And that’s a wrap on Summer, we are sad to admit. But whilst we’re at the close of one season, the fresh new month of April adventures awaits. Swap your one-time, sun-drenched beach day for one at the races, dressed in your finest. Other exciting options include checking out one of the many exhibitions featuring some of our country’s most talented artists, getting fit at an Aqua Zumba class, learning how to grow your own fruits and vegetables, or scoring a bargain deal at the iconic Bondi Markets. Whatever it is, despite the weather change, there is no shortage of April activities!
By Sangeeta Kocharekar, The Culture Vulture
What: National Youth Week This year’s National Youth Week theme is “Imagine. Create. Inspire.” The largest celebration of young people (aged 12-25) in Australia features events all around the country, with an opportunity for them to share ideas, showcase their talents, contribute to the community, take part in competitions, and have their voices heard.
Where: All across Australia
When: April 13th – 22nd
More info: www.youthweek.com NSW
What: Supafest 2012
The world’s largest urban festival takes place this month with four tour dates across Australia. Past year’s line-ups have included Akon, Pitbull, Timbaland, Nelly and Busta Rhymes.
Where: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth
When: Various dates in April
More info: www.supafest.com.au
NSW
What: Wool Modern exhibition This travelling exhibition celebrates wool and some of Australia’s most talented 21st century designers, including Josh Goot, Ellery, Tina Kalivas, Lisa Gorman and Camilla & Marc. With a focus on the aesthetic, environmental and technical benefits of wool, this exhibition is only one component of the broader global initiative, “Campaign for Wool.”
Where: Pier 2/3, Walsh Bay
When: April 24th – 30th
More info: www.woolmodern.com
What: Spring Carnival – Australian Turf ClubDress your best for a day at the races, where fashion on the field is often considered more important than the actual races. Choose a basic entry ticket or a raceday experience package which includes a 3 course meal, bottle of wine, and reserved seat.
Where: Australian Turf Club race courses
When: Various days in April
More info: www.australianturfclub.com.au
What: The FOODprint Challenge Sydney Sydney residents are invited to attend a series of free workshops, which feature guest speakers discussing green food options around Sydney. Supported by the City of Sydney, the workshops delves into reducing your environmental footprint and learning more about environmentally conscious food suppliers.
Where: Redfern Community Centre, Sydney
When: April 4th and May 3rd
More info: www.nccnsw.org.au/foodprint_register
What: Bondi Markets There is no shortage of markets in Sydney, but these Sunday stalls feature some of the best Australian up and coming designers and, as an added bonus, are situated only a few minutes from the beach, if you’re keen for a dip after a long day of shopping.Ksubi and Lover are two of the many designers who showcased their collections here before hitting it big.
Where: Campbell Parade, Bondi
When: Sundays in April
More info: www.bondimarkets.com.au
VIC
What: Melbourne International Comedy Festival One of the largest comedy festivals in the world, the annual three and a half week event hosts an all-star program of stand-up comedy, cabaret, theatre, street performance, film, television, radio and visual arts. There is something for everyone at this extremely accessible and affordable comedy lover’s dream.
Where: Various venues in Melbourne
When: March 28th – April 22nd
More info: www.comedyfestival.com.au
What: Toytopia Sand Sculpting Catch the final month of this spectacular sand sculpture exhibit which features spinning tops, a Jack-in-a-box, cuddly teddy bears, tin soldiers, building blocks, race cars, a rocking horse, and endless dolls, all created out of 3,500 tonnes of sand. Activities include Sand Sculpting Workshops, Sand Art, Sand Bottles, Sand Diggers and the new Giant Sand Pit.
Where: Frankston Waterfront, Frankston
When: Until April 26th
More info: www.sandstormevents.net/major-events-2/frankston-waterfront
What: “Grace Kelly: Style Icon” exhibition
The international touring exhibition, originally from The Victoria & Albert Museum in the UK, features exquisite film costumes and designer gowns from classic movies. Explore Grace Kelly’s transformation from Hollywood actress to princess with this outstanding exhibition.
Where: Bendigo Art Gallery, Bendigo
When: March 11th – June 17th
More info: www.gracekellybendigo.com
What: Melbourne Latin Festival 40 workshops and 150 dancers will make up this year’s Melbourne Latin Festival, with theme of “a touch of Burlesque.” Some of Australia’s top Latin dancers will come together with international stars and artists to participate in this annual celebration.
Where: Darebin Arts Centre, Preston
When: April 6th – 8th
More info: www.melbournelatinfestival.com.au
QLD
What: “Contemporary Australian: Women” exhibition This comprehensive exhibition, featuring sculpture, painting, installation, photography, film, video and performance, celebrates women artists who have shaped Australian art. Displaying the work of 33 artists and collectives, the exhibition controversial keys themes and issues.
Where: Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane
When: April 21st – July 22nd
More info: www.qagoma.qld.gov.au
What: Woolworths Eggventureland Indulge in your inner child with a little Easter fun at the Queen St Mall Stage. After a quick croquet game with the Easter Bunny (very Alice in Wonderland), collect some yummy chocolate eggs.
Where: Queen St. Mall, Brisbane
When: March 31st – April 9th
More info: www.bnecity.com.au
ACT
What: National Photographic Portrait Prize 2012 With a prize of $25,000 for the most outstanding photographic portrait up for grabs, this annual event features some of the finest photographic portraits. Intended to promote the best in contemporary photographic portraiture by professional and aspiring Australia photographers, the exhibition is selected from a national field of entries.
Where: National Portrait Gallery, Canberra
When: March 30th – May 20th
More info: www.portrait.gov.au
NT
What: Aqua Zumba in the Wave Lagoon The latest Latin American aerobic craze has swept by Darwin with an Aqua Zumba class available every Thursday and Sunday at the Darwin Waterfront Wave Lagoon. The class aims to blend the Zumba philosophy and formula with traditional aqua fitness disciplines, to cardio-condition and body-tone.
Where: Darwin Waterfront Wave Lagoon, Darwin
When: Thursday and Sunday, as of April 5th
More info: www.waterfront.nt.gov.au
SA
What: Vintage in the Valley This Easter long weekend, try something different with a harvest celebration at six beautiful vineyards on the West Tamar Valley Wine Route. Six additional local wineries will join the celebration with a moveable feast to complement the vintage wines.
Where: Legana, Tasmania
When: April 7th – 8th
More info: www.velowines.com.au
WA
What: Garden Week 2012 This tranquil Reserve bursts into life to showcase the best of Western Australian gardening and outdoor living. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, learn how to grow your own fruits and vegetables or take home one of the thousands of plants available for purchase.
Where: Perry Lakes Reserve, Floreat
When: April 19th – 23rd
More info: www.gardenweek.com.au
