Fairy tales fever
Bid farewell to the school holidays in style this weekend with QAGOMA’s Fairy Tale Festival. In collaboration with its Fairy Tales exhibition, this weekend marks a total trip down the rabbit hole with a fantastical kid-chella. Complete with a stacked line-up of live music, theatre and workshops, the QAGOMA precinct will be transformed into a whimsical wonderland. From Jim Henson screenings to storytime sessions, drawing classes and low-sensory exhibition sessions, expect a bibbidi bobbidi big day out.

Head across the river to Brisbane Quarter and discover even more fairy-tale fun with the new fantastical world from fairy craftmother, Rachel Burke. The precinct is aglow in tangles of tinsel, iridescent mosaics and larger-than-life sculptures from the new Nearly Midnight installation that brings the magic of Cinderella to life. Even dine at one of the Brisbane Quarter’s restaurants and savour their limited-edition fantasy-themed menus.

In honour of this fairy-tale fever, the Australian Ballet’s acclaimed Storytime Ballet: Cinderella is coming to Brisbane Powerhouse this weekend. Created with all little princesses and princes in mind, Storytime Ballet features an hour-long runtime and playful narration for a fun-filled first day at the ballet, where dress-ups are encouraged.

Music
Brisbane’s music roster of acoustic sounds this weekend is the perfect pairing to all this rainy weather. On Friday night, catch RnB reimagined with British indie artist, Bruno Major. At Riverstage, folk-pop sensation Noah Kahan is performing his viral tunes with his highly anticipated Brisbane debut. You can catch Noah’s laid-back but heartfelt guitar-strummed songs on the green this Saturday.

Around the river, indie-darling Julie Bryne’s songstress chops are taking the stage at the Underground Theatre of Brisbane Powerhouse. Beloved for her once-in-a-generation voice and inimitable songwriting, experience Julie’s The Greater Wings tour on Saturday night.

Theatre and live events
A new rendition of The Sleeping Beauty comes to Brisbane this weekend with only six sought-after performances. Set to the enchanting music of Tchaikovsky, this latest production sees the classic told through the grace and talent of Ballet Theatre Queensland.

For a change of pace, awaken with the vivacious extravaganza that is Dangerous Goods – a genre-bending medley of comedy, cabaret and circus show. Scored by the iconic Polytoxic, Dangerous Goods is a feminist romp of pulse-racing circus acts, burlesque and drag. With only three weeks left, catch this scolding-hot spectacular at Cremorne Theatre before it’s gone.

Already craving a holiday? The Pink Flamingo Spiegeland’s program of heart-racing performance is here to transport you to new worlds of fun and flamboyance. Trip to the Vegas strip with the acrobatics and burlesque flare of Suave or escape to Paris with the glamour and glitz of its Moulin Rouge-inspired cabaret, La Teaze. For somewhere where the weather is hot, Ripped and its riotous revue of testosterone has you sorted.

For even more razzle-dazzle, the infamous musical must-see Chicago is currently performing at QPAC with a top-tier cast of Australian TV and theatre legends. Experience the Tony Award-winning songs from housewife-turned-criminal Roxie Hart at this devilishly fun musical spectacular.

Exhibitions
Museum of Brisbane’s blooming Rearranged: Art of the Flower is your source of nature this weekend. This floral-themed exhibition celebrates the subject that has been fascinating artists for generations with everything from classic still-lifes to new media. Explore this bouquet of art and the natural world in The City this weekend.

Within the QAGOMA precinct, sis brings to Brisbane the artistry of Pacific artists from large-scale installations to traditional weaving. This collection focuses on a sisterhood of artists and over 30 years of works, traversing both personal and cultural histories of the region. This fascinating study of Oceania, sovereignty and sexuality – and art – is a must-see of Brisbane’s art scene. Whilst in the area, Living Patterns is another thought-provoking exhibition which considers the role of colour, line and shape across generations. This exhibition features works from leading Australian artists, with unique perspectives of this art’s most universal components.

Step back in time this weekend with Museum of Brisbane’s Walking with Vida – back by popular demand. Meet Vida Lahey, beloved Brisbane artist and pioneer, and explore the streets of Brisbane in this immersive theatre walking tour. Experience the sights and sounds that inspired Vida’s art and enrichen your understanding of The City’s architecture, culture and history.

Food
Claw BBQ is serving the Australian Open with Aperol’s Kombi food van, stirring up spitzes all season long. Catch the tournament on the big screen with a feast on Claw BBQ’s delicious dishes of sticky ribs and chicken wings for this fun-filled party.

Take a day trip this weekend across the bay to North Straddie with the Little Ship Club’s Seafood Spectacular. Celebrating the best catch of the island, local fisheries are coming together for a feed that’s straight from trawler to table.

Sip, savour and stroll the best of Newstead’s drinks with the Urban Cocktail Trail. The self-guided trail brings together bars from across the area including Maggie May, Ruby My Dear, Mrs Browns and more. One ticket takes you from bar to bar for an afternoon of new flavours and feeds – all at your own pace.

Markets
Take a stroll through the stalls of Brisbane’s best markets this weekend and stock up on local produce and creations. With street food, grocery goods and artisans aplenty, a market morning is the best way to start your weekend – hit up Northshore Produce Markets, Riverside Markets, Kelvin Grove Village Market, Jan Powers Farmers Markets, Carseldine Markets, Nundah Farmers Markets and the Redcliffe Markets. For a night out, Eat Street Northshore is home to food vans and pop up bars for a starlit evening riverside – open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Events may be subject to be postponed or cancelled at the last minute. We do our best to remove cancelled events but be sure to check the organiser’s own event page for the most current updates.