A century of history will be celebrated with a full-day party in California Lane
As two of The Valley’s longstanding icons hit a massive milestone, the team behind one of the precinct’s vibrant laneway hubs will be hosting a full day of music, food, dance, film and history. To mark the 100-year anniversary of Carroll’s Corner and Rollinson Buildings, California Lane will host a community day on Saturday November 22 – here’s what’s planned …
Fortitude Valley was a vastly different place 100 years ago. Long before the area became known as Brisbane’s nightlife epicentre, The Valley was a retail hub, rivalled only by Brisbane City. Carroll’s Corner and the Rollinson Buildings helped form the nexus of this early precinct, housing everything from butchers and bakers to jewellers, music stores and the legendary California Cafe.
More than a century on, and sturdy brick structures are still standing strong. Now home to long-running venues like Giardinetto (which has been operating since 1966), Reverends and Fat Dumpling, these buildings continue to add character to The Valley’s streetscape and endure as havens for an assortment of businesses.
To celebrate the 100th birthday of Carroll’s Corner and the Rollinson Buildings (and the hundreds of stories that have happened in and around them), the team behind California Lane is hosting a community open day on Saturday November 22 – activating the precinct with an assortment of happenings designed to celebrate the history and ongoing evolution of the area.
You might like
From 9:30 am until late, Carroll’s Corner, the Rollinson Buildings and California Lane will play host to live-music performances, photographic displays and heritage tours by local historian
Robert Allen, live street painting by artist and former local councillor David Hinchliffe, a curated record and CD market hosted by Glitter Records, live vinyl DJ sets by Martin Spencer and DJ Bobby Love, and swing dance performances by Swing Patrol.
Food will be available from the laneway’s dining outlets, while Nok Nok, Lang’s Lounge and First Edition will play host to entertainment in the evening.
“The Valley’s always been full of character and characters” says the buildings’ owner Arthur Apostolos, whose father George operated California Cafe for decades. “When these buildings opened, they sat beside hotels and the old Truth newspaper office – now apartments.
“The open day is a way to honour the businesses and the community that’s kept this precinct alive and thriving for a century.”