Busy? You’ve got time to think about the weekend, surely…
Brisbane’s longest running Greek festival is back, Edward Street’s new pocket-sized eatery is now open, and whatever you do, don’t go near Suncorp Stadium.
Eat honey puffs at Paniyiri Greek Festival on May 18 & 19
Eat, drink, and party like a Greek this weekend! Paniyiri is back with cultural displays and drool-worthy cuisine ready to take you to Greece without the plane ticket. If you were debating on going for both days, just think of how many honey puffs, slices of grilled halloumi and calamari you could eat over TWO days…we’re sold.
Be unhinged to the max with 44 Sex Acts in One Week at Brisbane Powerhouse
You’ve made it to the end of the week, now it’s time to get freaky. As part of Brisbane Comedy Festival, this apocalyptic rom-com is “brilliantly horny and unhinged” in a slippery and subversive take on a classic radio play. There’s no nudity, but let’s just say you will never look at fruit the same way…
Slip into Longwang for a gourmet welcome
Hidden inside an impossibly slim, multi-level laneway in Edward Street, Longwang has hit the ground running since opening last week. Serving modern Asian food like Sichuan salt and pepper tofu and artisanal cocktails like the Siam slam – coconut vodka, passionfruit, pandan, paired with a banana crispy – this spot is worth the hype.
Live in denial at Forever Summer Spritz at Marriott Brisbane
They say Queensland doesn’t get cold (at least compared to our inter-state counterparts), but we’re willing to shrug off the coats for Forever Summer Spritz at Marriott Brisbane. Soak up every last drop of sunshine on the MDeck with bottomless Chandon Spritz, expertly complemented by Chef Peter’s share plates for only $69pp.
Get keen (or beware) for NRL Magic Round From May 17-19
Turning the city into one giant stadium, the NRL Magic Round is on this weekend with three days, eight matches and sixteen teams firing up with footy spirit. If you missed out on tickets to the games, settle into a table at the likes of Port Office Hotel with a commemorative Tomahawk steak feast for two, or The Charming Squire for a home brew and pre-game burger.
Add Emporium Brisbane’s Bridgerton Tea Cake to your watch party snacks
Gentle readers, if you’ve already binged the first half of Bridgerton’s latest season at the time of reading this and don’t know how you’ll cope until the other episodes drop, take a bite of Belle Époque’s inspired Victorian sponge cake with strawberry compote to curb your appetite. And if you haven’t started yet, we know these cakes are sure to be the perfect accompaniment to your watch party (no chaperones please – we don’t want anyone watching that).
Journey into your emotions at Blue at La Boite Theatre
If you need a good cry, this is for you. Sombre and unmissable, Heartbreak High’s Thomas Weatherall has brought his award-winning talent to the Brisbane stage with Blue; a personal, emotional, and explorative narrative surrounding grief and growing older. Blue is Weatherall’s debut on the writing scene, with Deborah Brown’s direction in fluid choreography bringing the emotions to life.
We imagine every household will be divided this weekend – will you be watching Magic Round or Bridgerton?
May 8th, 2024
If you’ve forgotten about Mother’s Day, don’t talk to us.
Now now, we hope you haven’t really forgotten about Mother’s Day, but we have you sorted just in case. If you’re ahead of the curve and just want something else to do this weekend, we’ve got art fairs, two newly opened restaurants, and Eurovision to keep you busy.
Delve into the creative world at Affordable Art Fair from May 9-12
Cracking open the creative industry, Affordable Art Fair has come to Brisbane to inject every household with masterpieces, no matter their budget. Forty independent Australian galleries will take part in the inaugural Brisbane Fair with thousands of original works for sale, priced from $100 to $10,000. This is your chance to get your hands on world-class sculptures, photographic works and limited-edition prints, without any snobby barriers.
Dine at James Street’s unique new restaurant, ēmmē
Located in James Street Market, ēmmē is unlike any other restaurant Brisbane has seen for a while. With Thomas Tze Lian, formerly of Greca, overseeing the kitchen, this diner is not sticking to just one cuisine – the influences will change and evolve every week, running the gamut from Mediterranean to Asian-fusion. Every visit is sure to be unique, and we don’t know how we’re supposed to go back to normal after this kind of luxe treatment.
Spend some quality time with mum on King St on Saturday, May 11
If you need something to do on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, Magpie Goose has you covered with their ‘crafternoon’, where you’ll use sustainable materials to craft your very own jewellery item to gift mum alongside a local artist. Plus, Artisan will host a Mother’s Day Market on Saturday, so rest assured you have any last-minute pressies sorted.
Enjoy a relaxed showing of Beauty and the Beast on Saturday, May 11
In partnership with Autism Spectrum Australia, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Autism Queensland, these amazing organisations have come together to offer an inclusive showing of Beauty and the Beast. From start to finish, the unique show has been tailored to ensure audience members who may need specific support can attend, engage, and feel comfortable in their own way. Embodying the famous quote, everyone is welcome to be their guest.
Find your last-minute Mother’s Day gift at the Love Me Again Markets on Saturday, May 11
Budget-friendly but no less boujee, the Love Me Again Markets are back at Northshore on Saturday with all the goods to save the day. You’ll find pre-loved designer pieces which are perfect gifts for sustainable mums, but you can also get your hands dirty with Portside Wharf’s new pop-up splatter room. Mum is sure to like some hand-made masterpieces from her adult kids, right?
ICYMI, Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 12
Racking your brains for somewhere to take your mum or mother figure for Mother’s Day, that will somehow repay her for decades of loving care and all-round wonderfulness? There’s no excuse to give mum burnt toast in bed – we’ve lined up the best ways to treat mum here.
It’s time to sing your heart out – Eurovision is on this Sunday, May 12
While Sweden hosts Eurovision, we’ll take this as our sign to don our best camp outfits (which is also fitting after seeing the Met Gala looks) and unabashedly sing along. If you’re looking to share your enthusiasm with other like-minded Euro-visionaries, Brisbane German Club is hosting its third annual watch party with special guest performances, and be warned – the dress code is glitz, colour, and extravagance in excess.
Shuck up and take our money, Victory Lane
We don’t know about you but our idea of a perfect Sunday isn’t complete without an oyster in one hand and bubbly in the other (and it’s even better when it isn’t breaking the bank). Victory Lane has turned the end of the weekend into Shuckin’ Sundays, featuring $2 oysters shucked from a streetside cart right in front of you. Sit back with a $15 glass of Laurenti Grand Cuvee Champagne and you’ll be golden.
Find your own new family heirloom Lannah Dunn Fine Jewelry
It’s not every day we see royalty in this city, but Edward Street’s latest retailer is certainly fit for the crown. At her newly opened store, Lannah Dunn has brought her treasure trove of original and vintage-inspired rings to Brisbane, which are made in-house and with her daughters joining the business. These rings have donned the hands of celebrities and royals, and would make the perfect heirloom for you to add to your own family for generations to treasure.
Fatcow has reopened its doors on a new paddock in James Street
It’s been two long years since we said goodbye to Fatcow, but we know the herd will thrive in its new digs at James Street. And they’re not pulling any punches with its opening menu – there’s 16 new steaks, fine wagyu tastings, plus live oysters and lobsters. While we don’t expect the new dishes to be quite on the same level as their infamous golden steak, the classics are back and sure to feel like a welcome embrace. Honey, we’re home.
Fatcow better watch out – we’re coming for a piece of that steak…
May 2nd, 2024
Laugh all you want…no, seriously!
Brisbane has creativity leaking out of every orifice with Brisbane Comedy Festival and Brisbane Street Art Festival both taking over. And who could forget Stones Corner Festival coming in hot with live music and drool-worthy food trucks?
With laughs to be had, masterpieces to admire and tidbits to be devoured, without further ado, here’s what’s on this weekend.
Knock off and hit Knockoff – Free Comedy Fridays at Brisbane Powerhouse
Using your stomach muscles for something other than downing a knock-off bevvy, Brisbane Powerhouse is hosting free comedy nights on Fridays in May as part of Brisbane Comedy Festival. Check out the hilarious lineup with a mix of local gut-busters and international talents that will leave you in stitches every week from 6pm.
Down some vino at Allonda’s Wine & Jazz evening on Thursday, May 2
Ya like jazz? What if we told you it came with a glass of wine on arrival? Allonda is listening to the people and hosting jazz duo The Sundowners for smooth live music, all while you dine on their a la carte menu and receive a grapey welcome. Tickets are $39, so go enjoy some toe-tapping tunes.
Channel your inner artist at the BSAF Launch Party on Saturday, May 4
Kicking off its ninth year, Brisbane Street Art Festival is back from May 4 to 19, and you’re invited to the epic launch party. The festivities take place inside the new multi-arts warehouse space Superordinary at Northshore, Hamilton, so there’s room for things to get wild. Check out highlight exhibitions like “No Expectations” First Nations Exhibition and “Within These Walls”, plus live performances and mixed-media showcases.
Get in the spirit with Felons x BSAF Jonze Juice
To go with your taste for art, Felons Brewing Co has concocted Jonze Juice, which is vibrant in flavour and its design. Partnering with Brisbane artist Spectator Jonze, the Felons x BSAF limited-edition brew is fruity with pops of berry and candy, with a psychedelic, 70’s sunset-inspired colour palette on the outside.
Stones Corner Festival is back on Sunday, May 5
You’re going to need that public holiday on Monday as Stones Corner Festival is back with stellar food, booze and tunes in tow on Sunday! This festival is an annual event for a reason – and not just because you’ve got an excuse to eat from multiple food trucks in one day. With incredible acts on the lineup like The Potbelleez, Screamfeeder and Never Ending 80s, you’ll want to check out all the details here.
Be thrilled by The Woman In Black live at QPAC Till May 11
It’s thrilling. It’s mildly terrifying. Best of all, it’s live in Brisbane! After three decades on the stage in the West End (on the other side of the world, of course), The Woman In Black is now showing at QPAC for a limited time only. The spine-chilling ghost tale has an incredible atmosphere – and we’ll leave it up to you to discover all the spooky details…
Honourable Mention: Beyond Brisbane
Giddy up for GourMay Mary Valley Food Festival
Located 45 minutes inland from Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, Mary Valley celebrates its variety of quality produce and those who grow it each year with a lineup of foodie events. From wine dinners amongst the rolling hills of Dingo Creek Vineyard to old school campfire dining and music at the Mary Valley Rail Trail, the month is filled with unmissable experiences and wholesome festivities.
It’s a good weekend to be a Queenslander – you’ve got Monday off!
April 24th, 2024
The weekend can’t come soon enough.
After commemorating the ANZACs (and filling your belly with well-earned ANZAC bikkies), you’ve still got time to spend out and about – especially if you’re one of the lucky ones taking Friday off. Have a laugh at Brisbane Comedy Festival, stock up at the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail, and more importantly, don’t think about work for a few days.
Commemorate ANZAC Day on Thursday, April 25
ANZAC Day is one of the very, very few days of the year you’ll catch us getting up before sunrise. While you’re up early attending the dawn service, the march or other ANZAC Day events, take advantage of the extra time in your day by heading out to enjoy all the goings-on around Brisbane here.
Laugh it up at Brisbane Comedy Festival from Friday, April 26
Your annual dose of comedic brilliance is back with global and local talent in tow. Taking over venues from Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm and The Princess Theatre in Woolloongabba, the festival runs right through to May 26, giving you plenty of chances to laugh out loud. Some shows have already sold out, so get in fast to secure tickets to your favourite comedians.
Take the kids to Pink Flamingo Spiegeland’s Circus Fun House From Saturday, April 27
Don’t worry – this show was created specifically for kids. You can enjoy the talented performances no matter your age, as the Pink Flamingo flair is still in full force with dazzling costumes and daring aerial stunts, with new comedy and musical elements. The show happens every Saturday from 11:30am, so this one is nice and easy to fill out your kid’s weekend.
GET YOUR CLAWS ON CRAB & CRAY CRAY AT ONE FISH TWO FISH TILL APRIL 28
Shellfish lovers, listen up! The ever-popular Crab & Cray Cray is well underway, and you’ve got till Sunday to swim in for a taste. For the uninitiated, this four-course menu puts local crab and crayfish into the spotlight with dishes like Western Australia baked snow crab legs, crab katsu buns, lobster mornay vol-au-vent, and a sweet dessert to finish (which does not contain seafood, thankfully!).
Say ‘Hai’ to Mary Mae’s Sip & Sakura Till May 5
Mary Mae’s riverside vista has just gotten a cherry blossom makeover. To celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival, the team is complementing its new floral look with three Roku Gin cocktails and the inspired matcha yuzu delight for dessert. If you wish you were revelling in Japan’s spring blooms right now, this is for you.
Honourable Mentions: Beyond Brisbane
Trek to the GC for Cali Beach’s Culture Kings takeover on Friday, April 26
Don your togs and dive into the ultimate party experience as for a night of swimming, basketball, and top-notch music from renowned DJs. Cali Beach has partnered with Culture Kings to bring RNB Night Swims every month, kicking off this Friday. Get ready to dance poolside and shoot hoops for exciting prizes, all with the city’s skyline acting as the perfect backdrop.
Stock up at the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail on Sunday, April 28
We know the Scenic Rim is unbeatable when it comes to fresh produce and adorable farm animals, so we’ll gladly make the drive this Sunday. For the uninitiated, you’ll find farmers, growers, producers, winemakers, brewers, distillers and flavour-makers from across the famous region all opening their gates for you to shop, taste, and give some baby lambs a cuddle.
We’re already in weekend mode…
April 17th, 2024
Brisbane’s icon turns 100, Brazilian brilliance comes to town, and bingo gets a broadway makeover.
We know the last thing you want to do after a week of work is researching what to do on your valuable two days off, so we’ve made a list of the crème de la crème of the lot for you. Bon appetit!
Celebrate a Century of Brisbane Arcade on Friday, April 19
That’s right – Brisbane Arcade is turning 100 years young, and Queen Street Mall is coming alive to celebrate this Friday. There’ll be colourful entertainment, gift giveaways, and special guest appearances, like an official cake cutting with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. This is your chance to witness history!
Toast to Augusta’s Grand Opening at Park Regis on Friday, April 19
If you’re familiar with the Brazilian goodness from Augusta down at the Gold Coast, then you know why we’re so keen for the grand opening of its new Brisbane locale inside Park Regis North Quay. To kick things off this Friday, Augusta will host a live samba performance, music from DJ Victor Lopez, and of course authentic Brazilian cocktails and cuisine.
Play Along at Broadway Bingo at Brisbane Powerhouse From April 19 to 21
If you thought you’d seen it all, Broadway Bingo is sure to leave you pleasantly surprised. It’s exactly what it sounds like – a team of talented artists invite you to play a game of bingo, where every ball plucked from the spinning wheel is a random song they will perform. As you can imagine, the chaos combines humour and world-class performances, where every show is unique.
Ascend to New Heights with Story Bridge Adventure Climb
While Queensland schools are back in session, those travelling interstate and need to keep the little ones entertained are in luck! Story Bridge Adventure Climb is offering discounted tickets for a limited-time only where kids can climb Brisbane’s icon for free. It’s time to get over your fear of heights!
Experience Wonder at Queensland Ballet’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Till April 27
If you’re not off the Shakespeare train after seeing Anyone But You, how about another tale in ballet form? From the talented dancers to the stunning stage sets and other-worldly costumes, this production is fantastical and enchanting. Tickets are selling fast, so get in quick!
Whip Out Your Blush for W Brisbane’s Pretty In Pink High Tea
We’ve come to expect W Brisbane to come up with creative high tea themes, but we still want to try every single one! Next up, the team is serving PINK – from pink tea and cocktails to cakes and tarts, this high tea is a pink-lover’s dream come true. This would also make a pretty damn good Mother’s Day treat – friendly nudge!
Honourable Mention: Beyond Brisbane
See Italian Renaissance Come To Life at HOTA Gallery
From the creators behind Van Gogh Alive, HOTA’s Italian Renaissance Alive sees famous artworks like Sistine Chapel, Mona Lisa, Birth of Venus, and many more pieces in larger-than-life format. Leave the passport at home and get your taste of Italy down at the Gold Coast till August 4.
Who’s having a four-day weekend next week?
April 10th, 2024
Make it through the week and you’ll be rewarded with cake, crayfish and creative markets.
What’s the recipe to the perfect weekend in Brisbane? This lineup pretty much takes the cake…
Dance Up A Storm At South City Square’s Latino Fiesta On April 12
In the first of many, South City Square in Woolloongabba is hosting a monthly pop-up, kicking off with Latino Fiesta this Friday. There’ll be a drool-worthy lineup of Latin and South-American cuisine from food trucks alongside bustling market stalls. In addition to the foodie delights, South City Square will be taking the festivities up a notch with a live DJ and salsa instructor, which sounds like the perfect invite to let loose before the weekend!
Get Your Claws On Crab & Cray Cray At One Fish Two Fish Till April 28
Shellfish lovers, listen up! The ever-popular Crab & Cray Cray has made its long-awaited return to One Fish Two Fish from April 10 to 28. For the uninitiated, this four-course menu puts local crab and crayfish into the spotlight with dishes like Western Australia baked snow crab legs, crab katsu buns, lobster mornay vol-au-vent, and a sweet dessert to finish (which does not contain seafood, thankfully!).
Sweeten Your Weekend With The International Cake Show From April 12-14
Prepare for sweetness overload – Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is about to smell absolutely delicious as the 2024 International Cake Show Australia bakes up a storm. The cake show will feature over 100 free cooking demonstrations and hands-on workshops, Insta-worthy cake and sugar sculptures created by stars from all over the world, competitions and pop-up shops.
Roll Up To The Superordinary Supermarkets At Northshore On April 14
Grab a coffee and spend your Sunday morning browsing stall after stall of goodies from local artists, makers and businesses. These markets at Northshore are both kid and fur-kid friendly, with art workshops and live drawing in the lineup. And if you’re keen for some extra exercise, there’ll be a pop-up rink from Secret Roller Disco with free skate hire available!
Hit The Road At The Tour De Brisbane Big Family Ride On April 14
Grab your family and your bikes and take part in a breezy 10km journey through the heart of Brisbane City. It’s the perfect combo of fun, adventure, and sightseeing, all wrapped up into one and it’s totally free to register. This is your chance to experience the city like never before, with wind in your hair and smiles all around. Check out more things to do these school holidays here.
Go Nutty For Yo-Chi x Pistachio Papi’s Collaboration From April 14
If you’re not part of the Yo-Chi cult just yet, you probably love a bit of Pistachio Papi’s nuttiness – and if you’re not familiar with either, consider this your official heads up to get on the train! Kicking off from Sunday, this collab between two iconic brands sees Yo-Chi’s smooth frozen yoghurt and acai dressed up with Pistachio Papi’s creamy spread (and don’t let the colour gross you out.) This is expected to sell out fast, so get in lickety-split.
Satisfy Your Craving For Drama With Closer By La Boite Theatre Till April 20
After a sell-out opening weekend, there’s just two weeks left for La Boite Theatre’s ‘Closer’. The cult classic returns to the La Boite stage 24 years after it first got under the audience’s skin and 20 years since the film adaptation starring Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Jude Law and Clive Owen hit cinemas. What a start to the 2024 season!
Travel To A Magical World With Show-Inspired Treats At Chu The Phat
Have you been enchanted by Disney’s Beauty and the Beast production at QPAC yet? Chu the Phat along Fish Lane continues the magic with show-inspired treats that have a clever take on the provincial village life depicted in the show, with their Provincial Lychee Limeade mocktail and the Enchanting Sunset Bliss cocktail. Known for their cleverly curated cocktails, these won’t disappoint.
Consider this your warning that some roads in Brisbane will be closed this weekend because of the cycling event!
