There might still be three weekends of winter, but Brisbane is heating things up with an epic agenda of things to do—no matter what you fancy. Most notably, a whole lot of country charm will be in town with the first weekend of the Ekka, but if you’re saving your visit to the showgrounds for another day, there’s also live music, markets and more to keep you busy.
Check out the best things to do in Brisbane this weekend below:
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What's On All Weekend
What's On Saturday
What's On Sunday
All Weekend
Ekka
Get excited to satisfy your strawberry sundae cravings as the Royal Queensland Show rolls into the Brisbane Showgrounds for its 149th year. The Ekka is a staple of Queensland culture, bringing together the country and city for a true celebration of our local community and agriculture. Embrace your inner connoisseur across your favourite agriculture and baking competitions, try your luck on any (or all) of the carnival games or ride the biggest slide in the Southern Hemisphere—there's always something for everyone from farmers to families and fun-seekers. With a mix of free and paid experiences, and more than 90 new showbags coming to the show in 2025, this year's celebrations are not to be missed. Explore the full show program here.
The Details
When: 9 August to 17 August
Where: Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
Find out more here.
Ipswich Super 440
For the first time since 2019, Queensland Raceway is back on the supercar calendar. Experience the thrills and spills of supercars and superbikes over this four-day event, stacked with races, autograph opportunities, behind-the-scenes action and merchandise stalls. Test your own skills on state-of-the-art race simulators and explore what's on in the entertainment zone, including the action-packed Hot Wheels kids zone. The event is set to be a thrilling chapter in the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship calendar, with drivers eager to leave their mark in the final round of the new Sprint Cup. Grab your tickets here to experience high stakes motorsport at its best.
The Details
When: 7 August to 10 August
Where: Queensland Raceway, Willowbank
Find out more here.
Clancestry
Don’t miss out on your chance to experience the best of First Nations storytelling, music, dance, art and culture at QPAC’s iconic Clancestry festival. The final weekend of this incredible showcase is set to ignite the cultural precinct with unforgettable cultural performances from both established and emerging First Nations artists. With both free and ticketed events available, check out the full program here, with plenty of vibrant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts to explore this weekend. Notably, Bangarra Dance Theatre will return to Clancestry this year with Illume—a kaleidoscope of music, visual arts, and dance exploring the otherworldly language of light.
The Details
When: Until 10 August
Where: QPAC, South Brisbane
Find out more here.
WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE!
Thespians far and wide should gather at La Boite Theatre this August for the terrifying funny eco thriller, WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE!—a new large-scale production that’s described as Godzilla meets The Betoota Advocate. Brought to life by Dead Puppet Society, this schlock horror comedy should have you thoughtfully contemplating the current climate whilst hanging on to the edge of your seat (when you’re not rolling on the floor with laughter). It’s also a true testament to homegrown talent with original music by Ball Park Music’s Dean Hanson, alongside monsters, mania and more for only $39 a ticket. Grab yours here.
The Details
When: Until 16 August
Where: La Boite Theatre, Kelvin Grove
Find out more here.
World Press Photo Exhibition 2025
Remember that photo of the Brazilian surfer suspended mid-air, seemingly levitating above the ocean from the 2024 Paris Olympics? Well it’s just one of many breathtaking photos displayed at the Brisbane Powerhouse as part of the 2025 World Press Photo Exhibition. Take advantage of this free entry exhibit, celebrating human-made photojournalism and its unparalleled impact.
The Details
When: Until 17 August
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
Find out more here.
Love Follows A Line
While spring might still be a hop, skip and a jump away, Brisbane Quarter is now blooming with a joyful, larger-than-life installation by internationally recognised artist Matthew Aberline. Love Follows A Line brings a world of colour to Podium 1 in the form of an oversized inflatable flower garden sparking moments of wonder and connection. Designed to complement GOMA’s Wonderstruck exhibition, the immersive piece is now open until 16 August and free to visit daily. In fact, it’s even inspired Brisbane Quarter’s on-site restaurants, who have created themed sips and bites exclusively for the installation—think floral cocktails at Persone, a playful tapioca pudding at Phat Boy, and crisp asparagus served chilled over ice at Brisbane Phoenix.
The Details
When: Until 16 August
Where: Brisbane Quarter, 300 George Street, Brisbane CBD
Find out more here.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Grab your wands and venture into the awe-inspiring woods of Sirromet Winery in Mount Cotton, as the breathtaking Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is kicking off this weekend. Here, a dazzling light trail will guide you through illuminated moments from the world of Harry Potter. Featuring iconic characters from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series, you can set your sights on hippogriffs, unicorns, and nifflers—without the fear of He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named around the corner. Grab your tickets here.
The Details
When: From 20 June
Where: Sirromet Winery, Mount Cotton
Find out more here.
Friday 8 August
Night Market in Moorooka
Shop, sip and savour a night under the stars at Burbs Market’s first-ever night market in Moorooka. Brimming with market stalls, gourmet bites, and family-friendly charm, this is your chance to shop from local artisans and dine on flavours from around the globe. Live music and entertainment will set the tone as well as cultural activities giving you even more reason to enjoy this all-inclusive event.
The Details
When: 3pm to 8pm, 8 August
Where: The Clubhouse, Moorooka
Find out more here.
The Max Alduca Quintet
One of Australia’s most in-demand bassists Max Alduca is pulling together a dream team of Sydney’s leading jazz musicians for the grooviest night in town. The quintet is set to stun as they light up Bowen Hills’ Jazz Music Institute with sweet tunes and introspective melodies. Get your tickets here.
The Details
When: 8pm, Friday 8 August
Where: Jazz Music Institute, 10 Exhibition Street, Bowen Hills
Find out more here.
Hops and Harmony ABBA Sing-Along
Calling all shower singers—Hops and Harmony bar choir invites you to kick back in a relaxed environment to sing, sip and smile. With no experience required and nothing to prepare, simply show up for a night of ABBA tunes as you sing through all your favourite hits from Mamma Mia to Waterloo. Take a chance on something a little different this Friday (bonus points if you don your best sequinned number) for a wholesome night of good vibes and glittery nostalgia. Get your tickets here.
The Details
When: 6:30pm to 9:30pm, Friday 8 August
Where: The Lou Lou Room, Wynnum
Find out more here.
Saturday 9 August
Twilight Makers Market
Better late than never, the Raby Bay Twilight Makers Market is back on this weekend after being postponed due to weather. Rug up and don’t forget your picnic blanket before making your way down to Raby Bay Harbour Park for a wholesome evening by the water. With over 60 handmade and creative stalls, food trucks and local live music, the atmosphere is set for a perfect night of browsing, bites, and beats.
The Details
When: 4pm to 8pm, Saturday 9 August
Where: Raby Bay Harbour Park, Cleveland
Find out more here.
Lior & Westlake
Australian Composer of iconic films Babe and Paper Planes, Nigel Westlake, reached out to stunning vocalist Lior to work on a collaborative album, and we’re so glad he did. Their ARIA Award-winning classical album, Compassion, showcases a combination of ancient Hebrew and Arabic texts, and it might be the album we all need to be listening to right now. Ethereal and full of hope, Lior and the accompanying orchestra will blow you away with their skill and heart. Tickets are on sale from $100-$140, and selling quickly, so make sure you book here.
The Details
When: 1.30pm and 7.30pm, Saturday 9 August
Where: QPAC, South Bank
Find out more here.
Club Broadway
DJ Dan Murphy is flying in from Sydney to bring his musical theatre dance party to Brisbane this Saturday. The DJ deck will be spinning showtunes from the world's biggest musicals all night—think Wicked, Hairspray, Hamilton, The Sound of Music and all your favourite Disney musical hits. There’s showstopping performances from incredible singers and drag artists, and enough razzle dazzle to keep you entertained all night. Grab your tickets here to be in the room where it happens.
The Details
When: 4:30pm to 9pm, Saturday 9 August
Where: Enigma, Fortitude Valley
Find out more here.
Sunday 10 August
Second Life Markets
It wouldn’t be a weekend in Brisbane without an atmospheric vintage market, and Second Life Markets is here with the goods—back in town with a very special winter edition. Hosting the city’s best curation of vintage and preloved sellers at Superordinary, dig your way through over 90 stalls as renowned local DJs hit the decks throughout the day. There’ll also be food trucks to keep you fueled up for all your secondhand retail therapy. Get your tickets here.
The Details
When: 11am to 4pm, Sunday 10 August
Where: Superordinary, Hamilton
Find out more here.
Lakeside Hoedown
Join Victoria Point Lakeside Shopping Centre for an evening of good ol ‘country fun. You’re in for a treat at the Lakeside Hoedown with live music, a petting zoo for the kids, market stalls, and food trucks. Plus, the night is set to go out with a bang thanks to the fireworks display on the lake at 7:30pm.
The Details
When: 3pm to 8pm Sunday 10 August
Where: Point Lakeside Shopping Centre, Victoria Point
Find out more here.
For more of what’s on in Brisbane, head here.
Main image credit: Ekka | Supplied