
Where: Pepe’s on the beach, 2-14 Cliff Road, Wollongong
When: Thursday, May 5 from 6pm
To celebrate the launch of their new Cali Menu Pepe’s is throwing a Cinco De Mayo Party. Expect Mexican food, booze, as salsa DJ and even a Pinyata.
Prince Tribute Night [FREE]
Where: Rad, 95A Crown St, Wollongong
When: Thursday, May 5 from 8pm
A tribute night to celebrate the music of Prince after his sudden passing. Enjoy his music all night long.
BBQ n beats [FREE entry]
Where: Pepe’s on the beach, 2-14 Cliff Road, Wollongong
When: Sunday, May 29 from 12pm
Arrive early for the BBQ at midday and enjoy music from Dj’s at 3pm.
Melbourne
Human Rights Arts and Film Festival [Tickets from $18]
When: May 5 – June 8
Where: Various venues across the city
Powerful human stories are promised at the ninth Human Rights Arts and Film Festival. There will be 15 days of screenings and events in venues across Melbourne: Koorie Heritage Trust, the Substation, Neon Parlour, the Ownership Project, No Vacancy (The Atrium) and Footscray Community Arts Centre. Here are some festival highlights.
Mexican Star Wars Fiesta
When: May 6
Where: Colonial Hotel, Brown Alley, Melbourne
Star Wars and Mexico may have next to nothing in common, but the people behind the Lucha Fantastica Mexican wrestling show also happen to be Star Wars fans and they’re hosting this all-out fiesta to celebrate International Star Wars Day (May 4) and Cinco de Mayo (May 5), the Mexican celebration of the Battle of Puebla. Brown Alley will serve as the interstellar base of the fiesta, which will host a line-up of bands including Mexican Sonidero-influenced sounds of The Cumbia Cosmonauts, the Sin Frontera Mariachi band (the only Mariachi band in Melbourne), and DJ Don Salazar who bring along an explosion of Latino beats. Costumes (either Mexican or Star Wars-themed) are highly recommended and a galactic piñata will settle once and for all the toughest fighter of the day.
Wicked Chocolate Festival [FREE entry]
When: May 7
Where: Prahran Market, Commerical Road, South Yarra
Treat yourself to a day of supreme decadence at Prahran Market’s Wicked Chocolate Festival. The entire Market will be transformed into a chocolate wonderland of sensory delights. See, taste, smell and enjoy everything chocolate with foodie fun activities suitable for the whole family, including a Taste the Chocolate Trail ticketed event featuring the Market’s mouth-watering chocolate delicacies. Check out the pop-up Chocolate Precinct; free chocolate cooking demos, a producers’ stage, a ticketed Chocolate Cake making workshop at The Essential Ingredient, free tastings, a chocolate tour and more.
Metropolis New Music Festival [FREE and ticketed events]
When: May 9-21
Where: Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank Boulevard
Melbourne Recital Centre and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra once again join forces to present the Metropolis New Music Festival, one of Australia’s most exciting explorations of new music. In 2016, Metropolis draws upon urban life and landscapes with the theme Music of the City. Examining all facets of city life through time, place and history, the festival features performances by Australia’s premiere musicians, engaging talks and activities plus a variety of free events.
Good Beer Week [FREE and ticketed events]
When: May 13-22
Where: Various venues across the city
In just six years, Good Beer Week has grown from the spark of an idea to a global festival made up of 270 diverse and innovative events across Melbourne and Victoria that attracts fifty thousand attendees from across Australia and overseas. Not only does the festival celebrate the nation’s favourite drink, it also includes a lineup that features guests from five continents, big name chefs, masterclasses, sublime degustations, opera, live music and even a fashion show!
St Kilda Film Fesitval [Tickets from $15]
When: May 29-28
Where: Palais Theatre and St Kilda Town Hall
Prefer your movies short? Well the St Kilda Film Festival is perfect for you! It provides the most comprehensive overview of the national short film industry, screening the Top 100 short film entries received each year alongside a rich program of music videos, Palm Springs International Showcase, special screenings and events plus a free Filmmaker Development Program. Accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Festival is now an Academy Awards® qualifying event, with award-winning films from the Festival eligible for consideration in the Short Film Awards and Documentary Short sections of the Oscars®
Sleep at the G [$55]
When: May 26
Where: The MCG
You’ve seen a footy match at the G, now sleep there the night to help put youth homelessness to bed. The MCG will be hosting one big sleepover with Melbourne City Mission. You’ll be sleeping on a cardboard box for the night in solidarity with the over 6000 disadvantaged youth who has to couch surf or sleep rough in Victoria. Sleep at the ‘G is your chance to do something about this crisis by raising funds and awareness for young Victorians facing homelessness.
Melbourne Tea Festival [$15 entry]
When: May 29
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Whether you’re a fan of green tea, Earl Grey or the fruity brews, you’ll find the perfect cuppa for you at the Melbourne Tea Festival. Tea vendors from Melbourne and beyond will treat tea lovers with all sorts of the leafy stuff at the Tea Market. Festival-goers can buy a $5 tasting cup to slurp and sample your way through the day while you peruse tea-making wares and much on snacks and treats from food trucks and stalls.
Gold Coast
Up Late at The Oracle Boulevard [FREE]
When: Thursday, May 5 from 5pm
Where: The Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
The entire Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach shut down and lit up with DJ sets, eats and drinks al fresco style for less. Mingle and dine with family and friends every Thursday night, at the ultimate dining destination on the GC!
Surfers Paradise LIVE [FREE]
When: May 6-8
Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore
Surfers Paradise will heave with music lovers when the heart of the Gold Coast is transformed into an amplified outdoor gig. The inaugural Surfers Paradise Live festival is being held across three days and nights from May 6 to 8 and will combine the best of live music and surfside revelry with a great mix of Australian and international musicians.
Salute to Paradise [FREE]
When: Sunday, May 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)
iFLY Indoor Skydiving Demonstrations [FREE]
When: Every Friday and Saturday night in May
Where: 3084 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
iFLY are running amazing choreographed Indoor Skydiving Shows for FREE every Friday and Saturday night at 7.30pm. 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 this weekend.
Blues on Broadbeach [FREE]
When: May 19-22
Where: Various locations in and around Broadbeach
Enjoy an impressive line-up of Australian and international artists across the 4 days of the event, including Eric Burden & The Animals, Diesel, The Bamboos, Bondi Cigars and Cookin’ on 3 Burners with Tex Perkins & Stella Angelico. All of this and more…and it’s all free!
Live Music – Mark Wilkinson [$30]
When: Friday, May 27 from 7.30pm
Where: Soundlounge, 165 Durringan St, Currumbin
Mark Wilkinson is undoubtedly one of the most captivating acoustic artists to emerge from Australia in recent times. He’s sold out shows right around his home country, as well as in neighbouring New Zealand, the U.S., and across Europe and the U.K. He’s toured arenas with some of the highest selling artists of all time including Brian Wilson, Chicago, America, and Peter Frampton.
The Village Markets [FREE]
When: Sunday May 1 and May 15 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.
AFL (Australian Football League) [$26]
When: Saturday, May 7 from 5pm
Where: Metricon Stadium, Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Carrara
Watch the mighty Gold Coast Suns take on Melbourne in one of Australia’s most loved sports. Wear red and gold to support your (new) local team!
Miami Marketta – Street Food Market [FREE]
When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night, 5-10pm
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.
Surfers Paradise Beachside Night Markets [FREE]
When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night
Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore
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.
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, $5 Coronas, and the Best Cocktails around.
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.
Aqua Splash Inflatable Water Park [$5-15]
When: Open daily from 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 from 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.
Townsville
Groovin The Moo Townsville [$110]
When: May 1
Where: Townsville Cricket Grounds, Murray Sports Complex
Australia’s only regional touring music festival. Showcasing the best of Australian contemporary artists and renowned international artists, including British India, Drapht, Odesza, Ratatat, and The Rubens in this year’s line-up. Also there is usually an after party at Flinders Social on Flinders Street ;)
Festival of One Act Plays [$12 concession tickets]
When: May 6-9, from 7:30-9:30pm
Where: Riverway Arts Centre, Riverway, Thuringowa
Amateur actors and directors on display at the annual North Queensland Festival of One Act Plays. Now in its 24th year, the Festival of One Act Plays will showcase comedy to drama, from experimental to absolutely absurd. There are also multi-day passes available.
Riverway Movie Night: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No good, Very Bad Day [Tickets from $7.50]
When: May 27 from 6:30pm
Where: Riverway Lagoon, Riverway, Thuringowa
Gum stuck in his hair signals the start of a disastrous day for 11-year-old Alexander. One misfortune follows another, but when Alexander tells his family about his misadventures, he finds little sympathy. Alexander begins to wonder if bad things happen only to him, but he soon learns that he’s not alone when his mother (Jennifer Garner), father (Steve Carell), brother and sister all find themselves living through their own no good days.
