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.
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Arts & Theatre
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Music & Culture
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City Escapes
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Food
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Adventure & Sport
1. Quilty | Until 13 October
'Quilty' Exhibitiion – Ben Quilty / Photograph: Daniel Boud
Get excited for the layered experience of the exhibition Quilty at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). Ben Quilty is an Australian artist who has won the Doug Moran National Portrait prize in 2009 and the Archibald prize in 2011. This exhibition features 70 works depicting the artist's revisions of the Australian landscape, intimate self-portraits and works inspired by visits to Lebanon, Syria and Greece. His work is vibrant and loud, tapping into raw emotions and exploring the human condition.
Are you a Muriel, Cheryl, Tania or Janine? Make your way to QPAC this spring and watch as one of the most loved Australian films takes on the stage in the form of a cheeky new musical. 'You cant stop progress', so grab your tickets and enjoy the adventure that ensue as Muriel dreams of her perfect wedding. Trust us, it's better than than The Bachelor.
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. New Woman| 13 September - 15 March 2020
This exhibition represents a snapshot of Brisbane women artists over the past 100 years. It depicts their personal stories and exemplifies the enduring legacy that these women have created for the Brisbane art scene. Experience this uniquely curated exhibition of paintings, photography, sculpture, performance and installation works by artists such as Tracey Moffit, Margaret Cilento, Judy Watson, Courtney Coombs and more.
5. Chicago| 2 November - 6 December
'In this town, murder is a form of entertainment'. Make your way to QPAC and to see the arresting award-winning Broadway musical Chicago starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Alinta Chidzey and Casey Donovan. Set in 1920's Chicago nightclub scene this show is full of murder, intrigue, corruption, greed, exploitation and girl power. Put on your best razzle-dazzle and grab your tickets today.
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.
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.
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.
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. Get planning with this handy guide.
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.
Throwing open the doors of Brisbane’s most interesting spaces, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
This is your chance to see the number one ranked team in the world Australia, take on Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Commonwealth Bank ODI Series at the Allan Boarder Field. Attend all three matches on the 7th and 9th of October to follow this epic battle to the very end. Go Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
One week, ten sports and over one thousand world class athletes from eighty different countries. The INAS Global Games is the worlds largest sporting event for elite athletes with an intellectual impairment. Get out and watch these amazing and talented athletes compete to win the gold.
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.
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.
Watch Australia take on Sri Lanka in the second 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.
The first Domain Test of the season makes its way to the Gabba, and it is sure to be an intense one. Grab your mates and show your support for the Aussie team.
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, Coorparoo Bowls Club, Coorparoo, New Farm Bowls Club or The Boo in Newstead.
Share your springtime moments with us via #brisbaneanyday
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Discover what's on this March in Brisbane
Brisbane is serving up a blockbuster month of entertaining events involving fantastic festivals, masterful music and sensational stage productions.
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Eat Brisbane's ultimate bucket list
With updated menus and new offerings to take home, we have sacrificed our waistlines to bring you a new and condensed bucket list of must-try dishes.
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Knock over coffee or sink back a nightcap, stretch out and find zen or pick up something from a local label – let Brisbane’s laneways surprise you.
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Tuck into Brisbane's best cheap eats
Have you got fine-dining tastebuds and a student budget? Read on to discover our pick of budget-friendly dining throughout Brisbane.
