The Coolest Things Happening This Weekend In & Around Brisbane

If you’re finding yourself at a loss for weekend plans – look no further.

We’ve curated the best events happening across Brisbane and the Gold Coast this weekend to fill up your social calendar. From mindfulness to bargain-hunting, open-air art exhibitions to picnics, these events are calling your name.

Here’s what’s on in Brisbane this weekend.

QAGOMA’s ‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’ opening weekend

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: 12 September 2026 – 18 April 2027 Where: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

Movement and breathwork workshop: Livin with The Breath Haus

Start your weekend right with a morning of movement, breathwork, and connection as part of the Gold Coast’s Wellbeing Week. This free community wellbeing event is designed to foster an inclusive space where locals can drop in for a movement workshop and Breathwork with The Breath Haus, where conversations about mental health feel safe, supported, and natural. For more info and free registration, read here.

What: Livin with The Breath House When: Saturday 12 September, 7am–9am Where: Justin Park, Burleigh Heads

Uncover Unique Fashion Finds at The Curated Market

The Curated Market is back and more chic than ever. This boutique fashion and lifestyle event displays a revolving selection of carefully chosen stallholders, celebrating the artistry and passion of local small businesses. If you’re on the hunt for your next wardrobe obsession, or a community of like-minded creatives, this is where you’ll find them.

What: The Curated Market When: Sunday 13 September, 9am–1pm Where: The Oxley 1823, Gold Coast

Bargains at Biome Warehouse Sale

These are bargains you simply cannot afford to miss – from homewares to clothing, books to bodycare, Biome’s warehouse sale has everything you need. This sale is perfect for anyone looking for sustainable solutions for their home – Biome is selling everything from bulk glass jars to the light fittings they use in their very own stores.

What: Biome Warehouse Sale When: Friday and Saturday 11–12 September, 10am–4pm Where: 37 Douglas St, Milton

Pick’n’Mix at What’s Poppin’

This adorable collaboration between Brisbane’s favourite dirty soda joint What’s Poppin and bespoke florist Blooms by Ella is bound to give your weekend the touch of whimsy you’ve been needing. Build your own bouquet and sip a customisable and delightfully dirty soda while surrounded by beautiful blooms.

What: Pick’n’Mix When: Saturday 12 September, 11am–1pm Where: What’s Poppin, California Lane, Fortitude Valley

Stroll Along Seaside Artwork at Swell Sculpture Festival

Take a stroll down Currumbin’s picturesque beach and breathe in that fresh sea air as you dive into Queensland’s art scene at the annual Swell Sculpture Festival. From dawn until dusk, these immersive sculptures set against the natural landscape are guaranteed to take your breath away. Head to the coast this weekend, grab a coffee, and feel the sand beneath your toes as you engage with this vibrant celebration of people, art, and culture.

What: Swell Sculpture Festival When: 11–20 September Where: Currumbin Beach

Picnic and Pick Up with Co-Exist

Whether you’re a passionate eco-warrior or simply just need to get outside and touch grass, Co-Exist Brisbane will welcome you with open arms. Help out to clean up Captain Burke Park, followed by a sunny picnic with new friends, knowing you’ve contributed to making Brisbane a better place.

What: Clean-up and picnic with Co-Exist When: Sunday 13 September, 3pm Where: Captain Burke Park, Kangaroo Point

Local Art Under the Stars at BrisStyle Twilight Markets

This market is not one to miss – featuring 100% locally handmade goods, BrisStyle Twilight Markets is always the highlight of our month. Forget mass-produced or landfill-bound goods that you see in other markets, these unique treasures are bound to captivate you. Think ranges of all-natural skincare, delicate ceramics, and art from local makers.

What: BrisStyle Twilight Markets When: Friday 11 September, 4–9pm Where: King George Square

Awaken the Senses at Silk Laundry’s Scent Workshop

Take a much-needed moment to slow down and reconnect with your senses at Silk Laundry’s Scent of Spring workshop. You’ll begin by exploring the art and language of botanical oils, guided by expert hosts, connecting through scent, touch, and intuition. After being guided through a gentle meditation accompanied by seasonal refreshments, you’ll be invited to create a personal scent blend to take home with you. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased here

What: Scent Workshop

When: Sunday 13th September, 4–6pm

Where: Silk Laundry Brisbane, 2/50 James Street

Explore Brisbane’s Bars on the Urban Cocktail Trail

There’s no better way to be a tourist in your own city than with a cocktail in hand. Grab your friends and hit the trail – featuring a handpicked selection of Brisbane’s best bars for a self-guided and, most importantly, self-paced Urban Cocktail Trail. Sip your way through this perfectly curated signature cocktail list as you wander from bar to bar. Prices range from $65 to $102.50. Secure your tickets here

What: Urban Cocktail Trail When: Saturday 12th September, 12–5pm Where: Naldham House, 33 Felix St, Brisbane

Brisbane Festival 

Yes, it’s finally that time; Brisbane Festival is officially upon us. A full month of all-out artistic celebration, an innovative program spills out into the city with free and ticketed events for the whole family to enjoy. For more info on the full program, read here.

What: Brisbane Festival 2026 When: Now until 26 September Where: Multiple locations

Unpack the digital world at Jon Rafman: Memento Hikikomori

Canadian artist Jon Rafman unpacks our relationship to the contemporary digital world with an immersive exhibit in Fortitude Valley’s Institute of Modern Art. Works featured include his ongoing project Nine Eyes (2008–), where billions of Google Street View photographs are used to demonstrate moments of humanity, as well as Main Stream Media Network (2025–6), an evolving, AI-generated TV channel where curiosity about brainrot is put front and centre.

What: Jon Rafman: Memento Hikikomori When: Now until 27 September Where: Institute of Modern Art, Judith Wright Arts Centre, Ground Floor/420 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

Immerse yourself in Koreaboo at La Boite Theatre

Discover the story of Hannah, an Australian-Korean woman who travels to Seoul to reconnect with her birth mother, in the tender yet hilarious production of Koreaboo. An original work from the mastermind who’s worked on The Newsreader, Utopia, and Play School, Michelle Lim Davidson, the production, which is part of this year’s Brisbane Festival, navigates culture, language, and the peculiar distance between who we hope someone will be and who they actually are. This is the last leg of their season run, so book those tickets before this production jets off for good.

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

Central 中環 Dim Sum Club