The Coolest Things Happening This Weekend In & Around Brisbane
the weekend is calling
By Style Journos | 7th October 2026This long weekend’s social calendar is booked and busy. Experience art in motion on Friday afternoon, grab a free savoury scroll on Saturday before heading to a Broadway musical on Sunday afternoon – this itinerary has something for everyone.
If you need a weekend to get out of the house and explore Brisbane and beyond, here are our top recommendations.
200 coffees are being given away in New Farm this Saturday morning
On Saturday, 10 October, Bel Air by Frank Developments is picking up the tab for the first 200 coffees of the day at its neighbour, Officers Mess. For more than half a century, Bel Air has been part of the New Farm streetscape at 33 Oxlade Drive. Now, Frank Developments is carrying the name into a new chapter, transforming the site into a considered collection of just 21 residences shaped by the established canopy that has defined the street for generations. Take a walk along the river, meet a friend or settle in for a slow Saturday morning at Officers Mess. If you’re one of the first 200 to order, your coffee is covered.
What: First 200 coffees free at Officers Mess When: Saturday, 10 October. Doors open at 7am Where: Officers Mess, 50 Oxlade Dr, New Farm QLD 4005
Mt Coot-Tha Comes Alive at Botanic By Night: Nightglow
Set amid the Gardens’ iconic natural trails, the Botanic By Night: NightGlow outdoor art trail presents Queensland’s wildlife in a new light, with a magical, lantern-lit art experience in collaboration with First Nations artists. Take an atmospheric evening stroll among eleven colourful, illuminated sculptures of Australian animals lining the 800-metre route, including a delicious selection of food trucks along the way. Local tickets are priced at $25 per adult and $12.50 per child.
What: Botanic By Night: Nightglow When: 25 September – 10 October, 6:30-9pm Where: Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-Tha
Drink and Dine at the Customs House AIX Rosé Launch Lunch
The iconic domes at Customs House are getting a spring revival in partnership with AIX Rosé, who are taking over the riverside venue with a decadent high tea. While the AIX Rosé Garden will be open to the public between the 4th of October and the 20th of December, this weekend marks the grand opening – An all-inclusive launch lunch, complete with a two-course meal and two hours of free-flowing AIX Rosé. Tickets are available at $150 per person, so make sure to get your tickets before they’re sold out.
What: AIX Rosé Launch Lunch When: Saturday 3 October, 12-2pm Where: Patina Customs House
Cult-favourite scroll joint Jane Scrolls is opening in Coorparoo with free scrolls
Calling all sweet tooths! Cult-favourite sweet-treat joint Jane Scrolls is officially opening a new home in Coorparoo, and they’re celebrating with free scrolls. Head down this weekend for the long-awaited opening, where you can get your hands on their signature scrolls (and even a pizza scroll, if you’re feeling adventurous). Bring a friend, make a purchase, and score a free scroll per person while the opening weekend offer lasts.
What: Jane Scrolls grand opening and free scroll giveaway When: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, 6am–1pm Where: Jane Scrolls, 299 Old Cleveland Rd, Coorparoo QLD 4151
From Broadway to Brisbane, Anastasia the Musical hits the stage
Inspired by the film adaptation of the story we all know and love, Anastasia the Musical is bringing heartwarming nostalgia, dazzling costumes, and bewitching musical numbers to QPAC. The talented cast brings the tale of the Romanov family to life in a fictional retelling of young Anya’s journey to find her family and uncover her past. The show runs from the 16th of September to the 25th of October, with tickets starting at $79.90.
What: Anastasia The Musical When: 16 September – 25 October Where: Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Oktoberfest in the Gardens is bringing a taste of Germany to Brisbane
Celebrate Oktoberfest minus the flight because Oktoberfest in the Gardens is coming in hot this weekend. Dust off your lederhosen, grab your mates, and get ready to sink steins, feast on German-inspired bites, and dance the day away. Taking over Brisbane Showgrounds for one day only, this is your excuse to get into the Oktoberfest spirit without leaving the city.
What: Oktoberfest in the Gardens When: Saturday, 10 October, 1pm–9pm Where: Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills QLD 4006
Open your mind at Brisbane Writers Festival
For one weekend only, some of the country’s top wordsmiths will descend upon Brisbane to share their insights and expertise. Hosted at the Brisbane Powerhouse, take your pick of over 11o unique events spanning everything from romance novels to journalistic works, “who dunnits” to foodie books and more. Take a look through their full program; you’ll probably find your favourite author will be in town.
What: Brisbane Writers Festival When: 8–11 October 2026 Where: Brisbane Powerhouse
QAGOMA’s ‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) will transform into an enchanting realm where your disbelief will be willingly suspended, as Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company arrives in Brisbane. Marking 70 years of boundary-pushing creativity from the studio that taught so many generations to think outside the box, this is an invitation to trace the architecture of imagination created by Jim Henson. A Brisbane exclusive, the exhibition is opening this weekend as part of Brisbane Festival.
What: Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company When: Now until 18 April 2027 Where: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
A stacked weekend of music, markets, and art at Echo & Bounce
Woolloongabba’s fave multi-purpose community hub, Echo & Bounce, always puts on a show on the weekend. From live music and late-night antics to good food, local artists, and their signature makers market, there’s always plenty happening. Whether you’re stopping by for a bite, settling in for some tunes, or seeing where the night takes you, there’s always something going on. Honestly, if you’re stuck for plans this weekend, Echo & Bounce is the place to be.
What: Echo & Bounce’s weekend events and gigs When: All weekend; check out the full program here Where: Echo & Bounce, 596 Stanley St, Woolloongabba
Stuck for Saturday plans? Central is serving up a bottomless underground lunch party and it’s seriously delicious. Dim sum meets disco at Central’s long lunch banquet ($59pp) that combines traditional Cantonese flavours with bottomless iced tea and specialty cocktails. Arrive for lunch, then linger until the disco ball drops at 2pm for the perfect way to greet your Saturday night.
What: Dim Sum Club When: Every Saturday, from 12pm Where: Central 中環, 340 Queen St, Brisbane City
So there you have it, the best things to do in and around Brisbane this weekend. Whether you’re after a long lunch, a road trip, a little retail therapy, or something completely different, we’ve got your plans covered.
For even more inspiration, check out our guide to the best things to do in Brisbane year-round. See you out there.
