Subscribe 
What’s On in Brisbane: June 2026
Find out what’s on in Brisbane this month in our June events guide.
This month in Brisbane (June 2026) is about leaning into all the things that make winter special. We’re all about fireside feasts, picnics and balmy evening strolls. On our June schedule, you’ll find plenty of food-forward festival, alongside our editor’s top pick — a month of martini specials. June really is all about food and drink and, naturally, we’re rather pleased about it.
Read on for all the details you need to plan the perfect June in Brisbane.
In This Guide
Brisbane News
Howard Smith Wharves Redevelopment Gets the Green Light
Boasting one of the best views in the city, the Howard Smith Wharves precinct is already one of our favourite places to be, but it’s about to get even better. The beloved water-front development has just been given the go-ahead on plans to further enhance the space for locals and guests. The plans include a boutique hotel, an over-river pool, 8,500m² of public open space and cliff-side lifts that will seamlessly connect the waterfront and CBD. Brissy really does get better and better. With renders like this, we can’t wait to see the finished product.
Editor’s Picks
Indulge in an Olive Leaf Martini and Bespoke Matching Snacks
The Four Pillars Martini Collective has hit Brisbane, offering the perfect after-work treat across three glorious venues. The vibe? One mini Martini, one considered snack and a premium first taste without committing to the full long lunch or big-night spend.
Brisbane brings the Martini Collective into its own kind of nightlife glow, with a handpicked line-up of venues made for easing into the evening.
Milquetoast goes bold with a blue cheese tartlet, beetroot, seeds and salsa macha, where blue cheese tang, beetroot sweetness and chilli heat pull the Martini into earthier territory. Supernormal heads straight for the Queensland coast with Moreton Bay bug toast, rich, golden and just indulgent enough.
At The 203 Restaurant, things skew more decadent: pure Wagyu with crispy polenta, truffle crème and caviar. One lavish mouthful, one chilled glass, and Brisbane looking completely at home with a Martini in hand.
Where: Milquetoast, Supernormal & The 203 Restaurant
When: Thursday 21st May to Sunday 21st June
Cost: Prices vary: Milquetoast ($28), Supernormal ($25) and The 203 Restaurant ($35)
Best For: Couples; Girls’ nights; Food & drink lovers; Nightlife; Solo plans
Need to Know: Price includes one mini martini and one snack
Dine BNE City
Everyone’s favourite foodie festival is back for another month of dining deals and delights. Over 130 deals have already been posted from restaurants, cafes and bars around the city, so you’re in for a real treat, whatever the budget. The Dine BNE City website has rounded up every deal on offer, which you can filter by time of day here.
A series of special events will also be taking place throughout the month, including Longwang’s pop-up Queen Street Mall outpost, an exclusive Chinese wine dinner and a mushroom-themed chef’s table dinner.
Where: Various restaurants, cafes and bars across Brisbane City
When: Throughout June
Cost: Free to browse deals; individual dining offers from $25. Special event tickets vary by event (e.g. Fireside $140pp). Check dinebnecity.com.au for full pricing.
Best For: Food & drink lovers; Couples; Group catch-ups; Locals; Festivals
W Brisbane Opens New DIY Private Listening Lounge
A private listening lounge for you and the gang? What a way to wind down after a long week!
W Brisbane has just opened the doors to their brand-new private listening lounge and it’s not your standard! A state-of-the-art Adam sound speaker system sets the scene, whilst a ‘press for martini’ button sorts you for drinks. Visitors are encouraged to pop their phone in a lock box and lean into an analogue evening. The W Music Curator will craft you a bespoke vinyl journey, based on your mood, and you’re also encouraged to take things into your own hands and have a spin, enjoying up to 100 vinyl records. As for food, think elevated small bites, including truffle wagyu sausage rolls.
Where: W Brisbane
When: Bookings open
Cost: Price on application
Best For: Couples; Group catch-ups; Girls’ nights; Nightlife; Premium experiences
Need to Know: The lounge can host up to 18 guests cocktail style, or 12 seated. Bookings are private — contact W Brisbane directly to reserve the space.
Festivals & Major Events
Festa Italiana
Howard Smith Wharves’ iconic waterside festival, Festa Italiana, is back and it’s bigger than ever. On top of the usual spritz bars, pop-up feasts, live music and Amalfi-inspired decorations, celebrated Chef and lead of the festival’s culinary program, Orazio D’Elia, has called in a favour with one of the Amalfi Coast’s most exclusive dining destinations. Conca del Sogno, a venue accessed primarily by boat, will be bringing its iconic spaghetto alla Nerano and signature cocktail, the Sgroppino, to the table. They’ll be flying in their chefs exclusively for the occasion, offering guests a rare chance to sample the high-profile restaurant right here in Brisbane. We have a feeling one trip Fest Italiana won’t quite cut it.
Where: Main Lawn, Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City
When: Thursday 28th May to Sunday 31st May, and the following weekend from Thursday 4th June to Sunday 7th June
Cost: Free entry
Best For: Food & drink lovers; Families; Couples; Live music fans; Festivals
South Bank Seafood Festival
This May, the inaugural South Bank Seafood Festival will be popping up on the banks of the Brisbane River and, truly, there’s no place we’d rather be come the weekend. The quintessentially Queensland day out encourages you to enjoy a relaxed, outdoor experience and connect with your favourite people over food. Think of it like a huge backyard BBQ. On top of pop-ups from local restaurants, including Naga Thai and OTTO, there will also be chef demonstrations and masterclasses to get involved in. Learn how to properly fillet a tuna or book in with beloved Aussie chef Matt Moran to glean some expert prepping tips.
Where: River Quay Green, South Bank
When: Saturday 30th May, 11am to 9pm to Sunday 31st May, Saturday, 11am to 8pm
Cost: Free
Best For: Food & drink lovers; Festivals; Couples; Group catch-ups; Weekend plans
Sake Festival
For lovers of Japanese culture, and, of course, sake, the annual Sake Festival is a must. With vendors flying in directly from Japan, this unique opportunity will let you chat to the best in the business, as well as sample a choice of over 100 varieties. On top of sake tasting, you’ll get the chance to shop from food stalls and Japanese craft stalls and engage in free talks and seminars.
Where: The John Reid Pavilion, Brisbane Showgrounds
When: 19th June to 21st June 2026
Cost: From $59
Best For: Food & drink lovers; Cultural experiences; Festivals; Group catch-ups; Weekend plans
Seas The Day Surf Festival
The world’s largest female participation surf festival returns to Kingscliff, just over half an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast, with two days of women-led surf, beachside talks, art and saltwater connection. Across the weekend, the program moves through competitions, yoga, ice baths, breathwork and creative sessions, gathering boardriders, beginners and ocean lovers in one bright coastal line-up.
Where: Kingscliff Beach, NSW
When: Saturday 20th to Sunday 21st June
Cost: Free
Best For: Surf girls; saltwater culture; and a coastal road trip
Sunnybank Food Festival
Sunnybank’s Food Festival is entering its twelfth year, and this year you won’t find a dish over $5, with many sitting at the $2 and $3 mark. Taste your way through Sunnybank‘s best Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Taiwanese and Hong Kong cuisine as you stuff your face with everything from the likes of skewers and dumplings to bubble tea and BBQ pork buns.
To top it off? A spot of lion dancing, live music and kids’ zones. Dish details to come!
Where: Sunnybank Plaza and Sunny Park
When: Saturday 27th June, 2pm to 8pm
Cost: Free
Best For: Families; Food lovers; Community events; Budget-friendly; Locals
Reggae By The River
Soak up some Autumn sun and soulful tunes at Distillery Road Market this month. A mix of local and national talent will be taking to the stage at this family-friendly music festival. There will be drinks from Perentie Brewing Co as well as plenty of food options from Distillery Road Market.
Where: Distillery Road Market
When: Saturday 30th May, 3pm to 9:30pm
Cost: Free entry (pre-register via Oztix)
Best For: Families; Family-friendly; Free events; Live music fans; Food & drink lovers
Eat & Drink
Sirromet Signature Fire Pit Experience
Treat someone special to a private fire pit experience at one of the region’s finest wineries this winter. All you have to do? Show up! Sirromet have done all the hard work and will have your fire blazing when you get there, with a picnic rug (for you to take home) and a picnic hamper basket stacked with a generous antipasto spread. Your ticket also includes two glasses of mulled wine or a bottle to share, as well as two Sirromet keep cups as a momento of your experience. Now this is living!
Where: 850-938 Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton
When: Saturdays and Sundays until 30th August 2026
Cost: $189 for two
Best For: Couples, Wine lovers, Food & drink lovers, Weekend plans, Premium experiences
Sample C’est Bon’s Autumn/Winter Tasting Menu
It’s clear from the get-go that this tasting experience is something special. For the Autumn/Winter tasting menu, Chef Andy Ashby has settled on something a little different. In place of a traditional menu, guests will be handed a series of illustrated icons, with the complete menu revealed on completion of the meal. Available as both five and seven courses, the C’est Bon tasting menus have been designed to encourage guests to trust the chef and savour the moment. Such a great idea!
Where: 609 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba
When: Available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Cost: Five Courses, $125 per person at 6pm & Seven Courses, $155 per person at 8pm
Best For: Couples; Premium experiences; Food & drink lovers; Wine lovers; Weekend plans
Devouring Our Guide to What’s On in Brisbane & Searching For More? Try These Next…
Brissy’s Newest Restaurant is Fire-Fuelled
Wine O’Clock Spots Brisbane Locals Love
Donna’s Dumpling Academy
Ever wanted to recreate Donna’s famous dumplings at home? This one-day-only masterclass has your name written all over it. Expect to be greeted with a drink on arrival, then roll up your sleeves as you enter the kitchen for some hard graft. The hard work will be all worth it as you sit down to a yum cha banquet underneath the restaurant’s iconic chandelier, content with the knowledge that Donna’s dumpling secrets are yours now, too.
When: Sunday 21st June, 12pm to 4pm
Where: Donna Chang
Cost: $125 per person
Best For: Food & drink lovers; Premium experiences; Group catch-ups; Girls’ nights; Couples
Art, Culture & Performance
GOMA After Dark
Looking for something a little different to do on Friday nights? GOMA Friday Nights have just launched with an intimate vinyl listening bar, Japanese-inspired cocktails, DJs, pop-up performances and a chance to catch the current major exhibition ‘Olafur Eliasson: Presence”. This immersive and interactive exhibit includes the impressive Presence 2026, a huge, and mesmerising sun-like sphere that pulses and glows. A very fun photo op.
Kick off your weekend with some creative energy and you never know where the rest of it will take you!
Where: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Stanley Place, South Brisbane
When: Every Friday, 1 May – 26 June 2026, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Cost: Adult $39 Concession $35 Youth (13–25) $30 Child (5–12) $20 Child under 5 free QAGOMA Member $33 Group of 8+ $34 per person
Best For: Art lovers; Cultural experiences; Exhibitions; Live music fans; Group catch-ups
Need to Know: Drink service concludes at 8:15pm. Timed tickets recommended — book in advance via the QAGOMA website to guarantee entry. QAGOMA Members can use a free ticket voucher; Premium Members receive complimentary entry for themselves and a guest.
Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema
Head down to New Farm Park this month to experience Brisbane Powerhouse’s newest draw — the Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema. Each Thursday to Sunday evening, you’ll find a schedule of arty films, theatre productions, children’s movies and cult classics.
This new, permanent outdoor cinema features 350 outdoor lounge chairs and wireless Dendy earphones for each customer. Order snacks to your chair via the QR codes and enjoy bigger bites from Byron Bay wood-fired pizza.
For the fur parents out there, there will also be dog-friendly screenings every Sunday!
Where: New Farm Park, New Farm
When: Thursdays to Sundays throughout May
Cost: $20 per person
Best For: Film buffs; Families; Couples; Dog lovers; Food & drink lovers
Horizons of Khufu
There’s no need to jump on a plane to have an almighty adventure this Autumn. The immersive VR experience Horizons of Khufu is touching down late March, inviting you to take a trip to the Giza pyramids. Journey underground into secret chambers and sail along the Nile, as you move about freely, exploring the shared virtual reality space.
Where: Level 1, 123 Gotha Street, Fortitude Valley
When: Sessions throughout June
Cost: From $40
Best For: Cultural experiences; Exhibitions; Education; Families; Visitors
Olafur Eliasson: Presence, South Brisbane
Don’t miss this immersive exhibition by Berlin-based artist Olafur Eliasson, challenging viewers’ perceptions via major installations, sculptures, photo series and more. Exclusive to Brisbane, the interactive exhibition is designed to be a collaboration between viewers and the artist, commenting on how we give shape to our experience of the world and how that differs person to person. The one directive? Be present.
Highlights include Riverbed 2014, a recreation of a rocky stream with running water, and The Cubic Structural Evolution Project 2004, an all white lego city that is built and rebuilt by viewers as the exhibition progresses.
Where: Stanley Place, South Brisbane
When: Until 12th July 2026
Cost: From $14 per person
Best For: Art lovers, Cultural experiences, Exhibitions, Family-friendly, Interactive experiences
Need to know: You can score 50% off tickets on the first Tuesday of every month
The FRIENDS™ Experience
FRIENDS™ fans, it is the moment you’ve been waiting for. You’re invited to take a seat on the orange sofa and relive some of this iconic show’s most beloved moments in an immersive experience. Curated by Original X Productions in collaboration with Warner Bros, Discovery Global Experiences and Fever, it will be the first The FRIENDS™ Experience has popped up in Queensland.
You can expect replica costumes, interactive recreated sets, exclusive merch, and, of course, a trip to Central Perks.
Where: 91 Queen Street Mall, Brisbane
When: Sessions throughout June
Cost: From $26
Best For: Exhibitions; Film buffs; Visitors; Group catch-ups; Fans
Markets & Shopping
Suitcase Rummage
A favourite amongst fashionistas, the Suitcase Rummage is the spot to secure a bargain! Hugely popular amongst Brisbane’s thrifty and environmentally conscious shopaholics, there’s always someone new selling their wares.
Take your time poking through overflowing luggage at these Brisbane markets and don’t be afraid to have a chat (or a haggle) with the seller, you might just make a new and fellow-minded friend.
Where: Redcliffe Place, Queen Street, Brisbane City
When: Sunday 7th June, 12pm to 5pm
Cost: Free to attend
Best For: Markets; Free events; Budget-friendly; Community events; Weekend plans
Outdoors & Active
Enjoy a Free City Tour, Brisbane CBD
Brisbane is full of passionate locals and this free city service is proof. Whether you’re looking to orient yourself on a trip to the city, or are a local keen to dive a little deeper and glean some new tips, the 8 tours on offer all deliver. Opt to uncover a new suburb or get the lowdown on the city of Brisbane itself, learn about penal history or 21st century Brisbane. They even have tours available in 20 different languages!
Head here for details on available tours.
Where: Brisbane CBD
When: Ongoing
Cost: Free
Best For: Free things to do, Cultural experiences, Visitors, Local insights, Walking tours
Need to know: Choose from eight tour options covering Brisbane’s history, suburbs and modern city stories, with tours available in 20 different languages.
Free Things To Do
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Wildlife photography is amazing as is, but comedy wildlife photography? Even better. After collecting submissions from all over the world, the 60-image showcase will feature a range of winning images and finalists from across the years, as well as this year’s winner.
Where: Redcliffe Museum
When: 30th May 2026 to 16th August 2026
Cost: Free
Best For: Families; Family-friendly; Art lovers; Cultural experiences; Exhibitions
Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose, Brisbane City
Exclusive to the Museum of Brisbane, this exhibit connects audiences with the world’s oldest living culture through wearable art. Curated in collaboration with sustainable and Aboriginal-owned label Magpie Goose, the collection features First Nations creatives from across the country, with a particular focus on South East Queensland. Journey through the stories, textures and processes of different communities, whilst learning more about sustainability and fashion in Australia.
Where: Level 3, City Hall
When: Until 5th October 2026
Cost: Free of charge
Best For: Art lovers, Cultural experiences, Exhibitions, Fashion, Education
Need to know: Curated in collaboration with Aboriginal-owned label Magpie Goose, the exhibition spotlights First Nations creatives, with a focus on South East Queensland, exploring wearable art, sustainability and storytelling.
Coming Soon
The Curated Plate
The Sunshine Coast turns winter into a full-table affair when The Curated Plate returns for ten days of fire-led feasts, seafood by the water, orchard picnics, river lunches and chef-led dining across the coast and hinterland. From Island Fire at Alsahwa Estate to Mooloolaba Seafood Market Day, Glasshouse Country Long Lunch and one-off farm, distillery and producer events, this is the food festival worth building an entire winter escape around. Tickets are limited, so choose your headline feast early.
Where: Across the Sunshine Coast
When: 24th July to 2nd August, 2026
Cost: Various prices, with select free events
Best For: Food lovers; winter weekenders, and long-lunch loyalists
Need to Know: Events run across the Sunshine Coast from 24th July to 2nd August, with many headline lunches, farm events and seafood experiences capped, so book early if you have your eye on a particular feast.
What’s On This Month in Brisbane: FAQs
June in Brisbane is shaping up to be a stellar month for food, culture and nightlife. Highlights include the return of Festa Italiana at Howard Smith Wharves, the immersive Olafur Eliasson: Presence exhibition at GOMA, and the city-wide Dine BNE City dining festival with over 130 deals to explore. The Four Pillars Martini Collective is also making its mark across three standout venues, offering the perfect low-commitment way to ease into a Brisbane winter evening.
June is an exceptional month for food and drink lovers in Brisbane. Dine BNE City is running throughout the month with deals across 130-plus venues, alongside special events including a Chinese wine dinner and a mushroom-themed chef’s table. The Sake Festival at Brisbane Showgrounds (19–21 June) brings over 100 varieties and vendors direct from Japan, while the Sunnybank Food Festival on 27 June offers a taste of the city’s best Asian cuisines with most dishes priced at just $2–$5. The Four Pillars Martini Collective is also running across Milquetoast, Supernormal and The 203 Restaurant until 21 June.
GOMA is the place to be this June, with the major Olafur Eliasson: Presence exhibition running until 12 July — and GOMA Friday Nights offering a lively after-dark program of vinyl listening, DJs and pop-up performances every Friday until 26 June. The FRIENDS™ Experience has landed at Queen Street Mall for fans wanting an interactive trip through the iconic show’s most beloved sets and moments. For something more contemplative, Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose at the Museum of Brisbane offers a beautiful free exploration of First Nations wearable art, running until October.
Festa Italiana at Howard Smith Wharves kicks off the month with live music, spritz bars and a stellar culinary guest from the Amalfi Coast. Reggae By The River at Distillery Road Market brings local and national talent to the stage on 30 May, and GOMA Friday Nights feature DJs and pop-up performances every Friday through to 26 June. The Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema at New Farm Park is also running Thursday to Sunday, with a programme spanning arty films, cult classics and theatre productions.
The Sunnybank Food Festival on 27 June is a fantastic family day out, with lion dancing, live music, kids’ zones and most dishes under $5. Festa Italiana at Howard Smith Wharves is free to enter and offers a fun, festival atmosphere the whole family can enjoy. Families can also check out the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards at Redcliffe Museum (free entry, running until August), or catch a children’s film at the Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema, which screens family-friendly movies each weekend.
There’s a solid line-up of free events to enjoy this June. Festa Italiana at Howard Smith Wharves and the South Bank Seafood Festival both offer free entry with plenty of food, music and atmosphere. The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards at Redcliffe Museum and Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose at the Museum of Brisbane are both free and running throughout the month. The Suitcase Rummage markets return to the CBD on 7 June, and Brisbane’s free city tours run on an ongoing basis across eight itineraries in 20 languages.
Food lovers will want to mark their calendars for The Curated Plate on the Sunshine Coast, running from 24 July to 2 August 2026. The ten-day festival spans fire-led feasts, seafood market days, orchard picnics, river lunches and chef-led dining events across the coast and hinterland. Many headline experiences are capped, so booking early is strongly recommended.
Looking for more fun things to do in Brisbane this month? See what’s happening on the foodie scene with our food news, or explore what’s on around our beautiful river city.
