Nine Brisbane Festivals to Attend Over the Labour Day Long Weekend

Celebrating the latest public holiday with a feast of festivals.

Sarah Ward
Published on May 02, 2018

It's that time of year, Brisbanites — the time when public holidays come flying thick and fast. Easter and Anzac Day might still be fresh in everyone's minds, but another weekday off work is well and truly upon us. That means another excuse to hop around town and have fun, with Brissie celebrating the occasion with a feast of festivals. Whether you want to eat barbecued meats, knock back several gins, see a Spanish film or listen to some hip hop, here's where you can do it on this glorious three-day Labour Day long weekend.

List

Map

Event
Big Gin Festival

Sat, 5 May - Sun, 6 May 2018
Welcome to Bowen Hills, Bowen Hills

A two-day festival celebrating the opening of Brisbane's newest gin bar.

{"id":666144,"type":"event","icon":"calendar","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003ESaturday 5th May - Sunday 6th May\u003Cbr\u003E@ Welcome to Bowen Hills\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Big Gin Festival","description":"A two-day festival celebrating the opening of Brisbane's newest gin bar.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Welcome-to-Bowen-Hills_FB-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Welcome-to-Bowen-Hills_FB.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/event\/big-gin-festival","latitude":"-27.4521035","longitude":"153.03338740000004","address":"61 Gregory Terrace","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Event","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/events"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Welcome-to-Bowen-Hills_FB.jpg","alt":"Big Gin Festival"}]}
Event
Stones Corner Festival 2018

Sun, 6 May, 2018
Stones Corner Hotel, Greenslopes

Local legends Custard headline the free street fest, which will also feature an even bigger beer garden.

{"id":659326,"type":"event","icon":"calendar","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003ESunday 6th May\u003Cbr\u003E@ Stones Corner Hotel\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Stones Corner Festival 2018","description":"Local legends Custard headline the free street fest, which will also feature an even bigger beer garden.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Stones-Corner-Festival_Facebook-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Stones-Corner-Festival_Facebook.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/event\/stones-corner-festival-2018","latitude":"-27.498982","longitude":"153.044987","address":" 346 Logan Road","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Event","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/events"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Stones-Corner-Festival_Facebook.jpg","alt":"Stones Corner Festival 2018"}]}
Event
Studio Ghibli Film Festival

Multiple single dates
The Elizabeth Picture Theatre, Brisbane City

Make like a moving castle and enjoy movies at their most magical.

Buy Tickets

{"id":665291,"type":"event","icon":"calendar","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003EThursday 14th June\u003Cbr\u003E@ The Elizabeth Picture Theatre\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Studio Ghibli Film Festival","description":"Make like a moving castle and enjoy movies at their most magical.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/totoro-studio-ghibli-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/totoro-studio-ghibli.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/event\/studio-ghibli-film-festival-2018","latitude":"-27.4700411","longitude":"153.02698329999998","address":"175 Elizabeth Street","booking":" \u003Csection class=\"book black ga-send\" data-current-type=\"tribe_events\" \u003E\n \u003Ca class=\"book_online_anchor\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fivestarcinemas.com.au\/coming-soon\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\n \u003Ci class='ph ph-ticket'\u003E\u003C\/i\u003EBuy Tickets\n \u003C\/a\u003E\n \u003C\/section\u003E","archive":{"title":"Event","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/events"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/totoro-studio-ghibli.jpg","alt":"Studio Ghibli Film Festival"}]}
Event
Buddha Birthday Festival 2018

Fri, 4 May - Sun, 6 May 2018
South Bank Cultural Forecourt, South Brisbane

The biggest annual celebration of Buddha’s birthday in the world.

{"id":666497,"type":"event","icon":"calendar","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003EFriday 4th May - Sunday 6th May\u003Cbr\u003E@ South Bank Cultural Forecourt\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Buddha Birthday Festival 2018","description":"The biggest annual celebration of Buddha\u2019s birthday in the world.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/buddha-buddhism-statue-pexels-120x120.jpeg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/buddha-buddhism-statue-pexels.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/event\/buddha-birthday-festival-2018","latitude":"-27.4738883","longitude":"153.01923250000004","address":"Melbourne Street","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Event","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/events"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/buddha-buddhism-statue-pexels.jpeg","alt":"Buddha Birthday Festival 2018"},{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/lanterns_red_light_paper_unsplash_elvir-k.jpg","alt":"Buddha Birthday Festival 2018"}]}
Event
Cinco de Mayo Mexican Festival 2018

Sun, 6 May, 2018
Riverlife, Kangaroo Point

A celebration of Mexican culture, cuisine, cocktails and music.

Buy Tickets

{"id":666611,"type":"event","icon":"calendar","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003ESunday 6th May\u003Cbr\u003E@ Riverlife\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Cinco de Mayo Mexican Festival 2018","description":"A celebration of Mexican culture, cuisine, cocktails and music.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/cinco-de-mayo-party-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/cinco-de-mayo-party.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/event\/cinco-de-mayo-mexican-festival-2018","latitude":"-27.474601","longitude":"153.034495","address":" Lower River Terrace","booking":" \u003Csection class=\"book black ga-send\" data-current-type=\"tribe_events\" \u003E\n \u003Ca class=\"book_online_anchor\" href=\"https:\/\/riverlife.rezdy.com\/216277\/cinco-de-mayo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\n \u003Ci class='ph ph-ticket'\u003E\u003C\/i\u003EBuy Tickets\n \u003C\/a\u003E\n \u003C\/section\u003E","archive":{"title":"Event","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/events"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/cinco-de-mayo-party.jpg","alt":"Cinco de Mayo Mexican Festival 2018"}]}
Event
Scenario: the Newstead Hip Hop Festival 2018

Sat, 5 May, 2018
The Triffid, Newstead

12 hours of free beats and rhymes comes to Newstead.

{"id":661090,"type":"event","icon":"calendar","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003ESaturday 5th May\u003Cbr\u003E@ The Triffid\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Scenario: the Newstead Hip Hop Festival 2018","description":"12 hours of free beats and rhymes comes to Newstead.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/The-Triffid-gig-Brisbane-120x120.jpeg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/The-Triffid-gig-Brisbane.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/event\/scenario-the-newstead-hip-hop-festival-2","latitude":"-27.452282","longitude":"153.04225","address":"7-9 Stratton Street","booking":"","archive":{"title":"Event","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/events"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/The-Triffid-gig-Brisbane.jpeg","alt":"Scenario: the Newstead Hip Hop Festival 2018"}]}
Event
Hothead Chilli Fiesta

Sun, 6 May, 2018
The Caxton Hotel, Brisbane City

Spicing up the long weekend with a one-day chilli fest.

Book Now

{"id":665026,"type":"event","icon":"calendar","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003ESunday 6th May\u003Cbr\u003E@ The Caxton Hotel\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Hothead Chilli Fiesta","description":"Spicing up the long weekend with a one-day chilli fest.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/chillis_unsplash_ricardo-gomez-angel-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/chillis_unsplash_ricardo-gomez-angel.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/event\/hothead-chilli-fiesta","latitude":"-27.464229","longitude":"153.01227500000005","address":"38 Caxton Street","booking":" \u003Csection class=\"book black ga-send\" data-current-type=\"tribe_events\" \u003E\n \u003Ca class=\"book_online_anchor\" href=\" \" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\n \u003Ci class='ph ph-ticket'\u003E\u003C\/i\u003EBook Now\n \u003C\/a\u003E\n \u003C\/section\u003E","archive":{"title":"Event","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/events"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/chillis_unsplash_ricardo-gomez-angel.jpg","alt":"Hothead Chilli Fiesta"}]}
Event
Spanish Film Festival 2018

Thu, 26 Apr - Sun, 13 May 2018
Palace Cinemas Brisbane, Brisbane

This year's 25-film program features Guillermo del Toro's previous Oscar winner and Javier Bardem as Pablo Escobar.

Buy Tickets

{"id":663716,"type":"event","icon":"calendar","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003EThursday 26th April - Sunday 13th May\u003Cbr\u003E@ Palace Cinemas Brisbane\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Spanish Film Festival 2018","description":"This year's 25-film program features Guillermo del Toro's previous Oscar winner and Javier Bardem as Pablo Escobar.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Pans-Labyrinth-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Pans-Labyrinth.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/event\/spanish-film-festival-2018-2-2","latitude":"-27.4709331","longitude":"153.0235024","address":"","booking":" \u003Csection class=\"book black ga-send\" data-current-type=\"tribe_events\" \u003E\n \u003Ca class=\"book_online_anchor\" href=\"https:\/\/www.spanishfilmfestival.com\/times-tickets\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\n \u003Ci class='ph ph-ticket'\u003E\u003C\/i\u003EBuy Tickets\n \u003C\/a\u003E\n \u003C\/section\u003E","archive":{"title":"Event","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/events"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Pans-Labyrinth.jpg","alt":"Spanish Film Festival 2018"}]}
Event
Bayside BBQ & Beer Roadshow

Sat, 5 May, 2018
Cleveland Showgrounds, Cleveland

Serving up more than 20 different barbecue food vendors and 100 different beers.

Buy Tickets

{"id":666488,"type":"event","icon":"calendar","info":"\u003Cp class=\"address\"\u003ESaturday 5th May\u003Cbr\u003E@ Cleveland Showgrounds\u003C\/p\u003E","name":"Bayside BBQ & Beer Roadshow","description":"Serving up more than 20 different barbecue food vendors and 100 different beers.","thumbnail":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Bayside-BBQ-and-Beer-Roadshow_Crowd-3_supplied-120x120.jpg","photo":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Bayside-BBQ-and-Beer-Roadshow_Crowd-3_supplied.jpg","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/event\/bayside-bbq-beer-roadshow","latitude":"-27.533966","longitude":"153.2615571","address":" Long Street","booking":" \u003Csection class=\"book black ga-send\" data-current-type=\"tribe_events\" \u003E\n \u003Ca class=\"book_online_anchor\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bbqbeerroadshow.com.au\/tickets\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\n \u003Ci class='ph ph-ticket'\u003E\u003C\/i\u003EBuy Tickets\n \u003C\/a\u003E\n \u003C\/section\u003E","archive":{"title":"Event","url":"https:\/\/concreteplayground.com\/brisbane\/events"},"banners":[{"src":"https:\/\/cdn.concreteplayground.com\/content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Bayside-BBQ-and-Beer-Roadshow_Crowd-3_supplied.jpg","alt":"Bayside BBQ & Beer Roadshow"}]}