We’ve put together the best Brisbane has to offer this month. From riverside spritz sessions and oyster-fuelled feasts to mind-bending magic, theatre nights and wellness resets, here are some of Brisbane’s best experiences to jumpstart your 2026.
Scroll on and start plotting your next plan:
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels timeless and elegant, The One Wedding Showcase at Customs House is the place to start. This free evening event invites couples and their inner circle to step inside one of the city’s most iconic heritage venues and imagine what their big day could look like. From the Riverside Terrace styled as a ceremony setting to the Long Room, River Room and Sylvia Jones Boardroom dressed to inspire, every space will be thoughtfully curated to spark big ideas for your big day.
Guests will enjoy complimentary tastings from the canapé menu, sip signature cocktails, and meet a handpicked selection of trusted wedding suppliers, from stylists to creatives who bring celebrations to life. Dedicated wedding coordinators will be on hand to answer questions, explain packages and share insider tips. With prize draws, styled moments and a relaxing scenic view to boot, it’s equal parts practical and magical.
Bring your partner, your parents or your bridal party and turn the planning into a magical experience here.
🗓️ Thursday, 29 January 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
2. Riverside Riviera
This summer, Riverbar & Kitchen has bottled the essence of an Italian holiday and poured it straight alongside the Brisbane River. Riverbar Riviera transforms the venue into a sun-drenched escape inspired by the Italian coast, complete with Aperol’s unmistakable orange glow, spritz-led afternoons and a lively Mediterranean atmosphere. It’s designed for long lunches, easy afternoons and those moments where time slows just enough to savour another sip.
We suggest easing into the Riviera (and 2026!) with the Aperol Spritz and Fritto Misto experience. A relaxed riverside sitting inspired by Italian street-side dining, guests can enjoy two Aperol spritzes paired with fritto misto di mare, made for sharing and grazing riverside for $30, available every day from 1 January.
Whether you’re meeting friends after work, easing into a weekend or chasing a taste of Euro summer without the airfare, Riverside Riviera delivers relaxed indulgence with scenic views.
Book a table here, wander in and let the river do the rest.
🗓️ Available every day from 1 January
3. Midtown Oyster Frenzy
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January at Midtown Bar arrives with a briny whisper and a whole lot of indulgence. Oyster Frenzy returns for a limited time, serving six courses of oysters prepared every way that matters, from natural and chilled to baked, grilled and gloriously dressed.
Each course is a small performance in flavour, featuring combinations like oak-aged Chardonnay mignonette with native pepperberry, BBQ mornay with crispy prosciutto, and tarragon butter gratin. The experience finishes with a limoncello and green apple palate cleanser, while oyster shooters like bloody Mary, gin and tonic, and dirty martini add a playful edge.
Get into the frenzy here
🗓️ 20 January – 31 January, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 6:30 PM or 7:30 PM
4. Westin Wellness Weekend
If 2026 needs a gentler beginning, the Westin Wellness Weekend delivers a full-body reset wrapped in luxury. Over the weekend, this immersive program blends movement, mindfulness and community in a way that feels restorative rather than prescriptive. Mornings will begin with Sip & Sculpt Pilates on the pier, soundtracked by a DJ and followed by nourishing smoothies from KAILO Nutrition.
Across the weekend, guests can attend expert-led nutrition masterclasses, mental health and movement sessions, and a deeply calming sound healing experience under the city lights. Sunday opens to the public with the inaugural Westin Wellness Market, showcasing local artisans, wellness brands and mindful makers.
From yoga and breathwork to conscious shopping and connection, this is Brisbane’s most elevated way to recharge.
Warrior poses anyone? Book your spot here
🗓️ 17 January – 18 January
5. The Great Gatsby at QPAC
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Step into a world of champagne dreams and aching longing as The Great Gatsby comes roaring to the stage in a bold new adaptation by Queensland Theatre Company and Shake & Stir Theatre Co. This stylish production brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary masterpiece to life, transporting audiences to the glittering excess of 1922 New York, where flappers dance, secrets simmer and love remains just out of reach.
Old sport… get your tickets here
🗓️ 12 February – 8 March
6. Advanced screenings at The Palace Cinemas – Barracks
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Be the first in your group chat to casually drop, “I saw it early,” thanks to Palace Cinemas at The Barracks and their lineup of advanced screenings from 10 January. Some of our favourites in the line-up include Hamnet, a quietly devastating historical drama inspired by Shakespeare’s son; Marty Supreme, a sharp, character-driven film based on the life of American table tennis player, Marty Reisman, with the film already generating Oscar buzz; and No Other Choice, a South Korean satirical black comedy thriller film recently nominated for a Golden Globe.
Book your favourite screening and let the night unfold.
🗓️ 10 January onwards
7. ‘Now You See Me Live’ at QPAC
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Magic is real, and it’s taking the centre stage as the legendary Four Horsemen bring Now You See Me Live to Brisbane at QPAC, in a dazzling spectacle of illusion, intrigue and theatrical flair. Inspired by the hit film franchise, this live production transforms the art of magic into an immersive experience, where jaw-dropping tricks meet cinematic storytelling and every moment feels steeped in mystery.
From mind-bending illusions to daring stunts that keep you on the edge of your seat, the show unfolds like a carefully crafted heist, full of surprises, suspense and unforgettable showmanship. Whether you’re a devoted fan or simply love a night out that promises surprise and drama, this is live entertainment at its most thrilling.
All that’s left to do is book your tickets and prepare to believe the impossible.
🗓️ 8 January – 18 January
8. Brisbane International Tennis Tournament
Serve, smash and summer energy collide as the 2026 Brisbane International Tennis matches return to the Queensland Tennis Centre, bringing eight days of world-class tennis, thrilling rallies, and unforgettable moments from 4 – 11 January. With the city buzzing, fans can catch the globe’s top ATP and WTA players as they battle it out on the hard courts, serving up power, precision and passion with every point.
Beyond the courts, the event offers a premium festival experience, from gourmet dining and refreshing drinks to a lively precinct buzzing with entertainment. From casual fans to die-hard tennis enthusiasts, every spectator leaves with stories of incredible rallies, buzzer-beater points, and sun-drenched memories.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this opening tennis season spectacle. It’s your serve… claim your spot in the city’s ultimate tennis experience.
🗓️ 4 January – 11 January
9. I Wanna Be A Real Artisan Gelato Maker at La Macelleria
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Unleash your inner gelato artist with La Macelleria Gelateria’s hands‑on workshops, where creamy dreams become delicious reality. Whether you’re a curious foodie, a passionate home cook, or simply someone who loves all things sweet, these immersive sessions take you behind the scenes of authentic gelato making.
Take your creations home or savour them straight from the freezer; either way, it’s a memory you’ll taste long after the session ends.
Create your own gelato masterpiece!
🗓️ 12, 19, and 26 January