Once every two years, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in Brisbane is taken over by children, with all four of its theatres and other entertainment locations filled with dozens of free and low-cost entertainment options targeted at those aged eight years old and younger. There are only a few short weeks remaining until the Out of the Box Festival kicks off for 2016, with daily events running from June 21st to 28th.
This year’s festival will cross over the end of the second school term and into the June school holidays, providing opportunities for both schools and families to take advantage of what’s on offer. From a bubble-show headed to Queensland straight from Broadway to a range of newly commissioned works, those with young children will definitely want to see if anything catchers their eye.
Families willing to spend some money to enjoy a ticketed event have many options to choose from. Some choices include the Gazillion Bubble Show on June 23rd-27th, Creature: An Adapation of Dot and the Kangaroo on June 21st-28th and Queensland Ballet’s youth-oriented production of Little Red Riding Hood. Don’t go in expecting the $1xx ticket prices you might see for a major stage musical, with the priciest performance being $39-$49, and many others noticeably cheaper.
However, Out of the Box Festival doesn’t intend to lock children out of the event should their parent’s budgets be a little bit tight or the ticketed events don’t appeal to them. There are so many free activities which everyone is invited to attend as a family, with daily activities meaning you will be hard-pressed not to find something interesting on a trip to South Bank.
One of the more unique events on offer is the Holi Throw (Pictured above), an outdoor experience influenced by the traditional Indian celebratory custom. If you are worried about clothes getting covered in paint powder, QPAC will be providing full body coveralls and goggles. Some of the other free events on offer include a character illustration workshop at the State Library of Queensland (With 2016/17 Australian Children’s Laureate Leigh Hobbs), a Dance Moves workshop with Queensland Ballet, Puppet-arium, several wellness workshops and more.
There are also several free film opportunities taking place during Out of the Box Festival 2016. One of these is Dad’s Films, where QPAC will be opening up the 2000-seat Lyric Theatre for four nights of classic films. Following a survey of fathers, the films being screened are The Princess Bride (25th June), The Lion King (26th June), The Goonies (27th June) and The NeverEnding Story (28th June). Inspired by Drive-in Movies, there will also be daily Little Big Shots sessions on the Melbourne Street Green. The little ones will be able to grab something to eat and sit in custom-made cars to watch the flicks.
But as someone who doesn’t have any children of his own, please don’t consider the events I have been mentioned to be the top picks. I highly encourage you to check out the full event calendar, and start talking with your children about what they might like to attend.
Out of the Box Festival 2016 will take place from June 21st to 28th at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and the wider Cultural Precinct in South Bank.
