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
The Earring Market
If you love adorning your ears with dangling designs, sparkling studs and all kinds of other eye-catching marvels, then this is the market for you. BrisStyle’s Earring Market is where you can shop one-of-a-kind jewellery from small businesses and local artisans. There’ll be live music and food stalls on hand. Mucho respect if you use this as a chance to jump on your Christmas shopping early.
Where: Wavell State High School
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October
Find out more here.
A Night At The Musicals
A Night at the Musicals is back this October for an evening where anything goes. Twelve big voices and a live band will tackle everything from Broadway classics to contemporary favourites, plus songs from the freshest shows on Broadway and the West End, including The Great Gatsby, Death Becomes Her, The Lost Boys and Paddington, getting their Brisbane debut before they’ve even hit Australian stages. Whether you’re a lifelong theatre kid or just after a great night out, expect plenty of showstoppers, a few surprises and a very loud drive home.
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse
When: Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 October
Find out more here.
Prison Island: Horror Story
Think you’re not afraid of the dark? This Halloween experience will make you think again. Valley challenge room Prison Island is being reimagined this month into the ultimate horror story with terrifying encounters hiding in the cells. You’ll have 60 minutes to try and beat as many challenges as you can but watch your back—live performers will be there to spook you at every turn.
It’s all going down on Friday and Saturday nights this October for teams of two to five players at $37pp. Book here.
Where: 162 Alfred Street, Fortitude Valley
When: 7pm to 12am, 16 and 17 October, 23 and 24 October, 30 and 31 October
Find out more here.
Penelope Bistro $35 Scallop Tartlet And Aviation Cocktail Deal
James Street favourite Penelope Bistro is beloved for its moody, late-night atmosphere, live DJs and equally delicious menu. So why not kick off your evening with the perfect snack and cocktail pairing? Tuck into its iconic Scallop Tarte Tartlet, featuring hand-cut scallop tartare finished with finger lime, cultured crème fraîche and violet, all nestled in a delicate tartlet shell. Pair it with an Aviation gin cocktail, all for just $35 per person.
When: 5 October to 1 November 2026
Where: 11/15 James Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006
Find out more here.
Brisbane Craft & Quilt Fair
Creative juices will absolutely be flowing at the Brisbane Craft & Quilt Fair. This wholesome celebration of all things crafty is your chance to discover inspiring ideas, learn new skills in workshops and shop the latest tools and materials to level up your next project. There are daily Make & Take sessions, free seminars and live demonstrations, plus a marketplace of talented local makers you can explore. Get your tickets here.
Where: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank
When: Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 October
Find out more here.
Bespoke
Queensland Ballet's Bespoke is back for its ninth season, and this year it's doing things differently. For the first time, choreographers, composers, designers and interdisciplinary artists have come together to create three brand-new works from scratch. Choreographers Claire Voss, Victor Zarallo and Paul Knobloch each bring a world premiere to the stage, pushing the boundaries of movement, music and design to explore everything from identity and belonging to climate change and rebellion. Expect bold, boundary-pushing dance that proves just how powerful artistic collaboration can be. Get your tickets here.
Where: Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre
When: 2 to 17 October
Find out more here.
Anastasia
Image credit: Anastasia | Jeff Busby
Visually stunning and utterly charming, the hit Broadway musical Anastasia is finally making its Brisbane premiere at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre this September. Based on the Oscar-nominated animated film which itself was inspired by the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape, this musical has everything you want: iconic tunes, emotional stakes and costumes that will take your breath away. Grab your tickets here.
The Details
When: Until 18 October
Where: Lyric Theatre, QPAC
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 November
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 December
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.
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 16 October
Old Mervs
Australia’s favourite indie-rock duo Old Mervs are stepping up to their biggest rooms yet, and Fortitude Music Hall is on the list. Dave and Henry are celebrating the release of their sophomore album Carparks (out Friday 2 October) with a run of headline shows, and fans can expect fresh cuts like “Heavy In The Morning”, “Tether” and “She Said” alongside the old favourites. It’s been a while between headline shows, so expect a crowd that’s well and truly amped. Get your tickets here.
Where: Fortitude Music Hall
When: 7pm, Friday 16 October
Find out more here.
The Great Artist Market
Sort out your Christmas shopping very, very early as Felons gets taken over by 70+ local artists in one of Brisbane’s best creative markets. With free entry and a whole lot of bespoke and mindfully made treasures to discover, The Great Artist Market sprawls from the Barrel Hall to the Rivergarden lawn. There’s also workshops and entertainment throughout the day, plus you’re in Howard Smith Wharves so delicious food is a guarantee.
Where: Felons Barrel Hall
When: 8am to 3pm, Saturday 17 October
Find out more here.
14th Annual Rodeo
Eatons Hill Hotel’s 14th annual rodeo is kicking up dust this weekend and there’s plenty to have you saying ‘yeeaw’. Watch bull, saddle and bareback riders go head-to-head (with junior and poddy categories for the young guns), then get amongst the line dancing, whip cracking, mechanical bulls, kids’ entertainment, food stalls and the cattleman’s bar. Can’t see over the crowd? It’s all beamed live on the big screen. And when the dust settles, the B&S After Party in the nightclub keeps the boots scootin’ with Brisbane’s best DJs.
Where: Eatons Hill Hotel
When: 2pm, Saturday 17 October
Find out more here.
Walk For Awareness
Lace up and walk for a cause that matters: the Mental Awareness Foundation’s Walk for Awareness is back for its 16th year, rallying thousands of Brisbane locals to honour the nine lives lost to suicide every day and push for better mental health across the country. Meet at Captain Burke Park under the Story Bridge, where activities and entertainment kick off at 7:30am ahead of the 8:30am start. Choose between a 9km or 5km route that’s family, wheelchair and pet friendly, with registration at $40 (kids 14 and under walk free) and a T-shirt for every participant. Register or donate here.
Where: Captain Burke Park, Kangaroo Point
When: From 7:30am, Sunday 18 October
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: The Great Artist Market | Facebook
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