From Tim Minchin to Belinda Carlisle – here’s what’s on this weekend
Music
In celebration of its fifth studio album, The Rubens are back on the road, returning to Brisbane for a show at Fortitude Music Hall this Saturday. Best known for its chart-topping hit ‘Hoops’, The Rubens has remained a fixture of the alt-indie scene since its 2011 debut. The Menangle-born five-piece band is touring its latest album SODA.
Heaven is a place on earth this weekend – pop icon Belinda Carlisle returns to Brisbane this weekend with her Decades Tour. This show celebrates Belinda’s 35-year solo career, after the songstress’ time in the legendary girl group The Go Go’s. Experience all of Belinda’s unforgettable and chart-topping music this Saturday and Sunday at the Tivoli.
Live events
After a sell-out tour in 2022, Romesh Ranganathan returns to Brisbane for a new show. Hustle sees Romesh ask the timeless question – are people inherently good? The set is expected to be a hilarious but provocative night of laughs and life’s biggest dilemmas.
Acclaimed musician, writer, actor and comedian Tim Minchin AM is touring this month in celebration of his first non-fiction book, You Don’t Have to Have a Dream. Tim will be interviewed by Sarah Kanowski of Conversations on ABC Radio and podcast as the pair discuss life, art, success, kindness, love and thriving in a meaningless universe. There are just a few tickets left to see this enigmatic Australian personality live.
Brisbane Powerhouse will be hosting 2021 Australian of the Year recipient Grace Tame this Saturday for an evening of untamed candour, wit and humour. The night will give you a peek into the world of one of Australia’s most powerful and inspiring voices. Talking about everything from legislative reform to personal growth, Grace’s Lightening the Load kicks off at 7:30 pm.
On Thursday, spend an unforgettable evening with legendary Australian screen icon, Noni Hazlehurst, as she discusses her 40-year career. Hosted by Sarah Kanowski, Noni will be discussing her long-awaiting memoir Dropping the Mask – a captivating exploration of Noni’s experiences, both ordinary and extraordinary.
Acclaimed Belgian-Colombian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa exploration of Coco Chanel’s life and career arrives in Brisbane this weekend. The mesmerising show delves into Coco’s creativity, triumph, immorality and dark opportunism as she evolves from orphan to fashion legend. With an original score by Peter Salem and sets and costumes by the award-winning Jerome Kaplan, this evocative ballet explores one woman’s rise to icon status.
Experiences
Maho Magic Bar is back in Brisbane – this time it’s popping up on the river’s edge of South Bank to whisk away Brisbane’s thrill-seekers for an unforgettable night. The Japanese-style magic bar returns to Brisbane for another round of tricks and tipples with a fresh menu and an even fresher magic show. Darkfield’s experiences Seance and Flight will be joining Maho Magic Bar at the Brisbane Maritime Museum.
Beyond the spooky season, October also marks Oktoberfest – the world’s largest Volksfest, a beer festival and carnival. Grab your best lederhosen and head to one of the many Oktoberfest events happening across the city this weekend – from Cloudland to the tried-and-true Brisbane German Club.
Food and drink
Urban Cocktail Trail is back this weekend – taking you on a self-guided tour of The City’s vibrant cocktail scene. Start with a bite to eat at the meeting point and redeem your cocktail vouchers at a wide range of bars and restaurants. Stop and sip the likes of Frog’s Hollow Saloon’s Gold Rush (makers mark, honey, lemon and mint) to Miss Demeanour’s Iced Vovo (Archie Rose true cut vodka, Chambord, coconut and vanilla).
HellBound Brisbane is hosting a launch party for Italian Plastic’s 2024 vintage. Best known for its wild and fresh wines, you can sample Italian Plastic’s latest releases with a guided tasting and launch party. Ticket holders get to taste their way through the delicious range on Saturday afternoon.
Theatre and film
Queen Bette will be sure to tease you and unease you this weekend. This thrilling one-woman show follows the life and legacy of the iconic movie star Bette Davis. The show arrives in Brisbane after sell-out seasons in Sydney and Melbourne where lead actress Jeanette Cronin wowed audiences – exploring the complicated career of the legend in an intimate cabaret-style show.
The Broadway blockbuster WICKED has arrived in QPAC – bringing with it a wickedly talented cast, sensational songbook and dazzling set design. Get ready to delve into the world of Oz long before Dorothy arrives and discover the enthralling origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West. This latest Australian production will defy your expectations (and gravity). Plus, TodayTix just unveiled its ticket lottery so you even have the chance to score tickets to this unmissable musical event for as little as $45.
This prime weather is calling for time in the great outdoors. Fortunately, Dendy Powerhouse has teamed up with The Weekend Edition to celebrate the King’s Birthday long weekend with three nights of films, food and festivities at its outdoor cinema. The Spring Carnival invites you to catch a flick on the big screen along with lawn games and live entertainment. Classics and new releases like Grease, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Runt and The Greatest Showman are on the program. Find out more here.
Art
In anticipation of Spencer Tunick’s live nude art installation (which is set to descend on Story Bridge next month), Brisbane Powerhouse is hosting the TIDE Exhibition. This exciting art event represents the first time Spencer has exhibited his photography and video work in the country. Experience the projected video piece created during Spencer’s first visit to Brisbane, featuring the Brisbane Riverbanks and Brisbane’s very own laid bare.
QAGOMA’s winter blockbuster exhibition Iris Van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses closes its doors this weekend. It’s your last chance to explore more than 100 mesmerising garments by the prolific Dutch designer that showcase her pioneering approach to 3D printing, new-wave fabrications and robotics. A fusion of fashion and art, the exhibition is shown alongside a curated collection of the specimens, contemporary art and artefacts which have inspired the fashion creations.
As part of Queensland Mental Health Week, King George Square is transforming into a free art gallery from Friday October 4 to next Thursday. The Recovered Futures Art Exhibition will showcase the work of 180 artists with lived mental health experience. The exhibition seeks to spark meaningful conversations about mental health using the power of art t0 champion the message that recovery is possible through a collection of stirring artworks from Queensland’s own.
Markets and experiences
It’s your final chance to bloom into the new season with Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers this weekend. The award-winning Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has spent the last three weeks celebrating with a spring extravaganza filled with live music, local food, and stunning floral displays. With more than 40-million blooms across iconic parks like Queens and Laurel Bank, there is bunches of fun to be had this weekend out west. Visit the official website for details.
Suitcase Rummage is rolling back to Brisbane Square this weekend, with a suite of luggage to shop from. For the uninitiated, the iconic event sees second-hand clothing sellers sell vintage, books, jewellery, shoes, you name it, all from the confines of their suitcase. The market is home to a sea of great deals and must-buy finds for a diverse suite of styles and sizes.
This glorious spring weather calls for an early morning stroll through some of Brisbane’s finest farmers markets. 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. For our night owls still craving the delicious market fare but can’t beat the ‘snooze’ button and hit up Eat Street Northshore. Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
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.