What’s on in The City this summer

Summer in Brisbane City is in full swing with a raft of events, new shops and restaurant openings to while away a lazy summer day or night. From markets to art exhibitions, new eateries and alfresco events, here’s all the things happening in The City in January and February.

Important information: Please follow the health & safety guidelines from QLD Health.

Arts and culture

From free street art to revisiting childhood faves, you’ll find inspiration in every corner of The City. Find out more about the latest art exhibitions.

What is Different?

This free interactive exhibition paints a picture of life under lockdown as seen through the eyes of children. The Gallery of Children’s Art (GoCA) asked Queensland kids: “What is different?” and this is their creative response. It’s on display at Museum of Brisbane (MoB) until 31 January.

Man & Wah: CELESTON 2

Get drawn into the intersection of cosmic and botanical worlds through the CELESTON 2 audio, video and photographic pieces by Man & Wah. The extension of a video work created during the COVID-19 lockdown; the free exhibition is on at MoB.

miffy & friends

Illustrator Dick Bruna’s iconic Miffy character has been a firm childhood fave for 65 years. A study in 20th-century avant-garde-abstractionism and colour theory, get to know the art behind the ‘cute little bunny’ at QUT Art Museum’s free miffy & friends exhibition.

Monique Baqués

Argentine-born, Brisbane-based artist Monique Baqués showcases a visual feast of vibrant colour and abstract art at a free exhibition of her latest series of oil paintings. View the artworks at Brisbane Square Library until 28 January.

Sunny Side Up

Take to streets to view the free Sunny Side Up exhibition on display at Brisbane City’s Outdoor Gallery. Check out lightboxes, banners and vitrines showcasing bright and bold artworks by Brisbane’s emerging contemporary artists.

The Storytellers

If you haven’t yet seen The Storytellers exhibit at MoB, now’s the time to get along to uncover the hidden histories, myths and tales of our city as interpreted by some of Brisbane’s best creative writers. Book your free ticket online.

Bauhaus Now

Get an art history lesson at MoB with the free Bauhaus Now exhibition about the legacy of migration and the modernism movement in Brisbane. Spanning art, design and architecture, book online to immerse yourself in the vibrant experience.

Outdoor events

Get outdoors and among these alfresco events to enjoy the best of summer in The City.

Celebrate Summer at the Pier

Enjoy local DJs and live tunes from City Sounds’ Brisbane-based musicians at Eagle Street Pier during the Celebrate Summer at the Pier event. On throughout January, check out the interactive installations such as the pop-up porch with custom swing.

Float in Cinema 

Pairing two favourite pastimes – going to the movies and the pool – Float in Cinema is set to make a splash. W Brisbane hotel’s WET Deck transforms into a floating cinema, screening blockbusters and classic flicks to enjoy poolside from 25 February. BYO bathers!

Wine and dine

Summer days and nights are made for fresh flavours. Here’s where to graze in The City.

Fatcow Steak & Lobster

Inspired by NYC steakhouse classics, this elevated take on surf-and-turf is now open in the Eagle Street Pier dining precinct. From the team behind Rico Bar + Dining (also within Eagle Street Pier), Fatcow Steak & Lobster also boasts a well-stocked whisky and wine bar. 

Happy Days by Australian Venue Co 

Until 31 January, enjoy 50% off your food and drink bill at select Australian Venue Co restaurants and bars. Dine between 5-6pm daily to secure this half-price offer at top-shelf spots such as Buffalo Bar, Kingsleys Brisbane and Friday’s Riverside. Happy days, indeed!

Italian Staycation pop-up

Channel an Italian riviera escape at Kingsleys Brisbane’s Italian Staycation pop-up. From antipasto platters to an indulgent three-course meal paired with Italian wines plus delectable cocktails – it’s amoré! Book your spot before the end of January.

COPPA

The love affair between Brisbane and Italy continues with the much-awaited opening of COPPA at Eagle Street Pier. COPPA brings Italian flavours and flair to the table with indoor and alfresco spaces available when it opens in early January 2021. 

Cherry Blossom Garden pop-up

Also part of the Staycation Series from Australian Venue Co, transport yourself to a seasonal cherry blossom garden in Friday’s Riverside courtyard. Say “hai” to a menu of Japanese-fusion bites and themed cocktails until the end of February.

Kingsfood Brisbane 

A Sunnybank stalwart for 30 years, Kingsfood restaurant brings its 150-item menu of mainland Chinese and Taiwanese delicacies to George Street in Brisbane City. From bubble tea drinks to traditional Taiwanese cuisine, take a seat indoors or outside at this new venue.

Markets and shopping

From indoor shopping centres to outdoor markets, Brisbane City is your ultimate retail destination.

Brisbane City Markets

Head to Reddacliff Place every Wednesday to browse 85 stalls with farm-fresh produce, baked bread, gourmet provisions and artisan goods. Brisbane City Markets is on from 8am to 4pm for all your foodie finds.

Riverside Markets at the Gardens

On every Sunday from 8am to 3pm, the City Botanic Gardens hosts Riverside Markets with an array of artisan goods, fashion finds and food and beverage options from around the world. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the stalls at these dog-friendly markets.