19 Nifty Things To Do In And Near Brisbane This Week
A new week is here and there's plenty happening around the city.
Jordan Clayden-Lewis - Staff Writer
And just like that, another week has come rolling around. Here are some awesome things happening in Brisbane during the week: from Christmas-themed fun to delicious eats and more.
1. Nab some unique handmade gifts from the West End Christmas Twilight Markets
Finish the week off in festive style at this Christmas market in West End. This Friday evening from 4 – 10pm, browse from unique handmade gifts, grab a feed and a drink, and get a photo with Santa himself.
West End Christmas Twilight Markets @ Davies Park
2. Head to Bulimba for a one-off dining experience at Besitos
Out of all the new restaurant openings in 2022, Mediterranean pop-up restaurant Besitos from the Bellissimo coffee crew has been a favourite in the Brisbane dining scene. And with good reason. Small plates that pack a flame-driven flavour hit, delicious wine to pair, and friendly service – you can’t go wrong. Back by popular demand after closing its doors in October, Besitos is reopening this Friday night for an exclusive 8-course Mediterranean feast.
3. Interact with the art at Museum of Brisbane’s ‘Play Moves’ summer exhibition
When it comes to art, Brisbane is in no shortage of awe-inspiring exhibitions. Neighbourhood Earth just recently opened, then we’ve got a dinosaur exhibition to look forward to next year. To add to the list is Play Moves, a new summer exhibition hitting Museum of Brisbane from Friday, December 9, 2022 – Sunday, April 16, 2023
Play Moves features a series of six interactive experiences, where you as the viewer can engage with the art through touch and immersion.
Play Moves @ Museum of Brisbane
4. Catch an outdoor flick at Moonlight Cinema
In Brisbane, Moonlight Cinema returns from Thursday, November 24, 2022 to Sunday, February 19, 2023. You’ll find it in the Amphitheatre at Roma Street Parkland. The movie schedule for this week includes Grease, Don’t Worry Darling, Smile and Mrs Harris Goes to Paris
5. Putt your way through this Christmas-themed mini golf course
Get into the festive spirit at Christmas Putt Putt, a festive-themed mini golf course that’s popped up at Victoria Park. The course has undergone a merry makeover, decked out with tinsel, giant candy canes, Christmas trees, reindeer, lights and of course a massive Santa statue. Open until January 3, 2023.
6. Get your live music fix at one of these gigs
When it comes to live music, there’s plenty happening in Brisbane this week. The Wombats are playing a huge show at Fortitude Music Hall on Tuesday night. On Thursday evening, catch Azealia Banks at The Tivoli. Then, Skid Row is set to take over to the Triffid on Friday night.
7. Embark on a Christmas light hunt with these displays around Brisbane
Every year there are some neighbourly neighbours that go above and beyond throwing up a cable of fairy lights, sticking up some festive words, and calling their Christmas light display complete. Instead, they meticulously plan their Brisbane Christmas light displays days, weeks or even months in advance as the best designers do, and when the time strikes they get to work setting up and decorating.
We’ve done a bit of digging to find some truly special light displays that are well worth the trip. Take a look below at some of the confirmed displays in Brisbane and then add some more to your Christmas light display tour.
12 magical Christmas light displays you can find around Brisbane this festive season
8. Treat yourself at this souffle pancake pop up
Open from Wednesday ’til Sunday from November 23 – January 29, this pancake pop-up will have you biting into signature souffle pancake varieties such as Black Sugar Boba, creme brulee, Biscoffee, a honey and butter number, as well as the Uji Matcha, which is topped with matcha cream and a red bean paste. Our mouths are watering just thinking about them all, to be honest.
9. Immerse yourself in the Neighbourhood Earth exhibition
Developed in partnership with NASA’s George C. Marshall Space Flight Center and the US Space and Rocket Center, Neighbourhood Earth offers an in-depth look into space exploration and beyond with models of iconic spacecraft, family-friendly hands-on activities, a full-size replica of a section of the International Space Station (perfect for some space selfies!), and more.
The interactive exhibition—designed to delight families, students and little future astronauts alike—explores the solar system and our place in it, the journeys we’ve embarked on and what’s next on our missions of discovery. Tickets are now on sale!
The countdown is on for a cosmic adventure.
10. Enjoy the views at this new Amazonian Rainforest-inspired rooftop bar
We love our rooftop bars here in Brisbane, which means we can never really have enough of them, right? To add to the list, we have SOKO Rooftop in Fortitude Valley. Serving up Peruvian Japanese fare and cocktails within a jungle-inspired setting, this is one rooftop hang out to try with the gang.
10 Brisbane rooftop bars for sky-high glorious views
11. See a free film at Felons
When it comes to films, sometimes new releases just don’t compare to the classics. And with Christmas just around the corner, all the festive favourites are currently defrosting and ready to be watched. Felons Brewing Co is kicking off summer with weekly free movie nights. Summer Cinema Sessions will take place in the brewery’s Barrel Hall every Tuesday evening until December 20, so come along, sink a schooner, and enjoy a free flick.
12. Sip on sake at this hidden Japanese speakeasy
You’ll need to head through Hotel Indigo to find this speakeasy-style bar. 1603 conveniently has sake cocktails waiting to be mixed up for you. After stopping by for a drink, you can also walk down the winding stairs to find the hidden restaurant.
13. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Lune Croissanterie’s December specials
14. Cool down at a swimming hole near Brisbane
Summer is nearly here, and so is the humidity that comes with it. Just outside of the city, you’ll find some of the best swimming holes in Australia. After all the rain we’ve had, these natural freshwater pools should be filled up—ready for you to take a dip.
10 of the most stunning swimming holes near Brisbane
15. Enjoy live jazz every Thursday evening in the Valley
If you’re looking for something new to try in the Valley this week, head to Bar Tano after work on Thursday for a groovy jazz night from 5 – 8pm. Slurp down $2 oysters as well as plenty of tipples to get you keen for the weekend, even if it’s not actually the weekend.
16. See the spectacular Mary Poppins musical
The much-loved tale tells the story of a magical nanny who is employed to take care of two mischievous children. What follows is a tale of magic and adventure that has warmed the hearts of many over the years. If you adored the film as a kid, or as a parent, then you’ll love this stage adaptation.
17. Get transported back in time at this new 70s-inspired supper club
A supper club is a dining establishment that doubles as a social club. These clubs generally pose as high-class establishments without the unaffordable price tag. At Maggie May, you can expect a casual dining experience complete with delicious eats as well as wine to pair. The interiors pay homage to the 70s, with warm hues of mustard, golden brown and teal.
18. Relax and rejuvenate at Brisbane’s very-first rooftop bathhouse
Soak Bathhouse has been gracing the Gold Coast for a while now with its luxe but affordable bathhouse at Pacific Square in Mermaid Beach. But now, they’ve expanded, opening up a second venue in Brisbane. Open now in West End, this haven of relaxation is Brisbane’s first rooftop bathhouse.
19. Embrace the weird at this immersive night market
A whacky new immersive night market is coming to West End this month. Westoria will open every Friday night from October 7, becoming home to art, performances and themed spaces. Not to mention plenty of signature cocktails, eats, live music, as well as tarot card readings, and more.