Theatre and live events
Brisbane’s leading venues have joined forces this month to celebrate Brisbane Comedy Festival. Both established and emerging comedians are taking to the stage this weekend for a bunch of side-splitting sets – including Josh Thomas, Aaron Chen, Wil Anderson, Rhys Nicholson and many more. Beyond stand-up, you’ll also find Sh!t-faced Shakespeare taking on Macbeth, musical improv and Thank God You’re Queer – a fabulous twist on Australia’s favourite improv show.

Queensland Theatre bids farewell this weekend to its sweaty and sweary production of 37. Set in the all-too-familiar setting of the local footy club, this new work from Natha Maynard follows the notorious underdogs the Cutting Cove Currawong in the new footy season. Set in the wake of Adam Goodes’ war cry, 37 is a sweary, sweaty and sincere look at sports culture, race and community.QPAC is inviting you to be their guest with its magical musical production of Beauty and the Beast the Musical. Experience the beloved Disney film reimagined for the stage but still featuring Alan Menken’s new score. The classic fairy-tale story comes to life with captivating sets and opulent costumes for a reverie of romance.The beloved 90s musical comedy I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is bringing a different take on romance to QPAC this weekend. This hilarious revue delves into the weird and wonderful world of dating, with new updates to reflect the dynamics of today. Performed by Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre, the musical is on for a strictly limited run and closes this Sunday.Australia’s leading news and pop-culture podcast – Mamamia Out Loud LIVE – is coming to QPAC’s Concert Hall. Hosts Holly Wainwright, Jessie Stephens and Mia Freedman are coming to Brisbane for a night of laughs, unpopular opinions and raw honesty. From pop culture to politics, body image to motherhood, feminism to fashion, Mamamia Out Loud LIVE will cover it all.After three decades on the West End, the terrifying theatre classic The Woman in Black is coming to Australia. Led by John Waters (Doctor Doctor, Offspring, Rake) and Daniel MacPherson (Land of Bad, Foundation, Neighbours), this new production brings Susan Hill’s original ghost story to life in a shuddering new adaptation.

It’s also May 4 this weekend – so cinemas citywide are setting off into a galaxy far far away. Dendy Powerhouse is dedicating this weekend to a House of Sci-Fi festival, with the likes of The Fifth Element, Back to the Future and of course, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Unwind under the stars, bundle up and experience this final chapter of Luke and the gang.

Exhibitions
Experience Japanese artist Hiromi Tango’s artist residency at the Museum of Brisbane this weekend, showcasing the community-led project Gentle Petal. The multi-room installation features upcycled textiles for attendees to create flowers, which will then enliven the walls of the Adelaide Street Pavilion. Hiromi’s vibrant project aims to inspire healing through the social connection of creating together.

In the same precinct, QAGOMA recently launched its latest exhibition from Waanyi artist Judy Watson. mudunama kundana wandaraba jarribirri combines four decades of work, featuring prints, paintings, sculptures and more to consider Judy’s prolific reflections on her family’s Waanyi Country in north-west Queensland. Whilst exploring QAG, you can also take a wander through the Seeds and Sovereignty exhibition. These curated pieces from the museum’s Indigenous Australian Art Collection consider the intricate relationships between plants, people and Country. Discover artwork by traditional and emerging First Nations artists and unlock the cultural stories, ceremony and Songlines.

Brisbane’s Institute of Modern Art has welcomed its next fleet of exhibitions, bannered by an exciting range of local and international artists. Platform represents the gallery’s new annual series which is dedicated to showcasing new work from emerging artists under 40. Visit the Brunswick Street space over the weekend, and catch the works of Miguel Aquilizan, Mia Boe, and Sarah Poulgrain.

Brisbane Street Art Festival kicks off this weekend with a line-up of artists from Australia and beyond. Some of Brisbane’s most iconic locations will be revitalised with new public art installations, along with events, large-scale exhibitions and artist panel talks. While Superordinary Northshore is the festival’s central hub – you can catch this festival activating all across the city.

Food and drinks
West End haunt Bar Francine is bringing back its Meet the Winemaker series this Thursday. Simon Denton of Denton Wines is stopping by to talk about the winery’s approach with a complimentary tasting of its chardonnay and pinot noir. The event will be taking place on the veranda from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

For more oenophilic experiences, Neighbourhood Events Co is hosting another Urban Wine Walk – this time taking a wander through the best bars and restaurants of Brisbane CBD. Award-winning venues will transform into urban cellar doors on this self-guided tour, starting at The Gresham. From 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, the trail lets you make stops at the nine venues and enjoy complimentary wine tastings and food vouchers.

If you have a hankering for the finer things this weekend, indulge at Bacchus in an afternoon of elegance with its high tea service. Enjoy bottomless tea from Harney & Sons, William Edwards fine bone chinaware and delectable small bites in the parlour. The perfect destination for your bridal shower, baby shower, birthday or any celebration, this high tea lets you elevate your weekend routine with a touch of style.

Markets and more
Stock up on fresh-local produce, bespoke goodies and street food snacks at one of the weekly markets as well. Riverside Markets, Kelvin Grove Village Market, Jan Powers Farmers Markets, Carseldine Markets, Nundah Farmers Markets and the Redcliffe Markets are open and trading this weekend. For our night owls still craving the delicious market fare but can’t beat the ‘snooze’ button, hit up Eat Street Northshore. Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Love Me Again Market is once again taking over Milton with their curated line-up of stallholders offering designs from all your favourite brands.

Southbank’s community wellness space Flowstate has your next sweat session sorted with its free workout classes Feel Good – open to all age groups and levels. The Autumn series program features a range of trending workouts, designed to get you mindfully moving with your community. Start your Saturday at this riverside gym, with yoga kicking off at 7:30 am and followed by pilates and aqua aerobics.

Japanese-Australian ceramics brand OKAERI is coming to Brisbane with its Direct From Japan Pop-Up event. Not only will Brisbane fans of this cult-favourite brand get to shop the creations in person, OKAERI will be offering you a taste of Japanese hospitality with the enticing aromas and flavours of authentic Japanese tea and snacks.