Brisbanites may prefer a lifestyle on the slower side, but that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to party! Go bar-hopping, kayak down the river, catch a show after and see the city with different eyes. We promise the lack of sleep will be worth it!
Grab a drink at a bar
This may be an obvious one but, hey, it never hurts to mention all the stunning bars that are open until late in Brissy. Whether you’re a beer, cocktail or mocktail person, the one thing that matters is you can stay until last call.
SEE MORE: New And Upcoming Brisbane Bars For Your Next Night Out
Feel like the day’s just getting started at Pancake Manor
One of the only 24-hour restaurants in the city, this Bribane icon has been serving up fluffy pancakes and classic decadent diner food since 1979 in a beautiful historic building. Have breakfast for dinner and keep the night going at this cosy spot!
đź“Ť18 Charlotte St, Brisbane CBD
Travel around the world at Eat Street
They say variety’s the spice of life, and featuring dozens of micro restaurants offering delicious dishes and tasty treats from every corner of the world and five themed bars, there’s no risk of getting sleepy at Eat Street. This flavourful venue is open until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9pm on Sundays.
đź“Ť221D MacArthur Ave, Hamilton
Get spooky on a Ghost Tour
Take advantage of the darkness and grab a torch because you won’t want to miss this journey through Brisbane’s creepier side, from tragedy to crime, led by authority in all things ghostly, Jack Sim. A fascinating figure himself, the writer, historian and speaker has been researching macabre happenings in the River City for over 25 years, so you know you’ll be in expert hands! Boo-k your tour on Fever.
đź“Ť64 Adelaide St, Brisbane CBD
Marvel at the view at The Summit
Beautiful by day but spectacular by night, Mt Coot-Tha’s The Summit cafĂ© boasts breathtaking views of the CBD and well-known Brisbane landmarks. With a deliciously fresh menu and doubling as a lookout, you can bask in the city lights every day until 9pm, and Saturdays until 10pm.
đź“Ť2/1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-Tha
Browse the markets
If it’s a Saturday night, you’re in luck, and not just because it’s the best night of the week, but because you’re most likely to find a night market where you can wander around, browse, eat and drink to your heart’s content! Two Saturdays a month, for one Mt Gravatt Street Food, for one, is open until 9pm, with global food festivals that’ll take your palate on a journey.
đź“ŤMt Gravatt Showgrounds, 1644 Logan Road Enter via, Broadwater Rd, Mount Gravatt
Stargaze at the cinema
It’s never a bad time to catch a blockbuster, an Oscar nominated film, an independent movie or even a screening of a classic. Let the smell of popcorn entice you into one of Brisbane’s many cinemas, like New Farm, Palace and Angelika, as well as outdoor theatre Dendy Powerhouse for a flick under the stars.
Actually stargaze
Brisbane has got some superb stargazing spots. From observatories to parks and lookouts, all you’ll have to do is head out, look up and marvel at the huge “balls of gas burning billions of miles away”. Although, a pair of binoculars or even a telescope wouldn’t hurt, especially with light pollution. Check out our guide for the best spots.
Putt putt in the dark
Victoria Park’s seasonally-themed mini golf will get everyone in a festive mood as you play through 18 whimsical holes, occasionally decorated with care to match different holidays such as Halloween, Christmas and Easter, and is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays!
đź“Ť309 Herston Rd, Herston
SEE MORE: The Most Whimsically Fun Mini Golf Courses In Brisbane
Go on a scenic evening walk
It’s not called the River City for nothing! Cruise the Brisbane River under the stars on a CityCat or even go for a starlit walk or bike ride along it. After all, the views are free!
Or get in a kayak or cruise
Along the same lines, if you’d rather get closer to the water, you can kayak or sail down the river and under the night sky. Riverlife offers twilight kayak tours on Fridays and Saturdays or, if you’d rather let someone else do the work, you can book a magical Sunset River Cruise on Fever!
Live a different life at Zero Latency VR
Open until 9:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays this virtual reality experience will immerse you in worlds far from your own, whether it’s fighting off creepy zombies with your group, narrowly escaping killer robots or even turning on each other as you split into teams, Zero Latency promises a night beyond your everyday life.
đź“ŤVarious locations
Sing the night away at karaoke
Whether it makes you jittery with nerves or is your preferred way of letting off steam, karaoke is a classic night-time activity. Choose between some amazing places offering private rooms for you and your friends only, or make strangers into friends, because nothing bonds you like destroying some of the world’s best-loved songs together.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST: Sing Your Heart Out At These Super Fun Karaoke Spots
Get lucky at an arcade
Take Lady Luck on a date at an arcade! B. Lucky & Sons, the mysterious arcade bar hidden behind a pawn shop facade has plenty of neon-lit games that’ll keep you up all night — or at least until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays! Gamers or newbies are equally welcome because win or lose, a fun time is all but guaranteed, with classic carnival and arcade games, and delicious specialty drinks to either soothe or celebrate.
đź“ŤTCB, Shop T1/315 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
Defy the cold with some ice skating
If the cold never bothered you anyway, good news because Iceworld allows Brisbanites to take part in this coolest of sports. Get ready to shred the ice… or possibly just inch forward on shaky legs if it’s your first time, because on Fridays and Saturdays anyone can join the 8pm public sessions. You won’t know until you try!
đź“Ť1179 Beaudesert Rd, Acacia Ridge / 2304 Sandgate Rd, Boondall
Feel like a kid at Area 51
High ropes, trampolines, mega slides, and more, it is every kid’s dream in this alien-themed play centre. But don’t worry, it’s not just for kids! They regularly host Adults Only Night, so keep your eyes peeled so you can climb, slide and bounce the night away.
đź“Ť51 Kingston Road, Underwood, Brisbane
Glow in the dark at We Call It Ballet
Lit up the darkness with this dance and light show at the Princess Theatre. Enjoy a unique fusion of classical ballet and modern technology, where local dancers literally light up the stage with glittering routines and glow-in-the-dark costumes in this production of Sleeping Beauty. The timeless tale of the cursed princess awakened by her true love’s kiss comes to life on stage, as pirouettes and gravity-defying leaps cast a kaleidoscope of colours across the space. Get your tickets here!
đź“Ť8 Annerley Road, Woolloongabba
Stay awake in a café
If you’re truly committed to the whole “not going to bed” thing, a cafĂ© is the place to be. Death Before Decaf’s got you covered because it’s a 24-hour coffee shop, and they don’t do things by halves! Its no-nonsense approach to quality brews will leave you jittery in the best way.
đź“Ť3/760-766 Brunswick St, New Farm
Just get dancey at a club
Put your dancing shoes on, because nightclubs are the most reliable night-time plan! Show off your moves, have some drinks and sing along to your favourite hits somewhere like Hey Chica!, known for it’s zesty margaritas that’ll keep your confidence up on the dance floor.
đź“ŤT11-14/315 Brunswick St, Fortitude ValleyÂ
Catch a spectacular show
From QPAC’s plays and musicals to naughtier shows such as Blanc le Blanc or Magic Men there’s heaps of jaw-dropping feats and moving scenes being performed on stages all over Brisbane.
Go Kart to victory
Get your adrenaline going with some go-karting and channel your inner Mario racing down a 425m adrenalin-pumping track at Slideways Go Karting. Thanks to the two-storey track’s unique surface, you’ll able to drift, Fast & Furious-style, and even try to beat the fastest time of the month. Feel the thrill rushing down the high-speed ramp and overtake your competitors until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Blue shells not included.
đź“ŤVarious locations
Test your accuracy at axe throwing
Try your hand at axe-throwing—and release any pent-up frustration or simply show off your strength. Run with the theme at viking-inspired Maniax, open until 10:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and after an hour or two of hurling the sharp blade at a visible target, top it off with a hardy craft beer or a burger.
đź“ŤVarious locations