What’s Hot & Happening This Weekend In & Around Brisbane

If your group chat is asking, “What are we doing this weekend?” you’ve come to the right place.

Winter is here, but Brisbane’s social calendar isn’t slowing down for anyone. From sipping at sake festivals and theatre-inspired dining in Fish Lane to thifting markets powered by Depop and Post Malone listening parties, there’s plenty happening across the city and beyond this weekend. Whether you’re in the mood for a road trip, a long lunch, a little retail therapy or simply an excuse to leave the house, these are the events and experiences worth knowing about.

Shop up a second-hand store at this thrift event in collaboration with Depop

Brisbane, this is big. Depop is teaming up with Fashion Thrift Society for a one-day pop-up on Saturday, June 20, transforming the Brisbane Showgrounds into a treasure trove of vintage fashion, rare designer finds, insane streetwear, and preloved gems from a curated selection of Depop’s top sellers. Alongside shopping for hand-picked pieces, expect food trucks, DJs, a kilo sale, a charm bar, tooth gems, permanent jewellery, free tarot readings, free haircuts, free nails, a free photo booth, and plenty more (I’m out of breath!). Oh, and there are free Depop tote bags up for grabs too. Tickets are limited, so don’t sleep on this one.

What: Second-hand fashion market powered by Depop When: Saturday 20 June 10am – 4pm Where: Brisbane Showgrounds, Gate 5 on O’Connell Terrace, Bowen Hills Tickets: From $5, available to purchase here

Eat free cake at Idle Bakery’s birthday celebration

One of New Farm’s hottest bakeries is turning one, and you know what that means… freebies! This Saturday and Sunday, Idle Bakery is celebrating with 250 free birthday cakes each day as a thank you to the local community. Available with any food purchase until sold out, the complimentary treat comes in the form of the bakery’s signature carrot and walnut cake with cream cheese mousse. Get in quick – once the 250 daily cakes are gone, they’re gone.

What: Free birthday cake with purchase while stocks last When: Saturday 20 June – Sunday 21 June Where: Idle Bakery, New Farm

A wine-fuelled Post Malone listening party at Priorities

What: Free birthday cake with purchase while stocks last When: Saturday 20 June, 3 –  7pm Where: Priorites, Alderley

Sip generously at Brisbane Sake Festival

From Friday, the Brisbane Sake Festival 2026 will descend upon the Brisbane Showgrounds for a weekend celebrating Japanese sake, food, and culture. Sample more than 100 varieties of sake, meet brewers visiting from Japan alongside local wholesalers from across Australia, with plenty of bottles available to take home.

Alongside the tastings, deepen your appreciation for Japan’s national drink through Sake 101 seminars, while enjoying authentic Japanese street food, desserts, artisan crafts, and lifestyle goods. Whether you’re a seasoned sake enthusiast or simply curious to learn more, it’s a one-stop celebration of Japanese culture.

What: Australian Sake Festival comes to Brisbane When: Friday 19 June, 6pm – 9pm, Saturday 20 June 11am–2pm and 3pm–6pm, Sunday 21 June, 11am – 2pm and 3pm – 6pm Where: John Reid Pavilion, Brisbane Showgrounds

Make a night of it in Fish Lane

With blockbuster productions including Fantastic Mr Fox, Macbeth and Beetlejuice The Musical drawing crowds to South Brisbane, Fish Lane is embracing winter with a month-long calendar of food, culture and theatre-inspired experiences.

This weekend’s highlight is Portugal Day on Saturday 13 June, featuring a live Fado band from Portugal alongside Lisboa-inspired food, drinks and nightlife experiences.

Elsewhere, Midtown’s indulgent “Jaffle June” menu is serving gourmet takes on the humble toastie throughout the month, while Southside will host a Retro Chinese dining experience later this month led by chef Benny Lam, whose culinary roots trace back to Brisbane institution Enjoy Inn.

Whether you’re heading to a show or simply looking for an excuse to linger over dinner, Fish Lane is shaping up as one of Brisbane’s most vibrant winter destinations.

What: Winter dining, culture and theatre-inspired experiences in Fish Lane When: Throughout June Where: Fish Lane, South Brisbane

Open Season

Open Season is back with a bigger, louder, and more jam-packed program for 2026. Running until late July, it’s not just a festival – it’s a full-blown city takeover. Think late nights in moody theatres, unexpected gigs in unexpected places, and music and art colliding in all the best ways. With a stacked lineup of global icons, cult favourites, and local heroes, all taking over iconic venues like The Tivoli and The Princess Theatre, Brisbane’s winter soundtrack has officially arrived. Take a look at this weekend’s lineup here.

What: Open Season When: Now until 25 July Where: Multiple venues

Dine BNE City

What: Dine BNE City When: The month of June Where: Multiple venues in Brisbane City, see more here.

GOMA Friday Nights: Presence

GOMA Friday Nights are relaunching this week, and that means your post-work plans are officially sorted. Step inside the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art after dark for exclusive access to Olafur Eliasson: Presence, where immersive light and colour installations transform the gallery into a sensory playground. Paired with a moody vinyl listening bar, local DJs, pop-up performances around the gallery, and Japanese-inspired cocktails, this is far from your average gallery visit. Tickets are priced from $30 for adults and $20 for children.

What: GOMA Friday Nights: Presence: Presence When: Every Friday from May 1 – June 26, 5:30PM – 8:30PM Where: GOMA, Stanley Place, South Brisbane Tickets: Available here