The weather in Brisbane has been getting warmer in the lead-up to summer, and there are a whole stack of events, activities and foodie delights to put a spring in your step this November. Take a look through the list to find a bunch of things you can do during the week and on weekends.
1. Let your hair down at The Long Sunset festival
Set amidst the rolling hills at the mesmerizing Elysian Fields, The Long Sunset festival is ready to wow you from November 1-3. With iconic Australian artists Matt Corby and Angie McMahon headlining, and the lineup rounded out by the likes of Eliza & the Delusionals, Emma Donovan, Lyric, Ngaiire, and Sons of the East, you’ll be hard-pressed to tear your eyes and ears away long enough to enjoy the yoga classes, workshops and food stalls. Live the experience here.
đElysian Fields, 3042 Beaudesert Nerang Rd, Boyland
2. Celebrate life at this Day of the Dead Interactive Expo
A night full of colour, music and mouth-watering dishes awaits at this traditional Mexican celebration on November 2. Get your tickets to take in the vibrant altar, flaunt a catrina costume â or hang back and watch other attendants strut theirs if that’s more your speed, share your wit in a writing contest, enjoy some live entertainment, gorge yourself on Mexican food, and rejoice in life!
đCoorparoo School of Arts and Memorial Hall, 208-210 Cavendish Road, Coorparoo
3. Bask in nature at the Towri Growers Market
On the first Saturday of every month, the picturesque farm at Towri Sheep Cheeses just outside Brisbane, near Beaudesert in the Scenic Rim, transforms into an authentic farmer’s market. Spend a wholesome day with the family â including fur babies â meeting local farmers, having lunch and tasting local wines, enjoying live music and lawn games, and even watching a sheep milking demonstration!
đ206 Saville Rd, Allenview
4. Sashay your way to drag brunch
Melt Fest, Brisbane’s annual Queer art and culture festival is teaming up with ZA ZA TA, queen of vegetarian and vegan delights, to bring fierce entertainment to your mornings.
Hold on to your wig because starting from 11am on November 2 and November 9, you’ll be treated to a three-course brunch and three hours of free-flowing drinks and some show-stopping performances from Brisbaneâs drag queen sensation, Thin Lizzi. Get your tickets and don’t forget to serve your best lewk!
đ1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
SEE MORE: 12 Of The Best Brunch Spots In Brisbane For A Hearty Feast
5. Capture nature in this art workshop
Unleash your creativity, immerse yourself in nature and learn from the best all at the same time with one of NatureArt Lab’s workshops. Master watercolour drawings of marine animals with help from a scientific illustrator or get started on scratchboard under the instruction of a professional artist.
Held over multiple weekends in November in different, but equally beautiful natural spots around Brisbane, you’ll want to save your spot soon for a chance to reconnect with nature and yourself.
đVarious locations
6. Dive into Bluey’s World
The wait is almost over! The much-anticipated immersive experience Bluey’s World will be coming to Brisbane from November 7. Based on the hit TV show, the attraction will be decked out with a recreation of the iconic Heeler Queenslander home, where you can walk around and interact with life-size sets of Bluey and Bingoâs playroom and bedroom, the family lounge room, as well as the backyard with the poinciana tree in it. Get your tickets for the perfect outing for the whole family!
đNorthshore Pavilion, 281 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton
7. Tap your way around a Christmas putt putt course
Right after taking down their Halloween-themed putt putt course, Victoria Park will bring back Christmas Putt Putt to get you keen for the silly season. If the festive-themed course is anything like last year’s, you can expect everything from giant candy canes to winter wonderland vibes. Get your tickets to make a ho-ho-hole in one starting November 8!
đ309 Herston Rd, Herston
8. Learn something new at Science Night
Life, the Universe, and our place in it… The end of the year can lead to some reflection and, while Science Night does not promise all the answers, we can certainly say that you’ll be in for a fascinating evening! On November 8, join scientist, author, astrophysicist and TV personality Dr. Matt Agnew as he explores some of what makes our planet so special, and give free rein to your curiosity at Queensland Museum’s interactive STEM space, SparkLab.
đCorner Grey & Melbourne St, South Brisbane
9. Uncork the summer at Twilight in the Vines
Starting on November 9, family-owned winery situated at picturesque Mount Cotton, Sirromet is once again hosting a magical twilit night in their vineyard. Let yourself get swept away by the enchanting surroundings and glowing lights as you’re brought a gourmet tray filled with locally sourced charcuterie paired with a Sirromet bottle of wine for you and your +1 to enjoy. Secure your spot here.
đ850-938 Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton
10. Find some plant-based goodies at the QLD Vegan Market
Calling all plant-based pals and curious foodies. QLD Vegan Markets is celebrating its 8th birthday on November 10. Join them in a celebratory picnic, filled with delicious plant-based food, retail market stalls and vegan vibes to mark this special occasion. Don’t forget to bring your picnic mat and a lead for your furry friends!
đMusgrave Park, West End, 91 Cordelia Street, Brisbane
11. Wake up and smell the coffee at Oatly Makers Market
The local barista community will get to show off their talents, coffee-brewing and otherwise, at this pop-up market on November 10, from 10am to 3pm. Expect handcrafted art, ceramics, jewellery and a live DJ â not to mention delicious, Instagrammable oat lattes!
đWarehouse 25, 25 Finchley St, Milton
12. Take That opportunity to see live music
On Sunday, November 10, with a beautiful vineyard as a backdrop and as part of their live tour, legendary band Take That will have you singing long into the night, accompanied by special guests earworm queen Sophie Ellis-Bextor, pop sensation Ricki-Lee and Australian duo Dacy. Get your lungs ready and buy your tickets here!
đ850-938 Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton
13. See some awesome queer art at MELT Festival
Brisbane’s annual queer art festival MELT is back at the Powerhouse until November 10, bringing with it some fabulous exhibitions and performances, including a River Pride parade on November 9. You can register your boat, join an existing one, board the party boat or just watch the lively procession go by at this family-friendly event.
14. Be wowed by LUZIA’s colourful acrobatics
A mash up for the Spanish words for light (“luz”) and rain (“lluvia”), LUZIA by Cirque du Soleil is a spectacle for the senses and a surreal celebration of the places, faces and sounds of Mexico taken from both tradition and modernity. The gob-smacking show, featuring live music, gravity-defying feats and astounding costumes will be running until November 10, and you won’t want to miss it!
đUnder the Big Top on Curtin Ave. E, behind Royal Queensland Golf Club
15. Devour the night at Night Feast
A fete for all your senses hosted in the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse, Night Feast will have you going into overdrive trying to taste, see and hear everything. Delicious food from every corner of the world, brilliant art installations and bopping sets from some of the best DJs around are some of what you can expect at this month-long festival, until November 10.
đBrisbane Powerhouse, Yagara & Turrbal Country, 119 Lamington St, New Farm
16. Take a stroll through history
Make the most of the weather by doing your learning outdoors! Museum of Brisbane is offering free 45-minute walking tours through The Star and Queens Wharf , exploring the art, history, and architecture within this new cultural precinct from November 11.
đLevel 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane CBD
17. Submerge yourself in a relaxing sound bath
Give your mind a spa day with a candlelit sound bath meditation. Feel rejuvenated just in time to close out the year on a high note through this wonderful journey, guided by an experienced practitioner with more than 10 years of experience and surrounded by the gentle gleam of candles. Put on some comfy clothes and BYO yoga mat on November 16 for Mindful Glow: Candlelit Sound Bath. Don’t stress and save your spot on Fever.
đ373 Ann St, Brisbane CBD
18. Feast your eyes on a glow worm cave
If there’s any man-made spectacle that can beat nature, we have yet to find it. And only a 1.5 hour drive from Brisbane, you can catch one of the world’s most unique ones: a glow worm cave. Let yourself be mesmerized by this naturally occurring phenomenon and walk the breathtaking Mt Tamborine Skywalk, taking in the rainforest around you in this all-inclusive day trip to Springbrook National Park. Book on Fever to make some unforgettable memories.
đPick-up at Northbank Plaza, 69 Ann Street, Bowen Hills
SEE MORE: Lace Up To Explore These 6 Spectacular Caves Near Brisbane
19. Have your mind blown by the Creative Glass Guildâs Annual Showcase
On November 16 and 17, get a head start on your Christmas shopping â either for loved ones or yourself, we won’t tell! â at the Creative Glass Guild’s Annual Showcase at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium, surrounded by the beauty of nature and of the guild members’ original creations. There will even be some live demonstrations throughout the weekend, so you’ll truly be able to appreciate the artistry at play!
đBotanic Gardens Auditorium, 152 Mount Coot-Tha Rd, Mount Coot-ThaÂ
20. Or grab some early gifts at a fabulously festive Christmas market
With Christmas fast approaching, our focus will soon shift toward gifts, good times and good food. And some of the best places to get these gifts, have a good time and get your hands on a huge array of good food is at one of Brisbaneâs Christmas Markets, like the ever-magical Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Markets, starting on November 15.
With over 100 stalls plus kids activities and entertainment, yummy treats and free entry, you’d have to be a real Grinch to pass it up!
đBeenleigh Town Square Night Markets, Kent St, Beenleigh
SEE MORE: 12 Christmas Markets In Brisbane Where You Can Get Festive
21. Find the perfect pairing at this wine and cheese festival
Pinot Palooza, a wine expo celebrating the very best of Pinot Noir, and Mould, the cheese festival that champions Australian cheese, are a match made in heaven. On November 15 and 16, meet, greet, taste and enjoy these fantastic flavours, as well as other drinks and eats, an make sure you go to one of their special talks before you succumb to a food coma! Get your tickets here.
đ601 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
22. Feel renewed at this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau SoirĂ©e
Every year, since as far back as the 1800s, the highly anticipated release of the Beaujolais wine from the year’s vintage, is celebrated on the third Thursday of November. This year, it’ll be on November 16 that the Alliance Française de Brisbane will be treating you to an evening filled with wine, fine cheeses and charcuterie, live music and culture. Get your tickets before they go au revoir!
đNewstead Park, Corner Breakfast Creek Rd & Newstead Ave
23. Enjoy the sun and a flick at this outdoor cinema
Summery blockbusters, documentaries, film festival entries and cult classics: Dendy Powerhouse has them all and, with the weather getting warmer, November is the perfect time to catch a movie outside in Brisbane. Grab a comfy lounge chair, put on your headphones for a crisp sound quality, and pair a drink with a snack, like their famously hand-scooped choc tops. Just try not to get too distracted by star-studded sky.
đBrisbane Powerhouse, New Farm Park, New Farm
24. Escape to a swimming hole near Brisbane
Summer is nearly here, and so is the humidity that comes with it. Near Brisbane, youâll find some of the best swimming holes in Australia, perfect to cool off at. Only an hour’s drive from Brisbane, the Northbrook Gorge swimming hole in D’Aguilar National Park is perfect for adventurers, as it is a bit of a hike to reach it. But 6km is nothing when you’ve got crystalline waters to take a dip in waiting for you.
25. Or a hidden beach if you prefer saltwater
Fortunately here in Brisbane, weâre only a short drive to some of the Sunshine Stateâs most stunning beaches, from the Gold Coast to Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and beyond. Some of the more popular beaches can get quite crowded, though, so finding a secret beach can feel like winning the lottery.
Case in point: Broken Head, only 2 hours away from Brisbane, is home to white-sand beaches and refreshing waters and is a perfect option for those wanting a bit more peace and quiet.
26. Make your own gingerbread house at this festive high tea
Starting the weekend of November 23, Lennons, the storied restaurant and bar is hosting Festive High Tea. Feel like royalty as you indulge in a selection of festive treats, like traditional Scones with whipped cream and strawberry jam, and piping hot drinks. To top it all off, flex your biscuit decorating muscles with a fun gingerbread decorating experience.
đ72 Queen St, Brisbane CBD
27. Pick up some new plant babies at the Tropical Foliage Festival
Taking place at the Belmont Shooting Complex on Saturday, November 23, the Tropical Foliage Festival is bringing together a whole heap of tropical plant growers in one space. Youâll be able to buy as many beautiful foliage plants as you can carry, get advice, see demos, and enjoy some food and drinks among more leafy friends than you can count.
đ1485 Old Cleveland Rd, Belmont
28. Run (or walk) for a good cause
Starting from November 25 until December 10, walk, run, swim or roll to support UN Women programs in over 100 countries worldwide that work to provide support to survivors, prevent gender-based violence, among other initiatives every day.
You can register for the Safe. Everywhere. Always Challenge here â either on your own, with friends, or even organise your school or workplace â and get moving for 30, 60 or 100 kilometres in support of a worthy cause.
29. 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. Is there anything more luxurious than a swim-up bar? Thanks to The Westin Brisbaneâs Mediterranean-inspired one, you donât have to travel too far â or indeed, at all â to relax with a cocktail in hand this spring and summer.
đ111 Mary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
30. Tantalise your taste buds at ‘Dining In The Dark’
Forget about the outside world for an evening and let your taste buds take charge at Câest Bon. This unique blindfolded dining experience makes an extraordinary adventure out of every bite. Comprised of a secret three-course menu that includes appetiser, main, and dessert, this delightful culinary experience allows you to choose from a meat, seafood or vegetarian menu, to ensure you clear your plate, regardless of the blindfold. Tickets are selling fast on Fever, so donât miss out!
đ609/611 Stanley St, Woolloongabba
31. Dust off your flippers and go snorkelling near Brisbane
As the weather gets warmer, the urge to take a break from the city becomes almost irresistible. What better way to live a long weekend to its fullest than a day trip to nearby gem, Moreton Island? Although its pristine beaches are ideal for a lazy day, this slice of paradise might be even better for adventurous travellers, with snorkelling, surfable waves and thrilling activities awaiting them. Book your day trip on the Fever website.
32. Get your groove on at Friday Latin Nights
As the weather gets muy caliente, there is no better way to let off some steam than to move your body to the rhythm of salsa, merengue, cumbia and other Latin music. Every Friday at Reddacliff Place, fuel up with tasty dishes from the food trucks starting at 5pm, take a dance class at 7pm if you’re feeling unsure of your moves, and kick off your heels for free dancing until 11pm! BuenĂsimo!
đReddacliff Place, Queen St, Brisbane CBD