After much ado, the summer Olympics games 2012 are off to a running start this August. Join in the festivities and watch your favourite athletes go for the gold at select screening sites across Australia. And if you’re not up for watching a bit of sport, the month of August offers a variety of other activities. Catch a film about dogs at the Good Dog! Film Festival, study the life of an ancient Egyptian priest in the “Mummy Secrets of the Tomb” exhibit, laugh your way through the two-hour “Faulty Towers” dinner show, or learn about the impact of Queensland flooding in the community.
By Sangeeta Kocharekar, Culture Vulture
What: 2 Days in New York
Chris Rock and Francophone Julie Delpy star as Mingus and Marion in this non-traditional rom-com set in New York City. When Marion’s French family visits the couple in their home, their lives are turned upside down.
Where: Theatres across Australia
When: Opens Aug 10
More info: www.magpictures.com/2daysinnewyork
NSW
What: Variety Op Shop Ball
The 10th annual Variety Op Shop Ball will be hosted at Sydney’s iconic Town Hall this year. Guests are invited to wear their best vintage finds to this one-of-a-kind night.
Where: Town Hall, Sydney
When: Aug 18th
More info: www.varietyopshopball.com.au
What: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival
Find out what you should be wearing this Spring and Summer by taking in catwalk shows from top Australian designers. Take part in a style workshop, sip champagne from a pop-up bar, catch a live performance, and learn the latest beauty trends at the weeklong festival.
Where: Sydney Town Hall, Sydney
When: Aug 21st – 25th
More info: www.mbffsydney.com.au
What: NSW Variety Bash
Children’s charity Variety will kick off its fundraising Bash in Balmain. The colourful convoy will cover 4,202 kilometers through the outback.
Where: Balmain, Sydney
When: Aug 19th
More info: www.variety.org.au/nsw/whats-on/bash
What: Good Dog! Film Festival
Dog lovers rejoice – there’s a film festival entirely for you. Catch one of the many film showings and grab a doggie show bag as a souvenir.
Where: Balmain Town Hall, Sydney
When: Aug 17th – 19th
More info: www.gooddogff.com
What: The Olympics 2012
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the 2012 Summer Olympics Games have started in London. Support Australia’s strongest athletes at one of the official screenings sites.
Where: Customs House Square, Sydney
When: July 27th – Aug 12th
More info: www.london2012.com
What: Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition
This state-of-the-art exhibit features creatures, artifacts and costumes from the blockbuster series hit. Topics such as geography, archeology, engineering and eco-footprints are all touched in this exhibit.
Where: Powerhouse Museum, Sydney
When: May 12th – Aug 26th
More info: www.narniaexhibition.com
VIC
What: Open House Melbourne
This unique concept event unlocks 100 of Melbourne’s significant buildings for one weekend, for all to explore. Learn about Melbourne’s architecture, history and design at this free event.
Where: All around Melbourne
When: July 28th – 29th
More info: www.openhousemelbourne.org
What: 30 Portraits 30 Days
Watch celebrated artist Vincent Fantauzzo paint 30 Australians in 30 days during this exhibition. Matt Moran, Baz Lurhmann and Kimbra also lend their support by participating.
Where: NGV Studio, Melbourne
When: June 23rd – July 29
More info: www.lucid.org.au/3030
What: Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair
See inspirational displays, meet experts in the industry, and attend craft-making workshops at this four-day long Fair.
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne
When: July 26th – 29th
More info: www.craftfair.com.au
QLD
What: Mummy Secrets of the Tomb
Any exhibition extended by popular demand is definitely worth a visit. Follow the life and death journey of an Egyptian priest through a 3D film and exhibition showcasing more than 100 objects from his time.
Where: Queensland Museum, Brisbane
When: April 19th – Oct 21st
More info: www.mummy.qm.qld.gov.au
What: Brisbane Running Festival
Run, jog or walk your way through this marathon course in the streets of Brisbane. And for those who’d still like to still be a part of Brisbane’s major running festival without running, volunteer for the event.
Where: City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane
When: Aug 5th
More info: www.brisbanemarathon.com
What: Floodlines
Floodlines showcases the stories of survival, loss and recovery brought on by Queensland’s floods, through a series of free exhibitions and events. The story of the summer of 2010-2011 is told through film, news footage, sound, and community-contributed photos.
Where: State Library of Queensland, Brisbane
When: April 7th – Aug 19th
More info: www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on
ACT
What: Fireside Festival
All throughout August, join 25 venues around Canberra in a celebration of all-things winter. Register online for events including wine master class, trivia night, duck & pinot dinner, hot stone massage or a horse ride.
Where: All around Canberra
When: Aug 1st – 31st
More info: www.firesidefestival.com.au
NT
What: Annual Henley-On-Todd Regatta This volunteer-run event, open to the entire community, helps raise funds for local, national and international humanitarian projects. Get involved by organizing your own boat or join in the Grand Parade.
Where: Todd Mall, Alice Springs
When: Aug 18th
More info: www.henleyontodd.com.au
SA
What: Rock The Ballet
Who ever thought it was possible to combine classic Ballet with musical theatre, hip hop, martial arts, tap, contemporary, and gymnastics? Rock The Ballet features an all-star soundtrack, set against a backdrop of video projected scenery.
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
When: July 3rd – 8th
More info: www.rocktheballet.com.au
WA
What: Faulty Towers The Dining Experience
Interactive Theatre International presents this internationally acclaimed two-hour comedy show, available for corporate or private bookings.
Where: Interactive Theatre International, Brisbane
When: Aug 10th – Sept 2nd
More info: www.interactivetheatre.com.au
