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.
Concrete Playground
Published on September 19, 2024
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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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Event

    Heat vs Strikers

    Sun, 22 Dec, 2024

    The Gabba, Woolloongabba

    Brisbane Heat take on the Adelaide Strikers in a dramatic summertime clash.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Event

    ALWAYS LIVE — Yerambooee

    Sat, 7 Dec, 2024

    Federation Square, Melbourne

    A free communal celebration of First Nations legend and song.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Event

    AO Live

    Thu, 23 Jan - Sat, 25 Jan 2025

    John Cain Arena, Melbourne

    Across three huge days, Kesha, Armand Van Helden, Kaytranada and Benson Boone are headlining the Australian Open's 2025 music festival.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Event

    Clayschool Summer Show

    Sat, 30 Nov, 2024

    Vacant Assembly, West End

    Potter around a clay-based showcase and find pottery gifts.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Event

    Wildlands

    Tue, 31 Dec, 2024

    Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills

    Fisher, Ice Spice and Chase & Status are playing this dance, electronic and hip hop festival in Brisbane to farewell 2024 and welcome 2025.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Event

    Suitcase Rummage

    Multiple single dates

    Reddacliff Place, Brisbane

    Trawl through Brisbane's favourite luggage-based trash 'n' treasure in Reddacliff Place.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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