Music
The Brightside turns ten this weekend and the iconic venue is celebrating with a jam-packed line-up of music. On Friday, catch Ruby Fields, Adam Newling, Velocipraptor, a special reunion performance from The Creases and more across two stages. But be sure to recharge in time for Saturday night – emo staples like Eat Your Heart Out, FANGZ and Suzi will be carving up the name stage, along with a bunch of local talent. Snag your tickets here.

English singer-songwriter Ben Howard is bringing his chart-topping sounds to Fortitude Music Hall on Friday and Saturday. Known for both his acoustic and electronic music, Ben will be performing tracks from his latest album Is It?. Experience the magic of this celebrated artist this weekend.

Australia’s princess of indie-pop is coming home this weekend for a show at The Triffid. Mallrat has teamed up with Smirnoff Future Fresh for a one-off performance this Thursday – and the tickets are all under $30. From her high-school EPs to her latest hits, the prized producer and songwriter is loved for her addictive melodies and honest lyricism. Grab tickets for Mallrat here.

Brisbane’s wintertide festival Open Season kicks off this weekend with a block party taking over the King Street precinct for Blak Day Out. This all-ages event is celebrating First Nations excellence with food, culture and music including ARIA-nominated Emma Donovan as she headlines the program alongside 3%, Dallas Woods, Nooky, Angus Field and Meanjin locals BADASSMUTHA and The Ancient Bloods.

Theatre and live events
The international sensation Piaf! The Show is coming to The Tivoli this Friday. The musical event pays homage to the iconic French chanteuse Edith Piaf through a mesmerising journey of music. Starring the extraordinary talent Nathalie Lermitte, the show has been renowned for transporting its audience to the heart of Edith’s timeless legacy.

This weekend is your last chance to experience the acclaimed one-man play Blue from the emerging Australian actor-playwright Thomas Weatherall – best known for his role on Netflix’s Heartbreak High. The play is a coming-of-age story set across one morning and follows the relationship between protagonist Mark and his mother. Described as very personal fiction, the play is a heart-wrenching look at family, love and identity.

From Thursday to Sunday, South Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct is coming to life with Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF). The 2024 edition is stacked with internationally acclaimed authors, local talents and leading tastemakers. From true crime sensations to art historians and the rising names of litfic, bibliophiles will find a feast of ideas, stories and perspectives this weekend. Find out more information here.

The weekend marks QPAC’s magical musical production of Beauty and the Beast the Musical final days. Experience the beloved Disney film reimagined for the stage but still featuring Alan Menken’s classic score before it goes. You’re invited to be QPAC’s guest as this classic fairy-tale story comes to life with captivating sets and opulent costumes for a reverie of romance.

Community
Darkness to Daylight returns for its 11th year this week with its wide range of events set to take over The City from Wednesday evening. The 2024 event is set to be the biggest one yet, as Challenge DV continues its fight to end domestic and family violence. Leading the two days is the 110-km run, with each kilometre representing a life lost to domestic violence every year. Find out more about how to get involved here.

Art and exhibitions
The art epicentre of Hamilton Superordinary is reintroducing its immersive art exhibition experiences this Friday with The Last Sunset event. Discover more than 60 artists taking over the riverside venue in a vibrant intersection of talent. Start the winter season with an unforgettable night of art, music and dance. Find out more here.

At QAGOMA, Waanyi artist Judy Watson’s career-survey exhibition. mudunama kundana wandaraba jarribirri continues for another weekend. The retrospective 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. From fascinating home videos to mesmerising sculpture, the exhibition is a stirring look at the politics of place, family and Australian history.

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.

Food
Craving a feast this weekend? You’re in luck. This month, Dine BNE City is transforming The City into an epicurean paradise – complete with delicious events and unmissable deals. Each week, the Supper Club series is bringing set-menu sensations to all your favourite inner-city eateries. Feast on three-course banquets at Madame Wu, escape to Italy with Settimo and indulge on sashimi platters and at Tenya. With more than 55 venues coming together for an incredible array of exclusive offers and special experiences, there’s truly something for everyone.

Festa Italiana returns this weekend, bringing a dose of dolce vita to Howard Smith Wharves. This year, Festa Italiana is collaborating with guest chef Orazio D’Elia (of Sydney institution Da Orazio) to serve up his famous dishes from pasta, focaccia and aperitivos. Experience the best of Italian culture and cuisine on the sun-soaked Main Lawn, complete with Italian vino and spritzes.

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.

It’s your last chance this weekend to get in a free sweat session with South Bank’s free workout class program Feel Good. Open to all age groups and levels, Feel Good’s autumnal line-up finishes this Saturday. Designed to get you mindfully moving with your community, start your weekend with yoga, pilates or aqua aerobics for the last time.

If these shorter days call for some new life, head to the Plant Empire Winter Market and score yourself some fresh foliage. The beloved plant shop is hosting a market event on Sunday featuring plants, pots, ceramics, jewellery, handmade crafts, food, live music and more.

To find out more about what’s on in Brisbane, head to our Event Guide.