The April Event Guide to What’s on in Brisbane Today, Tomorrow & Beyond

A cool autumn breeze has descended on the city, and we couldn’t be more ready. It's the perfect time of year to try that new wine bar, or head on a cosy getaway in a tiny cabin. Now that you’re not feeling the heat, take a breath and explore the best events happening across the city this month.

When you're not making reservations at the best new bars and restaurants in Brisbane, these activities will keep your calendar full of adventure. 

We’ve found immersive installations, an evocative dance performance and famous musicals, all coming your way this month.

Just keep scrolling to discover what’s on in Brisbane this month.

Cherry Blossom Season at Mary Mae’s

If your Instagram feed is full of your friends having the time of their life in Japan (there’s been a little bit of that going around in the Sitchu office…), we have something to soothe the pain. Trot down to Sip & Sakura at Mary Mae’s at the Powerhouse, and enjoy some waterfront views whilst sipping on their special sakura season cocktails. Try a variety of botanical Roku gin cocktails or the mouthwatering matcha yuzu delight dessert on the menu whilst you enjoy the last of the summery sunshine as it fades into autumn.

Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm 

Pick Up A New Bag at July’s Flagship Brisbane Store

In the market for a new set of wheels? Not that kind. We're talking about Australia's favourite luggage brand, July. They've just opened their chic new flagship store in the gorgeous Calile Hotel on James Street. So if you’re planning your Euro-summer and just need the perfect carry-on for your ‘kinis, head in-store to discover why July is setting the standard for comfortable and convenient travel. 

Calile Hotel, Tenancy RW10, 46 James Street, Fortitude Valley⁠

Kalbar Sunflower Farm Festival

Sunflower fields, forever. Take a scenic trip to the Scenic Rim this month, by heading out to the Kalbar Flower Farm to see the sunflower fields in full bloom! With ample photo ops, food trucks with local produce and your very own fresh sunflowers to pick and take home, this is the perfect chance to get out of the city, breathe in some fresh air and enjoy.

Wander through the rows of sunflowers that tower over you and count the happy bees and ladybeetles as you go. Pooches are welcome, so you can also snap plenty of content for their pupstagram. Hot tip: take gloves, secateurs and a bucket to carry your sunflowers… they’re a little stickier than you might think! 

Friday 19th April to Sunday 21st April

56 Warumkarie Road, Kalbar

Hopelessly Devoted: A Celebration of Olivia Newton-John

Who better to celebrate the work of Olivia Newton-John than the internationally acclaimed drag superstar, Courtney Act? Taking the stage with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and stars such as David Campbell, Jess Hitchcock, Georgina Hopson and Christie Whelan Browne, this show is sure to have you singing along in your seat. 

Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to spend a night out in South Bank, enjoying the best restaurants and bars in the area! 

From $95 per person

Concert Hall, QPAC, Corner of Melbourne & Grey Streets, South Brisbane 

Calile Culture features the Australasian Dance Collective

A captivating collaboration has come to The Calile Hotel, with an immersive multimedia experience from the Australasian Dance Collective. Blending film, dance and discussion, this event will greet guests on arrival with video projections of the ADC’s award-winning films, before being led by the company artists on a promenade-style tour of the Calile. Then, experience their performance up close with vignettes from Aftermath, Still Life, Dull Boy and Truth Beauty Suffering.

Tuesday 23rd April, 7pm to 9pm

48 James Street, Fortitude Valley

Hiromi Tango

Immersive artist Hiromi Tango nurtures connectivity and creativity in bloom this month at the Museum of Brisbane. This six-month residency will see Hiromi transform the Adelaide Street Pavilion into a sculptural arrangement of vibrant flowers, through her 花弁 Hanabira (Gentle Petal) public installation. Inviting the general public to be part of this immersive installation, Hiromi invites Brisbane locals and visitors to create flowers and foliage from upcycled textiles and foraged local materials, inspired by Brisbane’s local blooms and buds. 

Free Admission

From Saturday 2nd March

Adelaide Street Pavilion, Level 3, City Hall

North by North West

This free exhibition at the Queensland Art Gallery showcases recent acquisitions alongside existing favourites from the Gallery’s collection of Indigenous Australian art. North by North West highlights unique visual threads and continuities that traverse the top half of the continent, celebrating each part of Country’s specific regional style. 

From February 11th

GRAZE by City Winery

City Winery have launched an exquisite new six-course dinner, designed to showcase beautiful food at affordable prices. The GRAZE dining event this May will see head chef Kyran Henry plating up seasonal produce with a Japanese-inspired menu. Dine degustation-style at a long, communal table and opt for a two-hour drinks package if you’re feeling thirsty.

From $80 per person

Friday 17th May, 6:30pm to 9:00pm

City Winery Brisbane, 11 Wandoo Street, Fortitude Valley

Affordable Art Fair

Brisbane has become the 15th international city to host the Affordable Art Fair, an event that welcomes more than 3.1 million art lovers, and has been known to sell up to 568,000 pieces of art! It’s the perfect opportunity to nab a stunning piece to furnish your home, or start your Christmas shopping early by discovering unique presents that spark joy time and time again.

Spanning all styles and genres, more than 40 independent galleries will take part in the inaugural Brisbane Fair, selling pieces from $100 to $10,000.

From $17.21 per person

Thursday 9th May to Sunday 12th May

Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills

Paniyiri

Brisbane’s favourite food fiesta returns in May, and tickets are now on sale! Paniyiri is Australia’s longest-running Greek festival, and this year marks its 47th event. Spanning two days of spectacular food, dance, music and art, it’s a delicious and delightful way to spend a day soaking up the energy of Greek culture and heritage.

Watch cooking demonstrations, dance performances, competitions and so much more this year at Paniyiri.

From $15 per person

Saturday 18th May to Sunday 19th May

Musgrave Park, West End

Caper Byron Bay Food & Culture Festival

Escape the city and immerse your senses in the flavours of the Caper Byron Bay Food & Culture this May! The ten-day programme spans produce, wellness and local restaurants along with celebrating the counterculture of the Northern Rivers community. Among the highlights will be opportunities to mingle with chefs like Darren Robertson of Three Blue Ducks, Jason Saxby from Raes on Wategos, Dave Moyle from Salty Mangrove and many more! The festival will conclude with an official closing party at the North Byron Hotel, where snacks will be prepared over an open fire, while live music performances and DJ’s keep the vibes pumping as you dance the night away. It’s the perfect excuse for an autumn getaway.

Friday 17th May to Sunday 26th May

Brisbane Comedy Festival 2024

In need of a laugh? Say no more. Over 350 hilarious acts are taking the stage in May, as part of the Brisbane Comedy Festival 2024! Spread across four of the city’s most iconic venues, local and international acts such as Adrian Bliss, Myf Warhurst, Zan Rowe, Adam Kay, Stephen K. Amos and so many more. 

Friday 26th April to Sunday 26th May

Various locations

Now that you’ve explored what’s on in Brisbane this month, keep your diary handy. We’ve found the best tiny home stays near Brisbane that are perfect for an autumn getaway.

Looking for somewhere to spend a week away? Why not explore our guide of the best things to do in Port Douglas for some vacay inspiration?