Here are some awesome things happening in and near Brisbane this weekend, from festivals to epic eats and more.
1. Head to the waterfront for this strawberry and dessert festival
Held at Sandstone Point Hotel this Sunday, September 24, the Strawberry and Dessert Festival couldn’t come at a more perfect time. The weather is warming up and the cold drinks will be free-flowing.
The menu for the day will feature everything from strawberry-infused cocktails, milkshakes ice cream to scones with fresh strawberry jam as well as chocolate-coated strawberries.
2. Join in on the Brisbane Pride Fair Day fun
Brisbane Pride Festival is returning to the city this Saturday for its annual rally, march and Fair Day celebrations, which includes a whole heap of live music, drag shows and more.
3. Sip rosé by the river inside a pink-hued flower dome
Spring has sprung in the CBD with the return of these riverside domes outside Customs House. Sip Moët & Chandon Rosé and bite into a Moreton Bay bug croissant as you enjoy the floral vibes of these domes.
The domes are open from Thursday, September 21, but Customs House doesn’t take bookings for them, so you’ll want to get down there early to snag one for you and your crew.
4. Occupy the kids with these school holiday activities around Brisbane
As any parent will be able to tell you, finding ways to keep your little ones occupied can be a difficult ask. Thankfully though, Brisbane is home to all manner of activities and experiences that even the toughest little critics will love – and here are 10 of our favourites.
5. Satisfy your sweet tooth with drool-worthy dessert bao
It’s bao buns like we’ve never seen them before: deep-fried and loaded with ice cream. These dessert baos are available now at Harajuku Gyoza in the CBD and South Bank, and they come in three drool-worthy flavours, including Oreo, Snickers and Golden Gaytime.
6. And unicorn-themed frozen yoghurt!
Frozen yoghurt brand Yo-Chi is doing spring a little differently with the launch of their Unicorn Magic Month. From September 18 to October 15, all Yo-Chi venues will be decked out with unicorn-themed decor, as well as unicorn-themed toppings and unicorn swirl yogurt.
It’s perfectly timed for the school holidays this week too, and you can join in on the fun at their venues in the CBD or Mt Gravatt.
7. Charge up for the day at Newstead’s new coffee bar with self-serve taps
Single O has recently opened its first Brisbane coffee bar in Newstead, which includes self-serve coffee and gourmet brunch sandwiches, toasties and more.
If you’re looking for a new spot to check out for a coffee and a bite in Brisbane this weekend, look no further.
8. Follow the glowing trail at Lightscape
Wander through the green heart of Brisbane with a new trail that stretches just over two kilometres. As you journey along the path, you’ll discover shimmering lights, large-scale sculptures, soundscapes and more. Lightscape is illuminating Brisbane from 5.45 pm every night Thursday, August 31 to Saturday, October 8.
9. Try the new spring menu at Za Za Ta
Brisbane’s favourite vegetarian restaurant Za Za Ta has launched their spring menu, with plenty of new plant-based dishes to try. Our favourites were the pumpkin dumplings and pistachio baklava ice cream sandwich.
10. Have a sunset cocktail and tapas at Brisbane’s newest rooftop bar
Rooftop bars are god-tier when it comes to dining in Brisbane — there’s something about enjoying a bite and a tipple with a dramatic backdrop of the city skyline that hits differently. Gather the gang for sky-high cocktails at Sunsets.
11. Join in on the fun and frivolity of Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
From the legends behind super fun Brisbane experiences such as Hijinx Hotel, Holey Moley and B. Lucky & Sons comes an exciting new arcade venture. After closing their Toombul venue due to the 2022 floods, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is returning to Brisbane, opening at their new Bowen Hills home this Wednesday, September 6.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in Bowen Hills
12. Head to Toowoomba for its annual spring flower festival
For the whole month, this Insta-worthy flower festival is taking over Queens Park in Toowoomba, which is around 1.5 hours west of Brisbane. In previous years, the celebration has attracted massive crowds, and with good reason – the flower displays are magnificent and the events are guaranteed to put a spring in your step.
13. Wander through GOMA’s latest exhibition
Two awesome new exhibitions have popped up at GOMA, showcased side by side. ‘eX de Medici: Beautiful Wickedness’ and ‘Michael Zavros: The Favourite’ both feature a slew of breathtaking artworks, and will be up until October 2.
14. Go for bottomless brunch at this Mount Cotton winery
Sirromet Wines is launching their new bottomless brunch offering this Saturday, set on the picturesque Mount Cotton vineyard. Think charred corn, zucchini fritters, smoked salami chorizo frittata, burrata, heirloom tomatoes, basil pesto, prosciutto, sour dough, a chef’s selection of desserts and more, paired with 2 hours of Sirromet NV Cuvee.
Bottomless Brunch in the Summer House
15. Sip at this sensory cocktail experience
In collaboration with Loose Collective, W Brisbane has transformed its Living Room Bar into an immersive cocktail and light installation space. On the new Sensory Sips menu, you’ll find an OTT smoke-infused cocktail that can only be unlocked via a code (check under your coaster), as well as a bright pink number topped with an edible white chocolate ticket.
16. Become part of your own sketch book at this 2D café and bar in the Valley
We’re always on the hunt for interesting venues in Brisbane, and Illusion by no. 5 definitely fits the bill – the newly opened café and bar on Ann Street looks like something straight out of a black-and-white graphic novel.
At this mind-bending spot, you can expect to see a piano, furniture, murals and other small objects which have been drawn on by hand to create the 2D effect.
17. Embrace the weird at the immersive night market, Westoria
Thanks to the return of the weird and whacky market Westoria, Fridays and Sundays are so much more fun.
Your senses will be taken on a journey the moment you walk into the themed spaces, from interactive roving entertainers to live music, fire twirlers, and stilt walkers to set the scene.
18. Relax and rejuvenate at a Brisbane day spa
Brisbane certainly isn’t lacking in the day spa department, so it’s easier than ever to find a haven of relaxation in the city and beyond. Relax your worries away at one of these wellness hubs, whether it be soaking at a bathhouse or getting a well-deserved massage and facial.
12 super relaxing day spas around Brisbane to find your peace at
19. Enjoy free live music at Howard Smith Wharves
Every Saturday and Sunday from 2-5pm, the lawn at Howard Smith Wharves is home to free live music. So come down and grab a bite and a bev at one of the many waterfront venues on offer down there.