Spring is finally here and with it comes longer days, warmer nights and more opportunity for exciting new experiences. Crawl out from beneath you doona to discover this months edit on what’s fun and fabulous.
by Michelle Reed
This month’s nationwide charity initiative:
Pink Hope day is coming up once again to empower women and their families to take control of their heredity breast and ovarian health. Showing your support is simple-don you favourite bright pink lipstick on Friday 26th September and make a promise to kiss and tell, to open up the dialogue about breast and ovarian health. You can also host a fundraiser or purchase Pink Hope’s exclusive LUMA lipstick designed by Jess Hart.
Go to the Pink Hope webpage for more information on how to get involved.
What’s on:
Sydney:
Undersea Art Exhibition Sydney
If you also saw the giant painted sea turtle gracefully making its way to shore last month in Sydney Harbor and wondered what on earth was going on, this is your answer. The abstract expressionist artist BJ Price is displaying a collection of his paintings inspired by a career diving on the Great Barrier Reef at the aquarium from August 12th to September 11th and the ingeniously engineered floating turtle will reside in cockle wharf until is completion.
Where: Sydney Aquarium. Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour, NSW, 2000
When: 11 August – 12 September 2014
Australian Himalayan Foundation Himalayan Art Award recipients
Despite a rich cultural heritage and landscape, there are few opportunities for creative expression in the Himalayas. The Australian Himalayan Foundation provides financial support for a select number of emerging artists for the period of one year. In return, the artists commit to donating one major and one minor artwork to the Foundation. In partnership with the Tibet Galley, this exhibition will showcase works from a range of artists from Nepal and will be open for viewing during the first week of September. All artwork on display be available for sale with proceeds donated to the AHF.
When: September 2nd-6th 12:00 – 5:00 PM Wednesday – Friday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday
Where: Tibet Gallery, 22 Queen Street, Woollahra
Vogue Fashion Night Out
In its fifth year running, the unique shop-hopping extravaganza returns to Sydney. A global Vogue initiative, the store list features an endless designer studded cast including chanel, Calvin Klien, Pandora, Sass and Bide and even a H&M pop up store. Plan your night around creative in-store events such as DJ sets, live acoustic performances, how to events, appearances and cheeky refreshments/ glass of wine.
When: September 4th 2014 5pm-10pm
Where: Various location across Sydney City
What’s New: Colonial High Tea Series
Think you’ve had all the high teas Sydney has no offer? Think again. Sydney Living Museums and Fresh Catering are launching an authentic Colonial High Tea Series at Elizabeth Bay House, The Governors Table a Museum of Sydney and Vaucluse House. Swap sugar-dense cupcakes and finder sandwiches for selections such as Cauliflower and Truffle Tart with Samphire & Parmesan Crisps and Brioche Doughnuts with Lemon & Lavender Sugar. Inspired by the stories and collections of these magnificent heritage sites, The Colonial High Tea Menu is priced at $49 per person and includes a glass of Australian sparkling wine and tea and coffee. Reservations are essential, minimum 2 guests
When: September 6th – October 5th 2014
Where: Elizabeth Bay House & The Governors Table: Weekends at 1.00pm or 3.30pm. Vaucluse House: Sundays at 1.00pm or 3.30pm
More info and booking: Contact 02 8399 3055 or email reception@freshcatering.com.au.
Perth
Telstra Perth Fashion Festival
How many times have you thought about going to a runway show but never quite got yourself organised? The perfect opportunity for change is here with the Telstra Perth Fashion Festival hosting two spectacular shows on the one night. The first, Ruth Tarvydas-A Celebration. Rebecca Judd will walk in the honorary showcase that will serve as a tribute to the late Ruth Tarvydas and her extraordinary contribution to the Western Australian fashion industry. The show will feature some of Ruth’s most spectacular designs from her 40 year career, including the iconic red dress made famous by Judd at the 2004 Brownlow Medal. Following the celebration of a momentous Australian fashion, another show titled ‘Galvanised – Ultimate Show-Stoppers’. Alex Perry and Manning Cartell will feature alongside never before seen collections from WA designers Zhivago, 33 Poet’s and Empire Rose.
When: Friday 16th September 7pm
Where: Ascot racecourse
Korean Film Festival:
Perth will be in for yet another immersion in Korean culture this month with the return of the annual Korean Film Festival (KOFFIA). Its tour of Australia arrives in Perth after visiting Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. From 3 to 6 September, you can catch some of the best and latest Korean movies including epic blockbusters and acclaimed art-house films at the Greater Union Innaloo MEGAPLEX Cinema.
Where: Megaplex cinema
When: September 3rd-6th
What’s new:
Discover all those hidden dining gems during this surprising walking tour. Hosted by an experienced tour guise and Perth local, the Foodi Secrets Night Tour is perfect for local looking to broaden their horizons or visitors who are a little lost on how to find the best spots. Explore the cream of Perth’s diverse cafe and restaurant scene, with a mix of hidden bars, undiscovered restaurants, and cutting edge cafés. Best yet, is its all for the modest price of $39 per person.
Where: Starts on Hay Street, Perth
When: Saturday afternoon at 4pm. Runs for between 2.5 to 3 hours.
Exxopolis:
This one is for the art/architecture enthusiasts. Exxopolis is a step into a world of colour, light and awe. Inspired by the circular space of the Chapter House of Southwell Minster, the ‘Cupola’ features perpendicular style windows that have each been made by different community groups and that are made up of small pieces of coloured plastic designed to create a ‘stained-glass’ effect. Find a spot, sit back and breathe in the inflated artwork from the inside out.
When: September 6th 2014 10am-6:30p
Where: South Bank Parklands
Queensland
‘Frock Up Brisbane’
Somewhere between the emergence of Dita Von Teese and Christina Aguilera’s ‘Burlesque’, the vintage chic revival manifested in the form of headscarfs and liquid eyeliner. If you feel like its time to dip your pedicured toes in the water, no better place to start then the vintage style September flair in Brisbane this month.
‘Frock Up Brisbane’ will encompass the best vintage fashion, art, textiles, buttons and bows to bombard the senses. Browse the racks or bring your pre loved clothes to sell, or take a break from the clothing induced over excitement at Katie’s Sweethearts Vintage Café with a high tea. Vintage dress making workshops and classic fashion films will also be on for your enjoyment.
When: Friday 12 September from 6pm to 9pm, Saturday 13 September 10am to 4pm or Sunday 14 September 10am to 3pm
Where: Mount Gravatt Showgrounds, Logan Road
Airport Light Garden
Are you a fan of projection art? Or beautiful gardens? Or enlightening experiences? Brisbane Airport Light Garden returns with a brand new installation that is sure to have your cameras clicking. In an exciting collaboration between Tony Assness and Cave Urban, make your way through a stunning bamboo forest featuring ornate handmade lanterns and lights that will illuminate the Cultural Forecourt every night of Brisbane festival
When: September 6th-26th
Where: Cultural Forecourt, South Brisbane
Adelaide
OzAsia
The OzAsia Festival continues to foster collaborations between Australian and Asian artists. It is the premier Australian event contributing to and engaging with the cultural landscape of our Asian region. Encompassing theatre, dance, music, film, literature, exhibitions and food, the program includes Australian artists who identify with an Asian heritage, as well as traditional and contemporary artists from Asia. For a first class experience, don’t miss Nuhu: The Secret Songs of Women to be performed by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and led by world renowned composer and conductor Tan Dun.
When: Sep 5 2014 -Sep 21 2014
Where: Adelaide Festival Centre Adelaide
Beginners Yoga Classes-North Adelaide Community Centre
Every yogi knows the self consciousness that goes with turning up to your first yoga class sans mat and perfectly matching Lorna Jane yoga outfit. At least this light hearted yoga class is appropriate for both beginners and intermediate students so you wont have to worry about no being able to keep up. It is well rounded, emphasizing the coordination of movement with breath, while both stretching and strengthening. Class begins with a brief meditation introduction and then moves into more dynamic movements fused with slower elements. Focus is placed on building foundational strength while developing skills that can be used for everyday relaxation.
When: Thursday 5:45pm-6:45pm
Where: 176 Tynte Street
Maybe Mae
It’s no secret the Adelaide bar scene is in the midst of a facelift with small bars popping up like Sydney circa 2012, but ‘Maybe Mae’ takes the salted peanut brittle cake. * One of the few larger venues popping up, this newly tucked away two story restaurant and is sure not to disappoint. Upstairs offers burgers, hot dogs and wood grilled street food (perfect for one or to share) while the downstairs bar is a great place for a cocktail – just lookout for the secret hidden wood panel door for the entry.
Where:15 Peel Street, Adelaide
When: Mon-Thu 4pm–12am at the earliest, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am, Sun 3pm-late
*disclaimer-its actually a slated peanut brittle soft serve, not cake. But that didn’t have the same ring to it
Melbourne
Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) 2014, presented by the City of Melbourne, is Melbourne’s iconic hallmark event that shows just really who’s boss when it comes to on and off the field fashion in Australia. Launching spring/summer ready-to-wear collections, the program of free and ticketed events showcases the best fashion, retail, entertainment and hospitality Melbourne has to offer. Dense with emerging designer brands and ornate head pieces.
When: 29/08/2014 to 07/09/2014
Where: There are various locations for MSFW events – check the MSFW website for full details, including transport information.
The Royal Melbourne Show
It’s the Royal Easter show, but in Melbourne. And this month! Victoria’s largest annual community event is the perfect family destination. Bringing together the very best of entertainment, agriculture, attractions and fine food, visit the Masterchef kitchen, witness talented exhibitors and try to distract your bundle of joys attention away from the showbag gallery.
Fringe Festival
If you haven’t been before, now is your year. This open-access event brings the city alive with over 400 events, performances and exhibitions, as artists from Melbourne engage with art forms such as comedy, circus, dance, visual arts, music, live art and everything in between.
When: 17/09/2014 to 05/10/2014
Where: various locations across Melbourne, see website for full details
White Oaks Saloon Bar and Dining
We’re not sure when saloon bar swapped it definition as ‘bar in country western movie’ for ‘sophisticated cocktails brought to you with a man with a beard’ but we’re not complaining. Two brothers serving up some very smart cocktails have hit Melbourne’s fashion strip. You may remember Italian café that used to be here, but you wont recognise it. Dark wooden bars, low chairs, low lights and a buzz of neo red just for that slightly off beat designer bar feel. The food is southern with fried chicken, jambalaya, key lime pie and house-made salted caramel ice cream. (We’re sensing a trend…)
Tasmania
Flourish Handmade Market
Markets can be so hit and miss these days. Once A bazaar of assorted local goods, many can simply be dumping grounds for mismatched poorly constructed toys and products, lacking consistency and charm. Flourish Handmade Market is a new fresh market located at New Town (southern Tasmania), showcasing a unique range of locally designed and handmade businesses. Browse locally designed and handmade home wares, kids clothing & toys, stationery, food, gifts, jewellery with friendly hard working locals who give service with a smile.
When: Sundays 9am
Where: Lenah Valley Scout Hall, 462 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, Lenah Valley Scout Hall
Zoodoo Wildlife Park
This weekend activity has just hit our radar at Rescu. and we cant think of a better way to entertain the family. (Or it may be even a cute date idea). Zoodoo Wildlife Park offers an exciting experience and enables all visitors to get up close and personal with amazing creatures. Offering an African-esq safari bus tour, coffee shop, BBQ & picnic facilities, the park is located just 6km from the historic township of Richmond and is based on 80 acres of farmland. Renowned for its hands-on approach, see animals such as Bengal tigers and African lions in an environment that is both comfortable for the animal and safe for the visitor.
When: 9 AM to 5 PM Monday-Sunday
Where: 620 Middle Tea Tree Road, Richmond TAS
Canberra
The Vinyl Lounge
A retro alternative to after work drinks. Join National Film and Sound Archive Sound Curators Graham McDonald and Thorsten Kaeding at The Vinyl Lounge on the first Friday of every month. Reminiscent of record clubs of the 1970s, you’ll enjoy a diverse selection of folk, world, rock, funk and lounge music from the Golden Age of vinyl, 1960s – 1980s Enjoy a glass of wine and light snacks while you slouch back into another time.
When: First Friday of every month, 5:30pm.
Where: National Film and Sound Archive Theatrette, McCoy Circuit, Canberra
Floriade
Opening in mid-September with the theme of ‘Passion’, Canberra’s national spring festival Floriade will return in with more than one million blooms on display throughout Commonwealth Park. Visitors will see the theme represented in garden beds, horticultural workshops, engaging demonstrations, children’s entertainment and the popular, ticketed twilight event, NightFest. Visitors can choose to simply meander through the night markets and flowerbeds bathed in colorful light, or take in some great performances from local DJs and world-renowned comedians and roving performers.
When: Floriade festival: Event: 13/09/2014 – 12/10/2014
NightFest: Septemebr 28th
Where: Commonwealth Park, canberra
Northern Territory:
Free Beginners Tai Chi
End the work week and start your weekend right. Immerse in the tranquil parklands of the Darwin Waterfront on Saturday mornings with beginners Tai Chi on the lawns. A fully qualified instructor will show you how to focus and connect each breath with every movement whilst practicing this Chinese martial art – consisting of slow, controlled movements and postures. Classes are free and designed to suit all ages and levels of fitness.
When: Saturdays at 7am
Where: Darwin Waterfront
Darwin International Film Festival
Sure you could see a high budget blockbuster in a boring completely enclosed cinema, or you could experience the Darwin International Film Festival. Bringing the latest in international films to Darwin over eight luscious Top End nights and 12 screenings, the festival is held at Deckchair Cinema, Darwin’s premier outdoor cinema and a quintessential Territory experience. Waterfront views on Darwin Harbour tropical sunsets are the perfect beginning to a night of film under the stars, and the ideal place to soak up the selection of alternative films from all over the world.
When: 17 September 2014 – 24 September 2014
Where: Jervois Road, Darwin, Northern Territory
October Sneak Peak
Northern Territory Outback Bling and Black Ball
Bring a touch of formality into the bush, donning black tie and bling for a camp-oven dinner by the billabong, and dance all night under the stars.
When: October 19th
Where: Gemtree Park
Great Gatsby Fundraising Gala
The annual fundraiser for the Asylum Seekers Centre is your opportunity to wear your glad rags, hit on all sixes and show everyone your champagne induced Charleston. The evening will feature trivia, live and silent auctions, a live band and feature a very special performance. Ticket price of $120 includes canapés, a two course meal and beverages.
When: October 17th
Where: Paddington Town Hall
Melbourne festival
Melbourne Festival is another reason why this city is the best place for the Arts. It exclusively debuts and premieres the finest local, national and international dance, theatre, music, visual arts, multimedia and outdoor acts. Visit the website now to plan your trip and for inter staters, a Melbourne visit might be worth it…
Where: Various locations in Melbourne
When: October 10-26th
