Gin parties, breathtaking ballet and alt-rock – what’s on in Brisbane this weekend
Music
Open Season continues this weekend, with numerous shows taking over Brisbane’s finest venues. Across two days, Perth-based outfit Dice, supported by Kiwi act Peach Fur, will be performing their summer-soaked sounds at The Princess Theatre. On Thursday, experience Two Another’s kaleidoscopic mix of electronic and alternate RnB music at the Tivoli. Close out the weekend with the 25th anniversary of indie record label Elefant Traks. Direct from the show’s stint at the Sydney Opera House, the label is retiring with a bang, uniting an exciting line-up of its local talent to bid you farewell with music and merriment. Elefant Traks 25th Anniversary – The Finale will be taking over the Tivoli on Saturday night.
Theatre and live events
It’s your last chance to experience QPAC’s magical musical production of Beauty and the Beast the Musical. The beloved Disney film reimagined for the stage will be leaving Brisbane this Sunday. Be QPAC’s guest for a reverie of romance as this classic fairy-tale story comes to life with captivating sets and opulent costumes.
This weekend also marks the final curtain call for Queensland Theatre’s Medea – Kate Mulvany (Jasper Jones) and Anne-Louise Sarks’ award-winning retelling of mythology’s most misunderstood mother. The stirring play flips the script on this millennia-old story and tells the tale from the perspective of her two sons in modern Australia. Set exclusively in the sons’ bedroom, the play is a thrilling mediation on family, power and betrayal. Medea’s closes this Saturday.
Queensland Ballet’s debuts the company’s refreshed take on the romanticist ballet Coppelia this weekend. With the classic comedy being relocated to the South Australian town of Hahndorf, this new vision for Coppelia takes on the show’s mayhem and young love with a touch of Australiana. Be mesmerised by this iconic ballet, with music by Leo Delibes, from Saturday at QPAC.
Art and exhibitions
In anticipation of Double Vision Festival, Brisbane Powerhouse is celebrating with an otherworldly exhibition of bio human art from Yandell Walton. Hailing from Melbourne, Yandell is best known for her fascinating post-humanist works, intersecting the human, non-human, and technological. When We Are One sees the artist consider these themes through photogrammetry and Motion Capture in a captivating installation.
At QAGOMA, Waanyi artist Judy Watson’s career-survey exhibition mudunama kundana wandaraba jarribirri continues for another weekend – combining more than four decades of her prolific work. Discover prints, paintings, sculptures and more showcasing Judy’s poignant reflections on her family’s Waanyi Country in north-west Queensland. From fascinating home videos to mesmerising sculpture, the exhibition is a captivating look at the politics of place, family and Australian history.
Experience Japanese artist Hiromi Tango’s artist residency at the Museum of Brisbane this weekend, showcasing the community-led project Gentle Petal. The multi-room installation features upcycled textiles for attendees to create flowers, which will then enliven the walls of the Adelaide Street Pavilion. Hiromi’s vibrant project aims to inspire healing through the social connection of creating together.
Food
This Saturday marks the sacred World Gin Day and, naturally, Brisbane is celebrating with an array of gin-charged celebrations across the city. Head to the West End gin bar Covent Garden for its world gin day party. Wolf Lane Distillery will be popping up a gin cocktail bar in the courtyard whilst the Covent Garden team serves up mouth-watering canapes and DJ spins.
This month, Dine BNE City has come to life across The City – celebrating the area’s best venues with an epicurean paradise of delicious events and unmissable deals. Whet your appetite this weekend with a culinary adventure thanks to the Supper Club series. Discover set-menu sensations running at all your favourite inner-city eateries. Feast on Chinese delicacies at Phoenix, savour Donna Chang’s signature dishes or indulge with a tomahawk steak at Vintaged Bar and Grill. On Thursday and Friday, walk on the wild side with a Bar Safari through The City’s most coveted watering holes. Elevate your after-work tipple with sip and snack deals such as the new kid on the block Longwang and its $25 Beer and Bao series. You’ll also find champagne and oysters at Rothwell’s Bar & Grill, frosé and share plates at Santa Monica and much more. With more than 55 venues coming together for more than 90 exclusive offers and events, an abundant feast of flavours and fun awaits.
Markets and more
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.
To find out more about what’s on in Brisbane, head to our Event Guide.