This Is Not Art
This annual tradition of artistic endeavours around Newcastle continues to fascinate with experimental fare new media and art. Over the last few decades TiNA has become one of NSW’s leading regional arts and cultural events, incorporating the National Young Writers’ Festival (NYWF), Crack Theatre Festival and Critical Animals plus some of thier special curations from Watt Space Gallery Committee members Johanna Lynch, Tim Buchanan and Amy Hamilton.
Where: Various venues in Newcastle
When: 29th September – 2nd October
More info: http://www.thisisnotart.org/
Melbourne Festival
Probably the second biggest arts festival behind Sydney’s, Melbourne Festival has an amazing amount of unique offerings, including two big spectacular performances from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with David Bowie: Nothing Has Changed, and Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage. The musical offerings from songwriters like Cate Le Bon plus Camille O’Sullivan are wonderful shows that you really should go check out as well.
Where: Various venues in Melbourne
When: 6th – 23rd Festival
More info: http://www.festival.melbourne/2016/
Sports Writer’s Festival
There are an amount of interesting festivals devoted to not only writers, but subsets of writers as well, which proves for a great diverse array of events you can go to if you are interested in such things. Sports writers get a treat in Melbourne in October with their own festival. After a successful inaugural festival in Melbourne, there is an expanded program for 2016, including a talk with the author of Seven Deadly Sins – My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong David Walsh in both Melbourne and Sydney.
Where: Various venues in Melbourne and Sydney
When: 14th – 19th October
More info: http://www.sportswritersfestival.com.au/
Kinky Boots
The newest musical from Cindy Lauper is a star-sparkly occasion full of pomp but also heart-warming ride to save a family business. The unexpected people he meets along the way make for a travelling story that will probably change the large stage of Her Majesty’s in Melbourne to a homely quaint shoe factory.
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne
When: 12th October – 12th December
More info: http://kinkybootsthemusical.com.au/
Story Fest
This festival opens up as an expansion for the National Poetry Slam that’s been happening at The Sydney Opera House the last few years. As opposed to focusing on the written word, Story Fest features so much talent from the spoken word and poetry world, with every event and workshop focusing on the performative aspect of literature.
Where: Various venues around Sydney
When: 14th – 16th October
More info: http://www.wordtravels.info/story-fest
La Boite’s A Streetcar Named Desire
La Boite are always a great outing to go check theatre that is bold, which is weird to say when we recommend somewhat of a classic musical put on by them. But what makes this musical get on this list the fabulous Bridie Carter playing Blanche DuBois and the irrepressible Travis McMahon playing Stanley Kowalski – two actors who have been doing some fine work in the past.
Where: Roundhouse Theatre, Sydney
When: 15th October – 12th November
More details: http://www.laboite.com.au/cms/page.asp?ID=271
Brisbane Mexican Festival
Returning for its second year, Brisbane Mexican Festival is once again set to turn Roma Street Parklands into a celebration of the traditions and culture of Mexico. The brainchild of Mexican expats and the Aussies who welcomed them, the festival promises authentic music, performances, and, of course, food!
When: Saturday October 22nd
Where: Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane
More info: http://www.brisbanemexicanfest
Halloween Horror Double Feature
Brisbane’s B-Movie king Kristian Fletcher has joined forces with spooky storyteller Ghoul Shadows for a pre Halloween party, featuring a horror classic double bill of Halloween (1978) and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974). New Globe’s vintage 70s cinema will also host a make-up booth and roaming performers. Prizes for the best dressed!
When: Sunday 30th October
Where: New Globe Theatre, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
More info: https://www.facebook.com/
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