Culture Vulture for August 2012

30th OF July 2012

After much ado, the summer Olympics games 2012 are off to a running start this August. Join in the festivities and watch your favourite athletes go for the gold at select screening sites across Australia. And if you’re not up for watching a bit of sport, the month of August offers a variety of other activities. Catch a film about dogs at the Good Dog! Film Festival, study the life of an ancient Egyptian priest in the “Mummy Secrets of the Tomb” exhibit, laugh your way through the two-hour “Faulty Towers” dinner show, or learn about the impact of Queensland flooding in the community.

By Sangeeta Kocharekar, Culture Vulture

Australia-wide

What: 2 Days in New York

Chris Rock and Francophone Julie Delpy star as Mingus and Marion in this non-traditional rom-com set in New York City. When Marion’s French family visits the couple in their home, their lives are turned upside down.

Where: Theatres across Australia

When: Opens Aug 10

More info: www.magpictures.com/2daysinnewyork

NSW

What: Variety Op Shop Ball

The 10th annual Variety Op Shop Ball will be hosted at Sydney's iconic Town Hall this year. Guests are invited to wear their best vintage finds to this one-of-a-kind night.

Where: Town Hall, Sydney

When: Aug 18th

More info: www.varietyopshopball.com.au

What: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival

Find out what you should be wearing this Spring and Summer by taking in catwalk shows from top Australian designers. Take part in a style workshop, sip champagne from a pop-up bar, catch a live performance, and learn the latest beauty trends at the weeklong festival.

Where: Sydney Town Hall, Sydney

When: Aug 21st – 25th

More info: www.mbffsydney.com.au

What: NSW Variety Bash

Children's charity Variety will kick off its fundraising Bash in Balmain. The colourful convoy will cover 4,202 kilometers through the outback.

Where: Balmain, Sydney

When: Aug 19th

More info: www.variety.org.au/nsw/whats-on/bash

What: Good Dog! Film Festival

Dog lovers rejoice – there’s a film festival entirely for you. Catch one of the many film showings and grab a doggie show bag as a souvenir.

Where: Balmain Town Hall, Sydney

When: Aug 17th – 19th

More info: www.gooddogff.com

What: The Olympics 2012

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the 2012 Summer Olympics Games have started in London. Support Australia’s strongest athletes at one of the official screenings sites.

Where: Customs House Square, Sydney

When: July 27th – Aug 12th

More info: www.london2012.com

What: Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition

This state-of-the-art exhibit features creatures, artifacts and costumes from the blockbuster series hit. Topics such as geography, archeology, engineering and eco-footprints are all touched in this exhibit.

Where: Powerhouse Museum, Sydney

When: May 12th – Aug 26th

More info: www.narniaexhibition.com

VIC

What: Open House Melbourne

This unique concept event unlocks 100 of Melbourne’s significant buildings for one weekend, for all to explore. Learn about Melbourne’s architecture, history and design at this free event.

Where: All around Melbourne

When: July 28th – 29th

More info: www.openhousemelbourne.org

What: 30 Portraits 30 Days

Watch celebrated artist Vincent Fantauzzo paint 30 Australians in 30 days during this exhibition. Matt Moran, Baz Lurhmann and Kimbra also lend their support by participating.

Where: NGV Studio, Melbourne

When: June 23rd – July 29

More info: www.lucid.org.au/3030

What: Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair

See inspirational displays, meet experts in the industry, and attend craft-making workshops at this four-day long Fair.

Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne

When: July 26th – 29th

More info: www.craftfair.com.au

QLD

What: Mummy Secrets of the Tomb

Any exhibition extended by popular demand is definitely worth a visit. Follow the life and death journey of an Egyptian priest through a 3D film and exhibition showcasing more than 100 objects from his time.

Where: Queensland Museum, Brisbane

When: April 19th – Oct 21st

More info: www.mummy.qm.qld.gov.au

What: Brisbane Running Festival

Run, jog or walk your way through this marathon course in the streets of Brisbane. And for those who’d still like to still be a part of Brisbane’s major running festival without running, volunteer for the event.

Where: City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane

When: Aug 5th

More info: www.brisbanemarathon.com

What: Floodlines

Floodlines showcases the stories of survival, loss and recovery brought on by Queensland’s floods, through a series of free exhibitions and events. The story of the summer of 2010-2011 is told through film, news footage, sound, and community-contributed photos.

Where: State Library of Queensland, Brisbane

When: April 7th – Aug 19th

More info: www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on

ACT

What: Fireside Festival

All throughout August, join 25 venues around Canberra in a celebration of all-things winter. Register online for events including wine master class, trivia night, duck & pinot dinner, hot stone massage or a horse ride.

Where: All around Canberra

When: Aug 1st – 31st

More info: www.firesidefestival.com.au

What: Annual Henley-On-Todd Regatta This volunteer-run event, open to the entire community, helps raise funds for local, national and international humanitarian projects. Get involved by organizing your own boat or join in the Grand Parade.

Where: Todd Mall, Alice Springs

When: Aug 18th

More info: www.henleyontodd.com.au

What: Rock The Ballet

Who ever thought it was possible to combine classic Ballet with musical theatre, hip hop, martial arts, tap, contemporary, and gymnastics? Rock The Ballet features an all-star soundtrack, set against a backdrop of video projected scenery.

Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide

When: July 3rd – 8th

More info: www.rocktheballet.com.au

What: Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

Interactive Theatre International presents this internationally acclaimed two-hour comedy show, available for corporate or private bookings.

Where: Interactive Theatre International, Brisbane

When: Aug 10th – Sept 2nd

More info: www.interactivetheatre.com.au