Australia finds its Mojo; the artists find their patrons, and pleasure-seekers get that kick to enjoy good things in life.
Splendid mornings and glorious sunshine may not always make summer exciting, but the Aussie summer is always a nice proposition. The country finds its Mojo; the artists find their patrons, and pleasure-seekers get that kick to enjoy good things in life. Famed food festivals, spirited celebrations on the streets, and musical concerts queue up to ensure that visitors have a good run under the southern sun.
Here’s a list of curated events that would happen across Australia this summer.
#1. Margaret River Gourmet Escape
When high-caliber Australian chefs meet their peers from Chile, Mexico, Russia, and Thailand, it’s an occasion to celebrate.
When: November 17 – 19, 2017
Where: Leeuwin Estate Winery, Western Australia
When high-caliber Australian chefs meet their peers from Chile, Mexico, Russia, and Thailand, it’s an occasion to celebrate. This outstanding food & wine festival at Leeuwin Estate Winery by the Margaret River is an experience for travelers who have arrived at the onset of summer. From enjoying barbeque on the sand (Castle Bay Beach) to dining on the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, the true devotees of food and wine choose hedonism for these three days. Watching the chefs spin off inspiring recipes is a pure delight. Tours to the underwater observatory and photography workshops could be nice distractions.
#2. Tropfest
This free-to-attend festival doesn’t have the air of Cannes but the audience is assured of some really experimental movies.
When: February 7 – 11, 2017
Where: Parramatta, Western Sydney
Since “everyone has a story to tell … and those stories deserve an audience”, filmmakers from across the globe use the world’s largest short film festival as a platform to showcase their work. This free-to-attend festival doesn’t have the air of Cannes but the audience is assured of some really experimental movies. If you happen to be in Sydney this summer, head to the Centennial Park and see for yourself how heartwarming this festival can turn out to be.
#3. Sydney Festival
Gravity-defying circus, late-night comedy shows, a marathon of musical operas, and gripping dramas define the stature of this festival that will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2016.
When: January 7 – 29
Where: Hyde Park, Sydney
There’s a reason why ‘Sydneysiders’ take this festival seriously. Gravity-defying circus, late-night comedy shows, a marathon of musical operas, and gripping dramas define the stature of this festival that will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2016. You can gauge the magnitude of the event from the fact that around 100 events are hosted in more than 30 venues every year. As the euphoria over artistic activities continues to grow, the beaches and warm summer of coastal Sydney cast a spell on every bohemian soul.
#4. Womadelaide
When: March 10 – 13, 2017
Where: Botanic Park, Adelaide
If you couldn’t make it to the Stonehenge in the UK, you can expect to see it in Adelaide. The replica of one of the wonders of the world will be erected during 2016 Womadelaide festival. But that’s just one of the many reasons why you should attend this biggest world music festival in southern hemisphere. The Botanic Park tuns into a Mecca for music lovers as live performances by artists from all over the world make you straddle different cultures and genres. To make your summer weekend in South Australia memorable, hit the festival on the first day.
#5. Perth International Arts Festival
When: February 10 – March 5
Where: Perth
The longest running international arts festival in Australia is a sublime experience. Even the ‘mad’ summer of Perth would feel balmy when you join an august gathering of people at this premier cultural event. This 24-day festival is an occasion to meet greatest living artists and get exposed to new works.
If your visit coincides with the Perth Writers Festival, scheduled to happen from February 19-22, the experience gets better by few notches.
#6. Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
From being a humble show that was repeatedly muzzled, the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has grown into an iconic celebration in Sydney.
When: February 17 – March 5
Where: Sydney
From being a humble show that was repeatedly muzzled, the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has grown into an iconic celebration in Sydney. This fabulous festival of acceptance is far from being a show of frivolity. Attending the Mardi Gras parade and the post-parade party will remind you of the charged-up atmosphere of Pride Celebrations in New York and San Francisco. Two weeks of theaters, talks, pool parties, and other celebrations culminate into life-long memories.
Image Credits: Rawpixel, Visun Khankasem, Michael Coghlan, Pres Panayotov
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