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What’s On in Brisbane This Weekend (4-5 April 2026)
Our pick of all the events happening this weekend in Brisbane.
This long weekend in Brisbane (4-5 April 2026), we’re set for a sunny one, with warm days and cooler nights. Our editors are planning to enjoy the sunshine with some outdoor markets, a sunset paddle and free live music. With a side of plenty of chocolate, of course.
Ready to plan? Read on for all the details you need to know…
In This Guide
Editor’s Picks
This Cult Brissy Bakery is Running an Easter Egg Hunt With Epic Prizes
Beloved bakery Darvella have kicked Easter off early by hiding over 50 eggs across the Bulimba River Walk, Hawthorne Park and Thyne Road between Riding Road and Monocle Coffee. The colourful plastic eggs contain all kinds of fun prizes, ranging from free ice lattes to masaman curry, cinnamon buns and croissants. There are also three golden eggs to be found with up to $200 worth of prizes inside. Best time to start looking? Now!
Where: Bulimba River Walk, Hawthorne Park and along Thyne Road between Riding Road and Monocle Coffee
When: All prizes valid until 12th April
Cost: Free to participate
Best For: Families; Kids; Free events; Community events; Food & drink lovers
Need to Know: One egg per person/family please
Head Out for a Sunset Paddle
Whether you’re a visitor or long-time local, seeing the city from the river at twilight is a fantastic way to round out the week. This relaxed, guided tour will take you on a 90-minute paddle as the colours of the day shift and change atop the reflections of the water.
Where: Brisbane River
When: Fridays & Saturdays, 5:30pm
Cost: $99
Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts; Couples; Group catch-ups; Visitors; Weekend plans
Need to Know: This is a guided 90-minute paddle, ideal for beginners with basic fitness.
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 April and May
Cost: TBC
Best For: Exhibitions; Film buffs; Visitors; Group catch-ups; Fans
Need to Know: The FRIENDS™ Experience will open in April 2026, at Uptown Brisbane. Tickets will officially go on sale March 12, but patrons who sign up for the waitlist have the opportunity to purchase tickets 24 hours earlier from March 11.
Arts & Culture
Olafur Eliasson: Presence
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
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 begin from 27th March
Cost: From $40
Best For: Cultural experiences; Exhibitions; Education; Families; Visitors
Loving Our Edit of the Best Things to do in Brisbane This Weekend? Find More Here…
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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.
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.
Live Music & Shows
City Sounds
This city initiative supports emerging and local artists and also provides hours of free entertainment to anyone looking for a soulful serenade. All genres are covered with musical acts popping up across some of Brisbane’s most iconic civic spaces. This weekend, we’re spoilt for choice with performances by Ben Barker, Ruby Gilbert, Avalon Swing, Tiffany Grace and Flavio Correa.
Where: Inner City
When: Friday 27th March to Sunday 29th March
Cost: Free
Best For: Free events; Live music fans; Community events; Locals; Weekend plans
Need to Know: Concerts take place weekly so if you can’t make these be sure to check the schedule for next weekend’s program
Shopping & Markets
Riverside at The Gardens Market
These popular Brisbane markets have been operating for over thirty years, bringing early birds and keen shoppers together to explore art and fashion by the water in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
As you stroll through the stalls you can enjoy international food and delicious coffee while live music sets the scene for a perfect Sunday morning.
Where: Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Brisbane
When: Every Sunday, 8am to 3pm
Cost: Free entry
Best For: Markets; Food & drink lovers; Live music fans; Families; Weekend plans
Need to Know: Arrive early for the best stall selection and a relaxed riverside stroll.
Outdoor & Active
Explore The Secret Garden
Looking for somewhere to take the kids for a few hours? Woolloongabba has just scored its very own Secret Garden, offering a chance for imaginative play with a backdrop of sensory-rich installs, in place of traditional equipment.
Carved timber sculptures of native animals meet with an abundance of plants and trees, wooden log stepping stones, interactive glass panels and a dry creek bed. 600 individually controlled LED lights meet five rotating soundscapes once the sun has set, making it the perfect place for expelling the last of the day’s energy.
Where: Woolloongabba
When: No opening hours
Cost: Free
Best For: Lights and soundscapes activate after sunset
Free Things to Do
Enjoy a Free City Tour
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.
Coming Soon
Autumn Affair
The tranquil Trevallan Lifestyle Centre is opening its doors once again to a seasonal soiree where you’re invited to sip, taste, shop, wander and listen. Trevallan’s gorgeous garden will play host to a one-day-only Autumn festival, brimming with local musicians and artisan stalls. There’s nothing we’d rather do at this time of year than chomp on homemade pastries and pies, whilst stocking up on handmade gifts. You too? Pencil it in!
Where: 77 Fernvale Road, Brassall
When: Saturday 11th April, 9am to 1pm
Cost: Free entry
Best For: Markets; Food & drink lovers; Live music fans; Community events
What’s On This Weekend in Brisbane: FAQs
There’s plenty happening across the city without spending a cent. Catch live performances at City Sounds, explore the Riverside at the Gardens Market, or join a free Brisbane Greeters city tour. You can also visit Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose or enjoy an evening at the Secret Garden light installations.
Riverside at The Gardens Market is a standout this Sunday, set within the Botanic Gardens. Expect artisan stalls, international food, great coffee and live music, all with a relaxed riverside backdrop.
Head to Riverside at The Gardens Market for a casual food-focused outing, with a range of international eats and fresh coffee. It’s an easy way to turn a Sunday morning into a long, leisurely grazing experience.
The Secret Garden in Woolloongabba is a great pick for families, offering imaginative play spaces, nature-inspired elements and interactive features that come alive after dark. Exhibitions like Olafur Eliasson: Presence and Horizons of Khufu also offer engaging, hands-on experiences for curious young minds.
Immerse yourself in Olafur Eliasson: Presence, a major interactive exhibition, or step into ancient Egypt with the Horizons of Khufu VR experience. Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose also offers a meaningful cultural experience centred on First Nations storytelling and fashion.
Make the most of the sunshine by starting with a market morning or city tour, then head out on a sunset paddle to wind down the day. Layer in an exhibition or live music session, and plan ahead for popular experiences like the FRIENDS™ Experience to secure your spot.
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.
