The top art, cultural, food and sports events this month, plus what’s on in November
This month’s top 15 sports and cultural events, plus a sneak peek at what’s on in November.
NSW
Sculpture by the Sea Bondi to Tamarama, Sydney October 20-November 6 sculpturebythesea.com For 18 days every year, the coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama becomes the world’s most spectacular art gallery (sorry, Guggenheim and Louvre). Always eye-catching and quirky – and sometimes provocative – this highlight of Sydney’s calendar is celebrating its 20th anniversary. More than 100 artworks grace two kilometres of coastline.
VIC
Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit October 21-23 motogp.com.au Revheads rejoice and little penguins waddle for cover – the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, with all its throttletwisting, rubber-burning sound and fury, is gearing up again on Phillip Island for the ultimate in two-wheeled thrills and spills. It’s arguably the best event on the MotoGP calendar, with plenty of on- and off-track action for motorbike enthusiasts of all ages.
NT
Kakadu Bird Week Kakadu National Park October 1-9 parksaustralia.gov.au Home to more than a third of Australia’s feathered species, including the snooty-looking Australian bustard and colourful rainbow bee-eater, Kakadu is a utopia for birdwatchers. Pack your binoculars and flock to the Top End for an immersive and unique wildlife experience that involves guided walks, cruises, slide shows and ranger talks with the NT’s top bird experts.
QLD
Good Food & Wine Show Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre October 28-30 goodfoodshow.com.au This well-stuffed event does exactly what it says on the tin. That said, you could argue most of the showcased produce is a class above “good”. More than 150 food and wine exhibitors display their wares while chefs Gary Mehigan and Miguel Maestre cook on stage. Be sure to get a slice of the action at Tucker’s Natural Cheese Alley.
NSW
Sydney Craft Beer Week Various venues October 21-30 sydneycraftbeerweek.com Why craft macramé owls when you can craft beer? It’s a question on no-one’s lips, really – unlike the amber nectar itself during this 10-day celebration of the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage. With more than 75 venues hosting 100 events, including Pint of Origin (showcasing beers from six states), this festival brings unique brews and guests to the table.
NSW, QLD, VIC, WA, SA
The Dire Straits Experience Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide October 5, 11, 12, 13, 14 direstraitsexperience.com.au Let’s get this out of the way from the get-go: this show is Mark Knopfler-less. In fact, it boasts just two Dire Straits band members: Chris White on sax and Chris Whitten banging “them drums”. But... with a line-up of superb musicians who’ve played with the likes of David Bowie and Paul McCartney, the hits of Dire Straits are in skilful hands.
VIC
Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists NGV International, Melbourne October 21-February 26, 2017 ngv.vic.gov.au You don’t need to be a dedicated follower of fashion to appreciate the intricacy of these avantgarde “wearable art” pieces on display at the National Gallery of Victoria. In fact, their creators, Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, consider themselves fashion-industry outsiders. This world-first exhibition features some of the Dutch design duo’s most innovative works.
QLD, WA, NSW
Matador BBQs One-Day Cup Brisbane, Perth, Sydney October 1-23 cricket.com.au State cricket emerges from hibernation with the limitedovers tournament that’s come some way in snappy branding since it originated in 1969 as the Vehicle & General Australasian Knock-out Competition. October 12 is a date to watch, when South Australia’s West End Redbacks seek revenge on NSW for last year’s thrashing by nine wickets in the final.
SA
Champagne Fest National Wine Centre, Adelaide October 23 wineaustralia.com.au “Pleasure without Champagne is purely artificial,” said the highly quotable Oscar Wilde. The National Wine Centre might just have that in mind when it focuses on undeniable gratification at its inaugural Champagne Fest. Hosted on the centre’s terrace overlooking Adelaide Botanic Garden, the event features French and local sparkling wines along with fresh seafood and live music.
NSW
Orange Wine Festival Orange region October 14-30 brandorange.com.au The Orange region has become a significant player in Australia’s cool-climate premium wines and this festival comprehensively highlights the best on offer. With more than 90 entertaining events, including the Festival Night Market and Wine in the Vines – where punters meet their makers (winemakers, that is) – the town and surrounding vineyards will be buzzing.
WA
Cape to Cape MTB Margaret River region October 20-23 capetocapemtb.com Get back to nature then hurtle through it on two wheels in brightly coloured Lycra. The Cape to Cape MTB – a 220-kilometre course that takes in the scenic coastline and national parks of the Margaret River region – is a must for mountain bikers. Be among the 1200 eager riders, from rank beginners to elite speed freaks, hitting the tarmac, forest trails and even the beach.
VIC
Melbourne Festival Various venues October 6-23 festival.melbourne One of Australia’s most illustrious international arts extravaganzas returns. This year’s diverse offerings include Aussie rock legend Paul Kelly, a David Bowie tribute concert, Basque Country street-theatre company Deabru Beltzak and the Philip Glass Ensemble’s performance of an interpretive score to Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film, La Belle et la Bête.
NSW, WA, SA, VIC
Wild Seas, Secret Shores Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne October 13, 16, 19, 27 events.nationalgeographic.com For marine biologist turned photographer Thomas Peschak, sharks should be revered, not feared. In this National Geographic Live! presentation, he takes you around the globe with his award-winning images and incredible tales of encounters with great white and whale sharks as well as humpback whales and manta rays.
NSW
Today Tomorrow Yesterday Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney Until August 31, 2018 mca.com.au “Yesterday is but to-day’s memory, and to-morrow is to-day’s dream,” wrote Lebanese artist Kahlil Gibran. Inspired by that evocation of time, Today
Tomorrow Yesterday draws from the MCA Collection to reflect on the influence of the past on artistic practice today and the museum’s role in the evolving nature of contemporary art.
QLD
Brisbane International Garden Show Pine Rivers Park, Strathpine October 6-9 brisbanegardenshow.com.au If it’s true that gardeners know all the dirt, you should head north of Brisbane this month for inside info on blooms, beds and bulbs. Held over four days, this nature-lovers’ event brings together organic and landscape gardening displays, about 200 exhibitors, and free talks and workshops delivered by green-thumbed experts.