The Best Things To Do In Brisbane This Weekend

Rain, hail or shine, Brisbane is getting busy with an epic lineup of markets, pop-ups, festivals and more to ensure you don't waste a moment this weekend. Whether you're catching a gig, swinging by a market, or simply want to get on top of what's on, this weekend's a doozy.

Check out the best things to do in Brisbane this weekend below:

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What's Open New Year's Day

If you want to celebrate the New Year minus the crowds and claustrophobic raves, then look no further. We've crafted a master list of what's open New Year's Day in Brisbane so you can kick off 2026 with gusto, while everyone else is busy nursing their hangovers.

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Christmas At South Bank

South Bank has officially announced their Christmas program and it’s a very Queensland celebration full of hands-on fun and giant surprises—literally. Larger-than-life 5-metre inflatable elves have popped up around the precinct with magic to spread, so make sure you grab an elf map and find them all. Meanwhile, the Rainforest Green will transform into an open-air cinema showing Christmas classics, the Riverside Green will be the spot for Santa photos (furry friends included), and Mrs Claus will be hosting free festive craft activities for the little ones. There’ll also be festive workshops with Dead Puppet Society where you can craft your own Christmas wreath and the Collective Markets will be back with a very special festive edition on Little Stanley Street. You can view the full program and book here.

The Details

When: 5 December to 5 January 2026
Where: Various locations in South Bank
Find out more here.

Ring In The New Year At Brisbane’s Best Restaurants

At Urban List, we’re constantly asked where the best spots to eat in Brisbane are—and with a dining scene this good, it’s easy to see why. Amazing food and a great vibe are non-negotiable, but how it comes, we’re flexible. A cheap and cheerful dumpling house for late nights, a riverfront wine bar slinging snacks in the subtropical heat, a fine diner heroing Queensland produce—if we’re obsessing over a spot (new or old), you’ll find it on our definitive list of Brisbane’s best restaurants for 2026.

Nurse Your Two-Day Hangover At These Bottomless Brunches

Brisbane has always taken brunch seriously, but add the word bottomless and things escalate quickly. Think free-flowing mimosas paired with fried chicken and waffles, spicy margaritas arriving faster than the humidity can settle, and long lunches that quietly turn into afternoons. Whether you’re easing into the day or committing to the recovery properly, there’s a Brisbane bottomless brunch (or lunch… or dinner) with your name on it.

Take Your Recovery To The Next Level At These Sauna, Ice Bath And Recovery Centres

In a city where summer hits hard, recovery is practically a sport. There’s nothing quite like a proper sauna sweat to reset the nervous system—and if you’re serious about levelling up your wellness routine in 2026, hot-cold therapy is the move.

Luckily, Brisbane is stacked with next-level recovery spots where you can sweat it out in a sauna or steam room before plunging into an ice bath, then lingering in magnesium pools and chilled-out lounges designed for maximum post-sweat bliss. For the full list, head here.

Swing By A Farmers Market

Fill your fruit bowl with the flavours of summer at Brisbane’s best farmers markets. With your most spacious tote bag in hand, this is the perfect chance to head out on a Sunday stroll as you explore artisan bites, gourmet goods, and farm fresh produce. Check out our list here.

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• Brisbane's Best Restaurants
• Brisbane's Best Things To Do

Main image credit: South Bank | Supplied