Music and dance
One Direction’s Irish icon Niall Horan is coming to Brisbane for his first solo tour. The ‘Slow Hands’ singer will be singing his swoon-worthy sounds and boy-band favourites at Brisbane Entertainment Centre Live on Tour this Saturday night. Catch the hitmaker this weekend.

Back in the city, 6lack (pronounced “black”) is returning to Brisbane for his highly anticipated new tour Since I Have A Lover. The three-time Grammy-nominated artist ended his multi-year career break last year with the release of this critically acclaimed album. Experience this once-in-a-generation R‘n’B heavyweight at Fortitude Music Hall on Saturday.

Queensland Ballet is bringing you even more mesmerising dance this weekend with the mischief and mayhem of the Shakespearean classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Escape to a wondrous world of fairies and woodland characters in this reimagined take on the comedy masterpiece by choreographer Liam Scarlett. The ballet’s scheduled for a limited run so be transported by the enchanting performance this weekend.

Brisbane audiences will get to experience for the first time a prolific performance by opera superstar Jess Pratt for Opera Queensland’s Bel Canto event series. The line-up includes the likes of Lucia di Lammermoor – one of the world’s most celebrated operas –led by the haunting performances of its titular heroine. 

Theatre and live events
Footy and theatre unite in this thrilling new play from Queensland Theatre titled 37. The new work from Natha Maynard is set in the all-too-familiar setting of the local footy club. Notorious underdogs the Cutting Cove Currawong face the new season with the help of new players. Set in the wake of Adam Goodes’ war cry, 37 is a sweary, sweaty and sincere look at sports culture, race and community. At QPAC, discover the magic of the musical classic Beauty and the Beast the Musical. With a sensational soundtrack penned by Alan Menken, this musical reimagines the beloved Disney film for the stage. The classic fairy-tale story comes to life with captivating sets and opulent costumes for a reverie of romance.

Brisbane Comedy Festival kicks off this Friday, with stages across Brisbane welcoming a clutch of international and local comedy greats. Over the weekend, you’ll be able to laugh with the likes of David O’Doherty, Tom Ballard, Sam Tauton, Schalk Bezuidenhout and many more. Pick your poison here. For a change of pace, Adam McKay – the former doctor, author comedian behind the memoir and BBC-smash hit This is Going to Hurt – is coming to Brisbane Powerhouse on Friday night. With his work crowned as the bestselling non-fiction book of the century, this show will be brimming with unforgettable anecdotes and hilariously moving moments.

Exhibitions
This weekend is your last chance at a happy ending, with QAGOMA’s blockbuster exhibition Fairy Tales finishing up this Sunday. Journey through its galleries of grandeur artworks and artefacts that explore the fantastical world of fairy-tales. This curated collection has been delighting kids and adults alike as it brings childhood stories alive. Over the weekend, Australian Cinémathèque finishes its movie marathon of fairy-tale-themed films with a final screening of Jim Henson’s cult-favourite The Storyteller.

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. 

In the same precinct, QAGOMA recently launched its latest exhibition from Waanyi artist Judy Watson. mudunama kundana wandaraba jarribirri combines four decades of work, featuring prints, paintings, sculptures and more to consider Judy’s prolific reflections on her family’s Waanyi Country in north-west Queensland. Whilst exploring QAG, you can also take a wander through the Seeds and Sovereignty exhibition. These curated pieces from the museum’s Indigenous Australian Art Collection consider the intricate relationships between plants, people and Country. Discover artwork by traditional and emerging First Nations artists and unlock the cultural stories, ceremony and Songlines.

Brisbane’s Institute of Modern Art has welcomed its next fleet of exhibitions, bannered by an exciting range of local and international artists. Platform represents the gallery’s new annual series which is dedicated to showcasing new work from emerging artists under 40. Visit the Brunswick Street space over the weekend, and catch the works of Miguel Aquilizan, Mia Boe, and Sarah Poulgrain.

Experience art with a side of comedy at Brisbane Powerhouse’s new exhibition from comedian-turned-artist Sam Kissajukian. The collection features an extensive array of works from Sam for a raw insight into the artist’s ineffable mental state. This exhibition is a free companion piece to ticketed performances of Sam’s live show Museum of Modernia.

Food and drinks
This week, we’re graced with a public holiday on Thursday to commemorate Anzac Day – and Brisbane is hosting plenty of festivities and events across the city. Kick back at Howard Smith Wharves with an afternoon of tinnies and two up, as the riverside precinct unites to raise funds for New Farm RSL. The Main Lawn will be home to a gourmet sausage sizzle, an Anzac raffle and live music as well. Fellow riverside location Riverbar is cracking a karma keg of Balter XPA, teaming up with Legacy for a day of 2Up, footy and fundraising. Around the river, middle-eastern eatery The Green is holding an Anzac Day lunch, featuring a flame-licked chicken and toum (garlic dip) special for $45 per person. Find out more of what’s open at our round-up here.

If you’re a fellow Anzac-biscuit buff, spend your weekend on a sweet treat tour as Brisbane bakeries serve up a slew of Anzac-themed treats. Sample Lune’s Anzac ka – an oaty twist on its signature kouign amann and savour a bite of Agnes Bakery’s oat and brown butter kouign amann. You can also find gourmet Anzac biscuits at Jocelyn’s Provisions and even an Anzac-biscuit croissant at Bulimba bakehouse Darvella Patisserie. 

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. For our night owls still craving the delicious market fare but can’t beat the ‘snooze’ button, hit up Eat Street Northshore. Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

At the Brisbane Showgrounds, the country’s biggest curated fashion market Fashion Thrift Society is being held this Sunday. Browse from more than 1000 racks of vintage fashion and preloved pieces, along with local brands.