We’re optimistic.
We’ve lost one week of August to Delta as well as next week’s EKKA—thankfully the associated public holiday has been postponed so we still get a long weekend later in the year. However, we’re keeping our hopes up that we’ll still get to have some fun this month (and keep safe at the same time.
So, on the chance that our lockdown doesn’t get extended all the way through August, here’s a list of things you might want to do. There are also some things you’ll be able to do from home.
1. Global Fiesta
The cultures, flair and passion of six continents will be on show this August when Regional Flavours Global Fiesta takes over South Bank Parklands. The epic feast will be a multicultural celebration complete with roving performances, a street party, market stalls and, of course, cooking demonstrations.
Taking place from 21-22 August 2021.
2. Messina’s bake at home cookie-pie kit
This soft and crumbly pie is stuffed with milk and dark choc chips, creamy caramel custard and waffle cone spread and topped generously with cone crumble.
You can order your kit on Monday, August 9 and choose your pick-up day and time between August 13-15. You can get your hands on the cookie pie kit at both Fortitude Valley and South Brisbane stores.
3. GOMA Up Late
The European Masterpieces From The Metropolitan Museum Of Art has been on display since mid-June but the likes of Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Titian, Cézanne and Rubens are about to see a new side to Brisbane when GOMA’s Up Late series opens up the museum for after-hours visits.
European Masterpieces Up Late takes place on Friday 27 August and Saturday 28 August from 6-10:30pm. Tickets cost $42 for non-members.
4. Heston Blumenthal x Grill’d Burger
This is an exclusive burger experience that requires a reservation. It is only available for two weeks, from August 15 to August 29. Less than 4000 burgers are available across Australia and you can only find it in select stores.
5. Brickman Wonders of the World
More than 50 structures have been recreated using the famous plastic bricks. Some of the displays are tall (space shuttle), some of them are heavy (the Titanic) and others are long (the Tokyo subway). Other wonders of the world include the Great Wall of China and Taj Mahal as well as the Empire State Building.
The museum, however, will be open after dark for a very special adults-only session with live music and other fun events. This After Dark session takes place on Friday, 6 August from 5:30pm – 8:30pm and tickets cost $35 per adult. For more info, see here.
6. Lune Croissanterie
Lune Croissanterie is set to open on Thursday 5 August on take-away mode, selling coffee and a selection of their classic pastries.
If you’re keen on trying one (or more) of Lune’s croissants, then get down to the Fish Lane in South Brisbane—obviously, only when you can because we’re currently in lockdown.
7. Candlelight Concerts
If vintage classical music isn’t quite your jam, then no worries because the Candlelight series has upped the offering with tribute concerts to jazz and rock greats as well as Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi.
Take a look at all the Candlelight concerts on this month.
8. A Midnight Visit
The House Of Usher funerary services has set up shop in Brisbane and in doing so have transformed a disused warehouse into an immersive, 36-room theatre experience filled to the brim with frights, laughs and everything in between.
A Midnight Visit takes place from 27 July to 22 August for a strictly limited season at the House of Usher, 95 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley.
9. Eats and Beats
On Friday 27 August, Underwood Park in Priestdale will be hosting over 25 food trucks for an evening of food and live music for the whole family. There will be comfort food, sweet treats and food from around the world as well—all finger-licking good. More info
10. Technicolour Multicultural Festival
“UPDATE: After careful consideration, we have decided to postpone the Technicolour Multicultural Festival to August 2022. Happy Multicultural Month. The Technicolour Team wishes everyone good health and stay safe.”
Brisbane’s ninth annual Technicolour Multicultural Festival is on this month on Saturday 21 August. Held in Newmark, entry is free and everyone is invited to come along and enjoy a day out with food trucks, stalls, live cultural performances and rides as well. More info
11. The Hidden Lanes Festival
If all goes to plan, The Hidden Lanes Festival will be on from 9am till late on Saturday 14 August with a live and local lineup. Some of Brissy’s best bands will be rocking out with sets from some of our favourite hometown DJs as well amongst the market stalls. More info
12. Winter Village
Although the snow is faux, the winter village will be covered white and magic will be in the air as the city’s lights twinkle in the background. You’ll have to head along to experience it or miss out on all the winter-themed fun.
Those who love the winter months can cosy up in one of 22 enchanting igloos—fitted out with comfy armchairs, soft cushions and twinkling fairy lights—and order in grazing plates starting at $49 per person. There will also be an ice-skating rink and food trucks on hand as well as pop-up bars and a giant igloo serving up winter-themed treats.
13. Winter Design Markets
Pick up some quality artisan pieces from some of the best makers and craftspeople in Queensland at the Winter Design Markets held in the forecourt of the Gallery of Modern Art. More info
14. Meat Up BBQ Festival
Beers, bourbon and BBQ. That’s the gist of Eatons Hill Hotel first official festival dedicated to cooked meats. There will also be live entertainment, eating competitions and more on Saturday 21 August. More info and tickets
15. Lumber Jacks Axe Throwing
The team at Lumber Punks are no slouches when it comes to hurling hatchets. They’ve got real axeperience nailing their targets and they’ll be on hand to help you spin the primaeval tool. Soon, you too will be hitting your target 100% of the time—hopefully.
Each axe-throwing session begins with a brief safety induction & training on how to best throw the SOG Tomahawks before you get to have a go yourself. After much experimentation, you’ll hopefully start to get the hang of things and then you’ll move on up to the large Estwing Camp Axes.
16. European Masterpieces From The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
European Masterpieces From The Metropolitan Museum Of Art will be on display at Queensland’s Gallery Of Modern Art from June 12 to October 17.
Exclusive to Brisbane, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And since this will be the only tour that The Met conducts in 2021, this is also a huge coup for Queensland and Australia with most of the artworks unlikely to ever return Down Under ever again.
17. West Side Story
From 24 July West Side Story will light up the stage at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre for a not-to-be-missed event for any and all theatre lovers.
“WEST SIDE STORY is one of the greatest pieces of musical theatre ever written, which is evidenced by sold-out performances worldwide,” Artistic Director of Opera Australia Lyndon Terracini said.
The modern retelling of Romeo And Juliet will be on stage until 22 August.