The week is finally over and there are heaps of things to do around Brissy, with plenty of wintery activities starting up! Whether you want to let your hair down at a festival, looking for a laugh, or want to unwind with some art, we’ve got you covered.
1. Have a laugh at the Brisbane Comedy Festival
Get ready for your sides to ache from laughing because the highly anticipated annual Brisbane Comedy Festival is back with more than 300 events until May 25, spanning four iconic Brisbane venues: The Brisbane Powerhouse, The Tivoli, The Fortitude Music Hall, and The Princess Theatre.
2. Explore the beauty of the everyday in Precious
Precious brings together a fascinating array of breathtaking curiosity, with over three thousand remarkable items from more than 20 public and private collections.
With everything from textiles to tin-toys, this exhibition is a joyful celebration of the art of assemblage, and will immerse you in the world of keepsakes and the everyday stories tied to each and every one of them. Best of all, it’s free!
📍Museum of Brisbane, Level 3, City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane CBD
3. Treat yourself to a luxurious après-ski
By popular demand, Customs House’s winter-themed bar is coming back to Queen Street, River and Story Bridge views included. The igloo bar is serving up Veuve Clicquot bubbly and is made up of several spacious igloos, which are decked out with a heater and furnished with comfy chairs covered in gorgeous furry blankets for you to snuggle up to.
📍399 Queen St, Brisbane CBD
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4. Chuckle until thee weep at The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
Love a good binge-watch? What if we told you you could see all 37 of the Bard’s plays in 97 minutes? That’s what The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is offering: a fast, furious, and laugh-out-loud sprint through tragic deaths, wild romances and more ridiculous wigs than a royal court, all with just three performers! Buyeth your tickets h’re.
📍QPAC, Corner Grey and Melbourne St, South Brisbane
5. Check out Brisbane Street Art Festival
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Brisbane Street Art Festival is brightening up the city until Sunday, May 18. You can expect live murals, workshops, special events, and a few artist talks as well, and you can stay updated by checking their website for this year’s program.
READ MORE: A Massive Citywide Street Art Festival Is Brightening Up Brisbane This May
6. Live out your Greek fantasies at Paniyiri
Want to live out your Greek fantasies without a passport? Well, you’re in luck, because Paniyiri Greek Festival is returning to Brisbane over the weekend of May 17 and 18, showcasing the Euro country’s best food, entertainment, music, mythology, and more.
Get your tickets here!
📍Musgrave Park and The Greek Club, Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane
7. See Cinderella’s enchanting costumes
Until June 1, you’ll be able to walk a mile in glass slippers and take in the breathtaking costumes created by Opera Queensland designers Karen Cochet and Bianca Bulley for everyone’s favourite rags-to-riches story, La Cenerentola (aka Cinderella), for free!
📍Brisbane Quarter, Spring Hill, 413 Edward St, Brisbane CBD
8. Buckle up for Monster Truck Mania
On May 17 and May 18, get ready for a spectacular afternoon of family fun as you experience the thrill and showmanship of Australia’s best Monster Truck show! With names like Raptor’s Rampage, Wicked, Blazed, Wacky Doo and even family-favourite Buddy, you know you’re in for an exciting time! Don’t miss out and grab your tickets here!
📍Brisbane Entertainment Centre
9. Try a new restaurant
Brisbane is already a foodie’s paradise, and it’s only getting better. Open only a few months at this point, Marble Korean Steakhouse is flaming hot! Specialising in shared plates and BBQ Banquets, this drool-worthy spot is well worth a visit.
WANT MORE? The Tastiest New Restaurants In Brisbane For Your Next Dining Date
10. Plunge into the classics at a Candlelight concert
Float away on the comforting glow of countless candles as professional musicians perform everything from gorgeous classical pieces and generation-defining music to chart-topping pop hits like the best of Adele.
Enveloped by the touching music and surrounds by some of the most historic and imposing buildings in Brisbane, Candlelight is an experience not to be missed! Grab your tickets for this and all Candlelight concerts here!
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11. Get inspired at Writers Revealed: Treasures from the British Library and National Portrait Gallery, London
Until August 3, ‘Writers Revealed: Treasures from the British Library and National Portrait Gallery, London’, an exhibition showcasing over 100 rare manuscripts and first editions, and 70 iconic portraits of literary legends is making HOTA its home. Celebrate the written word and explore the enduring legacy of some of the world’s most influential writers across the ages including William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, William Blake, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, J.R.R. Tolkien, and contemporary luminaries like Sir Kazuo Ishiguro and Zadie Smith. Get your tickets here!
📍HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
12. Have a big day at Micro Museum
If there’s one thing kids — and some adults — have a hard time with, it’s “Do not touch” signs at museums. This will not be a problem at Museum of Brisbane’s brand-new Micro Museum, which is now open, just ahead of the school holidays! It’ll be a permanent addition to MoB, offering year-round immersive and interactive entertainment as well as special activities.
Mini curators will be allowed to select, arrange and present their own collections from a huge range of vintage treasures inspired by the upcoming Precious exhibition at MoB, which will feature collector’s pieces relating to Brisbane or Brisbanites.
📍Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane CBD
13. Light up at Astra Lumina
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s beautiful flora comes alive as the stars come out thanks to Astra Lumina, its newest immersive installation. This luminous adventure will immerse you in the magic of light and projection with a moving soundscape, set against the enchanting backdrop of Australian bushland.
Read all about it and get your tickets here.
📍28 Tomewin St, Currumbin
14. Compete in this adults-only mini golf
Take on The Jungle Adventure Play’s 16 hole Mini Golf Safari with other kidults every Saturday night, journeying through caves, ancient ruins, and even a giant snake! The best part? You can get refreshments at their tiki bar, making it the most fun mini golf experience, par none. Book here!
📍31 Proprietary St, Tingalpa
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15. Join a class
It’s never a bad time to learn something! Why not join a workout class or learn how to cook something new? Whatever you choose, find the fun in it and try not to pressure yourself too much. Remember: slow and steady wins the race!
16. Take stroll through history
Make the most of the weather by doing your learning outdoors! Museum of Brisbane is offering 90-minute walking tours delving into stories of Traditional Custodians, convicts, public art and one of Brisbane’s towering cathedrals on select Saturdays. Check availability and get your tickets here.
📍Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane CBD
17. Relax and rejuvenate at a day spa
Who doesn’t want to start the year out at their most relaxed? Weekends are the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a spa day. Offering an extensive menu of tailor-made treatments — from facials to full-body massages and everything in between — the W’s AWAY® Spa, with its soothing, curated playlist is sure to leave you glowing.
📍W Brisbane, Level 5/81 N Quay, Brisbane CBD
18. Glimpse another realm through OTHERWORLD
Art, light, and technology come together in this experience to fully immerse you in an artsy, magical experience. Step into a 360-degree VR Dome that’ll leave young and not-so-young alike in awe, as you’re submerged into a world of light and colour. Who knew you could become a part of artwork in such a literal sense? Get your tickets here!
📍102 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
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19. Sing your stress out at karaoke
Belting out your favourite tunes — whether with some liquid courage or not — is a time-honoured remedy for any leftover stress. Dazzle your friends in a private karaoke room or delight strangers with your Grammy-worthy performance in a public one, and leave your cares behind!
CHECK OUT: Super Fun Karaoke Spots In Brisbane
20. Feel the magic at this sultry stage show
Fire up the group chat and book your spot for an unforgettable night out with Australia’s top-rated male revue, Magic Men. This electrifying two-hour show features some of Brisbane’s hottest hunks, known for their incredible moves and equally impressive physiques. If you’re in the mood for a heart-pounding night out that promises pure entertainment, this is the weekend event for you. Find out more — and book your tickets — here.
📍Wonderland Brisbane, 633 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
21. Unleash your creativity at a ceramic paint and sip class
Break out your imagination, drinks and nibbles, and let the expert instructors at these Ceramic Paint and Sip classes handle all the rest! With their guidance, you’ll be able to create your own masterpiece to take home, all while you sip on some bevvies, socialise and de-stress. Get your tickets on Fever!
📍Shop 2B, 826 Ann Street Fortitude Valley
22. Travel back to Ancient Egypt at the Queensland Museum
Embark on a journey through history and step into the fascinating world of pharaohs, pyramids, and ancient wonders through the more than 250 artifacts on display at the Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition at the Queensland Museum. Explore stunning 3D projections of the Temple of Taffeh, excerpts from rare Book of the Dead scrolls, and admire precious jewellery and artwork left behind by one of humankind’s most culturally rich civilizations. Buy your tickets here.
📍Queensland Museum, Corner of Grey and Melbourne St, South Brisbane
23. Get drawn into Bluey’s World
Recently named one of the top places in the world, the much-anticipated immersive experience Bluey’s World is a must-visit. Based on the hit TV show, the attraction is 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 Bingo’s 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!
📍Northshore Pavilion, 281 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton
24. Skipper you and your mates down the Brisbane River on these BYO electric boats
Now that the rain is coming to a halt, GoBoat have become the easiest way for you and your friends to enjoy time on the water. The boats—constructed from fibreglass, which uses recycled PET bottles instead of virgin glass—are powered by an electric motor and have a top speed of seven kilometres per hour.
This means that you don’t need a license to skipper them and anyone over the age of eighteen can be captain for a day.
📍194 Breakfast Creek Rd, Newstead
25. See a new perspective at marru | the unseen visible
Danie Mellor’s multidisciplinary art practice explores Australia’s shared history through the lens of his Ngadjon-jii, Mamu and Anglo-Celtic ancestry. ‘marru | the unseen visible’ brings together works examining memory and remembrance; the relationship between First Nations people, culture and Country, through a lens that turns the unseen and unseeable, visible.
📍QAGOMA, Stanley Pl, South Brisbane
26. Spill your secrets at this mysterious exhibition
We all have secrets, and Queensland Museum has lifted the veil on some of its own in its new Secrets: Objects of Intrigue exhibition. You will be able to explore the role of secrets and secretive objects within society, get your hands on mysterious artifacts and even anonymously share your own secrets!
The best-kept secret? It’s free entry!
📍Corner of Grey and Melbourne St, South Brisbane
27. Take a dip at one of these magical swimming holes near Brisbane
Summer among us, and so is the humidity that comes with it. Just outside of the city, you’ll find some of the best swimming holes in Australia. These natural freshwater pools are filled up and ready for you to take a dip, and the hike to get to some of them will make them feel twice as refreshing!
SEE MORE: The best swimming holes near Brisbane
28. Feel the rush of the weekend at Dopamine Land
Get ready to step into a world where all your childhood daydreams have come to life. The experience makes use of sight, sound, touch and smell to create a truly immersive experience. From wading through a giant ball pit, to creating melodies by hopping on musical tiles, every one of the ten unique rooms has a new surprise in store for you.
Grab your tickets on Fever!MORE LIKE THIS: Thrilling Immersive Experiences In Brisbane That Will Blow Your Mind
29. Uncork at Twilight in the Vines
Family-owned winery situated at picturesque Mount Cotton, Sirromet is once again hosting magical twilit nights 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.
📍850-938 Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton
30. Make a day of it at Redlands Coast AdventureFest
From May 16 to May 25 the inaugural Redlands Coast AdventureFest is offering up an exciting program of events and activities! As part of the festival, the Redlands Coast AdventureFest Fun Day at Raby Bay Harbour Park will kick off on Saturday, May 17, and will feature live entertainment, adventure sports demonstrations, a jetpack water show, wildlife presentations and much, much more!
Check the full program here.
31. Get your telescope out at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Surrounded by the scenic Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, you can marvel both at our world and those beyond at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Home to the Cosmic Skydome — a 12.5-metre-diameter projection dome, the space offers visitors a chance to witness immersive shows that take them on journeys through the known universe and time.
Passport to the Universe, for one, is narrated by Tom Hanks and will take you on a thrilling journey through the Solar System, beneath the rings of Saturn, into the heart of the Orion Nebula, out of the Milky Way Galaxy and to the edge of the observable universe, returning home via a black hole. To infinity and beyond!
📍Mount Coot-Tha Rd, Mount Coot-Tha
32. See a glamourous cabaret show at The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
Five-star rated, four glitzy shows to choose from, seven performances a week, all under one luxurious roof. Although their Brisbane venue has sadly closed, Pink Flamingo Spiegeland Gold Coast, inspired by the original 1920s Spiegeltent and the NYC Cabaret Club district, is still well-worth the drive. Spectacular entertainment, and delicious food and beverages await in its 360-seat Pavilion.
📍Corner of 88 Surf Parade & Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
33. Or an adult-only theatre show filled with French flair and sizzling circus acts
Blanc de Blanc’s acclaimed international cast has returned to Brisbane to bring Blanc de Blanc Encore to The West End Electric this summer. This one-of-a-kind, adult-only production will immerse you in a world of vintage French flair, risqué humour, and Gatsby-esque glamour – not to mention fantastic dance numbers and aerials! Don’t miss this champagne-soaked show from the masterminds behind Madonna’s Rebel Heart tour.
📍The West End Electric, 125 Boundary St, West End
34. Escape to Moreton Island
Over a long weekend, 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 surfable waves and thrilling activities awaiting them. Book your day trip on the Fever website.
35. Hit the trails near Brisbane
Want to have a healthier weekend? South East Queensland is home to some of the most breathtaking hikes in the country, and there’s no denying it. Just a short drive from Brisbane, you’ll find national parks full of trails and walking tracks that you can tackle, many of them boasting spectacular views and nature therapy.