From now until the 19th November, you’ll discover a world of vibrant performances, thought-provoking exhibitions, and unforgettable experiences that will ignite your senses and captivate your heart at the 2023 Feast Festival.
Celebrating diversity, art, and culture – you won’t want to miss, Australian Arts Review takes a look at some events worth checking out:
PICNIC IN THE PARK
Sunday 5 November
Prepare for the highlight of the year – Feast Festival’s much-anticipated annual Picnic in the Park. Gather your best buddies and your loved ones, including your furry friends, for an unforgettable day. Immerse yourself in captivating performances at the Feast Artist Stage, savour a multitude of culinary delights from local food vendors, and browse through lively market stalls featuring the creative works of independent artisans. Interact with community stallholders, applaud our four-legged companions at the Feast Dog Show, and witness the thrilling Tattoo Parade. The journey continues long after the sun sets – head to the official Picnic After Party at Mary’s Poppin to keep the festivities alive.
FEAST FESTIVAL NIGHT ROOFCLIMB
1, 8, 10, 15 & 17 November
Looking for a truly unique nightlife experience? Look no further than the Feast Festival Night RoofClimb! This event guarantees an unforgettable night, hosted by Adelaide’s iconic drag performers, Vonni and Kris del Vayze. Dance the night away on the rooftop of Adelaide Oval, accompanied by a curated playlist, all while enjoying the breath-taking views of the night sky and city lights. For an evening filled with dancing, drinks, and unbeatable vistas, the Feast Festival Night RoofClimb is a must-attend event.
HAPPILY EVER POOFTER
2 & 3 November
If you’re a Disney fan and proudly a massive raging queer, Happily Ever Poofter is tailor-made for you! This legendary, smash-hit parody musical is back, and it’s a must-see! Follow the hilarious and heart-warming quest for true love with Prince Henry, the Kingdom’s one and only openly gay royal. The award-winning cabaret spectacle features brilliantly reimagined musical favourites like Some Day My Prince Will Cum, High Ho!” and Just Come Out To The King! It has enthralled and delighted audiences worldwide, and now it’s your chance to join in the magic.
THE QUILT: A FORUM
Tuesday 7 November
The Australian AIDS Memorial Quilt Project, inaugurated on December 1, 1988, and has produced over 100 quilt blocks, each comprising eight panels honouring individuals who lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. Recently, two of the South Australian AIDS Memorial Quilt blocks have returned to Adelaide, presenting an occasion to showcase them at The Quilt: A Forum and delve into their connection to the broader quilt project, and the historical context in which these remarkable pieces were crafted.
FEAST FESTIVAL OPEN MIC NIGHT
Wednesday 8 November
Step into the spotlight and venture into uncharted creative territory by spontaneously adding your own literary creations during the event. Do you have the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent? Join us for a night of discovery, as we delve into unforeseen realms with an impromptu roster of local poets and storytellers, both emerging and well-established at Open Mic Night. Be sure not to overlook the exciting Rapid Fire session, commencing at 6:00pm, and then stay to see what sparks of inspiration you can ignite on the stage! Shantay you stay!
THE EQUALITY AND INKLUSION BOUT
Saturday 11 November
Light City Derby proudly presents the 2023 Pride Bout. Witness an electrifying Roller Derby clash between Inklusion and eQuality – highlighting inclusivity in this thrilling full-contact sport played on roller skates. Whether you’re a Roller Derby enthusiast or a first-time spectator, the 2023 Pride Bout promises an unforgettable experience. It’s not just about the captivating sport but also a celebration of equality and empowerment, breaking down barriers and showing that Roller Derby belongs to everyone. From jaw-dropping athleticism to electrifying cheers, this event is all about unity and shared passion on the track. Join us for this history-making moment and be part of the excitement!
LESBIAN LOVE STORIES
Sunday 12 November
A captivating cabaret uniting classically trained talent. This remarkable trio, boasting a member with a prestigious Les Misérables London performance on her résumé, showcases their classical training in a seamlessly woven tapestry of raw, honest, and uproarious entertainment. Join these accomplished women and their rockin’ pianist as they unveil anonymous tales of global love, delivering an unfiltered and humour-infused exploration of the intricacies of everyday relationships. Having garnered accolades with sold-out runs at numerous festivals, a coveted Matilda Award nomination, and triumphant tours, this formidable ensemble is poised to bedazzle Adelaide with their electrifying harmonies and masterfully paced comedy.
CHRISTIAN HULL
Thursday 16 November
Christian Hull: The Comedy Sensation. An AACTA-nominated Australian comedian, content creator, and best selling author, Christian Hull brings his uproarious, candid, and irresistible humour to the live stage. Best known for his contagious enthusiasm over t-shirt folders, paint colour guesses, and quirky reactions to everyday life, he’s taken the world by storm. Since his last sold-out tour, Christian has conquered the online realm with hilarious content and his infamous Fuck Off Shop. Now, he’s back with a brand new live comedy show, delighting audiences worldwide. Don’t miss this beloved comedy icon with over 3.3 million followers!
NIGHT LAB: TROPIC LIKE IT’S HOT
Friday 17 November
Get ready for a tropical-themed, adults-only night of fun at the South Australian Museum. Enjoy talks, music, performances, and, of course, tropical drinks. Kane Enable and friends will dazzle you on the main stage, while the Temple of Science offers the latest knowledge. You can also relax in the games area with fruity drinks. With hands-on activities on all five museum floors, dive into the fun, it’s an event you won’t want to miss.
RAINBOW HISTORY CLASS
17 & 18 November
TikTok sensation, Rainbow History Class is leaving the online realm for an IRL classroom adventure, where homework isn’t a worry, and chaos reigns. Hannah McElhinney and Rudy Jean Rigg invite you to their live show – an entertaining journey through queer history from ancient times to the digital era, offering insights into secret queer codes, gender-bending icons, and remarkable activists, welcoming LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies. With more than 600k followers, a best-selling book, and a TEDxSydney talk, Rainbow History Class is known for its captivating stories and historical fun facts. From revealing queer love letters to the story of Alice Springs as a lesbian haven, their live lesson brings you the history you didn’t get in school. Showing up is all it takes to ace this class!
MITCHELL COOMBS
17 & 18 November
Calling all the fierce and grumpy souls out there! Mitchell Coombs, renowned for his epic rants and tantrums, embraces a new era of comedy focused on letting go. Following the sold-out success of his debut show, Can Ya Stand It?! – an achievement that earned him the Best Newcomer award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival – Mitchell now brings you Water Off A Duck’s Clit. In this show, he explores the art of picking your battles, leaving grudges behind, and finding humour in life’s darker corners. Don’t miss the hilarious and unabashed Mitchell Coombs.
THE FEAST COMEDY DEBATE
Saturday 18 November
Explore the debate on the evolution of queer life at an event featuring Australia’s funniest and fiercest comics. They’ll battle it out to answer the question: “Was queer life better with our own bars, clubs, and culture, or is integration into the mainstream the way to go?” Hosted by the iconic Adelaide Legend Lori Bell and featuring Christian Hull, Rainbow History Class, Mitchell Coombs, Rudy-Lee Taurua, and Feast Debate champion Laura Taylor, this star-studded event is a festival favourite where you decide the winner with your laughter and wit.
The 2023 Feast Festival continues until 19 November. For more information and full program, visit: www.feast.org.au for details.
Image: Night Lab – Tropic Like It’s Hot at South Australian Museum (supplied)