The bad news? We’re officially more than half way through the year. The good news? There’s plenty of things to look forward to. From regional art exhbitions to Broadway-worthy productions, here is everything you need to do in the month of August.
LUSTRE: Contemporary Artists in Greece & Crete
The Mudgee Arts Precinct’s latest exhibition brings a touch of the Mediterranean to regional NSW, exploring the landscapes, culture and lingering influence of Greece through contemporary Australian art.
On until September 20. Visit mudgeeartsprecinct.com.au.
Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason
If Meg Mason’s Sorrow and Bliss stayed with you long after you put it down, be sure to add her new novel to your reading list. The story follows Sophie, a woman whose life is upended when she forms an unexpected connection that forces her to confront grief, family expectations and the gap between who she is and who she wants to be.
(Harper Collins, $34.99). Out July 28.
Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare’s famous love story takes centrestage as Romeo and Juliet arrives at Brisbane’s Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Pairing Prokofiev’s iconic score with lavish sets and costumes, the production is a timeless tale of passion, fate and heartbreak brought to life through breathtaking ballet.
From August 15 to 22. Visit qpac.com.au.
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair
If you live in or are heading to the Top End this August, don’t miss the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair. Free to attend, the annual event brings together artists from more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres for a vibrant showcase of First Nations art and design.
From August 6 to 9. Visit daaf.com.au.
Nocturnelle
Praised by Dua Lipa as “the modern queen of burlesque”, Dita Von Teese brings her acclaimed new show to Australia this August. Inspired by 19th-century illusion theatre, the lavish production combines aerial artistry, cabaret, striptease and old- world glamour in a seductive evening of theatrical escapism.
From August 5 to 6 in Adelaide, August 8 to 9 in Melbourne, August 10 to 11 in Canberra, August 13 to 15 in Sydney, and August 17 to 19 in Brisbane. Visit tegdainty.com.
A Beautiful Noise
Grab your girlfriends for a nostalgic night out when the Neil Diamond musical A Beautiful Noise opens at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre. Featuring classics including “Sweet Caroline” and “Cracklin’ Rosie”, the production celebrates the life and music of one of pop’s most enduring icons.
From August 5 to October 25 at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre, then November 14 to January 10, 2027 at the Sydney Lyric. Visit theneildiamondmusical.com.au.
Petal
After stepping back from music while working on Wicked, Ariana Grande returns with her eighth studio album, Petal. While details around the tracklist are still under wraps, the album is expected to continue the softer, introspective direction she explored on Eternal Sunshine.
Listen from July 31.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
