Music and dance
At Riverstage Brisbane, find rap’s new royalty A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie performing mixes from his critically acclaimed albums. The Bronx local is best known for his star-studded collaborations, featuring the likes of DJ Khaled, Ed Sheeran, Pop Smoke and many more. Experience the Better Off Alone Tour this Sunday.

ΩHM Festival comes to a close this month with Stephanie Lake’s new contemporary dance performance Colossus. Performed by local Brisbane dancers, Colossus marks the Australian choreographer’s triumphant new work which fuses mind-bending dance with a score by the legendary Robin Fox. Described as living architecture, Colossus will be captivating audiences from Wednesday to 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.

Theatre and cinema
Strap on your boots and lock in the mouth guard, Queensland Theatre is taking us to the footy field this weekend with its latest theatre production 37. This new work from playwright Nathan Maynard is set in the wake of Adam Goodes’ war cry and follows the small-town footy team Cutting Cove Currawongs as they tackle Aussie sport, race and community head on. The sweary and sweaty play opens this Thursday. La Boite Theatre has officially kicked off its 2024 program with the contemporary classic Closer by prolific playwright Patrick Marber. The cult-favourite show follows the relationships between a quad of four friends as they endure love, lust and betrayal. Closer’s intimate take on modern love continues its run this weekend. 

Since back-to-school season is in sight, Powerhouse Brisbane is helping you make these final days of school holidays count with a roaring adventure to the prehistoric age thanks to Dinosaur Time Machine. The show sees time-travelling scientists unearth dinos, danger and delight when they travel back in time to the land of everyone’s favourite scaly species. Tickets for this family-friendly show are on sale now. 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. 

For more transportive theatre-going experiences, Brisbane Powerhouse will welcome the Ocean Film Festival this weekend. The three-hour celebration will showcase an enthralling range of works that capture the diverse world below the water’s surface. The festival is sure to make a splash with its rich showcase of fascinating footage and insightful interviews from an exciting line-up of documentarians.

Exhibitions
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. 

Across the river, QAGOMA’s blockbuster exhibition Fairy Tales continues for another weekend. Journey through its galleries of grandeur artworks and artefacts that explore the fantastical world of fairy-tales. Childhood stories come alive in this curated collection – bound to delight kids and adults alike. Over the weekend, Australian Cinémathèque is continuing its movie marathon of fairy-tale-themed films that span new contexts and different eras. Retreat for a free screening in the air-conditioned theatre and catch episodes of Jim Henson’s adulated anthology The Story Teller (1987).

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. 

Around the river, Brisbane’s Institute of Modern Art farewells its exhibitions by Singaporean artist Dawn Ng. The video installation Avalanche uses the motif of melting ice to consider time and memory through pastel-tinted scenes. Experience IMA’s newest exhibitions any day of the long weekend.  

Food and drinks
If you have a hankering for the finer things this weekend, indulge at Bacchus in an afternoon of elegance with its high tea service. Enjoy bottomless tea from Harney & Sons, William Edwards fine bone chinaware and delectable small bites in the parlour. The perfect destination for your bridal shower, baby shower, birthday or any celebration, this high tea lets you elevate your weekend routine with a touch of style.

Get set, fellow sweet tooths! The International Cake Show Australia is coming to Brisbane this weekend. The baking-palooza is taking over Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre with competitions, hands-on workshops, cookie and cupcake classes, cake celebrities and pop-up shops. Have your cake and eat it too at this multi-day event running all weekend long. The South Australian winery Forage Supply – best known for its curvaceous bottles and graphic stickers – is teaming up with Mr Chester’s Wine Bar & Bistro for an afternoon of vino and vibes. The vintners will be taking over with a tasting session featuring five of Forage Supply’s sensational sips, paired with snacks and spins from the live DJ.

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.

The newly renovated Distillery Road Market space welcomes its new market series this weekend with The Makers Market set to line the luxe warehouses with stall after stall from leading local creatives. Get your tote bag at the ready and stock up on handmade goodies like jewellery, art, ceramics and more from the artisans themselves.

Southbank’s community wellness space Flowstate has your next sweat session sorted with its free workout classes Feel Good – open to all age groups and levels. The Autumn series line-up features a range of trending workouts, designed to get you mindfully moving with your community. Start your Saturday at this riverside gym, with yoga kicking off at 7:30 am and followed by pilates and aqua aerobics.