A LONG weekend means an extra long list of great things to do in and around Brisbane this weekend.
There’s circus and seafood, jazz and cabaret, books and balls and that’s just the start.
Plan your weekend using our top tips or add your own events to the comments section below.
Doctor Goodall, I presume?
Conservationist and humanitarian Dr Jane Goodall visits Australia Zoo on Sunday to talk about her amazing life and career. The indefatigable British researcher and advocate turns 80 this year and will reflect on her work with primates as well as her more recent work on climate change, sustainable farming and GMO food productions. Australian television presenter Ray Martin will host the special event with Terri and Bindi Irwin attending. As a young woman, Dr Goodall lived among chimpanzees in Africa and now travels the world as a UN Messenger of Peace and to oversee projects run by The Jane Goodall Institute.
Queenslander!
Queensland Week festivities conclude on Sunday with an open day at Government House and The Great Queensland Week Adventure Trail throughout South Bank and the CBD. Other events across the weekend include a lantern parade at South Bank, markets, an official dinner and citizenship ceremonies. Queensland Day is Friday.
Perfect pairing
The Caxton Street Seafood and Wine Festival celebrates its 20th birthday on Sunday with an event featuring live music, fresh seafood and plenty of refreshments. Headlining this year’s festival is Wolfmother, playing alongside Brisbane band Shepherd. Gates open at 11am and close at 10pm
All that jazz
Lovers of jazz are in for a treat with the return of the Brisbane International Jazz Festival across the weekend. Back for a second year, the festival of jazz and improvised music features performances by award-winning international and Australian artists. Shows take place at venues throughout the city until Sunday including Brisbane Jazz Club, Queen Street Mall main stage, Queensland Multicultural Centre and a variety of restaurants and clubs.
History comes alive
History buffs are in for a treat this weekend when world history comes alive at Fort Lytton National Park. History Alive: A Journey Through Time is the only place to see Vikings lining up next to Napoleon’s troops and 14th century knights alongside some Vietnam-era Diggers. Performance arenas will be filled with a variety of re-enactments including an American Civil War drill, a 12th century foot tournament and a multi-period archery competition. History Alive runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The Queensland Caravan, Camping and Touring Holiday Show rolls into the RNA Showgrounds over the long weekend. It is the state’s largest annual display of mobile homes, recreational vehicles camping equipment and accessories. Open 10am-6pm until Monday and 10am-4pm on Tuesday. Free trains from Roma Street, Central and Fortitude Valley stations.
Bookfest is back
The Lifeline Bookfest returns over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend selling thousands of books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, comics and stationery at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Bag a bargain from Saturday until Tuesday with the exhibition halls open from 8.30am-7pm. Prices start from 50 cents for children’s books.
A new LEAF
Get to the root of green living and learn how to reap the benefits at the Logan Eco Action Festival (LEAF) this Sunday. Join the fun on June 8 from 10am at Griffith University’s Logan campus on University Drive, Meadowbrook. There will be wildlife shows, poster competitions, science demonstrations and plenty of stalls, displays, children’s activities and free samples.
Life is a cabaret
The Queensland Cabaret Festival bursts on to stage from Friday with performances at Judith Wright Centre, QPAC, Brisbane Powerhouse, Ipswich Civic Centre and Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. The festival features dozens of local and interstate performers and continues until June 21. Acts include Brisbane’s Naomi Price’s homage to Miley Cyrus, Wrecking Ball, David Campbell and John Bucchino in concert and Brisbane performer Gillian Cosgriff’s This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things.
Photo finish
The Brisbane Racing Carnival races past the post with its final meet, Stradbroke Day, on Saturday at Eagle Farm Racecourse. All eyes will be on the most anticipated race of the carnival, the $1.3 million AAMI Stradbroke Cup. Fashions on the Field will again be hotly contested and the racecourse’s Birdcage will be set up for its second outing.
Testing times
The 2014 International Rugby season kicks off with the Qantas Wallabies taking on France at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. The match starts at 8pm and is the first of three tests against Les Bleus. Local junior rugby players from Ipswich Rangers and Wynnum U11 sides will play the curtain raiser.
Controlled Falling Project
ThisSideUp acrobatics brings its circus show, Controlled Falling Project, to Judith Wright Centre until Saturday. The show is billed as a “thrilling experiment in control” as acrobats challenge the extremes of their physical ability. The high energy, family-friendly show was developed in collaboration with Circus Oz founding member, Robin Laurie.
Top TEN show tunes
The TEN Tenors are back on home soil with a new show, The TEN Tenors on Broadway featuring a setlist of classic show tunes. They play QPAC’s Lyric Theatre on Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm with a 2pm matinee on Saturday.
Enjoy Webers Circus at the Hyperdome Shopping Centre across the weekend and until June 22. Adult prices range from $24-$30 and children’s prices from $14-$30. Tickets on sale one hour before each show or cash sales on the site box office.
Museum comes to life
The British Museum’s exhibition Vikings: Life and Legend will be beamed on to the big screen at Event Cinemas Garden City on Saturday and Sunday. Viewers will be guided through the exhibition and hear expert commentary from curator Gareth Williams and others. Tickets $20 for adults.
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