Live music
For a rockin’ time, truck down to South Bank Parklands for a two-night festival of heavy vehicles and head-banging beats, Rock on Riverside. Find a spot on the lush lawn and take in the picturesque views of the city skyline while Aussie rockers The Superjesus and Chris Cheney kick out the jams on Friday night and Australian Rock Collective follow suit on Saturday. The festivities go from 5:00–9:00 pm each night and tickets can be purchased here.

On Saturday from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm, enjoy an autumn day in the greenery-filled surrounds of Victoria Park at City Parkland’s Park Vibes. With sips and eats catered for courtesy of a trove of food trucks and activities like paper-plane making and colouring in on the cards for the kids, all you have to do is gather your family and friends (furry ones included) and enjoy.

If you happen to find yourself in Winton this weekend, we highlight recommend getting yourself a ticket to the Festival of Outback Opera. Dazzling night skies, glorious horizons and fine music will combine to create an outback spectacular and a truly unique experience, with the picturesque Queensland outback as a backdrop. If this all sounds glorious but Winton is off the cards this weekend, the festival will be making its way to Longreach from May 20–22. Hop over to the Opera Queensland site to find out more!

Theatre, film and live shows
A sweeping sense of joy will fill the air as the Brisbane Comedy Festival heads into its fourth week of laugh-out-loud acts. The ever-growing festival has so far seen homegrown and international acts take over Brisbane’s funniest venues – The Tivoli, Brisbane Powerhouse and The Fortitude Music Hall. This weekend is no different with more laugh-filled shows on the horizon – both tear-jerking and belly-aching. This weekend’s line-up will see big names and familiar faces take to The Tivoli and Brisbane Powerhouse stages, such as industry high-flyer Ross Noble with his nonsensical stream-of-consciousness comedy, self-deprecating I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here survivor Peter Helliar, much-loved star and TikTok mum Mel Buttle, a hilarious collection of Australia’s top First Nations comedians at Aboriginal Comedy Allstars and observationally on-point Geraldine Hickey. Don’t forget to pop in on Friday for Knockoff, an afternoon of free comedy, or stick around on Saturday night for After Hours, which sees a rotating roster of comedians trying their hand at new material. What are you waiting for? Have a giggle with your gaggle, and book tickets here!

Moulin Rouge! The Musical has opened its drapes this week and is ready to can-can into the hearts of Brisbane’s theatre-loving souls until July 27. Witness the musical mash-up extravaganza of Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film, which has taken performances to London’s West End and the shiny Broadway strip. Expect to hear all of the tunes you know and love, as well as new additions from pop-royalty Katy Perry, Sia and Beyoncé. This love story for the ages is a theatrical masterpiece that is not to be missed. Saunter over to the QPAC website and purchase your tickets.

The Poison of Polygamy continues to play at La Boite’s Roundhouse Theatre until May 27 with a special Auslan-interpreted performance and artist talk on Friday. While shining a torch on the early Chinese-Australian experience and putting a human face to the issue of immigration, The Poison of Polygamy will leave your mind mulling and ensure your post-show conversation is scintillating. Strap in and purchase your tickets here.

What do you do when climate change has sent earth into a catastrophic environmental collapse? Follow along as lone-survivor Ishmael finds her footing on a mining ship above the clouds, in a quest for new life. Watch as Ishmael befriends an artificially intelligent drone while living under the control of a notorious captain. Chaos will no about ensue in this theatrical reimagining of Herman Melville’s timeless novel, Moby Dick. You can catch Ishmael at the QPAC theatre from May 19–27 – book your tickets here.

Love Chocolat? This is your chance to watch it (again) on the big screen, as GOMA’s Australian Cinémathèque is presenting a retrospective program of Juliette Binoche’s five-decade career until June 18. Curated by Rosie Hays, the program features a selection that spans Juliette’s entire body of work and explores the diversity of her craft, including some of her most notable cinematic achievements. This weekend’s films include Avec Amour et Acharnement (Both Sides of the Blade) and Un beau soleil intérieur (Let the Sunshine In) Shirin on Friday, and Copie Conforme (Certified Copy) on Saturday, and Un divan à New York (A Couch in New York) and Chocolat on Sunday. Head to the QAGOMA website to book your ticket.

Radio, podcast and TV host and chronic over-sharer Abbie Chatfield is commanding the stage of QPAC’s Concert Hall on Thursday May 18, taking audiences on a true journey with The Trauma Dump Tour. Very limited tickets remain – head to the QPAC website to secure your seat on this wild ride.

All things food and drink
The Paniyiri Greek Festival has arrived to liven up West End and fill the bellies of travellers far and wide. With honey puffs and souvlaki on the menu all weekend, leave it up to the Greeks to send you home full and satisfied – just how Yia-yia likes it! Follow the music and distant sounds of plate-smashing to Musgrave Park as it transforms into a land far far away, where the water is crystal clear and the food is constant. Take a wander around the mini Greek village or hop across culinary pop-ups and cooking demonstrations – it’s all there, plus, a dedicated ride and games section and live entertainment aplenty. With an ouzo espresso martini as the weekend’s signature sip, fire up the group chat and pencil in a visit. Tickets for this flavoursome festival start at $16 and is a family-friendly affair for all to enjoy. Head on over to the Paniyiri website and pre-purchase tickets here – opa!

In the mood for a roadtrip this weekend? The Hampton Festival returns this Sunday for its 20th anniversary with a bounty of local produce and tipples to see you into the evening, as well as cooking demonstrations, live entertainment and a display of works from local artists. Make sure to sample the tastes of the land and celebrate local agriculture at Growers on the Green, where local vendors showcase a wide range of produce from fruits, vegetables and eggs to honey, preserves and bread. Take a break from the concrete jungle and venture into the beautiful high-country region of Hampton – learn more about the program and snag a ticket to this decadent event here.

Snow is forecast for Brisbane this weekend, when Veuve Clicquot In The Snow returns to Customs House from Thursday May 18 until the end of July. Sip champagne and indulge in a menu of delectable bites as you cosy up with your pals inside one of the riverside igloos. In addition to Veuve, you can imbibe on an array of Australian and French wines, beers and cocktails, as well as eats including Moreton Bay bug brioche rolls, freshly shucked oysters, whole baked brie and mac and cheese croquettes. Head here to book your igloo!

Exhibitions
You can still witness Brisbane City Council’s Botanical Gardens in all its ethereal beauty at its latest installation, Botanica, until May 21. Galavant through the gardens as you take in ten large-scale installations from sculpture and projections to augmented reality and interactive creations. This free display invites all to witness the garden’s transformation into a tranquil outdoor gallery under the stars. To learn more about this free, non-ticketed installation, visit the Brisbane City Council website.

Brisbane Art Design (BAD) is too GOOD to miss! BAD continues to sweep the neighbourhoods of Brisbane City with more than 150 events and exhibitions on display until May 28. This weekend sees Paint and Sip Classes at Wallart Co, a Finders Keepers x BAD Art & Design Pop-up Market and a vulnerable display of BAD artists hiccoughs and failures at BAD Stories of Failure. And we haven’t even scratched the surface! To see the full list of events, head to the BAD website.

The Museum of Brisbane’s latest exhibition, Clay: Collected Ceramics, is a celebration of hand-crafted endeavour, combining works from the Museum of Brisbane’s collection of ceramics, a myriad of pieces from acclaimed author, poet and traveller Kylie Johnson’s personal collection, plus works from more than 300 external makers. You can expect works that span across a 60-year timeline, undressing the relationship between a maker and their visions through personal ruminations. This collection of clay will be sticking around until October 22 – meaning you can visit more than once!

If you want to further your ceramic experience this weekend, one of Australia’s most imaginative ceramic artists, Bonnie Hislop, is teaming up with Red Hill’s Side Gallery to present Rainbows on Toast with Jam – an exhibition described as ‘a surrealist fever dream in ceramic vessel form’. Side Gallery has transformed to accommodate an assortment of hand-built vases, large-scale sculptural works and wall hangings, showcased in all their colourful and sassy glory. You can catch this fantastical exhibition until Saturday May 27.

The Brisbane Street Art Festival is heading into its last weekend, which means there’s no rest for the wicked when weekend plans are full to the brim. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the artistic talent of locally grown artists and those from around the world at the plethora of events, exhibitions and workshops – all on display across our streets. On Saturday, pop down to the water’s edge as Felons Barrel Hall transforms into a house of visual and sonic pleasure for the Felons X BSAF Closing Party where you can see the final crusade of colour for Scribble Slam and immerse yourself amongst Brisbane’s most creative scene. To learn more about the event’s program, click here.

The Art of Banksy – Without Limits is taking over the lower ground of Queens Plaza for an immersive interactive exhibition showcasing the works of one of the most famous-yet-elusive artists in the world until June 14. With more than 150 of Banksy’s works on display, grab at this opportunity to witness greatness with both hands. Purchase your tickets to this highly anticipated event here.

Take a journey of self at the Queensland Art Gallery’s latest exhibition Looking Out, Looking In, on show until August 6. This exhibition explores the various approaches human kind takes when envisaging oneself, whether it be with a self-effacing approach or one with flamboyancy. Peruse the halls and take sight of a collection of self portraits from an array of esteemed artists.

Heading to the Gold Coast this weekend? Check out the hyped Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York exhibition at HOTA to see works by iconic artists Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Tip – grab a burger and a cocktail at the Exhibitionist Bar while you’re at it.

Workshops and classes
Channel your inner Leonard Da Vinci and hone your skills at Queensland Art Gallery’s one-day Drawing Festival this Sunday May 21. This free event welcomes sketchers of all ages and skill levels, encouraging you to get creative at artist-led Draw Along workshops and drop-in drawing experiences, plus be inspired by art exhibitions, instrumental music performances, talks, tours and live art demonstrations. All drawing materials are supplied too, so all you need to bring is yourself!

Let’s get physical, Brisbane! The Medibank Feel Good Program is in its final weeks, with balance being the theme for May. Head down to the South Bank Parklands’ Flowstate to take advantages of an array of free fitness classes, including pilates, yoga, Zumba and body balance. This Saturday’s special-event classes include a full-body flexibility session and introductory ballet, plus you can also enjoy yoga flow and beach fitness in the Boat Pool. Head to the Medibank Feel Good website for the full program.

Markets
If you’re eager to stroll through some stalls and stock up on some fresh fruit and veg over the weekend, be sure check out these markets happening – Saturday Fresh Market, Riverside Markets, Kelvin Grove Village Market, Jan Powers Farmers Markets, Davies Park Market, Carseldine Markets, Nundah Farmers Markets and the Redcliffe Markets. For delicious dinnertime eats, Eat Street Northshore is on for your snacking pleasure on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Events may be subject to be postponed or cancelled at the last minute. We do our best to remove cancelled events but be sure to check the organiser’s own event page for the most current updates.

Want more? Head to our comprehensive Event Guide for all of the fun around town where you can search by category, date, location and more!