Night markets, piano battles and Anywhere Festival – 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 sipping on mulled wine at Nundah Night Fiesta, watching the piano duel at Felons Barrel Hall or checking out Brisbane Anywhere Festival – there’s plenty to see and do around Brisbane from July 18-20.
Concerts on in Brisbane this weekend
Billy Strings brings his debut shows to Riverstage this Saturday July 19. Known for his electric live shows, Strings has performed countless sold-out dates worldwide and will continue to tour through this year with upcoming stops across the U.S. in addition to the new dates in New Zealand and Australia.
Felons Barrel Hall is turning up the volume with Australia’s ultimate Oasis tribute band NOASIS on Saturday July 19. From 3:00 pm, they will hit the stage with a hit-filled set of Britpop bangers, from ‘Wonderwall’ to ‘Champagne Supernova’ and everything in between. Don’t miss out, tickets are available here.
Theatre and live events on in Brisbane this weekend
Interactive live show Duelling Pianos is taking over Felons Barrel Hall on Friday July 18 for a night of high-energy hits, musical showdowns and non-stop singalongs. Doors open from 6:00 pm, and the show starts at 8:30 pm sharp. Arrive early, grab a drink and warm up those vocal cords – this is the singalong you didn’t know you needed.
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.
Luke McGregor will be performing his comedy show Okay, Wow at Brisbane Powerhouse this Friday night July 18. A lot has changed since we last saw Luke McGregor. The writer and star of Rosehaven has got a wife, children, two chickens and an axolotl. Lately, Luke has been writing jokes about all of it – and he’s been practicing his jokes daily in front of both the chickens and the axolotl. But now he wants to perform in front of humans again – humans like you! Tickets are still available here to either 6:30 or 8:30 pm show.
The iconic global phenomenon, Jesus Christ Superstar is currently on 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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Geraldine Hickey takes over the stage this Saturday July 19 at Brisbane Powerhouse for comedy show Meander. The new hour-long comedy show ponders both the small and the big things in life. Tickets are still available for both 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm shows here.
Art and exhibitions on in Brisbane this weekend
From July 19 to August 17, Brisbane Powerhouse will host 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
OASIS Cruising presents Casino Royale: A Night In Vegas this Saturday July 19 from 7:00–11:00 pm. With three levels of glamour, entertainment and unforgettable party vibes you’ll be sipping martini’s or trying your luck in Blackjack in no time. Tickets are available here.
Grab a matcha and mat at Power Moves x Moocha Matcha ‘Sip & Socialise’ West End event this Saturday morning from 8:00–10:30 am. Whether your pilates-conscious or just want to have a yarn, head down for this free community event with $7 matcha’s available.
Explore over 90 buildings, structures, places and spaces this Saturday and Sunday at Brisbane Open House. Over the weekend, the public will have exclusive behind-the-scenes access to some of The City’s iconic spaces including new sites Rivière by Aria and Milton House as well as returning favourites Roma Street Fire Station and Newstead House. Get involved in the action with free walking tours, live performances and film screenings. For the full program, click here.
Fancy a trip out of the city? The much-loved Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail is back this Sunday July 20. Framed by the mountains and valleys between Brisbane and Tamborine Mountain the full-day affair sees a range of farmers and other local businesses open up to celebrate a day of local produce.
Botellón restaurant in Graceville continues its Botellón Sunday Sessions (formerly Live Paella Sunday) this Sunday July 20 from 12:00–4:00 pm. Guests can expect Head Chef Matt Woodhouse firing up the outside hibachi grill alongside $12 mulled wine, cocktail specials and a live DJ set. Signature paellas are being offered for $50 and there are no tickets required. Olé!
Ordinary spaces become extraordinary stages as Brisbane Anywhere Festival kicks off this weekend until Sunday August 3. 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!
Queensland’s quirkiest yarn bombing and jazz winter festival Jumpers and Jazz returns to Warwick from Thursday July 17 to Sunday July 27. If you’re heading that way over the next ten days 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
Find all of your crafted winter treasures at Made Local Market this Saturday and Sunday at the Brisbane Showgrounds John Reid Pavilion. Browse through over 120 stalls, food trucks, workshops and more from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm both days. Entry is $2 and kids under 12 are free. Click here for more details.
Check out the South City Square Christmas in July Market this Friday night July 18. From 4:30 pm South Street will be alive with Christmas-themed market stalls, sweet treats and global food trucks. There will also be kids festive face painting and Santa making an appearance – yes, really.
Nundah By Night Fiesta night market is on this Saturday July 19 from 4:00–10:00 pm at Station Street. Stroll your way through over 120 stalls of gourmet street food before gathering around the bonfires to listen to the live entertainment.
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.