From spooky season fun to plenty of new openings, 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 Brisbane’s first 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’ll set Vertigo apart when it opens this October, becoming Brisbane’s most unique new dining experience.
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 with DJs and swimming at Lina Rooftop
To welcome the warmer months, Lina Rooftop is turning their poolside into a go-to Sunday session spot, complete with DJ’s, a Patron Tequila Sorbet cart, Frozen Angel popsicles, a Magnum wine list and a decadent casual French Riviera inspired menu.
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.
See our guide to jacaranda walks around Brisbane
5. Become immersed in art and foodie delights at Night Feast
After a popular first season back in March, Night Feast is returning to the Powerhouse this October.
Try some of Brisbane’s top restaurants all in one place, with chefs from MAYA, Mary Mae’s, ESSA, Donna Chang, e’cco Bistro, and more on the lineup. There are over 20 gourmet food stalls to choose from as well as award-winning wines and cocktails to complement.
6. Join in on the Oktoberfest fun
Get ready to party like a true Bavarian as Oktoberfest in the Gardens takes over Brisbane Showgrounds for the first time ever on Saturday, October 14.
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. Cider, wine and other beverages can also be purchased.
Get the full scoop on Oktoberfest
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, a festival dedicated to dogs.
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.
More info on Petrichor Estate here
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 $25! 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.
See more luxury experiences in Brisbane when you’re on a budget
11. Tuck into a pasta-loaded cob loaf
Italian restaurant Vapiano has gone and resurrected their seriously delicious loaded cob loaves, and honestly, it’s the pasta and bread combo we didn’t know we needed.
See what’s on the loaded cob loaf menu here
12. Get into the spooky spirit at a pumpkin carving workshop
Spook & Sip is the new paint ‘n’ sip this spooky season in Brisbane, but switch the paint for a pumpkin. Learn how to carve your very own Jack-o’-Lantern whilst enjoying a grazing board or Halloween cookies.
There are several workshops running during October, and it’s BYO, too, so feel free to bring a bottle of wine for the occasion.
Secure your spot at Spook & Sip here
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 discover the music of Mozart, Bach and more at The Cathedral of St Stephen this October, under the gentle glow of candlelight.
14. See the spring flowers at Roma Street Parkland
Roma Street Parkland is vibrant and alive this spring with 10,000 flowers in bloom. Take a walk around to bring a pop of colour to your day.
15. Check out these new art exhibitions
This October, there are two new art exhibitions opening. The Brisbane Portrait Prize exhibition will be on display at Brisbane Powerhouse until October 28, showcasing an incredible range of portrait artworks. You can also check out Recovered Futures in the centre of King George Square from October 6 – 12 during Queensland Mental Health Week. It’s an art exhibition with 270 artworks all created by artists with lived mental health experience.
16. Indulge in cocktails and bites at Brisbane’s newest rooftop bar
Sunsets boasts views of both the city skyline and the Gabba, and it’s fitted out with gold, white and cream hues, as well as a cactus garden and olive trees to complete the desert look.
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, where 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. Find your new favourite flick at Brisbane International Film Festival
Brisbane International Film Festival is back from October 26 to November 5, with a stacked lineup of films for you to enjoy.
Take a look at the program here19. 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 28.
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. Head down to the Gold Coast for spring-themed high tea and a dreamy Borealis installation
Witnessing the celestial display of northern lights in the open sky is a bucket list experience for many. Unfortunately for us in Brisbane, seeing this magical light show up close means a long-haul trip. But here’s the good news: you can get the next best thing just an hour from Brisbane. Start your afternoon off with a spring-themed high tea at Sheraton Grand Mirage before heading to HOTA for the dreamy Borealis installation, Wonder.
21. Try Portside Wharf’s new Japanese yakitori bar
Portside Wharf has scored a new Japanese yakitori bar, with plenty of freshly grilled dishes and tasty cocktails in an intimate setting.
Bird’s Nest’s fourth Brisbane venue is serving up everything from succulent grilled chicken bowls and Japanese burgers to fresh sashimi, sake and more.
22. Watch some new theatre shows
There’s two new theatre shows coming to town in October. The first we think you should know about is Every Brilliant Thing, which has been described as an interactive theatre experience about a child who compiles a list of worthwhile moments to help their depressed mother. The second is The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race, which follows Dr Penny Anderson as she returns to her hometown, Appleton, and confronts the traditional roles and values in regional Australia smashing through the glass ceiling, one potato race at a time.
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 27 – 29. Over three huge days, you’ll get taken on a sensory journey, with plenty of tastings as well as masterclasses and live cooking demos.
More info on the Good Food & Wine Show
24. Get your seafood fix with these Brisbane restaurant specials
When it comes to seafood specials this October, these two Brisbane restaurants are delivering. One Fish Two Fish has brought back their delicious four-course lobster feast, and Opa is doing mini Moreton Bay bug yiros with glass of bubbles for just $16 every Saturday and Sunday.
25. 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.