This is your September edition of What’s On in Australia brought to you by our local Resident Director team. In includes lots of fun, free activities plus some not to be missed ticketed events happening this month. Current students, check your inbox for the full digest for your city.
Newcastle
Olive Tree Markets [Free Entry]
When: Saturday, 5 Sept, 9am – 2pm
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. The Olive Tree Market is held on the 1st Saturday of the month, and the 1st & 3rd Saturday’s of November and December, from 9am-3pm in Civic Park, Newcastle. The Olive Tree market will run a program of free art & design workshops ‘Made in The Park’ in 2015.
Run Newcastle [$45 for 12K, $35 for 6K]
When: Sunday, 13 Sept
Where: Newcastle Foreshore Park Run
Newcastle is an amazing fun run/walk which enhances the quality of the youth health in the region. 100% of every registration fee goes directly to the redevelopment of the adolescent ward at John Hunter Children’s Hospital. There is an event for everyone, 12km run, 6km run, 6km family walk and an exciting new 1km Kids Run. Everyone receives a free Run Newcastle t-shirt. Live performance by a past X-Factor winner.
Hunt and Gather Market [Free entry]
When: Saturday, 19 Sept, 9am – 2pm
Where: Pacific Park, East End Newcastle
Another awesome monthly market in Newcastle. This one is right by the beach. Make a day of it, buy some local bread and cheese and take it down to Newcastle beach for some sun. Don’t forget the sunscreen. A great place to grab a bit of Brekky and a killer coffee.
Newcastle Mattara Festival [Free entry, but some events have a small fee]
When: 26 Sept – 5 Oct
Where: Nobby’s Beach Park It’s hard to describe, check the website.
This is an amazing yearly festival that features the best of the area. Well worth checking out.
Night Attack, Obstacle Race [Free to watch, entry fee to participate]
When: Sept 16-18 from 6pm
Where: 294 Turton Road Broadmeadow
You have to see this crazy race to believe it. Honestly, how do people come up with this stuff? 
Sydney
Art & About Sydney [FREE]
When: Sept 18 – Oct 11
Where: Hyde Park and Various Locations around the City
Another beautiful public art display around the city of Sydney. Have a walk through Hyde Park to see the large-scale photos on display that capture day-to-day life in Sydney and Australia.
Taste of Coogee [Free Entry]
When: Sunday, Sept 20from 10am – 6pm
Where: Coogee Beach There will be stalls from a number of food and drink vendors plus live music. Admission for the event is free, so you can come have a wander and then pick up something delicious to eat.
Smooth Festival of Chocolate [Free Entry]
When: Sept 12-13, from 10am – 8pm on Saturday and 10am – 5pm Sunday
Where: The Rocks
This is one for all of the sweet tooths. Two days of amazing chocolate desserts from some of Australia’s top chefs. It’s free entry to have a wander and free to smell all of the delicious chocolates and sweets.
Blackmores Sydney Running Festival [Starting at $55 for the Bridge Run]
When: Sunday, Sept 20
This race attracts around 33,000 people annually. You can register for the 9k bridge run that takes you across Sydney Harbour Bridge. There is also a half marathon and marathon as part of the event. Registrations are now open online.
Redfern Night Markets [FREE Entry]
When: Friday, Sept 4 from 4-9pm
Where: Redfern Community Centre, 29-53 Hugo Street The night markets have live music and stalls from local makers and creators. There will also be delicious food from Sydney food trucks and vendors. This is monthly market hosted on the first Friday of the month.
Townsville
Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week [$129]
When: 28 Aug – 1 Sept
Where: Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island
Be a sailor for the day at the Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week 2015. Participate in a premier yacht race in the magical waters around Magnetic Island and race on board a beautiful 58 foot yacht (large, stable and comfortable). Hoist the spinnaker and enjoy the colourful display of sails all around. There will be experienced crew on board to help race the boat and give instruction to guests (as required). All skill levels welcome. Price includes return ferry ticket with Sealink and post race snacks.
Art Exhibitions at Umbrella Studios [FREE] When: Until 20 Sept, 9-5 Mon-Fri, 9-1 Sun Where: 482 Flinders St, Townsville Townsville’s own contemporary arts gallery, Umbrella Studios has several cool installations on exhibit until mid September. Featuring artwork from recent JCU creative arts grads, focusing on their work since they’ve left school, and an exhibit on art relating to climate change, this quirky free gallery is worth a visit.
Strand Night Market [FREE] When: 4 Sept, 5-9:30pm (the first Friday of every month) Where: The Strand The Strand Night Markets offer a unique insight into the diverse North Queensland culture with a wide range of entertainment and a huge variety of food, fashion, crafts, and jewelry. Markets are always fun to explore; combine markets with evening strolls on the beach, food, and live entertainment, and you are in for a treat!
World Music Concert [$25 for Students] When: 5 September, 8pm Where: Townsville Civic Theatre As you travel the globe one of the standout features of so many different countries is undoubtedly their music. This concert brings an eclectic mix of music from all over the world to Townsville performed by the local Barrier Reef Orchestra. Highlighting the stunning diversity of cultural music from around the globe, the concert features several international artists performing music from Asia, the Americas, the British Isles, Europe and of course Australia.
Townsville Relay for Life [$20 per person] When: 12-13 Sept, Saturday 3pm – Sunday 9am Where: Tony Ireland Stadium, Pioneer Park, near Riverway Relay For Life is an overnight team event, whereby teams of 10-15 people keep a team baton moving around the track. Relay For Life celebrates cancer survivors and their careers, remembers loved ones lost to cancer, and strives to fight back against cancer! Proceeds go towards the Cancer Council Queensland.
Riverway Movie Night [FREE] When: 18 Sept, 6:30pm Where: Riverway Oval, 20 Village Blvd, Thuringowa Bring a blanket and cozy up under the stars and rainforest trees at Riverway. Discover a whole new world and watch Big Hero 6 on the big screen at the Riverway Oval from 6pm!
India Fest [FREE] When: 19 Sept, 8am – 10pm Where: Riverway, 20 Village Blvd, Thuringowa The Townsville Indian community is proud to bring the richness of one of the modern ethnic culture in the world through food, music and dance, crafts, fashion and jewelry, and yoga so that the festival will be a true representation of India. Through mutual understanding and respect India Fest will bring an opportunity for everyone to better understand the Indian culture, and form a better mankind irrespective of race, religion, or creed.
JapNQ [FREE] When: 20 Sept, 10am – 1pm Where: Reid Park, Boundary Street, Townsville JapNQ is Townsville’s very own Japanese car show! This event will be a great opportunity to see some different cars, meet a bunch of people who share a common interest and also a chance to give something back to the community. Tickets are free for spectators.
Townsville Startup Weekend [$75 to $99] When: 25-27 Sept Where: Education Central, JCU The goal of a Startup Weekend is to bring all kinds of passionate people together to get things done, to learn, network, and bridge the gap between trades and disciplines. In 54 hours, there is an opportunity to work with an amazing team of people to discover your potential to craft ideas into real action. The action begins on Friday evening with a keynote, pitches, team formation and idea generation. The next two days will be full steam ahead to develop those ideas into startup opportunities, leading up to final pitch presentations and judging on late Sunday afternoon. Learn, connect, get social, inspire and be inspired.
Drum Circles on the Strand [FREE] When: 26 Sept, 6 – 7:30 pm Where: The Strand, near Longboards Join in the community fun of an evening drum circle along the Strand! Hosted by veteran drummer and JCU international student manager Alex Salvador, these quirky, fun community drum circles are thrown every month coinciding with the full moon. No experience required, just bring your enthusiasm and be prepared to participate and have fun!
North Queensland Classic Darts Tournament [FREE] When: 26-27 Sept, 9am – 5pm both days Where: Townsville Darts Hall, Mervyn Crossman Drive, Murray Sports Complex The North Queensland Classic is a Major World Ranked Darts Tournament, being held in North Queensland for the first time! Players are expected from around the world, with ample local talent anticipated as well.
Willows Rotary Markets [FREE] When: Every Sunday, 7:30am – 11:30am Where: Willows Shopping Centre Carpark Willows Sunday Markets offer local residents and tourists an opportunity to purchase fresh produce, arts and crafts, freshly baked goodies and much more. The markets currently host over 140 stallholders, and has fast become one of Thuringowa’s most popular weekend events run by the local Rotary Club.
Magnetic Island Bay Dayz Festival [$1] When: 4 September – 4 October Where: Magnetic Island Magnetic Island bursts with 50+ events and activities during the month-long Magnetic Island Bay Dayz Festival each September. The program includes island-wide competitions, the Rotary Beer Can Regatta, Morleys Spring Equinox Fair, one-off cultural events, Talk Like A Pirate Day, Movies Under The Stars, Mega Markets, the very popular Sand Sculpture Competition and Oktoberfest which is set right on picturesque Horseshoe Bay beach. Each of the four main bays and beaches on the island has events over the month.
Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise Beachside Night Markets [FREE]
When: Each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.
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.
Surfers Paradise Beach Volleyball [FREE]
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 9am-5pm.
Where: Surfers Paradise Beach Volleyball Courts- (At the end of Hanlan Street on the Esplanade).
Are you keen to give Beach Volleyball a go? Here in Surfers Paradise there are 8 weeks of FREE beach volleyball. It’s great fitness, great fun, and a great way to meet new people.
Chinatown Street Markets [FREE]
When: First Saturday of the Month, 4pm-10pm
Where: Chinatown in Southport
Gold Coasts’ first ever Asian inspired food market will take place right in the heart of Southport. Enjoy a night of Asian inspired street food, entertainment and culture.
Spring Clean Broadbeach [Free]
When: 5 Sept, 12:30pm
Where: Kurrawa Surf Club, Broadbeach
The Gold Coast is internationally recognized for its beautiful beaches and landscape, so come help make a difference to your local community and beach by volunteering your time to keep Broadbeach beautiful!
Gold Coast Folk Music Festival [Weekend: $30, $22 online, Day Pass: $15, $12 online]
When: 19 and 20 Sept 2015 Where: Country Paradise Parklands- 231 Beaudesert-Nerang Road, Nerang QLD. A full weekend featuring some of Australia’s most well-known folk musicians joining together for two days of bluegrass, blues, and acoustic folk. Choose between a day or weekend pass and enjoy 30 different bands, food stalls, and local markets.
FMX & Monster Truck Spectacular [From $30]
When: 5 Sept, 6:30 pm
Where: Gold Coast Convention Centre, Broadbeach
“Biggest ever Indoor Freestyle FMX & Monster Truck Spectacular is finally here!” Check out the legendary Australian monster truck and Aussie Champion the ‘OUTBACK THUNDA’ go up against the Wild Card Monster truck ‘SPEED RACER.’ The night will also include motocross high flying freestyle stunts, celebrity singers, quad race wars, and a hypnotic laser lights show!
Koala Tree Planting [FREE]
When: 5 Sept, 8am-10am
Where: Tallebudgera
Koalas are in serious decline mainly due to habitat destruction and they need your help. Koalas require a particular tree species for a reliable food source and shelter. This is your chance to be a part of National Threatened Species Day by participating in a community tree planting day.
Illumi Run Gold Coast [$60]
When: 5 Sept, 5pm-10pm
Where: Metricon Stadium-Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Carrara.
Illumi Run is more than just an ordinary road race, with illuminated dance zones, live DJs, and paint cannons it’s the ultimate party. Get covered with illumi paint and dance under neon lights! All participants receive: Official Illumi Run T-shirt and bag, glow stick, LED goggles, and much more.
Swell Sculpture Festival [FREE]
When: 11-20 Sept
Where: Currumbin Beach.
The 13th annual Swell Sculpture Festival has over 55 sculptures on display along Currumbin Beach. Sculptures are built by local, national, and international artists. Go day or night because some sculptures will be lit up and illuminated underneath the southern sky.
Gold Coast Multicultural Festival [FREE]
When: 13 Sept, 11am-4pm
Where: Evandale Parklands Bundall- Bundall Road & Crombie Ave, Bundall.
Experience some of the many diverse cultures within the Gold Coast community. This event includes 50+ stalls selling international food, crafts, and information. Four outdoor stages will be playing international music as well as hosting music and dance workshops so that you can join in on the fun!
Opera in the Park- Music and the Night [FREE]
When: 26 September, 6pm
Where: Broadbeach
Spread your blanket and kick back under the stars to music from world famous Opera and Broadway shows in Broadbeach. Starring local and national talents. The evening will feature classics from Broadway shows such as West Side Story, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Chess, Doctor Zhivago and many more. It’s truly a unique experience that should make for a wonderful night with friends!
Gold Coast Pet and Animal Expo [FREE]
When: 26- 27 Sept, 9am-3pm
Where: Varsity Lakes
Missing your pet more than anyone or anything else? Perhaps going to Australia’s largest animal expo here on the Gold Coast can help. Enjoy free demonstrations, meet pet celebrities, and get up close and personal with some cute and very strange animals.
Gold Coast International Kite Festival [FREE]
When: 26th-27th September, 9-4pm
Where: Kurruawa Park, Broadbeach
This will most definitely be Gold Coast’s most colourful event this spring. International and Australian kite flyers will show off their skill and amazing handcrafted kites. Colourful giant character kites and stunt kites will make for a great show this weekend!
Celebrate Gold Coast [FREE]
When: 27 Sept, 10am-4pm
Where: Country Paradise Parklands, Nerang
Celebrate Gold Coast is a free event that provides the opportunity to celebrate everything that the Gold Coast has to offer. The culture, lifestyle, food and sense of fun will be just a few of the many things celebrated at the event. The 2015 theme is to celebrate the “green behind the gold” by embracing the natural beauty within the Gold Coast.
Melbourne
Market Week [FREE entry]
When: 5 – 13 Sept
Where: Various markets in Melbourne
Market Week returns to Prahran Market, South Melbourne Market, Queen Victoria Market and Dandenong Market from the 5th to 13th of September 2015. This very popular week-long festival presents a fantastic range of interactive events and entertainment for all the family to enjoy. This year’s event centres on the inspiring theme of ‘Shop Well, Eat Well, Live Well’ and there will be more than 50 FREE events to participate in. Each Market will host its own jam-packed schedule of free tastings, group tours, quirky competitions, giveaways and more.
Morning Gloryville: Spring Awakening [Tickets $25]
When: Sept 9, 6:30 – 10am
Where: 1000 Pound Bend, 361 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Nothing wakes you up more than a soul-shaking dance, electrifying music and a double espresso. Morning Gloryville has it all, as well as a free wake-up massage station, a superfood smoothie bar, a motivating dance team, top Melbourne DJs and, most importantly, a glitter-filled dance floor!
Australian Poetry Slam State Final [FREE]
When: Sept 11
Where: State Library, Swanson St, Melbourne.
Join the search for Australia’s next slam champion! Fierce competition. High-energy performance. Judges chosen at random. This is poetry let loose from page to stage. The Australian poetry slam is a national competition with more than 1000 poets, performing to 20,000 people across the country. Watch ten finalists at this Victorian final at the State Library. Stories, Lyrics And Monologues are celebrated by the Australian Poetry Slam – a live literary performance competition where the audience is the judge! Slam heats will be held in city and regional venues across Australia from June until October 2015. Two finalists from each slam heat will compete in their state final. Then the winners will make their way to the national final in Sydney.
Mission Mexican Festival [FREE]
When: Sunday, Sept 13
Where: Federation Square It’s no secret that Melbourne has a love affair with all things Mexican. In last few years, día de los muertos (the Day of the Dead) has become a widely celebrated event, not to mention the many tacquerias, cantinas, and Mexican bars that have popped up, ranging from the traditional to the Tex Mex – authenticity be damned. Expect all this and more at the Mission Foods Mexican Festival at Federation Square, a free event at Fed Square, where the best of Mexican music, food and culture will be presented to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
Lavazza Italian Film Festival [Tickets from $16.50]
When: Sept 16 – Oct 11
Where: Various cinemas throughout Melbourne
Believers clashing with atheists; parents dealing with violent footage of their children; and the comedic efforts of a woman architect to be taken seriously are some of the hooks in movies showing in this year’s Lavazza Italian Film Festival. Thirty-two films will screen in total in the 16th edition of the festival. Among the highlights are the new film from Nani Moretti (The Son’s Room, We Have a Pope): Mia Madre (My Mother). The personal story of a film director (Margherita Buy) dealing with the imminent death of her mother, the film also stars John Turturro.
Melbourne Fringe Festival [FREE and ticketed events]
When: Sept 16 – Oct 4
Where: Various venues around Melbourne
2015 marks the 33rd year of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, one of the biggest fringe festivals in the world! With hundreds of shows taking place in various theatres, bars and alleyways around Melbourne, there’s something for everyone. From comedy, theatre, dance and visual arts, you’re sure to find something cool to see. The Fringe Hub at the North Melbourne Town Hall is the best place to start browsing what’s on. Here’s where you’ll also find the Fringe Club, which will host various free events throughout the Festival. Some of the best free events to check out are the Opening and Closing night parties.
Talk Like a Pirate Day [FREE entry]
When: Saturday, Sept 19
Where: World Bar and Restaurant, Shop 4, Building 2, Southbank.
It’s International Talk like a Pirate Day, so head down to World Bar for a whole lot of plank-walking fun. There’ll be live music from 1pm, discounts for the best pirate accent, Captain Morgan’s cocktails and a prize for the best dressed pirate on the night.
The Royal Melbourne Show [Tickets from $24]
When: Sept 19-29
Where: Melbourne Showgrounds
The Royal Melbourne Show is an agricultural show held at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds every September and has been running since 1848. The traditional purpose is the display of rural industry, including livestock and produce with its associated competitions and awards however the show also features amusement rides and a sideshow alley, as well as the peculiarly Australian tradition of ‘Showbags’, which carry bags full of goodies produced by various commercial enterprises.
Listen Out Festival [Tickets $140]
When: Sept 26
Where: Catani Gardens, St Kilda
Melbourne’s new kid on the festival circuit is back for a third time with a new venue and a killer lineup. Listen Out is heading back to Melbourne this September at an even bigger and better venue. Born in 2013 after replacing Parklife, Listen Out has quickly become Melbourne’s premier boutique dance festival. After being staged at the Royal Botanic Gardens for the last two years, St Kilda’s Catani Gardens has been announced as its new home. This years lineup promises to be the biggest yet, with crowd favourite Childish Gambino headlining along with SBTRKT (DJ set) , Joey Bada$$, Alison Wonderland and many more.
Brisbane
Brisbane Writers Festival [Various Pricing]
When: 2-6 Sept
Where: Various Locations around Brisbane
City There will be plenty of chances for you to hear some of Brisbane’s finest writers perform during the Brisbane’s Writers Festival.
Red Fest [FREE]
When: 4-6 Sept
Where: Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland
RedFest is a music and cultural festival held in Cleveland, just 25 minutes east of Brisbane on beautiful Moreton Bay. It is Redland City’s premier event and boasts musicians and artists from across the globe. Journey on down via the Cleveland Train Line and make a day out of it. There is plenty to see around Moreton Bay.
Twilight Yoga in the Gardens [FREE]
When: Saturday, 5 Sept, 4-5pm
Where: Brisbane Botanic Garden, Mt Coot-tha
Yoga instructor, Anna Noonan, has chosen a beautifully scenic place for you to join her for a relaxing yoga session in the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. You are required to bring your own mat, or variation of a mat, but the event is free. This would be a great way to wind down after a hike up the Mount Coot-tha lookout!
New Farm Markets [FREE]
When: Every Saturday, 6am-12pm
Where: New Farm Park, right in front of The Powerhouse
New Farm Park is the perfect place to be when you want a Saturday morning market stroll. These markets are perfectly located in front of The Powerhouse and filled with a variety of produce and freshly made foods. You can easily catch the CityCat to New Farm Wharf and walk 2 minutes to get here.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers [FREE]
When: 18-27 Sept
Where: Toowoomba Cecil Plains Road
The Famous ‘Grand Central Floral Parade’ will be held at 3 PM only on Sept 19. Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers is an incredible event that tourists travel to each year. There will be a wide range of events hosted during the week including its famous floral parade, rose festival, garden competitions, live entertainment and music, flower food and wine festival, classic cars, big band, pub tours and more.
Jazz on the Village Green [$20]
When: 27 Sept, 3:30-5:30pm
Where: Caboolture Historical Village
If you fancy a Jazzy afternoon, head on over to the Caboolture Historical Village to see some local artists perform.
Brisbane Festival [FREE with some ticketed events]
When: 5-27 Sept
Where: Various locations around the city.
The Brisbane Festival is back with great a great line up of theater, comedy, music, and more. Most events require pre-booking of tickets but there are still plenty of free events that will be offered to the public stationed around the city. Be sure to check out the program and website for a full program of what you can expect from this year’s event!
Scandinavian Festival Brisbane [FREE]
When: Sunday, 17 Sept, 10am-4pm
Where: Austin Street, Newstead
Come join Brisbane’s celebration of Scandinavian culture that will include live entertainment, authentic food, traditional music and dancing, and vibrant markets.
Brisbane Oz Comic-Con [$30]
When: 19-20 Sept
Where: Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre
Oz Comic-Con is the destination for pop culture fans in Australia with a show floor packed with exhibitors, autograph and photograph sessions with the hottest celebrities and one-of-a-kind panel events!
Ben & Jerry’s Open Air Cinema [$15]
When: 2 Oct – 15 Nov
Where: South Bank Parklands, at the Rainforest Green
Celebrate the start of summer by seeing some of your favorite flicks on the big screen outdoors! You must order the tickets in advance online, and there will be a wide variety of films played on different nights. Plus, the best perk to this has to be their free sundaes on Sundays! Book a Sunday showing and Ben & Jerry’s will be giving out free ice cream during your movie. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to order soon if you plan to attend!
Redland Bayside Blues Festival [FREE]
When: Saturday, 12 Sept, 1:00-9:00pm
Where: Capalaba Regional Park
If you are a Blues music lover, head on down to Capalaba Regional Park for this year’s Blue’s Festival. There will also be market and food stall vendors. If you are traveling from the city, you should be able to find a bus route that can get you out to Capalaba. Don’t forget to pack your picnic blanket!
