What do Augie March, Star Wars, and Pies have in common? They're all on display this months across our regions events and festival calendar!
I’ve never really been one to shake my rump. Sure, sometimes, when the spirit moves me, should the mood strike, I may shimmy a little to Tones on Tail’s ‘Go!’ should I chance upon it. But even in the privacy of my own home, I don’t so much dance as nobody’s watching as dance as if everyone is watching. And judging. And likely to film to upload to TikTok with the caption ‘Loser Dances like a Busted Sprinkler’. It’s not my jam. A friend of Men Without Hats I would not make.
Now, it’s doubtful anyone here is old enough to have lived through it, but back in 1518 the ‘dancing plague’ took place in Strasbourg, Alsace (modern day France). The story goes this dancing mania affected between 50 and 400 people, who took to dancing for weeks, with some reported to have died from stroke or heart attack. Of these, Frau Troffea is the most notable.
Here is where it gets even more interesting. Frau bore four children, whom collectively would be responsible for thirteen more. And on and on it went, as is the nature of the world. One such descendent is Harold H. Rabuse. Who is this, you ask? That would be the key grip on the 1984 dance spectacular, Footloose. I mean, that’s not true, but the dancing part is.
Dance your way to these August festivals…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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Ballarat’s Best Pie
Ballarat – August 1-31
Conjure up the treat pies
What makes a good meat pie? How much sauce is too much sauce? Is sauce even necessary? Is there an acceptable place for a knife and fork in the world of pies? Ballarat’s Best Pie is back for a crusty good time, with 28 flavours on offer throughout August at restaurants and cafes. On August 3, MasterChef Australia host Sofia Levin will host the awards at Ballarat’s Hot Temple, with Tim Bone (MasterChef Australia) and Richard Cornish (food writer) along to sample the goods.
More through https://www.visitballarat.com.au/ballarats-best-pie/
Melbourne Elvis Festival
The National Theatre, St Kilda – August 2-4
The king is gone but he’s not forgotten
Do you feel your temperature rising? It may just be because, for the third year in a row, Melbourne will celebrate the king, Elvis Presley. Five international heavyweight tribute acts will make their way here – US performers Jay Dupuis, David Lee, Moses Snow and Ted Torres, along with Canada’s Bruno Nesci.
More through https://melbourneelvisfestival.com.au/
Goldfields Gothic Festival
Maldon – August 2-4
A tale that’s sure to stain dark history
Do we walk away from the dark side of history, or move towards it? What can we learn from it? Featuring tours, exhibitions, performances, workshops and family-friendly activities, Goldfields Gothic Festival is an exploration and celebration of stories told in hushed voices around campfires. So take a walk on the dark side with stories of spiritualists, secret societies, bushrangers, ghost-hoaxers and murderers.
More through https://www.maldon.org.au/events/goldfieldgothic
Poco Film Festival
The Goods Shed, Ballarat – August 3
We like short shorts
Despite the closure of Ballarat’s Regent Cinemas, the show will go on at a new venue. An initiative of Ballarat-based creative agency Mass Motion, Poco is a showcase of the best of the best shorts. After receiving some 250 entries, it’s down to 25 finalists. Your program (including student shorts) is Bird Drone, Victim, Don’t Come In… Yet, Room for One More, Sweet Juices, Bald Future, Self-Portrait, Marungka Tjalatjunu (Dipped in Black), Not Dark Yet, Mud Crab, Sushi Noh, Teacups, Prawn, Voice Activated, Fuck Me, Richard, Wonder Down Under, Myth, Snapshot, Yeah the Boys, Jia, Darwin Story, Still Life, Favourites, Still (2022) and What’s in a Name?
More through https://www.pocofilmfest.com.au/
Legends of Steel
Kryal Castle, (Leigh Creek) Ballarat – August 3 & 4
Living times of knights and mares, raising swords for maidens fair
Welcome to, a magnificent journey, into the past. Who is the bravest knight? Who is the fiercest warrior? The one for whom it is but a scratch? The most skilled fighters from across the land will don their armour to take part in Legends of Steel. This is not just an axe-swinging, sword-wielding tournament, but a celebration of history, bravery and the warrior spirit.
More through https://www.kryalcastle.com.au
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Bellarine on the Rise
Barwon Club Hotel, Barwon Club – August 4
You’re simply the best
Come one, come all to the best of the Bellarine where a bounty of bands and artists will come together to showcase the brilliant talent of the region. This all-ages event features Bones & Jones, Carly Jorja, Paraquay, Brunette Red Dress and Heath Robertson Band.
More through https://www.barwonclub.com.au/whats-on/
Melbourne International Film Festival
Melbourne – August 8-25
I saw a film today, oh boy
There is no reason to feel miffed when it comes to MIFF. For more than seven decades, the Melbourne International Film Festival has been a significant contributor to Melbourne’s reputation as a cultural mecca. This year, more than 250 films from more than sixty countries will feature, including exclusive screenings. Galas, special events, panel discussions, industry events and XT experiences further add to the cinephile celebration. A limited number of festival highlights will also be available online.
More through https://miff.com.au
Top Dog Film Festival
Village Cinemas, Geelong – August 8 & The Astor Theatre, St Kilda – August 27
I love my dog as much as I love you
Ears will be scratched and bellies rubbed at this festival for all the good boys, and even the not so good boys. It’s a festival for our furry friends large and small that provide us with company and joy. Launched in 2017 to showcase the bond between people and their dogs, the annual touring festival is a two-hour feast of the inspirational, heart-warming and entertaining – with plenty of awws along the way.
More through https://topdogfilmfestival.com.au
Be/Hear_Now Festival
Civic Hall, Ballarat – August 9-11
Right here, right now. There is no other place I want to be
Elsie Jean Morison won the Dame Nellie Melba Scholarship in 1943. Warren Ellis has been a member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Dirty Three and Grinderman. The Mavis’s was the soundtrack to high schoolers and uni students everywhere. Ballarat’s music scene is rich. Be/Hear_Now unearths the new breed by finding, fostering and helping to develop artists within the region. The Live Music Conference is a networking boot camp featuring workshops, discussions and performances. Your ‘One’s to Watch’ line-up, meanwhile, features Aaliyah, Coda Chroma, Dayfever, Surfe and ZÖJ. And the icing on the festival’s cake, Augie March will perform.
More through https://www.creativeballarat.com.au/music
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Bendigo Writers Festival
Bendigo – August 16-18
Words in papers, words in books, words on TV, words for crooks
Are you a Wordle whiz? Are you a crossword crackerjack? Are you an anagram addict? Do you enjoy a good book before bed, or a lazy weekend reading the papers? With panel discussions, keynote speakers, workshops and more, the Bendigo Writers Festival is a celebration of words. Events include ABC Live Outside Broadcast, Poetry + Arts, Writing Queer Lives, Comfort Eating: How Food Can Be a Salve in Mental Health and Behind the Biographies.
More through https://www.bendigowritersfestival.com.au/
Bendigo Flame Festival
Bendigo Showgrounds, Bendigo – August 17
I will be the flame
Do play with fire if you can handle the flame is not quite the expression, but we’re running with it. Bendigo’s Flame Festival is full of fire performers and thrilling stunts that will light up the night sky. Amusement rides, jumping castles, food trucks, merchandise and music will make this a hot, hot, hot evening out for the whole family.
More through https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1242460
Highlands Spectacular
Kryal Castle, (Leigh Creek) Ballarat – August 17 & 18
Cos we’re Scotland, Bonnie Scotland. We’ll celebrate, whatever our fate
You don’t have to own a kilt but you may just rush out and buy one following the Scottish celebration that is Highlands Spectacular. Explore Clan tents and discover your ancestry, enjoy feats of strength at the Highland Games, feel the rhythm of the Highland dancers and be swept away to rolling hills with pipe bands.
More through https://www.kryalcastle.com.au
Festival of Australian Queer Theatre
Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, Ballarat – August 22-25
Join us, leave your fields to flower
This is for the allies. This is for the political, the creative, the curious and the queer. This is for everyone. Featuring a program of talks, panel discussions, script readings of classic queer Australian plays, open rehearsals of new works and more from Australia’s most influential queer theatre makers, the inaugural season of the Festival of Australian Queer Theatre aims to shake up the narrative around the who and the what of queerness.
More through https://faqt.au/
RatFest
Gasometer Downstairs, Collingwood – August 23
They don’t compare, rats
The festival of choice for Willard Stiles, RatFest is set to infest The Gaso. Your line-up is Frankenbok, Dreamkillers, Seedy Jeezus and Quaid, along with burlesque performer Jan Hell and tattoo artist Josh Crook.
More through https://www.thegasometerhotel.com.au/
Drencher Fest
Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong – August 24
Watch ya step, ’cause it’s slippery when wet
The hard hitting, heavy spitting, pants splitting festival that is Drencher Fest is bigger, better and even wetter in 2024. Your line-up is Snake Mountain (QLD), Nicolas Cage Fighter, Pizza Death
Hidden Intent, Munitions, Hematemesis, Immorium (ACT), Bog Monster, Life Deprived and Tonemarrow.
More through https://www.barwonclub.com.au/whats-on/
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Ballarat Blues Festival
Ballarat – August 24 & 25
Yeah, I’ve still got the blues
It will be a case of Bluesarat as blues will be here, blues will be there, blues will be everywhere at the Ballarat Blues Festival. Events include Women in Blues, featuring Anna Scionti, Rhiannon Simpson, Andrea Marr Band and Paula Maki at Piano Bar on August 24. The main event on August 25 at WCPA, meanwhile, features Nathan Cavaleri, Geoff Achison, Karise Eden, Jimi Hocking, Wilbur Wilde, The McNaMarr Project, Kathleen Halloran Trio, Joe Creighton, Eddy Boyle, Shane Gilbert and Paula Maki.
More through https://www.ballaratbluesfestival.com/
Bendigo Comic-Con
Red Energy Arena, Bendigo – August 25
Long before I was 12, I would read by myself. Archie, Josie, superheroes…
The world of pop culture and all the wonderful people that inhabit it is on full display at Bendigo Comic-Con. There’s plenty on show to celebrate the event’s tenth outing, including some 170 tables of merchandise and the popular Artists Alley featuring Tim McEwen, Bruce Mutard, Dillion Naylor and Darren Close. Who has the biggest fans in all the land? Find out with the Bendigo Whovians Doctor Who fan-group and the 501st Star Wars group. Throw in meet and greets and a Cosplay Contest and you’re in for a packed day. Funds raised will go towards The Peter Mac Foundation.
More through https://www.facebook.com/BendiConBendigo
Bendigo on the Hop
Bendigo – August 31
Cold, cold beer. Don’t you ever worry
In 2011, two Bendigo beer lovers, Justin McPhail and Trev Birks, set about to encourage local venues to start stocking better beer. And so Bendigo Beer was born. Bendigo on the Hop is their feature event for the year, where indie brewers from all around the company come to town to showcase their beer in various local venues.
More through https://www.bendigobeer.com/both-2024
Regional Victoria is popping this month with festivals for all. ages, all interested and all tastes.
Keep up to date with all that is happening in the regions events scene here.
