What's on in the city

30 JANUARY 2026

Discover what's happening in the heart of Brisbane this month, from live music at the park to free festive events - there's something for everyone. See our roundup below. 

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

Art and Culture

Valentine's Day Workshops | Wesley Taylor Art Studios 

Wesley Taylor Art Studios invites couples to slow down and create together through Valentine’s-themed workshops, including pottery wheel throwing, clay sculpting and paint-and-sip sessions. These hands-on experiences encourage conversation, laughter and a meaningful keepsake to take home, making them ideal for a daytime or pre-dinner date.

Candlelight Concerts | St John’s Cathedral

For a more atmospheric evening, Candlelight Concerts at St John’s Cathedral provide a romantic alternative to traditional celebrations. On Valentine’s Day, the programme features timeless love songs from classic films, performed in a candlelit cathedral setting that encourages stillness, intimacy and shared focus.

Line Dance Performances | Queen Street Mall

Lion Dance performances weave through the mall on February 17 at 12pm, 20 at 12pm and 5pm, and 21 at 12pm, bringing traditional symbolism and spectacle to The City streets. You can also catch Lion Dance performances on February 17 at 12:30pm in the Uptown Central Food Court, and on February 20 at 12pm roaming throughout Queens Plaza.

BrisAsia Dance Battles | Queen Street Mall Stage

BrisAsia’s popular Dance Battle Finals will take over the mall main stage on February 22, showcasing high-energy performances and competitive flair. Witness a multitude of dance styles including Hip Hop, Popping, Krump, House, Locking, Waacking, Dancehall and more.

Brisbane Chinese Cultural Festival | Queen Street Mall Stage

The Lunar New Year celebrations culminate on February 28 with the Brisbane Chinese Cultural Festival, featuring dynamic musical and dance performances that blend tradition with contemporary expression.

The Art of Banksy- Without Limits | Uptown

The Art of Banksy Without Limits chapter two in Brisbane City offers an immersive journey through over 150 of Banksy’s iconic works, including prints, sculptures, and installations. Explore thematic zones like the Infinity Room and dismal inspired spaces where you can experience Banksy’s signature blend of dark humour, activism, and social critique all in a museum-quality exhibition located at Uptown Queen Street Mall.

Magpie Goose | Museum of Brisbane

A brand-new cultural exhibition has arrived at the Museum of Brisbane. Magpie Goose is a proud First Nations fashion brand and social enterprise that will be showcasing incredible designs and cultural stories.

The Lex
The Lex Brisbane 

Foodie Events

Sofitel Brisbane Central | Valentine’s Day Dining at $165pp

At the luxury end, Sofitel Brisbane Central offers a refined, French-inspired Valentine’s dinner priced at $165 per person, complete with a signature cocktail on arrival. Designed for diners who appreciate classic romance and ceremony, this is the most indulgent offering in The City.

The Lex at W Brisbane | Valentine’s Day Dining at $160pp

The Lex at W Brisbane presents a bold alternative with a five-course Valentine’s dinner at $160 per person. Set within a noir-inspired dining room, the experience includes a cocktail on arrival, grill-forward dishes and petit fours, delivering theatrical flair and high-energy romance.

Patina at Customs House | Valentine’s Day Dining at $150pp

Riverside dining takes centre stage at Patina at Customs House, where a four-course Valentine’s dinner is served for $150 per person inside one of Brisbane’s most iconic heritage buildings. Patina also caters to daytime romantics with Valentine’s lunch and champagne high tea options overlooking the Brisbane River.

The French Exit | Valentine’s Day Dining for $150pp

French cuisine continues to shine at The French Exit with a shared Valentine’s menu priced at $150 per person. Moving from oysters and tuna to chateaubriand with pommes frites and classic desserts, the menu encourages conversation and connection through shared plates.

Riverbar & Kitchen | Valentine’s Day Dining for $120pp

For those seeking value without compromising atmosphere, several venues deliver standout experiences at $120 per person. Riverbar & Kitchen offers a seafood tower for two, combining chilled oysters, ceviche and crab with hot favourites such as prawns, scallops and bug tails, all enjoyed riverside.

Izakaya Publico | Valentine’s Day Dining for $120pp

Izakaya Publico’s four-course shared menu blends handcrafted dumplings, fresh oysters, fire-grilled king prawns, miso-glazed black cod and slow-braised beef short rib, finishing with playful desserts designed for sharing in an intimate, art-filled space.

Madame Wu | Valentine's Day Dining for $120pp

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Madame Wu with a luxurious banquet of modern Asian flavours. Enjoy natural oysters, scallop dumplings, steamed Murray cod and 13-spiced duck, finished with a light summer berry sorbet and vanilla parfait overlooking the Brisbane River. They are also accepting reservations for Lunar New Year Celebrations across February 17-22.

Luc Lac | Valentine’s Day Dining Classic Banquet $92pp

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day at Luc Lac with a Southeast Asian-inspired banquet, designed for sharing with a loved one or a group of friends. Savour a vibrant selection of flavoursome dishes, crafted with fresh, bold ingredients, perfectly paired with Valentine's themed cocktails. Discover their Lunar New Year offerings with banquets and lion dances from February 17.

Chinese new year
Donna Chang, Lunar New Year Celebrations

Donna Chang | Lunar New Year Dining

Donna Chang celebrates Lunar New Year with curated banquet experiences that honour tradition and indulgence. The Golden Stallion Banquet Dinner delivers a festive evening of elevated dining accompanied by lion dancers and vibrant cultural energy. For mid-week gatherings, the Golden Saddle Banquet Lunch offers a refined yet relaxed option, ideal for colleagues, friends or family.

The Fifty Six | Lunar New Year Dining

Celebrate Lunar New Year at The Fifty Six with a selection of exclusive festive dishes available from 17–28 February. Enjoy bold, celebratory flavours and traditional specialties, with vibrant lion dancers bringing the energy at 7pm on Saturday 21 February.

Brisbane Phoenix | Lunar New Year Dining

Catch lion dance performances are Brisbane Phoenix on February 16 at 7pm and February 17 at 12:45pm and 7pm. Take your pick between their Yum Cha, Banquet, or A La Carte menu options and enjoy a spectacular performance in Brisbane Quarter.

Hotel Indigo Brisbane | Puppy Yoga & Brunch

Hotel Indigo Brisbane brings a joyful weekend experience to the city with Puppy Yoga and Brunch in collaboration with Karambly Events. Guests begin with a 45-minute yoga session alongside playful pups before enjoying a grazing brunch at Izakaya Publico. The brunch features fresh fruit, bircher muesli, matcha lattes, cold brew and light protein bites, designed for easy mingling and relaxed Sunday moments. With limited spots available, early booking is recommended.

Ongoing Events

Brisbane City Markets

If you’re regular in Brisbane City you’re likely familiar with the iconic Brisbane City Markets held every Wednesday and Thursday at Reddacliff Place, Cathedral Square and Queen’s Wharf. Whether you’re shopping for a special gift, enjoying a local lunch, or picking up your weekly groceries, the markets have something for everyone.

Latin Friday Nights | Every Friday

Rediscover the magic of Latin Friday Nights at Reddacliff Place! Immerse yourself in a celebration of Latin culture featuring food trucks, live music, and social dancing. From 5pm, treat yourself to a variety of savoury and sweet delights, followed by live music until 7pm. Then, join the free dance class at 7pm and sway into the night to 11pm. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!

Suitcase Rummage | Monthly

Looking to score some hidden gems without the usual market commotion? Look no further than Suitcase Rummage, a delightful community market experience right in your neighbourhood. Simply pack your trusty suitcase with your cherished pre-loved items or handcrafted creations and set up your mini pop-up shop effortlessly. This unique market takes place on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, nestled cosily in Reddacliff Place.

City Sounds | Weekly

Turn up and tune in to The City’s longest-running free live music program, City Sounds. Every week, at various locations, you can enjoy live music from both local and touring artists, covering a range of genres from jazz to indie folk. To see the upcoming line-up, click here

Queen Street Mall evening