The Reload gaming and nightlife venue will return for a one-night Halloween event in Canberra. Halloween Reloaded will take over the former Transit Bar space at Baileys Corner on Saturday 31 October, from 7 pm. Organisers say last year's pop-up drew 500 people. The night will feature DJs, Halloween-themed cocktails, classic video games such as Mario Kart and Mortal Kombat, and prizes for best and worst dressed. Owner Marc Brown says the success could help bring back a permanent Reload.
Nightlife venues in central Queensland are moving away from relying on alcohol sales. Young people are drinking less, and spending less at the bar, according to Queensland's night-life economy commissioner, John Collins. Rising insurance, supply and wage costs are also squeezing venues. Pub owner Stephen Roberts says his venue now hosts a weekly run club and attracts a younger crowd. University of Queensland consumer behaviour expert Felix Septianto says people buy experiences, not just drinks, and that memorable events can bring customers back.
Adults in Canberra have a long list of Halloween events to choose from this year. The National Film and Sound Archive is screening The Lost Boys on 31 October, with a DJ, dressing up encouraged and a drink included in the ticket. Other options include a horror short film festival at Verity Lane Market, a Halloween zoo event with a bar for adults, and a Zumba party raising money for Karinya House. Many events offer costume prizes and ticket bookings are recommended.
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Junipero, a monthly FLINTA party at Sydney's Burdekin Hotel, has marked its fourth birthday. Founder Erin Duncan started the night in October 2022 to fill a gap in the city's scene for spaces exclusively for FLINTA people. The event offers DJs, burlesque, pole dancing, dating and live music. Its door policy prioritises entry for some groups within the community. Recent events include Pride Month talks and a Queer Prom, and Duncan says she hopes to keep running the night.
A travel writer spent 48 hours in Hong Kong for the Rugby Sevens tournament's 50th anniversary. The trip included a business-class flight with Cathay Pacific, fan costumes on Pottinger Street and matches at Kai Tak Stadium. The writer also dined at Duddell's and Lai's Kitchen and visited Cardinal Point for cocktails. The writer travelled as a guest of Cathay Pacific.
An ACT Legislative Assembly committee has recommended that the ACT appoint a Night-Time Economy Commissioner, a role the ACT Government previously rejected. The committee's 28 recommendations also include a Night-Time Economy Activation Strategy. Businesses told the inquiry that dealing with government agencies was confusing, and nightclub operator Josh Dotta said he sometimes had to deal with up to 10 agencies. The committee also recommended entertainment precincts in Woden, Tuggeranong, Belconnen and Molonglo, and a review of liquor licensing fees.
Modern Asian restaurant and bar Oh My Papa opens at Canberra Centre this Friday, 16 October. The venue occupies a multi-level space on Bunda Street and includes a rooftop bar with city views. Its first location is in Newcastle. The sharing menu includes Chicken Yakitori, Karaage Chicken Bao Buns, Caramelised Pork Belly and Massaman Lamb Shank. Co-owner Nikki Lertaromrat says the venue aims to draw diners who stay on for drinks.
A writer has found old keepsakes from her youth in Canberra, including a 1994 Salt-N-Pepa concert ticket costing $46.90 at the Royal Theatre. The collection also includes a $4 Cosmopolitan Twin Cinemas ticket, a Ghetto shoe box, and a Triple Treat coupon from 2000 for bowling, swimming and a McDonald's burger at Tuggeranong. Later items include a card from the Insomnia nightclub. The writer says the items together record a Canberra that has largely disappeared, and a version of herself she had thought was gone.
