Winter is coming.
But our sub-tropical climate is here to stay, which makes going out in Brisbane a joy. And this month there’s a bunch of things on to interest and intrigue you as well as add some colour and festivity to your week. From festivals of colour and light to music and birthday parties as well as food offers and winter markets, there’s plenty going on. And don’t forget about one of the biggest art exhibitions to hit our shores ever—that’s a must-see and do.
1. LUMINOUS Lantern Parade
Now in its 14th year, Brisbane’s LUMINOUS Lantern Parade event is returning to the streets to light up the night with hundreds of lanterns of various sizes in order to celebrate our state’s culture and heritage, its people, places and industries as well. Taking place on 4 June, the LUMINOUS Lantern Parade is the perfect opportunity for Queenslanders to come together especially after a time of such strong disconnect.
2. Visit Government House
This June 5, the doors are being thrown open to the public so that visitors can take in the regal manor, peek behind doors and check out splendid rooms, and explore the grounds which are fairly extensive in their size. (When we say fairly extensive, we mean that the estate sits on 14 hectares and, according to the Queensland Governor’s IG account, Fernberg is surrounded by 10 hectares of remnant bushland that attracts all sorts of native animals, especially birds.)
3. Dining in the Dark
Imagine stepping inside a restaurant blanketed in darkness and being served a sublime three-course meal – the flavours and textures of which are intensified by your remaining senses. Sounds a little bit incredible, right?
An experience that’s been backed by psychologists as an ‘amplified’ way to enjoy food, the enticing ‘Dining In The Dark’ has arrived in Brisbane with plenty more dates this month so you can find out for yourself.
4. Archie Brothers Cirque Electric adults-only night
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is playing host to a dazzling and immersive circus extravaganza experience in Toombul. Set to continue every second Saturday night of each month (7-10pm) all the way till November 13 this year, the show promises to be a hoot and then some.
Expect to find among the arcade games a whole load of circus entertainment. From stilt walkers to snake charmers, from cheeky showgirls to marvelous magicians with comedic chops and tarot card readers. All these and more will be at your service for a holistic and immersive circus experience.
5. El Camino Cantina’s Winter Specials
It’s on this winter with 10-cent chicken wings, $2 tacos and El Camino Cantina’s new not so soft drink flavoured Margaritas.
The Not So Soft Drink series of frozen Ritas include odes to Pasito, Coca-Cola, Mountain Dew and Kirk’s creamy soda. These will be available at all ten El Camino Cantina venues across the country and can be served in both 15-ounce and 25-ounce glasses, topped with a float of Grand Marnier, or in tasting paddles so you can sample all four flavours at once. However, these four flavours are only half of the Not So Soft Drink series which is completed by Sunkist, ginger beer and pub squash flavours. These limited-edition flavours, though, are only available El Camino Cantina’s South Bank venue.
These flavours will be available every day from 1 June to 1 August and will be joined by the King of the Wing Festival where, over the same period of time, the crew at will be cooking up ten new chicken flavours which will be on rotation each week. Go on a Wednesday and try them for just 10-cents a pop.
6. Anime Candlelight Concert
Experience the magic of Candlelight concerts in Brisbane featuring the most popular anime songs. From Dragon Ball Z and Sailor Moon to Naruto and Studio Ghibli, you’ll fall into a realm of tranquillity in almost complete darkness.
The show blends the world of anime with the gorgeous sounds of classical piano, all in a spectacular setting. On Sunday 20 June, prepare to unwind for 65 minutes surrounded by the spellbinding atmosphere of candles. Tickets are live now!
7. The Evergreen Winter Festival and Market
Taking over Tamborine Mountain village from June 18-20, the Evergreen Festival will be home to Market Lane, the festival’s main and free attraction, where visitors will be able to peruse market stalls adorned with Christmas decorations and ornaments selling edible treats as well as handmade crafts. There will also be stalls where the smell of roasted nuts and spiced wine will tempt you into taking a closer look. Market Lane, which will also feature lighting installations, will be open from 10am-8pm.
8. Winter Village
Although the snow will be faux, the winter village will be covered white and magic will be in the air as the city’s lights twinkle in the background. You’ll have to head along to experience it or miss out on all the winter-themed fun.
those who love the winter months can cosy up in one of 22 enchanting igloos—fitted out with comfy armchairs, soft cushions and twinkling fairy lights—and order in grazing plates starting at $49 per person. There will also be an ice-skating rink and food trucks on hand as well as pop-up bars and a giant igloo serving up winter-themed treats.
9. Try the new BTS x Maccas meal collab
The hugely popular K-pop group BTS is coming to Australia. Kind of. The South Korean superstars have teamed up with Maccas for a new BTS meal menu collaboration delighting fans across the country.
The menu includes 10 chicken nuggets, fries, a large soft drink and the uber popular sweet chilli and Cajun dipping sauces — much loved in South Korea.
10. The Chef’s Experience at Eterna
All roads lead to Rome with Eterna’s newest Chef’s Table culinary experience. Hailing from Naples, chef Francesco Vitagliano now finds himself heading up the kitchen at Fortitude Valley’s late-night Italian restaurant, Eterna, where he’s devised a special two-course dining experience complete with tableside flambé.
Eterna’s Chef’s Table experience is only available from Tuesday to Thursday and limited to a select number of guests per day. Booking is highly recommended.
11. Lifeline Bookfest
The Lifeline Bookfest begins on June 26 and will this year be held across three halls of the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre. They’ve had 18 months to stock up on books and they’ve got plenty priced at just $2.50. Unfortunately, there’ll be no $1 section this year. However, there will also be CDs, DVDs, puzzles and magazines to pick up over the nine days of the event.
This year is also cashless.
More info12. European Masterpieces From The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
European Masterpieces From The Metropolitan Museum Of Art will be on display at Queensland’s Gallery Of Modern Art from June 12 to October 17.
Exclusive to Brisbane, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And since this will be the only tour that The Met conducts in 2021, this is also a huge coup for Queensland and Australia with most of the artworks unlikely to ever return Down Under ever again.
13. Slipstream’s Fourth Anniversary Party
Slipstream Brewing Co is turning four this month and to celebrate they’re throwing a six-course dinner party (sold out) as well as laneway festivities on Saturday 5 June. Head along from 11am for new brews, a low n slow bbq feed and a whole heap of fun for everyone, including the little ones. More info
14. The Market Folk’s Gasworks Market
The Market Folk takeover the heritage-listed Gasometer Park once a month and come Saturday 12 June, it’s that time again. From 9am to 1pm, head along for a curated collection of creative stalls featuring homewares and arts and craft as well as plenty of preloved clothing.
Entry is free and doggos are more than welcome.
More info15. Nine Lives Festival
It’s block party time at The Tivoli with Jet Black Cat Music throwing another soiree inside and in the laneway. The party/festival vibes will be supplied by Stella Donnelly, Tropical Fuck Storm, Bananagun, Cool Sounds, Floodlights, Gordon Koang and Surprise Chef. The music lineup also includes Charly, Family Jordan, Lucky Idiot, Maple Glider and Middle Name Dance Band with DJs as well taking over the outdoor stage.
Happening on June 26, tickets are now on sale.
16. Rom Coms and Nom Noms
Looking for a date night idea in the middle of the week? The tried and tested dinner and (free) movie is here to solve your woes with free film screenings taking place at Post Office Square every Wednesday night throughout June. You’ll be able to grab a bite to eat in the form of grazing boxes from micropub Isles Lane and drinks from the pop-up bar. Films begin at 5:30pm.
For the film program, see here.
17. Brisbane Distillery’s Double-Decker Gin Bus
On Sundays, The True Spirit will be parked up at Riverside Markets providing Gin Tastings as well as handcrafted cocktail flights. Sittings last for only 30 minutes, but in that time you will be served one of two cocktail flights (24.99), with each flight containing three handcrafted cocktails. Downstairs, the crew will be serving up free tastings of their Game of Eucalyptus Gin, Queensland Dry Gin as well as their Brown Snake Rhum.