What's on in BRISBANE city

Art and Culture

Mini Melt | Queen Street Mall

Queen Street Mall becomes a stage for Brisbane’s bold creative spirit as Melt Festival delivers Mini Melt, featuring performances, hands-on workshops and playful pop-ups into the heart of the city. Catch a taste of the festival through an artist showcase, a Lush bath-bomb workshop and the live sewing spectacle Stitch, Please: The Ultimate Sewdown, followed by a performance from Mad Dance House.

Melt’s Scribble Station | Museum of Brisbane

Leave your mark on an evolving artwork at Museum of Brisbane, where artist Sunday Jemmott is creating an immersive scribble sanctuary. Drop in to draw, play and contribute to an installation that will become part of a future Museum display, turning a gallery visit into a shared creative experience.

Official Tiny Doors of Brisbane Walking Tour | Brisbane City

Discover Brisbane’s miniature street art on the new Official Tiny Doors of Brisbane Walking Tour, launching this October. The guided journey begins in King George Square before weaving through Burnett Lane, and out to Southern Brisbane suburbs, with exclusive commentary from local artist Mace Robertson revealing the stories and craftsmanship behind each installation. From 10am – 12.30pm and limited to eight guests, the experience includes a drink and keepsake souvenir, while a proportion of every ticket supports the artist and Brisbane’s creative community.

In Residence: A Decade of Creative Practice | Museum of Brisbane

Step inside a decade of creative experimentation at this new Museum of Brisbane exhibition from October 17, bringing together artists, ideas and archival material from the celebrated Artist in Residence program. Discover work by Mia Boe, Robert Brownhall, Gerwyn Davies, Elizabeth Willing and more, or deepen the experience through the Drawing Together with Man&Wah workshop.

Recovered Futures Art Exhibition | King George Square

King George Square becomes an open-air gallery as Recovered Futures brings more than 250 artworks into a grand marquee for free public viewing. Now in its 35th year, the exhibition shares powerful perspectives from artists with lived experience of mental health challenges, with artwork available to purchase and 85% of proceeds going directly to the artists.

Seniors Art Exhibition | Brisbane City Hall

Add a local creative stop to your City Hall visit at this Seniors Art Exhibition of works by artists from the City Hall Fifty Plus Centre. Presented in The People’s Gallery as part of Queensland Seniors Month, the display offers an uplifting glimpse into Brisbane’s creative community, with selected works available to purchase.

Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards 2026 | Museum of Brisbane

See Brisbane City through a local lens at the Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards 2026 finalist exhibition at Museum of Brisbane. This year’s theme, Everyday Brisbane, captures the streets, river scenes, routines and familiar moments that make the city feel like home. Free to visit daily, it’s a thoughtful culture stop inside City Hall and a fresh way to notice the places and people that shape Brisbane’s character.

Make, Believe, Magic at W Brisbane | North Quay

Turn Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art’s  Make, Believe, Magic exhibition into a playful Brisbane City escape with W Brisbane’s Fraggle-Filled Stay package. The experience includes two exhibition tickets, welcome cocktails at Living Room Bar and a late checkout (subject to availability). The hotel’s Level One lobby has transformed into a pop-up post office, where visitors can write a message on specialty stationery and have the W Brisbane team deliver it free of charge.

The Market Folk pop-up | Post Office Square

Shop small items with big meaning in the city at The Market Folk’s Post Office Square pop-up, where local makers showcase handmade jewellery, candles, ceramics, art, homewares and Brisbane-made gifts. Time your visit for Meet the Maker Night on October 8 to browse after hours, meet the creatives behind the products and take home something with a distinctly local story.

Spring/Summer 2026 | Brisbane Arcade

Brisbane Arcade is celebrating Spring/Summer 2026 in full bloom, with a vibrant floral installation transforming the heritage shopping destination into a picture-perfect seasonal stop. Open seven days a week, the Arcade invites visitors to pause for a photo before exploring more than 40 independent retailers across fashion, bridal, fine jewellery, millinery, accessories, beauty and gifting. Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion, refreshing your wardrobe or searching for a thoughtful gift, there is something new to discover beneath its historic roof.

Foodie Events    

The Flower Precinct | Queen Street

Brighten your day with a visit to The Flower Precinct’s newest store at 307 Queen Street, on the corner of Creek Street and Edison Lane. The family-run Brisbane florist pairs market-fresh seasonal blooms, contemporary bouquets, posies, flower boxes, plants and thoughtful gifts with specialty coffee by BLANKO. Sip a classic coffee or try a creative drink such as a hazelnut latte or coconut cloud matcha, alongside mini croissants, sandwiches, cookies and other light bites. Stop by to browse the day’s hand-selected stems, settle in among the flowers or arrange a same-day delivery across Brisbane.

SweetLeáf + LuLóu | Eagle Street

Two new dining concepts are expected to bring fresh energy to Eagle Street this October, each offering a different way to experience the city. SweetLeáf will cater to busy weekdays with fresh salads, nourishing bowls and healthy takeaway meals, alongside order-ahead collection, corporate catering and office lunches. Next door, LuLóu will slow the pace with specialty coffee and effortless all-day dining, creating a considered setting for breakfast meetings, working lunches, client catch-ups and an afternoon tipple.

AIX Rosé Garden | Customs House Brisbane

Rosé season arrives on the river at Customs House, where the Riverside Terrace will transform into the AIX Rosé Garden for spring and early summer. Settle into the signature domes for seasonal high tea, visit the dedicated rosé bar or linger over drinks and bites in the garden-inspired setting through to December.

Poolside Spritzers | InterContinental Brisbane

Slip into European summer mode at InterContinental Brisbane’s Pool Terrace, where the Spritz Bar pairs Martini, Limoncello and Negroni Spritzes with small plates and an easy outdoor atmosphere. Open to the public on select October weekends, it is a polished spot for a sunny catch-up or an after-work drink.

Lúc Lắc’s Bottomless Weekends | The Star Brisbane

Gather your favourite people for a lively weekend feast at Lúc Lắc, where a generous banquet and free-flowing drinks bring Southeast Asian flavour to The Star Brisbane. The 1.5-hour experience is made for groups who want to settle in, share plenty of plates and turn lunch or dinner into a celebration.

Short Grain x The Fifty Six | Naldham House

Two Brisbane kitchens come together for a one-night-only dinner inside the heritage surrounds of Naldham House. Hosted by chef and Chef Eats Brisbane author Sam Parish, Short Grain x The Fifty Six promises a generous sharing menu filled with bold Southeast Asian flavours, contemporary technique and a playful spirit.

Spirit of Queensland High Tea | Stamford Plaza

Taste your way around Queensland without leaving the city at Stamford Plaza’s Spirit of Queensland High Tea. A local spin on tradition brings together Bowen mango, passionfruit, Redland Bay raspberries, Mooloolaba prawns, Maleny cheddar and Stanthorpe cider apples in an experience that celebrates the state’s produce and flavours.

Goldie | Margaret Street

Goldie has added a second Brisbane City location on Margaret Street, bringing its popular breakfast rolls, smash-patty burgers and quality coffee just one street away from the City Botanic Gardens. Stop by for a bacon-and-egg roll, peppered mortadella bun or crispy hash brown, alongside Allpress coffee, matcha and sweet treats such as the cream-cheese-filled lamington.

Ongoing Events

Brisbane City Markets | Weekly 

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.

Lord Mayor’s City Hall Concerts | Every Tuesday

Make time for a free lunchtime escape at Brisbane City Hall with the Lord Mayor’s City Hall Concerts, a regular series bringing free live performances to the Main Auditorium. From classical music and opera to jazz, musical theatre, dance and contemporary favourites, each concert offers an easy way to add a little culture to your week in Brisbane City. Check the latest program before you go, then settle in for a relaxed City Hall performance.

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.