The Best Things To Do In Brisbane This Weekend
Dinushka Gunasekara
Queensland Editor | Urban List
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 show, 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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All Weekend
Dead As A Dodo
Image credit: Dead as a Dodo | Richard Termine
You won’t believe this show is happening right before your eyes with its incredible combination of puppetry, humour, music and stunning visual effects. Dead as a Dodo is set deep within the underworld, where a skeletal Dodo and a boy hunt for bones before they disappear completely. That is, until one day the Dodo miraculously grows feathers. What follows is a mesmerising and moving tale about death, survival and friendship told through the most breathtaking theatrics and songs you’ll wish were on Spotify. Get your tickets here.
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse
When: Wednesday 23 September to Saturday 26 September
Find out more here.
Play The Bluey Way
Image credit: Wittonga Park Mural | Supplied
Wittonga Park in The Gap is transforming into a playful Bluey-inspired experience for a free community event this weekend perfect for families needing to fill some time on the school holidays. Best known as the setting of the show's #1 favourite episode 'Cricket', the park will be split into four interactive zones inspired by the series: Dance Mode for live performances and character appearances from Bluey and Bingo, a Cricket Australia-run session channelling Rusty's iconic game, Toilet Tag for some classic Bluey-style chaos, and a giant game of Keepy Uppy. Don't forget to snap a photo under the welcome arch and check out the brand-new "That's What Cricket's About, Kid!" mural while you're there. Register here.
Where: Wittonga Park, The Gap
When: 26 to 27 September
Find out more here.
Negroni Week at Bar Miette
Negroni fans, take note—Bar Miette is celebrating Negroni Week with a dedicated menu of riffs on the classic, running daily from 11:30am until Sunday. Expect a lineup that plays with the original in all directions, from the Float featuring saffron and citrus gelato to the Jasmine spiked with blood orange eau de vie and spring rhubarb. Post up on the Euro-inspired terrace with Story Bridge views, round up your mates, and work your way through the list. Reservations and walk-ins are both welcome.
Where: 443 Queen St, Brisbane CBD
When: From 11:30am, 23 to 27 September
Brisbane Festival
Brisbane’s streets, rivers and stages are set to Switch On, Light Up, Come Alive thanks to Brisbane Festival 2026: a bold celebration of art, community and our glorious River City. There are plenty of shows to catch and free things to do, so make sure you check out our full guide here.
The Details
Where: Various locations
When: 4 to 26 September
Find out more here.
Sparkbloom
Image credit: Sparkbloom | Claudia Baxter
A splash of pink has burst into Brisbane Quarter this September in the form of a new installation inspired by explosive fireworks and the unmistakable silhouette of palm trees. Sparkbloom is free to check out, but while you’re there we recommend trying one of the limited-edition Brisbane Festival dishes from Brisbane Quarter’s resident restaurants, like mushroom dumplings at Brisbane Phoenix, Persone’s glittering tiramisu and the Thai Pink Milk by Phat Boy.
The Details
Where: Brisbane Quarter
When: Until 28 September
Find out more here.
Jon Rafman: Memento Hikikomori
Image credit: Josef Ruckli. Courtesy Institute of Modern Art
Canadian artist Jon Rafman is bringing his first institutional solo exhibition in Australia to the Institute of Modern Art. Memento Hikikomori ventures into the darker corners of digital culture, examining how technology shapes memory, identity and our increasingly online lives.
The free exhibition brings together some of Rafman’s best-known works, including Nine Eyes, which unearths strange and deeply human moments from billions of Google Street View images, alongside Main Stream Media Network, an evolving AI-generated television channel that plays like an MTV broadcast from a parallel dimension. AI-generated paintings, secluded video-viewing pods and key films spanning almost two decades complete the unsettling survey of his practice.
The Details
When: From Saturday 18 July 2026
Where: Institute of Modern Art, Fortitude Valley
Find out more here.
Book Of Mormon
Image credit: Book Of Mormon | Daniel Boud
Arguably Australia’s favourite musical, the record-breaking Book of Mormon is officially returning to Brisbane’s QPAC in 2026 as funny and fearless as ever. The Tony, Olivier and Grammy award-winning production has set house records at 27 theatres across the US, broke sales records at New York’s Eugene O’Neill Theater more than 50 times, and set the London record for the highest single day of sales in West End history. Closer to home, the Australian premiere season achieved the highest selling on-sale period of any production in Melbourne’s Princess Theatre’s 159-year history. In other words, whether it’s your first or your fifth, you need to see this hilarious and ground-breaking musical from the creators of South Park, which follows a pair of mismatched Mormon missionaries who go on a trek to spread the good word far from home. Grab your tickets here.
The Details
When: 31 July to 4 October
Where: Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane
Find out more here.
Cirque Du Soleil’s KOOZA
Image credit: KOOZA | Alex Coppel
Roll up, roll up because the iconic Big Top is once again landing in Brisbane—bringing the thrilling and internationally acclaimed Cirque du Soleil production KOOZA to town. As jaw-dropping as it is hilarious, KOOZA is undeniably one of Cirque du Soleil’s most daring touring productions with its mind-boggling acrobatics, death-defying stunts and return to the art of clowning. It’s mesmerised more than eight million spectators around the world, and will no doubt do the same here from August 2026 in a world full of surprises, thrills, chills and delights. Get your tickets here.
The Details
When: 1 August to 4 October 2026
Where: 465 Curtin Ave, Eagle Farm
Find out more here.
Dinos Alive
Image credit: Dinos Alive | Supplied
An absolute blast from the past is coming to Brisbane, with more than 80 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 30 September
Where: Skygate Precinct, Brisbane Airport
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 October
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 September
Where: 123 Gotha Street, Fortitude Valley
Find out more here.
Prison Island
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. You can book here.
The Details
When: Until 29 November
Where: 162 Alfred St, Fortitude Valley
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.
Precious
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.
Friday 25 September
City After Dark Markets
Reddacliff Place is getting a twilight makeover as The City After Dark Markets launch this Friday 25 September, from 4pm to 9pm. It's the perfect excuse to swap the rush home for knock offs, with a pop-up bar pouring Aperol Spritz and local brews, live music, a DIY paint and sip, and more than 70 food, artisan and boutique vendors to explore. The best part? Entry is free.
Where: Reddacliff Place, Brisbane CBD
When: 4pm to 9pm, Friday 25 September
Find out more here.
Saturday 26 September
AFL Grand Final
Ready to watch the Lions pull off a three-peat in the AFL Grand Final this Saturday? If you can’t be at the MCG, there are plenty of watch parties and pubs playing the game so you can roar with fellow fans. Check out our full guide here.
Fashion Thrift Society
Thrifty fiends, head down to Brisbane Showgrounds for Australia’s biggest curated fashion market. Dig through 250+ curated stalls of vintage, preloved, designer and local small business finds, refuel with local and international food trucks, and soak up the atmosphere with local DJs on deck. Keep an eye on the event socials too, with free extras like photo booths, barber cuts, manicures and hairstyling potentially up for grabs, plus paid add-ons like tooth gems, piercings and a charm bar if you're after a new look to match your new wardrobe. Grab your tickets here.
Where: Alexandria Park, Brisbane Showgrounds
When: 10am to 4pm, Saturday 26 September
Find out more here.
Dining In The Dark
They say don’t play with your food but Izakaya Publico is turning dinner into a guessing game with Dining in the Dark. Slip on a blindfold and work your way through a secret three-course menu (choose from meat, seafood or vegetarian/vegan) where every bite becomes a puzzle of aromas, textures and flavours. It's 90 minutes of zero distractions and pure intrigue making it perfect for a memorable date night or a group outing that'll actually get people talking (mostly to ask where the fork is). Book here.
Where: Izakaya Publico, Brisbane CBD
When: 6pm, Saturday 26 September
Find out more here.
Sea High Tea
High tea gets a coastal makeover at Batica with Sea High Tea, a collaboration with The Fish Girl celebrating Australia's finest seafood. For $89pp, expect a curated spread of premium ocean produce, handcrafted savoury bites and delicate sweets, with standouts including Quandamooka oysters with finger lime and ponzu, Blue Grouper chawanmushi and black ink scones served with whipped cream and coral. It's an elevated afternoon experience that brings the coast straight to the table. Book here.
Where: Batica, The Westin
When: 12:15pm and 12:30pm, Saturday 26 September
Find out more here.
Brisbane Bridal Expo
The Brisbane Bridal Expo brings together the region's best wedding suppliers under one roof, giving you the chance to meet your potential dream team face-to-face, from photographers and florists to the latest in bridal and groom fashion. Wander through for inspo, one-on-one advice and the latest wedding trends, register for a major prize package, and grab a free copy of Your Local Wedding Guide magazine on your way out. Whether you're planning a beach ceremony, a city affair or something big and bold, this one’s worth adding to the planner. Plus, entry is completely free, just reserve a spot here.
Where: Exhibition Building, Brisbane Showgrounds
When: 10am to 3pm, Sunday 27 September
Find out more here.
Looking for more things to do this weekend? We've got you:
If you like food, try:
If you like exploring, try:
If you like shopping, try:
Main image credit: Giant Sing Along | Aaron Walker
Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
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