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If you work or go to school in the city of Brisbane then you are no doubt gearing up for your People’s Day holiday on Wednesday, August 12 – that annual day off that pops up mid-week whether you like it or not.
It’s too short a break to leave town, so what can you do instead? From films, shows and exhibitions to feasts and fun stuff for kids, here is your guide.
Events: Go to the Ekka
If you’re braving the crowds on People’s Day then in addition to all the rides, snacks and showbags the Main Arena will feature the Grand Parade of animal champions (1.30pm), as well as the Ekka Dance Eisteddfod, sheep dog demonstration, precision driving and a packed Ekka Nites show with fireworks. Over on the Main Stage you can catch a 150-year celebratory fashion show. Find out more here. Brisbane Showgrounds, 9am-9pm (until August 16).
Food: Spend that Ekka money on a cafe brunch instead
Brisbane has spectacular cafes serving world-class pastries, creative Asian, Italian and French food, and of course, heart-starting coffee. Discover a new favourite near you on the northside or the southside (but call ahead to confirm they’re open).
Film: Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
This kinky horror movie has had some rave reviews. A young filmmaker (Hannah Einbinder) is hired to reboot a slasher franchise and tries to convince the original film’s final girl (Gillian Anderson) to star. In cinemas from August 6.
Markets: Crazy Day at Cleveland Markets
Like a mini-Ekka but free to visit, the Cleveland Markets’ big annual event has stalls, food trucks, live entertainment, family activities and (gasp) showbags.
Bloomfield Street, Cleveland, 9am-2pm, free entry.
Kids: The Big Hose
Queensland has a new permanent “big thing” sculpture – and kids are welcome to climb all over it. The Big Hose by Tony Albert and Nell has taken its place in the backyard of the Gallery of Modern Art, occupying the space next to the outdoor cafe. Grab a coffee, sit back and watch the kids go at it. Gallery of Modern Art, 24 hours, free.
Film: The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer is that rare thing: a true, honest-to-god blockbuster that everyone is talking about – and it’s still playing, if you’re quick. In cinemas.
Musical: The Book of Mormon
Elder Cunningham and Elder Price travel to Uganda to preach for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and outrageous comedy ensues. The blockbuster musical from the South Park team returns to convert a new generation of theatregoers. Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC, 7pm (until October 4), from $69.
Theatre: Do Not Go Gentle
Seven veteran stage actors, including Brisbane legend Jennifer Flowers and Bruce (Max Max 2) Spence, play aged-care residents imagining themselves as members of Scott’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition in a highly regarded play by top Australian playwright Patricia Cornelius.
Bille Brown Theatre, 6.30pm (until August 30), $72.
Art: The Red Dress
This spectacular embroidered garment conceived by UK artist Kirstie Macleod is the work of 380 people from 51 countries. While at the MoB check out the other entertaining exhibitions including the Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards.
Museum of Brisbane, City Hall, 10am-5pm (until September 13), free entry.
Circus: Cirque du Soleil: Kooza
A naive clown is transported to an exotic kingdom in a refreshingly traditional show from Canada’s circus juggernaut.
Big Top, 465 Curtin Avenue East, Eagle Farm, 7.30pm (until October 4), from $69.
Film: Nordic Film Festival
Today’s highlights include Swedish psychological thriller Doctor Glas and startling true WWII story from Norway, The Battle of Oslo.
Palace Barracks and James Street, $16-$23.
Food: Night Feast
Top city restaurants serve up market-style dishes and bites outside the Powerhouse arts centre, with bars and art installations such as the Joy Generator.
Brisbane Powerhouse, 4.30-9.30pm (Wed-Sun until August 23), free entry.
Art: The God of Small Things: Faith and Popular Culture
This diverse and colourful collection of religion-inspired art and pop culture from around the world is another great excuse to linger inside Brisbane’s brutalist marvel, the stunning QAG.
Queensland Art Gallery, 10am-5pm (until October 5), free.
Museums: Dearly Departed: Death in Life
Those with a taste for the macabre will gravitate to this exhibition of the Queensland way of death, with letters, photographs, mourning jewellery, undertakers’ ledgers and a sound art installation.
State Library of Queensland, 10am-5pm (until August 23), free.
Kids: Dinos Alive
This immersive experience features animatronic dinosaurs.
Fever Skygate, Brisbane Airport, 9am-5pm, from $29.90.
Art: 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After The Rain
Ten ambitious art installations by First Nations artists from across Australia tell stories of the past, present and future. While at HOTA don’t miss the White Rabbit Collection of high-tech Chinese art.
HOTA, Surfers Paradise, 10am-4pm (until September 27) , free.
Kids: Archerfield Wetlands District Park
This impressive playground has been built on the grounds of the former Inala Wastewater Treatment Plant. The playground’s centrepoint is a three-storey yellow tube slide that curls around a steel pole. Relics of the plant remain with explanatory plaques. Explore more of Brisbane’s free playgrounds here. 455 Bowhill Road, Durack, free.
Cars: Palmer Motorama Brisbane Concours Display
An exclusive private collection of vintage and rare cars is showing 200 prestige vehicles: Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, Bentley, Jaguar, Porsche and many more.
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, 10am-10pm (until August 16), $60 (kids under 14 free with paying adult).
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Nick Dent is a Culture Reporter at Brisbane Times, covering arts, entertainment and things to do in the city.Connect via email.From our partners
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