What’s Hot Around Town

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Written By Alyssa Mackay

A Surprising Treat for Music Lovers

Brisbane City Pops Orchestra

The Brisbane City Pops Orchestra (BCPO) is set to enchant audiences once again with their upcoming performance, ‘Surprise Surprise!’

The concert, conducted by Andrew Robinson, will feature guest violinist Warwick Adeney, former concertmaster of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

Rita West, BCPO’s events coordinator and vice president, said the performance would be held on Saturday, 16 November at 2pm at the Chermside Kedron Community Church, located on the corner of Gympie and Rode Roads.

“BCPO promises an afternoon full of your favourite feel-good music, from waltzes to swing, light classics to pop, musicals to movies and so much more,” Rita said. “Please book early to avoid disappointment.”

Tickets are $30 for adults, $26 for concession and $12 for students. For tickets, go to trybooking.com/CVLIJ, call Maree on 3378 2384, or purchase at the door (subject to availability).  

Join the Quota Club for a Festive High Tea Fundraiser

The Quota Club of Brisbane Inc is hosting its annual Christmas High Tea fundraiser at Geebung RSL on Monday, 2 December, from 11am to 2pm (arrive from 10:30am). This year’s event aims to support The Forgotten Women, a housing initiative for homeless women over the age of 55 in the greater Brisbane area. The project aims to acquire suitable properties to ensure vulnerable women have access to safe, affordable housing options. 

Enjoy a delightful high tea featuring savoury and sweet finger foods, with tea and coffee included. Specialty teas and coffees will also be available for purchase. Attendees can look forward to raffles, a craft stall and a special visit from Santa.

Dress in your Christmas best. Tickets are $45 (excluding booking fee) and can be booked here.

Turntable Treasures Await at Brisbane Record Fair

Skimming through records

Get ready to spin into a vinyl wonderland as the Brisbane Record Fair returns to the Northside!

On Saturday, 9 November, music lovers can explore thousands of records at Aspley Central on 1368 Gympie Road. Sellers have been busy spring cleaning, uncovering crates full of vinyl treasures.

Now in its eleventh year, the monthly fair promises a mix of classics and rarities, with plenty of bargains for both collectors and casual shoppers.  

Admission is free, with doors open from 8am to 3pm.

Melbourne Cup is on Tuesday, 5 November and there are plenty of ways for local race enthusiasts to join in the celebrations and soak up the excitement beyond the track.

Double the Fun at Geebung RSL

Geebung RSL is rolling out two fantastic Melbourne Cup Day events this year.

Enjoy a traditional three-course luncheon upstairs at Elements starting at 11am, or opt for a relaxed cocktail and canape soiree at the Step Into Elegance event in The Cove Kitchen and Bar from noon.

Fine dining setup

Geebung RSL Chief Executive Officer Greg Hurley said both events would include coverage of the big race and plenty of fun.

“Get your group together and book your Melbourne Cup Day celebrations at Geebung RSL,” Greg said. ‘We look forward to being your host for the day.”

Tickets for Step Into Elegance begin at $90 and include champagne on arrival, gourmet canapes, a dessert buffet, fashion on the field, photo opportunities, live music and prizes.

Luncheon tickets start at $70, including champagne on arrival, live entertainment from Rob Stevenson, raffles, a lucky door prize, fashions on the field, sweeps and more.

To book, go to Geebung RSL website.

An Unforgettable Cup Experience at Aspley Hornets

Fine dining setup

Aspley Hornets are hosting their popular Melbourne Cup Luncheon from 11am to 3pm, promising a day of elegance and excitement. 

Tickets start at $69 and include a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, a delicious meal, fashions on the field and more.

Sales and Events Manager, Victoria Ahearn, said it was “time to dust off your fascinators and top hats and join us for the race that stops the nation”.

“Enjoy the race, live entertainment, exciting sweeps and fashion parades all while enjoying a three-course menu,” she said.

To book, go to Stricky Tickets website.

Celebrate the Race in Style at Kedron-Wavell

Get set for a stunning Melbourne Cup at Kedron-Wavell’s Royal Garden Gala.

General Manager, Kedron-Wavell, Vjorn Bradow said it was an event “you won’t want to miss!”

“Join us for an unforgettable celebration with our Melbourne Cup Royal Garden Gala, where elegance meets excitement in a truly spectacular setting,” Vjorn said.

Tickets start at $99 and include a sumptuous buffet lunch, entertainment by Brit Beat Mania, fashions on the field and the chance to win fantastic prizes in lucky door draws.

To book, go to: Kedron-Wavell website.

Unlock Your Inner Peace Workshop in Carseldine

Prepare for a transformative experience at the Unlock Your Inner Peace Workshop, hosted by Zen Reiki Healing.

On Sunday, 8 September at 11am, participants are invited to discover the magic of oracle cards and pendulums with Karen from Zen Reiki Healing and Lorraine from Hippie Rewind Massage Treatments.

Karen said oracle cards and pendulums were powerful tools that were the gateway to intuition.

“You will have the opportunity to practice these learnings with the pendulum provided in your goody bag,” she said.

She said the workshop would also include a beautiful meditation and sound healing experience to help quieten the mind and release energy blockages.

“You will have the chance of receiving a mini Reiki session and massage treatment through the lucky door prize,” she said.

The three-hour workshop is $90pp. For more information and to book tickets, visit Zen Reiki Healing website.

Melanie Dyer Returns to Nundah with Had To Be There Tour

Award-winning Australian country music star Melanie Dyer is back from Nashville and ready to thrill her Brisbane fans.

On Friday, 27 September, she will perform at The Royal Hotel in Nundah as part of her Had to Be There tour.

Melanie said she was excited about returning to Brisbane. 

“There’s such a strong country music fan base there with CMC Rocks just down the road and KIX Country Radio broadcasting out of the city now,” Melanie said. “I know I’ll see some familiar faces at the show!

“I just played The Royal Hotel, Nundah with Caitlyn Shadbolt on our Dumb Decisions tour in 2022 and in March this year, I opened for Kaylee Bell at The Brightside in Fortitude Valley, which was sold out.”

Emerging country-pop artist, Piper Rodrigues will open the show.

Tickets are $35. To book, go to avc.live/f3ky.

Introduction to Worm Farming at Nundah Library

Brisbane City Council is hosting a free Introduction to Worm Farming at Home workshop on Saturday, 21 September from 10am to 11.30am at the Nundah Library.

Brian ‘The Worm Man’ Donaldson, a commercial worm farmer with more than 30 years of experience, will share tips and tricks to set up a safe and efficient worm farm.

“You’ll learn to reduce your food waste going to landfill and create better gardens,” Brian said. “And learn how to use leachate wisely – it could harm people, pets or plants.”

Attendees will also receive access to a digital student resources page after the workshop. 

Bookings required. Phone Nundah Library on 3407 8701 to reserve your place.

To learn more about Brian ‘The Worm Man’, visit thewormman.com.au.

Free Teddy Bear Adventure in the Park

Free Teddy Bear Adventure in the Park

Children aged 3 to 8 are invited to join a free Bazil Grumble Active Parks workshop featuring storytelling and songs with their teddy bears. 

The event is set for Saturday, 17 August, from 10am to 12pm at the Kidspace Playground, 7th Brigade Park, Chermside, as part of Brisbane City Council’s Active and Healthy program. 

Bazil Grumble’s artistic director, Fiona Bazley Hodges, said the session would be a creative exploration of the wonderful story, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, that would allow young ones to learn through dramatic play. 

“While the storytelling aspect encourages literacy, children also get the chance to get active and healthy,” Fiona said. “They will all love to stretch their mind and the body as they roam around the park acting out the story. 

“The session will help children to learn valuable skills such as turn-taking and will benefit the development of their confidence and self-esteem.” 

Book a slot here.

Aspley Hornets’ High Tea and Fashion Fundraiser

Aspley Hornets’ High Tea and Fashion Fundraiser

On Sunday, 11 August, Aspley Hornets are hosting a high tea and fashion show with $10 from each ticket sale going towards the Leukaemia Foundation.   

Sales and events manager Victoria Ahearn said the Tea for a Cure, Fashion for Hope event was not just another fashion parade. 

“Our mission is to bring the ladies together to enjoy delicious bites paired with some amazing fashions by Postie Fashions to raise awareness and funds for the Leukaemia Foundation,” Victoria said. 

“Fashions will also be available for purchase on the day with amazing lucky door prizes and raffles to raise money for a great cause.” 

The event is 1pm for a 1.30pm start. 

Tickets are $55pp. Get your tickets here. 

Everton Park Hotel Transforms into Ekka Wonderland

Image by Social Cut from Unsplash

The Everton Park Hotel is set to channel the excitement of the Ekka with a week-long celebration. 

From Monday, 12 August to Sunday, 18 August, patrons can indulge in classic show treats such as dagwood dogs and fairy floss as part of the hotel’s food specials. 

On Moreton Bay Show Day on Monday, 12 August, there will be carousel rides from 12-2pm and free showbags for the kids. 

Brisbane Show Day on Wednesday, 14 August will feature a clown show from 11am-12pm and of course, more free showbags. Don’t miss out on the fun, food and festivities right at your doorstep! 

Find out more details here

Read more stories from the Chermside Guide’s print magazine here: