From spooky season fun to plenty of festivals, it’s looking like our October calendar is going to be chockers. Take a look below for some inspiration on what you can get up to this month.
1. Embark on a sky-high dining experience at a vertical restaurant
Brisbane is home to plenty of incredible restaurants, but none (yet) that involve your feet hanging off the edge of a rooftop. But this is what sets Vertigo apart! Perched 17 metres above the ground on the edge of the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse, the restaurant offers stunning 360 degree views that are not for the faint of heart!
2. Cool off at a swim-up pool bar
Now that the warmer weather is approaching, the search begins for a place to cool down, preferably one with swimming involved. Thanks to The Westin Brisbane’s Mediterranean-inspired pool bar, we don’t have to travel too far to relax by the pool with a cocktail this spring and summer.
3. … or celebrate spring at these stunning spots
The Terrace at Emporium Hotel South Bank and Custom House are going all out for spring, with gorgeous, flower-themed areas and cocktails that’ll have you feeling happier than a daisy. If you’re feeling fancy, sit down for High Tea at Custom House or, for the full spring experience, grab a bouquet of blooms at The Terrace’s flower market!
4. Spot jacarandas around Brisbane
Flowering from October through to the end of November, the swathe of purple throughout the city welcomes the summer months and generally lifts our moods. So if you’re also in need of some flowering beauty, then lace up your shoes and head on out to these locations around town to see the jacarandas in full bloom.
5. Become immersed in art and foodie delights at Night Feast
Delight in the dark of Brisbane’s captivating culinary spectacular Night Feast this spring, dishing up bold, new flavours from October 15 to November 9.
Now in its fourth season, Night Feast transforms the Brisbane Powerhouse precinct into an immersive playground of large-scale art installations, live DJ sets and irresistible food from 20 renowned dining establishments. The 2025 line-up blends beloved favourites with exciting new names.
6. Join in on the Oktoberfest fun
Raise your steins and don your dirndl or lederhosen like a true Bavarian as Oktoberfest in the Gardens takes over Brisbane Showgrounds on Saturday, October 11. Browse the German food stalls for traditional bites such as pretzels and sausages. Then head to the beer hall and grab a stein of imported German beer!
7. …and Barktoberfest for your furry friends
Naturally, Oktoberfest in Brisbane is a hoot – for us, that is. But what about our furry friends? Carseldine Markets has you and your canine covered with Barktoberfest on Saturday, October 18, a festival dedicated to dogs. The pawdorable event includes photo and performance competitions, plus gourmet treats and plenty of fun for your four-legged pals!
8. Dine in the dark whilst blindfolded
An experience that’s been backed by psychologists as an ‘amplified’ way to enjoy food, the enticing Dining In The Dark event returns to Brisbane so you can find out for yourself if it’s true.
9. Stay in a bubble tent overlooking the Sunshine Coast hinterland
When it comes to weekend getaways from Brisbane, we’re spoilt for choice with so many great options within driving distance. But some places really make your jaw drop and have you feeling like you’re on top of the world. Luxe Sunshine Coast hinterland retreat Petrichor Estate is one of those places, and they’ve launched a new offering for scenic escape seekers: a bubble dome atop a hill that boasts unrivalled 360-degree vistas, from the Glass House Mountains to the sea.
10. Relax and rejuvenate at this budget-friendly bathhouse
Nothing says luxury quite like a spa day, and at Evergreen Spa you can treat yourself to a day of relaxation for only $28! This day pass includes the sauna, magnesium hot or cold plunge pools, and the use of the bean bag relaxation area. You will also receive complimentary tea & coffee to enjoy while you unwind.
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11. Live the thrill at Monster Jam World Tour
On Saturday, October 18,The Gold Coast’s Cbus Super Stadium will see 12,000-pound (about 5,400kg) Monster trucks tear up the dirt and defy the laws of physics in their high-flying and jaw-dropping stunts!
The competition is divided into three categories: Racing, Skills and fan-favourite Freestyle, with attendees scoring the drivers in real time — based on their skills, stunts, and saves — helping to crown the Event Champion.
12. Get into the spooky spirit at a pumpkin carving workshop
ClassBento offers a gourd-geous family-friendly pumpkin carving workshop that’ll get you in the mood for Halloween! Whether you want to create a silly, spook or classic jack-o’-lantern, they’ll provide all the tools and tips to help your imagination shine.
13. Experience a Candlelight Concert
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Brisbane. Get your tickets now to bask in Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and more at St John’s Anglican Cathedral this October, under the gentle glow of candlelight.
14. Step into Hollywood with Pretty Woman: The Musical
The rags-to-riches story that launched Julia Roberts into superstardom gets the musical treatment, courtesy of the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton. Relive all your favourite glamourous, charming and quoteable moments, all accompanied by an electrifying 80s score.
15. Spark ideas at the Brisbane Writers Festival
From October 9 to October 12, Australia’s oldest continuous writers’ festival is back for another year of connecting communities, showcasing creativity and finding just the right words! Join thousands of readers and writers in celebrating books and the written word, starting conversations and revelling in the power of storytelling. With a diverse program of author panels, speeches, performances and more, BWF has a story for everyone.
16. Have a braw time at this Celtic Festival
Warwick is the backdrop for Queensland’s biggest festival celebrating Scottish and Irish cultural heritage in our own Southern Downs, CelticFest!
Held every other year in October over the King’s Birthday — this year, October 4 and October 5 — the festival features a full program of Scottish and Irish music, Highland Games, a Medieval Arena, Irish and Highland dancing, Celtic-themed markets, food and drinks, and more!
17. Book your own private swimming pool
It’s Airbnb but for private swimming pool hire. With the warmer months comes the season for swimming. Swimply makes this easier than ever, as you can book your very own private swimming pools by the hour, right here in Brisbane. Some, like the mineral pool above in Grange, even have inclusions like lawn games, table tennis and a barbecue to enjoy with your mates.
18. Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community at MELT
The cultural climax of LGBTQ+ art and culture will sail into Brisbane from October 22 to November 9, and it’s unleashing a star-studded lineup on the River City. The initial program announcement includes everything from burlesque, to interactive art to parties, and you won’t want to miss it, henny!
19. Enjoy a night of frights at this Halloween festival
Join the Halloween weekend fun at Festival of Frights, coming to Redcliffe Markets on Saturday, October 25. Enjoy a spooktacular evening featuring the region’s best street eats, live entertainment, family activities and over 200 stalls. Think face painting, scavenger hunts, fireworks and more.
While entry to the event is free, you can register for a ticket here to go in the draw for a prize.
20. Rock out at Valley Fiesta
Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the best local acts for Brisbane’s biggest annual street party on Saturday, October 11. Featuring free live music and a huge line-up of artists, Valley Fiesta is sure to be an awesome celebration of all things music, culture and community, that will electrify the whole precinct!
21. See superstars live at Fridayz Live
After taking a year off, Fridayz Live is coming back tp Brisbane Showgrounds on Friday, October 17, with an incredible line-up of superstars including the one and only Mariah Carey, as well as Pitbull, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Jon, Eve, Tinie Tempah and Jordin Sparks.
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22. Learn about the ultimate predators
Queensland Museum Kurilpa is snapping at the chance to honour crocs and will do so starting October 24 with their awe-inspiring Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends exhibition, which will make its world premiere in none other than Brisbane.
Dive deep into the savage beauty and ancient power of one of the most extraordinary creatures on the planet and go on a journey through time, taking in everything from prehistoric super crocs to the powerful living legends we share our waterways with today.
23. Taste your way through the Good Food & Wine Show
The Good Food & Wine Show is a fantastic way for avid foodies to taste the regions. A place where producers and chefs gather to showcase and celebrate all good things food, wine and more.
The annual foodie fest will take place in Brisbane from October 24 to 26. Over three huge days, you’ll get taken on a sensory journey, with plenty of tastings as well as masterclasses and live cooking demos.
23. Putt your way around spooky props at a Halloween-themed mini golf course
Get into the Halloween spirit at Spooky Putt Putt now that it’s back at Victoria Park. The course has gotten a haunted makeover, decked out with giant props such as wicked witches, spiders, zombies, skeletons, and pumpkins.