The May Event Guide to What’s on in Brisbane Today, Tomorrow & Beyond
The Sitchu scoop on the best events in May is here! Find out what’s on in Brisbane by scrolling through our jam-packed events guide.
Winter is coming, so make the most of the perfect Autumn weather with these amazing events in Brisbane! 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 street festivals, major women’s sports events and an enormous cheese festival, all coming your way this month in Brisbane.
Just keep scrolling to discover what’s on in Brisbane this month.
What's on in Brisbane This Month - Eat & Drink
Pretty In Pink High Tea at Living Room Bar
The high tea experts at The Living Room Bar have done it again! Book in for a Pretty in Pink High Tea experience during May, and taste a variety of sweet and savoury morsels expertly crafted in-house. Pair your treats with bottomless tea and coffee, or opt to upgrade with a Pretty in Pink cocktail or glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival.
From $79 per person
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 1st May to 23rd June, 11:00am to 3:00pm
Level 1, 81 North Quay, Brisbane
Clicquot Chalet Dining in the Domes
Elevate your Chalet Bar experience and dine in the Domes this month at Customs House! This iconic riverfront experience has been upgraded so that you can delight in a shared-style dinner menu. The three-course menu features handmade Vanella burrata, Abrolhos Island scallops with creamed leek and bottarga, Wagyu rib fillet and hand-rolled gnocchi.
$150 per person, for parties of two to six people
From May 14th
Customs House, 399 Queen Street, Brisbane City
The Chalet Bar
If you won’t find yourself in Aspen this winter, the Clicquot Chalet Bar is the next best thing. Snuggle up under a faux fur blanket as you sip on Veuve Clicquot by the glass (or by the bottle). The famous Customs House classic returns to the menu, so be sure to order the popular Moreton Bay bug croissant with lime and dill mayo. You’ll also discover winter-worthy cocktails like the Berries & Bubbles, made with fresh raspberry, lemon juice, Belvedere Pure and Veuve Clicquot.
From May 14th
Customs House, 399 Queen Street, Brisbane City
Clicquot Chalet Winter High Tea
Experience a slope-style high tea this month at the Clicquot Chalet, where the Customs House team have prepared an enchanting high tea selection of savoury and sweet bites. Sip on Veuve Clicquot or a steaming hot cup of French tea whilst nibbling on freshly baked scones and petit fours, all while drinking in the gorgeous Brisbane river views.
$150 per person, for parties of two to six people
From May 14th
Customs House, 399 Queen Street, Brisbane City
Wine & Jazz Evening at Allonda
Craving a bit of culture? Head down to Allonda for an evening of wine and jazz! Kicking off at 6:30pm with a performance by The Sundowners, enjoy dishes off the a la carte menu and a glass of wine on arrival. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day in the office, with a wine in hand.
From $39 per person
Thursday 2nd May, 6:30pm
17-21 Longland Street, Newstead
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
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
What's on in Brisbane This Month - Fun & Festivals
Paniyiri
Brisbane’s favourite food fiesta returns this month in Brisbane!
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 and The Greek Club, Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane
Big Gay Day 2024
Click your heels together Brisbane, because Big Gay Day is back and ready to take you over the rainbow. This year, the festival is headlined by the iconic Mel C and the Sneaky Sound System, supported by acts like Briefs Factory, Mega Drag, Tall Paul and so many more. As always, proceeds from the festival will be donated to charity, to support organisations that service the LGBTIQA+ communities. Start planning your costume and book your tickets here!
Sunday 5th May
Tickets from $121 per person
The Wickham, 308 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley
Stones Corner Festival
The Stones Corner Festival returns to the streets in 2024, bigger and better than ever! There’s a stacked lineup of live music, mouth-watering morsels from food trucks and plenty of refreshing drinks to wet your whistle as you wander around and enjoy the festivities. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at this friendly suburban festival, from market stalls selling crafty and eco-friendly wares, to craft beer brews, and energetic live performances to get you moving.
Free admission
Sunday 5th May
Stones Corner Hotel, 346 Logan Road, Greenslopes
Mould
Cheese lovers to the front, please. Mould Festival is coming to Brisbane this May! Cheese enthusiasts from all over the Sunshine State will flock to Bowen Hills to delight in the brie-llient flavours on offer. With over 100 types of cheese on offer, Mould means serious business. Last year, attendees enjoyed one million samples across three cities and took home over 8.5 tonnes of quality Australian cheese. Now that’s what we’re talking about!
Entry from $49 per person
Friday 24th May to Sunday 26th May
John Reid Pavillion, Bowen Hills, Brisbane
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
Brisbane Writers Festival
If you’re guilty of falling deep into a booktok doomscroll, we’ve got the event to snap you out of it! The Brisbane Writers Festival returns to Brisbane this month, with a stacked program of amazing bookish events. This year’s slogan is “Have we got a story for you”, and is guest-curated by Melanie Saward (Aboriginal First Nations) and Lenora Thaker (Torres Strait Islander First Nations). Promising to deliver events spanning every genre, there’s something for everyone on this year’s lineup!
Various prices
30th May to 2nd June
Multiple locations
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
What's on in Brisbane This Month - Art & Culture
Women’s State of Origin
Women’s sport is taking over, and we couldn’t be more stoked about it! This month, the very best female rugby players will take to the field, for game one of the Women’s State of Origin at Suncorp Stadium. The three-game series will play out at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, before the closing game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.
Rally the gals for a fierce night of energy and ambience this month in Brisbane and cheer on these incredible sportspeople, nothing makes you feel more like a Queenslander.
Knockoff - Free Comedy Fridays
Free comedy Fridays have returned to the Powerhouse this month during the Brisbane Comedy Festival! Head down to this New Farm institution at 6pm each Friday this month, for a line up of local and Festival comedians bringing you a hearty laugh to exercise your stomach muscles and kick your weekend off the right way.
Free admission
All Fridays of May
Brisbane Powerhouse, Yagara Country, 119 Lamington St, New Farm
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
DANCE24 Festival
Is your FYP full of dancing queens? We’ve got something even better. This May, Metro Arts is presenting a two-week celebration of experimental dance, called DANCE24. This immersive festival isn’t limited to the stage, with interactive workshops, engaging discussions and industry networking events all on the calendar. Your time to shine under the spotlight is here, so be sure to check out the program and find your moment.
Free and ticketed events
22nd May to 1st June
97 Boundary Street, 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
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?
