Polite Society’s Social Diary - July

If fate or fortune prevents you from sunning it up in the south of France this northern summer, the next best option may be a trip to Circular Quay mid-July. The Bastille Festival – now in its 12th year – showcases the best of gallic food and wine, with champagne bars and ‘bars à vin’ serving boutique bottles, plus stalls offering all the warming dishes you’d expect (raclette and moules-frites being our tip). Robespierre might be turning in his grave, but we’d scale any barricade for a crisp rosé. Circular Quay, Sydney, July 17-20

There’s a theory that Shakespeare’s Coriolanus is often revived during times of crisis, such as the Arab Spring and the UK’s Brexit – so we’re not sure what to make of its new staging by Bell Shakespeare. (Perhaps it’s apt?) One of the Bard’s last tragedies, Coriolanus tells the oft-brutal tale of a war hero exiled from Rome who plots vengeance by siding with the enemy. We enjoyed the pared-back, inventive staging of the company’s recent Henry V and predict this play (admittedly without the famous speeches) will also deliver. The Neilson Nutshell, Sydney, until July 19; Arts Centre Melbourne, July 24-August 10

Who doesn’t love a peek into places they’re not usually allowed? This year’s Open House Melbourne offers the chance to explore behind the façade of buildings that tell the story of the city, from mansions like Government House and Lowther Hall to the intriguing Donkey Wheel House (the eye-catching Venetian Gothic HQ of the Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Company). Venture out of the CBD for unusual delights such as the Little Lane Early Learning Centre in Glen Iris, a striking, sinuous building that opened last year and features airy, open-plan classrooms and an enchanting rooftop garden. Open House Melbourne, various venues, July 25-27

He’s been based in Le Marais since the 90s, which goes some way towards explaining why fashion designer Martin Grant isn’t well-known here, despite being born and raised in Melbourne. Another reason? The understated elegance of his clothes, favoured by everyone from Megan Markle to Tilda Swinton, along with every fashion editor worth their salt. The NGV is now spotlighting this master of cut and fabrication with a retrospective of 140 garments at the Ian Potter Centre – the coats in particular are divine. Martin Grant, NGV Ian Potter, until January 26, 2025 

Director Anne-Louise Sarks has created a new production of Carmen for Opera Australia and we’re here for it – in fact, we’re always here for this fierce, provocative opera with Bizet’s sumptuous score. This is a long run, with numerous singers in the title role, beginning with Danielle de Niese – an exceptional artist once billed as ‘opera’s coolest soprano’ by the New York Times Magazine. It transfers to Melbourne later in the year. Sydney Opera House, July 10-September 19

Don’t let winter waves and a stiff breeze deter you from visiting Bondi this month, which sees the return of Bondi Festival. Highlights include a daytime dance party (open to all ages), an ice rink, big wheel, clay art at the Bondi Pavilion Clay Studio, and plenty of live music. Bondi, July 4-20