The Best Outdoor Events to Head to in and Around Brisbane This Spring and Summer
'Tis the season to embrace fresh air, sunny skies and a jam-packed calendar of outside events.
Spring is well and truly here. Summer is on its way. And, as with every year in and around Brisbane, it's set to be a toasty affair. This makes it the perfect time to get your cultural fix at an outdoor event, or to head to a spot where you can enjoy a meal and something to drink while you soak in some rays.
Luckily, Brissie has plenty happening across its array of outdoor spaces — and there's even more to hit up if you venture across southeast Queensland, too. Whether you're keen to sip pink drinks by the river, dance at a music festival, frolic in the flowers, feast your way through night markets or take your kit off, you've got options. Here's where to head if you're looking to make the most of the warm weather and crisp spring and summer air.
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Event
NGV Friday Nights: Yayoi Kusama
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 - Fri, 18 Apr 2025
NGV International, Melbourne
The NGV's big Yayoi Kusama exhibition is hosting after-hours parties so you can spend Friday evenings surrounded by dots and pumpkins.
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Event
Sono Lumo — Festive Nights of Sound & Light
Thu, 5 Dec - Sun, 15 Dec 2024
Queen's Wharf Brisbane, Brisbane City
Dazzling lights, a DJ-spun soundtrack, food and drink pop-ups: that's how the Queen’s Wharf precinct is celebrating Christmas.
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Event
Gin-gle Bar at Riverbar & Kitchen
Sat, 30 Nov - Tue, 24 Dec 2024
Riverbar & Kitchen, Brisbane
In 2024, Christmas in Brisbane means gin and limoncello soft serve, gingerbread cocktails and gin-cured salmon bruschetta, all by the river.
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Event
Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema Christmas Classics
Sat, 14 Dec 2024 and Fri, 20 Dec 2024
Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema, New Farm
Get festive with 'Die Hard', 'Love Actually' and 'Elf' under the stars at Brisbane's only permanent year-round outdoor cinema.
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Event
New Year's Bash
Wed, 1 Jan, 2025
The Gabba, Woolloongabba
Head to the Gabba to see the Brisbane Heat welcome the Melbourne Stars for the New Year’s Bash.
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Event
Heat vs Strikers
Sun, 22 Dec, 2024
The Gabba, Woolloongabba
Brisbane Heat take on the Adelaide Strikers in a dramatic summertime clash.
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Event
South Bank Openair Christmas Cinema
Sat, 14 Dec - Sun, 22 Dec 2024
South Bank Cultural Forecourt, South Brisbane
Pack a picnic and enjoy Christmas movies from your childhood — and other favourite flicks — under the stars.
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Event
Christmas in Brisbane
Fri, 22 Nov 2024 - Fri, 31 Jan 2025
Various locations across Brisbane, Brisbane
From a festive maze to a free light and sound experience, here's how Brisbane's CBD and South Bank is celebrating Christmas in 2024.
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Event
Moonlight Cinema Brisbane
Thu, 21 Nov 2024 - Sun, 16 Feb 2025
Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane
Catch 'The Fall Guy', 'Gladiator II', 'Challengers' and a heap of Christmas movies under the stars in Roma Street Parklands.
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Event
Farm Gate to City Door Markets: Festive Edition
Sat, 30 Nov, 2024
Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct, Newstead
Get your Christmas supplies sorted with help from a heap of Scenic Rim producers at Breakfast Creek.
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Event
The Collective Christmas Markets at South Bank
Fri, 13 Dec - Sun, 22 Dec 2024
South Bank Parklands, Brisbane
If there's one place in Brisbane to turn Christmas shopping into a festive dream each December, it's South Bank.
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Event
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets Christmas Twilight Market
Sat, 14 Dec, 2024
The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise, Surfers Paradise
Get festive with a view this silly season at this twilight Gold Coast market by the beach.
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Event
Redcliffe Christmas Twilight Markets
Sat, 14 Dec, 2024
Redcliffe Markets, Redcliffe
Spend a Saturday evening shopping your way around the Redcliffe jetty (and busting out your best ugly Christmas t-shirt) this festive season.
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Event
West End Christmas Twilight Markets
Fri, 6 Dec, 2024
The West End Markets, West End
West End's regular markets are getting festive for one big — and jolly — Friday night with 150-plus stalls.
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Event
Carseldine Christmas Twilight Markets
Sat, 23 Nov, 2024
Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets, Carseldine
Trawling the mall isn't your only option when it comes to Christmas shopping.
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Event
Nautilus Beach Club: Los Cabos
Fri, 8 Nov 2024 - Sun, 23 Feb 2025
The Westin Brisbane, Brisbane City
The Westin Brisbane's swim-up pool bar is celebrating Los Cabos all summer long via a Mexican-inspired makeover.
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Event
ALWAYS LIVE — Garage Band
Sat, 7 Dec - Sun, 8 Dec 2024
Federation Square, Melbourne
A free event shining the spotlight on Victoria's talented young musicians.
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Event
ALWAYS LIVE — Yerambooee
Sat, 7 Dec, 2024
Federation Square, Melbourne
A free communal celebration of First Nations legend and song.
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Event
Yot Club Halloween Night
Sat, 26 Oct, 2024
Mariner's Cove Marina, Main Beach
This next-level party boat has two bars, a stage and a dance floor — and, for one night only, a Halloween party sailing around the Gold Coast.
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Event
Laneway Festival
Sat, 8 Feb, 2025
Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
'Brat' summer is coming Down Under: Charli XCX is headlining Laneway Festival 2025, with Beabadoobee, Clairo, Remi Wolf, BICEP and Barry Can't Swim for company.
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Event
Movember East Coast Tour
Thu, 10 Oct, 2024
Queen Street Mall, Brisbane
This roving barbershop is stopping by Queen Street Mall for just one day — giving free beard trims to anyone interested in participating in Movember.
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Event
Gasworks Plaza Christmas Markets
Sat, 14 Dec 2024
Gasworks Precinct, Newstead
You've got two chances to get festive underneath the Gasometer — and one of them includes a movie.
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Event
AACTA Festival
Wed, 5 Feb - Sun, 9 Feb 2025
HOTA, Home of the Arts, Surfers Paradise
This returning celebration of Australian film and TV features 100-plus events over five days, complete with Working Dog, Leigh Whannell, Paul Kelly and more.
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Event
SXSW Sydney
Mon, 14 Oct - Sun, 20 Oct 2024
Various Sydney venues, Sydney
Get ready for more than 1000 speakers, 60-plus tech exhibitors, over 200 artists, 120-plus games and more than 75 screenings.
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Event
Milton Christmas Twilight Markets
Sat, 30 Nov, 2024
Milton Markets, Milton
Get festive on Cribb Street with artisanal gifts, Christmas dishes and a pop-up bar.
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Event
Victoria Park Christmas Putt Putt
Fri, 8 Nov 2024 - Thu, 2 Jan 2025
Victoria Park Putt Putt, Herston
It's time to celebrate Christmas with mini golf: Victoria Park's festive putt putt is back for another year, complete with boozy slushies.
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Event
Trick or Treat Little Stanley Street
Fri, 25 Oct - Sat, 26 Oct 2024
Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane
Little Stanley Street's two-day Halloween party is back for 2024 with themed cocktails and free outdoor movies.
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Event
The Enchanted Garden
Fri, 22 Nov - Sat, 21 Dec 2024
Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane
See one of Brisbane's most-popular spaces in a completely new light when this pre-Christmas favourite lights up Roma Street Parkland — and festive season.
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Event
Clayschool Summer Show
Sat, 30 Nov, 2024
Vacant Assembly, West End
Potter around a clay-based showcase and find pottery gifts.
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Event
QAGOMA Store Christmas Design Market
Sat, 7 Dec - Sun, 8 Dec 2024
GOMA, South Brisbane
Shop for creative Christmas gifts at QAGOMA, with more than 80 stalls selling design-led wares.
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Event
Brisbane International Film Festival
Thu, 24 Oct - Sun, 3 Nov 2024
Various cinemas in Brisbane
From Selena Gomez's latest big-screen role to Amy Adams turning canine, this year's full BIFF lineup is packed with must-sees.
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Event
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Fri, 13 Sep - Mon, 7 Oct 2024
Toowoomba, Toowoomba
For the 75th time, Toowoomba will celebrate spring in the most fitting way possible: with a massive splash of blossoming florals.
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Event
River Pride Parade
Sat, 9 Nov, 2024
Various locations across Brisbane, Brisbane
Brisbane's first-ever River Pride Parade is floating through the city during 2024's Melt Festival.
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Event
Gigs & Picnics
Multiple single dates
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane City
Listen to free live music and grab snacks from food trucks at this monthly hangout in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
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Event
Plantapalooza
Sat, 5 Oct, 2024
Brisbane Markets, Rocklea
Shop for leafy greenery at this one-day plant fest at Brisbane's massive permanent market.
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Event
Spencer Tunick: RISING TIDE
Sun, 27 Oct, 2024
Story Bridge, New Farm
Artist Spencer Tunick is closing Brisbane's Story Bridge to fill it with nudes for a new photography work.
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Event
Whisky Whisky
Sat, 19 Oct, 2024
Fish Lane, South Brisbane
Sip and sample more than 100 local and international whiskies in Fish Lane — and win whisky-themed prizes at the boozy claw machine.
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Event
Ministry of Sound Classical
Sat, 30 Nov, 2024
Riverstage, Brisbane
Ministry of Sound is bringing its massive orchestra show filled with dance music back to Brisbane Riverstage this spring.
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Event
Rosé Garden at Customs House
Fri, 6 Sep - Sat, 30 Nov 2024
Customs House Brisbane, Brisbane
Spend a spring afternoon sipping pink drinks — and tucking into Moreton Bay bug croissants, shellfish platters and scallop ceviche — by the river.
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Event
The Sound Society at Roma Street Parklands
Multiple single dates
Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane
Listen to free live music in stunning natural surroundings once a month.
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Event
Redcliffe Markets Festival of Frights
Sat, 26 Oct, 2024
Redcliffe Markets, Redcliffe
Trick-or-treat your way around the Redcliffe jetty this spooky season, complete with 200-plus stalls, fireworks and roving pirate entertainers.
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Event
Palm Tree Music Festival
Sat, 7 Dec, 2024
Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point
This impressive fest is returning Down Under for the second time with The Chainsmokers leading the lineup.
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Event
$2 Summer Dips
Sun, 1 Dec 2024 - Fri, 28 Feb 2025
Various Brisbane venues, Brisbane
You can enjoy a swim in Brisbane City Council's 22 public pools for just $2 all summer long.
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Event
Sirromet's Fiery Winter Warmers
Multiple single dates
Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton
Sip mulled wine under the stars while sitting around your own private firepit and eating goodies from a hamper at this scenic Mount Cotton winery.
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Event
Lightscape Brisbane
Thu, 29 Aug - Sat, 12 Oct 2024
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane City
This luminous after-dark experience is returning to the City Botanic Gardens for Brisbane Festival 2024.
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Event
Feel Good Program
Sat, 5 Oct - Sat, 7 Dec 2024
South Bank Parklands, Brisbane
Bend, stretch, splash and dance your way through spring at South Bank's free exercise classes.
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Event
Stanthorpe Berry Festival
Sat, 16 Nov, 2024
Weeroona Park, Stanthorpe
Stanthorpe is spending an entire day celebrating berries, with strawberry ice cream, berry food stalls and berry-themed dress ups.
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Event
Vertigo's Sunday Brunch
Sun, 14 Apr, 2024
Vertigo, New Farm
You can now tuck into weekly champagne brunches while hanging over the side of Brisbane Powerhouse.
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Event
The Big Pineapple Festival
Sat, 19 Oct, 2024
The Big Pineapple, Nambour
For the first time in three years, this Sunshine Coast music festival is back — and The Amity Affliction, Bliss n Eso and Peking Duk lead the lineup.
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Event
Night Feast
Wed, 16 Oct - Sun, 10 Nov 2024
Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
Brisbane Powerhouse's after-dark food market is returning for 2024 with 20 chefs and restaurants, a pop-up izakaya, and free music and art installations.
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Event
The Art Boat
Fri, 30 Aug - Sat, 21 Sep 2024
South Bank Pontoon B, South Brisbane
Get the BRIEFS FACTORY experience while cruising down the Brisbane River on a vessel decked out with patterned tentacles.
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Event
Oktoberfest in the Gardens
Sat, 19 Oct, 2024
Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
This big Bavarian celebration is bringing its steins, schnitties, schnapps and strudels to Brisbane Showgrounds.
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Event
Listen Out
Sat, 5 Oct, 2024
Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
21 Savage, Skepta, Flo Milli, John Summit and Sub Focus lead the lineup at this electronic-meets-hip hop fest for 2024.
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Event
Ability Fest
Sat, 26 Oct, 2024
Victoria Park / Barrambin, Herston
Dylan Alcott's inclusive and fully accessible music festival is expanding to Brisbane with Ocean Alley, ONEFOUR, King Stingray, Cub Sport and Bag Raiders.
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Event
Good Things
Sun, 8 Dec, 2024
Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
Korn, Sum 41, Violent Femmes and Billy Corgan lead the 2024 lineup at this big alternative, metal and punk music fest.
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Event
Melt Festival
Wed, 23 Oct - Sun, 10 Nov 2024
Various Brisbane venues, Brisbane
Nude photoshoots, massive parties, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and 120-plus events in more than 70 venues: this LGBTQIA+ fest has them all.
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Event
Victoria Park Spooky Putt Putt
Fri, 13 Sep - Sun, 3 Nov 2024
Victoria Park Putt Putt, Herston
Get into the Halloween spirit by putting your way past creepy clowns, zombies, ghouls and ghosts in Herston.
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Event
Briz Chilli and Beer Fest
Sun, 27 Oct, 2024
Ballistic Beer Co, Salisbury
This day-long celebration of face-melting tastiness is back — now with added beer.
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Event
Spilt Milk House Party
Sat, 23 Nov, 2024
Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Catch Troye Sivan, Glass Animals and G Flip when Spilt Milk's new House Party series hits the Gold Coast this spring.
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Event
Troye Sivan: 'Something to Give Each Other' Tour
Tue, 26 Nov, 2024
Riverstage, Brisbane
Dance to this: the Perth-raised pop star is bringing his latest tour to Brisbane's Riverstage.
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Event
Garage Sale Trail
Multiple single dates
Various locations across Brisbane, Brisbane
Save your life's clutter from landfill or land yourself some bargains — more than 14,000 sales pop up each year.
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Event
Gasworks Plaza Markets
Sat, 2 Nov 2024
Gasworks Precinct, Newstead
Shop for fashion, art, homewares, plants and ceramics at one of Brisbane's most-striking spots.
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Event
Suitcase Rummage
Multiple single dates
Reddacliff Place, Brisbane
Trawl through Brisbane's favourite luggage-based trash 'n' treasure in Reddacliff Place.
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Event
The Handmade Markets
Sat, 26 Oct 2024 and Sat, 23 Nov 2024
Queensland Museum, South Brisbane
Forget machines — everything at this monthly market in Queensland Museum's Whale Mall is made by hand.
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Event
The Made Local Market — Christmas
Sat, 9 Nov - Sun, 10 Nov 2024
Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
Like Etsy but IRL, this local-focused market returns to Brisbane for two days of pre-Christmas browsing and buying — and with over 120 local makers, designers, artists and creators selling their wares.
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Event
The Handmade Christmas Markets
Sat, 21 Dec, 2024
Queensland Museum, South Brisbane
This Brisbane market staple gets seasonal so that you can support local artisans and give your loved ones festive gifts that've been made by hand.
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Event
Portside Wharf Christmas Markets
Sat, 7 Dec, 2024
Portside Wharf Hamilton, Brisbane
Hamilton's riverside markets are returning for the festive season, ready to help you nab gifts for your loved ones and yourself.