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 those winter layers, 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.
1. Plan your Valley Fiesta weekend | 27-28 October
The line-up is yet to be announced, but Brisbane’s totally free music festival that takes over Fortitude Valley for the weekend is always killer. More than just a street party, gather your friends for a music, food and art fuelled two days.
The early bird gets the worm, and if you take our advice and do one of these trails in the morning hours, we’ve shared our top suggestions for breakfast or lunch nearby. Work up an appetite in the fresh air this spring.
3. We're off to see the wizard... the wonderful Wizard of Oz | 4 November - 3 December
Rediscover everyone’s favourite childhood story as Dorothy and Toto bring their journey through Oz to life. The Wizard of Oz will include all your favourite characters, iconic moments, traditional score and new songs to get everyone dancing in the aisles – don’t forget your ruby red slippers.
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 get crackin’.
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.
6. Explore Brisbane’s delicious side at Tastes Like Sunshine | Until 12 November
A wall made of toasted marshmallow. It’s not what you expect to find hanging in a museum, but then again the Museum of Brisbane is anything but ordinary. Until mid November MOB is celebrating the delicious side of our city’s character with a sensory and interactive exhibition.
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 boat cruises.
This October the Canon Collective will be running a three-day photography festival on Moreton Island. Meet new friends, learn new skills, push your limits and explore the world’s third largest sand islands.
9. Lock in tickets for the Rugby League World Cup matches | 24 November, 2 December
Brisbane isn’t just hosting the semi final. No, we’ve got the grand final too. Yes that’s right, the Rugby League World Cup will turn our River City into the centre of the rugby universe from late November.
10. Wonderland Festival is back | 23 November – 3 December
Showcasing burlesque, circus, cabaret, music, comedy, poetry, theatre and variety shows from both international and Australian artists, Wonderland is set to take over Brisbane Powerhouse once again.
The CBD is a huge place with laneways, nooks and crannys to hide dining gems. Check out the latest edition of Dish guide, which all that's worth eating and drinking in Brisbane City. Keep an eye out for the physical copy or download the guide here.
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.
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.
14. 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.
15. Dine along the Shorncliffe Pier a The Long Table | 4 November
Flowing drinks, great food and even better company will see surely see the The Long Table event at brisbane's northern bayside sell out again. Don't miss out on this night of wining and dining under the stars at Shorncliffe Pier.
16 Your summer bod won’t build itself | Medibank Feel Good Program | 2 October - 2 December
You know the drill – summer is coming and that means it’s time to shake off your winter layers, leave your doona behind and venture out into Brisbane’s beautiful outdoors. The best place to start? Why, the totally free Medibank Feel Good Program of course! Held in the exquisite South Bank Parklands, the Program offers free fitness classes (including yoga, Pilates, Zumba and more).
Think you’ve ticked it all off your list? Think again. We’re pretty confident we could bet that you haven’t done everything on this list – helicopter pub crawls, night kayaking on an island, buying ALL the cheese, visiting the drive-ins, trying hip hop yoga ...
18. Save the world at Containment | 18-29 October
Think you know how to survive a zombie apocalypse? Super. Gather some friends and give Containment a shot. You need to save the world in this immersive, 90-minute strategy-based game, which will take over the Brisbane Powerhouse for 10 days.
If you’ve got Georgia on your mind and want to find your own brown-eyed girl, perhaps you’ll find her at one of Brisbane’s live music bars – specifically those with a little more soul ...
20. Go spot crazy at GOMA with Yayoi Kusama | From 4 November
The Obliteration Room is back – grab a sheet of coloured stickers and get to work adding dots to a completely white space. More than that though, a vibrant exhibition featuring of leading contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is hitting the gallery. Explore a wild and wonderful journey through significant moments in Kusama's career - spanning seven decades.
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.
Cycle lovers, put your foot to the pedal, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite bike paths around Brisbane. Take a look, soak up the glorious spring weather and get pedalling!
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.
24. Women in Voice are back, for the 25th year | 10-11 November
The city's iconic cabaret institution Women in Voice returns with yet another formidable line-up of superlative songstresses. Catch favourites Pearly Black, Carita Farrer Spencer and Alison St Ledger, alongside newcomers Ellen Reed and Bridget Boyle as MC.
These modern classics are the best of the best – the dishes a venue can't take off its menu without an uproar. Try and finish all 63, we dare you.
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.
Keeping your children entertained while on holiday in Brisbane is easy, with endless activities to enjoy. Whether entertaining young ones or teenagers, make the most of your short stay in Brisbane with this family-friendly itinerary.
28. Finders Keepers, losers weepers | 10-13 November
Looking to buy local and handmade for Christmas? The Finder's Keepers Markets are back - at an all new location, giving you more time to explore more than 200 independent art and design stalls that have been curated for quality.
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.
Celebrating it's 10th year, head over to North Stradbroke Island where a mullet throwing competition once featured on the program. Heck yeah! Seafood! This year there will be plenty of oyster shucking, mud crab racing and good times to be had.
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