What's on in the city
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.
Art and Culture
Brisbane Festival | Brisbane City
Brisbane Festival is set to switch on The City from 4 to 26 September, bringing theatre, music, dance, installations and free experiences to some of Brisbane’s best-known spaces. In The City, Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust opens the festival on Saturday 5 September, while Bright Nights by ANZ lights up the Brisbane River throughout the festival - grab prime riverside viewing along Queen’s Wharf, Waterfront Brisbane, Brisbane Quarter. Don't miss out on the free performances at Brisbane City Hall, and capture art and workshops at Museum of Brisbane.
Bright Nights by ANZ | Brisbane River
Catch the river in full colour as Bright Nights by ANZ transforms the Brisbane River into a nightly show of water, light and sound for Brisbane Festival. The free 15-minute spectacle runs three times nightly throughout the festival, with the best City-side moments found from river-facing restaurants at Brisbane Quarter, the Sky Deck at The Star Brisbane, Neville Bonner Bridge, Victoria Bridge and the North-side Bicentennial Bikeway. It’s an easy after-dark add-on before dinner, after a show or while travelling through The City.
Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards 2026 | Museum of Brisbane
See The 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 Brisbane 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.
Gathering: Ben Barker | Queen Street Mall
Pause for a free lunchtime performance in Queen Street Mall as Gathering brings Ben Barker to the Main Stage on 2 September. The Biripi and Dunghutti musician blends didgeridoo, guitar and contemporary sounds, creating an easy City-centred moment of live music and culture for workers, shoppers and visitors passing through.
Disney Store | Queen Street Mall
Disney is bringing magic to Brisbane City with an exclusive pop-up store for a limited time. Packed with collectable pins, trading cards and exclusive merchandise, it’s a must-visit for fans. With new product releases landing in-store each week, there’s always a reason to stop back in and see what’s new. Check out the Disney Store Brisbane City pop-up store in Queen Street Mall before it's gone.
Mindful Art Mornings | Museum of Brisbane
Start the day slowly with Mindful Art Mornings at Museum of Brisbane, a free early-morning series presented with Brisbane Festival. Held on Wednesdays in September from 7.30am to 8.30am, the artist-led sessions invite visitors into the gallery before opening hours for a gentle creative reset, followed by light morning tea. Across the month, Hands on Country with Nadine McDonald-Dowd explores florals and botanicals as a grounding connection to Country, while Paper, Pattern, Pause with Renee Kire uses colour, paper cut-outs and simple composition to ease into the day.
Pokémon GO City Safari: Brisbane | Queen Street Mall
Pokémon GO City Safari is coming to Brisbane on 26 and 27 September, with Queen Street Mall set to become the event hub for a Citywide weekend of exploration. The experience will see players moving through The City's streets, riverfront precincts, parklands and cultural spots as part of the game, adding a playful layer of discovery to The City for locals and visiting fans. Even if you’re not playing, expect to see a little extra colour, movement and community energy around The City across the weekend.
Foodie Events
Mercatus Deli | Edward Street
One Italian deli was never going to be enough. Mercatus Deli has opened a second Brisbane City location on Edward Street, joining its Adelaide Street favourite with even more reasons to stop in. Expect the golden focaccia, homemade soups, Italian pantry staples and house-made desserts fans already know, now in a larger venue that adds a kitchen serving pizza and pasta, a gelato bar and plenty of room to sit, stay and work your way through the menu.
Riverfire dining and events | Brisbane City
Riverfire is set to light up Brisbane City on Saturday 5 September, and the best seats are already being snapped up across The City. Book riverside dining at The Lex for its Smooth Like Velvet experience, secure a table or Sky Deck package at Queen’s Wharf or choose a front-row river seat at Tillerman for Flyover Canapés or a Fireworks Banquet Dinner. Over on Eagle Street, Babylon, Alchemy, Riverland and Opa Bar + Mezze are serving up riverside dining, drinks and celebratory energy, while Kabuki Teppanyaki at Stamford Plaza is pairing dinner with exclusive riverside viewing. Whether you’re planning a date night, group celebration or polished City dinner before the fireworks, lock in your spot early and make a night of it in Brisbane City.
Urban Cocktail Trail | Brisbane City
Shake up your Saturday with the Urban Cocktail Trail on 12 September, a self-guided inner-City bar hop that puts some of Brisbane City’s standout venues in the spotlight. Follow the trail from Babylon to Comuna Cantina, Miss Demeanour, The Gresham, Naldham Terrace and Walter’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar, with each stop serving a featured cocktail for the occasion. It’s an easy way to move between riverfront favourites, lively laneway bars and polished City dining rooms while discovering a new go-to for your next drinks catch-up.
Father’s Day dining | Brisbane City
Gather the family and celebrate Father’s Day in Brisbane City, where City restaurants are serving everything from classic roasts to riverside banquets. Keep things timeless with a two-course Sunday roast at Lennons Restaurant & Bar where every dad receives a complimentary drink or go big at Goldfinch with a generous sharing feast built around tomahawk, roast chicken, baby barramundi and seasonal sides, complete with a take-home French chef’s steak knife for Dad. For something with a view, Babylon brings bold Middle Eastern-inspired dining to the riverfront with banquet options and the chance to win luxury hampers, while Riverland keeps the mood relaxed with waterside seating, share-friendly menus and drinks by the river. If you’re after something a little different, Central 中環 is opening especially for Father’s Day with Hong Kong-inspired plates, dumplings and a complimentary Lager for dads on arrival.
Babylon Nights | Eagle Street
Saturday nights come alive on the riverfront with Babylon Nights, a free weekly evening of DJs, belly dancers and fire twirlers from 6pm. Set against the Brisbane River, the experience pairs high-energy entertainment with handcrafted cocktails, river views and Babylon’s vibrant atmosphere. Groups can also upgrade with a VIP package featuring arrival drinks, bottle presentation and a mezze-style sharing platter.
Mulled & Melted at BlackBird Brisbane | Eagle Street
Brisbane winter gets a riverside twist at BlackBird Brisbane with Mulled & Melted, a bottomless weekend offer made for lingering over golden hour. For $89pp, settle into the bar for a warm baked camembert and charcuterie board built for sharing, paired with 1.5 hours of winter cocktails including Mulled Wine Sangria, Ginger Bread Spritz, Winter Berry Sour and Poire Collins. Available Saturdays and Sundays from 11.30am to 3.30pm, it’s a cosy-meets-polished way to spend an afternoon by the river.
Where to watch the AFL Grand Final | Brisbane City
Whether you want a polished long lunch, a riverside crowd or a classic sports bar roar, Brisbane City has plenty of ways to watch the AFL Grand Final on Saturday 26 September. Book into Donna Chang’s Champions Suite for a premium private-screening experience with a shared feasting menu and drinks package, head to Riverland for a more casual Eagle Street watch party with river views, or settle in at KG Sports Bar on Ann Street, where 15 screens, two 100-inch displays, wings, burgers and game-day energy do the heavy lifting. Pig ’N’ Whistle King George Square is also showing the match live and loud, while Winghaus Edward Street is another easy pick for big-screen sport, beers and wings.
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.
