Culture Vulture for July 2012

30th OF June 2012

July plays host to both the French and American Independence Day, but here in Australia there are plenty of other reasons to celebrate. This month, catch a slice of American phenomenon Justin Bieber at his whirlwind three-day Australia tour, watch a Spanish comedy film, ice-skate on the St Kilda or Bondi beach, or listen to a poem about chocolate. The activities are endless, so take advantage!

By Sangeeta Kocharekar

Australia-wide

What: Cloudy Bay Pinot & Duck Trail

Diners are invited to embark on a culinary journey at some of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane’s finest restaurants. Taste the seductive characters of the 2010 Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir, in between bites of a specially designed signature duck dish.

Where: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

When: July 1st – July 31st

More info: www.facebook.com/cloudybay

What: Justin Bieber

Teeny bopper Justin Bieber will hit Australian shores on July 15th for a whirlwind three-day promotional tour of his upcoming album ‘Believe.’ If the success of his single ‘Boyfriend’ is any indication, this album is set to break record sales.

Where: Various venues

When: July 15th – 18th

More info: www.justinbieber.com.au

NSW

What: Vive La Union Hotel! Bastilla Day Celebrations

Celebrate French independence at The Union Hotel and Uncorked Restaurant with a night of fancy dining, exciting entertainment and bubbly champagne. Enjoy a five-course meal with matching wines, a Can-Can dancers performance, and a photo booth experience in the Eiffel Tower.

Where: Union Hotel, North Sydney

When: July 14th

More info: www.unionhotel.com.au

What: Lipton Chai Latte Winter Festival

The largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Southern Hemisphere hits Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Celebrate all things winter with a Lipton Chai Latte, after a quick skate with friends.

Where: Bondi Beach, Bondi

When: June 29th – July 15th

More info: www.winterfestival.com.au

What: King Street Wharf – International Food Safari

King Street Wharf and Best Restaurants host this free, two week celebration of flavours, music and culture. Watch the sun set over the water at Sydney’s newest food festival.

Where: King St Wharf, Sydney

When: June 27th – July 8th

More info: www.ksw.com.au

What: City of Sydney 101 Workshops

This “101” workshop series provides small business owners and operators an overview of setting up and managing a business. City staff, industry representatives and government agencies will be among the many presenters.

Where: Customs House, Sydney

When: June 12th – October 2nd

More info: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Business/CityEconomy/101Workshops.asp

What: The Whisky Show 2012

Australia’s biggest whisky show features more than 150 whiskies from around the world. Visitors will be able to sample whiskies and have the option of buying bottles at special show prices.

Where: Tattersalls Club, Sydney

When: July 20th – 21st

More info: www.worldofwhisky.com.au/content_common/pg-the-whisky-show-2012.seo

VIC

What: Melbourne Boat Show

This four-day exhibition will feature ransport Safety Victoria approved training courses run by the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and an all-new iPhone application, which will keep visitors up to date with the products and services on display.

Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne

When: July 5th – July 9th

More info: www.biavic.com.au/melbourneboatshow

What: High Tea at Park Hyatt Melbourne

Spend an afternoon sipping fine tea and nibble on toasted scones at the Park Hyatt’s High Tea. Art deco furniture and a scenic courtyard view make this classy experience a must-do.

Where: Park Hyatt, Melbourne

When: Daily

More info: www.melbourne.park.hyatt.com

What: Melbourne Magic Festival

Australia’s best magicians present over 100 shows and magic classes at the popular Melbourne Magic Festival. With an on-site magic shop, strolling magicians and cheap ticket prices, there’s no excuse to miss out.

Where: The Northcote Town Hall, Melbourne

When: July 2nd – 14th

More info: www.melbournemagicfestival.com

QLD

What: State of Origin

Record-breaking Queensland Maroons take on New South Wales in Game 3 of the State of Origin 2012 series at Suncorp Stadium.

Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

When: July 4th

More info: www.nrl.com/origin

What: Spanish Film Festival

The 15th annual Spanish Film Festival will feature the best comedies, dramas, animations and thrillers from Spain and Spanish-speaking Latin America. Watch film screenings, listen to controversial Q&As, and meet international guests.

Where: Palace Centro, Brisbane

When: July 11th – 22nd

More info: www.spanishfilmfestival.com

What: Three Marathons in Three Days

Hosted by the Cairns Road Runners in Far North Queensland, this three-day event is one of seven Trail Running Events. Competitors can chose to compete in one, two or all three marathon races.

Where: Cairns Region

When: July 6th – 8th

More info: www.3marathonsin3days.com

ACT

What: Truffle Festival

The 2012 Canberra & Capital Region Truffle Festivalis a celebration of the official start of truffle season. Canberra’s best venues, including restaurants, wineries, bars, cafes, and food markets join together to provide an array of truffle-filled events.

Where: Canberra region

When: June 21st – July 31st

More info: www.trufflefestival.com.au

What: Alice Springs Show

The 53rd annual Alice Springs Show includes puppet shows, fireworks spectacular, photography displays, and pig racing. Bring the whole family along to this one.

Where: Blatherskite Park, Alice Springs

When: July 6th – 7th

More info: www.alice-springs.com.au

TAS

What: Chocolate Winterfest

Tasmanian chocoholics, your dreams have come true with this delicious festival celebrating all things chocolate. Walk in the community lantern parade, listen to original chocolate poems and participate in a chocolate cake decorating competition.

Where: Latrobe, Tasmania

When: July 8th

More info: www.chocolatewinterfest.com.au

What: The Flight of the Conchords New Zealand folk comedy duo headline their first every run of Australian shows. Live performances include the playing of wide array of instruments, including the ukulele, toy piano, keytar, synth and electric guitar.

Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre

When: July 13th

More info: www.ticketmaster.com.au

What: Hedda Gabler Voluntary group Melville Theatre Co. takes on the dramatic “Hedda Gabler” by Henrik Ibsen. Make it a night out with dinner and pre-theatre drinks, before delving into the world of the “female Hamlet.”

Where: Melville Theatre, Melville

When: July 13th – 28th select dates

More info: www.meltheco.org.au