What's on in the city

Art and Culture 

Brisbane Fashion Festival | Brisbane City

Brisbane Fashion Festival returns in 2026, bringing Queensland’s premier fashion event back to the heart of Brisbane City. Celebrating the best of local and Australian designs, the festival showcases leading fashion houses, emerging talent and homegrown favourites through a stylish program of runway shows and special events. Timed to coincide with the arrival of new Spring/Summer collections, fashion lovers can discover the latest trends and shop their favourite looks straight from the runway, all while supporting Brisbane’s vibrant fashion industry.

The Red Dress | Museum of Brisbane 

Stitched together from stories across the globe, The Red Dress is at the Museum of Brisbane until 13 September. Created over 14 years by hundreds of embroiderers in 51 countries, this striking artwork is as powerful as it is intricate. Free to visit daily, its one to see up close.

Disney Store | Queen Street Mall

Disney is bringing magic to Brisbane City with an exclusive pop-up store for a limited time. Packed with collectable pins, trading cards and exclusive merchandise, it’s a must-visit for fans. With new product releases landing in-store each week, there’s always a reason to stop back in and see what’s new. Check out the Disney Store Brisbane City pop-up store in Queen Street Mall before its gone.

Lord Mayor’s City Hall Concerts | Brisbane City Hall

Make time for a free lunchtime escape at Brisbane City Hall this August, with the Lord Mayor’s City Hall Concerts bringing something different to the stage each Tuesday. The month opens with Dance & Romance, pairing organ music with choreography, before Miss Mandy Swings leans into old Hollywood charm and big-band nostalgia. Later in the month, The Serenading Sopranos bring rich harmonies across opera, musical theatre and contemporary favourites, while The Acoustic Guitar Spectacular closes August with three Australian guitarists sharing the spotlight in a much-loved annual performance.

Wentworth Galleries | Queens Wharf

Make time for a culture stop at Wentworth Galleries Brisbane in the Queen’s Wharf precinct. The gallery brings one of Australia’s respected contemporary art names to The City, with a curated mix of Australian contemporary, First Nation’s art from leading Indigenous painters and collectible works. Drop in between lunch, before dinner or on a riverside wander to browse the latest pieces, discover emerging and established artists, and add a little gallery time to your day in Brisbane City.

Wick & Sip at Riverland Brisbane | Eagle Street

Settle in by the river for Wick & Sip at Riverland Brisbane, a monthly candle-making workshop made for relaxed afternoons with friends. The guided experience takes you through creating your own personalised soy candle from start to finish, from choosing a fragrance to blending the wax, setting the wick to taking home your finished candle. With sipping, chatting and a hands-on creative activity all rolled into one, it’s an easy way to spend a Sunday in The City. Upcoming dates include 23 August, 20 September, 18 October and 22 November, bookings essential.

Piano Tuesdays at Pompette | Queens Wharf

Add a little Parisian polish to your week with Piano Tuesdays at Pompette, where live piano performances set the mood every Tuesday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Found on The Terrace at The Star Brisbane, this French-inspired champagne bar and restaurant pairs signature dining and flowing bubbles with a little midweek glamour. Book a table, settle into the chic Queen’s Wharf surrounds and turn an ordinary Tuesday into something with a little more sparkle.

Thursday Night Jazz at Lennon's Restaurant & Bar | Queen Street

Ease into the end of the week with some jazz at Lennons Restaurant & Bar, where the smooth live music meets a refined City dinner setting every Thursday from 6.15pm. Set above Queen Street Mall at Hyatt Regency Brisbane, the evening pairs soulful jazz with restaurant specials and optional wine upgrades. Book a table for a midweek date night, after-work catch-up or an easy excuse to make Thursday feel a little more elevated.

Vinyl Listening Lounge at W Brisbane | North Quay

Give your next night out a little more groove inside W Brisbane’s Vinyl Listening Lounge, a private record-bar-style hideaway made for small groups and late-night plans. Choose your soundtrack from the 100-strong vinyl library, settle in with cocktails and elevated bites, then hit Brisbane’s first “press for martini” button when the moment calls for it. With an experience host guiding the session, it’s an intimate, music-led escape that feels playful, polished and entirely your own.

Foodie Events

Batica opens at The Westin Brisbane | Mary Street

Batica has opened on Level One of The Westin Brisbane, offering classic-contemporary dining with an easy, welcoming feel. The new signature restaurant brings Australian produce to the forefront through a menu shaped by Executive Chef Massimo Speroni, with dishes spanning fresh seafood, native ingredients and quality local suppliers. The drinks list keeps the same Australian focus, with wines, premium non-alcoholic options and mocktails designed to sit comfortably alongside a relaxed City meal.

KG Sports Bar reopens | Ann Street

Game day has a new home in The City with KG Sports Bar now open on Ann Street. Inspired by American sports culture, the new venue brings 15 screens, including two 100-inch displays, together with live local and international sport, cold drinks and classic bar bites. Settle in for AFL, NRL, cricket or a global match-up, then take on burgers, wings, fries, onion rings and jalapeño poppers, or brave the over-18s Hot Wing MVP Challenge if you’re feeling competitive.

Jian Cha opens in Brisbane | George Street 

Jian Cha has opened its first Brisbane store on George Street, adding a playful new tea stop to The City. The brand brings a more inventive take on the usual bubble tea run, with a focus on fresh tea bases, fruit-forward flavours and textural signatures like mochi milk tea. With a Brisbane-only menu item still to come, it’s one to watch for if you’re looking for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up with a twist.

Wedding Showcase at Naldham House | Felix Street 

Begin the wedding planning journey inside one of The City’s most beautiful heritage venues at Naldham House’s Wedding Showcase. Taking place on Wednesday 19 August, the evening invites couples to explore the venue’s elegant event spaces, meet the events team and get a feel for how a celebration could come to life here. With personalised tours, complimentary drinks and canapés, it’s a relaxed way to gather ideas, ask questions and picture the day in a setting made for memorable moments.

Riverfire dining and events | Brisbane City

Riverfire is set to light up Brisbane City on Saturday 5 September, and the best seats are already being snapped up across The City. Book riverside dining at The Lex for its Smooth Like Velvet experience or secure a table or Sky Deck package at Queen’s Wharf. Over on Eagle Street, Babylon, Alchemy and Riverland are serving up Riverfire packages with river views, dining and drinks, while Kabuki Teppanyaki at Stamford Plaza is pairing dinner with exclusive riverside viewing. Whether you’re planning a date night, group celebration or polished city dinner before the fireworks, lock in your spot early and make a night of it in Brisbane City.

Shawarma Lunch at Golden Avenue | Edward Street 

Step away from the usual desk lunch and head to GA Bar at Golden Avenue for its new weekday Shawarma Lunch, available Monday to Friday for walk-ins. With three shawarmas to choose from starting at $20, it’s the new polished midday pick-me-up wrapped in the restaurant’s signature Middle Eastern-inspired flavours. Expect Golden Avenue’s lush, golden-hued surrounds, a relaxed GA Bar buzz and a lunch that feels fast, flavourful and just a little bit fancy.

Ongoing Events

Brisbane City Markets

If you’re regular in Brisbane City you’re likely familiar with the iconic Brisbane City Markets held every Wednesday and Thursday at Reddacliff Place, Cathedral Square and Queen’s Wharf. Whether you’re shopping for a special gift, enjoying a local lunch, or picking up your weekly groceries, the markets have something for everyone.

Latin Friday Nights | Every Friday

Rediscover the magic of Latin Friday Nights at Reddacliff Place! Immerse yourself in a celebration of Latin culture featuring food trucks, live music, and social dancing. From 5pm, treat yourself to a variety of savoury and sweet delights, followed by live music until 7pm. Then, join the free dance class at 7pm and sway into the night to 11pm. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!

Suitcase Rummage | Monthly

Looking to score some hidden gems without the usual market commotion? Look no further than Suitcase Rummage, a delightful community market experience right in your neighbourhood. Simply pack your trusty suitcase with your cherished pre-loved items or handcrafted creations and set up your mini pop-up shop effortlessly. This unique market takes place on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, nestled cosily in Reddacliff Place.

City Sounds | Weekly

Turn up and tune in to The City’s longest-running free live music program, City Sounds. Every week, at various locations, you can enjoy live music from both local and touring artists, covering a range of genres from jazz to indie folk. To see the upcoming line-up, click here.