The 7 Best Things To Do In Brisbane This April
The rest of the world may laugh as Brisbane dons sweaters and scarves for its mild autumn weather, but locals know that chill means we can emerge from air-conditioned hibernation and hit the town. Here are some events to get you started.
#1 Writers hit the Pig City
Finally, an event that brings together fans of music and books. To start April off with a bang, the Rock and Roll Writers Festival unleashes a fearless two-day program of authors, musicians, commentators and ratbags ready to turn Brisbane’s love for music, writing and music writing up to 11. This inaugural festival takes over Valley music venue The Brightside with performances, panels, interviews and shenanigans from April 2 to 3.
#2 Meow-maste
Learn the cat pose from the masters at Lucky Cat Café in Annerley, where PJ from body-pawsitive Stretch Yoga Studios will conduct yoga classes amongst the friendly resident rescues of Brisbane’s newest cat café. Described as suitable for humans of all ex-purr-ience levels, these fur-ginner friendly yoga sessions are all about chilling out and taking inspiration from our stretchiest animal friends. Re-homed from Brisbane Valley Cat Rescue, Lucky Cat’s kitties are permanent residents, so they’ll be right at home weaving between your carefully balanced limbs and passing judgements on your downward dog pose. Classes take place each Thursday evening in April, with spaces are strictly limited. You can book through the Lucky Cat website.
#3 If you build it, they will come
Before Minecraft, there were little plastic blocks, beloved by all but the feet of sleepy parents. Build your Lego empire at the Museum in Brisbane with an open workshop sure to keep big and little kids alike occupied during the Easter holidays. This free play space runs alongside MoB’s Living in the City exhibition of Asia-Pacific architecture.
If you like pondering the big questions while you build, the museum asks: what does our architecture say about living here? Whatever your answer, there’s a competition (for under-15s only, sorry guys) to create a new Lego landmark for Brisbane, with a sweet Lego prize pack up for grabs. Build Your City runs daily in the Museum of Brisbane’s Dome Lounge until April 10.
#4 Baroque and roll
Brisbane Baroque returns in 2016, as QPAC brings to life music of the baroque era, the period in Western European art from 1600 to 1750. Last year’s inaugural festival took out five Helpmann Awards and drew scores of interstate visitors, putting Brisbane on the map as home to the only annual professional festival of baroque music. It’s the event that’s bringing sexy Bach. Can you Handel it? Brisbane Baroque runs from April 8 to 16 at QPAC and nearby venues.
#5 Ground control to Major Tom
To tide us over while the Starman’s in hibernation on his home planet, beloved cult vocalist Jeff Duff brings Bowie Unzipped to the Judith Wright Centre. Not just a tribute, Bowie Unzipped explores the mysteries and tests the limits of the David Bowie songbook. The Whitlams’ Jak Housden joins Duff on guitar, with Glenn Rhodes and Jess Ciampa on keys and drums respectively. Expect plenty of glitter and stardust on April 23 at the Judith Wright Centre.
#6 Festival of Tibet
Perhaps the most peaceful week in Brisbane’s festival schedule, the Festival of Tibet returns to the Powerhouse this month. With a rich program of documentary screenings, visual art, music, food, workshops and lectures from special guests, the festival celebrates the culture and kindness of the Tibetan people. This year the festival hosts a rare honour: the first ever visit to Australia of His Eminence the 7th Kyabje Yongzin Ling Rinpoche, recognised as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama’s senior tutor, who will share his unique understanding of Karma. All proceeds from ticketed events go to the Tibetan Children’s Village in India. The Festival of Tibet runs from April 18 to 24 at Brisbane Powerhouse.
#7 Be a baggage handler
Notoriously Brisbane’s best suburb for second-hand finds, Paddington serves up the Excess Baggage market in April. The BrisWest Centre on Latrobe Terrace hosts a full day of bargain-hunting in an Aladdin’s Cave of recycled fashion and treasures. Treat yo’self to some homemade goodies or a sausage sizzle while you’re there — the BrisWest Centre, a non-profit community group, has you covered from head to toe. The Excess Baggage market runs on April 23.
(Lead image: The Brightside/Facebook)
