16 Of The Best Things To Do In Brisbane This Week
Ekka Week is here and there's plenty happening around the city.
And just like that, another week has come rolling around, this one being the annual Ekka, which runs from August 6 – 14 and comes with a public holiday for Brisbanites this Wednesday.
Here are some awesome things happening in Brisbane during the week: from weeknight entertainment to Ekka-inspired treats, and more.
1. Celebrate the Ekka with these tasty inspired treats
If you’re not going to the actual Ekka this year, not to worry, because a whole bunch of venues around Brisbane are celebrating by serving up Ekka-inspired treats and events.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a Super Strawberry Sundae croissant from Darvella Patisserie in Bulimba, which will be available from Wednesday till Sunday.
As for Ekka-inspired bevvies, head over to Hey Chica! this Tuesday night for their Ekka Eve Carnival Party, where they’ll be slinging fun concoctions such as Fairy Floss Margs as well as Bourbon & Buttered Popcorn Martinis.
If you’re after something a it more frothy, Stone & Wood has also brought back their Strawberry Sundae Beer, which will be available at their Fortitude Valley brew house all week.
The fun will continue into the weekend with Treasury Brisbane’s Ekka-themed high tea, which is packed with Ekka favourites such as mini dagwood dogs and strawberry-filled delights.
2. Dive into a magical new world at Love Lust Lost
Tickets are on sale now for Brisbane’s shimmering new immersive experience, Love Lust Lost. In this epic multi-sensory experience, travellers are invited to board Captain Anderson’s ship and voyage into the deep. Encounter an entrancing underwater world based on the timeless tales of Jules Verne, Hans Christian Anderson and Joseph Conrad – you might even meet some wondrous new beings on the way! Delve a little deeper and book your passage here. Secret Brisbane readers can enjoy 15% off* tickets to Love Lust Lost with the discount code ‘SECRETLOVE’!
*Excludes Saturdays. Promo code only valid when used at time of purchase.
Read more.3. Catch a comedy show and flex your trivia skills at Catchment Brewing Co.
If you and your mates are looking for somewhere to elevate your weeknight game this week, Catchment Brewing Co has you covered. On Wednesday nights, kick for a well-deserved laugh with live comedy and $15 pizzas. Then on Thursday evenings, you can ace your trivia game as well as bite into $15 burgers.
Book a table here.
4. Get your live music fix at one of these gigs
Usually it’s the weekends that garner the best gigs around Brisbane, but this week is chock-full of music events. On Monday night, catch genre-bending musical icon Bonobo play at The Tivoli. Then on Wednesday night, head over to The Triffid for a night of acoustic talent from 6pm. Arlo Parks will then take over The Tivoli on Thursday night, followed by a massive show from Hayden James on Friday night at Fortitude Music Hall.
5. Crack the case at Brisbane’s interactive murder mystery at High Church
It’s a nice day for a white wedding, but what if there’s a been a murder before “I do”? That’s the question you’ll need to answer as the plot unravels in the pews. After a successful season in Sydney and Melbourne, Fever’s Murder Mystery experience has now landed in Brisbane.
Brush up on your investigative skills and head into Fortitude Valley’s High Church to crack the case. As a guest at the wedding, you’ll dive into an original storyline – searching for clues, interrogating characters, and solving the puzzle.
Grab your tickets here.
6. Take a look at this nature-inspired art installation at Brisbane Quarter
Inspired by the wildly popular Soul Trembles exhibition currently on show at GOMA, The Love Of Life art installation at Brisbane Quarter has been created by three local artists using traditional Japanese techniques. You can catch it from now until August 31.
7. Sip on cocktails while a magician performs a show at Maho Magic Bar
Out of the unique interactive experiences coming to Brisbane this year, Maho Magic Bar is one you’ll want to check out. Inspired by the magic bars of Japan, this dazzling pop-up space will have you sipping on cocktails while a magician performs a magic show right before your eyes. You can experience the magic for yourself at Northshore Hamilton from July 28 – September 18.
More info here.
8. Rediscover Brisbane with one of these daily experience deals
Throughout the month of August, you can score a bunch of cheap deals on experiences around the city thanks to Brisbane City Council’s ‘Rediscover Brisbane’ campaign. We’re talking $20 dining, cultural delights as well as outdoor adventures. There will be a $20 deal each day in August, and you’ll need to jump on it pretty quickly, because there’s only a limited number of spaces available at the cheap price. To claim your deal of the day, simply download the Brisbane app and (re)discover Brisbane today.
9. Eat pasta from a cheese wheel at Salt Meats Cheese
Cheese and pasta are true comfort foods, there’s no denying it. And when the two are together, it’s like a warm carb-filled hug. Salt Meats Cheese in Newstead is a popular Italian favourite, and they’re serving up epic Hump Day hugs every Wednesday. By that, we mean pasta served from a giant cheese wheel.
Read all about it here.
10. Become mesmerised inside this human-sized kaleidoscope
Coming to the Brisbane Powerhouse Performance lawn from August 12 until October 3 is the mesmerising mirror maze installation Kaleidoscope, which incorporates light, colour and sound for a truly immersive experience. Fresh from its Melbourne premiere, the artwork is made from 700 square metres of glass, steel, mirrors, and moving prisms.
Read more here.
11. Fill yourself up on Mexican eats at Ivory Tusk
What’s better than your average tacos? A tower full of them of course! Get your Mexican fix at Ivory Tusk with one of their Taco Towers plus three cocktails for just $59 per person.
On Thursdays, Ivory Husk also does all-you-can-eat tacos for $25 per person or you can add a two-hour drinks package for an extra $30!
Book a table here.
12. Catch a blockbuster movie at the cinema
There are some highly-anticipated movies coming to Australian cinemas this month. Jordan Peele’s newest horror Nope is released this Thursday, August 11. Rolling on from July’s releases, you can also try and catch Where the Crawdads Sing and the new Thor while they’re still screening.
13. Try Australia’s best avo toast at Little Hideout Café
Late last year, Costa’s Seafood Café in Capalaba was voted as having the best fish N chips in Australia. And a very well-deserved award at that: their fish N chips are delicious! Now, Brisbane has another “Australia’s best” to add to its collection. Millennials, start planning your brunch dates because Little Hideout Café in Balmoral has been named Best Avo Toast in Australia.
More info here.
14. Pick up your next vintage record at this Vinyl Market
If you’re a lover of vinyl, then you’re going to want to check out this event. Celebrate National Record Day at this market dedicated to vinyl both vintage and new. You never know – you might find your next favourite. You can find the market at the Piazza at South Bank Parklands on Friday, August 12 from 12pm, which will also include live vinyl DJ sets you can jam out to while you’re there.
15. Enjoy a flame-driven flavour hit at this new Mediterranean restaurant in Bulimba
Both coffee roasters Bellissimo and cliffside restaurant Joey’s have become go-to spots since opening in Brisbane. Bellissimo boasts delicious local beans for your coffee machine at home, and Joey’s, well, Joey’s is all about the skyline views (cocktail in hand of course). Now, the two teams are joining forces to deliver us a bespoke new Mediterranean restaurant. Introducing Besitos, home to small plates that pack a flame-driven flavour hit. The new pop-up eatery officially opens up this Thursday for dinner.
More info here.
16. Warm up with a whiskey and cheesy toastie night at Grape Therapy
Whisky – that malty, sweet, spicy goodness – is a popular drink for so many reasons. But did you know that the golden spirit is also an excellent pairing alongside food, particularly cheese? At Grape Therapy’s Whisky & Cheesy Toasty Night you and your taste buds are in for a treat. With a series focusing on a specific style, distiller or region each week, you’ll explore the versatility and flavours of whisky as well as digging into a cheesy, gooey, piping hot Cheese Toastie! A match made in heaven!
SEE MORE: 40 Things To Eat, See And Do Around Brisbane This August