Events and happenings across the region by Kimberley Dadds
Photos: HERZOG DE MEURON & CORBIS

JULY

1-31
AUSTRALIA:
16th Biennale of Sydney

“Revolutions – forms that turn” is the theme for the Biennale, a showcase of contemporary Australian and international art. The city’s leading galleries and epic outdoor sites will host the visions and voices of the world’s most exciting artists in the form of installations, performances and film. Time-poor visitors can soak up the highlights by following the “Art Walk” along the foreshore. www.bos2008.com

4-27
SINGAPORE:
Singapore Food Festival

Visitors to Singapore will be treated to the mouth-watering delights of local and international cuisine during this month-long festival. Now in its 15th year, the food fest celebrates the city-state’s vibrant culinary scene with a series of themed events across the island, from the ethnic quarters of Chinatown and Little India, to the Great Sentosa BBQ on the eponymous beach-lined islet. www.singaporefoodfestival.com

 

6
AUSTRALIA:
Gold Coast Airport Marathon

Celebrating its 30th year, this racing meet is regarded as Australia’s premier marathon. Attracting more than 16,000 competitors from across the world, the event features a full- and half-marathon as well as a 10km run, 7.5km walk and a “Junior Dash” for children. www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au

20-27
THAILAND:
Six Senses Phuket Race Week

This mixed ?eet regatta will be even bigger this year, with four days of racing and ?ve nights of beachside parties. Held at the Evason Phuket, this year’s event welcomes more boats as well as international television coverage. www..phuketraceweek.com

 


AUGUST

7-10
SINGAPORE:
World Cyber Games Asian Championship

One for gaming enthusiasts, this event will see 140 competitors from 14 countries across Asia battling it out for the title and large cash prize. http://asian.worldcybergames.com

29-31
MALAYSIA:
Seventh Annual Kuala Lumpur International Tower Jump

Be amazed at the daredevils that leap off the 1,382ft high Kuala Lumpur Tower, the fifth tallest tower in the world. Each year, base jumpers throw themselves off the top of the building, then release a parachute after a three-second freefall – just in time to land safely. www.menarakl.com.my/basejump2008/event.html

 

8-24
CHINA:
Beijing Olympics

The Games kick off with an opening ceremony at the Beijing National Stadium this month. Most of the 28 sports and 302 events will be carried out in the capital, although some sports such as football, sailing and equestrian events will be held outside the host city at various locations.

SEPTEMBER

1-7
AUSTRALIA:
Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week

With more than 100 events to choose from, fashionistas will be spoilt for choice during this week of parades, workshops and new launches. Visitors can witness day-time and evening catwalk shows, while plenty of exhibitions and parties will spread across the city. www.msfw.com.au

20-27
AUCKLAND:
The Genesis Energy Spring Season

Operatic genius Leoš Janácek was 50 when he completed his masterwork Jenufa in 1904. Watch the groundbreaking opera’s ?rst southern hemisphere showing in Auckland with a cast including tenor Tom Randle and sopranos Anne Sophie Duprels and Margaret Medlyn. www.nzopera.com

 

22-30
BANGKOK:
ATP Thailand Open Tennis Championship

Tennis players from around the world will be in Bangkok this month competing for the title at the Thailand Open. Expect top-class performances from big names such as Andy Roddick and Tommy Haas at this annual ATP competition. www.thailandopen.org

26-28
SINGAPORE:
Formula 1 SingTel Grand Prix

Not only is this Singapore’s ?rst time hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix, but it will also make sporting history by becoming the world’s ?rst ever night race. A number of events will also mark the occasion, such as The Great Design Race from 25 August to 2 October and the Singapore Motor Show from 26 September to 5 October. This is a great excuse for racing fans to visit the lion city. www.singaporegp.sg