What’s Hot & Happening This Weekend In & Around Brisbane
Booked & Busy
By Style Journos | 13th May 2026Lost for weekend plans? We have found what’s on in Brisbane this weekend, so you don’t have to. We are here to disprove those who say Brisbane is boring, rounding up the coolest events this happening city has to offer. Right now, we are experiencing some sub-25-degree temperatures, which means cooler mornings, crisp evenings, and every excuse to trade in staying home for something a little more social. It’s the season of morning markets, fashion pop-ups, and making plans that carry the party from day into night. So rally the group chat, lock something in, and make it count.
Here’s what’s worth stepping out for this weekend in and around Brisbane.
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
Conscious Connections Wild West House Party (ages 25-45)
2026 is the year of making new friends, and Conscious Connections is making it that much easier with a phone-free, Wild West-themed house party series. Hosted at the happening West End venue, The Archive, this is the social event you’ve been craving. It’s no phones, film cameras, fresh connections, and making friends the old-fashioned way. So grab your cowboy boots, bring your crew or fly solo; this is one country-western night where you’ll leave with a new posse, a full camera roll of memories, and a newfound appreciation for going off-grid.
What: Conscious Connections Wild West House Party When: Friday, 15 May, 7 PM Where: The Archive (Upstairs Loft)
Brisbane Comedy Festival
Up for a laugh? Don’t let the woes of winter get you down. Instead, round up your crew for endless nights of side-splitting humour at Brisbane Comedy Festival. Comedy greats from near and far are descending upon Brisbane Powerhouse and other iconic Brisbane venues – quick wit and all – setting the stage for flushed cheeks, schoolgirl-like giggles, and some seriously good old-fashioned LOLs.
What: Brisbane Comedy Festival When: Until 24 May Where: Brisbane Powerhouse, Dendy Powerhouse, The Fortitude Music Hall
Echo & Bounce Market Day
Woollangabba’s favourite creative hub is hosting a range of local makers, hobbyists, and collectors for a sweet Saturday market. From 10AM, you’ll be able to peruse locally made art, unique trinkets, and second-hand clothes, while sinking into seriously sweet treats from microbakery Doylie Brisbane and listening to funky tunes from a live DJ. More than just a wholesome Saturday, this relaxed event is a celebration of local creativity.
What: Echo & Bounce Markets When: Saturday, May 16th Where: Echo & Bounce, Woollangabba
Free Pilates in the park
In collaboration with LSKD Carindale and Sodii Hydration, local studio Pilates Localè is hosting a free class in the park. This is a community event where everyone is welcome (even furry friends) to get their sweat on in the open air, with a few special treats sprinkled in along the way. Register your spot and automatically go in the draw to win an exciting mystery gift from LSKD Carindale that will be drawn at the beginning of class. Plus, Sodii Hydration will keep you refreshed throughout the morning, offering in-class hydration salts, plus extra to take home. If there’s one reason to get your early-morning workout in this Saturday, it’s this.
What: Pilates Localè free classes in the park When: Saturday, 15 May, 8:30AM Where: Pilates Localè, Cooparoo Register: Secure your spot here
Central 中環 Dim Sum Club
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
ClubHaus Fridays
For those of us wishing we could summer in Italy all year round, Fridays at Greenhaus from 4PM onwards are the perfect way to indulge Euro-style. Settle in at the ideal spot for that much-anticipated end-of-week debrief (because dropping gossip over some Aperols and a plate of olives has never sounded like a bad idea).
What:ClubHaus Fridays
When: Fridays, 4PM Where: Greenhaus Coffee, 29 Doggett St, Teneriffe
Funk You Fridays
Funk your Friday at the Alligator Club, one of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets. They’re bringing energetic live music – funk, soul, and more – to keep the drinks flowing and the party grooving well into the night. P.S. Standing still is absolutely not allowed.
What:Funk You Friday When: Fridays, 5PM Where: The Alligator Club, Warner Lane, 8 Warner St, Fortitude Valley
Bottomless brunch on the river
Not that you needed any convincing, but this is your sign to embark on a bottomless brunch with your mates while the Brisbane River glistens below. Bar Pacino is hosting a 2-hour free-flowing brunch and drinks package priced at $75 a head. Feast on their crowd-favourite pizzas and generous sharing boards, accompanied by cocktail jugs, spritzers, wine, and beer. Open from 12PM this ANZAC Day, this is your last-minute Saturday hangout sorted. Book your table now here.
What: Bar Pacino Bottomless Brunch When: Saturday from 12PM Where: Bar Pacino, Brisbane City
So there you have it, these are the best things to do in Brisbane this weekend. Which weekend event is taking your fancy? Whether you’re seeking something more chill or ready to get the party started, whichever way you want to spend your weekend, we’re here for you and the crew. For more always-on weekend plans, check out our guide here.
