Top Free Things to Do in Brisbane - August 2017

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Posted 2017-07-30 by Barry J ⇒ follow

Savor the last icy fingers of winter and bring on the best of Free Brisbane with this list of August's free events and activities.

After enjoying these highlights, check out part 2 of Free Brisbane's best events and activities for August.

Vege, Vegan Dinner and Mantra Meditation – 29 August, 7pm - 8.30pm

Finish the month in harmony at the Nundah Community Centre, during a special lifestyle evening. Begin with an ultra-healthy selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes for dinner before mindfully looking inward during a session of mantra meditation, guided by Kirtan practitioners. Visit the Nundah Yoga website for details.

Light Play for Kids – until 27 August, 2-5pm weekdays, 10am-5pm weekends

The magical dance of light and colour continues to astound us, especially when we spot a double rainbow. Children are invited to the Ipswich Art Gallery to play in an interactive lightscape, decorated with lightboxes and objects of varied shapes, materials and colours. Experiment with the items to discover the joys of creating your own special lightshow, blending transparency, reflections and shadows. Visit the Ipswich Art Gallery website for details.

Hula Dancing – until 17 August, Thursdays from 5.30-6.30pm

Sway into an island oasis at the South Bank Piazza, guided by an hula-pro with a series of easy moves inspired by the traditional dances of the Pacific Islands during an hour of exercise more enjoyable than any treadmill or gym session.

Family History Fair – 5, 6 August, 10am - 3pm

After our Sallyanne Atkinson makes history as our first female mayor, she'll be a special guest at the Family History Fair, encouraging us to discover our own family firsts with experts from the Genealogical Society of Queensland ready to help peel back the decades (or centuries). At 25 Stackpole Street, Wishart, access the wide range of resources to research the secrets of the past. Visit the Genealogical Society of Queensland website for details.

Hip Hop Dancing – until 15 August, Tuesdays from 5.30-6.30pm

Bust a move and rule the dance floor as you master the slick styles of hip hop, breaking a sweat in the coolest workout in Brisbane, at the South Bank Piazza. All skill and fitness levels are welcome, as you kickstart your journey to become a hip hopper.

Parks Alive – 5, 6 August, 9.30am - 4.30pm

Escape into nature at the Roma Street Parkland, with a lush, green backdrop for a gardening party for all ages. While children make flower crowns, bug-boxes and seed art, adults can chat with garden gurus during horticultural talks. If you don't have green thumbs, relax on guided walks, refuelling with festival treats from food trucks amid soothing live music. Visit the Parks Alive website for details.

Dance and Story Time - The Jungle Book – 10 August, 9am - 1pm

On the Rainforest Green at the South Bank Parklands, child educators will lead a captivated group of youngsters on a dance into the Jungle Book, experiencing the story in colourful, natural surroundings.

Burning of the Vines – 13 August, 3pm - 11.45pm

As the sun sets on the Sirromet Winery in Mount Cotton, the torches are lit, as plucked vines blaze in a bonfire, clearing a path for a new season. Feast from food trucks and the Tuscan pizza bar, as children play on rides and fireworks dazzle colourfully overhead. Register at the Sirromet Winery website for details.

City Sounds – weekends throughout August

Australia's largest free music program presents rock, pop, jazz, electronica, blues, country and alternative tunes from local and touring artists. Continuing throughout August, highlights include Camaron De La Vega with Andalucian classics, modern Flamenco and a sprinkling of jazz and world music, Monique Clare, welding a cello and singing heartfelt folk songs, and Asha Jefferies with silky vocals and poignant lyrics with the honesty and vulnerability of Joni Mitchell and Missy Higgins. View the full program at the City Sounds website.

Live Kirtan – Fridays, 6pm to 8pm

In the Mantra Room at 236 Montague Road, West End, the world's first exclusive Kirtan venue, experience the resonating rhythms of expressive music and transcendental chanting, creating an enchanting atmosphere for a special form of group meditation. Special guests, the Soul Sistas, will perform beautiful four-part harmonies and simple, melodious tunes.

Knockoff Comedy – Fridays, 6pm to 7pm

Laugh your way into the weekend with Funny Fridays at the Brisbane Powerhouse. A quirky mix of Aussie comedians will hit you with their outlandish stories, silly one-liners and laugh-till-you-snort observations. On the last day of the month, chaos takes the stage with the ImproMafia using improvisational comedy instead of Mafia-inspired crime to tickle your funny bone. For more information, visit the Brisbane Powerhouse website.

Handmade Market Expo – Saturday 26 August, 8am - 1pm

At the School of Arts Hall, Railways St, Forest Hill, pick up unique bargains where specialist stalls sell the delicious, including pastries and preserves, and the functional, with homewares, fashion, plants and jewellery. Shop till midday, before enjoying lunch at one of the cafes or hotels which offer a quaint village atmosphere. Visit the Handmade Expo website for details.

Tai Chi in the Park – Fridays, 8.45am - 9.45am

Free for over 50s, this guided session of Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese exercise, will calm the mind and strengthen the body. In the Captain Burke Park on Kangaroo Point, overlooking the Brisbane River, you'll improve your core stability and flexibility. Visit the Tai Chi for Health website for details.

Student Study Sessions – Thursdays, 2pm - 4pm