Lantern parades, pinup parties and country music – what’s on in Brisbane this weekend
It’s wild that we’re even saying this, but this weekend marks the month of August. It’s like we blinked and the year flew by. Whether you’re checking out the lantern parade at South Bank, heading out to Clayfield for a day On The Green or rolling into Cleveland for some rockabilly culture – there’s plenty to see and do around Brisbane from August 1-3.
Concerts on in Brisbane this weekend
Ancient tradition meets symphonic magic as Electric Fields teams up with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra on Saturday August 2 at QPAC’s Concert Hall. As part of the 2025 Clancestry festival program, the ARIA Award-winning duo will bring their signature sound to the stage in an electrifying fusion of pop, soul, electronica and First Nations culture.
Australian music icon Kate Ceberano headlines On the Green this Sunday, as the much-loved event returns to the lush grounds of Clayfield College for an afternoon of live music, food and community celebration. Kate Ceberano will be joined by Sax DJ ‘Jame’ Prendergast, Chloe Noon, the Clayfield Big Band and the Brisbane City Big Band, and an array of delicious food trucks will be slinging bites and sips across the afternoon. It all kicks off at midday – jump here for the details.
Felons Barrel Hall is keeping the spirit of Splendour alive by bringing its own tribute party FOREVER IN THE GRASS this Friday night. From 8:00 pm the energy and passion of Splendour will be summoned through the barrel hall with live bands and DJs playing all the best hits from past Splendour headliners and crowd-favourites. This event is free.
Australian garage-rock band The Grogans are switching the garage for the stage this Saturday August 2 at The Tivoli. Off the back of the release of their fifth studio album, Stagger, and supported by Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys and Platonic Sex.
Catch rising country star Austin Mackay at The Brightside in The Valley this Friday as he kicks off his Chasing the Wheel tour. Blending heartfelt lyrics with a raw, roots-driven sound, Austin has built a loyal fanbase and a reputation for powerful, intimate live shows. Don’t miss your chance to catch him live!
La Boite WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE! | Credit: image supplied
Theatre and live events on in Brisbane this weekend
La Boite’s WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE! is stomping into the Roundhouse Theatre from July 30 to August 16. Wildly imaginative, fast-paced and wickedly funny, WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE! is a major highlight of La Boite’s 2025 mainstage season – delivering puppetry, panic, pop culture and plenty of chaos in one unmissable night at the theatre. Tickets are on sale here.
Brisbane Ballet’s showcases an unforgettable evening of dance at Brisbane Powerhouse this Saturday August 2 with its double bill peformance, Aquila. Backed by the transcendent music of J.S. Bach, Handel, Purcell, Rameau and Vivaldi, with choreography by Emrys Goldsworthy, the ballet reveals the tale of a fallen angel who defies divine will to love a human woman. Tickets are on sale here.
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral will come alive every night until Saturday August 9 with immersive light show, Eonarium Enlightenment. The brainchild of Zurich-based artist collective PROJEKTIL, the 30-minute installation blends vibrant light projects, visuals and soundscapes to the iconic melodies of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. To find out more and purchase tickets, click here.
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Iconic global phenomenon, Jesus Christ Superstar is currently showcasing until August 10 at QPAC. With a mesmerising new production that has received unprecedented acclaim and accolades during its US and UK tours, including an Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, this show is not to be missed. Tickets are available here.
Te Urewera – The Living Ancestor of Tūhoe People, World Press Photo Exhibition | Credit: Tatsiana Chypsanava, Pulitzer Center, New Zealand Geographic
Art and exhibitions on in Brisbane this weekend
Internationally acclaimed wildlife artist Priya Gore is proud to present her first solo exhibition The Wild Within at Merivale Studios until August 6. The Wild Within is a powerful large-scale collection of immersive rainforest paintings teeming with birdlife from across the globe
Brisbane Powerhouse is currently hosting the World Press Photo Exhibition 2025 – a powerful showcase of award-winning photojournalism. Now in its 70th year, the exhibition features winning images from over 59,000 entries submitted by photographers across 141 countries, revealing powerful stories of conflict, crisis, resilience and humanity. The free exhibition is open daily from 9:00 am (until late Friday to Sunday).
Artist Mandy Quadrio brings fun and creativity to QAGOMA’s Art Box for Kids, running until October 26. As part of the ‘Art Box for Kids‘ project, Mandy’s activity Paper Treasure Carrier invites children to create their own unique paper treasure carrier to hold their cherished objects, secret finds and tiny keepsakes. No bookings needed.
The vibrant, inflatable floral-art installation Love Follows a Line is currently on podium level one at Brisbane Quarter until August 16. Created by artist Matthew Aberline in collaboration with The Beautiful and Useful Studio, the striking artwork transforms the ground floor atrium of 300 George Street into a luminous garden of oversized, inflatable flowers – playful, surreal and impossible to miss.
Desire is a Machine is currently exhibiting until Saturday September 20 at The Institute of Modern Art. Curated by Institute of Modern Art Adjunct Curator Stephanie Berlangieri, the new show navigates schizoanalysis, hybridisation of the human and the machine and cyberfeminism.
Its the last weekend of Arabella Walker’s solo exhibition Echoed Ground at Outerspace. Offering a richly layered, multi-sensory experience, the immersive installation brings together archival imagery, contemporary artworks, scent, sound and sculptural forms to explore memory, movement and connection to Country.
Wonderstruck is currently exhibiting works from over 70 Australian and international artists at GOMA. This free exhibition explores the vibrant world of colour, creativity and curiosity.
Check out photographic exhibition All Shades by Kamilaroi artist Dean Saffron at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Dean travelled many kilometres to capture images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from all walks of life. This mesmerising collection reflects 32 large-scale portraits, each image created in collaboration with the subject, location and story behind it.
Multidisciplinary artist Danie Mellor is showcasing historical ‘truths’ in a new light through a profound and visually arresting body of work at QAGOMA. Titled marru | the unseen visible, Mellor invites audiences to experience and reflect on the relationship between First Nations people, culture and Country, and the environmental and social impact of colonial history.
Discover the depths of a dark forest with Harry Potter A Forbidden Forest Experience now on at Sirromet Winery. Come face-to-face with magical creatures as you explore and interact across the outdoor trail. Tickets are on sale now.
Museum of Brisbane’s new major exhibition Precious showcases a stunning assemblage of items generously loaned from around 30 remarkable collections and collectors. Explore Brisbane through more than 3000 precious objects that reveal intriguing stories of culture, place, family and tradition, travel and trade.
Get hands-on at Micro Museum in the Museum of Brisbane open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Pint-sized curators are encouraged to create their own collections from a huge range of vintage treasures, inspired by MoB’s Precious exhibition with a series of colour-filled, creative series of immersive experiences and interactive activities.
Stroll through Museum of Brisbane’s New Light: Photography Now + Then free photography exhibition. The collection features a mesmerising display of photographs (spanning from 1890 to 2024) by amateur Brisbane photographer Alfred Henrie Elliott (1870-1954). These extraordinary images laid dormant for decades until they were discovered in 1983, stored in cedar cigar boxes beneath a home in Red Hill.
Journey back thousands of years and uncover the mysteries of one of history’s most iconic civilisations at Discovering Ancient Egypt, now open at Queensland Museum. Featuring over 250 rare artefacts from the renowned Dutch National Museum of Antiquities, the exhibition brings to life the rich culture, beliefs and daily rituals of Ancient Egypt.
LUMINOUS Lantern Parade, South Bank | Credit: image supplied
Fun events in Brisbane this weekend
The LUMINOUS Lantern Parade lights up the night with colour, culture and connection this Friday August 1 at South Bank Parklands. Presented by Multicultural Australia, this free, family-friendly event invites people of all backgrounds to gather in celebration – and marks the official launch of Multicultural Queensland Month.
GreazeFest rolls into the Redland Showgrounds in Cleveland this weekend, bringing three jam-packed days of rockabilly culture, hot rods, vintage bikes and retro style. Now in its 25th year, the popular bayside festival will roll out a huge bill of live bands and DJs, alongside kustom art shows, bustling markets, classic cars and plenty of nostalgic fun. Peep the full program and purchase tickets here.
If you love compilations of cat videos then the Cat Video Fest, showcasing at cinemas around Brisbane this weekend is your event! Purchase a ticket at participating cinema’s and view the latest and best cat videos from hours of submissions, animations, music videos and internet flicks. A percentage of the ticket sales from each event go to local animal shelters and/or animal welfare organisations.
The Scandinavian Film Festival kicks off at Palace Cinemas around Brisbane this weekend. Ranging from historical dramas to action, romance and comedy, there are plenty of session times to suit you. Click here to discover the full program.
Brisbane Anywhere Festival continues to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary stages. The festival continues its tradition of showcasing theatre, music, dance and storytelling of all genres with nearly 200 performances in over 100 locations. Click here to view the full program.
Transport from a sophisticated French lounge to a pumping nightclub party at Blanc de Blanc Encore. Adding more dates to its show-stopping run at The West End Electric Theatre, get ready to be amazed at the world’s finest acrobatic talent, great tunes, big laughs, lots of skin and more than a few surprises. To find out more and buy tickets head to Blanc de Blanc’s website here.
Step inside Bluey’s World – for real life! Bluey’s iconic Queenslander is calling Northshore Hamilton home until September 2025, allowing fans of the show to immerse themselves in the Heeler home they know and love. With innovative set designs, interactive games, and activities for children and adults alike, Bluey’s World has been carefully curated to mirror the spirit of the series, encouraging creative play and connection. A must visit for the young and young at heart!
Jan Powers Markets, Brisbane Powerhouse | Credit: Markus Ravik
Markets on in Brisbane this weekend
Experience an unforgettable night in Greece at Mt Gravatt Street Food Markets this Saturday August 2 from 4:00–9:00 pm. Featuring international food, live music, container bar and plenty of family-fun, this night market is not to be missed!
Fresh-local produce, bespoke goodies and street food snacks all await at Brisbane’s weekly markets. Kelvin Grove Village Market, Jan Powers Farmers Markets, Nundah Farmers Markets, West End Markets, Riverside Markets and the Redcliffe Markets are open and trading this weekend. Want to discover more Brisbane markets? Click here.