The July Event Guide to What’s on in Brisbane This Month & Beyond

Now, come on, Brisbane. Don’t let those dropping temps keep you indoors this month! Don’t get me wrong – I’m a Brisbane native and I struggle when it starts getting frosty, but there’s too much happening this month in Brisbane to miss out.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend escape, or adding to your bucket list of places to eat in 2025, we’ll be right by your side every step of the way.

Scroll on and discover what’s on in Brisbane this month and beyond!

What’s on in Brisbane: Eat & Drink

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The Reserve Wine Expo

Returning for its fourth year running is The Reserve Wine Expo, offering one of Brisbane’s most luxurious wine experiences. Showcasing a curated selection of over 50 of the world’s best wineries, you can sip your way from the vineyards of New Zealand to the rolling hills of Italy. 

Your ticket includes a Plumm wine glass (valued at $55), entry to the expo and the opportunity to taste varietals from 30 wineries (plus premium releases available from 4:00pm in the final hour), lucky door prizes and special offers from the pop-up wine shop. 

$170 per person

Saturday 12 July, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Frangipani Ballroom, Level 1, Emporium Hotel South Bank

James Street Food + Wine Trail

The James Street Food & Wine Trail returns this year to fill your heart with joy and your belly with the tastiest foods this gorgeous food and dining district has to offer. This year’s edition is quite literally bigger and better than ever, taking over 8000 square metres and hosting over 40 market stalls from 26 of the street’s resident venues – the most participating venues in the history of the event. 

Bianca will be serving a dedicated dessert stall serving bomboloni (Italian doughnuts), whilst ESSA dishes up a delectable combo of fried chicken and caviar.

To keep vibes pumping, DJs and performers will be scattered throughout the street, catering to all music tastes. 

Free entry

Sunday 27 July, 10:00am to 5:00pm

James Street, Fortitude Valley 

Lina Rooftop’s Igloos Return

Brisbane’s most popular rooftop bar is once again transforming into a chic winter wonderland, with the return of their iconic Igloos in partnership with Grey Goose! Cosy up in a private igloo that accommodates up to eight guests, with sweeping views over the Brisbane city skyline.

The menu delivers a decadent and warming share-style feast, including house-made focaccia, baked Camembert tartiflette, served with kaiser Fleisch potatoes, and gorgonzola croquettes, served with roasted pumpkin cream and salsa verde. Finish with succulent roasted porchetta stuffed with fennel, sage, and garlic, complemented by a wild mushroom velouté.

From $99 per person

Until Sunday 27 July

74/80 Tribune Street, South Brisbane

Try Italian Street Kitchen’s Limited Edition Matcha Tiramisu

Could it be possible that our favourite dessert just got better? Italian Street Kitchen has brought two of life’s greatest joys — matcha and tiramisu — together and we thank them for that from the bottom of our hearts. Envisage layers of matcha-infused zabaglione, white chocolate mascarpone, and delicate savoiardi. Or better yet…taste it for yourself. Find more details here.

Book now

Newstead & West End

Luxury Rooftop Fire Pit Dining

Along with the return of Lina Rooftop’s Igloos, comes a brand new Fire Pit Dining Experience! 

Enjoy the same warming menu available in the igloos, or upgrade to the Gold Package. This decadent feast includes warmed pretzels with truffle mustard Gruyère fondue, baked brie with truffled honey and walnuts, grilled prawn skewers with saffron aioli and toasted almonds and a winter paélla with chanterelles and confit Aylesbury duck, topped off with a classic French Quarter beignet dusted with powdered sugar for dessert. 

Want to take things even further? Add on the fondue upgrade to receive coconut marshmallows, sweet brioche and fruits to dip into chocolate fondue and toast over the fire pit. 

From $89 per person

Until Sunday 27 July

74/80 Tribune Street, South Brisbane

Winter Cocktail Specials at The Reserve Wine Bar

Craving the warm comfort of a mulled wine this winter? Visit the Reserve Wine Bar at the Emporium Hotel to enjoy a comforting mix of dry red wine, brandy, Emporium honey, citrus and aromatic spices. 

If a hot toddy is more your vibe, there are three to choose from!

• English – Beefeater 24 gin, orange juice, honey, warm spices
• Scottish – Glenfiddich 12yo, lemon, honey, cinnamon
• Twist – Goslings Black Seal rum, maple syrup, lemon, spice

267 Grey Street, South Brisbane 

Winter Cocktail Specials at The Terrace

The Terrace in South Bank is one of Brisbane’s favourite chic spots to sip with a view, and we have the perfect excuse to rally the group chat, rug up and head out. Find fireside-inspired cocktails at this gorgeous rooftop bar this winter, with cosy flavours like spiced rum, vanilla, nutmeg and chocolate.

Here’s what you’ll discover on the menu: 

• Butter + Spice: Bumbu Spiced Rum, Cacao-Butter, Pedro Ximenez sherry, chocolate bitters, nutmeg (served warm)
• Almond Advocate – Absolut vanilla vodka, amaretto, vanilla, custard, pastry,
• Slow Burn – Bumbu spiced rum, masala chai, oolong + whey

Emporium Hotel South Bank, 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane

Sip & Shuck at Manly Boathouse

Manly Boathouse have launched a brand-new Friday night experience that are destined to take your weekends to tasty new levels. Sip & Shuck starts at sundowner hour, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm every Friday (and Mondays, too) where you can enjoy $3 oysters, $10 wine and $10 waffles! 

Dine on the casual outdoor patio, on a cosy table on the deck by the water, or inside in the gorgeous restaurant for a meal that ticks all the boxes; delicious food, stunning views and excellent service. 

4 Trafalgar Street, Manly

Bastille Day Croquembouche

Could there be a more delicious way to celebrate Bastille Day with an impressive tower of profiteroles? We think not. This July, Belle Èpoque is serving up a showstopping croquembouche designed to share between two, composed of crème pâtissière-filled profiteroles and finished with almond nougatine. Délicieux!

Saturday 12th July to Monday 14th July 

Emporium Hotel South Bank, Ground Floor, 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane

What’s on in Brisbane: Health & Wellness

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Gwinganna Genes For Health Retreat

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is taking wellness to a whole new (cellular) level, with their ground-breaking new retreat. Led by renowned holistic medical doctor Dr Karen Coates, this seven-night retreat dives into epigenetics in order to create a personalised health and wellness plan that optimises your wellbeing. 

How personal, you ask? Well, guests are asked to book no less than six weeks in advance, in order to have time to receive their DNA results, so they can best personalise the program. 

Each day, you’ll attend a seminar to unpack the genetic results and learn how to biohack your way to your best health. During your stay, you’ll feast on 100% organic cuisine, enjoy two rejuvenating massages and a facial, opt into nature-based activities, and revel in access to Gwinganna’s wellness facilities, all set in the pristine Gold Coast Hinterland.

From $4,945 per person
Seven nights, starting on Sunday 7th July
192 Syndicate Road, Tallebudgera Valley

What’s on in Brisbane This Month – Art & Culture

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Women of Yuendumu

Visitors to the Mitchell Fine Art Gallery this month can explore an evocative exhibition of artwork that celebrates the voices, stories and creative legacy of Central Australian female Aboriginal artists. 

The Yuendemu art movement surged in popularity in the 1990s with the emergence of more female painters, transforming the landscape of contemporary Aboriginal art. 

Women of Yuendemu encompasses works by celebrated artists including Dorothy Napangardi, Eunice Napangardi, Judy Watson Napangardi, Liddy Walker Napanangka, Lola Brown Nampitjinpa, and Margaret Lewis Napangardi.

Tuesday 1st July to Saturday 26th July
Mitchell Fine Art, 86 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane

Lord of the Rings Lands At HOTA

Tolkien fans – this one is for you! Home of the Arts is welcoming Middle Earth this month, as Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale debuts its national tour. 

Set to an original score, with dynamic staging and breathtaking performances, this production blends fantasy with contemporary theatrics to bring a new lens to Tolkien’s realm. 

Hailed “The greatest show on Middle-earth” by The Guardian, U.K, this show is not to be missed this month.

From $69 per person

Friday 4th to Sunday 13th July
Theatre 1, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

First Light, Skywhales Across Australia

You might remember Patricia Piccinini’s enormous (and frankly, somewhat grotesque) installations from her past exhibits at GOMA, and we’re thrilled that there’s yet another chance to experience this artist’s unique viewpoint on the Gold Coast this July. 

At 5:00am on Thursday 31st of July, Skywhale and Skywhalepapa will soar through the sky as the sun rises. Piccinini’s hope is that as the skywhale family takes flight, the community will find their own way of engaging with the sight. Pack a brekkie picnic, make a morning of it and watch in awe as these hot air balloons 

Thursday 31st July, 5:00am
Free entry (registration required)
Location TBA

Image credit: Patricia Piccinini, Skywhalepapa, 2020 and Skywhale, 2013, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, © Patricia Piccinini. Photo by We Met in June

MONA’s Ladies Lounge Comes to HOTA

This one’s just for the girlies. Leaving MONA (and Tasmania) for the first time ever, Home of The Arts on the Gold Coast is the lucky new temporary custodian of Kirsha Kaechele’s headline-making Ladies Lounge. 

For a limited time, the pop-up version of the Lounge will feature a program of events including live performance, talks, poetry, dining experiences and more. There are even opportunities for the boys to get involved this time, for domestic arts lessons and other reparations.

The Ladies Lounge is only around for a short time, free as part of the BLEACH* contemporary arts festival.

Free entry

Thursday 31st July to Sunday 10th August

Gallery 2, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

We Call It Ballet: Sleeping Beauty

It’s Sleeping Beauty, like you’ve never seen it before. Fusing classical ballet with modern technology, the dancers will light up the stage with illuminated, glow-in-the-dark costumes. 

The combination of their elegant movement, floating through space as they leap across the stage in carefully designed costumes makes for a ballet performance that leaves a lasting impression.

Limited dates

The Princess Theatre, 8 Annerley Road, Woolloongabba 

What’s on in Brisbane This Month – Fun & Festivals

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New Tortoise Experience Opens 

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has just welcomed five adorable new friends: Yoshi, Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong and Toad to a purpose-built new habitat to call their own. 

These tortoises have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and have joined the Sanctuary as a critical step in their conservation and protection, as Radiated Tortoises are facing endangerment. 

The Tortoise Village is now open for special encounters, where you can meet these gentle creatures and treat them to a snack.

28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Paris Tower 

A little piece of Paris is popping up this month in South Bank, with the arrival of our very own mini Eiffel Tower. Arriving alongside Le Festival, Paris Tower is bringing it’s own delightful vibe with photo ops aplenty, and entertainment for all ages as it comes to life every 15 minutes from 5:00pm to 10:00pm with a magical light show. 

Until 14th July

South Bank Cultural Forecourt, Melbourne Street, South Brisbane

QAGOMA Winter Design Market

The Winter Design Market returns once more to the forecourt at QAGOMA this July! 

With stalls peddling a wide range of ceramics, home wares, textiles, clothing and more, it’s a fun way to soak up the winter sunshine and browse the work of some of Brisbane’s most talented local creators. 

You can turn this into a full-day family outing by heading into the gallery to explore the latest exhibition, Wonderstruck. It features over 100 artworks and interactive projects from local and international artists. Plus, entry is free! 

Saturday 26 July and Sunday 27 July, 9:00am to 4:00pm

Outside the Gallery of Modern Art, South Brisbane

La La Saturdays

If you’re yet to visit the Prince Consort’s best-kept secret – now is your moment. La La Land has just launched La La Saturdays for your ultimate weekend escape. Fusing supper club energy with luxe retro disco aesthetics, La La’s is bringing a Studio 54 energy to Brisbane’s nightlife scene in the best way. 

If you’re feeling extravagant, a VIP room is a must, where you can recline in plush seats and sip cocktails in between dancing the night away. 

Every Saturday from 9:00pm

Upstairs at The Prince Consort, 230 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley

Open Season

Open Season has cemented itself as part of The Tivoli’s annual programming, and we’re giddy with glee about it. This festival is spread across the two venues and spans over thirty performances from local and international acts.

2024’s lineup saw an eclectic mix of live music, performance art and lane way parties come to life, and 2025’s showcase will take it to new heights! Returning for its biggest and boldest season yet, this year’s line-up sees acts like Sigur Rós, Cloud Control, Killing Heidi, Soccer Mommy and Skeggs set to take the stage. Combined with the old-world glamour of two of Brisbane’s most iconic venues, this premier arts festival will be one to add to your calendar year after year.

Until Wednesday 30th July
Multiple Locations

Bluey’s World

Make your little ones’ dreams come true with and interactive Bluey’s World experience at Northshore Pavilion. During your visit, you’ll help bring one of the Garden Gnomes to life with the help of the mischievous fairies. Then, help the Gnomes have the best day ever by heading into the house to play with Bluey and Bingo! 

There are games, puzzles and clues to solve along the way that ensure this experience provides non-stop entertainment, laughs and joy.

$64.90 per person
Until 14 September 2025

Northshore Pavilion, 281 MacArthur Avenue Northshore, Hamilton

What’s on in Brisbane Beyond Next Month – August

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The Ekka

Your favourite yearly tradition is back again this month! The Royal Queensland Show (or Ekka, as it’s so lovingly referred to colloquially) returns with all of your beloved favourites: rides, show bags, dagwood dogs and strawberry sundaes. 

There’s a whole host of other fun activities to get involved in and performances to watch, like equestrian events, canine tricks and the Ekka Nites performances that feature anything from V8 race cars, Yellowstone-esque longhorns to an incredible fireworks display. 

Pull on your cowboy boots and head into the Ekka for a jam-packed day of fun, food and festivities! 

Saturday 9th August to Sunday 17th August

Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills

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.

Don’t forget to keep us in the loop with what you get up to around the city! Tag @sitchu.brisbane in your foodie and adventure pics as you experience the best of Brisbane.