What’s On In Brisbane This Week, This Month And Beyond
Ready to get out there and explore what's on in Brisbane? Whether you're a culture seeker looking for a unique way to experience Brisbane's top galleries or a foodie fanging for your next exclusive bite, here's what's on in Brisbane this week, this month and beyond.
Jump to:
- What's On In Brisbane This Week
- What's On In Brisbane This Month
- What's On In Brisbane This Year
- Theatre Shows Coming Up In Brisbane
What's On In Brisbane This Week
Try A Flaming Chip-Inspired Capsicum Cocktail
Image credit: Urban List
From 4 June to 4 July, Death & Taxes are serving a limited-edition, set-on-fire cocktail called First Flame. Built with Nosferatu Blood Orange Gin, Amaro Nonino (an Italian liqueur infused with alpine botanicals), Amontillado (barrel-aged sherry wine from Spain), charred red capsicum syrup and sumac, it takes inspiration from the new fire-inspired Kettle Firemasters Red Pepper, Oregano & Sour Cream Potato Chips.
The Details
When: Thursday 4 June to Saturday 4 July
Where: Death & Taxes, 36 Burnett Lane, Brisbane City
Find out more here.
Festa Italiana
Image credit: Festa Italiana | Supplied
Officially an icon of the Brisbane social calendar, Howard Smith Wharves’ ever-popular Italian food festival is returning this year over two delicious weekends. Helmed by celebrated Italian chef Orazio D’Elia once again, this Festa Italiana will also see renowned Amalfi Coast beach club Conca del Sogno make its Australian debut, with the team flying in for the occasion to recreate their iconic spaghetti alla Nerano and signature cocktail, the Sgroppino that doubles as a zesty dessert with lemon sorbet, vodka and prosecco.
Festa Italiana will transform the Howard Smith Wharves precinct into an immersive Italian waterfront destination, with pop-up spritz bars, an Italian deli, a Gelato Messina stall and styling notes reminiscent of a seaside town. Indulge in antipasti, Roman-style pizza, cannoli and D’Elia’s signature rigatoni alla vodka—aka the best of Italy right here in the River City.
The Details
When: Thursday 28 to Sunday 31 May and Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 June
Where: Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane CBD
Find out more here.
GOMA Friday Nights
Image credit: GOMA | Supplied
Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art is transforming into a captivating after-dark retreat every Friday night throughout May and June. Alongside their major immersive exhibition Presence (which features a massive indoor riverbed and a jaw-dropping monochromatic sun), there will also be an intimate vinyl listening bar, freestyle breakdancing and Brisbane’s best DJs on deck—best enjoyed with a Japanese-inspired cocktail in hand. Grab your tickets here.
The Details
When: 5:30pm to 8:30pm Fridays, May and June
Where: Gallery of Modern Art, South Bank
Find out more here.
The Search For The Brunette
Look up city slickers because someone called Ryan is trying to find his missing brunette. We've noticed a mysterious message lighting up the buildings by King George Square calling for “the brunette who always caught the 444 at 8:30am”. Ryan is asking for her to meet him next Wednesday under the Clock Tower at 6pm. Will she show up? Only one way to find out.
The Details
When: 27 May to 3 June
Where: King George Square, Brisbane CBD
Dinos Alive
Image credit: Dinos Alive | Supplied
An absolute blast from the past is coming to Brisbane, with more than 40 towering dinosaurs roaring before your eyes. The pop-up Dinos Alive immersive experience lets you get up close and personal with animatronic replicas of your favourite dinosaurs, including the T-rex, stegosaurus, triceratops and velociraptor. There’s also a virtual aquarium where you can dive into the world of sea giants, plus budding paleontologists can dig for fossils with state-of-the-art VR technology. This larger-than-life exhibition is perfect for families or anyone who smashed through that new dino doc so don’t miss out—grab your tickets here.
The Details
When: Until 28 June
Where: Skygate Precinct, Brisbane Airport
Find out more here.
The FRIENDS Experience
Image credit: The FRIENDS Experience | Supplied
If you’re as passionate about Friends as Joey is about not sharing food, then you need to check out this world-famous attraction that’s popping up in Brisbane for the very first time. The FRIENDS Experience takes you behind the scenes and lets you relive iconic moments in the show—from Rachel and Monica’s purple door to Chandler and Joey’s recliners or Ross’ infamous sofa pivot. There will also be a fully recreated Central Perk complete with the legendary orange couch and exclusive merch every fan will want their hands on. Tickets go on sale 18 March and you can sign up for the waitlist here.
The Details
When: Until 20 June
Where: Uptown, Brisbane CBD
Find out more here.
Mandy Quadrio and Erika Scott at Institute of Modern Art
Image credit: Courtesy of Institute of Modern Art. Photo Joe Ruckli.
The Institute of Modern Art is back with another boundary-pushing (and free) exhibition from incredible Queensland artists that’s worth a visit to the Valley, ASAP. There’s Mandy Quadrio’s first solo show, featuring a striking forest made from suspended steel-wool sculptures. Erika Scott has taken junk from consumer culture and transformed it into a sensory explosion dubbed Cambium Itch. And the Screening Room will be hosting 3D animated videos that dissect cartoon violence and masculinity.
The Details
When: Until 28 June
Where: Institute of Modern Art, Fortitude Valley
Find out more here.
Horizons of Khufu
Image credit: Horizons of Khufu | Supplied
If you thought the only way you’d ever visit Ancient Egypt was through a time machine, think again because a fully immersive experience is coming to Brisbane where you can walk like an Egyptian. The free-roaming VR experience will send you back 4,500 years to explore iconic landmarks in all their glory—from soaring over the Great Pyramids of Giza at sunrise to a boat journey through the Nile. The cutting-edge technology means you’ll have 360º panoramic views throughout your 45-minute expedition, plus you can see and interact with your fellow adventurers. Tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for kids—grab yours now here.
The Details
When: Until 31 July
Where: Fever Hub Brisbane, 123 Gotha Street, Fortitude Valley
Find out more here.
Alcotraz
Image credit: Alcotraz | Supplied
While we don’t normally suggest ending up behind bars on your next night out, Brisbane’s new and immersive cocktail experience invites you to do just that. Inspired by Hollywood’s greatest prison stories, Alcotraz gives you an inmate number and orange jumpsuit to pop on before ushering you into a speakeasy-style cell block for the evening. It’s part role-play/part bar, as crooked guards and bootlegging accomplices whisk you into the world while pouring signature cocktails like the dangerously smooth Conspiracy (premium mezcal, burnt coconut tequila, pineapple and a hint of cinnamon) or the Crime of Passion (passionfruit liqueur, strawberry puree, lime, cranberry and orange). Tickets are $65 and you can grab yours here.
The Details
When: Until 30 June
Where: 123 Gotha Street, Fortitude Valley
Find out more here.
Make A Scene: Fashioning Queer Identity And Club Culture In The 90s
Image credit: Make A Scene | Kenn Bushby Collection
Take yourself back to an iconic era of Australian queer culture with Queensland Museum's latest free exhibition: Make A Scene. The fashion-forward 90s showcase features all things colour, camp, pop culture and community—from fearless self-expressions of LGBTQIA+ identity to the Brisbane-based labels that defined the era. Coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality, the immersive exhibition is your chance to engage with personal stories that unfolded on the underground nightclub and dance party scene. It’s glamorous, it’s moving and it’s full of pride.
The Details
When: Until 19 July 2026
Where: Queensland Museum Kurilpa, South Brisbane
Find out more here.
The God Of Small Things
Image credit: QAGOMA | Supplied
If you’re intrigued by faith, visual culture, and how the divine finds its way into daily life across cultures, then QAGOMA’s latest free exhibition will be right up your alley. Featuring stunning and rare oleographs dating back to the late 1800s, this insightful showcase was created in collaboration with conservationists based in Bengaluru, India—letting you witness how the divine exists all around us from the other side of the world.
The Details
When: Until 5 October 2026
Where: QAGOMA, South Brisbane
Find out more here.
Image credit: Prison Island | Supplied
This isn’t your average escape room. One for the adrenaline junkies and puzzle solvers alike, the globally captivating Prison Island is officially coming to Brisbane and putting you to the test. The interactive adventure features more than 30 unique ‘cells’ that require you and your mates to put your heads together across a combination of action games, sports and strategy. With 90 minutes on the clock, your team needs to conquer as many challenges as possible to earn a coveted spot on the leaderboard—dodging laser beams, escaping cages, and taking part in the most high stakes game of whack-a-mole you’ve ever encountered. Tickets go on sale 5 August, but you can sign up for the waitlist here.
The Details
When: Until August 2026
Where: 162 Alfred St, Fortitude Valley
Find out more here.
Image credit: Museum of Brisbane | Supplied
Explore more than 3,000 items generously loaned from around 30 incredible collections and collectors at Precious—Museum of Brisbane’s new major exhibition that doubles as a veritable treasure trove. With many on display for the first time, this charming assortment offers a glimpse into the cherished collections usually hidden within suburban homes and buildings across Brisbane. From international dolls to ornamental eggs and wind-up toys, Precious covers the rare, beautiful and intriguing while honouring the dedication and stories of Brisbane enthusiasts. The free exhibition is worth a visit for the sheer scale and variety alone, with objects from some of the city’s most fascinating institutions (think the Embroiders’ Guild QLD, Queensland Maritime Museum, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia QLD) sitting alongside lovingly gathered curiosities that capture a truly unique side of the people that call Brisbane home.
The Details
When: Until Autumn 2027
Where: Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City
Find out more here.
See what else is on this weekend right here.
What's On This Month
CJ Hendry Flower Shop
Image credit: CJ Hendry Flower Shop | Instagram
She’s the artist known for creating massive hype around the world, and now CJ Hendry is bringing her most vibrant pop-up yet to Brisbane. A take on her wildly popular Flower Market (which now has a brick-and-mortar store in SoHo following successful and immersive experiences around the globe) is happening in Fortitude Valley this June dubbed the Brisbane Flower Shop. While details are still tight-lipped, judging by her previous experiences you can expect the chance to shop her playful plush flowers made of fabric in colourful hues and surreal sizes.
The pop-up is happening on the corner of Arthur and Brunswick Street for a very limited time. Like we said, people go gaga over Hendry pieces so lines and wait times are basically guaranteed, however if you’re willing to be patient, you can snag yourself a beautiful bloom that never fades. As for prices, we’ll confirm when we know for certain, but in the Melbourne pop-up this past May, stems were going for $10 a pop.
The Details
When: 25 June to 12 July
Where: 1 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley
Find out more here.
Dine BNE City
Back in full force for its sixth year this June, get your forks ready, we’re talking about Dine BNE City. It’s a monster program of over 130 exclusive offers and special events happening at some of Brisbane’s top-tier restaurants, beloved cafes and slick bars. The tasty times kick off on Monday 1 June and carry right through to the end of the month.
This year, the jam-packed program comes with a whole new category dedicated to the breakfast fiends: Morning Edition. Meanwhile, the rest of the program arms we know and love are better than ever: Let’s Do Lunch, Supper Club, Bar Safari and Special Events.
The Details
When: Monday 1 June–Tuesday 30 June 2026
Where: All around Brisbane City
For a complete rundown of everything you can dig your teeth into, head here.
Open Season
Image credit: Open Season | Supplied
Your winter soundtrack is officially loud and local because Open Season is returning for its sixth edition—taking over iconic Brisbane venues with 100+ artists and special events. The bold cultural program is back for eight epic weeks across The Tivoli, Princess Theatre, Fish Lane, Glasshouse Theatre, and more, with a lineup of international icons, in-demand pioneers, emerging voices and local legends. There’s the world premiere of Gil Scott-Heron by jazz and soul luminary Brian Jackson and hip hop powerhouse Yasiin Bey, unmissable rappers Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE, R&B heartthrob Saint Levant, and Scottish heavyweight Mogwai. Repping Aus, you can expect the internationally lauded Hiatus Kaiyote, Rum Jungle, Beddy Rays, and Peach PRC who will be making a comeback after having to cancel her On The Banks performance due to illness.
And that’s barely the tip of the iceberg for Open Season. You can also expect a multi-venue block party in Against The Grain Festival, Brisbane’s annual celebration of First Nations voices with Blak Day Out, and the return of South System which will turn Fish Lane into a full-blown dance party. Check out the full Open Season program and grab your tickets here.
The Details
When: 25 May to 25 July
Where: Various Locations in Brisbane
Find out more here.
The Jury Experience
Image credit: The Jury Experience | Supplied
It’s time to put all that Law & Order knowledge to the test with this immersive new theatre experience that depends entirely on your decisions. You’re invited into the courtroom where you and your peers will play jury—voting on which evidence is admissible, which testimonies hold up, and what verdict is delivered. Plus, the cases aren’t just your average traffic stop. You can expect thought-provoking moral dilemmas that will stick with you long after the case is closed. Will justice be served? You be the judge. Book your spot here.
The Details
When: 25 June, 16 July, 20 August, 25 September
Where: Old Museum, Bowen Hills
Find out more here.
What's On This Year
Incognito Art Show
Image credit: Incognito Art Show | Website
Incognito Art Show is Australia's biggest and most inclusive not-for-profit art show, and it's landing in Long Island this July. The idea is simple—all pieces are sold for $100 each, and the identity of the artist remains anonymous throughout the entire process, only revealed to the buyer after purchase is complete.
Their goal is to provide emerging artists with the opportunity to pursue the professional route, to inspire a new generation of art collectors, and to support local arts organisations by donating 100% of the profits gained. It's a pretty low risk, high reward concept—and the perfect opportunity to dip your toe into the art world.
The Details
When: Saturday 25–Sunday 26 July
Where: Long Island
Find out more here.
Sunnybank Food Trail
Image credit: Sunnybank Food Trail | Supplied
Get your fill of dumplings, bubble tea, BBQ pork buns and more at the Sunnybank Food Trail—a one-day-only feast that’s as delicious as it is budget-friendly. Celebrating 12 years of diverse flavour, the trail is returning on Saturday 27 June from 2pm to 8pm, with Sunnybank’s best restaurants and vendors getting in on the action. The best part? Entry is free and every dish is $5 or under so you can dig into standouts from China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong and more without breaking the bank.
While the full map and complete menu haven’t dropped yet, you can definitely expect lion dancing, live music and kids’ zones on the day to keep the festival atmosphere pumping in between bites.
The Details
When: 2pm to 8pm, Saturday 27 June
Where: Sunnybank Plaza and Sunny Park
Find out more here.
Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
What’s better than listening to the scores by one of the world’s greatest film composers? Listening to them in a beautiful cathedral lit by candlelight. Hans Zimmer’s best works will be performed by a live string quartet at St John’s Cathedral in the CBD, including themes from Inception, The Lion King, Interstellar, The Dark Knight, and Pirates of the Caribbean. To say it’s a magical experience is a true understatement, so make sure you grab your tickets before they sell out here.
The Details
When: 20 June and 10 July
Where: St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane CBD
Find out more here.
Abbey Medieval Festival
Shake off your chainmail because the beloved Abbey Medieval Festival is set to return in 2026 for its 35th year of history, heritage and community spirit. As per usual, the festival will be back in July starting with the Family Fun Day on Friday 10 July before the weekend tournament on 11 to 12 July—welcoming thousands to reenact life in the Middle Ages with swords in hand and feasts fit for royalty. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you tickets sell out faster than a jousting round so here’s what you need to know: tickets officially go on sale early-mid 2026 and you can subscribe to their newsletter here, follow social media here or register for SMS alerts here to be among the first in the know. If you really don’t want to miss out, you can also book accommodation with Holiday Hub Bribie Island for the tournament weekend to get guaranteed tickets for each guest—huzzah. Alternatively, if you think you’d make a great knight or maiden, keep an eye on the Abbey Medieval Festival’s channels as they’ll be looking for volunteers and performers soon.
The Details
When: 10 to 12 July 2026
Where: The Abbey Place, Caboolture
Find out more here.
The Red Dress
Image credit: The Red Dress | Supplied
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the incredible piece of pure artistry set to be on display for the first time in Australia at the Museum of Brisbane this year. The Red Dress is an award-winning global community art project 14 years in the making. Created by British artist Kirstie Macleod, the poignant piece has travelled the world to be embroidered on by 367 women, 11 men and two non-binary artists from 51 countries.
From refugees to survivors of war, The Red Dress holds the Guiness World Record for the largest collaborative embroidery project with an estimated 1.5 billion stitches incorporated into the piece—telling the stories of marginalised voices and shining a light on important social issues in a truly awe-inspiring kind of way. The Red Dress has been exhibited in major galleries and at political gatherings across the globe, and soon you’ll be able to see it for yourself right here in Brisbane for free when it comes to the Museum of Brisbane from this July.
The Details
When: Saturday 25 July to Sunday 13 September
Where: Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane CBD
Find out more here.
Rachel Burke at Brisbane Powerhouse
Image credit: Flower. Puppy. Show. | Supplied
Brisbane’s very own colourful queen Rachel Burke is set to take over Brisbane Powerhouse with her signature bold art and playful aesthetics as their Artist in Residence. Spanning this year and the next, the kitschy creative will be hosting shows and workshops—all designed as a beautiful celebration of individuality.
Opening with a surrealist live music performance named ‘Flower. Puppy. Show.’ from 6 to 8 August, Burke is teaming up with Patience Hodgson featuring handmade fashion and a craft activation inspired by vintage swap cards, ornaments and (of course) puppies. On 22 August Burke will guide a junk jewelling session where you can learn how to transform discarded trinkets and broken jewellery into gorgeous wearable pieces. On 17 October, the spotlight turns to handmade zines, as you create your own unique self-published piece embracing imperfection and intuitive making. On 12 December, you can make a custom rosette or badge to wear with pride using textiles, ribbons and found materials. Then the program concludes on 20 February 2027 with a retro-inspired Melty Bead Keychain Workshop to gift or keep as a personal talisman.
There’s limited capacity in each session so make sure to book your spot ASAP here.
The Details
When: August 2026 to February 2027
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse
Find out more here.
Better Off Red
Image credit: Night Feast | Supplied
Brisbane’s ever-popular Night Feast is adding a new occasion to the lineup in Better Off Red: an indulgent one-day-only long lunch dishing up bold flavours, breathtaking performances and sensory theatrics. In the kitchen will be Bosco’s Simon Hill and Blackbird Brisbane’s Jake Nicholson, who are pulling together a flame-led spread with the likes of grilled tiger prawns with romesco, chorizo glazed in hard cider and wood barbecued cumin-spiced spring lamb with quince and mint—all paired with D’Arenberg wines. Sprawled across the Performance Lawn, you’ll also have front-row seats to unexpected live performances, combining fine dining and performance art into an unforgettable experience. Tickets are $269 and available here.
The Details
When: 12pm to 2:30pm, Sunday 16 August
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
Find out more here.
Strummingbird Festival
Strummingbird Festival is back for its second year, touring a stacked lineup of American country stars and homegrown heroes across regional Aus. Topping the bill is cross-genre superstar Post Malone, bringing his Nashville-inspired F-1Trillion to the stage. On support duties are the likes of Bailey Zimmerman, Cooper Alan, Jindabyne local Brad Cox and Cigarettes @ Sunset—plus a stack more on the mammoth program.
Kicking off in Ballarat on 10 October, before heading north to Newcastle on 17 October and finishing the run on the Sunshine Coast on 18 October, it’s set to be a toe-tapping, head-banging boogie. We don’t need to tell you that country’s having a comeback, so make sure to grab your presale tickets here on 13 May to lock in the best price.
The Details
When: 18 October
Where: Kawana Sports Precinct, 31 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina
Find out more here.
Looking for weekend plans? Check out what’s on in Brisbane this weekend right here.
Image credit: Museum of Brisbane | Supplied