25 things to do after dark around Brisbane
A sunset cocktail by the river? Been there, done that! It may not be the city that never sleeps, but Brisbane has a very special set-up when it comes to activities after dark – coming to life with ultra-memorable experiences that go far beyond a bevvy by the river. Glide across the river by twilight, sway to live music under the stars, or maybe catch a fright from a ghost or two as you discover the best that Brisbane has to offer after the sun goes down. If you’re looking to squeeze even more out of your visit, bookmark this list and map out your itinerary with our top 25 things to do from 6pm onwards.
01. Picnic by the river
The fun of a picnic never gets old when it includes city views and delicious takeaways (even better when you don’t have to make it yourself). Just add good company to watch the sunset and the 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!
02. Feast galore at Eat Street Northshore
Two words: Epic feed. Featuring over 70 traders and 5 themed bars, Eat Street Northshore is now considered one of Brisbane’s institutions for delicious street food. 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 (what feels like) an endless amount of dining vendors cooking up savoury dishes and tasty treats from all around the world. Make sure you bring a somewhat ravenous appetite, extra comfortable clothes, and a dash of curiosity!
03. Shop till you drop
Once a year, the premium shopping, dining, and lifestyle precinct, James Street, collectively stays up past 5pm. James Street Up Late isn’t just your average Thursday or Friday late-night shopping. This is an event with live music, themed visuals, designer appearances, gifts with purchase and much more.
04. Late night sweet treat
Regularly craving something a little sweet after dinner, but the healthy you did the groceries? 13 Bees located in Fortitude Valley has you sorted with their uncommon opening hours, from 4.00pm-9.30pm Wednesday to Thursday and 2.00pm-11.00pm on Friday to Saturday and 12.00pm-3.00pm on Sundays. From cookie pie’s, cheesecake, crepes, and lots more sugary goodness to choose from, your cravings will most definitely be satisfied.
05. Dine from new heights
An Australian first, a sky-high dining experience where your feet dangle 17 metres above the ground. With food served from the talented chefs at Bar Alto, clear views of the entire Brisbane City, and a thrilling exit from the rooftop, this experience by Vertigo that you won’t forget.
06. It’s a kayak life for me
Put aside a weekend and go on the two-day Moreton Island tour with Australian Sunset Safaris to enjoy an unforgettable kayak at night. Paddling out to the Tangalooma Wrecks in a transparent kayak lit by LEDs will reveal the underwater world like never before. Drift over the top of the eerie sunken ships as fish and turtles attracted to the light come to say ‘hi’.
07. Listen to live music
If you are looking to get your boogie on, Brisbane’s live music scene will be able to satisfy this craving. Ruby My Dear, No Tomorrow, Mr Percivals, Maya and Quivr are just some of the venues that have a live DJs playing where you can sit back and listen or get on the dancefloor. If you are looking for live bands, the Tivoli, Triffid and Fortitude Music Hall always have a great line up of music acts.
08. All things flamboyant and fabulous
Enjoy a night of dazzling entertainment from one (or more) of four shows held by the Pink Flamingo. From Suave, La Teaze, Ripped and Circus Fun House, there is a show for everyone to enjoy. Perfect for a birthday, hens/bucks party or just a night out, the night will be anything but boring!
09. Paint and Sip
Although this one actually involves wine, we’re putting the emphasis on the art side of things. Make it a fun night out with friends or a unique date to show your creative side. Head along to Cork and Chroma in South Brisbane or West End to learn the basic skills of painting as an artist leads you through a step-by-step session.
Bulimba, Hamilton, and North Lakes are home to Rose Soiree, which also offers a range of paint and sip classes for you to enjoy! Their Hamilton location even offers Brisbane’s very first splatter room. Let your creativity flow (or splatter) onto the canvas, with your friends.
10. The gondolas on the wheel go round and round
Take in a 360-degree view of the city as you soar into the sky on the Wheel of Brisbane. Rising almost 60m off the ground, each trip includes four rotations as well as a magical stop at the top to take in the surroundings.
11. Swing on down to a jazz bar
Get your groove on at some of Brisbane’s best jazz venues. Brisbane Jazz Club can offer some smooth-sounding jazz and river views. Order soda and wear your dancing shoes. Find more spots to swing your hips with our guide to blues, soul and jazz nights around Brisbane.
12. Be serenaded by the 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. Check out the City Sounds guide to check out upcoming artists, and the rest is easy – rock up and enjoy!
13. Attend a sports game
Almost every weekend throughout the year you’ll see multitudes of fans heading to the local sports ground 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.
14. Skip dinner and see a movie
Running throughout summer evenings, the Moonlight Cinema and American Express open air cinema showcase new releases and classic movies to make those hot summer nights a little more bearable. Get in early to grab one of the bean bag chairs for some extra comfort. Then of course, the Yatala Drive-In and Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema is open year round.
15. Strrrrriiiikkkee – you’re out
Calling all kidults who want to introduce a bit of fun into their evenings. Strike Wintergarden in The City offers bowling, laser tag and karaoke for big groups, so no need to sit at home feeling bored on your Saturday nights.
Story Bridge Climbing
16. 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 80m above sea level to snap that perfect shot of the city – we wouldn’t say no to a cheeky selfie either.
17. Skip bedtime, enjoy art instead
Brisbane’s iconic cultural establishments are made extra special at sundown - with QAGOMA, Brisbane Powerhouse, and Queensland Museum all running after-dark events as part of their Spring and Summer offerings.
QAGOMA’s signature Up Late events brings 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, and make you think twice about the exhibition artworks and themes.
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, their 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 feel at one with the river at Mary Maes.
And last but not least, as the sun goes down, The Queensland Museum comes alive with its Museum After Dark events. Check out their website to find out about the latest events.
18. Wander the evening markets
Find a hidden gem at the Collective Markets in South Bank every Friday and Saturday night. With an eclectic mix of original art, photography, handmade jewellery, trending fashion and vintage clothing, something special is waiting for you at market prices.
About once a month, the Brisbane Twilight markets are held in King George Square and offer this meet-the-maker event with all stallholders selling 100% locally handmade products. Shop from a huge variety of unique and quality handmade items, grab a quick bite from local food vendors, listen to some live music and involve yourself in a free craft workshop.
19. It’s a hole in one
It’ll start off friendly but may end in tears as everyone’s competitive side comes out. Visit Hillstone St Lucia for a mini course full of twists and turns or head to Holey Moley in Fortitude Valley or the Wintergarden to follow the traditional putt putt course through a labyrinth of unique holes over two levels that’ll keep you on your toes.
20. Be adventurous with Riverlife
Riverlife, located at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, is perfect for those who are adventurous at heart. You can abandon the fake rocks and indoor rock climbing andget out and test yourself with the real thing on the cliff face of Kangaroo Point Cliffs. It will certainly be a challenge, but scaling the weathered wall with lights behind you will be an unforgettable experience – just don’t look down.
If heights aren’t for you, you can discover Brisbane from a different perspective as you glide along the river in a kayak beneath the stars. Enjoy 90 minutes of paddling under the Story Bridge before stopping to take in sensational city views over a classic Aussie barbecue in a riverside marquee.
21. Eat everything 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.
22. Try to escape
Put your heads together and work to use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles, find clues and escape the room within a 60 minute time frame… or else. Fox in the Box is Europe’s number one escape room company and with six different rooms to challenge you, you’re sure to have a blast.
23. Discover nocturnal wildlife
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary switches to night mode with their after-dark experience, Nocturnal. 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.
24. Throw some axes
Limber up and get ready to hurl some axes. Aim for the bullseye and have some fun along the way. Maniax is the place to go and it also offers food and beverage packages to really get the night going.
25. 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.
