What's On This Weekend in Brisbane: Sitchu's Top Picks

There's no reason to be bored in Brisbane. From swish new rooftop bars to strolling the streets, we've scoped out the best happening across the city. You'll find fun outings for your next date night or group get together, no matter what you're into.

There's no end to amazing events happening in and around Brisbane this month and to help you narrow it down one step further, here's our pick of fun things to do in Brisbane this weekend.

Without further ado, let's see what's on in Brisbane.

Negroni Week on Fish Lane

Negroni Week arrives on Fish Lane this September, painting this foodie street red in celebration of this delicious, bitter beverage.

Celebrating its 12th anniversary, Negroni Week raises funds for its official charity partner Slow Food, who work to provide good, clean and fairly sourced food for all.

Fish Lane favourites such as Bar Brutus, Chu the Phat, Hello Please, Kiki, Maeve Bar and more will be adding negroni-inspired cocktails, dishes and desserts to the menu for your enjoyment throughout mid-Septemer.

Monday 16th September to Sunday 22nd September

Multiple locations along Fish Lane

Yo-Chi Unicorn Magic Month

It’s starting to feel like Brisbane is skipping Spring and heading straight into Summer… so thankfully Yo-Chi has the fix! For a limited time, you can indulge your inner child at any of their venues across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast as they turn their frozen yoghurt stores into an immersive experience! 

For Unicorn Magic Month, you can enjoy limited edition unicorn-themed toppings and unicorn swirl Strawberries & Cream yoghurt. There are even bite-sized chunks of rainbow cake you can pop on top of your fro-yo.

If that has your mouth watering, it might be time to head into your local Yo-Chi! 

Monday 16th September to Sunday 30th September

Multiple locations

Ballet Nights

Making its first international foray to Brisbane this month is Ballet Nights, a one-night-only performance by renowned and emerging ballet stars, musicians, and contemporary dance talent. 

Ballet Nights will be presented as an immersive experience, so don’t miss the opportunity to surround yourself with incredible international talent from stageside seating. 

From $145 per person

Saturday 21 September, 7:30pm

Talbot Theatre, The Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Road, West End

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Toowoomba’s most exciting event of the year happens each September, and if you haven’t yet attended, you’ve certainly heard of it. The Carnival of Flowers showcases incredible floral displays, garden tours, live music and of course the grand parade. Whether you’re a green thumb or simply an admirer of beautiful things, it’s the best time of year to visit Toowoomba and soak up the food, florals and culture that come to life.

If you’re searching for things to do in Toowoomba, you’ll find the widest variety of events occurring throughout October, from food and wine festivals, live music from your favourite bands and arts and crafts workshops so you can make a little bit of magic to remember your trip by.

The program changes each year and accommodation books out months in advance, so make sure you’ve planned and prepared accordingly!

Free and ticketed events

Various locations across Toowoomba

Friday 13th September to Monday 7th October

The Star Brisbane Makes Its Debut

Stage One of the long-awaited, multiphased $3.6 billion Queens Wharf Development has opened to the Brisbane public!

From Thursday 29th August, the first guests will be able to check into the five-star Star Grand hotel to experience the opulence at the core of the precinct. You'll also be able to visit the Sky Deck, which soars 100 metres above the city and is open 24/7.

Here's what to expect from the Stage One openings: 

• The Star Grand Hotel: The Star’s signature 5-star riverfront hotel comprising 340 luxury rooms. Bookings now open for stays from Thursday 29 August
• Event Centre: The Star Brisbane’s state-of-the-art Event Centre, anchored by Brisbane’s largest hotel ballroom
• Sky Deck: The Star Brisbane’s seemingly suspended observation deck soaring 100 metres above the Brisbane River
• Leisure Deck: The Star Brisbane’s 12,000sqm open-air oasis delivering the equivalent of two football fields of public space
• Sokyo: The Star Brisbane’s premier Japanese restaurant helmed by Australia’s Sashimi Florist, Chef Alex Yu. Bookings now open to dine from 5.00pm, Thursday 29 August.
• Fat Noodle: Celebrity chef Luke Nguyen’s celebrated South-East Asian restaurant delivering a reimagined experience 
• Sports Bar: Brisbane’s new home of sport boasting 100sqm of mega LED screens and stadium-like sound (18+ venue)
• LiveWire: The Star Brisbane’s dedicated live entertainment venue offering a dynamic rotation of live acts and late-night entertainment 
• Cherry: The Star Brisbane’s lively cocktail bar located at the centre of the resort
• Food Quarter: A Brisbane-inspired dining hall with floor-to-ceiling glass and river views 
• Neville Bonner Bridge: Brisbane’s new 320-metre pedestrian bridge connecting The Star Brisbane and South Bank

WICKED – The Untold True Story of the Witches of Oz

The utterly iconic WICKED returns to Brisbane this month, bringing the award-winning and three-time Tony Award-winning show to musical theatre lovers. 

WICKED tells the tale of the witches in the Land of Oz before Dorothy twirled in on her tornado. Showing the unlikely friendship between a fiery young woman born with emerald skin and a popular bubbly blonde, this Broadway musical classic is a must-do when making plans this month.

From $75 per person

Thursday 12 September to Sunday 17 November

QPAC Lyric Theatre, Grey Street, South Brisbane

Brisbane Festival 2024

Brisbane Festival has begun and we couldn't be more ready. Celebrating the lifestyle, persona, and energy of our river city, these highly anticipated events bring an enormous calendar of performances, art, and culture back to our doorsteps.

From light shows to renowned artist performances and incredible installations, this is the best time of year to explore the growing pace of Brisbane’s arts and cultural scene.

With some of the Festival’s installations beginning in August, the program will be in full swing from September 1st, and we recommend booking tickets now to prevent any disappointment, as events will sell out fast!

Free and ticketed events, various locations

Lightscape

Invite a sense of wonder into your life this month with the arrival of Lightscape, a two-kilometre, self-guided trail under glowing tree canopies filled with colour and through sparkling tunnels of light.

Pore over neon roots bursting from the undergrowth of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, as this immersive installation is brought to life in a warm-up for the Brisbane Festival.

With sessions running every 15 minutes, we recommend allowing yourself a leisurely 90 minutes to stroll through the experience, so you’ll have plenty of time to be mesmerised… and to get your Instagram moments, of course.

From $28 per person

Thursday 29 August to Thursday 12 October, 5.45pm until late

Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Brisbane City

Limbo - The Return

West End’s most exciting new theatre and bar is welcoming an international circus spectacle this month with Limbo - The Return opening to the public on the 29th of August. The award-winning performance has toured 17 countries and has now been reimagined, in time to form part of the Brisbane Festival 2024. 

Prepare to be dazzled by a cast of world-renowned circus performers, prolific musicians and magnificent magicians in this captivating show. 

From $59 per person

From 29 August

The West End Electric, 125 Boundary Street, West End

Iris Van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses Exhibition at GOMA

Fashion, art, design, science and technology collide at GOMA’s latest exhibition by acclaimed Dutch fashion designer, Iris van Herpen.

Brisbane gains exclusive access to an immersive sensory exploration of van Herpen’s work, with almost 100 garments, presented with contemporary artworks, natural history specimens and cultural artefacts that inspired the designs.

Worn by Beyoncé, Björk, Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga and Tilda Swinton, her work reflects her curiosity about the universe and her collaborative approach to haute couture.

Until 7 Oct 2024

Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place, South Brisbane

Titanic: The Human Story

Following sold-out sessions in London, New York and DC, Titanic: The Human Story is coming to Brisbane!

Discover the human stories of the Titanic passengers by exploring personal possessions, photographs and relics both from people aboard, and from the ship itself. You’ll also get to view a recreation of the ship’s interior, from the first-class suites to the humble third-class cabins.

From $39 per person

Wednesdays to Sundays, 10:00am to 6:00pm

Level Q, Uptown, 91 Queen Street, Brisbane

Book A Bottomless Brunch

Few things fill our hearts with as much joy as the idea of a bottomless brunch with our besties on the weekend. Whether you need an excuse to get the gang together, or you have a reason to celebrate, we've found the best bottomless brunches in Brisbane to book this weekend. 

Thinking about getting out of town this weekend? Head to our destinations pillar to find out everything you need to know about Queensland's best vacation spots. Or for more of what's happening in and around Brisbane this month, check out of monthly guide of fun things to do in Brisbane.