Culture Vulture for February 2012

February, the month of Valentine’s Day and the confusing Leap Year, plays host to a slew of sporting, music, and art events around Australia. Whether it’s taking in an intense cricket match played by world champions, getting a first-hand look of real artefacts from the Harry Potter movie series or snuggling up to your special someone on Valentine’s Day, February is packed with things to do for all ages.

By Sangeeta Kocharekar, The Culture Vulture

Enjoy those summer rays because autumn is just around the corner!

Australia Wide

What: The Vow

This sappy love story (think “The Notebook”) arrives just in time for Valentine’s Day.  After a newlywed wife wakes up from a coma with severe memory loss, her husband must fight to win her love again. Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum star in this romantic movie, sure to be a classic.   

Where: theatres across Australia

When: Opens 9^th February

More info: http://www.thevow.com.au/

NSW

What: Courtyard Sessions: Music Under the Trees

Spend your Friday nights unwinding with a wine and a BBQ at this free summer concert series featuring some of Australia’s best independent musicians.

Best of all, there’s something for every music fan - cabaret, jazz, electronic, pop, and psychedelic folk all take to the outdoor stage.

Where: Seymour Centre

When: Friday nights until 30^th March

More info: http://sydney.edu.au/seymour/boxoffice/program_courtyardsessions.shtml

What: Harry Potter: The Exhibition

The only Australian stop on the exhibition’s tour, this is a must for every Harry Potter fan. Browse costumes, props and creatures from all eight films, toss a Quaffle in the Quidditch area, or take a tour of a recreation of Hagrid’s hut.

Where: Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo

When: Until 18^th March

More info: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/harrypotter

What: Commonwealth Bank Series Cricket Match Aus. vs India

Root for our world number one Australian team as they take on the World Cup champions India in this tenth game of the Commonwealth Bank series. The intense game will be a highlight of the series.

Where: Sydney Cricket Ground

When: 26^th Feb

More info: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/ShowNE.aspx?sh=CRICODII12

What: Picasso

Spend a rainy day indoors browsing over 150 paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings created by Pablo Picasso at The Art Gallery of New South Wales. Seven decades and every phase of Picasso’s art are represented in this Australian first.

Where: Art Gallery of NSW

When: until 25^th March

More Info: http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/picasso/

VIC

What: Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival

This three day festival showcases some of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island’s finest films, visual art, music and markets. Make it a family affair at this free celebration of contemporary and traditional art.

Where: Federation Square

When: 10^th - 12^th Feb

More info: http://www.fedsquare.com/events/melbourne-indigenous-arts-festival/

What: Suzuki Night Market

Fight the midweek hump with this fine art and food market. After browsing locally made clothing, jewellery, prints and other cultural goods, sample some of the eclectic food options, such as African curries or honey dumplings.

Where: Queen Victoria Market

When: every Wednesday until 29^th February

More info: http://www.qvm.com.au/snm/snm_home.aspx

What: A Chorus Line

No need to travel all the way to New York to see a Broadway show. Multi-award winner “A Chorus Line,” a musical that uses song, drama and choreography to tell the story of 17 dancers auditioning for the opportunity of a lifetime, comes to Melbourne this February

Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne

When: From 4^th February

More info: http://www.showbiz.com.au/performance-detail.aspx?pid=1273

What: St Kilda Festival

This nine-day festival features over 150 artists performing on seven stages and 40 participating venues. Crowds of all ages are invited to Victoria’s largest annual free community event.

Where: Various Melbourne locations

When: 4^th February – 12^th February

More info: http://www.stkildafestival.com.au/2012-s2/

QLD

What: Flight Centre Travel Expo

If you’re dreaming of a vacation getaway or a backpacking adventure, head to this free exhibition to discuss your travel options with an experienced travel consultant. With over 100 travel options under one roof, there is bound to be a travel option for you. 

Where: Various venues around QLD

When: Various dates in February

More info: http://www.travelexpo.net.au

ACT

What: Canberra Adventure Race

Newbie beginners through to the experienced adventurer form teams of two to paddle, run and bike their way around a course. Competitors aged 8 to 80 years old take part in this adventure race, designed to motivate you to stay fit and active.

Where: Black Mountain Peninsula, ACT

When: 18^th February

More info: http://www.blackheartevents.com.au/adventure-races/adventure-the-event

NT

What: Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin

This year marks the 70^th anniversary of the day World War II descended on Australian shores when the Japanese bombed the city of Darwin. The service, honoring the 243 people that lost their lives, starts at 9:30am.  

Where: Cenotaph, The Esplanade, Darwin

When: 19^th February

More info:  http://www.frontlineaustralia.com.au/

SA

What: Slam Volleyball Tournament

The biggest beach volleyball festival in the southern hemisphere, SLAM features music, fashion, and fun in the sun. With sponsors like Corona Extra and Channel V, this volleyball competition is guaranteed to be a good time.

Where: Glenelg

When: 11^th Feb

More info: http://www.slamfestival.com.au/glenelg.php