Music and dance
If you weren’t one of the lucky few who snagged SZA tickets, fear not. Brisbane is fortunately hosting an exciting line-up of music acts this weekend. At The Tivoli, catch indie-rock royalty Holy Holy, who are back in town to tour its latest album Cellophane. Holy Holy will be performing its synth-scored hits on Friday night, treating Brisbane to its latest raw lyricism and hazy sounds.

Across the river, DJ artist Pretty Girl returns to Brisbane with a show at Princess Theatre. The Melbourne-local is fresh off the back of her most recent tour where she supported a fleet of house music greats, like fred.again. This latest set has been teased to reimagine a few of her classics and debut a few new spins fresh off her forthcoming third EP titled Get Back To Me.

On Sunday, the acclaimed Afghan singer-songwriter Aryana Sayeed returns to Brisbane for the New Beginnings Tour. This new show will feature the music inspired by Aryana’s experience fleeing her hometown of Kabul in 2021 to start a new life in Australia. Be wowed by her powerful voice, glamour and courage at Fortitude Music Hall this weekend. 

ΩHM Festival’s seminal dance performance from Stephanie Lake Colossus comes to a close this weekend. The triumphant work from the Australian choreographer features local Brisbane dancers in a mind-bending new performance. Scored by the legendary Robin Fox, Colossus has been described as “ living architecture” for its sculptural scenes and precise movement. Its final performances are this weekend 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.

At QPAC, Brisbane audiences will get to experience for the first time a prolific performance by opera superstar Jess Pratt’s as Lucia. Part of Opera Queensland’s Bel Canto event series, Lucia di Lammermoor is one of the world’s most celebrated operas, led by the haunting performances from its titular heroine.  With only two performances, tickets are limited.

Theatre and live events
Queensland Theatre’s latest production 37 continues its run this weekend, taking you on a trip to the small-town footy field. Orange slices are, sadly, not included. This new work from Nathan Maynard follows the Cutting Cove Currawong – a small-town footy team tackling sport, race and community head on in the wake of Adam Goodes’ war cry. Named after the iconic player’s immortalised number, 37 is a sweary, sweaty and sincere look at Aussie sports culture.

The contemporary classic Closer finishes its run this weekend at the La Boite Theatre. Penned by prolific playwright Patrick Marber, this cult-favourite show follows the relationships between a quad of four friends as they endure love, lust and betrayal. This weekend is your last chance to experience Closer’s intimate take on modern love. 

Across town, Redland Performing Art Centre is off to see the wizard with the classic musical The Wizard of Oz set to begin its run this weekend. Journey up the yellow brick road with Dorothy and her band of friends and re-experience the magic of this spectacular story.

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. Whilst over at Cremorne Theatre, experience the tail-wagging fun of The Underdogs Show Unmuzzled – a show described as “Weird Al with fur”. Follow social media sensations Benzo and Ludes along with their fellow ex-Border Force mates for a night of music, puppetry and parodies. The furry duo will be in town this weekend only.

Brisbane’s beloved king of comedy Matt O’Kine will be performing a side-splitting set this weekend at Good Chat Comedy Club on Saturday. The heritage-listed venue will see the Brisbane-raised personality return to stand-up for the first time since 2020, following the success of his hit ABC show. Snag tickets here. 

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. 

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. 

Food and drinks
City-slingers might be most familiar with the European-inspired eatery The Wolf for its street facing delicatessen – but it’s also home to high-end feast from its dining room space. This weekend, The Wolf is hosting La Festa del Piedmont – inviting vintners and global oenophiles to celebrate the glorious wines of the luxury Italian region. Feast on a five-course meal, paired with a world-class procession of wine for $195 per person.

For sweet tooths, the fro-yo dispensary Yo-Chi has teamed up with Pistachio Papi to add the godly-green spread to the toppings bar for a limited time only. This weekend, Yo-Chi is honouring the Italian nonnas who inspired Pistachio Papi and giving away the decadent dessert for all grandmas.

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.

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.

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.