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
Let's Go Explore Caravan & RV Expo
The Let’s Go Explore Caravan & RV Expo is rolling into the Brisbane Showgrounds for four days, with the latest caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper trailers and accessories on display (plus exclusive show deals to sweeten the pitch). Sit in on a free VANSafe Masterclass to get your towing setup road-ready, or catch the Creek to Coast team dishing out practical tips on everything from travelling with kids and pets to campfire cooking. Grab a drink and soak up live tunes from emerging Brisbane artists on the Miles the Caravan Stage, and if you’re bringing the little ones on Saturday or Sunday, KidzKlub has face painting, Clown School, giant bubbles and circus skills to keep them busy. Get your tickets here.
Where: Brisbane Showgrounds
When: 29 October to 1 November
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.
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 30 October
Dolly Hoe-Down
Melt will pay tribute to one of pop culture's most beloved icons with Dolly Hoe-Down at Brisbane Powerhouse on 30 October. Dedicated to the one and only Dolly Parton, you can expect an evening of drag performances, line dancing, larger-than-life Dolly visuals and DJs spinning her unmistakable tunes. Rhinestones, big hair, denim and sequins are strongly encouraged. Get your tickets here.
Where: Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse
When: 7pm, Friday 30 October
Find out more here.
Dangerous Females x Australian Artist Collective Exhibition
Dangerous Females is back with another fundraising event, and this time it's an exhibition in collaboration with the Australian Artist Collective. Wander through unique works by 40 artists from Brisbane, Melbourne, North Queensland, NSW and even San Francisco, with good music, drinks and bites to keep the night flowing and plenty of chances to chat with the artists themselves. Every piece will head to an online auction afterwards, with proceeds backing frontline domestic violence support services. Tickets are $40, and the exhibition opens to the public on Saturday 31 October.
Where: The Nest Creative Space, West End
When: 6pm to 10pm, Friday 30 October
Find out more here.
Halloween
It’s the spookiest night of the year and Brisbane is embracing all the things that go bump in the night. You can check out our full guide to the best Halloween events this year here. Or, if you’re all about the trick or treating, we’ve rounded up the best streets to explore here.
The Handmade Market
Queensland Museum’s Whale Mall is back in market mode this Saturday 31 October from 10am to 3pm, with locally made treasures from some of Brisbane’s most talented makers on offer. Browse handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, homewares and slow fashion beneath the museum’s flying whales, chatting directly with the artists and designers behind it all. Make a day of it by wandering through the museum, then refuel with a coffee or lunch from the onsite cafe. Entry is free.
Where: Queensland Museum
When: 10am to 3pm, Saturday 31 October
Find out more here.
Markets
Ditch the supermarket run and spend your Sunday morning filling your tote bag at Brisbane’s best markets. Arguably the most wholesome way to start your day, make sure you do a round first to nab the best bargain. You can check out our full guide to Brisbane markets 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 Handmade Market | Facebook
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