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 ticking off your nice list at a Christmas market, catching a gig, or setting your sights on Sono Lumo, this weekend's a doozy.
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
Sono Lumo
This electrifying (and free) Christmas festival is transforming the Queen’s Wharf Precinct into a steampunk city full of high-tech spectacles, live performances and delicious bites on the river’s edge. Each night, set your sights on three hero shows lighting up the precinct with fireworks, snow, and an original soundtrack by local beatboxing legend Tom Thum (aka the ‘human sound machine’). In between, you can grab a drink from the hovering airship bar, groove to remixed carols , and watch cog-driven reindeers march down the plaza. Get all the deets here.
The Details
When: 6pm to 10pm, Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 December
Where: Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane CBD
Find out more here.
Lifeline Bookfest
It’s time to once again pretend we don’t have any unread books waiting on our shelves because the ever-popular LIfeline Bookfest Brisbane is back. With a million (literally) pre-loved books waiting to be discovered starting from just $2.50, this is your chance to get your hands on citation, non-fiction, biographies, textbooks, magazines, sci-fi, games, CDs, DVDs and more over five massive days. The Comic Fest section will also be making a comeback—this time even bigger so you can explore more than 10,000 comics, memorabilia and other collectables. Plus, with free entry and all proceeds supporting the 24 hour Lifeline Crisis Support Line, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t swing by.
The Details
When: 13 to 17 December
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Brisbane
Find out more here.
Love Actually? The Musical Parody
Whether you love it or you’re also still furious about the Karen/Harry plotline, gear up to experience Love Actually like never before with this smash-hit new musical—making its Brisbane premiere this festive season. Love Actually? The Musical Parody is the must-see Off-Broadway sensation that takes all the reasons why the rom-com has become a Christmas tradition and dials them up to 100. From outrageous jokes to over-the-top grand gestures and original songs you’ll be humming til Christmas Day, this is pure festive chaos at its finest. Tickets start from $69 and you can grab yours here.
The Details
When: 11 to 21 December
Where: Royal ICC, Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
Find out more here.
KILO Brisbane
Your summer wardrobe overhaul has never been easier with KILO bringing a whole lot of vintage to Brisbane for the first time. Sold by the kilo, you can expect a massive range including Carhartt, Harley Davidson, Levi’s, Dickies, Patagonia and more, with sizes from S-3XL. Plus, entry is free.
The Details
When: 10am to 6pm, Saturday 13 December and 10am to 5pm, Sunday 14 December
Where: 49 Vulture Street, West End
Find out more here.
Christmas at Lone Pine
Walk on the wild side this Christmas with free Santa photos, a festive scavenger hunt and roving entertainment—as koalas, kangaroos and more watch on at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. On Friday and Saturday, you can catch the big man in red at the Brisbane Koala Science Institute and enjoy free painting daily from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Then on Saturday night,
The Details
When: Friday 12 to Saturday 13 December
Where: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Fig Tree Pocket
Find out more here.
Eat Street Northshore Christmas
Colour your festive season in neon as Eat Street launches its annual Christmas extravaganza, with 60+ micro-restaurants serving street food, international cuisine, and indulgent desserts. From the return of Kombi Alley’s seasonal fresh mango salad to the award-winning 12-hour BBQ brisket from Moonshines Smokehouse, there’s a bite for everyone and brews at the five riverside bars—including festive cocktails. Entry is $6 and free for kids under 13.
The Details
When: Friday 12 December to Sunday 14 December
Where: Eat Street Northshore, Hamilton
Find out more here.
Wynnum Wonderland
Your festive season is now full of comedy, cabaret and circus thanks to Wynnum Wonderland: a brand-new way to celebrate Christmas from the founder of Wynnum Fringe. In the iconic Augathella Spiegeltent, you’ll find an exciting program of theatrics until 22 December—from the adults-only comedy cabaret Cirque Du Sleigh to the award-winning Bubble Show In Space and the high-flying antics in All Star Circus. There’s also a night of stand-up from *the* Hughesy and even carols, of course. Check out the full program and get your tickets here.
The Details
When: 28 November to 22 December
Where: Augathella Spiegeltent, Bay Terrace, Wynnum
Find out more here.
Friday 12 December
Yestive Markets
Discover over 70 curated stalls under a towering Christmas tree at Queen’s Wharf’s Festive Market—created in partnership with Brisbane City Markets. Transforming the doorstep of The Star Brisbane into a hub of gifting, live entertainment, and even a pop-up bar, the final day of this three-night celebration is a must-do. From handcrafted baubles to artisan jewellery, art and gourmet bites, it’s the perfect excuse for a visit into the CBD or the easiest way to nail your presents after your 9-5.
The Details
When: 4pm to 9pm Friday 12 December
Where: George Street Entry, Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane CBD
Find out more here.
Saturday 13 December
Shrek Rave
Arguably two words we never saw we’d see together, but Shrek Rave is landing in Brisbane this weekend—transforming The Brightside into the best swamp party you’ve ever been to. Slap on a green glow stick and lather yourself in free green glitter as you enjoy Shrek-themed drinks like the Dulock Drop, Shreks On The Beach, and Far Far Away Fizz. Tickets are selling fast—grab yours here.
The Details
When: 7pm, Saturday 13 December
Where: The Brightside, Fortitude Valley
Find out more here.
Love Me Again Market
Taking over Portside Wharf for its final market of 2025, Love Me Again is your chance to shop designer labels, vintage gems and more with sizes from 6 to 20. Be one of the first 30 customers to snag a free Bubbleboy juice or smoothie and keen an eye out for one of the golden tickets tucked in the racks to win prizes from Portside Wharf retailers.
The Details
When: 8am to 12pm, Saturday 13 December
Where: Portside Wharf, Hamilton
Find out more here.
Sunday 14 December
Christmas Carols & Night Market
Follow the twinkling lights to this wholesome Christmas market at Everton Park, full of carols, community and fun for the whole family. Whether you’re browsing the local market stalls or digging into the food trucks, you’ll be serenaded by festive live music at every turn. There’s also a jumping castle and petting zoo for the kids.
The Details
When: 5pm to 8pm, Sunday 14 December
Where: 151 Flockton Street, Everton Park
Find out more here.
Bulimba Christmas Markets
You know the drill by now and Bulimba, this time it’s your turn for festive fun, locally made treasures and more. This Sunday Christmas market is definitely worth the wake up, full of food trucks, stalls and even a visit from Santa to have you feeling very merry and bright.
The Details
When: 8am to 1pm, Sunday 14 December
Where: 1 Barramul Street, Bulimba
Find out more here.
Sandstone Point Hotel Christmas Carnival
It’s not a merry Christmas without fireworks, carol-singing and a chance to meet Santa’s reindeer. The Sandstone Point Hotel Christmas Carnival is back and bigger than ever, with tickets buying you a day of live music and entertainment, plenty of market stalls for gift shopping and food stalls to keep your jolly levels high. Not to mention the carnival rides and a visit from Santa and his reindeer are guaranteed to be core memories for the little ones. Grab your tickets here.
The Details
When: 1pm–8pm, Sunday 14 December
Where: Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point
Find out more here.
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Main image credit: Yestive Markets | Supplied