Brisbane:
Things to do after dark
As the sun is beginning to set, Brisbane is getting ready to come alive! Here, subtropical evenings set the scene for riverside strolls, outdoor performances, rooftop dining and plenty of after-dark experiences best enjoyed under balmy skies. From unique dining experiences and major sporting events to historic ghost tours, late night hotspots, here are experiences that happen as the sun sleeps in Brisbane.
Picnic by the river
The fun of a picnic never gets old when it includes city views and delicious takeaways! Just add good company to watch the sunset and Brisbane City light up against the night sky. If you prefer to light up a barbeque, there are plenty available in all the parklands around Brisbane City. Looking to level up your picnic experience? Gather your crew and skipper your very own boat with GoBoat. Sail the river just before sundown and choose to BYO picnic or go all out with one of their food packages - champagne picnic, hello!
Feast galore at Eat Street Northshore
Two words: Epic feed. Featuring over 70 traders and five themed bars, Eat Street Northshore delivers a feast of street food, cocktails and live entertainment by the Brisbane River. Every week from Friday to Sunday you’ll find Eat Street nestled among coloured shipping containers and illuminated by fairy lights, teeming with eclectic art and retailers, and an endless amount of dining vendors from all around the world.
Shop til' you drop
When daylight fades, Brisbane shopping doesn’t stop. From late-night trading in The City and Queen Street Mall to the annual James Street Up Late event, Brisbane offers plenty of opportunities to browse designer boutiques, discover local labels and enjoy a lively night out while you shop. Pair an evening of shopping with a drink, dinner or sweet treat along the way and make a night of it.
Late night sweet treat
Brisbane’s after dark food scene delivers dessert options when post-dinner sweetness calls. Scattered across Brisbane you’ll find a series of top-tier dessert options, including Gelato Messina, Yo-Chi and 13 Bees Bakery. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, why not head to The Summit Cafe on top of Mount Coot-Tha, where you can devour an ice-cream while overlooking the Brisbane skyline, or to Pancake Manor, where dessert options are on offer 24/7.
Dine from new heights
Brisbane is home to a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience, where you can experience your meal comfortably from 17 meters above the ground, on top of one of Brisbane’s most iconic buildings, The Brisbane Powerhouse. With food served from the talented chefs at Bar Alto, clear views of the entire city, and a thrilling exit from the rooftop, this experience by Vertigo is a nighttime experience that you won’t forget.
It’s a kayak life for me
Put aside a weekend and go on the two-day Moreton Island/Mulgumpin tour with Australian Sunset Safaris to enjoy an unforgettable kayak tour at night. Paddling out to the Tangalooma Wrecks in a transparent kayak lit by LEDs you’ll experience the island’s tranquil waters like never before, getting a truly unique view of the world beneath the water. Drift over the top of the eerie sunken ships, pass by schools of fish and say hi as turtles paddle by.
Dance to live music
If you are looking to get your boogie on, Brisbane’s live music scene is one to dance with! Home to some of the country’s best live entertainment venues, you can experience everything from intimate jazz at Doo-Bop Bar, local DJs at Quivr, national and international acts at The Tivoli or The Princess Theatre, local up-and-comers and Black Bear Lodge or some of the world’s biggest performers at Suncorp Stadium and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Check out our list of where to see live music in Brisbane, or check out What’s On for live events happening across Brisbane.
Experience the theatre
Looking for a night at the theatre? Whether you’re looking for a blockbuster stage performance, or keen on experiencing some of Brisbane’s independent performances, the city has you sorted. West End Electric provides the perfect fusion of scandalous comedy and daring performances while La Boite Theatre stands as a bold, inclusive home for new Australian stories and contemporary voices. Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) delivers some of the biggest stage performances you’ll find in Brisbane, and the Queensland Theatre Company in South Brisbane is home to the best classic, contemporary, international and Australian works, with a focus on shining a spotlight on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers.
Paint and sip
Unleash your creative side with a paint and sip session, where guided art workshops and a glass of wine make for a fun night out with friends or a unique date night. Join a class at Cork and Chroma in South Brisbane or West End, or head to Rose Soiree in Bulimba, Hamilton or North Lakes for paint and sip experiences, including Brisbane’s first splatter room where you can throw paint at the canvas and embrace the mess.
The wheel goes round and round
See Brisbane sparkle from above aboard the Wheel of Brisbane. Rising almost 60 metres over South Bank, the iconic attraction offers sweeping 360-degree views across The City skyline, river and surrounding precincts. Each ride includes four rotations and a pause at the top, giving you plenty of time to soak up the glittering night-time views.
Have a laugh
If you're looking to add a few laughs to your Brisbane itinerary, thankfully, the city is spoiled for choice when it comes to stand-up comedy venues. For those keen on checking out some of the up-and-comers, head over to West End and experience Brisbane’s newest addition to the comedy scene, The Brisbane Comedy Cellar. Good Chat Comedy Club on Petrie Terrace, Sit Down Comedy Club in Paddington, Big Fork Theatre in Fortitude Valley and Drop Bear Comedy in South Brisbane are also all worth your time.
For true comedy fans, look no further than the annual Brisbane Comedy Festival, which takes places in venues across Brisbane throughout April and May.
Be amazed by local talent
Brisbane is a growing hub of local artists and bands all sporting a unique sound. While many venues around town offer these artists a chance to showcase their talent, the free City Sounds program curates a weekly lineup of artists in parks and Queen Street Mall.
Attend a sports game
Almost every weekend throughout the year you’ll see multitudes of fans heading to the sports arenas to cheer on their favourite team. Head along to an AFL, rugby union, rugby league, soccer, cricket, netball or basketball game where the atmosphere promises to be wild. For those keen on experiencing some of Brisbane’s biggest events, make sure to check out The City’s biggest sporting showdowns list.
Movie under the stars
Settle in for a movie night with a Brisbane twist at Skyline Cinema. Perched above Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, the open-air venue pairs blockbuster films with glittering city views, making it the perfect way to spend an evening under the stars.
Twilight climb with a view
Watch the sunset and the city light up as you climb Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge. Feel the cars race beneath you as you ascend 80 metre above sea level to snap that perfect shot of the city – we wouldn’t say no to a cheeky selfie either.
Skip bedtime, enjoy art instead
Brisbane’s iconic cultural establishments are made extra special at sundown – with Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Brisbane Powerhouse, and Queensland Museum Kurilpa all running after-dark events throughout the year.
QAGOMA’s signature Up Late events and GOMA Friday Nights bring their world-class exhibitions to life. Wander the light-filled halls and gaze across the river to the colourful cityscape while flexing your artistic mind with music performances, food and drink and talks by local identities that will stir your curiosity.
If live performances are your jam, The Brisbane Powerhouse is home to the best in contemporary art. From cabaret and comedy to film and dance, the events calendar is packed with experiences set to surprise, delight, and even provoke! Indulge pre-or-post-show at Bar Alto – rich in Italian charm or go alfresco by the river at Mary Mae’s.
Wander the evening markets
Find a hidden gem at the Collective Markets in South Bank. With an eclectic mix of original art, photography, handmade jewellery, trending fashion and vintage clothing, something special is waiting to be discovered at market prices. If you're keen to continue browsing Brisbane's thriving maker scene, head to the Brisbane Twilight Markets in King George Square, where you'll find handmade goods, locally made products, food stalls and live entertainment in the heart of the city.
Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City
Eat and drink with a view
When you can’t decide on what to eat, where to drink or what kind of vibe you’re after, Howard Smith Wharves is where you should be heading. Both a foodie haven and a playground for beer lovers - all with the iconic Story Bridge in the background - this entertainment hub is a one-stop-shop that’s perfect for date nights, fancy dinners and casual catch ups.
Be adventurous with Riverlife
As the sun sets and the city lights begin to shimmer, see Brisbane from a different perspective on Riverlife's Twilight Kayak Tour. Launching from Kangaroo Point, this guided paddle takes you along the Brisbane River beneath the Story Bridge, with glittering skyline views and a unique look at the city after dark. Whether you're visiting Brisbane for the first time or rediscovering it as a local, it's an unforgettable way to experience the city at night.
Discover new bites at Mt Gravatt Markets
Taste food from around the world made fresh by the experts. Held every Saturday night, the Mt Gravatt Markets offers over 50 street food stalls and live music. Not to worry for our intolerant friends, as there are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Discover nocturnal wildlife
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary switches to night mode with their after-dark experience, Nocturnal Night Tours. Wander through the eucalypt plantation on this 90-minute guided tour and see Australian wildlife like never before! Wield your red torch to help you spot koalas, wombats, echidnas, bandicoots and even a tree kangaroo on this exciting nature tour.
Get spooked with ghost tours
Despite its modern appearance, Brisbane is an old town haunted by the past. Hear real ghost stories about the Brisbane Arcade ghost, undead politician and Boggo Road Gaol ghosts on the haunted Brisbane Ghost Tours or head to St Helena to spend the evening in the cemetery. Speaking of cemeteries, dare yourself to attend the Toowong Cemetery night tour where it's said the silhouette of a woman is often spotted wandering the avenue around her grave.
