Axe throwing, Aussie rappers and Scandinavian films – what’s on in Brisbane this weekend
With sunny winter days and mild evenings, July is the perfect time to get out and explore Brisbane’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Whether you’re throwing axes at MANIAX, listening to Aussie rapper 360 or checking out the Scandinavian Film Festival – there’s plenty to see and do around Brisbane from July 25-27.
Concerts on in Brisbane this weekend
Australian rapper 360 is ready to ignite The Fortitude Music Hall stage this Saturday July 26. Joined onstage by fellow hip hop icon PEZ, this tour comes off the back of 360’s fifth studio album, set for release this July. Tickets are on sale here.
Brisbane-based singer-songwriter Ruby Gilbert will be performing at Felons Barrel Hall this Sunday July 27. Ruby is known for her blend of folk-rock and blues, with a distinct Americana-inspired charm. She has opened for artists such as C.W. Stoneking, Justin Townes Earle and The Tesky Brothers. This event is free and doors open at 6:00 pm.
Theatre and live events on in Brisbane this weekend
The Visitors, a compelling centrepiece of Clancestry festival 2025, takes the stage at QPAC’s Playhouse from July 23–26. Co-produced by Moogahlin Performing Arts and Sydney Theatre Company, The Visitors is a gripping and meticulously researched work that delves into one of the most profound and painful moments in Australia’s history, while offering a sharply observed and entertaining look at how communities grapple with change and uncertainty. To view the full Clancestry festival program and book tickets, head to the QPAC website.
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral will come alive every night until Saturday August 9 with immersive light show, Eonarium Enlightenment. The brainchild of Zurich-based artist collective PROJEKTIL, the 30-minute installation blends vibrant light projects, visuals and soundscapes to the iconic melodies of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. To find out more and purchase tickets, click here.
It’s the last weekend of iconic global phenomenon, Jesus Christ Superstar at QPAC. With a mesmerising new production that has received unprecedented acclaim and accolades during its US and UK tours, including an Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, this show is not to be missed. Tickets are available here.
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Art and exhibitions on in Brisbane this weekend
Brisbane Powerhouse is currently hosting the World Press Photo Exhibition 2025 – a powerful showcase of award-winning photojournalism. Now in its 70th year, the exhibition features winning images from over 59,000 entries submitted by photographers across 141 countries, revealing powerful stories of conflict, crisis, resilience and humanity. The free exhibition is open daily from 9:00 am (until late Friday to Sunday).
Artist Mandy Quadrio brings fun and creativity to QAGOMA’s Art Box for Kids, running until October 26. As part of the ‘Art Box for Kids‘ project, Mandy’s activity Paper Treasure Carrier invites children to create their own unique paper treasure carrier to hold their cherished objects, secret finds and tiny keepsakes. No bookings needed.
The vibrant, inflatable floral-art installation Love Follows a Line is currently on podium level one at Brisbane Quarter until August 16. Created by artist Matthew Aberline in collaboration with The Beautiful and Useful Studio, the striking artwork transforms the ground floor atrium of 300 George Street into a luminous garden of oversized, inflatable flowers – playful, surreal and impossible to miss.
Desire is a Machine is currently exhibiting until Saturday September 20 at The Institute of Modern Art. Curated by Institute of Modern Art Adjunct Curator Stephanie Berlangieri, the new show navigates schizoanalysis, hybridisation of the human and the machine and cyberfeminism.
Outer Space presents Echoed Ground, a new solo exhibition by Arabella Walker, showing from July 4 to August 2. Offering a richly layered, multi-sensory experience, the immersive installation brings together archival imagery, contemporary artworks, scent, sound and sculptural forms to explore memory, movement and connection to Country.
Wonderstruck is currently exhibiting works from over 70 Australian and international artists at GOMA. This free exhibition explores the vibrant world of colour, creativity and curiosity.
Check out photographic exhibition All Shades by Kamilaroi artist Dean Saffron at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Dean travelled many kilometres to capture images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from all walks of life. This mesmerising collection reflects 32 large-scale portraits, each image created in collaboration with the subject, location and story behind it.
Multidisciplinary artist Danie Mellor is showcasing historical ‘truths’ in a new light through a profound and visually arresting body of work at QAGOMA. Titled marru | the unseen visible, Mellor invites audiences to experience and reflect on the relationship between First Nations people, culture and Country, and the environmental and social impact of colonial history.
Discover the depths of a dark forest with Harry Potter A Forbidden Forest Experience now on at Sirromet Winery. Come face-to-face with magical creatures as you explore and interact across the outdoor trail. Tickets are on sale now.
Museum of Brisbane’s new major exhibition Precious showcases a stunning assemblage of items generously loaned from around 30 remarkable collections and collectors. Explore Brisbane through more than 3000 precious objects that reveal intriguing stories of culture, place, family and tradition, travel and trade.
Get hands-on at Micro Museum in the Museum of Brisbane open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Pint-sized curators are encouraged to create their own collections from a huge range of vintage treasures, inspired by MoB’s Precious exhibition with a series of colour-filled, creative series of immersive experiences and interactive activities.
Stroll through Museum of Brisbane’s New Light: Photography Now + Then free photography exhibition. The collection features a mesmerising display of photographs (spanning from 1890 to 2024) by amateur Brisbane photographer Alfred Henrie Elliott (1870-1954). These extraordinary images laid dormant for decades until they were discovered in 1983, stored in cedar cigar boxes beneath a home in Red Hill.
Journey back thousands of years and uncover the mysteries of one of history’s most iconic civilisations at Discovering Ancient Egypt, now open at Queensland Museum. Featuring over 250 rare artefacts from the renowned Dutch National Museum of Antiquities, the exhibition brings to life the rich culture, beliefs and daily rituals of Ancient Egypt.
Fun events in Brisbane this weekend
Get in the mood for Blues, Booze & BBQ’s at MANIAX Newstead this Sunday July 27. Two hours of pure mayhem including axe throwing, ice-cold beers, live blues music and barbecue tasting plates. Tickets are going quick, but still available here.
The Scandinavian Film Festival kicks off at Palace Cinemas around Brisbane this weekend. Ranging from historical dramas to action, romance and comedy, there are plenty of session times to suit you. Click here to discover the full program.
Brisbane Anywhere Festival continues to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary stages. The festival continues its tradition of showcasing theatre, music, dance and storytelling of all genres with nearly 200 performances in over 100 locations. Click here to view the full program.
Transport from a sophisticated French lounge to a pumping nightclub party at Blanc de Blanc Encore. Adding more dates to its show-stopping run at The West End Electric Theatre, get ready to be amazed at the world’s finest acrobatic talent, great tunes, big laughs, lots of skin and more than a few surprises. To find out more and buy tickets head to Blanc de Blanc’s website here.
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!
It’s the last weekend of Queensland’s quirkiest yarn bombing and jazz winter festival Jumpers and Jazz. If you’re heading near Warwick this weekend, make sure to check out this one-of-a-kind festival with everything from jazz and tree jumpers to artisan markets and food trucks galore!
Markets on in Brisbane this weekend
Farm Gate to City Door Market returns to Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct for a flavour-packed winter morning on Saturday July 26. From 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, the riverside precinct will transform into a vibrant gourmet marketplace, showcasing the best seasonal produce, pantry goods and handmade products direct from the Scenic Rim’s top growers and makers.
Over 80 stallholders will be setting up for the Winter Design Market in the GOMA Forecourt this Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Shop directly from your favourite local craft and design artists in a family-friendly atmosphere. Dogs on a leash are also welcome to the market.
Fresh-local produce, bespoke goodies and street food snacks all await at Brisbane’s weekly markets. 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. Want to discover more Brisbane markets? Click here.