January activities encompass all things quintessentially Australian. Summer barbeques, music festivals, sun-drenched beach days, evening fireworks displays, and world-watched sporting competitions make Australia the envy of all northern hemisphere countries this month. January is Australia’s chance to shine and for us to celebrate all things great about our culture. There’s no time to waste, so here’s a roundup of what’s happening around our dynamic country!
By Sangeeta Kocharekar, Culture Vulture
What: Big Day Out
Annual summer festival Big Day Out brings together mainstream international artists with local talent for an eclectic line-up. With festival sponsors including triple J, MTV, and Strongbow, there is bound of be plenty of entertainment and fun.
When: Various dates in January
Where: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast
More info: www.bigdayout.com
What: Sydney Festival
Music, theatre, dance, visual arts, talks, and installations are showcased during this 3-week long festival, against the brilliant backdrop of a Sydney summer.
When: Jan 5th – 27th
Where: Sydney CBD
More info: www.sydneyfestival.org.au
What: St George Open Air Cinema
One of our favourite Sydney events is back for another big year! And with new films like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Life of Pi, and Les Misérables showing right throughout the season, it’s an event not to be missed.
When: 10 Jan – 16 Feb
Where: Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney (adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens)
More info: www.stgeorgeopenair.com.au
What: Australia Day on The Island
Floating bar, The Island, and restaurant Barrio Chino, join forces for an Australia Day bash. Tickets include the ferry ride from Rose Bay Wharf and a welcome cocktail on arrival.
When: Jan 26th
Where: Sydney Harbour, Sydney
More info: theislandsydney.com.au
What: Water Polo By The Sea
This annual water polo exhibition match is a must-do Sydney summer event. Against the iconic backdrop of Bondi Beach, the event features drinks, music, and the opportunity to meet the players.
When: Jan 4th
Where: Bondi Icebergs, Bondi
More info: www.waterpolobythesea.com
What: Disco On Ice
Wind down from a stressful week with a session at Olympic-sized ice-skating rink, Sydney Ice Arena. Dimmed lighting and streaming music videos on the big screen give “Disco On Ice” a retro feel.
When: Friday and Saturday nights during summer
Where: Sydney Ice Arena, Sydney
More info: www.sydneyicearena.com.au
What: War Is Over (If You Want It): Yoko Ono
Yoko Ono, displays five decades of her art works using various media. The MCA will be the only museum in Australia to host the exhibition.
When: Nov 14th – Feb 23rd
Where: MCA, The Rocks
More info: www.mca.com.au/exhibition/war-over-if-you-want-it-yoko-ono
What: Flickerfest
Leading Australian competitive short film festival, Flickerfest is hosted by Bondi Beach before going on tour to over 40 venues across Australia. Purchase season, multi-session, or single session tickets to the festival.
When: Jan 11th – 20th
Where: Bondi Beach, Bondi
More info: www.flickerfest.com.au
What: Shakespeare Under The Stars: Romeo and Juliet
An eclectic cast from all across Australia comes together to perform one of the greatest love stories, under the Melbourne stars.
When: Dec 20th – March 9th
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
More info: www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au
What: Summer at the Market
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday Queen Victoria Market comes alive with circus acts, street performers, chalk artists, and musicians.
When: Jan 4th – Jan 27th
Where: Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
More info: www.qvm.com.au
What: Australian Open
For two weeks this January, tennis fans will flock to Melbourne Park to catch intense, world-class matches – all part of the annual Australian Open.
When: Jan 14th – Jan 27th
Where: Melbourne Park, Melbourne
More info: www.australianopen.com
What: Midsumma Festival
Enjoy more than 120 arts and cultural events at over 70 different venues in Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs. This year the annual Queer festival celebrates its 25th anniversary.
When: Jan 13th – Feb 3rd
Where: Birrarung Marr, Melbourne
More info: www.midsumma.org.au
What: Vengaboys
Everyone’s favourite Eurodance group Vengaboys takes over Hi-Fi as the only Queensland stop on their Australian tour. Relive your clubbing days with hits such as Boom Boom Boom Boom! and We’re Going to Ibiza.
When: Jan 18th
Where: Hi-Fi, Brisbane
More info: www.vengaboys.com
What: Lifeline Bookfest 2013
Lifeline Bookfest stops by Brisbane this January. With a vast assortment of low-priced books and proceeds supporting several Queensland community service programs, Bookfest is an easy way to give back.
When: Jan 19th – 28th
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane
More info: www.uccommunity.org.au/brisbane-bookfest
What: Australia Day Fireworks Spectacular
After a day of BBQing and swimming, take a break and enjoy the capital’s dazzling display of fireworks from the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
When: Jan 26th
Where: Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra
More info: www.events.act.gov.au
What: Music In The Park
Spend Sunday afternoons enjoying free live music and entertainment by local Tasmanian artists. There are activities for the whole family to enjoy, including a jumping castle and a train ride for the children.
When: Every Sunday in January
Where: Launceston, Tasmania
More info: www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc
What: Tour Down Under
Cyclists from around the world compete in Adelaide’s Tour Down Under, which features scorching temperatures. A generally flat course gives riders the chance to show their skills.
When: Jan 20th – 27th
Where: Adelaide, SA
More info: www.tourdownunder.com.au
What: Hyundai Hopman Cup
The annual international indoor tennis tournament consists of eight teams competing for the title. Watch this year’s Cup as the nations battle it out on the court for a prize of $1 million.
When: Commencing Dec 29th
Where: Burswood, Perth
More info: www.hopmancup.com
Image: Sydney Festival Rubber Duck – Timeout
