Beautiful ballets, tennis finals and soul-pop supergroups – here’s what’s on in Brisbane this weekend
A public holiday gives us a much appreciated long weekend to idle away at our own pleasure and there are plenty of entertainments to choose from. Whether you’re set to be glued to all the Australian Open tennis action, or shaking it out to the sound of sweet beats at a triple j’s Hottest 100 Listening Party, this weekend offers something for everyone. We’ve rounded up the very best of what’s happening in Brisbane from January 23 to January 27.
Concerts on in Brisbane this weekend
Sibling-led musical phenomenon Lawrence will alight at The Princess Theatre on Monday January 27. Recently performing their latest single ‘Whatcha Want’ on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Lawrence are the rising stars you need on your radar – an eight-piece soul-pop band, who have gained a devoted following for its high-energy, keyboard-driven sound, featuring tight, energetic horns and explosive lead vocals.
Celebrate the fruits of Australia’s favourite election – triple j’s Hottest 100 – at Felon’s all-day listening party. On Saturday January 25, enjoy the the songs that soundtracked last year live and loud in Felons Barrel Hall and on the Rivergarden Lawn.
Contributioning to the TV series Vikings and video game Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Norwegian music constellation Wardruna has garnered a global following. Performing at some of the most iconic venues across the globe including Odeon Of Herodes Atticus, Acropolis, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and now The Fortitude Valley Music Hall on Monday January 27.
The brains behind one of Fortitude Valley’s most creative nightspots is looking to give its laneway home a refresh, transforming it into an exciting outdoor event and social space. This weekend, Pawn & Co will host the first iteration of the Sound Ground Laneway Series, a festival-like event boasting a line-up of local and international music artists keep vibes high from the afternoon into the night. Headlining the event is Irish DJ and producer Rebūke, who will be bringing his groundbreaking fusion of techno, house and rave to Bakery Lane alongside a curated lineup of local artists.
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Theatre and live events on in Brisbane this weekend
Be enchanted by The Sleeping Beauty, with this interactive Storytime Ballet experience for children aged three years and older. Running at Brisbane Powerhouse from January 23–26 this abridged and narrated version of The Sleeping Beauty will have children dancing in their seats…and all the way home.
More advanced ballet appreciators may enjoy being transported to the land of fantasy in Ballet Theatre Queensland’s brand new production of Snow White. With brand new choreography by Artistic Director Clare Morehen and music by Dr. Lucas D. Lynch performed by the Cadenza Chamber Players, this stunning production is at QPAC this weekend only.
Lose your head when SIX the Musical returns to the QPAC stage until February 9. The globally celebrated and multi-award winning high-octane musical sees feisty Tudor queens boldly rewrite five hundred years of history. Last season was a sell out so don’t delay in booking tickets!
You’d better shape up – GREASE is the word and it’s back until February 1! The much-loved musical is returning to the QPAC stage with an all-new multimillion-dollar production, promising to be slicker, sexier and more electrifying than ever before. Sing along as you watch Patti Newton as the much-loved Miss Lynch, Bobby Fox as Vince Fontaine and the incomparable Marcia Hines as Teen Angel.
If you’re feeling spicy this weekend, Blanc de Blanc Encore promises a night of laughs and lots of skin. Performing at Brisbane’s latest theatre and bar The West End Electric, this riotous revue of acrobatic talent and great tunes has been choreographed by Kevin Maher (whose past clients include Madonna and Britney Spears) and scored by Danish electronic artist Kenneth Bager. Running into the new year, Blanc de Blanc Encore invites you to escape the ordinary for a captivating night of circus cabaret.
Award-winning circus sensation Blush returns to QPAC this summer for a non-stop celebration of the surprising, the subversive and the supremely sexy. Until Sunday January 26, this outrageous brand of adult circus promises to shock and scandalise with a decadent evening of sensational acrobatics, operatic cabaret and tongue-in-cheek burlesque.
Art and exhibitions on in Brisbane this weekend
QAGOMA’s fiercely anticipated flagship event The Asia Pacific Triennial is back for its 11th year with more than 500 artworks by artists from over 30 countries. Exhibition attendees can expect to discover a vibrant multi-part project from Haus Yuriyal (a collective of 28 artists from Papua New Guinea), a three-dimensional installation of suspended tunnels, cascading curtains and towering scrolls from leading Thai artist Mit Jai Inn, portraits of everyday life in Hong Kong by senior painter Yeung Tong Lung as well as plenty more installations, paintings, sculptures and multi-disciplinary projects.
Museum of Brisbane’s New Light: Photography Now + Then continues into the new year. Stroll your way through a mesmerising display of photographs spanning from 1890 to 2024. The collection features the remarkable tale of amateur Brisbane photographer Alfred Henrie Elliott (1870-1954), whose extraordinary images lay dormant for decades until they were discovered in 1983, stored in cedar cigar boxes beneath a home in Red Hill.
Art appreciation takes to the streets with Museum of Brisbane’s newly-curated immersive walking tour through The Star Brisbane and Queen’s Wharf Brisbane. Explore the art, history, and architecture within Brisbane’s visionary new lifestyle and cultural precinct. This bespoke 45-minute walking tour is free for a limited time, giving you a rare opportunity to explore Brisbane’s newest multi-million-dollar public outdoor art gallery as well as visit key heritage sites in the precinct.
Fun events in Brisbane this weekend
Experience the Australian Open Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals like never before, under the stars on a massive screen at Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema on Saturday January 25 and Sunday January 26. It’s set to be a smashing summer night with an Aperol Spritz bar, lounge chairs ready for pre-game refreshments and a gourmet sausage sizzle slinging snags all night.
The summer season means $2 swims are back. The popular initiative lets you swim more for less this summer with $2 pool entry to Brisbane public pools. Available at the 22 swimming pools across the city, visit a Council pool to cool off, relax, enjoy water play or improve your fitness with a lap this weekend.
Step inside Bluey’s World – for real life! Bluey’s iconic Queenslander is calling Northshore Hamilton home until September 2025, allowing fans of the show to immerse themselves in the Heeler home they know and love. With innovative set designs, interactive games, and activities for children and adults alike, Bluey’s World has been carefully curated to mirror the spirit of the series, encouraging creative play and connection. A must visit for the young and young at heart!
Get your movie fix this summer under the starry night sky, with Moonlight Cinemas screenings happening at Roma Street Parkland. This weekend you can catch new releases Moana 2, Wicked, Paddington in Peru and We Live in Time.
Markets on in Brisbane this weekend
Tote bag at the ready – fresh-local produce, bespoke goodies and street food snacks all await at Brisbane’s weekly markets as well. Kelvin Grove Village Market, Jan Powers Farmers Markets, Nundah Farmers Markets, West End Markets, Riverside Markets and the Redcliffe Markets are open and trading this weekend.