Urban List Entertainment

Brisbane is getting a charming bookstore dedicated to all things romance. 

If you’re familiar with the underground DJ scene in Brisbane you've probably stumbled upon this musical hub, which combines an DJ and production school, live-streaming DJ space and laneway bar. Proudly queer-owned, Hollee and Dara opened the iconic venue at the end of 2022 as an extension of their online forum and streaming hub next door, giving local musicians a new realm of possibilities and support in the local and online community.

Landing on Wickham Street in Fortitude Valley, Catalog Music Co. is a groovy new record store specialising in the finest pre-loved and fresh new records, and welcomes everyone from first-time record buyers to seasoned collectors. You don't even have to wait until you get home to listen to the pure sounds of good vinyl, with custom marble 1200s complete with headphones right there in-store for you to make use of.

As the self-proclaimed best karaoke in Brisbane, Cloud 8 is kicking your Sing Star routine up a notch. With no less than 14 rooms, all of them themed differently, you can karaoke in private with  up to 40 of your closest friends, though there are rooms for anwhere from 8–25 if you're not quite up to singing in front of that many people.

After months of hype, Fortitude Music Hall has finally flung open the doors on its 3000 person capacity live performance space to the joy of music lovers everywhere. 

Pack your sun hat, put petrol in your car, and set a course north for a morning at the Caloundra Street Fair. On every Sunday from 8am (earlybirds will appreciate) and cracking on until 1pm, the Caloundra Street Fair is the perfect way to spend a day up the coast, stuffifng your face with great food and spending up a storm on local gems. 

The ultimate destination for burgeoning bookworms, West End's Where The Wild Things Are is a bookshop devoted to children's and young adult's fiction. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events (they've got tonnes in the works) and pop by the next time your sister-in-law's son has a birthday. Their book tree is also pretty baller. 

Do you have a last minute entertaining disaster? Run out of candle holders? Need a few more martini glasses? Wheel & Barrow has your back. Their five locations are populated with every culinary utensil and accoutrement you can think of. If you love to entertain, make sure they're on your list.

This second-hand bookstore is a West End icon. If you're looking for it, it's probably at Bent, and if it's not, they'll find it for you. Bent Books goes far beyond the standard subjects, with sections of the store devoted to everything from Australiana to Counter Culture. Bent also has an impressive range of antique books and some gorgeous first editions.

This thrift store is what op-shops used to be like. Messy, full of stuff and cheap... with gorgeous old ladies smiling at you from behind the counter. It may take a bit of rummaging, but you're likely to find a few vintage treasures in here.

Avid Reader is a firm favourite among West End natives and is located among the hub of cafes on Boundary Street. If you're looking for an extensive range of books, stationary, music and DVDs along with friendly and knowledgable staff, this is the bookstore for you. Not only that, Avid has a great cafe and a sunny courtyard, where you can happily sit and devour that new book. 

Riverbend is a favourite among Bulimba locals for its cosy and comfortable environment, and a visit to this store makes you feel like part of a small community. Alongside an impressive range of titles, Riverbend also has a lovely café out on its front deck and super friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Do your literary tastes favour a bit of science fiction? Is fantasy more your thing, or do you love a good mystery? While the literary elite might turn up their noses, Brisbane's Pulp Fiction will wholeheartedly embrace you. Their range covers the cult classics through to the latest must-read series, and they'll happily order that special item in for you. Exploring this store is an adventure in itself.

The sign outside this gorgeous old building on Charlotte Street claims there are over one million books inside, and once you get inside, you'll be inclined to believe it. This really is a bookstore that you could lose a whole day in, and it is one of the best places in the city to do just that. If you love books and relish an obscure find, this is the bookstore for you.

If you've been hunting for the perfect vintage prom dress, wedding gown or men's suit, take a trip to Retro Metro. Not for bargain-hunters, but the perfect spot if you're looking for something special and truly one of a kind. They also stock a great range of vintage furniture, accessories and knick-knacks for the retro home.

Scrumptious Reads on Arthur Terrace combines the best of both worlds: gorgeous books and foodie culture. Boasting a proud love for all things culinary, Scrumptious Reads comprises a bookstore focusing on every food-related book your literary-loving heart could ever desire, an event space plus a private dining room for those special occasions. Don’t forget to pick up the latest bestselling cookbook while you’re there in preparation for the epic dinner Scrumptious Reads is sure to inspire you to make. Your stomach will thank us later.

Flannerys Natural Organic Supermarket has been bringing fresh organic food and chemical-free produce to Brisbane for over 20 years. Now, that's saying something!

Inspired by her career in the Arts, Diane Lopes' Paddington store is a celebration of artisan ceramics, jewellery, accessories, artwork and fashion. With an emphasis on supporting Australian designed and made products, you'll find Samantha Robinson porcelain, Rant clothing, and an original, eclectic mix of pieces sourced from around the globe, nestled together in this charming boutique.

Little Peach Co. is a letterpress studio in Underwood who create personalised invitations, stationery, and cards for design nerds. Even if talk of polymer plates and rubber-based inks doesn't float your boat, owner, David will simplify the letterpress process and create stunning paper products to suit any occasion.

Thousand Island Dressing has been helping people find that perfect gift or home ware for over ten years. Located in Paddington, you are sure to find a unique piece of jewellery or Balinese styled addition for your home.