What’s Hot & Happening In Brisbane This Weekend
Booked & Busy
So, we’ve finally hit December — the festive buzz is real, the calendars are chaotic, and the end-of-year energy is officially on. And in case you missed it, there’s heaps happening right now.
From enchanted gardens glowing across our inner-city parklands to blockbuster nights under the stars and fresh new stores flinging open their doors, this weekend is dishing up a little magic for every vibe. Whether you’re chasing Christmas cheer, an open-air movie moment, or a cultural fix, consider this your sign to get out there and soak up a Brisbane weekend absolutely humming with possibility.
Olafur Elliasson: Presence | All weekend
QAGOMA’s highly anticipated new exhibition is here! The Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson invites you on an expansive, multi-sensory journey through his Brisbane-exclusive exhibition, Presence. Be among the first to experience his expansive multi-sensory artworks that push the boundaries of perception. Featuring more than 20 works, you can choose your path through rocky, primordial landscape, navigate an optical puzzle, or imagine the future of our city. Presence also debuts two new major installations that explore the polarisation of light: Your negotiable vulnerability seen from two perspectives 2025 and Your truths 2025. Eliasson’s work encourages you to be fully present in the moment, inviting reflection on the wonder and complexity of nature. Read more about the exhibition and our interview with Olafur himself here.
What: Olafur Elliasson: Presence
When: All Weekend
Where: Gallery of Modern Art
SWOP Fortitude Valley Opening | Saturday 6 December
Luxury finds, vintage gems, and the trendiest pieces in town just got a new home. After 12 years in West End, SWOP is levelling up with a fresh Fortitude Valley space—still serving curated, high-quality second-hand fashion, but with a whole new vibe. For over a decade, SWOP has been the MVP of Australia’s resale scene, proving that shopping can be stylish and socially conscious. And now, from December 6, you can step into their new Valley digs to browse racks of hand-picked vintage or bring in your own pieces to swap for cash or store credit. Read more about the move here.
What: SWOP Opening
When: Saturday 6th September
Where: 38 Wandoo St, Fortitude Valley
The Nutcracker | All Weekend
It’s simply not Christmas without The Nutcracker, and this season, Queensland Ballet is set to dazzle. Step into a world of swirling snowflakes, shimmering sugar plums, and pure holiday magic as Queensland’s finest dancers bring E.T.A. Hoffmann’s timeless tale to life. This beloved 130-year-old classic is elevated with a breathtaking live score by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, creating an experience that feels truly spellbinding. As the clock strikes midnight, follow Clara on her enchanted journey where she meets the elegant Snow Queen, the charming Prince, the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy, and the many whimsical inhabitants of their glittering kingdom. A spectacular midnight adventure, The Nutcracker is the must-see performance to embrace the festive season in all its wonder.
What: Queensland Ballet Nutcracker
When: All Weekend
Where: Queensland Performing Arts Centre
The Enchanted Garden | All weekend
The Enchanted Gardens return this year from 21 November to 20 December, unveiling a new immersive festive story designed to captivate visitors of all ages. Overflowing with Christmas magic and spectacular light-show moments, it promises to bring a burst of seasonal sparkle to Brisbane. Wander through the 22,000sqm of the lush inner-city parklands illuminated with tens of thousands of twinkling lights, shimmering projections, and enchanting visual displays. Settle in for the evening with onsite food trucks and a pop-up licensed bar offering delicious bites and festive sips. Tickets are on sale now, so be sure to book and be swept away in the festive spirit.
What: The Enchanted Garden
When: All weekend
Where: Roma Street Parkland
Moonlight Cinema | All weekend
Experience the magic of the Moonlight Cinema, where the boldest movies shine under the stars in the stunning surrounds of Roma Street Parklands. Lighting up the screens this summer are new blockbuster releases, including Regretting You, Materialist and the highly anticipated F1 Movie. Or get into the festive spirit with nostalgic favourites like The Holiday, Love Actually and Home Alone. Bring your favourite people, a picnic rug and your go-to snacks, then settle in for an unforgettable night under the night sky. And for a touch of luxury, reserve a bean bed and enjoy a complimentary connoisseur ice cream as you relax in style.
What: Moonlight Cinema
When: All Weekend
Where: Roma Street Parklands
Magpie Goose Exhibition | All Weekend
Clothes become the canvas in an inspiring collaboration that brings the stories of First Nations People of Queensland to life. Stories You Wear, designed by Magpie Goose, is a powerful fusion of art, culture and contemporary design connecting audiences with the rich and diverse heritage through fabrics that hold deeper meaning than aesthetics. The exciting cultural partnership invites visitors to the Museum of Brisbane to experience fashion in its most inspiring and expressive form.
What: Magpie Goose Exhibition
When: All Weekend
Where: Museum of Brisbane
Imagery: @qldballet, @_swop, QAGOMA (supplied)
