It’s a bumper weekend in Brisbane! There are so many exciting events and activities happening in and around the city. Here are our picks of some of the best things you can do this weekend…
If you want to enjoy the outdoors
Outdoor adventures, cultural delights and dining packages make up the Brisbane City Council’s Rediscover Brisbane event taking place throughout the month of August. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says residents and visitors can score spectacular daily deals available via the Brisbane app. It’s all about encouraging the support of local businesses. Adventures include climbing, abseiling, jet skiing and quad biking.
Kicking off on Friday, August 19 is the Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival. Feast your way around Moreton Bay in a celebration of the region’s local produce and fast-evolving foodie culture. There are more than 40 unique events, dining experiences, masterclasses and tours. Expect a line-up of talented chefs and big name restaurants who’ll be doing live cooking demonstrations at the festival. Plus, there will be live music to enjoy too!
On Saturday, August 20 head to the Coorparoo Square Shopping Centre for Big Little Fest. It’s a family-friendly day of fun, activities, entertainment, great food and shopping. Kids will love the pony rides, petting zoo and the chance to meet Dora the Explorer. There is also the Puppy and Plant Market.
Sunday, August 21 sees the return of the Brisbane Kite Festival at Murarrie Recreation Reserve. This is a fantastic day for the whole family. See spectacular, beautiful kites fling high in the sky. It will be a sea of colour and cleverly crafted masterpieces. You can even bring your own kite and fly it alongside the professionals. Hot food and cold drinks will be available until sold out. Bring a picnic and your rug or chairs. Other activities include face painting and rides.
If you like the stage
A little bit of fun
For young children (and the young at heart), the theatre production of Room on the Broom is live on stage at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre until Sunday, August 21. Adapted from the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this performance will cast a spell on audiences. The beloved story goes that the witch and her cat are flying happily on their broomstick – until a stormy wind blows away the witch’s hat, bow and wand. A helpful dog, bird and frog find the witch’s lost things, and they all hop on the broom for a ride. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – the broom snaps in two. When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch? And will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?
A little bit of comedy
Following its highly successful 2018 season, Shrek The Musical returns to the Brisbane Arts Theatre. Complete with tap dancing rats, a fire breathing dragon, and Shrek’s trademark Scottish lilt, this is a show for the whole family. Featuring the songs of the Broadway production, follow the story of Shrek and Donkey as they fight their way past singing skeletons, to rescue Princess Fiona and deliver her to Lord Farquaad before the sun goes down.
A bit of a fairy tale
Legendary composer Stephen Sondheim takes everyone’s favourite story book characters and brings them together in the timeless, touching and poignant musical, Into the Woods. Performed by sudents of AAPA’s Performance Courts and Advanced Musical Theatre Course, the story follows a Baker and his wife who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. It’s on at the Hayward Street Theatre until Sunday, August 28.
Check out these incredible exhibitions
Experience the magic of Disney with the enchanting Disney: The Magic of Animation. This family friendly exhibition draws back the curtain on almost 100 years of Walt Disney’s Animation Studios. Marvel at the magic and hard work from behind the scenes of your favourite animated films. You’ll see early pencil and paper drawings and new computer-generated wonders, and learn more about the skills of animators and storytellers. Plus you can step inside some of the timeless scenes of your favourite movies.
At the Ipswich Art Gallery is Imagine This… is a hands-on studio space where children and families can imagine and make together. Four inventive artworks by Australian artists provide the inspiration and all the art materials are provided. It’s perfect for encouraging children to explore an artist’s ideas and stimulate their own imaginations. For children under three years, explore the baby and toddler play space. Stimulating toys and padded forms fill the space; a safe spot for little ones to imagine.
The Pine Rivers Heritage Museum has a new exhibition for kids of all ages. Shadow Makers explores the magic of light and shadow. There are a range of interactive activities including silhouette tracing, shadow box puppets, shadow shows and more.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, events may be postponed or cancelled at the last minute. We do our best to ensure our events are up to date, but be sure to check the organiser’s own event page for the most current updates.
You can find more at our comprehensive What’s On page for all the kid and family fun around Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.