What’s On: The Hottest Happenings In Brisbane This September
You can officially shake off the winter blues – spring is here once again. As always, September arrives with a jam-packed schedule; if it were a jar of jam, it would be abundantly overflowing. Speaking of jam, September means the fruits get sweeter, the weather gets warmer, and the social scene heats up.
So, without further ado, let’s start filling those calendars:
Father’s Day at Victoria Park | Sunday, 1 September
This Father’s Day at Victoria Park promises unforgettable moments filled with fun and flavour! Dive into a day packed with lively activities and sumptuous feasts designed to celebrate the man of the hour. Engage in some friendly competition with a round of Putt Putt at their 18-hole course or aim high at Victoria Park’s Driving Range, where you can take in stunning city views. After all that excitement, satisfy your appetite at the Victoria Park Bistro, offering a mouthwatering array of wood-fired pizza, succulent lamb shoulder, juicy sirloin steak, and indulgent confit duck leg. With picturesque skyline views and lush garden surroundings, it’s a celebration that the whole family will enjoy!
Father’s Day at Howard Smith Wharves | Sunday, 1 September
Celebrate Father’s Day with an unforgettable family outing by the river. The lively Howard Smith Wharves precinct offers something for every dad, whether he’s a foodie, thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing day out. Treat him to a delightful dining experience at one of the exceptional venues like Ciao Papi, Felons Brewing Co, Stanley, Mr Percival’s, Greca, Yoko, or Felons Barrel Hall. Many of these spots are offering special dishes or exclusive one-day-only spreads that will elevate his day and leave his taste buds thoroughly satisfied.
BIGSOUND | Tuesday, 3 September – Friday, 6 September
Lace up your mosh-approved shoes! Brisbane’s epic BIGSOUND festival and music conference is returning to Fortitude Valley for a three-day celebration of the unbeatable live music scene we have across Australia and New Zealand. With musical acts like Keli Holiday, Alex the Astronaut, and Lyric performing across beloved venues like The Brightside, Black Bear Lodge, The Prince Consort, and The Sound Garden, it’s a three-day extravaganza for music lovers. For the full festival and conference lineup head here or snag your tickets here.
SWELL Sculpture Festival | Friday, 6 September – Sunday, 15 September
Queensland’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition is making its way back to the Gold Coast’s sandy shores for its 22nd year. Discover pop-up exhibitions all around the coast, along with the SWELL Smalls Gallery at its beachside venue, and dive into the vibrant cultural programming at SWELL Fringe in Currumbin. Immerse yourself in breathtaking sculptures by local, national, and international artists, enjoy guided twilight walks through the installations, and take in live music, comedy, masterclasses, artist talks, and hands-on workshops led by the artists themselves.
Bundaberg Rum Country Music Raceday 2024 | Saturday, 7 September
Slip into your cowboy boots and get scootin’ to Doomben Racecourse on Saturday, 7 September for the Bundaberg Rum Country Music Raceday. Enjoy live racing and non-stop country music in a relaxed, trackside setting. With options ranging from casual to premium dining, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include a Best Dressed competition, a mechanical bull ride, and country entertainment in the GA section. Make sure to lasoo your tickets here!
Sweet Relief! | Saturday, 7 September
Making its anticipated return after its successful first year, Sweet Relief! is back with a stellar lineup and a brand-new location. Hosted at Ballymore Stadium in Herston, you can expect a lineup of heavy hitters, including Kelis, The Presets, Haiku Hands, Electric Fields, and heaps more. As always, Sweet Relief! is committed to inclusivity and access, ensuring everyone is welcome to boogie on the dance floor. No matter who you are, get ready for a celebration of music, art, and performance. Tickets start at just $50 and are available here.
Bridge to Brisbane | Sunday, 8 September
Lace up your runners and boot up your Strava, folks – Bridge to Brisbane is back! Brisbane’s iconic, annual fun run (or walk) through the CBD and surrounding areas, you can choose between the 10km and 5km course, each taking you over the iconic Story Bridge and through Southbank. Tickets are almost sold out, so be sure to secure yours here to avoid FOMO.
Vašar Serbian Festival | Sunday, 8 September
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable celebration of Serbian heritage. Filled with live entertainment, delectable Serbian food and sweets, children’s rides, captivating Serbia dancing, and competitions with fantastic prizes to win, the annual Serbian festival makes its comeback for 2024. Come and embrace the rich, vibrant spirit of Serbia right here in Dutton Park.
Trent Dalton’s Love Stories | Tuesday, 10 September – Sunday, 29 September
Author of the best-selling novel and hit Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe, Trent Dalton’s poignant words are coming to life at QPAC for his world premiere of Love Stories, the acclaimed anthology of true tales of love. Speaking to real people on the streets of Brisbane, Trent asked the question: ‘Can you please tell me a love story?’. Bring the tissues, this one’s going to be a tearjerker. Tickets are available here.
WICKED | From Thursday, 12 September
The Land of Oz is coming to Aus! The Broadway sensation WICKED is flying into QPAC’s Lyric Theatre this September, set to enchant the theatre-goers of Brisbane. The musical is told from the perspective of two witches, Elphaba and Galinda, before and after Dorothy’s arrival in Oz. Don’t miss out on the magical story that’s been making audiences laugh, cry, think, and sing since 2003. Snag your tickets here.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers | Friday 13 September – Monday 7 October
Get ready to pop those party hats and hold on tight – it’s the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers’ 75th birthday. This spring, they’re rolling out a blooming fantastic lineup that’s sure to knock your socks off. Dive into parks bursting with floral wonder, feast on new foodie delights, and hop on one of their legendary tours. And because it’s a milestone bash, they’ve got once-in-a-lifetime events, including a fabulous food and wine festival, a fabulous float parade, and a smorgasbord of culinary adventures. Browse the program here and let’s get this garden party started!
Skylore – The Rainbow Serpent | Thursday, 19 September – Saturday, 21 September
After the major success that was last year’s Nieergoo: Spirit of the Whale, the mesmerising drone show returns for another year featuring over 400 synchronised drones that will animate an incredible First Nations story. Head to the ANZ Festival Garden in Southbank or Queen’s Wharf for an astonishing (and free!) show that is set to dazzle and delight.
Sirromet Winery Fiery Winter Warmer: Now – 29 September
You’ve probably seen pics of this floating around on your IG feed, so why not experience it for yourself? Sirromet is offering an evening under the stars this month with a cosy firepit and hamper experience. Indulge in a generous hamper filled with goodies alongside a glass or two of their signature mulled wines. Running from 4:30 pm every weekend until the end of September, book your blanket here!
QAGOMA Iris Van Herpen Sculpting The Senses: Now – 7 October
Exclusive to Brisbane’s QAGOMA, immerse yourself in the breathtaking, innovative fashion works of acclaimed Dutch designer, Iris Van Herpen. Featuring over 100 garments combining fashion, science, and technology, Iris’ unconventional approach to design, alongside the exhibition’s sensory inclusions, is something you must see to believe.
Lightscape | Now – 12 Oct
Immerse yourself in Brisbane’s iconic multisensory experience of light, colour, and sound at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Featuring celebrated local and international artists, this event invites you to wander through stunning light displays and fully engage with the art. Tickets start at $24, grab yours here.
The Art Boat | Now – 21 Sep
All aboard the Brisbane Festival’s Art Boat, the unforgettable voyage through the heart of Brisbane setting sail from South Bank. Against city vistas, experience art like never before with a stellar lineup of guest artists and performers. Set sail along the river on a big, floating, immersive experience reminiscent of a fever dream. Sound like your cup of tea? Tickets are on sale here.
Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show | Now – 15 Sep
Hold onto your hats fashion lovers, do we have news for you! Hailing from France and strutting the streets of South Bank will be Jean Paul Gaultier’s Freak Fashion Show, where a clash of fashion, music, pop culture, cabaret and art will wow audiences in its exclusive Australian premiere. Debuting in the show will be Indigenous artist Grace Lillian Lee, whose exciting collaboration with the iconic designer will be exhibited.
Header: @sweetrelieffest
