Paul Kelly, long lunches and a mega garage sale – what’s on in Brisbane this weekend
We’re hitting the tail end of August, the weather is getting more spring-like and the events never stop. September has even more in store for us but for now, whether you’re singing along to Paul Kelly, enjoying lunch at Providore Park or heading out to Rocklea for the Mega Garage Sale – there’s plenty to see and do around Brisbane from August 29–31. Check out our top picks below …
Concerts on in Brisbane this weekend
Australian music icon Paul Kelly takes the stage at Brisbane Entertainment Centre this Friday night for his biggest ever headline tour. Joined by American songwriting legend Lucinda Williams and acclaimed Australian country artist Fanny Lumsden, the night promises a powerful celebration of storytelling, music and artistry from three extraordinary performers. Grab tickets here.
The Tivoli comes alive this weekend as The Cat Empire rolls into town with its Bird in Paradise tour with shows on both Friday and Saturday nights. Fresh from a whirlwind of global gigs, the beloved Aussie band will deliver new tracks, fan favourites and their signature energy that always gets crowds dancing. Doors open at 7:00 pm – get your tickets here.
This Friday night, Lefty’s Music Hall explodes with The Filthy Animals, Australia’s ultimate rock supergroup. Fronted by Dave Gleeson (The Screaming Jets, The Angels), the powerhouse lineup features Dave Leslie (Baby Animals), Kerry Jacobson (Dragon), Glen Muirhead (Eurogliders), Brett Williams (Choirboys) and Bobby Poulton (Wolfmother). Grab a whisky apple and settle for thunderous riffs, soaring vocals and unrelenting pub-rock energy. Last tickets on sale here.
On Saturday night at Brisbane Powerhouse, Satellite Mile unveils its debut album The Water’s Edge in the intimate Underground Theatre. Featuring Ben Love and Geoff Green (george), the show blends live drums, baritone vocals, guitars and synths into a tapestry of grooves and rhythms. With special guest Sarah Stockholm, this is a sonic journey not to miss. Secure your seats here.
This Saturday, Felons Barrel Hall lights up with Golf Alpha Bravo, the surf-blues alter ego of Gab Winterfield. Expect hazy guitar riffs, primal grooves and coastal nostalgia, all backed by a powerhouse bass and live drums. With special guests Sugar Leaves, it’s a free live show that’ll keep the weekend vibes rolling.
Sunday at Felons Barrel Hall belongs to the Gypsy Cats, bringing its fiery Manouche rhythms and eclectic mix of swing, bossa, ballads and French waltz. With doors from 4:00 pm and free entry, it’s the perfect way to wrap your weekend.
Theatre and live events on in Brisbane this weekend
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After two sold-out tours, podcast sensations Gem and Revz return with a brand-new musical comedy show, We Don’t Have Time For This. Hitting Brisbane Powerhouse Theatre this Saturday and Sunday nights, expect sharp humour, live skits, music and audience banter in a hilarious, heartfelt exploration of millennial motherhood and womanhood.
Julia is currently being staged at QPAC’s Playhouse until Sunday August 30. Presented by Queensland Theatre, written by Joanna Murray-Smith and directed by Sarah Goodes, this critically acclaimed production traces the personal and political journey of Australia’s first female Prime Minister. Tickets are on sale here.
David McAllister’s opulent production, The Sleeping Beauty, returns to QPAC to whisk you away into a magical realm of fairies and spells. Accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, The Sleeping Beauty is a dreamlike vision, evoking ballet’s golden era with traditional choreography and extravagant designs. Tickets are on sale here
Art and exhibitions on in Brisbane this weekend
Under a Modern Sun: Art in Queensland 1930s–1950s is currently showcasing at Queensland Art Galley until January 25, 2026. This thrilling exhibition displays the work of Queensland artists and those working in the state in the middle decades of the twentieth century, exploring the connections and development of modernist sensibility.
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.
Don’t miss Vipoo Srivilasa’s exhibition, Iconic Figures: Devas, Deities and Divas at the Edwina Corlette Gallery in New Farm. Featured in a commercial exhibition for the first time, Vipoo incorporates terracotta clay into his signature colours to create a range of ceramic sculptures which draw on spiritual traditions as well as embracing contemporary pop stars and drag queens.
Outer Space gallery will be hosting Cambodian-Australian artist Allison Chhorn’s exhibition Reflections in the Water until September 6. Using fragments of archival material and recreated documentary footage, Allison invites viewers to witness the memory of her great-grandparents’ Cambodian house, no longer standing due to the continuing erosion of the Mekong.
From August 9 to November 2, Da Vinci Machines: Inventions brought to life brings Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions to life across the City of Moreton Bay’s vibrant museums. The free exhibition will be showcased across Bribie Island Seaside Museum, Pine Rivers Heritage Museum and Redcliffe Museum, inviting visitors to get up close with Da Vinci’s work through hands-on models and informative displays.
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.
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.
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 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
Roma Street Parkland will be in full flavour mode this weekend as the highly anticipated Providore Park returns. Across Saturday and Sunday (August 30–31), guests will gather at beautifully dressed tables tucked into the park’s lush greenery for two lavish dining sessions each day.
Every Friday and Saturday throughout August, Fiume Rooftop Bar is serving up a limited-time $3 natural oyster special. Complete with a line-up of indulgent toppers including Shellies Gin topper with a house-made trio of ponzu lime, white wine mignonette and chilli ginger dressing. Each shell will also be donated to OzFish’s Shellfish Recycling Centre to help regenerate oyster reefs in Moreton Bay. Click here for more information.
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!
Markets on in Brisbane this weekend
The Mega Garage Sale is back at Saturday Fresh Market in Rocklea this Saturday August 30. The market will be boasting a diverse range of garage-style stalls offering everything from household items and tools to books, toys, clothes, furniture, and quirky one-off finds. The event welcomes both individual community members and small businesses to participate, whether to sell, swap or simply explore.
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.