Top Brisbane events to warm up your winter calendar
Winter in Brisbane doesn't mean the city chills! Embrace the cooler weather with a sizzling line-up of events happening across Brisbane and the stunning Scenic Rim region. From indulging in delicious local produce to celebrating international cultures through film and art, there's something for everyone to ignite their winter spark. So, rug up, grab your calendar, and get ready to experience the best of Brisbane's vibrant winter season! [Cover photo: supplied].
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4th Annual Filter Festival at Passport Specialty Coffee!
When: 14th August 2024, 7am - 12pm.
Where: 49 Toombul Rd, Northgate
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Brisbane coffee lovers, mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 14th (Ekka Wednesday Public Holiday), and experience a unique coffee journey at Passport Specialty Coffee’s Filter Festival. From 7 AM to 12 PM, enjoy a flight of four rare, high-grade filter coffees for just $20, guided by expert baristas. Plus, indulge in their vegan Cold Brew Soft Serve. This is the only event of its kind in Australia—don’t miss out!
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Immerse Yourself in the Shape of Water
When: Now - until 27th August
Where: 300 George St. Brisbane Quarter
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From July 22 to August 27, Brisbane Quarter transforms into a mesmerizing seascape with the Shape of Water installation, inspired by acclaimed designer Iris van Herpen. Led by Lydia Pearson and QUT design students, the art installation features stunning, sustainable fashion pieces. Enjoy themed drinks and dishes at top restaurants like Brisbane Phoenix, Persone, Phat Boy, and more. Don’t miss this fusion of art, fashion, and flavor in Brisbane’s premier dining precinct.
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When: 3 - 4 August, 9am - 4pm.
Where: QAGOMA forecourt
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Discover handmade goods from over 80 local artisans, including ceramics, jewellery, homewares, textiles, and clothing. Meet the makers and find your next favorite piece. The market runs at the Gallery of Modern Art Forecourt on Saturday 3 August and Sunday 4 August, from 9am to 4pm. While you're there, explore the exclusive Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses exhibition, featuring nearly 100 innovative garments by the Dutch fashion designer.
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When: 2 - 4 August, 9am - 4pm.
Where: Redland Showgrounds, Cleveland
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Join in for the 24th annual GreazeFest, Australia's longest-running hot rod and rockabilly festival, on August 2-4 at the Redland Showgrounds. Enjoy three days of rockabilly music, classic cars, vintage fashion, market stalls, and live performances from local and international acts. Don’t miss the Hot Rod Show, Pinup Party, and special guest artist Wildman from Mooneyes Japan.
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Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival
When: 3 - 4 August, 1pm -6pm.
Where: Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny
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Celebrate at Spicers Tamarind Retreat on August 3-4, 2024, for a weekend of culinary delight. Enjoy street-food style dishes from top local restaurants, live music, market stalls, and masterclasses. Savor unique flavors from iconic eateries like Spirit House and Tamarind Restaurant. Special accommodation packages and transport options are available.
When: 5 - 18 August
Where: Various Venues
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From August 5-18, enjoy 70+ artists across 15 iconic Brisbane venues. This festival celebrates local artists, live music, and community spirit. Organized by ARIA award-winner Tyrone Noonan, the event has doubled in size this year. With 95% Aussie talent, the festival promises an array of free and ticketed events. Supported by Brisbane City Council, it’s the perfect way to support live music. Be kind, have fun, and soak up the big-hearted groove of Brisbane's music scene!
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When: Sat 24 Aug, 11am - 5pm
Where: 47 Galsworthy Street, Holland Park West, Brisbane
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Celebrate Ukrainian culture on Saturday, August 24, from 11 AM to 5 PM at the Ukrainian Club Brisbane. Enjoy traditional music, dance, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. Shop unique market stalls and participate in flower-crown making. Admission is free, with donations supporting displaced Ukrainians in Queensland.
When: Throughout the year
Where: 78 Montague Road, South Brisbane
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This winter, dive into an extraordinary lineup of performances at Queensland Theatre. From captivating dramas to heartfelt comedies, the 2024 season promises to ignite your imagination and stir your soul. With a blend of classic tales and new works, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to experience live theatre at its finest. Grab your tickets and enjoy a season filled with stellar performances, passionate storytelling, and unforgettable moments
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When: 10 - 18th Aug
Where: Brisbane Showgrounds
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Experience the magic of Queensland’s largest annual event from August 10-18. EKKA 2024 promises fun for all ages with thrilling rides, adorable animals, delicious food, and exciting entertainment. Explore the pavilions, enjoy live performances, and indulge in classic show treats. Don’t miss the iconic fireworks display every night!
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When: Sun 21 July, then once a month.
Where: 82 Colmslie Road, Morningside.
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Join this Sunday, 21st July, from 7 am to 1 pm for the grand opening of the Rivermakers Farmers and Artisan Markets at the Rivermakers Precinct! Experience Brisbane's first primary producer and start-up hub with fresh local produce, handmade artisan goods, and live music. Enjoy handmade sourdough, fresh vegetables, artisan soup mixes, and much more. With over 450 free car parks, free entry, and fun activities for all ages, it's the perfect family outing. Located at 82 Colmslie Road, Morningside. See you there!
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When: Sat 20 July 12pm-10pm
Where: 4 Mead Lane, Fortitude Valley
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Celebrate Colombian Independence Day with vibrant music, dance, and traditional food. Immerse yourself in Colombia's lively culture with 6+ live bands, top DJs, and delicious Colombian cuisine. Enjoy a full bar, family-friendly activities until 8pm, and an official after party from 10pm. Don’t miss this colorful celebration of Colombian pride and culture!
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When: Fri 19 Jul - Sun 4 Aug
Where: Anywhere!
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Launching this July 19th, the Anywhere Festival 2024 is back with a mission to offer affordable cultural experiences across Brisbane from July 19 to August 4. With 172 performances spanning theatre, comedy, music, dance, and more, this year's festival aims to provide diverse entertainment while addressing the cost of living crisis. Enjoy unique shows in unconventional venues, all designed to bring the arts to everyone in Brisbane.
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When: Sat 27 - Sun 28 Jul
Where: James Street Fortitude Valley
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Celebrate Brisbane's vibrant culinary scene on July 27-28 with a weekend filled with exclusive tastings, special menus, and a pop-up Market Day. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and drinks from top local chefs and venues. From champagne lunches to Middle Eastern feasts, there's something for everyone. Don't miss this free entry event with plenty of family-friendly activities!
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When: Thu 18 July - Wed 7 Aug
Where: Palace Cinemas
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Celebrate 10 Years of the Saxo Scandinavian Film Festival showcasing the best new films from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. From July to August, enjoy screenings at Palace Cinemas nationwide. This year’s highlights include the epic drama THE RIOT, Finnish favorite STORMSKERRY MAJA, and Icelandic dramas WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS and TOUCH. Don’t miss this cinematic journey through the Nordic region!
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When: 13 - 14 July
Where: Roma Street Parkland
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Brisbane's foodie haven returns! Providore Park pops up July 13-14th with a smorgasbord of delights. Masterclasses with culinary stars, artisan markets, live music & delectable bites await. Free entry & ticketed experiences for a weekend of epicurean adventure in Roma St Parkland. Don't miss out!
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When: 25 June - 1 July
Where: The Prince Consort
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Brisbane's Prince Consort turns into a winter wonderland (June 25-July 1)! 50 tonnes of snow, festive activities, & live music await. Highlights include:
State of Origin in the Snow (6/26)
Retro Ski Party with Groove City (6/28)
Après Ski Party with The Potbelleez (6/29)
Canada Day celebrations with games, trivia & food (7/1)
Escape the (not-so-cold) winter & party in the snow!
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When: 6 - 7 July
Where: Judith Wright Centre
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Brisbane flamenco fever! The Royal Opera of Madrid & Fever present "Authentic Flamenco" at the Judith Wright Centre (July 6-7). Witness award-winning Spanish artists like Ángeles Gabaldón & Alejandro Rodríguez captivate audiences with raw passion & fiery dance. This critically acclaimed show has sold over 124,000 tickets worldwide & promises a captivating journey into traditional Spanish flamenco. Don't miss this limited run!
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When: From July 26
Where: Uptown, 91 Queen St Brisbane
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Step aboard a journey through history! The unforgettable story of the Titanic comes to life in Brisbane with "Titanic: The Human Story" on July 19th. This acclaimed exhibition, featuring over 200 never-before-seen artifacts, recreates the ship's interior and lets you walk in the footsteps of passengers and crew. Explore personal belongings, listen to survivor testimonies, and uncover the truths and myths surrounding the "unsinkable" ship. Tickets start at $39 and are available now! Don't miss this chance to connect with a legendary story.
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When: 30 May - 2nd June
Where: Festival Hub, State Library of Qld
Tickets and info
Bookworms, rejoice! Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF) unveils its 2024 program, a captivating lineup from May 30th to June 2nd. Immerse yourself in over 150 events featuring literary luminaries like Melissa Lucashenko, Naomi Novik, and Michael Connelly. Expect lively author talks, insightful panel discussions, and engaging workshops. The BWF is your chance to meet literary stars and celebrate the written word!
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When: From May 29th
Where: Uptown, Level Q, 91 Queen St Brisbane
More info here
Experience a joyful adventure at Dopamine Land, Brisbane's new interactive museum! Unleash your inner child in 10 themed rooms filled with optical illusions, calming forests, and playful pillow fights. Create music with light and sound, capture surreal selfies in dreamscapes, and relive 80s Miami in a glowing ball pit! Don't miss this happiness-boosting experience - tickets on sale now!
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When: 1 - 30 June
Where: Scenic Rim
More Info here
Foodie adventures awaits! Scenic Rim Eat Local Month is your chance to explore farms, wineries & distilleries, enjoying exclusive paddock-to-plate experiences. Savour fresh local produce at long lunches, dinners & workshops. Don't miss this celebration of all things local in the Scenic Rim, and support our producers and farmers.
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When: 8th June
Where: Teneriffe
Tickets from $20
Get ready to fiesta! The Teneriffe Festival is an explosion of sights, sounds, and flavours celebrating this vibrant Brisbane suburb. Immerse yourself in live music, art, and delicious eats – from folk to punk, oysters to health food! With kids activities, local markets, and world-class entertainment, it's a day of fun for the whole family.
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When: 1 - 30 June
Where: Various Locations
More info here
Dine BNE City is your chance to celebrate Brisbane's vibrant food and drink scene. Over four delicious weeks, 50+ of the city's hottest restaurants and bars are offering exclusive deals and experiences you won't want to miss. Think decadent dinners, creative lunches, and enticing drink specials. It's the perfect opportunity to explore new places or revisit your favorites. Get your reservations ready and prepare to tantalize your taste buds!
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When: 5 - 7 July
Where: South Bank
Tickets here
Bonjour, Brisbane! Get ready for a taste of France without leaving town! Le Festival is back, and this year it's bigger and better than ever. From July 5th to 7th, South Bank Parklands will be transformed into a French wonderland, complete with flowing Champagne, mouthwatering crêpes, and flaky croissants. Dust off your berets and embrace the joie de vivre! Le Festival promises an authentic, immersive experience – a weekend getaway to France, right here in Brisbane!
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When: 15th June
Where: Milton Markets, Cribb St.
Tickets here
Warm up your winter with mulled wine (Glühwein) at Milton by Moonlight! This twilight market boasts gourmet street food, artisan treats, live music, and pop-up bars by Stone & Wood Brewery (all under the stars!). Find handmade goodies, family entertainment, and a festive atmosphere on Saturday, June 15th.
When: 13 June - 3 July
Where: Palace Cinemas
More info here
Immerse yourself in Spanish and Latin American culture at the HSBC Spanish Film Festival! This year's fiesta boasts a record-breaking line-up, featuring captivating dramas, hilarious comedies, and thought-provoking documentaries. Catch award-winning films like "The Teacher Who Promised the Sea" and "Jokes and Cigarettes," or explore coming-of-age tales like "A Ravaging Wind" and "Vera and the Pleasure of Others."
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When: 5 June - 3 July
Where: Online!
More info here
The Japan Film Festival Online returns June 5th to July 3rd, offering a treasure trove of Japanese cinema – free for streaming across Australia! Explore a diverse range of 23 films, 2 TV dramas, and 4 chilling horror shorts, all with subtitles in up to 16 languages. This year's program spans nearly 70 years of storytelling, featuring LGBTQIA+ narratives, heartwarming family dramas, and thrilling manga adaptations. Don't miss this chance to experience the magic of Japanese cinema – all from the comfort of your couch!
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When: 27 June
Where: The Triffid
More info here
Brisbane's own Mallrat headlines Smirnoff Future Fresh! This special one-night-only show on May 30th features Mallrat with hand-picked local openers Annie Hamilton and MOZË. Catch infectious tunes, rising stars, and the future of Aussie music! Tickets selling fast: https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/mallrat/165176
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When: 19 - 28 July
Where: Noosa
More info here
Noosa heats up with Noosa Alive! This 10-day festival ignites your senses with live shows, literary events, and mind-blowing performances. Indulge in Queensland's finest food & wine alongside a star-studded line-up of artists, musicians, and more! July 19-28, Noosa comes alive!