Leon Bridges, Bluegrass Barbie and bookfest – here’s what’s on in Brisbane this weekend
The forecast predicts another sunny summer weekend for Brisbane (with just a sprinkle of rain to keep us green and gorgeous) and the events calendar is looking similarly bountiful. We’ve urban cocktail trails and $2 swims for outdoor adventurers, a plethora of concerts and theatre and the triumphant return of the Lifeline Bookfest. It’s all here for you in the best things to do this weekend from January 16 to January 19.
Concerts on in Brisbane this weekend
Prepare to be swept off your feet as soulful RnB star Leon Bridges returns to Brisbane on Friday January 17. Performing his biggest Australian shows to date, the Grammy-Award winning Texan singer-songwriter will bring to the stage all elements of his career spanning experiences, inspirations, and award-winning catalogue of songs.
Bluegrass Barbie invites all folk-lorians and dance enthusiasts to Black Bear Lodge for a heapin’ helping of toe-tappin’, banjo-strummin’, harmony-hummin’ fun this Thursday night! Backed by a homegrown, supremely talented batch of Ken Dolls, she’s bringing a fresh twist to classic bluegrass—packed with charm, talent, and just the right sprinkle of sass.
Experience The Art of the Possible with Paul Grabowski: The Others at QPAC this Friday night. Composer and pianist Paul Grabowsky brings together legendary trumpeter James Morrison and Spiderbait’s iconic drummer Kram for a totally improvised performance. For this concert, Paul Grabowsky has invited didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton to join the crew. This unique collaboration promises an evening of spontaneous creativity and talent, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness musical maestros in action.
British rock outfit IDLES will make its highly anticipated return at Riverstage on Saturday January 18. Celebrating its new album, TANGK – pronounced “tank” with a whiff of the “g” – this fifth record is the band’s most ambitious and striking work yet.
Theatre and live events on in Brisbane this weekend
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Live and direct from Wannapoo – Li’l Elvis Jones and the Truckstoppers – The Musical is closing up shop on Saturday January 18 – get in and see it before it’s gone! The beloved 90s Australian animated series is making the leap from screen to stage with a live musical adaption brought to life by a national team of creatives with support from the original series writers and producers, and featuring an iconic cast of characters from the original series.
Lose your head when SIX the Musical returns to the QPAC stage until February 9. The globally celebrated and multi-award winning high-octane musical sees feisty Tudor queens boldly rewrite five hundred years of history. Last season was a sell out so don’t delay in booking tickets!
You’d better shape up – GREASE is the word and it’s back until February 1! The much-loved musical is returning to the QPAC stage with an all-new multimillion-dollar production, promising to be slicker, sexier and more electrifying than ever before. Sing along as you watch Patti Newton as the much-loved Miss Lynch, Bobby Fox as Vince Fontaine and the incomparable Marcia Hines as Teen Angel.
If you’re feeling spicy this weekend, Blanc de Blanc Encore promises a night of laughs and lots of skin. Performing at Brisbane’s latest theatre and bar The West End Electric, this riotous revue of acrobatic talent and great tunes has been choreographed by Kevin Maher (whose past clients include Madonna and Britney Spears) and scored by Danish electronic artist Kenneth Bager. Running into the new year, Blanc de Blanc Encore invites you to escape the ordinary for a captivating night of circus cabaret.
Award-winning circus sensation Blush returns to QPAC this summer for a non-stop celebration of the surprising, the subversive and the supremely sexy. Until Sunday January 26, this outrageous brand of adult circus promises to shock and scandalise with a decadent evening of sensational acrobatics, operatic cabaret and tongue-in-cheek burlesque.
Step into a world of glittering allure and extraordinary talent at the inaugural Mx Burlesque Masters at the Princess Theatre on Saturday January 18. This bi-annual extravaganza showcases previous title holders who have not only dazzled on stage but also contributed significantly to the burlesque community and industry. Be mesmerised by performances that push the boundaries of burlesque artistry, featuring masters who have refined their craft to perfection.
Art and exhibitions on in Brisbane this weekend
QAGOMA’s fiercely anticipated flagship event The Asia Pacific Triennial is back for its 11th year with more than 500 artworks by artists from over 30 countries. Exhibition attendees can expect to discover a vibrant multi-part project from Haus Yuriyal (a collective of 28 artists from Papua New Guinea), a three-dimensional installation of suspended tunnels, cascading curtains and towering scrolls from leading Thai artist Mit Jai Inn, portraits of everyday life in Hong Kong by senior painter Yeung Tong Lung as well as plenty more installations, paintings, sculptures and multi-disciplinary projects.
Museum of Brisbane’s New Light: Photography Now + Then continues into the new year. 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.
Art appreciation takes to the streets with Museum of Brisbane’s newly-curated immersive walking tour through The Star Brisbane and Queen’s Wharf Brisbane. Explore the art, history, and architecture within Brisbane’s visionary new lifestyle and cultural precinct. 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.
Fun events in Brisbane this weekend
Explore the vibrant cocktail scene of Fish Lane this Saturday on an incredible self-guided Urban Cocktail Trail! Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or a group of friends looking for a fun afternoon out, the Urban Cocktail Trail is a guaranteed good time.
The summer season means $2 swims are back. The popular initiative lets you swim more for less this summer with $2 pool entry to Brisbane public pools. Available at the 22 swimming pools across the city, visit a Council pool to cool off, relax, enjoy water play or improve your fitness with a lap this weekend.
Step inside Bluey’s World – for real life! Bluey’s iconic Queenslander is calling Northshore Hamilton home until September 2025, allowing fans of the show to immerse themselves in the Heeler home they know and love. With innovative set designs, interactive games, and activities for children and adults alike, Bluey’s World has been carefully curated to mirror the spirit of the series, encouraging creative play and connection. A must visit for the young and young at heart!
Get your movie fix under the starry night sky, with Moonlight Cinemas screenings happening at Roma Street Parkland. This weekend you can catch new releases We Live in Time, Mufasa: The Lion King, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and A Real Pain.
Markets on in Brisbane this weekend
The iconic Lifeline Bookfest Brisbane is back at the Brisbane Convention Centre from January 18–27. Lose yourself in endless rows of tables piled high with pre-loved books, a treasure trove of stories waiting to be plumbed by intrepid bargain hunting adventurers. With free entry and book prices starting at $2.50, it’s a bibliophile’s dream!
Tote bag at the ready – 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.