01

Whether you’re into sultry burlesque, madcap comedy hijinks, or practically anything in between, there’s something for you in Hobart this month.

Mid-Winter Fest

Date: 14 – 16 July

Location: Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, Huon Valley

Let’s begin with a giant splash of wholesomeness, shall we? Mid-Winter Fest is the Huon Valley’s very own winter extravaganza, and it’s all based around picking apples. Like we said, wholesomeness. It’s a tradition stretching back a loooong way, and includes local crafts, artisan food, and lots of “wassailing” (which is basically just dressing up and singing at trees until the evil spirits leave and stop messing around with the harvest – very Wickerman, but in a lovely way). There’s also feasting, giant bonfires, storytelling, family activities and tons more, so stride out into the valley and give it a peek!

Burlesque After Dark

Date: 8 July

Location: Moonah Arts Centre, Moonah

Ever since kicking, strutting and sidling their way onto the scene back in 2007, Tasmania’s own Miss Kitty’s Meow have taken the country by storm with their mystical burlesque prowess. They’ve performed nationwide to universal acclaim, and they organise plenty of events in and around Hobart. One such event is the bi-monthly Burlesque After Dark, which showcases a range of experienced and up-and-coming local dancing talent. It’s always a super-fun evening, with a great range of acts and plenty of laughs along the way. Prepare yourself for a thoroughly entertaining time.

Festival of Voices

Date: 30 June – 16 July

Location: Various

It began as a simple way to cheer people in the harsh depths of winter, but it’s blossomed unstoppably into Tasmania’s premier seasonal event. The original idea of singing around a huge bonfire in the middle of Hobart is still very much the centrepiece of the Festival of Voices, but there’s so much more to check out too. Pop-up choirs, live bands, cabaret routines, theatre shows and singing workshops appear all across the map, with the central hub (the Voicebox) located inside the city hall. Singers flock from all over the world to add to the chorus of Tasmania, and it really is a magical time to be here.

The Umbilical Brothers: Speedmouse

Date: 15 July

Location: Theatre Royal, Hobart

The legendary Umbilical Brothers have spent the last 15 years or so mastering the international comedy circuit, but now they’re back in Aus to revisit the show that made them stars. We speak, of course… of Speedmouse. You’ve probably seen the DVD (five or six hundred times, in our case), but we seriously recommend grabbing this chance to watch the boys do it live on stage. Their phenomenal aptitude for physical comedy truly shines through when you catch them in the flesh, and the show itself is just as gut-bustlingly funny as ever. It’s not to be missed!