20 Things to Do in Brisbane this Spring
There’s always an incredible array of amazing things to do in Brisbane, but the special events on this Spring are going to keep you busier than ever. Here’s a quick round up of the best festivals, exhibitions, restaurant openings and outdoor activities happening this Spring.
Festivals
Red Deer Music & Arts Festival (14-15 October 2017): In addition to headliners The Preatures, Band of Frequencies and The Kite String Tangle, this up-and-coming festival held in the mountains on the outskirts of Brisbane features tons of homegrown music, fabulous workshops, food trucks, fashion and open mic comedy.
Listen Out (1 October 2017): Enjoy headliners Future, Bryson Tiller, Duke Dumont, Safia and many more over three stages at Australia’s premier dance music event.
Island Vibe Festival (26-29 October 2017): Jump on the ferry to North Stradbroke Island for a weekend packed full of the best local and international reggae, roots, soul and electronic arts.
Valley Fiesta (27-28 October 2017): There’s even more to do in Brisbane’s unofficial home of live music during this weekend festival. This year’s lineup isn’t yet released, but you can bet that the top indie, alternative, pop and R’n’B artists will be included.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMLMZ_bDGRV/?taken-by=myvalleybne
Jungle Love Festival (30 November – 2 December 2017): Don’t forget to pack your esky and wear your swimmers for this creek side music festival, featuring an eclectic mix of the best funk, pop, soul, rock, jazz and gypsy bands.
Art
Meagan Streader: The Weight of Light (8 – 23 September 2017): In the dark depths of Spring Hill Reservoir, Meagan Streader creates an immersive experience through the power of light.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYSzqVBBCus/?taken-by=meaganstreader
Why Future Still Needs Us: AI and Humanity (20 August – 29 October 2017): A collection of Brisbane’s most tech-savvy artists have taken over QUT Art Museum, to creatively explore the limits of artificial intelligence.
Ross Manning: Dissonant Rhythms (5 August – 28 October 2017): Manning’s latest installation, supported by the Australian Council for the Arts and housed in Institute of Modern Art, transforms fluorescent tubes, ceiling fans, derelict technology and more into a gigantic self-playing musical instrument.
Tastes Like Sunshine (18 August – 12 November 2017): Museum of Brisbane’s latest show explores the city’s culinary history, with mouthwatering installations by Elizabeth Willing, Sean Rafferty and Carol McGregor.
Lincoln Townley: The Surprise Collection (17 August – 1 October 2017): If you haven’t heard of him, British artist Lincoln Townley is one of the most commercially successful artists of our time. In the last year, his portrait of David Bowie sold for £250,000 and a diamond encrusted portrait of the Princess Diana sold for £1 million. His latest collection will be on show at the Powerhouse, in partnership with Redsea Gallery.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYgluDGnp03/?hl=en&taken-by=lincolntownley
Drink and Dining
Small Axe, West End: Coming from Brisbane cold brew legends, Blackstar Coffee Roasters, Small Axe cafe will feature amazing coffee and a small but inspired menu, perfect for a quick bite.
Honto, Fortitude Valley: Brisbane’s newest fine-dining Japanese restaurant will open in late September and is owned by the culinary brains behind popular spots Longtime and Rick Shores.
The Rattler, Fortitude Valley: Continuing our current obsession with American-style dining, this soon-to-open dive bar from the good people at Yard Bird Ale House will feature a southern-style menu, including mushroom tacos and Caribbean jerk chicken burger.
Burnt Ends, Brisbane City: Joining the ranks at The Barracks on Petrie Terrace, Burnt Ends features a traditional yakitori menu cooked over a monstrous, custom-built fire pit.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BY0KQqqFAGT/?taken-by=burntendskitchenbar
Outdoor Events and Activities
Tropicarnage Cup 2017 (29 September – 2 October 2017): Teams from all around Australia will converge on Morayfield Sport & Events Centre and don their skates for a chance to win the most prestigious prize in Australian roller derby.
Griffith Sport Toohey Trail Run (8 October 2017): Work up a sweat by tackling a half marathon through the scrub in Brisbane’s Toohey Forest.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXq_l9DjBrw/?taken-by=griffithsport
Walk for Awareness (8 October 2017): Around 5,000 people are expected to join this walk though Captain Burke Park in Kangaroo Point, with the aim of raising awareness of mental health issues.
YMCA Rat Race (8 October 2017): Your muscles and your funny bone will be pushed to the limit on this 8km-long, rat race-themed obstacle course running alongside Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
Brisbane Fitness Show (21 – 23 October 2017): Whether you’re an experienced gym junkie or just starting to drag yourself off the couch, you’ll find all the inspiration, equipment and advice you need at the city’s most expansive fitness and wellness expo.
Zombie Movie Campout & Zombie Walk (28 – 29 October 2017): Get out of town and into your zombie makeup for an undead-themed weekend, featuring the best zombie flicks, music and more.