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Perhaps it's the night before payday. Maybe you've committed all of your cash to a big purchase. You could just have a thrifty manner. Whatever the case, keeping a tight rein on your finances doesn't have to mean sitting at home each and every night. You can be sociable, see something other than your own four walls and have a top-notch evening out without regretting the monetary ramifications.
To bring you some late-night inspiration, we've partnered with Samsung, whose new Galaxy S9 and S9+ have a camera with real low-light abilities, so your after-dark excursions photograph as good as they look. Here are some of our favourite places to visit for a little winter fun. Grab your mates and get ready for an epic night — and an epic Instagram story to go with it.
HIT A FEW BALLS AT HOLEY MOLEY
Whether you've been more times than you can remember or keep meaning to visit, Holey Moley has quickly established itself as one of Brisbane's favourite night-time venues. Sure, you can always drop by during the day, but who doesn't want to work their way around 18 putt-putt holes — all with completely over-the-top theming — once the sun has set? The Fortitude Valley venue's vibe lends itself to kicking back after dark with your crew, seeing who can emerge victorious on the mini-golf circuit, fitting in a few games of ping pong in-between and spending too long in the glow-in-the-dark section. Plus there's the bar, should your budget extend to a few sneaky cocktails.
MASH BUTTONS AT NETHERWORLD
Calling all pinball wizards, Pac-Man fanatics, Uno champs and everyone who loves Mario Kart (aka everyone): a night out at Netherworld should definitely be on your agenda. It's a 'pick your poison' kind of place, as long as games of all shapes and sizes are your weakness. Board games, video games, pinball games, games you haven't even thought of since you were a kid — they're all here. It's kidult heaven. Throw in bites to eat from the on-site Hellmouth Diner and brews from the bar, and this Fortitude Valley joint definitely isn't your usual watering hole. Just don't forget to bring your phone — you'll be wanting proof when you crack one of the machines' high scores.
CATCH A FREE SHOW AT FLOWSTATE
When Flowstate popped up at South Bank, it proved the best kind of surprise: one where the gift really does keep giving. A new temporary creative precinct by the river, it's set to stay in place for up to three years. As well as offering art, performances, music and more, the 3000-square-metre space is serving up its first year of events for free. There's always something on, be it Friday-night hangout sessions, twice-weekly dance classes, or JEM, a glowing, arc-like structure that you'll want a good camera on hand to capture. Moonlight orchestras, mega puppets and energetic acrobats are just some of the other efforts that have graced Flowstate's program, and there's still more where they came from.
SING YOUR HEART OUT AT LITTLE BIG HOUSE
When Little Big House opened its doors in late 2017, it gifted Brisbane plenty of things. A two-level hangout that's perfect for both day and night is one of them. The wonder that is chicken parmi spring rolls is another. And a dedicated — and free — private karaoke room is yet another. That's where you and your pals can spend some time belting out a tune like no one's watching. You'll find accessories on hand should you want an outfit worthy of your big stage moment, but really, this space is all about getting comfy and getting crooning. You will need to book in advance, however, as there's only one room and it's rather popular.
Instead of spending your winter nights on the couch, discover all the after-dark happenings in your city here — and don't forget to document it all on the new Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, designed especially for low light so you can capture your best moments no matter what.
Images: Cole Bennetts.
