The Essentials: Top Cultural Highlights In June

THE WORD: Uitwaaien

As summer approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s only natural that thoughts begin to drift towards the coast and beautiful beaches, with gentle waves rolling towards the… Sorry, our mind was wandering, but you get the idea. The chance to visit the beach or head outdoors is always rich in promise – especially for anyone currently cooped up at work. The problem, however, is that reality doesn’t always live up to the fantasy. If your experience of beach and outdoor life is more like bracing winds, clouds overhead and sandy grit working its way into your sandwiches, then perhaps it’s time to shift your mindset.

This is where the Dutch word uitwaaien comes in handy. Used to describe the experience of being out walking in the wind, it symbolises a positive view of blustery, bracing weather as a chance to experience nature and clear one’s head. Whether heading to the coast, a countryside picnic or even just a stroll in a city park, don’t be put off by drab, disappointing windy weather: embrace it. You’re taking the smart approach as a pioneer of the art of uitwaaien.

Perfect If: Nature is your safe space, and getting outside in any weather helps you gather your thoughts and shake off the tedium of being stuck indoors.

THE SHOW: The Crowded Room

Get ready for a mind-bending journey into The Crowded Room, a psychological thriller that dances on the razor’s edge between reality and illusion. Tom Holland (Spider-Man, Uncharted) dons the role of Danny, whose life takes a sinister turn in 1979 Manhattan when he is accused of a crime. Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia, The Dropout) and Emmy Rossum (Shameless, The Phantom of the Opera) also add their talents to an all-star cast. With the echoes of Daniel Keyes’ non-fiction masterpiece resonating throughout, this 10-episode miniseries based on the book plunges into the depths of the human psyche, forcing us to confront our own shadows and question the very nature of truth. When and where? 9 June on Apple TV+.

Perfect If: You’re curious to see how far Tom Holland’s range can go – but you would watch for Seyfried and Rossum anyway. 

THE EVENT: Bordeaux Fête le Vin

From 22 to 25 June, head to the French city synonymous with wine for the Fête le Vin – a celebration of oenology on Bordeaux’s scenic quayside, this now-annual event is famous for its ‘tasting route’ where visitors can sample and purchase more than 80 wine varieties grown in the region. From the iconic savoury tannins of Bordeaux’s well-known wines to an organic gastronomic village, live concerts, sailboat tours and a spectacular drone show, there’s something for everyone. Plus, many vineyards promote organic and certified winegrowing with an eco-friendly approach, meaning you can sip your red, whites and rosés knowing your environmental footprint will be significantly reduced. Wine, food, fun and sustainability – are you sold yet?

Perfect If: Your idea of le week-end parfait involves a 2km road lined with your favourite wines.

THE FILM: Asteroid City

Within the first second of the trailer, you’ll know it’s a Wes Anderson film – this newest addition to the renowned filmmaker’s repertoire features, of course, his instantly recognisable visual style. Add to that a star-studded ensemble cast, including Tom Hanks, Hong Chau, Scarlett Johansson, Adrien Brody, Bryan Cranston and Tilda Swinton (to name just a few), in a comedy/drama/retro sci-fi flick described as “a play within a play within a TV production within a movie” and shot in a diorama-esque set design, you may think there’s too much going on. However, the main theme of this cosmic film boils down to one thing: human connection – told from the director’s quirkiest, most creative point of view. One watch may not be enough.

Perfect If: You enjoy Anderson’s trademark stunning visuals, inimitable directing, whimsical storytelling… or all the above.

THE DOCUMENTARY: Arnold

The first landmark documentary to feature Arnold Schwarzenegger was Pumping Iron in 1977, a curious but critically acclaimed depiction of the small world of professional bodybuilding and its emerging idol, an ambitious but affable young athlete from Austria. It’s a measure of his life and achievements in the near 50 years since then that Netflix is dedicating a three-part docuseries (streaming 7 June) to shed fresh light on the bodybuilder who became a Hollywood icon and later governor of California, as well as a living embodiment of the American dream.

Perfect If: You’re just as intrigued to discover more about Arnold, the man, husband and father, as ‘Arnie’ the superstar.

THE SOUND: Foo Fighters – But Here We Are

For fans of the Foo Fighters, surely one of the biggest bands of the post-classic rock era, it must feel slightly surreal to have a new album at all. The death of charismatic drummer Taylor Hawkins was a brutal shock that many are still processing… But Here We Are. The aptly titled new work (release date: 2 June) encapsulates the band’s tragic loss and promises a raw, powerful and unflinching sound. Frontman Dave Grohl, a drum icon in his own right, has confirmed that he played drums on this new release, while veteran drummer Josh Freese will take up the sticks on their upcoming tour.

Perfect If: You find some comfort in the thought that no one would be more excited to hear a new Foo Fighters album than Taylor Hawkins himself.

THE CAUSE: Animal Rights Awareness Week

Compassion and awareness are the order of the day, or rather week, during Animal Rights Awareness Week (ARAW), first created by the In Defense of Animals organisation in 1991. This week-long celebration will run from 19-25 June, calling upon observers to prioritise the rights and wellbeing of animals in our global consciousness. Engage in this initiative by embracing cruelty-free living, offering your time and care at an animal shelter, choosing plant-based cuisine and supporting reputable organisations dedicated to animal welfare through donations.

Perfect If: You know that all creatures great and small have a fundamental right to dignity.

THE EXCUSE: International Picnic Day

We apologise in advance to any picnic aficionados who are bewildered by the notion of an International Picnic Day. After all, shouldn’t any mildly clement day be considered as a potential picnic day? You may even be one of those truly devoted winter picnickers. However, for the rest of us, 18 June provides an annual excuse to dust off our trusty picnic hamper (or invest in a new one) and consider ways to up our picnic game. Whether you plan to trot out your signature go-to picnic dish, are looking for fresh new ideas or just haven’t yet found the perfect picnic location, don’t delay when you could already be under the blue skies enjoying the simple pleasure of a picnic. And for any picnic sceptics out there, maybe it’s time to embrace an entirely new picnic philosophy that better fits your available time and resources.

Perfect If: You understand that the pursuit of the perfect picnic is serious business. Serious business indeed.