The Best Things To Do In Brisbane This Weekend
Dinushka Gunasekara
Brisbane 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
QAGOMA Winter Design Market
Image credit: GOMA | Instagram
You’ve got just two days in July to hit up QAGOMA Store’s Winter Design Market for handmade ceramics and jewellery, chic homewares and decor, heaps of clothing and so much more. If last year was anything to go off, you’re in for about 80 stalls held by talented artists and local creatives. Your furry friends are welcome, you don’t need to fret about rain thanks to the undercover situation for all the stalls. Plus, if you haven’t checked out the current exhibitions at the QAGOMA precinct, take advantage of the free entry and go for gold.
The Details
When: 9am–4pm, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July
Where: Gallery of Modern Art Forecourt, South Brisbane
Find out more here.
Le Festival
An open-air celebration for Francophiles will be taking over Roma Street Parkland this weekend in Le Festival. Stroll through the pop-up market with fresh baguettes, golden pastries, crepes and cheeses or set your sights on the live entertainment cranking up the festival vibes. The kids will love activities like face painting and mime shows, plus those looking to expand their horizons can enjoy immersive masterclasses led by chefs, makers and artists—from Champagne tastings to the art of the beef wellington.
You can get tickets to the festival and book masterclasses here.
The Details
When: Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July
Where: Roma Street Parkland
Find out more here.
Drawing Festival
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed Picasso or your art career started and ended in primary school, QAGOMA’s annual Drawing Festival is a fun (and free) weekend for everyone. Across two days, you can enjoy drawing workshops led by artists, drop-in sketching events, and live music performances to get the creative juices flowing. It’s also a chance to see your own work displayed in the Gallery, which is currently showing literal Picasso pieces.
The Details
When: 10am to 5pm, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July
Where: QAGOMA
Find out more here.
Mister Zimi Warehouse Sale
Aussie resortwear brand Mister Zimi is bringing its warehouse sale to Brisbane for the first time ever, so you can shop samples, seconds and unreleased pieces with nothing over $35. The sale will be restocked daily so there’s no need to be the first in when it kicks off on Thursday, but we have no doubt it’ll be popular (read: prepare for lines). Also don’t forget to BYO bag for your goodies.
The Details
When: Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 July
Where: 1 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley
Find out more here.
Frank Green’s Warehouse Clearance
Image credit: Frank Green | Supplied
Big news in the emotional support water bottle world—Frank Green is having a mega warehouse clearance, right here in Brisbane, for the very first time. The best part? Majority of the available stock will be under $40. We’re talking best-selling drink bottles, new collection accessories, on-site monogramming and mis-monogrammed pieces are all going to be up for grabs (if you find one with your initials and can prove it with an ID, you get it for free). Plus, there are a ton of prizes to be won every day of the clearance from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 26 July at John Reid Pavilion in Bowen Hills.
The Details
When: 23 to 26 July
Where: John Reid Pavilion, Brisbane RNA Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
Find out more here.
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 Newstead's Long Island this July. The idea is simple—all 12,000+ original 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. You can peruse what's on offer from Tuesday 21 to Friday 24 July, before all the works are available to purchase from Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 July. Any pieces not sold in-person will then be available online from 6pm Sunday 26 July.
The Details
When: 21 to 24 July (viewing days) and 25 to 26 July (online sale from 6pm on 26 July)
Where: Long Island Brisbane, Newstead
Find out more here.
2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships
Image credit: Aus Cycling | Supplied
The countdown to the BMX version of Formula 1 is on, with the world’s fastest riders flying in from over 30 countries to compete right here in Brisbane. This July, more than 3,000 athletes are going wheel-to-wheel at the UCI BMX Racing World Championships over nine days of high-speed action and gravity-defying jumps.
It’s the first time Brisbane has hosted the championships since 1989, taking place at the upgraded Brisbane SX International BMX Centre, aka the very same venue set to host BMX Racing at the 2032 Olympic Games.
Ready to cheer on the green and gold? Here’s everything you need to know about the BMX Racing World Championships.
The Details
What: 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships
When: 17 to 25 July
Where: Brisbane SX International BMX Centre, 2 Anna Meares Circuit, Chandler
Grab tickets here.
Beyond
Image credit: Beyond | Supplied
We don’t normally recommend following the light at the end of the tunnel, but this bold new after-dark experience has us rethinking our stance. Beyond—Every Path Leads Elsewhere is lighting up Sirromet Winery this June with a 2km trail full of lights, lasers, holograms, large-scale projections and original soundscapes. It’ll ignite the senses across a breathtaking world of vivid colour. Plus, it’s conveniently running across the school holidays—making this a perfect family-friendly way to spend an evening.
Beyond is part of the award-winning Luna Light Journey series, which have captivated visitors around Australia with sell-out seasons. There are surprises at every turn, transforming the vineyard into an immersive and awe-inspiring wonderland where shadows dance and beams dazzle. Sirromet is just over a 30-minute drive from Brisbane, so make the most of your visit and book a table at Tuscan Terrace.
Tickets are $23 for adults and $16 for kids—grab yours here. The first sessions of each day at 5:15pm are low sensory, mindfully designed with lower intensity lights and smaller crowds.
The Details
When: 26 June to 26 July
Where: Sirromet Winery, Mount Cotton
Find out more here.
FIRE UP THE GROUP CHAT
Warm up this winter by checking out these local fire-fuelled experiences.
Agnes Restaurant
One of the hottest dining experiences in Brisbane (literally), Agnes uses wood-fire cooking techniques to add a perfect char to premium Australian wagyu and seasonal produce. It was even crowned the 20th-best steak restaurant in the world by World’s Best Steaks, so it's well worth a winter visit.
Death & Taxes
Flambéed cocktails and leather booths are the vibe at Death & Taxes. This walk-in-only, old-world bar is keeping us cosy this winter and is 100% worth rallying your mates for a visit this weekend.
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.
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 August
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 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 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 August 2026
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 23 July
Candlelight: Tribute To Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks singing Landslide never fails to raise the goosebumps. Now imagine that tune by a string quartet in a candlelit cathedral. Yep, it’s an experience you won’t be forgetting any time soon.
Candlelight is doing a Tribute To Fleetwood Mac this Friday with big hits like Dreams, Don’t Stop, The Chain and Go Your Own Way. It’s a magical 65-minute concert with an ambience that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Grab your tickets before they’re gone here.
The Details
When: 8:30pm Friday 24 July
Where: St John’s Cathedral
Find out more here.
Saturday 24 July
The Handmade Market
Get your hands on locally made treasures from Brisbane’s most talented makers at The Handmade Market this Saturday. Set under the flying whales in the South Bank Cultural Precinct, you can expect jewellery, ceramics, homewares, slow fashion and more all made with care and passion for craft.
The Details
When: 10am to 3pm, Saturday 25 July
Where: Queensland Museum Whale Mall, South Bank
Find out more here.
James St Food + Wine Trail
James St will once again transform into an open-air market this Sunday, with 35+ market stalls from James St’s resident venues who often double as some of the hottest bookings in town. During the Trail however, you can feast on their cult-fave dishes and exclusive menu items within a lively atmosphere that makes this one of the best street parties in the Brisbane social calendar. Check out our full guide here.
The Details
When: 10am to 4pm, Sunday 26 July
Where: James Street, Fortitude Valley
Find out more here.
Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail
Follow the country roads out to Scenic Rim, where 25 farms, producers, growers, makers and brewers will be throwing open the gates for one glorious winter day. Snuggle up with Highland cows, roll out the picnic blanket for a fresh feast, or simply stock your esky with gourmet goods.
Both newcomers and Farm Gate favourites will be taking part in the trail, with some locations even dog-friendly so you can bring your pup along for the adventure too. You can plan your visit here with free registration or tickets required.
The Details
When: 9am to 3pm, Sunday 26 July
Where: Various locations, Scenic Rim
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: James St | Taylor Kezia
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