Wednesday – Le Coup Cabaret
Starting strong on the first night of Valley Fiesta is Le Coup Cabaret, an all-in extravaganza from the legends at Brisbane-based Company 2. Fresh from a sterling season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this show is inspired by the world of old travelling boxing tents and the thrilling clashes between high society and hard-hitting entertainers. A cast of eight performers (including a three-piece band) bring together an intoxicating cocktail of live music, movement and theatricality that will have you cheering. If you miss it on opening night, don’t fret – you can catch Le Coup Cabaret in the Main Ring from Wednesday to Saturday night at Fiesta.
Thursday – Press A to Start
Fancy yourself a bit of a player? No, not that kind … we’re talking video games! If you’re no stranger to a bit of gaming, Press A to Start is a must-see – Queensland’s best game developers will be congregating in the Main Ring to show off their awesome work. As well as gaining a bit of insight into the industry, you can try your hand at some of these brand-new games. You can also take advantage of the Free Space VR Arcade, where the best in VR gaming and experiences will be available for you have a crack at. For those new to gaming, we’d recommend swinging by Netherworld and kicking it old-school at Pinball for Beginners – because you’ve got to respect the origins of gaming, after all.
Friday – Laneway Parties
Okay, so technically these are two separate events – but when they’re this good, how are we supposed to choose? On Friday night, two of The Valley’s coolest laneway haunts will come alive for some seriously slick times. Dive bar darling Greaser and its surrounding space will be playing host to pop-up bars, merch and food stalls, plus loads of live tunes from 3:00 pm. Winn Lane is also getting in on the action with its WASTED WINNTER mini music festival – think rad indie bands across multiple stages, a pop-up bar, live mural painting and loads more.
Saturday – The Ballad of Rosie Quinn
Hot off the heels of its sold-out run at Anywhere Theatre Festival, you’re going to want to make time for The Ballad of Rosie Quinn. This blindfolded theatrical experience will play on your senses as you take a journey back to Brisbane’s dark past – via the hellish Moreton Bay Penal Colony. A mixed vibe of campfire ghost story meets Casefile with a dash of folk song, this production puts you in the shoes of a young female convict trying to make a new life for herself in a brutal and male-dominated space.
Sunday – 4ZZZ’s Rooftop Oasis
When it comes to a closing party, you’d best believe the Fiesta has got something cool planned. How does a tropical rooftop party with live bands sound? Brisbane’s alternative radio legends at 4ZZZ have curated a killer line-up of local talent to close out the festival (including Gabriella Cohen, Sweater Curse, Whalehouse and The Ancient Bloods), taking over the Chinatown car park rooftop and turning it into a lush garden. It’s the perfect end to a jam-packed roster of events, not to mention a great way to herald the arrival of spring.
Ready to get your party on? Valley Fiesta is running from August 29 to September 2 all through Fortitude Valley thanks to Brisbane City Council – check out the huge roster of free entertainment here.
