What’s On This Weekend in Brisbane: Sitchu’s Top Picks

As summer hits its peak, so does Brisbane’s events calendar. Fresh new flavours appear on menus, arts and culture events dot the city, and scenic outdoor pop-ups are abundant. There are also local markets, limited-edition bakery treats and so much more.

Ready to plan the perfect weekend? Scroll on and let’s see what else is on in Brisbane this weekend.

 Ken Done: NO RULES

Ken Done: NO RULES showcases the spirit of Done’s practice and commitment to painting, all while sharing the joy of his bold, colourful and unmistakable work that has captured the hearts of Australians for decades. 

Featuring paintings from the eighties to today, the exhibition draws mostly from Done’s personal collection, giving the audience an opportunity to feast their eyes on work they’ve not seen before. 

“I’m delighted to be having such a major exhibition in such a beautiful gallery. To have the chance to see works from over 40 years shown together is very special for me and I hope it brings pleasure to a wide audience,” – Ken Done.

Until Sunday 15th February

Gallery 1 HOTA Theatre, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

AO By The River

Looking for somewhere to lean into Australian Open season? Tennis Australia, Channel 9 and Stan Sport have teamed up to create the perfect live site, complete with live screen, pickleball courts and a Sunset Spritz Club, courtesy of Aperol.

Gather your pals and head in for a lively atmosphere and some friendly competition. If you’re looking to make a day of it, local restaurants Otto, Popolo, Naga Thai, River Quay Fish and The Jetty, amongst others, will be offering some AO-inspired treats.

Entry is free with the site open from 12pm to close of play.

Friday 23rd January to Sunday 1st February

River Quay Green, South Bank

Bottomless Pizza & Aperol Spritz Experience at Cucina Regina

Due a January catch-up and looking for somewhere to satisfy the whole gang? The Star’s own Cucina Regina has just launched their bottomless pizza and Aperol spritz offering, ideal for a relaxed midday chinwag. Sip on a perfectly chilled Aperol whilst you chow down on as much wood-fired pizza as your tummy can handle. The perfect summer day? We think so.

From $54 per person

Monday 5th January to Thursday 26th February, Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 2:30pm

The Star Brisbane

The World’s Largest Inflatable Theme Park Just Arrived in Brisbane

Remember the lockdown craze, Fall Guys? Well, The Big Bounce Australia will be arriving in Brisbane this month, and it’s easily the closest you’ll ever get to Fall Guys IRL.

It’ll be in town for a good time, not a long time, so we recommend booking your slot asap. The course covers 1500 square metres and is suitable for everyone from kiddos to kids at heart. Enjoy a 300-metre obstacle course, complete with more than 50 challenges, and the world’s biggest jumping castle, inclusive of slides, basketball hoops, and climbing features.

Different sessions will cater to different age groups, including toddlers, so everyone can have a go.

24th January to 1st February

Eagle Spots Complex

The Art of Banksy: Chapter 2

If you’ve ever wanted to explore Banksy’s work up close, this is your chance to make it happen. With over 300 pieces included, you can explore 100 original artworks, plus rare installations, sculptures and holograms.

From $39 for adults, $27 for children, buy tickets here

Uptown, Queen Street Mall, 91 Queen Street, Brisbane City   

Aperitivo Hour at Doughcraft Lane

Tucked away in Spencer Lane, this hidden bar is the perfect spot to soak in summer. Glowing and golden, you’re invited to sip on $15 Aperol spritz every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 3pm to 6pm. With tunes setting the scene, it’s the perfect knock-off ritual.

Spencer Lane, Brisbane City

Nab a Limited Edition Pink Bao for a Good Cause

Contribute to a cause next time you dine out with PingPong‘s limited edition pink bao. This all-pink everything, fun and funky Thai restaurant will be donating $2 to the McGrath Foundation for every pink bao sold. Stuffed with coconut prawns, cabbage, carrot pickle, kewpie mayo, kaffir lime, sweet chilli, coriander and fresh chilli, each one of these delicious bites will contribute to helping individuals and their families facing cancer.

Throughout January

76 Skyring Terrace, Newstead

Swing Into Supernormal’s Limited Edition Seafood Palace

Nothing says summer like seafood, and this season, Supernormal is upping the ante with a delicious seafood menu. Each day will see a catch of the day menu reign supreme, with towers of yummy crustaceans, Spring Bay mussels, Fremantle octopus and spanner crab sandwiches just a few dishes on rotation.

As a little extra treat, the dining room will be adorned with a series of surreal images, thanks to photographer Tom Blachford. The perfect excuse for a long lunch!

13th January to 1st March

443 Queen Street, Brisbane City

UNO Social Club Just Dropped

The perfect analog evening out has just dropped. Straight from a roaring run in Vegas, UNO Social Club has arrived in Brissy. Riverland has be UNO-ified with themed cocktails, gaming zones, free decks and events for anyone and everyone to enjoy. Make a night of it (or maybe an ongoing ritual!) by organising a group of your favourite organised fun gang.

Monday 5th January to Thursday 5th February

167 Eagle Street, Brisbane

Moonlight Cinema

Moonlight Cinema returns to Roma Street Parkland this November, celebrating 30 summers under the stars. Grab a blanket, your crew, and settle in for movie night done a little differently. From new releases and family favourites to Christmas classics and retro hits, there’s something for everyone, and you can even vote for your favourites in The People’s Program. Popcorn in hand, chilled drinks at the ready — and for the first time this summer, pups can snack on a Lyka doggie bag meal too.

See the full program here.

Until February 15th, 2026

The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parkland / Turrbal & Jagera

Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose

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.

Free

Until 5th October 2026

Level 3, City Hall

SupaSocial: Queen’s Wharf’s Free Summer Festival

Summer in Australia is synonymous with sport, music and all-around good times. To get your January dose, head to Queen’s Wharf’s Leisure Deck, which has been transformed into a free outdoor playground, complete with outdoor cinema, live sport on the big screen, pickleball tournaments, lawn bowls, a putt putt course and live performances by the likes of Paulini, Mitch Dormer and DJ Claire Elliot. The perfect place to while away these summer days!

For the cinema schedule, musical program and more information, click here.

Friday 2nd January to Friday 1st February

 Level 7, Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane

Front 2 Back Listening Sessions at Stan’s

We love seeing venues step back into more analog ways of doing things and Stan’s Front 2 Back sessions are a nostalgic and welcome way to enjoy tunes. Dedicated to deep listening, the weekly series will take place in the moody bar, encouraging people to sit back, relax, enjoy curated bevvies and bites (hello, $10 snack menu) and, of course, slow down.

The series will be counting down albums that have shaped generations, across all genres, and pairs two records with a lowkey link.

Every Wednesday, 7pm to 9pm

5 Boundary Street, Brisbane

Olafur Eliasson: Presence

An immersive exhibition by Berlin-based artist Olafur Eliasson has just touched down at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art, 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.

From $14

Until 12th July 2026

$2 Summer Dips are Back!

Whether you’re looking to get a head start on your 2026 fitness goals, or just fancy luxuriating in the water, there’s never been a better time to dive into the city’s council pools with the return of Brisbane’s $2 Summer Dips initiative.

There are 22 Brisbane City Council Pools across the city calling your name. Why not make it a challenge to visit them all?

Until 28th February 2026

Gelato Making Workshop

Keen to learn a skill worth knowing? One of Brissie’s favourite gelato shops, La Macelleria, is running weekly gelato-making workshops throughout summer, very generously sharing their top tips. You’ll go through basic concepts, materials, how-to and, finally, make your own 1L tub. That’s one way to impress at your next dinner party!

$90 per person

10-29 Florence Street, Tenerife

Friday nights, fortnightly

From $59 per person, free for membersRooftop Bathhouse, TotalFusion Chermside, Gympie Road

Score Your Pup a Free San Chow Bow Wow at The Triffid Garden

If you’ve been on the hunt for somewhere to catch up with your pals that is fur child-friendly, The Triffid Garden has just upped the ante. They’re not just welcoming your pups with open arms but are offering free san chow bow wow, too. Well, it’ll cost two kisses, but we’re sure pup is willing to oblige.

Hang back in the sun-soaked beer garden whilst you enjoy a burger of your own and a refreshing brew. Perfecto!

7-9 Stratton, Newstead

City Sounds

This city initiative supports emerging and local artists and also provides hours of free entertainment to anyone looking for a soulful serenade. And the summer program? Better than ever!

Throughout January, you can look forward to performances from the likes of The Ocelots, Avalon Sing and Gypsy Cats. You can catch the full program here.

Looking for more fun things to do in Brisbane this weekend? See what’s happening on the foodie scene with our food news, or explore what’s on around our beautiful river city.