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Unmissable Events and Experiences: What’s On in August

Sideshow Alley at the Ekka

Welcome to SPARK POP’s monthly roundup of unmissable events and experiences!

As Australia’s go-to destination for the most unique and POPular collection of experiences for kids and families, we take pride in curating the best activities from around the country to help you explore and find fun to suit you and your family. 
This August we’ve handpicked an exciting selection of new activities or exhibits, what’s opening or recently opened, and now on sale so you don’t miss out on those shows only available for a limited time. Covering age groups from littles to teens and all in-betweens, get ready to create everlasting memories with your loved ones.

BRISBANE

1. Titanic: The Human Story

The story of the Titanic is not only an engineering and maritime marvel but also one of the most famous maritime disasters in history. If your children aren’t familiar with the Titanic, they’ll be captivated by tales of adventure, exploration, and heroism from this significant event in the past.  Book your tickets here.

Titanic passing iceberg

2. EKKA

Runs from Saturday 10th to Sunday 18th August at Brisbane Showgrounds in Bowen Hills. This iconic show has been running since 1876 and will once again wow families with Tickets this year are $39.90 for adults, $24.90 children (5-14yr) or $88 for a family of 4. Book your tickets and get ready for a whole lot of family fun!

Photo: Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

3. Lightscape – ALL AGES

Following a successful season at Melbourne Botanic Gardens, Lightscape returns to Brisbane for Brisbane Festival. This globally renowned, multisensory phenomenon of light, color, and sound showcases Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens in a new light, with breathtaking installations created by acclaimed local and international artists. Enjoy skipping beneath colorful canopies, exploring giant flowers, neon roots, and twirling through dynamic glowing tunnels. Book your tickets now through Ticketek. General Admission Off-Peak is $24 children $32 adults and Family $104.

4. Emma Memma: Boop & Twirl – LITTLES

Wednesday 18 September at Fortitude Music Hall. ARIA award-winning children’s musical spectacular, Emma Memma, is heading back out on her big, brights, orange Butterfly Bus to tour around the country bringing Boop and Twirl Tour to Aussie families far and wide. Families will be treated to a fun-filled and interactive show with Emma Memma and her friends.  Find out more and get your tickets now!

5. FREE Dance Classes at Queensland Ballet – 11 to 14 YEARS

This month Queensland Ballet launched The Ballet Boys Project, a series of initiatives
designed to explore and address the decline of boys in ballet and dance.  Since 2020, Queensland Ballet Academy has seen a 36% decline in male enrolments, a downward trend that Christian Tàtchev, Director of Queensland Ballet Academy, observes is
evident across the professional training industry globally. Free weekly ballet classes are now available until September for boys 11-14 years at the homes of Queensland Ballet (West End) and Queensland Ballet Academy (Kelvin Grove). Learn more here.

SYDNEY

6. Horizon of Khufu: A VR expedition to Egypt – 8 YEARS+

The Pyramids of Egypt have arrived in Sydney for the first time ever! With Horizon of Khufu, there’s no easier way to travel with kids than through virtual reality. This experience will be so cool for your tween or teen with the latest virtual reality technology transporting them within moments to the golden age of ancient Egypt, making them feel like they’re actually there enjoying the magical views. Book early and get 10% off here. 

Boat on the river with pyramid in the background

CANBERRA

7. Candlelight Kids: Animated Movie Soundtracks – ALL AGES

Immerse your family in an evening of unforgettable fun with Candlelight Kids at the James Fairfax Theatre, located in the prestigious National Gallery of Australia. This enchanting live musical experience brings beloved sing-along classics to life, all performed by the Phoenix Collective. Learn more and book your seat now.

MELBOURNE

8. Jurassic World: The Exhibition – ALL AGES

Opening August 2 – Jurassic World: The Exhibition will bring you closer to dinosaurs than ever before. This immersive experience brings scenes inspired by the beloved film to life, allowing audiences of all ages to come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs. Don’t miss this gargantuan exhibition while it’s in Melbourne. Book now!

9. Candlelight: Best of Movie Soundtracks at SEA LIFE Melbourne – TWEENS + TEENS

For an inspired night out with the family, consider this magical concert series. Candlelight concerts continue to grow in popularity, offering a multi-sensory musical experience in awe-inspiring locations such as Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Enjoy magical movie soundtracks under the gentle glow of candlelight.  Click here to see the programme and book your tickets.

Genie of the lamp

10. Ancient Egypt for Kids – Pre-School + Primary FREE

Children embark on a journey of learning, play, and discovery in this exhibition, where they learn about the lives and times of the pharaohs, pyramid building, and beautiful art objects made for eternity. Presented in the National Gallery of Victoria children’s gallery, the exhibition features works from the NGV antiquities collection, hands-on activities, a multimedia quiz, and cinematic screenings. Activities include cracking hieroglyphs, building a pyramid, and taking a quiz. This complements the current PHARAOH 2024 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces®, a celebration of 3,000 years of Egyptian art and culture, with over 500 exquisite artifacts exploring the myths and legends of Egypt’s all-powerful kings.

PERTH

11. Circus of Illusion – Primary+
Saturday 31 August, 2pm or 7.30pm

Escape into a world where sawdust and sequins join cutting edge illusions and spectacular magic to create Circus of Illusion! The pure spectacle of death defying escapes, mind-blowing illusions, mime and magic, as well as the incredible costumes and world-class artists, will keep you on the edge of your seat. Book now!

AT THE MOVIES

12. The Sloth Lane – now showing!

The latest family movie to hit theaters, The Sloth Lane, is an animated adventure following a speedy sloth named Laura and her kooky family as they move to the big city with their rusty old food truck, dreaming of business success. Described as an ‘aussie-mation’ nod to its Queensland-based studio, Like A Photon Creative. Get your EVENT Cinemas Family Movie Pass for just $45!

Get your EVENT Cinemas Family Movie Pass for just $45! Buy now!

Stay tuned for more exciting updates and don’t miss out on the best experiences Australia has to offer. Happy exploring with SPARK POP!

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