30 things to do this spring in Brisbane

Goldilocks wouldn't have it any other way – spring in Brisbane is not too hot and not too cold, it's just right. As we roll on into September and a new season, celebrate beautiful Brisbane by shedding that one winter layer, getting out and smelling the flowers. 

There's a bounty of delightful things to do in spring – from rooftop bars, food festivals, flower shows, sporting matches, performances and much more. We’ve rounded up the 30 best ways to spend your days from September to November. 

Do you have a particular interest? Click below to jump to that section.

Arts & Theatre  |  Music & Culture  |  City Escapes  |  Food  |  Adventure & Sport

Arts and Theatre 

1. 9th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art | 24 November - 28 April 2019 

Joyce HO, Overexposed Memory 2015, image courtesy The artist and TKG+, taipei

It only comes around once every three years, it takes over both major art galleries, and it unearths the most incredible contemporary art from the Asia Pacific. Now you can see why we’re excited for APT9? Running since 1993, the APT series has drawn more than three million visitors and boasts one of the world’s most significant collections of contemporary Asian and pacific art – so don’t miss it. 

2. Priscilla Queen of the Desert | 26 September - 4 November

Taking over the mainstage of QPAC this spring, join the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of their lifetime. 

3. Street art walking tour 

Street art is an exciting and developing part of Brisbane's landscape and with such good weather, why not move the art outdoors? Brisbane Street Art Festival is doing just that, with over three years worth of work lining Brisbane streets, you are bound to find something that appeals. Get exploring. 

4. Easton Pearson Exhibition | 22 November - 21 April 2019 

Stunning patterns, luxe fabric, unique designs with exquisite detail are all indicative of Australian fashion label Easton Pearson. Brisbane fashion icons Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson have personally selected 200 garments as part of a retrospective for the Museum of Brisbane. It’s the first time we’ll see garments from MoB’s new archive. 

5. QPAC International Series – La Scala Ballet | 7 - 18 November 

This November Italy’s celebrated Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company is bringing its 110-strong company (with more than 75 dancers) to QPAC’s Lyric Theatre. La Scala Ballet will perform two iconic productions, both much-loved and stunning works of the classical repertoire – Rudolf Nureyev’s festive Don Quixote, and the haunting Giselle.

Music and Culture 

6. BIGSOUND Festival | 4 - 7 September

Australia’s best fresh talented musicians will be in Brisbane for three nights. Join fans, industry, and international tastemakers alike, discovering the next big acts to come out of the country as new artists play 20-minute sets at more than 17 venues in Fortitude Valley. One wristband gets you access to all.

7. Chase the purple rain around Brisbane

Have you ever seen Brisbane erupt in a sea of purple Jacaranda trees? Late October or early November is the best time to pack the camera and set out. Instagrammer Lee Haskings shared the best spots to find them in Brisbane, and top tips on how to photograph them.

8. Brisbane Festival and Riverfire night | 8 - 29 September 

Brisbane Festival will once again transform the city over three dazzling weeks in September. With its thrilling program of theatre, music, dance, circus and opera, the fun will end with a bang when Sunsuper Riverfire erupts over the city, river and Story Bridge with a fireworks display like no other in Brisbane on September 29.

9. Book tickets to a spring or summer music festival

Brisbane is a city blessed with great weather year-round meaning there is never a quiet moment in our calendar of events. While spring is the lead up, summer is festival season – plan ahead and book tickets to the music festivals rocking Brisbane. We’re rounded up the best music festivals here.

10. Oktoberfest Brisbane | 5 - 7 & 12 - 14 October

Don your dirndl and lederhosen and get to the Brisbane Showgrounds to learn the Fliegerlied  and take part in Oktoberfest. Indulge in tradition and try bratwurst, pork knuckles (Schweinshaxe), and Black Forest cake (Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte) with a side of German-brewed beer.

11. Wonderland Festival | 22 November – 2 December

Summer nights call for sultry burlesque, circus, cabaret, music, comedy, poetry, theatre and variety shows – lucky Wonderland is set to take over Brisbane Powerhouse once again with  an extraordinary line up of both international and Australian artists.

12. Brisbane Open House | 13 & 14 October 

Throwing open the doors of Brisbane’s most interesting spaces in October, visitors will be invited to go behind the scenes in design studios, places of worship, heritage spaces, medical labs and emergency facilities over one weekend. 

City escapes 

13. Smash out a scenic hike in a morning

The early bird gets the worm, and by worm we mean breakfast. Take our advice and destroy one of these trails in the morning hours, following it up with our top suggestions for breakfast or lunch nearby. Work up an appetite in the fresh air this spring.

14. Escape the city for Island Vibe Festival | 26-29 October

Soak up the sounds of reggae, roots, bass and island soul at this super chilled out music, arts and island culture event. The festival is held annually over four mighty days on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). Kick back with beers in paradise.

15. Find 34 things to do in the Moreton Bay Region

From the salty sea air by the bayside at Redcliffe to the lush rainforest greens of the D’Aguilar range, read on to discover 34 things to do in the Moreton Bay Region, just north of Brisbane.

16. Design your own wildlife safari

Go on the hunt for anything that hops, swims or crawls by heading to these spots around Brisbane. Sure you can find them in a zoo, but where is the fun in that?

17. Steam into the Workshops Rail Museum

All aboard! We went along to the Workshops Rail Museum to check out its award-winning hands-on exhibits, train simulators and more. Kids and kids at heart will enjoy a full day of fun and history at Australia’s oldest operating railway workshop.

Food 

18. Plan a food crawl up Brisbane’s hottest laneway

South of the river, Fish Lane has all the wine bars, restaurants and cafes you need to create a choose-your-own dining and drinking adventure with friends. Read our comprehensive guide, print the map and arrive hungry.

19. Choose a craft beer trail

Summer is coming, so what better way to to get beach ready than with exercise. Go too hard too soon and you’ll fall off the bandwagon faster than you jumped on it – so ease into it with with one of these light urban wanders, taking regular rest breaks at the various local craft breweries. Doctor’s orders. 

20. Eat at one of the city’s new hot spots

Since the start of the year Brisbane’s dining landscape has shifted and changed dramatically with a handful of sad closings, but a few dozen epic openings. We’ve rounded up all awesome spots that opened in the first half of the year here. Have you tried any?

21. Take drinking sky high at Brisbane's best rooftop bars

Soak up the sunshine and raise your glasses to drinking up high at the best rooftop bars in Brisbane. While our winters are mild, there’s nothing quite like clinking glasses outdoors with views of the CBD skyline as glows with springtime air. 

22. Explore different farmers markets in Brisbane

Brisbane’s bustling market scene is in overdrive. View our guide to the best farmers markets in Brisbane – from farm-fresh food and vegetables to picking up vintage and homemade gems.

Adventure & Sports 

23.  Get out on the water 

There’s something extra-special about watching the sky light up in every shade of pink, purple and orange from the water. Whether it’s cruising up and down the winding Brisbane River, or putting about on the expansive blue of Moreton Bay, being out on the water is a real treat. Check out our wrap up of Brisbane’s boat cruises.

24. Dust Hustle 7: North Brisbane | 1 September

Get down and dirty with motorcycles, pro level dirt tracks, food trucks and a trade stall alley that will keep you up to date with the latest gear. Best of all, Dust Hustle is an event for the whole family.

25. Plan out your camping adventure near Brisbane with these top spots

With the weather getting a little warmer, now is the time to plan your camping adventure in Brisbane. Surrounded by stunning displays of natural beauty, the Brisbane Region is home to national parks, beaches and lakes worth pitching a tent at. 

26. Qantas Wallabies v South Africa | 8 September 

It's always tough competition when the wallabies go up against the Springboks, so the boys will need all your support to win this intense match. 

27. Last chance to see the whales | Season ends November

Get up close and personal with majestic humpback whales as they pass by the South East Queensland coast to the warm, tropical waters of Queensland. Check out our guide to the best whale-watching tours and spots along the coast where you can catch a glimpse of these deep blue sea creatures.

28. 2018 Isuzu Queensland Open | 1 - 4 November

Over four days, golf fans can enjoy the understated brilliance of this PGA Tour of Australasia-sanctioned event. Will a pro take out the trophy or could an amateur steal it from under them?

29. Gillette T20 v India | 21 November 

Watch Australia take on India in the first of three matches for the Gillette T20 International at the Gabba Stadium. Have a wicket time with family and friends enjoying fireworks, music and great cricket. 

30. Bare foot bowls

Grab a patch o' green at your local bowls club and embrace the thrill of being a barefoot bandit. If being sans shoes is not your style - we find this unbeliveabowl - then head on over to the bar where you can cheer on your mates and delight in some Aussie pub grub. Book your lane at Merthyr Bowls, New Farm; Coorparoo Bowls Club, Coorparoo; New Farm Bowls Club or the Boo in Newstead.

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