As usual, Australia has a myriad of creative and cultural activities on offer this month. Break apart from the average dinner/ drinks routine and make the most of your precious free time with RESCUs top picks for August Events 2014…
By Michelle Reed
This month’s nationwide charity initiative…
‘Guess who’s coming to dinner’ encourages Australians to invite migrants and refugees into their homes to bridge the gap between cultures. Guests are asked to bring a dish representing their country and a facilitator assists the host in running the evening. If you are interested in attending, hosting or facilitating a ‘Guess who’s coming to Dinner’ event, click here for more information.
New South Wales
What’s On:
Time Out Food Awards
Now in its sixth year running, the Time Out Food awards is once again celebrating the city’s best restaurants, hangover-busting cafés, fresh new talents and tasty cheap eats. The evening includes cocktails, eats and good times and will give you great ideas for new dining spots that have the Time Out stamp of approval.
When: August 25 6:30pm-10:30pm
Where: Uccello 320 George Street Sydney 2000
Tickets: $55
City to Surf
It’s that time of year again for City to Surf, where all the important roads close and we promise that we’ll start running in the mornings and ‘maybe’ do it next year. Remember City to Surf may be a challenge but no one is stopping you from giving it your best in your own time by either running or walking (and rewarding yourself with a indulgent lunch on the beach afterward).
When: Sunday, August 10, 2014
Where: Various start locations on College Street, Sydney
El Circo Blanco:
Inject some socially acceptable erotica into you week and be seduced by the cultural extravagance of an original circus/ burlesque show. Tucked away in a sultry intimate venue on Oxford Street, the stunning re accounting of life in the Russian circus is accompanied by a five course degustation meal.
When: Wednesday and Thursday nights in August at 7pm
Where: Slide: 41 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW
Tickets: $89
The Sydney Tower Stair Challenge
The Sydney Tower Stair challenge is one of the biggest challenges in Sydney you can set yourself-and all for a good cause. What better motivation to beat your best than to help others? This month, active8 change challenges you to beat the mammoth climb that is 1504 steps to reach Sydney’s most iconic view. The event is being held in the hopes of raising one hundred thousand dollars in donations for ‘Giant Steps’, a charity that supports children and families experiencing autism. Don’t think you can make the climb? Have some faith in yourself.
Date: Sunday, 24 August 2014
Time: 8.45am
Location: Starting point is Pitt Street Mall (outside Zara)
What’s New:
Celebrate the last week of winter by embracing the cold and take a visit to Zeta Bars Apres Ski lounge. Famous for re inventing its Friday nights, Zeta bar has created a warming cocktail list to be enjoyed amongst a back drop of ski slope cabin interiors and blazer jackets. Also enjoy a range of winter snacks including roasted chestnuts.
When: Every Friday in August from 6pm
Where: Hilton Hotel, Lvl 4, 488 George St Sydney 2000
Melbourne
Whats on:
Jazz at the Park (park hyatt)
Jazz at the Park takes place on the first Friday of every month at the Radii restaurant and bar. Unwind and sink into an armchair and old world glamour as the ‘Impromtu’ band soothes you with a selection of soul, jazz and latin rythms.
When: Friday August 1st
Where: 1 Parliament Square Melbourne 3002
Trailer Park food-A Food Truck Muster
After its amazing success last year, the most unique alfresco dining experience in Melbourne returns to satiate the appetites of the masses. Trailer Park selects the most popular culinary delights on wheels and brings them together in one location. For those looking to take part but don’t particularly want to brave hthe cold, there is an indoor dining hall where you can enjoy your Korean fried chicken sheltered from crisp air.
When: August 16–17. Noon till 8pm
Where: 557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Whats new:
The Den at the Crown
The new bar at Melbournes Crown Casino is well worth the winding path to get there. Hidden beyond the host of the Atlantic, The Den offers an impeccable cocktail experience and a colorful blend of patrons from high rollers to executive couples. Drawing inspiration from the Atlantics seafood menu, The Den is boating themed in the most fabulous way.
When: Open daily 5:30pm till late
Where: Crown Entertainment Complex, The Atlantic
8 Whiteman St Southbank 3006
Queensland
Whats on:
Guest Relations photo exhibition by Robyn Stacey
Through the unique use of camera obscura, the Brisbane city skyline permeates the interiors of high-rise city hotel rooms. Robyn Stacey invites us to imagine other people’s personal experience as he blurs the line between public and private spaces. By underlying the hermetic nature of the hotel room Stacey creates an awareness of its transient quality, and suggests that behind these closed, generic doors we may all be looking outwards, seeking moments of beauty, clarity and meaningful connection.
When: August 1st and 2nd
Where: 1/93 Fortescue St Spring Hill
QLD 4000 AUSTRALIA
Brisbane Twilight markets
Finally, a local market that sells more than overpriced dumplings and home made jewellery. The Brisbane Twilight Markets in King George Square offer a distinctive home-grown shopping experience where you can meander through the stalls of more than 80 local artisans. Find soulful and stylish handmade wares with a fresh, contemporary Queensland twist.
Where: King George Square, 100 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
When: Friday, August 1, 2014, 5 – 9pm
What’s new:
Papa Jack’s
Bring the sights, sound and tastes of New Orleans to your weekend with Papa Jack’s Bar and Restaurant, perched on the corner of McLachlan and Connor Streets. Papa Jack’s (from creators of the much loved, bar/ resteraunt, Canvas), is a Deep South inspired watering hole that offers long drinks, tall talk, and a colourful dining exerience.. Sazeracs. Are available on tap whilst the menu boasts bayou delicacies and all is set to the backdrop of a live jazz, R&B and blues and roots soundtrack
When:
Sun 7:00 AM-12:00 AM
Mon-thurs 11:30 AM-12:00 AM
Fri-Saturday 7:00 AM-2:00 AM
Where: Cnr Connor and McLachlan Street Brisbane, QLD 4006
Tasmania
Whats on:
Syneasthesia+
For those with a fine appreciation of all that is culturally fabulous, Synaesthesia+ is not to missed. Submerge yourself in MONA (Museum of New and Old art) in a new and different way-transformed into a reverberating, subterranean private playground. Classical and modern orchestra acts accompanied by oscilloscopic lighting and sometimes pitch-blackness create a dynamic and affective space to enlighten the heart and mind. Ticket prices include a meal and drink.
When:
Saturday August 16th 3pm-11am
Sunday August 17th 11am-5:30pm
Where: 655 Main Road, Berriedale TAS 7011
Tickets:
Two-day ticket $450: full performance program, and two meals with drinks.
Single-day ticket $250: Saturday or Sunday performance program, and one meal with drinks.
Re-Loved Clothes Market
Clothing markets can be disappointing when ‘designer’ or more accurately ‘incorrectly made’ garments have an offensively heavy price tag. Battery Points Pre-Loved Clothes market is the perfect place to find lucky second hand purchases for extremely reasonable prices. With a price recommendation of under $30 for stall holders, forgo a trip to the vintage store for an authentic market experience.
Where: Saint George’s Church Hall, 30 Cromwell Street, Battery Point
When: Sunday 6 October 2013, 10:30am – Sunday 7 December 2014
Canberra
What’s on:
Intimate Letters
In a dramatic collaboration with Bell Shakespeare, The Australian Chamber Orchestra presents Intimate Letters and Smetana’s From My Life, . The orchestra shares the stage with Bell Shakespeare actors who bring the musical cacophony to life. Inspired by more than 700 passionate letters written between Janáček and his much younger, married muse, Intimate Letters explores their overwhelming and obsessive love. Smetana’s autobiographical From My Life soars with the joy and hope of childhood which gradually derails into despair, as the composer faces the inescapable fate of impending deafness.
When: 8 August – 2 September 2014
Where: Canberra Llewellyn Hall
After Dark Firefly tours
This is a walk in the park as you’ve never experienced it. For a fabulous evening in the nations capital, Warm your hearts and hands with a delicious hot chocolate then construct your own hand-made lantern. Have your lanterns lit by a guide then embark on a fascinating after dark discovery of the famous botanical gardens. Go with a partner for a romantic moonlit walk, or with the children for a creative alternative to movie night.
When: 23 August 2014 and Saturday 23 August: 6.30pm
Where: Australian National Botanic Gardens
Clunies Ross St Canberra City Canberra ACT 2601
Whats new:
South Australia
What’s On:
South Australia Living Artists Festival
The 2014 SALA festival will inspire, captivate, challenge and engage you through the works of thousands of emerging and established South Australian artists. There’s no need to be intimidated by large scale art events attended by industry regulars who bond over colloquial art speak if your no expert. The open access visual arts festival presents thousands of artists through unique collaborations in variety of exhibition spaces throughout metropolitan and regional South Australia.
When: 1-24 August 2014
Visit the website for programs and more info
Barossa Be Consumed Gourmet Weekend
Don’t waste your time NOT visiting one of the world’s great gastronomic playgrounds. With over 35 events, this three day festival in South Australia’s wine country celebrates fine wine, seasonal produce and beautiful landscapes. Experience gourmet lunches, wine tastings and cooking master classes among other exciting adventures including Jazz performances and art exhibitions.
When: 15 – 17 August 2014, 10:00am-5:00pm
Where: Various locations across the Barossa. Visit the website for programs and more info.
Western Australia
What’s on:
Pride and Prejudice
The classic ‘I definitely should have read that by now’ novel, Pride and Prejudice is adapted to stage this August and will be showing at the limelight theatre. Jane Austen’ classic and unexpected love story features all the wit and romance of any modern tale and is channelled into a refreshingly fast-paced and engaging stage version. Readers of the book shant be disappointed and those who haven’t, may afterward be able to pretend that they have.
When: Thursday 14 August 2014, 7.30pm
Where: Limelight theatre, Civic drive, wanneroo
Tickets: $25-$56
Western Australia Fitness Show 2014
Not just for personal trainers and athletes, Western Australia’s Fitness show offers world class events, stimulating fitness demos and an opportunity to shop apparel, nutrition’s, supplements and equipment for special event prices.
When: 16 – 17 August 2014, 10.00AM – 5.00PM
Where: Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre
What’s new:
Angels Cut Bar
Bright, fresh and complete with angelic statue hanging behind the bar, Perth’s newest venue focuses on shared plates designed by executive chef Michelle Forbes from Rockpool Bar and Grill while the bistro menu offers hearty dishes from the grill. Fresh oysters and over 100 different rums create a divine experience against plush new look vintage furnishings and a glow of culinary ease.
Northern territory
Join the Fringe and traipse around the boundaries of popular culture. The Darwin Fringe Festival is an exciting performance and arts festival that takes place in various venues across Darwin and the Northern Territory in June. Offering a spectacular array of theatre, dance, poetry, music, visual arts, film and comedy, scan the program to find an event that suits you for an interesting evening out with friends or family.
When: 17 July 2014 – 10 August 2014
Where: Various
Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball
Experience fabulous entertainment, food and atmosphere at the social event of dry season. Words, friends or instagram photos can not describe the unparalleled beauty of dinner on the SkyCity lawn, beside the ocean and amidst tropical gardensunder the stars. Refined glamour and black tie only, the fireworks display and sumptuous buffet mark a gastby-esq elegance that is a must do.
When: 02 Aug 2014
Where: Dick Ward Drive, Fannie Bay NT 0820
GPO BOX 589, Darwin NT 0801
Tickets: $415 per person