And don’t think for a second that you’ve got a free social calendar this month because this city’s got no shortage of fun events in store! Whether you’re ready for a month filled with catch-ups and rooftop drinks, quality family time or you’re on that self-care journey, we’ve rounded up the best of the best…
BRISBANE FESTIVAL | SEPTEMBER 1 TO 23
The city’s most anticipated event is taking Brisbane by storm this September with a huge array of captivating and unique experiences. Hitting King St is a free Esc. With Us nostalgia pop-up complete with old-school arcade games and an 80s Street Party on September 16! Others to note include Brissie’s Lightscape, where the Botanic Gardens come alive for an enchanting 2km trail filled with dazzling canopies.
TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS | SEPTEMBER 1-30
Colour, flowers, food and wine – this festival draws in thousands each year and it’s well with the visit. Load up the car for a weekend visit to Toowoomba and experience all that’s on offer, including the food and wine festival that runs from September 8-10 for delicious fresh produce and wine from the region’s surrounding farms, orchards and vineyards. And don’t miss the iconic Grand Central Flower Parade on September 16, for a vibrant display and roaming entertainment through the heart of the city.
RIVERFIRE | SEPTEMBER 2
Arguably the most anticipated event of Bris Fest, this one is always a must-do on your September calendar. So start your September with a bang and book a seat with a view. You’ll find some of the best views around at Riverbar and Kitchen where you can keep their infamous pizzas and cocktails coming in hot. For a more elevated affair, book a stay at W Brisbane and get exclusive access to their Wet Deck for uninterrupted views of a sky bursting with colour. Other spots worth visiting – if you can still get a spot – include Felons, Fridays, Opa Bar & Mezze and Emporium Hotel.
FATHER’S DAY | SEPTEMBER 3
Dads are notoriously hard to buy for so you might be a little stuck on ideas, but luckily Brissie has some good stuff on offer. Ditch the socks and jocks and treat your old man to a $65pp two-hour banquet and beverage package at Chu The Phat for the ultimate long lunch. Or if you’re on a budget, perhaps you could spend the day on one of Brissie’s best hikes and treat Dad to a Guy Tea from Mt Tamborine’s Fortitude Brewing – a beer-tasting paddle, pizza and cheese. There’s nothing better after a day full of hiking.
MINNIPPI FAMILY FUN DAY | SEPTEMBER 3
Celebrate the opening of Brisbane City Council’s Minnippi Golf Course with a free family fun day out. From 10am to 3pm, the 20-bay driving range will be transformed, complete with a petting zoo, live music, food trucks, face painting, interactive games and, of course, mini golf.
JW MARRIOTT CULINARY STARS | SEPTEMBER 4-7
Prepare your taste buds because JW Marriott’s Culinary Stars Showcase is returning for the Coachella of global culinary affairs. Led by Executive Chef Paul Smart, this event will celebrate local produce and native Australian ingredients to treat guests to a night of culinary flair and creativity. Guests will get to witness six renowned international culinary masters in action across four sensational days. Prepare to be inspired and delighted – book your tickets here.
SONIC BOOM AT THE TIVOLI | SEPTEMBER 7
Presented by Jet Black Cat Music and The Tivoli, you can sit back and unleash your sonic senses listening to some seriously talented artists. And music knows no bounds at Sonic Boom with all ages welcome and free entry to all! Check out their banger of a lineup on the website!
SPOOKY PUTT PUTT AT VICTORIA PARK | SEPTEMBER 15 TO OCTOBER 31
Who doesn’t love a theme when it comes to putt putt? Swing your way through cryptic skulls, toxic waste barrels, zombies and spiders this September for a family fun day out or perhaps a chilling night out with friends. In fact, the folks at Victoria Park have teamed up with Altos Tequila to supply you with boo-ze slushy margs available throughout the course! Book your spots here.
STAMFORD PLAZA CHOCOLATE FACTORY HIGH TEA | SEPTEMBER 16 TO 23
To prepare for the new Willy Wonka movie coming out at the end of the year, why not revel in the marvels of Willy Wonka these September holidays. Enjoy decadent treats like Willy’s signature chocolate tart, toadstool chocolate brownies and blueberry friands. Be mesmerised by the dark & white chocolate fountain where fluffy marshmallows and juicy strawberries await their heavenly fate. With three sessions daily from 11am, book your tickets here and go in the draw to win the iconic golden ticket.
OKTOBERFEST AT THE BAVARIAN | SEPTEMBER 16 TO OCTOBER 7
To celebrate the return of Oktoberfest in Munich this September 16, you can get your own taste of Oktoberfestivities here in Brissie. The Chermside abode, The Bavarian, will host an opening party on Saturday, September 16 from 6.30pm with traditional keg taps, oompah bands and schuhplattler dancers. Choose between two set menus including Feed me Like at Oktoberfest ($52pp) for a proper feed or The OktoberBoss set menu ($44 pp), which includes Schnapps on arrival and the likes of a pretzel and wurstplatter. So don your best Oktoberfest get-up and enjoy the 1-litre glass steins of limited edition biers. Prost!
FISH LANE NEGRONI WEEK | SEPTEMBER 18 TO 24
Raising a glass in the name of charity? Count us in. Negroni Week is coming back to Fish Lane this month with plenty of ruby-red sips in tow. Throughout the week, select tenants like Bar Brutus, Kiki Kiosk and newbies on the lane, Midtown Bar, will serve up their takes on the classic cocktail. On September 23, the Fish Lane ‘Secret Handshake’ Art & Negroni Trail will have you strolling past the public artwork and lush greenery with nibbles and tipples at select venues.
EL CAMINO RITAS | UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30
The unbelievably thirst-quenching margarita staple has just been levelled up at El Camino with their new Gone Cruisin’ Vodka Cruiser Ritas with nine new marg flavours to choose from. So fire up the group chat for a much-needed marg catchup this spring and sip away on a summer peach rita with your besties.
LAGERPALOOZA | SEPTEMBER 30 TO OCTOBER 2
Hosted by Brissie favourite, Felons Brewing Co, Howard Smith Wharves will be home to Queensland’s largest lager festival showcasing 34 refreshing lagers from 16 of the finest breweries. Enjoy a day filled with live music, fun activities, delicious barbequed meats, seafood and, of course, lager. Tickets to this one start at $20 and will score you gift bags and your first fill. So make the most of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend and soak up the sun with a well-deserved lager in hand.
SASSO SUNDAYS | EVERY SUNDAY
Wooloongabba’s neighbourhood bar, Sasso Italiano, has launched a Sunday lunch service, kicking off from 11:30am to 3:30pm every Sunday. Renowned for its modern twists on Italian cuisine, Sasso is offering traditional roast porchetta with roasted fennel, potatoes and maple jus for two. Or, if you’re lovers of the sea, opt for the roasted snapper served with caper butter sauce, burnt lemon, a side salad and truffle fries for two. And to top it off, Sasso is pouring half-price magnums for the ultimate Sunday feast.
Savour the slow life with long lunches and rooftop sips, or put your go-go shoes on and get exploring!
