Culture

Darwin Festival and ‘Sleeplessness’: Here’s what’s happening across Australia this weekend

what's on this weekend australia

It's time to switch off and embrace your smooth brain, the weekend is here. For those who have arrived at this point with next to no schedule, we're here to help. Unless you like it that way, then carry on. Step into Rainbow Studios to pick up ceramics from artist Bianca Pintan, or head over to Darwin Festival for Telstra NATSIAA and the 16th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. As for the rest of what's on this weekend across Australia? Read on to find out.

 

NSW

Australian Ceramicist, Bianca Pintan is showing her latest collection, Colour as Energy, at Rainbow Studios, with the exhibition opening on Saturday, August 6. Step into the Darlinghurst studio for Loggerhead coffee, and wine and refreshments from 12pm-4pm. And if there's a vase you fancy, enjoy a complimentary bunch of poppies with each purchase.

Kip Williams is back, this time with an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde at Roslyn Packer Theatre.

Settle in at Ensemble Theatre for playwright Vanessa Bates' play The One.

Be sure to book tickets to Aria's truffle dinner. Hosted by Matt Moran and taking place on Tuesday, August 9, this is one not to be missed.

Explore Sydney's new dining centrepiece at 25 Martin Place.

Sleeplessness, a new performance work by Australian artist Kaz Therese will be presented at Carriageworks this weekend. The performance is a radically honest, empathetic look at three generations of women in the artist’s family, in an effort to stitch back together a family archive that has been erased.

Bell Shakespeare will present the first production in their new theatre space The Neilson Nutshell at the newly redeveloped Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. What's the performance called? In A Nutshell, naturally. And it takes audiences through the best Shakespeare scenes of all time.

The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes are open for your viewing pleasure at the Art Gallery of NSW.

 

Victoria

Lune Selects is open again this weekend in Carlton. Sort through racks of thoughtfully curated 90s and Y2K vintage.

If you digged Looking for Alibrandi, you'll want to get tickets to Laurinda. It's an adaptation of Alice Pung's novel of the same name, features Fiona Choi, Gemma Chua-Tran from Netflix's Heartbreak High reboot, and is set in the schoolyard as a study of culture and class.

Saké is firing up the robata for winter, introducing a new menu of smokey dishes to get your mouth around.

QUEER: Stories from the NGV Collection is on at the National Gallery of Victoria.

 

Queensland

W Brisbane’s WET Deck has been transformed into a winter playground. Get amongst it.

Ahn Do is having a live show in Brisbane this weekend.

Brisbane Music Festival is bringing the joy of sound to the city this weekend.

The Soul Trembles highlights twenty-five years of Chiharu Shiota’s artistic practice. Open at QAGOMA this weekend.

Brisbane's best local comedians come together for After Hours at Brisbane Powerhouse.

 

ACT

The Australian Chamber Orchestra along with Richard Tognetti is bringing The Crowd & Ia meditation on our crowded planet, to Canberra's Llewellyn Theatre for one night only.

There are still tickets left to see Neko Pink at UC Hub this weekend.

Step into the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia to see Australians & Hollywood.

Spend your afternoon hanging out at Capital Brewing Co.

Hippo Co. are leading one of its famous whisky tastings on Saturday evening at 6pm.

 

South Australia

Adelaide Roller Derby, anyone? This weekend its the Mile Die Club vs. the Road Train Rollers in the Derby's annual Grand Final at the Adelaide Showgrounds in Wayville.

Illuminate Adelaide has been extended and is bringing bright lights, music, art and ideas to the city centre. Explore the full program here and take full advantage of the festivities for its additional two weekends.

Explore the Fleurieu Peninsula, starting with these 5 beaches.

 

Western Australia

Amyl and the Sniffers are playing The Charles this weekend.

Bell Shakespeare is bringing The Bard's Comedy of Errors to Heath Ledger Theatre.

Step in to the newly opened AGWA Design Store, featuring wares from Haus of Dizzy, Broochella and more.

Freo.Social is your reliable source for a good time. Head down there on Sunday for its Front Yard Sessions with Plantasia.

Catch some live music this Sunday at Fremantle Arts Centre.

 

Northern Territory

Head over to Darwin Festival. Taking place across August 4-21, with performances from Ngaiire and Alex the Astronaut, as well as the annual Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards and the 16th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, this is one not be missed.

Touring exhibition Drawn by stones is open until August 8 at Watch This Space Gallery. See works from Dean Cross, Ray Chan, Wen-Hsi Harman, newly- commissioned pieces by Penny Evans, Ruth Ju-shih Li and Jody Rallah.

Explore a side of the Territory you haven't seen before with this guide.

Make your way over to Nightcliff Markets for Laksa, pastries, massages, and jewellery.

 

Tasmania

Science is fun with Dr Karl around. Settle in for an afternoon of critical thinking with the icon at the Odeon Theatre.

Unyoked has added two new off-the-grid accommodation sites to its portfolio, this time in Hobart. Book your next weekend getaway now.

As always, Music at Mona is on this weekend. This time around Austin and SRKO are just some of the acts set to perform.

Salamanca Market is open and calling your name this Saturday.

Road trip your way to any of these magical stays in Tasmania.

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Images:

One: Sleeplessness, Kaz Therese. Photographer: Alex Wisser

Two: Colour as Energy, Bianca Pintan.