It might only be 28 days long and the last month of summer, but February is still a whole heap of fun. So, make the most of the daylight and the warm weather before the colder months come calling. Here are 25 of the best things to do around Brisbane this February.
1. Celebrate the Lunar New Year at BrisAsia
BrisAsia is back in town during February, and it’s bringing with it a slew of festivities that’ll help you ring in the Year of the Dragon. Over three huge weeks from Thursday, February 1 to Sunday, February 18, you can get a taste of culturally rich Asia right here in Brisbane.
2. Watch Disney’s Beauty and the Beast musical
It’s a tale as old as time and when 2024 rolls around. Brisbane will finally get to experience the utterly magical Beauty and the Beast musical. After captivating Sydney audiences, this production will journey up to the River City, playing at Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in February 2024.
3. Get all-you-can-eat sushi and hot pot for just $35 per person
Shabu House is Brisbane’s only sushi and Japanese hot pot buffet, where you can get unlimited amounts of both in a single sitting for just $35. This cheap deal is available for lunch only from Monday to Friday. It’s a little more expensive for dinner and on the weekends.
More info here
4. Join the lovers, dreamers and storytellers at this romance film and book festival
If you’re an enthusiast of love stories in film and literature, then you won’t want to miss BLUSSH Romance Festival, which will take place at Woolloongabba’s Angelika Film Centre from February 22 to 25.
Here, you’ll be able to catch a range of romance films on the big screen, from classics like Romeo & Juliet to cult favourites such as Twilight and even an Australian premiere: the Brisbane-filmed One Perfect Match.
On the jam-packed program is also three in-conversation events from emerging and established authors, who will be chatting about the world of romance literature.
Check out the full program here
5. Get your live music fix at one of these gigs around the city
When it comes to live music, Brisbane is brimming with gigs during February, with a heap of popular artists and bands visiting our city on tour. This month is your chance to see a live performance from P!nk, Blink-182, Boo Seeka and more.
6. Treat your date to something unique for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And if you’re looking to plan something different for you and your date or mates in 2023, then you’ve come to the right place. Brisbane is full of fun and creative date ideas you can go on, and this fact is no different when it comes to planning the most romantic time of the year. We’ve compiled a list of unique V-day plans you can enjoy, from a float-in cinema to decadent Valentine’s treats, a mystery picnic and more.
7. Visit a thought-provoking art exhibition
When it comes to art in Brisbane, there’s always something to set your gaze on. Art exhibitions regularly pop up around the city, as do otherworldly installations that make us think and feel.
8. Cool off at this swim-up pool bar
Thanks to The Westin Brisbane‘s super chic pool bar, we don’t have to travel too far to relax by the pool with a cocktail this summer. Nautilus Beach Club is the perfect spot to live out your island fantasies.
9. Dine out at a new restaurant or cafe
If you want to eat out somewhere new this week, there’s been a few openings recently, including a cafe called Kevin, which is located inside a revamped Queenslander cottage in New Farm, as well as Monal Dining, a neighbourhood restaurant in Newstead.
More new restaurants around Brisbane
More new cafes and bakeries around Brisbane
10. Experience an enchanting Candlelight Concert
Candlelight’s candle-music combo has enchanted Brisbane audiences since the captivating concerts first took to the stage. The memorable evenings have shone a new light on live performances, making classical music or music performed by classically-trained musicians more accessible and open to everybody than ever before.
Transforming unique and iconic venues across the city with a sea of candles, the evenings are perfect for romantic rendezvous, dates with mates and outings with your favourite friends, as well as, the ultimate treat to oneself because you really don’t need anyone else to experience an hour of beautiful live music.
Upcoming Candlelight concerts
11. Hit up a local market
A bunch of Brisbane markets are back for 2024, including Redacliffe Markets every Wednesday from February 7, Carseldine Markets on Saturdays, as well as Milton Markets and Nundah Markets on Sundays.
12. Spot an array of sea life below the surface at these stunning snorkelling spots
When it comes to summer, the heat makes us want to spend our days submerged in a body of cold water. And while Brisbane is close to a slew of white-sand beaches and lush swimming holes, snorkelling takes things one step further as a summer activity. We get to cool down, all the while spotting an array of fish, as well as turtles, dugongs and dolphins if we’re lucky.
Get your mask and flippers ready for 7 of the most stunning snorkelling spots near Brisbane.
13. Hop aboard the YOT Club for a three-course long lunch on the river
If you’ve never been on a YOT Club cruise, this is your sign. On Sunday, February 11, hop aboard the luxury yacht for a three-course long lunch with wine pairing, live acoustic music and epic views over the Brisbane River.
More info here
14. Set your eyes on the sky for a dazzling meteor shower
February is historically the slowest month for astronomy-related events but there’s one that is set to exclusively delight skygazers in Australia and other parts of the Southern Hemisphere. The a-Centaurid meteor shower (Alpha Centaurid), takes place from January 28 until February 21 every year and is expected to peak on February 8.
15. Get $25 bathhouse sessions at Vikasati
If you’re looking for ways to elevate your wellness schedule in 2024 — without breaking the bank — look no further than Vikasati. This Red Hill wellness club is home to both a well-stocked gym as well as a relaxing bathhouse aptly named The Sanctuary.
The Sanctuary is decked out with both hot and cold magnesium plunge pools, a Finnish sauna, outdoor showers and ice baths (if you’re up for the chilly challenge). Each 90-minute session includes free use of the bathhouse facilities, which is a perfect amount of time to de-stress or recover from your gym training.
The weekly membership is just $25 per week and allows you to visit the bathhouse for a session once a week. It also gives you the option to hop in the infrared sauna for a discounted price of $25.
16. Head out of town for the Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Harvest Festival
If you’re keen for a road trip during February, make the three-hour drive out to Stanthorpe for its Apple & Grape Harvest Festival, which celebrates the local produce of the region.
Held over 10 days from February 23 to March 3, the Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Harvest Festival will have a grand parade, grape crush events, a food and wine fiesta, as well as an apple peeling competition and more.
See the full program17. Take an early weekend getaway, starting with this high tea on a train
If you’re looking for something different to do, hop aboard the Silver Bullet for a unique high tea experience. The train departs Gympie every Friday from 10am for a scenic journey through the gorgeous Mary Valley countryside.
The high tea experience includes a glass of sparkling wine, as well as a variety of locally made savoury and sweet treats, and unlimited tea and coffee.
Secure your spot here
18. Cheer on your favourite NFL team at a Super Bowl party
NFL fans to the front, because America’s massive Super Bowl game is back again on Monday, February 12. See the action screened at one of Brisbane’s local watering holes, such as CLAW, Felons, The Boundary Hotel, Fridays or Buffalo Bar, which are serving up a slew of American-themed food, beverages and more.
Note: CLAW has a $59 set menu for their Super Bowl party. The rest mentioned are free entry.
19. Try the new menu at Stanley
Riverside dining gem Stanley has launched their new Lunar New Year menu, which comes with a delectable selection of Cantonese dishes that can be added to any of the current banquet menus or the traditional a la carte menu.
You can book a table here
20. Go on a waterfall hike near Brisbane
Luckily for us, the Gold Coast Hinterland has some of the best waterfalls in Queensland, most of which are less than two hours from Brisbane. Here’s a list of the essential ones to find in the region — some that you can swim in, and some best seen from afar.
21. Get blindfolded for an unforgettable dining experience
With a blindfold as a gateway, taste and aroma intensify, transforming each bite into an extraordinary adventure. Enter a realm of sensory delight where an intimate setting invites you to break away from routine and relearn how to use your taste buds.
Dining in the Dark, an unparalleled encounter that transforms dining into a thrilling journey of discovery.
Secure your spot here
22. Enjoy a bottomless taco feast for just $25
Undeniably, we’re spoiled for choice of epic restaurants and Mexican eateries here in Brisbane. But sometimes eating out can be expensive. So if you’re feeling a taco date night during the week — without breaking the bank — then head to Mucho Mexicano in Hawthorne.
Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, this popular Mexican joint serves up all-you-can-eat tacos for just $25 per person. The epic weekday deal is available with the purchase of any drink (including soft drinks), and there are eight different taco varieties to choose from.
23. Treat yourself to a staycation
Amora Hotel Brisbane has undergone a $30 million refurbishment, with a sleek makeover of the rooms, suites and public areas. So if you’re looking for a sign to take an impromptu staycation in Brisbane, this is it. That pool does look mighty inviting.
24. See a romantic movie at this outdoor cinema
Brush off your picnic blankets, breathe in the balmy night air, and look forward to box office blockbusters, festive films and family favourites. This outdoor cinema has returned to Brisbane’s Roma Street Parkland for the summer season.
25. See a show at Brisbane’s new cabaret club
The second Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub has officially opened in a semi-permanent pavilion at Northshore, just in time for the summer fun.
Like its Gold Coast predecessor, you can expect a wild ride of glitz and glamour, with 1920s art-deco décor, intoxicating performances from an array of talented artists, as well as cocktails and bites while you enjoy the show.