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

Lost 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.

Festa Italiana

Say ciao to an Italian feast, because Festa Italiana is taking over the Wharves for its final weekend on the river. Watch as the Main Lawn comes alive with celebrated Italian chef Orazio D’Elia leading the festival’s culinary program, alongside flavours from Conca del Sogno, one of the Amalfi Coast’s most exclusive dining destinations, making its Australian debut. With Italian spritzes, live music, and a whole lot of carbs, this is where you’ll want to be spending your weekend.

What: Howard Smith Wharves Festa Italiana When: Friday 5 June, 4PM – late, Saturday 6 June, 11AM – late, Sunday 7 June,  11AM – late Where: Main Lawn at Howard Smith Wharves

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

Sunnyside Cafe 1st birthday

Celebrate one year of beloved Brendale hotspot Sunnyside Cafe with a celebration for the ages. Featuring a special sprinkle-coated birthday cake iced latte or matcha, and free coffee for the first 50 guests, come on down from 8AM, for an LSKD pop-up, face painting, a stall from Jane Scrolls, and loaded cookies from Crumbs of Joy, this is one sweet way to spend your morning.

What: Sunnyside Cafe 1st birthday When: From 8AM Where: Sunnyside Cafe, 640 Southpine Road, Brendale

Dine BNE City

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

Franco Markets

If your wardrobe could use a winter refresh, do yourself a favour and visit Franco Markets this weekend. For just a $2 entry fee, discover racks of vintage, Y2K, and pre-loved fashion, with live music setting the vibe all day long. Treat yourself to a coffee and pastry, and gear up to browse unique finds, meet local makers, and uncover one-of-a-kind pieces for your next cold-weather fit.

What: Franco Markets When: Sunday, June 7, 8AM – 12PM Where: 95 Brighton Rd, Sandgate

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