This month, there are a bunch of things happening around Brisbane to interest and intrigue you as well as add some colour and festivity to your winter.
1. Have a magical winter at Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Brisbane, the wait is over. Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience is coming your way in June! Now’s your chance to embark on a magical, after-dark adventure like no other. After mesmerising over 2 million fans across the globe, this one-of-a-kind immersive experience is finally making its debut in Brisbane. Expect spellbinding sights, interactive moments, and a journey deep into the heart of the Wizarding World.
📍Sirromet Winery, 850-938 Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton
2. Get a taste of a Euro holiday without leaving Brisbane at this French festival
If you couldn’t make it overseas for the Euro summer this year, not to worry: Le Festival will be back in town this July 4 to July 6 to give you a taste of France without the long-haul flight. And without leaving Brisbane at all. Over three massive days, this iconic rendezvous will showcase all things French, from the music and food to the lifestyle and more.
3. Celebrate alternative arts at Wynnum Fringe Festival
From July 9 to July 20, festival-goers of all ages can enjoy 10 days of unmissable entertainment to the heart of the bayside. This year’s Fringe is bringing everything from crowd-drawing performers like Rhonda Burchmore and Wil Anderson to Shake & Stir’s innovative production of Romeo and Juliet — which puts an audience-centred spin on the Shakespeare classic — and even a Millennial party and gin tasting experience! Read all about it here.
4. Grab a spicy meat pie at Banjo’s Bakery
5. Indulge in fondue and cocktails at this rooftop igloo dining experience
Lina Rooftop’s winter igloo dining experience is back in South Brisbane, giving you the chance to luxe out in style during the cold season until July 27.
6. Say amen and catch Jesus Christ Superstar at QPAC
The acclaimed biblical rock opera,Jesus Christ Superstar is coming to Brisbane and you’ll have no trouble knowing how to love it!
Winner of the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival in the UK, this mesmerising production will feature some of Australia’s most well-respected stage actors and musicians, and is not to be missed. Experience the story you know from a new perspective until August 5 at QPAC, and get your tickets here!
7. Head north for a 10-day seaside festival
NOOSA alive! Festival is returning for its 2025 edition with a packed program of special events and premiere performances, from live music to comedy and ballet. The festival will take over various venues and locations in Noosa from July 18 to 27. See more info here.
8. Head south for farm-to-table dining
One of the many perks of living in Brisbane is that we’re not too far from charming country towns. If you drive around an hour and a half south — just below the border into New South Wales — you’ll find the stunning Tweed Coast region, where stretches of ocean meet lush farmland. If frolicking amongst sunflowers and paddock-to-plate dining sounds up your alley, be sure to visit Farm & Co.
9. Satisfy your sweet tooth for World Chocolate Day on July 7th
Satisfying your sweet tooth is a necessity sometimes. And there’s nothing quite like a bite of moreish chocolate that just melts in your mouth. Ditch the supermarket for your next choccy haul. Brisbane has a selection of specialty chocolate ready for you to indulge in, with some incredible chocolate shops that’ll cure your cravings.
10. Eat your way along St James Street
The James St Food + Wine Trail is back for one day of tantalising dishes. This year, it’ll be on Sunday, July 27, showcasing some of James Street’s best venues. The iconic street will be closed off for its iconic food and drink venues to hit the streets with pop-up stalls. Choose from a stacked lineup including Gerard’s, Same Same, Hellenika, Gelato Messina, and plenty more!
11. Play tourist in your own city with Brisbane Open House
Taking place from Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, July 20, Brisbane Open House is a free annual event that lets locals and visitors alike explore the hidden architectural gems in the River City and, this year is the biggest edition in 5 years!
With no less than 91 structures on the agenda, spanning historical and heritage-listed spots, and even 10 private architect-designed homes, you’re sure to discover amazing spaces that speak to you.
12. Eat a meal while blindfolded at 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 could just be the perfect way to spice up your date night.
SEE MORE: A Go-To Guide For Fun And Creative Dates In Brisbane
13. Escape to an off-grid cabin this winter
We’ve rounded up some fabulous places where you and your favourite person/people in the world can go to escape, relax and refresh. Some of these picturesque cabins, cottages and chalets near Brisbane have wood fires where you can throw on another log to hear it crackle and hiss as it burns throughout the colder winter months, others are surrounded by lush rainforest and a few more have vistas that make waking up a breeze.
14. Be dazzled by the jaw-dropping light and sound show, Enlightenment
After captivating audiences across Europe, the breathtaking immersive experience Enlightenment is making its Australian debut in the heart of Brisbane. Set within the historic St Stephen’s Cathedral, this 30-minute spectacle combines cutting-edge projection mapping with the timeless beauty of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, creating a multi-sensory journey through the cycle of life. Grab your tickets here so you don’t miss out.
15. Putt your way through this glow-in-the-dark mini golf course
During June and July, St Lucia Golf Links will light up after dark with a luminous putt-putt course. Complete with glow-in-the-dark golf balls to hit down twinkling pathways, GLOW Mini Golf is set to be a dazzling way to spend a night during the cooler months.
The illuminated course plays host to glistening features and lights at each hole, bringing ambiance and difference to the game we know and love — all the while being a choice backdrop for photos.
16. Watch the State of Origin from one of these local pubs
Game three for the State of Origin is set to take place on the evening of Wednesday, July 9.
If you don’t want to watch the game at home, head to Brisbane pubs such as Regatta Hotel, The Crown Hotel, The Boundary Hotel, Port Office Hotel, Cleveland Sands Hotel, Koala Tavern and Salisbury Hotel to join in on the atmosphere.
17. Warm up at this magical bonfire festival
The small town of Killarney transforms into a luminous spectacle every year, with creative fire drums and a giant bonfire! This year, on Saturday, July 19, the town will light up not just with the bonfire but with thrilling fire performances, country rock music, and even fireworks!
18. Make the most of winter at this snowy wonderland
If you have always wanted to experience the magic of fluffy white snow without travelling too far from home, you’re in luck! Just in time for the winter school holidays, Snow4Kids is back for another year from June 28 to July 13, and it brings heaps of opportunities to revel in all things snowy and wintery.
19. Journey back in time at this huge medieval festival
Hear ye, hear ye! The Abbey Medieval Festival is coming back for another thrilling edition, bringing history to life this July!
This year’s program, stretching from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, is jam-packed with fascinating events and activities, ranging from performances such as re-enactments and jousts, to more hands-on happenings like dancing and crafts workshops!
20. Rock out to Aussie rock legends at Bribie Island
The award-winning Sandstone Point Hotel is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a huge musical celebration! On Saturday, July 26, witness an all-star line-up filled to the brim with rock icons, the headliners will be legends among legends Hoodoo Gurus, ready to get the crowd singing along to their classics. Rounding out the top-shelf pop and rock line-up are James Reyne, The Angels, Chocolate Starfish, Mi Sex, Spy Vs Spy, The Chantoozies and Matt Finish.
21. Let the music whisk you away at a Candlelight Concert
Listen to talented classical musicians play against the glow of candlelight at one of these special shows in Brisbane. From heartfelt tributes to beloved artists like Taylor Swift and Adele, to soul-stirring performances honouring music maestros like Vivaldi, Brisbane welcomes a candlelit performance tailored to every music enthusiast’s taste. Check out upcoming Brisbane Candlelight Concerts here!
22. Or get your live music fix at Open Season
The 5th edition of this city-wide music series is still igniting some of Brisbane’s most iconic venues with over 30 thrilling performances! Open Season is celebrating its fifth anniversary in style through July, taking its star-studded poster all over the city, going beyond its usual Tivoli and Princess Theatre, and adding QPAC to the mix! See the full program here.
23. Step into a Frozen winter wonderland with a magical light show
Step into exclusive Frozen experiences with Imagine the Magic that’ll transport you to the world of Elsa, Anna, Olaf and all your favourite characters through immersive sing-alongs and Frozen-themed activity zones that’ll freeze boredom in its tracks and the spectacular Frozen Lightshow, hosted in the iconic Westfield Chermside Dome. Read all about it here!
24. Find the magic and awe in the everyday at Wonderstruck
QAGOMA is gearing up for another major exhibition, showcasing jaw-dropping installations and captivating small treasures that will serve as a reminder of the wonder hidden in everything around us. Presented across six chapters until October 6, Wonderstruck will include more than 100 works by international and Australian artists that’ll leave you with a new appreciation for the mundane.
25. Wrap up for Jumpers and Jazz in July
For the ultimate wintery vibe, visit Warwick from July 17 to July 27, for the cosiest, coolest festival around: Jumpers and Jazz in July. Wrap yourself up in the unforgettable live music and a chunky jumper, and marvel at the 90 or so trees adorned with stunning textile art creations crafted by talented artists from across Australia and beyond!
MORE LIKE THIS: Coolest Towns To Lean Into Winter In Queensland
26. Graze this wine tasting with your presence
The Brisbane Showgrounds are getting ready to host the Royal Queensland Awards (RQA)’s Grape Grazing by Night this July 11, and you’ll be able to sample some of Australia’s best wines, as rated by professionals and connoisseurs, paired with amazing, drool-worthy food prepared by the Brisbane Showgrounds’ world-class chefs — think cheese boards, antipasto treats, slow cooked lamb, rich desserts and even a bao bar!
27. Brave obstacles at Tuff Nutterz
Until July 8, get ready to feel the adrenaline at Victoria Park’s biggest inflatable adventure with Tuff Nutterz! for an adrenaline-packed adventure that’s about to take your school holidays to a whole new level. The family-friendly event features Australia’s biggest inflatable obstacle course — 300 metres long! — that kids and kidults of all ages get to enjoy. Get your tickets here!
28. Discover art everywhere at Anywhere Festival
From warehouses to rooftops, Brisbane transforms into a stage with theatre, music, comedy and more in nooks and crannies for the aptly-named Anywhere Festival from July 17 to August 3. For the 15th year running, the eclectic festival invites audiences to experience performances in the most unexpected places! See the program and get your tickets here.