The Wicked Ball, Sarah Blasko and QAGOMA’s summer exhibition – here’s what’s on in Brisbane this weekend
We regret to inform you that December – as in the last month of the year – begins this weekend. But before you fret over unachieved resolutions or un-purchased Secret Santa gifts, settle in and make the most of the calm before the Christmas storm. This weekend, Brisbane is welcoming a top-notch line-up of music acts, gravity-defying events and of course, plenty of festive flair. We’ve rounded up the very best of what’s happening this week so you don’t miss a thing happening in Brisbane from November 28 to December 1.
Concerts on in Brisbane this weekend
After winning our hearts earlier this year when they toured in support of Gracie Abrams, acoustic trio Tiny Habits are back on our shores – and this time, they’re leading their very own tour. The Boston-based outfit will be taking the stage of The Triffid on Friday. With experience sharing the mic with the likes of Lizzy McAlpine, Kacey Musgraves and Laufey among many more, Tiny Habits are sure to soothe your soul with their haunting harmonies and musical compositions.
Indie darling Sarah Blasko returns to Brisbane this Saturday to tour her latest album I Just Need To Conquer This Mountain. Full of late-night reflections on goodbyes, grief and new beginnings, this new album is a testament to Sarah’s rare immediacy, clarity and purpose. Experience Sarah live and loud at The Princess Theatre this weekend.
Waxahatchee makes her long-awaited return to Australia this week, with a fresh Grammy nomination under her belt. As an important voice in the indie-Americana scene, Waxahatchee is best known for her honest and close music of a singularly Southern lilting. Experience Waxahatchee at The Tivoli this Sunday.
Theatre on in Brisbane this weekend
A smash hit across Australia (and soon London), A Very Naughty Christmas is back to tickle your tinsel, kicking off its bushels of fun this weekend. Settle in with a cocktail as the North Pole’s naughtiest performers show you what Santa really gets up to each holiday season. With a live band playing everything from pop music and original songs, to Christmas carols as you’ve never heard them before, A Very Naughty Christmas is back for its eighth year from this Thursday at La Boite.
This weekend marks your last chance to catch the new musical adaption of childhood classic Round the Twist before it closes on Sunday, December 1. Created by Paul Hodge, the playwright best known for his zany works like Joh for PM and Clinton: the Musical, this new musical experience follows the Twist family as they fight to save their lighthouse home whilst unravelling a 100-year-old magical mystery. Get ready for the show’s earworm theme song (“Have you ever, ever felt like this?”) to be stuck in your head once more.
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Live events on in Brisbane this weekend
Pink Flamingo’s popular Circus Fun House continues its magical Christmas extravaganza this weekend. Santa Claus is coming to town and he will be bringing a bunch of festive friends from the North Pole. Pink Flamingo’s jaw-dropping circus acts, daring aerial stunts, acrobatics and dazzling costumes are getting a holiday twist, featuring Christmas tunes, mischievous elves and festive surprises. Kicking off on Saturday November 23, the Christmas edition will only run for a limited season and, as a special holiday treat, adult tickets have been dropped to kids’ prices.
In anticipation of the end of the year, Australian comedy greats Charles Firth (The Chaser), James Schloeffel (founder of The Shovel), Mark Humphries (ABC TV), and, for the very first time, the sensational Veronica Milsom (Mad as Hell, Triple J) have teamed up for a special edition of the Annual Comedy Gala, The War on 2024. The show will, of course, be brimming with razor-sharp comedy and a healthy satirical skewering of politics, culture and current events. Experience the best headlines from The Chaser and The Shovel live at this side-splitting show.
Art and exhibitions on in Brisbane this weekend
After three fleeting years, QAGOMA’s fiercely anticipated flagship event The Asia Pacific Triennial will make its grand return this weekend. From November 30, more than 500 artworks by artists from more than 30 countries will be showcased across the hallowed cultural precinct. This weekend, QAGOMA will be ringing in the latest triennial with an array of events including more than 20 artists talks, headlined by the likes of Karla Dickens, Brett Graham, Dawn Ng and many more, with conversations with QAGOMA’s curatorial team and live music and performance art as well.
If all this art has you wanting to try your own hand at some creating, Studio Maverik has teamed up with local fashion house Silk Laundry for a very special Still Life Drawing Pop Up on Sunday afternoon. The class has been inspired by Silk Laundry’s latest collection ‘Symbiotic’ with take-home goodie bags from the Silk Laundry Brisbane team up for grabs as well.
Museum of Brisbane has launched a newly curated immersive walking tour through The Star Brisbane and Queen’s Wharf Brisbane. This bespoke 45-minute walking tour is free for a limited time, giving you a rare opportunity to explore Brisbane’s newest multi-million-dollar public outdoor art gallery as well as visit key heritage sites in the precinct. Led by expert guides, you will get to experience works from Lindy Lee, Justene Williams and Tony Albert and more.
Jan Murphy’s fiercely anticipated exhibition Ben Quilty | 20 Years continues its run this weekend. The exhibition showcases the unique collection of artworks from seminal Australian artist, spanning two decades of his practice. Described as a vivid and imaginative voyage, this exhibition offers a comprehensive self-portrait of one of the country’s most prolific working artists.
Hamilton’s arts and cultural hub Superordinary is welcoming a new exhibition this weekend from local artist Shock.JR. Full Circle will revisit a decade-long exploration of his work and offer a glimpse into its future direction. Friday marks the opening night and Superordinary is set to celebrate with viewing after dark, kicking off at 6:00 pm.
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The crew at The Station are hosting Praise this Friday – a new exhibition set to explore why we praise, what we praise and who’s deserving of our praise. Experience a robust roster of local artists (such as ceramicist Eye Fleur, painter Katty Han, multi-disciplinary artist Hamish Wilson and many more) exhibiting new creations from The Station’s always cosy setting. It’s BYO as well – making it the perfect start to your weekend.
Museum of Brisbane’s New Light: Photography Now + Then continues this weekend. Stroll your way through a mesmerising display of photographs spanning from 1890 to 2024. The collection features the remarkable tale of amateur Brisbane photographer Alfred Henrie Elliott (1870-1954), whose extraordinary images lay dormant for decades until they were discovered in 1983, stored in cedar cigar boxes beneath a home in Red Hill.
Fun events in Brisbane this weekend
If something has changed within you, something is not the same – namely, you’re entirely consumed by everything Wicked at the moment – you’ll want to head to The Wickham’s Wicked Ball this weekend. With free witch hats promised and bubble blowers aplenty, this magical event is flying into Fortitude Valley to add a touch of magic to your Saturday night. Hold space for the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity’ with themed cocktails, musical remixes and your baddest witches in tow.
November isn’t just the penultimate month of the year – it also marks Movember – a very sacred time beard-growing mates stop the shave to raise awareness for men’s health issues. Grab a Mo-Bro and join team LSKD to close out the month at Vikasati Red Hill with a bone-chilling three-minute cold plunge. With Jimmy Rods on deck to shave off your mo, a $1000-valued lucky door price and all proceeds going directly to the Movember Foundation, it’s sure to refresh your Friday evening.
Summer starts this weekend – and in Brisbane, that means three things: steamy temperatures, beach days and most importantly, Moonlight Cinema back to light up Roma Street Parklands. This weekend, Moonlight Cinema will be screening Deadpool & Wolverine, Barbie, The Fall Guy and Gladiator II, whilst the snack bar serves up all your fave treats. Snag a ticket here.
Festive fun in Brisbane this weekend
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas in Brisbane officially begins this Friday. Over the coming weeks, the city will come alive with a program of festive cheer for all ages. This weekend will see the Lighting of the Christmas Tree in King George Square, more of The Enchanted Garden and Uptown’s festive window displays in Queen Street Mall (more on these below), with plenty more festive fun en route as we lead up to the big day.
On Friday, it’ll begin to look a lot like Christmas when Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner lights King George Square’s spectacular 22-metre Christmas tree. Bring along your loved ones to enjoy a jolly evening of festive joy as Santa Claus comes to town with his helpers to rock around the Christmas tree. Can’t make it this Friday? Don’t worry, the dazzling Christmas tree will light up King George Square throughout the season, offering the perfect backdrop for festive photos in the heart of The City.
Be dazzled by the return of Roma Street Parkland’s magical light display, The Enchanted Garden. Launching this weekend, this year’s story follows Willow and Marigold on Enchanted Eve, a magical night where dreams come true and the spirit of Christmas shines bright. Throughout the multi-sensory journey, park venturers can expect to experience twinkling lights, stunning soundscapes, dazzling lasers and night-time projections. The Enchanted Garden is here until December 21 but usually sells out – be sure to book in advance!
Marvel at Uptown’s Christmas LEGO® Brick Window Display. The Queen Street Mall shopping centre is bringing the holiday magic this season, decking the halls with a brick-load of festive fun, creative joy and tiny toys. Experience Christmas frivolity with LEGO® brick window displays, charitable initiatives, workshops and free activities for all ages.
Food and drink events in Brisbane
Saville Row has invited some of the most popular producers to its Fortitude Valley bar room this Saturday for the fourth edition of Whisky Walkaround. From 1:00 pm, Saville Row will be hosting a fun day of tasting, talking and learning about all things whisky. With your ticket, you can enjoy several tastings as well as claim two tokens to try two nips of any of the tables’ “Rare Whisky” brews.
Markets on in Brisbane this weekend
Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct’s Farm Gate to City Door Market is back with a special festive edition this Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Browse everything from seasonal vegetables, farm-direct meats and charcuterie, fresh flowers, artisan honey and dairy products to boutique distilled spirits – and stock up on goodies for the silly season.
Tote bag at the redy – fresh-local produce, bespoke goodies and street food snacks all await at Brisbane’s weekly markets as well. Kelvin Grove Village Market, Jan Powers Farmers Markets, Nundah Farmers Markets, West End Markets, Riverside Markets and the Redcliffe Markets are open and trading this weekend.