What do you all do Wednesday nights besides flick on the idiot box and high five yourself for surviving the first half of the week? Maybe reapply your Bondi Sands, slap on a face mask, flick through you socials for the 1045^th time that day…and soz, we’ve lost interest. We can all admit that there’s a whole lotta vanilla flavoured diddly squat on our mid-week agendas….until now. Our friends at The Star Gold Coast’s Atrium Bar are about to change hump day hangs as we know them, and make TGIW the new catch cry! Ladies and Gents, without further ado we introduce Wednesday night Comedy Club at the Atrium, your new mid-week must. So fun your Wednesday will feel like Saturday, and so funny your tear-resistant mascara just doesn’t stand a chance.

Presented by Based Comedy, IYKYK that this company is the Coast’s pin-up for lols. Bringing stand-up comedy and entertainment to venues GC-wide as well as performances for corporate events, functions and fundraisers, this mob put the fun in funny. The laugh in laughter. The ROF in ROFL and to quote Mark in Love Actually, “enough…enough now”.

To inject a bit of cool into the equation, this side-splittingly funny FREE series is bought to you by Byron Bay Brewery. Imagine sinking a boutique amber ale whilst laughing your leg off (figuratively, not literally pls) at a brand-spanking new line up of local and national comedians every week on repeat. Settle into a comfy-as bean bag for the long-haul, coz nothing says mid-week vibez like beanz and lolz and srsly, ending everything in z is strangely satisfying.

Let’s get down to business and talk food, coz eating equals happiness every day of the week – especially on Wednesdays.  Available from 6pm till 10pm, wrap your laughing gear around the eternal people pleasing snack, Fries with Aioli. If you prefer chunkier chats, then trade up to a serve of Seasoned Wedges with Sour Cream and Sweet Chilli.

Because you can, add a serve of Onion Rings with BBQ Sauce and stuff it, some Salt and Pepper Calamari with Aioli coz…just, coz… and also coz who can say no to $7.50 nibbles? But wait, we just realised they do epic pizzas for just $10 and we KNEAD to taste test them all. Possibly twice to be sure. We heart the Roasted Pumpkin, Mushroom, Capsicum and Olives, and the Chicken, Red Onion, Mushroom and Aioli. For the traditionalists, you can’t beat Ham, Pineapple and Napoli Sauce, or a Pepperoni with Napoli Sauce, Red Onion and Oregano.

Whilst there’s no such thing as a free dinner, entry is free and although you’re at The Comedy Club this is no joke. It really will cost nix to attend so the milky bars are on you. Walk-ins are available, however bookings are recommended for groups of four or more.

So the moral of the story is Wednesday nights just went from zero to hero with unparalleled laughs, lagers and luscious eats courtesy of The Comedy Club at Atrium. For more information or to make a booking, go here.

Where: Atrium Bar, The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: 7.30pm – 9.30pm Wednesdays

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

Okay so let’s talk about the ultimate IYKYK of music. And while we’re at it, the ultimate IYKYK of entertainment venues. Then let’s put them together for the holy grail of IYKYK and regardless of how many times we use this acronym, we still need to say it in our heads as we type to get it right. We’re talking about the great Kyle Lionhart joining forces with the numero uno destination for failsafe entertainment, hangs, eats and sips; The Lawn, Garden Kitchen & Bar, located at The Star Gold Coast.

Kyle Lionhart
Doing what he does best on Saturday 18^th February from 5pm until 6.30pm, Kyle will be singing up a storm (hopefully not literally) on The Lawn stage. If you haven’t heard this neo-folk/soul/singer-songwriter in action, cancel all plans because you’re in for a treat. Boasting one of the most incredibly captivating voices in the country, his extraordinary talents in the musical space are endless.

Honing his craft over the years, he started building his extremely loyal fanbase busking and we would totes have thrown a fiver in his hat…if we still carried cash that is. From wowing passers-by  on the streets and beaches of his hometown Byron Bay (which side note, gives instant cool street cred #SunriseYogesAnyone?!), to raising comparisons to Ben Harper and Matt Corby, Kyle is The Business. His honest and poetic song writing explores relationships of love, death, friendships and more, giving him the depth and layers of a superstar in the making.

Live on The Lawn
Nowhere showcases Kyle’s talents quite like The Lawn, Garden Kitchen & Bar. Hosting Live On The Lawn each and every week featuring live acoustic acts and DJs Thursday to Sunday (plus an exciting line-up of profile entertainment), The Lawn is where it’s at. Other February acts include Soul Collective, DJ Key, DJ Andreas, Buttered Duo, Miss Fisher Trio, McGill, Chris Bent, and Sex & Chocolate….and just like that, we’re 19 again #longlivethe90s.

Sprawl out in the open air, drink in hand, and indulge in some delectable bites straight from The Container Kitchen. To give you a taste of the menu, their signatures include Ceviche De Polpo with Australian seafood, cucumber, coriander, mint, and tomatillo salsa. Or how about the Fried Chicken Sando, served on a milk bun with crisp sliced coleslaw, fried onion rings, and the famous Garden Kitchen & Bar burger sauce.

If you’re more of a Taco head, the Avocado and Prawn Tacos give us life with tomato salsa, crispy prawns, and local avocado cream. And who can say no to Loaded Garden Fries with thin cut chips, liquid cheese, smoked bacon bits, and sour cream, or Fried Cheeseburger Dumplings and no we’re not teasing – these actually exist #YouCan’tMakeThisUp.

Entry is completely free so srsly, why wouldn’t you?!! For more information on Kyle Lionhart or any of the upcoming Live on the Lawn acts, go here.

Where: The Lawn, Garden Kitchen & Bar, The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When:  Kyle Lionhart – 5pm – 6.30pm, Saturday 18 February. Other acts various times Thursday – Sunday throughout February.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.

Getting out and about for a few drinks with friends can at times be a bit same-ol’ same-ol’. And we don’t mean this in a negative way. But sometimes nights out can seem like reruns of our favourite shows — sure, they’re fun, but you know the plotline. Somebody will drink too much, somebody will kiss a stranger, and naturally, there will be one too many espresso martinis.

So how does one shake up the status quo a little? Drag Queens, of course!

And if you weren’t aware, a number of Gold Coast venues regularly host the most magnificent and fun-loving drag queens to mix up and add some jazz to any outing. Not just one for the ladies either; it’s been noted guys have just as much fun when it comes to the ensuing high kicks and frivolities. Have a read and find out where on the Gold Coast you can enjoy a night out with Drag Queens.

Miami Marketta
For the last nine years, this multi-faceted venue has been entertaining, feeding and bringing together locals in a way no other business has, and for this, it deserves a round of applause. When they’re not showcasing renowned national, and international music acts, you’ll find their doors open three nights a week with a massive variety of the Coast’s best street food as well as art and fashion. You’ll also come across their habitual sold-out ticketed Drag Bingo and one-off Drag Comedy evenings, which are not to be missed!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

The Island
This iconic hotel has one of the Gold Coast’s largest open-air rooftops and is the place to be when the sun is shining, and you feel the need to quench that hard-earned thirst with some beautifully put together cocktails. Keep up to date with what’s on as they regularly host drag events with a difference, like their laugh-a-minute Brunch with Bite and fun-loving Hey Felicia Drag and Dine Musical. Did we mention there are drinks packages? — Yassss!
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

The Avenue
What is there not to like about this Surfers Paradise behemoth: they simply have it all. Regardless of what day of the week it is or what time even, The Avenue makes itself one of the best places to either come and relax or live it up — all underpinned by slurp-worthy drinks and the yummiest of food. More often than not, themed party nights are going down, with Thursday being the night for risqué jokes aplenty with Dragalicious.
Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Pink Flamingo
The Gold Coast’s premier cabaret performance and event venue, the list of hot-under-the-collar shows and eye-catching ladies/lads here is as long as your arm — and then some! You have some serious options when it comes to being entertained; however, if you feel the need for some flamboyant and over the top drag queen amusement, look no further than the Sunday stage show: Flamboyance. A sophisticated fusion of drag quuen cabaret and burlesque with an after-party that will keep you long into the night.
Where: Corner of 88 Surf Parade &, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach  

The Park Coomera
When it comes to finding family-friendly entertainment, great valued food and an overall great atmosphere, you’re hard pushed to look past The Park at Coomera. Yet when it comes to what’s on for big kids, there are plenty of options throughout the week to get you out the house — and away from the actual kids if need be. Take your pick between routine karaoke and unlimited bowling nights, but the star attraction has to be their monthly Drag Queen Bingo — the best way to laugh off a traumatic Monday at the office!
Where: Westfield Coomera, 103 Foxwell Road, Coomera 

Aviary Rooftop Bar
If there is a competitive streak in you, then we require your full attention. Drag Queen Bingo with Natasha St. James is your opportunity not only to win big (how does a $100 bar tab sound?) but also an opportunity to have an absolutely side-splitting evening as well. Ms St. James will take you through five rounds of number calling with two outrageous performances thrown in there along the way. If this doesn’t get you out of the house on a weekday night, nothing will!
Where: Mantra Southport Sharks, 5 Melia Court, Southport

Fat Freddy’s
Break the norm and spoil yourself with the most lavish and calorific Americana feast on the Gold Coast at Fat Freddy’s in Broadbeach. Once suitably fuelled up, make sure you stick around for their Drag Queen Trivia with their over the top and hilarious host, Mya-Carphone: expect naughty behaviour and outlandish jokes in abundance!
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach 

Words by Alex Mitcheson.