Cheers to the weekend, Brisbane, because there’s plenty to keep you busy once Friday 5pm comes around. From an epic monster truck show to a pizza party on the river and a delightfully boozy one-day-only experience for World Whisky Day, there’s much to see and more to do.
Of course, the crowning jewel of this weekend has got to go to the return of Australia’s longest-running Greek festival—that’s right, folks, Paniyiri is once again taking over Musgrave Park with mezze, Zorba, and so many honey puffs.
Scroll on and discover the best things to do in Brisbane this weekend:
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What's On All Weekend
What's On Saturday
What's On Sunday
All Weekend
Paniyiri Greek Festival
Whether you’re into food, culture, or having a plate-smashin’ good time, Paniyiri Greek Festival is the iconic event that’s a staple of the Brisbane calendar—and it’s officially returning in 2025. Taking over Musgrave Park this May with Mediterranean feasts and plenty of chances to dance the Zorba, the two-day multi-sensory festival is not to be missed. Paniyiri is bringing back everyone’s favourites (read: loukoumades), as well as a new picnic experience for first-day festival goers featuring a delicious grazing box of house-made mezze. Grab your tickets here.
The Details
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May
Where: Musgrave Park, West End
Find out more here.
Monster Truck Mania
There’s nothing that fuels the adrenaline like seeing monster trucks and motorbikes fly through the air. Monster Truck Mania is back in Brisbane this month, and it is as action packed as ever. This year will see bigger trucks, bigger stunts and bigger action. With air conditioned seats (read: weather-proof), this family-friendly spectacle will give you a front row seat to Australia’s biggest monster truck show, featuring Raptor’s Rampage, Wicked, Blazed, Wack Doo, and Buddy. Expect high-flying stunts and powerful performances to knock your socks off. Grab your tickets here.
The Details
When: 1pm Saturday 17 May and Sunday 18 May 2025
Where: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
You can find more info here.
Brisbane Street Art Festival
Australia’s largest street art festival will once again be painting the town, this time celebrating 10 years of artistic innovation with live murals, arts events and workshops. From 10 to 18 May, Brisbane Street Art Festival will deliver a colourful line-up across the city, featuring works from some of the most influential street artists. Warehouse arts space Superordinary will once again serve as the festival headquarters, while murals will be popping up in iconic locations like DFO Brisbane, Midtown Centre, Northshore, and Spring Hill.
The Details
When: 10 to 18 May
Where: Superordinary and various locations in Brisbane
Find out more here.
Opera Queensland Iconic Costume Display
The right costumes can make or break a performance, and in the case of Opera Queensland’s La Cenerentola (Cinderella), the breathtaking ‘fits truly stole the show. That’s why Brisbane Quarter is proudly presenting an exclusive public display of eight pieces from the acclaimed March 2025 production. Open until 1 June at Podium Level 1, feast your eyes on the extraordinary craftsmanship that blends fairytale romance with high fashion flair. From Cinderella’s glittering four-layered ball gown to The Stepsisters’ dazzling gowns with over 140 hand-crafted roses, and even Don Magnifico’s flamboyant floral suit by Alexander McQueen (the same iconic design once worn by Timothée Chalamet), this is a rare opportunity for lovers of theatre, fashion and fairytales alike.
The Details
When: Until 1 June
Where: Podium Level 1, Brisbane Quarter, Brisbane CBD
Find out more here.
Precious
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 2026
Where: Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City
Find out more here.
Friday 16 May
European Food Safari
Make your way through Europe via your plate, as a variety of food trucks park up at South/City/SQ this Friday evening to dish up diverse European delicacies. From German sausages to Hungarian langos, chow down to the tune of live music and captivating entertainment. There’ll also be eclectic market stalls to explore, fun-filled face painting activities, and complimentary parking for up to two hours. Plus, entry is free.
The Details
When: 5pm to 9pm Friday 16 May
Where: South/City/SQ, Woolloongabba
Find out more here.
Saturday 16 May
World Whisky Day at Bar 1603
Take flight without a passport at Bar 1603—the izakaya speakeasy bar celebrating World Whisky Day with an exclusive one-day-only Around The World Whisky Flight experience. For just $60, enjoy a curated flight of four distinct whiskies, each chosen for their bold flavour profile, unique craftsmanship, and sense of place. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker or curious newcomer, this is your chance to sip on a world of flavour. Book here.
The Details
When: From 11am Saturday 17 May
Where: Bar 1603, Brisbane City
Find out more here.
Oasis x Sneaky Sound System
Fancy an exclusive day party with Aussie dance music legends? Then you need to get aboard Oasis Brisbane this Saturday, as they’re set to have Sneaky Sound System bringing the tunes and energy as they sail through the river. Filling the deck with infectious beats, endless cocktails and an electric atmosphere, this is the grooviest way to spend your arvo. Tickets are selling fast—grab yours here.
The Details
When: 1pm to 5pm 17 May (boarding 12:15pm)
Where: City Botanic Gardens River Hub, Brisbane City
Find out more here.
Twilight
Once upon a time there was a girl named Bella who met a guy named Edward. The rest is history. Twilight is returning to the big screen for one night only at New Farm Cinemas, as they throwback to the epic vampire saga with a retro revival. Whether you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob (Team Carlisle, anyone?), grab your merch and grab your tickets here.
The Details
When: 7pm Saturday 17 May
Where: New Farm Cinemas, New Farm
Bar Evelyn x Bar Miette
Dig into a pizza party on the riverfront, as Coolangatta’s Bar Evelyn is set to take over the terrace at Brisbane City’s Bar Miette—slinging New York-style sourdough pizzas and signature Bar Evelyn “Italian-ish” snacks. Owner and chef Nick Stanton will be joining Bar Miette’s Executive Chef Jason Barratt on the terrace from midday, as they spin dough and serve up slices with the likes of salami, mozzarella and hot honey or zucchini with garlic, stracciatella, pickled red onion, and chilli oil. To wash it all down? Ice-cold Peronis, of course. Book here.
The Details
When: 12pm to 5pm Sunday 18 May
Where: Bar Miette, Brisbane City
Find out more here.
Brisbane Vintage Exchange
Would it be a weekend in Brisbane without a vintage market to explore? Thankfully, the Brisbane Vintage Exchange is once again taking over the Albion Peace Centre with a treasure trove of pre-loved clothing, sneakers, jewellery, vinyl, accessories and more so you can get your fix. With free entry, food trucks, and tunes to set the mood, this pop-up market is also pet-friendly so you can bring your pup on the vintage adventure too.
The Details
When: 9am to 2pm Sunday 18 May
Where: Albion Peace Centre, Windsor
Find out more here.
For more of what’s on in Brisbane, head here.
Main image credit: Oasis | Supplied