Australian city spotlight: what's on in Brisbane?
As the capital of the ‘Sunshine State’, Brisbane offers some great opportunities for having fun outdoors. If you’re one of the many international students currently studying in this sunny city, read on as we take a look at some of the activities on offer over the coming months.
Arts and culture
Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinema: Make the most of Brisbane’s warm spring evenings by settling in for a movie under the stars. You can choose from a number of the year’s top films or catch an old classic. The cinema features a range of food offerings, a fully licensed bar, live music and free ice cream on Sundays. Bring a picnic rug to lie on or hire one of the cinema’s bean loungers.
When: 2 October to 15 November 2015
The 8th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art: The Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art will welcome back their flagship Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art exhibition series this year, which examines developments in contemporary Australian, Asian and Pacific art. The free exhibition features more than 80 artists from over 30 countries, with performance, video, figurative painting, sculpture and kinetic art installations.
When: 21 November 2015 to 10 April 2016
Music
City Sounds: As Australia’s largest free live music program, City Sounds features performances from both local and international artists in various locations across Brisbane each week, including Queen Street Mall, Post Office Square and South Bank. With genres ranging from folk and alternative to jazz and electro, there’s something for all music lovers.
When: Weekly
Valley Fiesta: Held in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, Valley Fiesta is a free, all-ages event, designed to showcase the district’s vibrant cultural scene. The three-day festival features live music, food, art, fashion, markets and photography, spread across the Valley’s streets, malls and laneways.
When: 23 to 25 October 2015
Food
Good Food and Wine Show: Sample some of the best culinary delights Australia has to offer when the Good Food and Wine show heads to Brisbane at the end of October. Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the show features hundreds of local and international exhibitors, wine appreciation sessions, celebrity chef demonstrations, the Good Food Theatre and a Grazing Garden with a huge variety of international street food. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25.50 for concession card holders.
When: 30 October to 1 November 2015
Eat Street Markets: Set in abandoned shipping containers, Eat Street Markets features a range of mini-restaurants, bars, galleries and boutiques, serving international street food, quirky desserts, cocktails and boutique beers. Settle in to watch the sun set over the river or find a spot near the stage and enjoy the live music on offer each week.
When: Friday and Saturday nights (4 to 10 pm) and Sundays (10 am to 3 pm)
Sport and fitness
Medibank Feel Good Program: Head over to the Little Stanley Street Lawns during spring to make the most of free outdoor group fitness classes. There are seven classes to choose from each week, including Pilates, yoga, Zumba and high-energy athletic workouts. Classes run from Monday to Thursday, with both morning and afternoon sessions.
When: 14 September to 19 November 2015
Australia v New Zealand Test Series: What better way to experience Australian sporting culture than to watch the national cricket team take on neighbourly rivals New Zealand? As the football codes wrap up their respective seasons, cricket becomes Australia’s favourite sport for the summer. Grab some friends, pack the sunscreen and head to the Gabba to watch Australia launch its campaign for the summer. Tickets start from $35.
When: 5 to 9 November 2015
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