The Best Free Things to Do in Brisbane This Month
Zero dollar shenanigans await.
Brisbane may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn't mean folks don't put things on for free. If you know where to look (i.e. right here), you'll find free art, free classes, free parties — and sometimes even free wine. So swallow your disdain for crowds and curb your complaints about people who only go to exhibition openings for the complimentary drinks and get amongst these March events, which you can attend gloriously cash-free.
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Event
Deadly Threads: Where Did You Get That Shirt?
Sat, 27 Mar - Sun, 15 Aug 2021
State Library of Queensland, South Brisbane
More than 190 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-designed singlets, t-shirts, polo shirts and jerseys are on display at the State Library of Queensland.
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William Yang: Seeing and Being Seen
Sat, 27 Mar - Sun, 22 Aug 2021
Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane
This five-month exhibition features more than 250 works by the acclaimed photographer and performance artist, spanning his five-decade career.
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Event
Endless Summer
Thu, 25 Mar - Mon, 3 May 2021
W Brisbane, Brisbane City
Keep the warm weather vibes going with spritzes and seafood by the river.
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Big City Barbecue
Fri, 26 Mar, 2021
King George Square, Brisbane
Finish off your Friday with bratwurst, burgers and beverages in King George Square.
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Pups and Pies
Sun, 28 Mar, 2021
Pie Town, West End
A pie-fuelled party where your pupper can grab a slice, too.
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South City Square Autumn Pop-Up Markets
Sun, 28 Mar, 2021
South City Square, Woolloongabba
You'll feel like you're wandering around a European-style market hall at this inner east mix of stalls and food trucks.
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Event
Curious Conversations
Multiple single dates
Various Brisbane venues, Brisbane
Hosted by lauded Aussie journalist Benjamin Law, this free talk series will have you thinking outside the box.
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Event
Ben & Jerry's Easter Hunt 2021
Thu, 18 Mar - Tue, 6 Apr 2021
Online
The ice cream giant is giving away 50,000 free scoops across Australia and New Zealand.
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Event
Brisbane's Biggest Clothing Garage Sale 2021
Sat, 20 Mar 2021, Sat, 17 Apr 2021 and Sat, 29 May 2021
Bizzell's Garage, Paddington
Head to Paddington for a huge treasure trove of vintage finds.
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Park Vibes 2021
Sat, 20 Mar, 2021
Pine Rivers Park, Strathpine
Food trucks, brews, live tunes and fireworks, all in Brisbane's north.
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Gigs & Picnics 2021
Multiple single dates
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane City
Food trucks and free music in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
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Event
Gin and Tonic Garden Party
Sun, 14 Mar 2021, Sun, 21 Mar 2021 and Sun, 28 Mar 2021
Byblos Portside, Hamilton
Sip G&Ts by the river every Sunday in March.
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Event
Beyond the Sand Art Festival
Sat, 13 Mar - Sun, 21 Mar 2021
The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise
Large-scale artworks, installations and sand sculptures are taking over Surfers Paradise.
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Milton Markets: Autumn Seasonal Flavours — Green Edition
Sun, 21 Mar, 2021
Milton Markets, Milton
This weekly westside shopping gathering is throwing an eco-friendly autumn shindig.
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The Wickham's 135th Birthday Week
Mon, 8 Mar - Sun, 14 Mar 2021
The Wickham, Fortitude Valley
Celebrate the Fortitude Valley pub's big occasion with drinks, drag, DJs and hanging out in the beer garden.
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Toto's 'Africa' Appreciation Night 2021
Wed, 24 Mar, 2021
Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley
Hear the drums echoing over and over again.
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Plant Empire Autumn Market 2021
Sun, 7 Mar, 2021
Plant Empire, Yeerongpilly
Slinging greenery, pots, ceramics, crafts and more.
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Event
Tammy Law: Fractured Dreams & Indefinite Scars
Fri, 5 Feb - Sun, 18 Apr 2021
Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane
The Museum of Brisbane's latest exhibition explores forced migration and intergenerational trauma.
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Mardi Gras Celebrations at Toombul
Thu, 18 Feb - Sun, 14 Mar 2021
Toombul Shopping Centre, Nundah
Step into a room filled with mirror balls and play drag queen bingo.
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Valley Laneway Markets 2021
Multiple single dates
Bakery, Winn and California Lanes, Fortitude Valley
Browse your way through Fortitude Valley's laneways twice a month.
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Event
World Science Festival Brisbane 2021
Wed, 24 Mar - Sun, 28 Mar 2021
Various Brisbane venues, Brisbane
New York's science extravaganza returns to Brisbane.
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Feel Good Program 2021
Mon, 25 Jan - Sat, 27 Mar 2021
Various locations across Brisbane, Brisbane
Everything is better when it's free — especially exercise.
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Event
Yoga in the Park 2021
Sat, 23 Jan, 2021
Waterfront Park, Newstead
Salute the sun first thing on a Saturday morning.
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Barks & Brews 2021
Multiple single dates
The Brightside, Brisbane
Take your dog for a drink at The Brightside.
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Event
Cut Copy: Brisbane Music Posters 1977–87
Mon, 28 Sep 2020 - Sun, 9 May 2021
State Library of Queensland, South Brisbane
Peer at artwork from Brisbane's live music history.
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Brisbane Record Fair 2021
Sat, 16 Jan 2021, Sat, 13 Feb 2021 and Sat, 13 Mar 2021
Aspley Central, Aspley
Flick through thousands of LPs and 45s.
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Curiocity Brisbane 2021
Fri, 12 Mar - Sun, 28 Mar 2021
Various locations across Brisbane, Brisbane
Interactive installations are popping up all around town at this city-wide art fest.
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Unfinished Business: The Art of Gordon Bennett
Sat, 7 Nov 2020 - Sun, 21 Mar 2021
Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane
This QAGOMA exhibition features both familiar and unseen works by the famed Queensland artist.
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Motorcycles On Screen
Sat, 28 Nov 2020 - Sun, 25 Apr 2021
GOMA, South Brisbane
Get revved up with these classic and recent motorbike flicks.
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Sunny Side Up
Mon, 30 Nov 2020 - Sun, 18 Apr 2021
Various locations across Brisbane, Brisbane
This new outdoor exhibition splashes artworks about Brisbane across the city's public spaces.
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Bauhaus Now
Fri, 18 Sep 2020 - Sun, 18 Apr 2021
Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane
Survey the work of an influential German art school — and the designs it inspired.
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Know My Name: Australian Women Artists 1900 to Now
Fri, 13 Nov 2020 - Sun, 4 Jul 2021
National Gallery of Australia, Parkes
This summer, catch the NGA's blockbuster exhibition that's bringing women into the spotlight.