Music
The ABBA tributes continue to dance their way to Brisbane with beloved outfit Bjorn Again returning to QPAC for its Waterloo Anniversary Tour on Saturday night. Endorsed by the original ABBA members, Australia’s Bjorn Again is touted as a flawless celebration of the iconic disco band. This latest show celebrates ABBA’s historic Eurovision Song Contest victory – a moment that changed music forever. So get those platforms high and your metallic one piece, Bjorn Again’s fate is to be with you. 

Speaking of tributes, Brisbane’s very own Soft Treadly are bringing its tribute to David Bowie back to Felons Barrel Hall’s stage for an encore performance. This two hour live show is a celebration of the Starman’s most iconic hits from his generation defining anthems to dance-inducing faves. Catch the David Bowie Experience on Friday August 9.If you’re in the mood for a boogie – but craving the real deal – DJ duo Peking Duk will be spinning a fresh set this Friday. Hosted in Fortitude Valley, Adam and Reuben will be heating up your winter night with a night of tunes. Peking Duk continues to top charts with its high-energy electric pop – experience the duo live this weekend.

Film
For our resident dog persons, Brisbane Powerhouse is hosting the Top Dog Film Festival on Saturday. This curated program of inspiring and entertaining dog-themed flicks will celebrate your canine connection. Get a new leash on life with these stories of companionship and unbreakable bonds about man’s best friend.

Theatre and live events
Bangarra Dance Theatre’s latest work Horizon sees two of the world’s great First Nations unite for this stirring new show. Dreamed up by leading-Māori choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Patterson and beloved-Bangarra alumna Deborah Brow, Horizon traverses across ocean and aeons in a mesmerising new show dedicated to the resilience of the First Peoples of the Oceania region.

Social-media sensation and comedy great Celeste Barber will be cracking up crowds this Friday at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. Her new show Backup Dancer is set to tackle a range of issues with a healthy dose of hilarity. Over the years, Celeste has scored legions of fans from A-list celebrities to hundreds of sold-out shows across the country – and this latest show is expected to prove why.

Searching for simply the best this weekend? TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, the Broadway show dedicated to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll is continuing to rock out QPAC. Experience the iconic career of the legendary songstress with simply the best of the songstress’ music. Celebrate the tour de force that was Tina and experience her inspiring rise to fame, renowned career and lasting legacy.

Exhibitions and art
QAGOMA’s latest blockbuster Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses continues to captivate audiences this weekend. The exhibition showcases more than 100 mesmerising garments by the prolific Dutch designer, showcasing 3D printing, new-wave fabrications and robotics. The designs are exhibited alongside the specimens, contemporary art and artefacts to traverse Iris’ fascinating world of science, art and fashion.

Across the river, Brisbane Quarter is hosting SHAPE OF WATER – a new exhibition to compliment QAGOMA’s Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses. Discover a series of fashion works created by eight final year QUT Bachelor of Design students, which are in dialogue with Iris’ genre-bending garments. If all this artistry has you working up an appetite, Brisbane Quarter’s elite restaurants are offering themed beverages and bites, drawn from the essence of the exhibition as well.

Brisbane’s oldest European residential property Newstead House is re-opening to the public this weekend following an impressive $6.65 million renovation. The iconic landmark has been restored to this late-1800s glory, showcasing its classic snapshot of colonial life. From Friday and Sunday this week, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the history and stories of Newstead House with guided tours available as well.

Brisbane Portrait Prize Finalist Exhibition returns to State Library of Queensland to celebrate the best of the city’s contemporary portraiture. This exhibition and its fascinating collection of portraits tells the stories of the people who make up our city. With a range of style and subjects, Brisbane Portrait Prize Finalist Exhibition invites you to witness the joy, sadness and resilience of Brisbane.

At MoB, the museum’s artist in residence Hiromi Tango is hosting a Crafty Party to accompany her ongoing exhibition Gentle Petal. This Thursday-night event will see the world-renowned artist join you at the workshop table to talk about cyclical peptides and teach special weaving techniques to create a wearable piece of art.

Markets
The vibrant Rivermakers Precinct in Morningside will come alive this Sunday with its new premium farmers market. With free entry and parking, the markets will be stocked with fresh produce, bespoke goodies and more from the luxe riverside venue.

Shake out your tote bag and stock up on fresh-local produce, bespoke goodies and street food snacks at one of the weekly markets as well. Riverside Markets, Kelvin Grove Village Market, Jan Powers Farmers Markets, Carseldine Markets, Nundah Farmers Markets and the Redcliffe Markets are open and trading this weekend.

Want more? Head to our comprehensive Event Guide for all of the fun around town where you can search by category, date, location and more! We do our best to remove cancelled events but be sure to check the organiser’s own event page for the most current updates.