Overview
South Bank has a huge revamp on the cards, and Northshore Hamilton as well. Portside is enjoying a makeover right now, while Howard Smith Wharves joined Brisbane's riverside so recently that it still feels brand new. But they aren't the only food-, drink- and entertainment-filled precincts by the water inviting Brisbanites in, with another popping up in the city's east. That'd be Rivermakers Heritage Quarter, which has turned a patch of Colmslie Road in Morningside into a new must-visit destination.
If you haven't had the chance to stop by the 30-hectare heritage-listed spot yet, it keeps hosting occasions to entice folks in, including an open day, Christmas party and Hottest 100 shindig in the past. The site's latest such celebrations come courtesy of new inaugural event Makers on the River, a hefty waterside festival with live music, a heap of markets, plenty of drinking opportunities and sky-brightening fireworks.
Makers on the River will debut from 12–8pm on Saturday, April 22, showcasing Rivermakers' sights — and everything you can eat, drink and do, from sipping brews and taking brewery tours at Revel Brewing Co's second site through to dancing to tunes and checking out roving performers.
On the music bill: Alex Lloyd, Lecia Louise and Belle Hendricks Band. Selling their wares: over 50 stalls from artisan vendors, with a focus on all things bespoke, handmade and local. An array of food trucks will also take care of the culinary side of things, and sampling gin and rum at Bavay Distillery is on the agenda — as are Revel's beer masterclasses, plus multiple pop-up bars serving brews.
For kids, there'll be rides as well. And those fireworks will liven up the heavens at 7.30pm.
The full Rivermakers precinct sprawls across a patch of land at the end of Junction Road that first housed a lime factory back in 1917. Since then, it's been used for alcohol distillation, radio broadcasting, naval barracks and a migrant hostel, and as the base for Hans Continental Smallgoods. Now, Low & Slow Meat Co and ceramics workshop Mas & Miek are among Rivermakers' tenants.
Makers on the River takes place from 12–8pm on Saturday, April 22. Head to Rivermakers website and the event's Facebook page for further details.