Darwin Festival – August 2023
Immerse yourself in a tropical wonderland, where the air is balmy, and the mood is chilled – Darwin Festival returns from 10-27 August 2023.
Australia’s hottest winter arts festival returns, offering 18 days of tropical Top End magic in venues across Darwin, with a program brimming with music, theatre, comedy, dance, cabaret, visual arts, and family fun. The full program of events will be announced on Wednesday 31 May 2023.
Festival Park is the beating heart of the Festival and a space to play, feel, connect, imagine, dance, breathe, grow, and dream. As the sun sets, excited crowds gather to enjoy a range of entertainment options, from theatre shows to free music gigs on the Power and Water Bamboo Bandstand. The park also features buzzing bars perfect for a pre-show aperitif and long communal tables to linger and savour festival food, made with love, by local vendors showcasing fresh local ingredients and vibrant flavours.
The Glowing Cinema, Erina
Refurbishment brings top tech and ultra comfort to the Central Coast as HOYTS’ multi-million-dollar refurbishment of its Erina cinema is now complete, bringing the biggest cinema screens to the Coast. The upgrade features state-of-the-art technology, superior comfort, and ample food and beverage offerings. The addition of new innovative technologies including the immersive HOYTS D-BOX experience, enhances the movie experience with motion recliner seats synced to the on-screen action.
The new facilities make this cinema the entertainment go-to for all movie-lovers in the Central Coast region. The venue boasts the very best experiences available in modern cinema, including:
- All auditoriums fitted with extra-comfy recliners, meaning wider seating and plenty of leg room, all at the same price as a standard cinema ticket;
- HOYTS Day Beds, each with space for up to three people to lie back and enjoy the latest movie;
- Two (2) HOYTS Xtremescreen auditoriums with huge 24-metre-wide screens and multi-dimensional Dolby Atmos surround sound for incredible clarity and precision; and
- A dedicated HOYTS D-BOX auditorium with motion recliners.
Eat Local Month, Scenic Rim – June to July 2023
Just an hour from Brisbane and half hour from the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim hosts Eat Local Month. This year will be headlined by 37 Long Lunches, Degustations and Dinners, all custom-created by great producers and chefs to celebrate local flavours and spectacular locations. From vineyards to breweries, mountaintops to wood-fired cafes, under 120 year old jacaranda trees, in flower fields, on dairies, in olive groves and right across the region’s best restaurants, this is where local flavours shine.
There’s 43 Workshops and Classes and this year, the range is more diverse than ever. There’s classes on gin blending, spirit distilling, edible flower picking, cupcake decorating and floral tea blending (how cool!), fondant and charcuterie classes at The Paddock at Beechmont Estate, gourmet mushroom growing and cooking, garlic and ginger growing, and a new class at Tommerup’s Dairy Farm called Our Bread and Butter.
This year, there’s 139 food events – the largest offering in the event’s 12 years – with over half new to the program which runs the full month of June (there was just too much flavour to keep this event at one week!), from Beaudesert to Beechmont, Kerry to Kalbar, and Mount Alford to Tamborine Mountain
Peak Music Festival, Perisher – June 2023
It was at one point referred to as Australia’s only music festival in the show, but is Snowtunes dead? The party ended with the start of lockdown, party goers were left with a void in search of the next snow capped celebration.
Peak Music Festival at Perrisher announced their lineup last week and with free entry, it’s an easy choice to add to your itineraries of snowboarding and skiing this Winter.
Manjimup Truffle and Wine Festival, June 2023
300km south of Perth, thousands from Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Nannup and surrounding areas for numerous gather from June 23 to 25 to sold out events at acclaimed local venues. The Manjimup Truffle and Wine Festival will again showcase the best local producers with truffle tours, farm visits, truffle hunts, truffle and wine tastings, gourmet degustation dinners, entertainment and wine masterclasses. It’s the ultimate paddock-to-plate experience showcasing local farmers, producers, winemakers and chefs who open their doors to the people.
International Gin Festival, Canberra – June to July 2023
The inaugural International Gin Festival Canberra (30 June – 1 July), hosted by the Australian Gin Distillers Association, is thrilled to announce the addition of a series of captivating masterclasses for gin enthusiasts to enjoy.
Delve into the world of gin with unique, informative, and entertaining sessions exploring the flavors and stories behind Japanese, French, and German gins. With limited spots available, don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your gin experience by securing your place at one or more of these exclusive masterclasses.
JAPANESE GIN MASTERCLASS: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN
Embark on a stylish exploration of three exquisite Japanese gins: KI NO TEA, KI NO BI, and KI NO BI SEI. Paired with fresh norimaki, learn about their distinct flavors, ranging from sweet and delicate to fresh and spicy, all while experiencing the elegance of Japanese craftsmanship in each sip.
FRENCH GIN MASTERCLASS: OOH LA LA…THE SECRETS OF FRENCH GIN REVEALED
Uncover the mysteries behind the taste of Citadelle, the enchanting French gin born in a historic chateau. Indulge in the perfect balance of 19 botanicals, lemon, and exotic spices while enjoying a selection of fine French cheeses. After the class, continue your journey at the festival to expand your knowledge and appreciation of gin.
GERMAN GIN MASTERCLASS: EINE WUNDERBAR DEUTSCHE MEISTERKLASSE
Experience the bold flavors of German gins with this masterclass featuring Schwarzwald Dry Gin, Schwarzwald Sloe Gin, and Barrel Cut. From the audacious blend of British traditions and native Black Forest botanicals to the unique maturation process in handmade mulberry casks, this class will give you a true taste of German ingenuity. Savor the experience with a tasting plate before exploring the festival further.
Masterclass Schedule:
Friday 30 June –German Gin Masterclass: 3pm-4pm
Saturday 1 July: Japanese Gin Masterclass: 11pm-12pm / French Gin Masterclass: 3pm-4pm