> do things in Brisbane

25 May – 31 May · 103 events this week
Looking for genuinely interesting things to do in Brisbane? dothings.lol is a curated event discovery platform that aggregates events from dozens of local sources and uses multiple AI models to filter and rank them — highlighting workshops, meetups, live music, community events, art classes, outdoor activities, talks, markets, and unique experiences worth leaving the house for, without the clutter or spam found on most event websites. Whether you're searching for things to do in Brisbane this weekend, creative events on the Gold Coast, or social activities on the Sunshine Coast, dothings.lol helps you discover high-signal local events in one clean, minimal interface without ads.

Professor Brian Cox – Emergence Worldwide Tour

Fri 30 May, 7:00 PMBrisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall

Acclaimed physicist Brian Cox presents a live show exploring cosmology and the origins of the universe, combining lecture-style presentation with stunning visuals and an audience Q&A session.

Anywhere Festival – Final Week

Mon 25 – Sun 31 MayVarious unexpected locations across Brisbane

Brisbane's unique festival transforming unexpected locations into stages for theatre, circus, music, and storytelling. This is the final week, offering diverse artistic experiences in backyards, laneways, and ferries.

Qld AI Festival 2026

Friday 29 May 2026Brisbane (venue TBC – check listing)

A festival dedicated to artificial intelligence, bringing together thinkers, technologists, and creatives to explore the frontiers of AI in Queensland through talks and presentations.

Dry Cleaning (GBR) @ The Princess Theatre

Thu 28 May, 7:00 PMThe Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba

The celebrated British post-punk/art-rock band Dry Cleaning performs, known for their distinctive deadpan spoken-word lyrics over angular guitar arrangements.

Anywhere Festival: "Airtight" — Immersive Theatre

Thu 28 May 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMPrivate house, Brisbane

Matilda Award-winner Indiah Morris presents an intimate and unconventional immersive theatre experience set within a domestic space, transforming a Tupperware party into a performance.

Concert / Music
Ticket price

Dry Cleaning

Thu 28 MayThe Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba

Live performance by the post-punk band Dry Cleaning, known for their spoken-word vocals and distinctive sound, at The Princess Theatre.

2026 Brisbane Anywhere Festival

Fri 1 May - Sun 31 MayVarious locations across Brisbane

An ongoing festival throughout May showcasing diverse performances and creative works in unexpected locations across Brisbane. Bookings essential for specific events.

Sparked Community Co-Design Workshops

Wed 27 May - Thu 28 May, 8:30 AMvoco Brisbane City Centre by IHG

These workshops focus on collaborative co-design within the FHIR Accelerator framework, likely involving hands-on application of technology, systems thinking, and team-based problem-solving.

Pottery Wheel Throwing for Beginners

Fri 29 May, 6:30 PMuptown 91 Queen Street, Brisbane City

A hands-on workshop for beginners to learn the art of pottery wheel throwing, offering a creative outlet and the chance to craft your own ceramic pieces.

Open Season: Dry Cleaning

Thu 28 MayThe Princess Theatre

See the post-punk band Dry Cleaning perform their unique blend of spoken word vocals and sharp instrumentals live at The Princess Theatre during Open Season.

World Press Photo Exhibition – Opening

Opens Sat 30 MayBrisbane Powerhouse, New Farm

The prestigious World Press Photo Exhibition returns to Brisbane Powerhouse, showcasing the year's most powerful and impactful photojournalism images. It opens this Saturday and runs for several weeks.

ilab Accelerator Pitch Night 2026: Chapter 1

Thu 28 May (TBC), 5:30 PMBrisbane (ilab / UQ venue)

A pitch night showcasing early-stage ventures from UQ's startup accelerator, ideal for those interested in technology, entrepreneurship, and engaging with ideas-driven communities.

Platform 2026 Artist Talks — IMA

Check IMA events pageInstitute of Modern Art, Fortitude Valley

Join Dean Ansell, Spencer Harvie, and Seren Wagstaff as they discuss their ambitious new projects featured in the IMA's Platform 2026 emerging artist exhibition.

GOMA: Olafur Eliasson: Presence — Ongoing Exhibition

Mon 25 – Sun 31 May 2026 (open daily)Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Brisbane

A Brisbane-exclusive exhibition showcasing three decades of Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson's work, featuring large-scale installations playing with light, colour, and perception across GOMA's ground floor galleries.

Australian Cinémathèque: 'Double Take' Film Program

Mon 25 – Sun 31 May 2026 (screenings throughout the week)Cinema A, GOMA, South Brisbane

An ongoing film program exploring themes of identity, fragmentation, and replication through movies featuring imposters, clones, and psychological obsessions. Screenings run throughout the week as part of a larger season.

Mogwai — Open Season 2026

Wed 27 May 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PMGlasshouse Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane

Scottish post-rock band Mogwai performs a volcanic live set as part of QPAC's Open Season 2026, held in the brand new Glasshouse Theatre.

Sparks — Open Season 2026

Sat 30 May 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PMGlasshouse Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane

Cult art-pop duo Sparks plays a career-spanning set at QPAC's new Glasshouse Theatre, presented as part of the Open Season 2026 program.

Concert / Music
Ticket price

Earl Sweatshirt & MIKE

Wed 27 MayThe Tivoli, Fortitude Valley

Live performance by acclaimed hip-hop artists Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE, presented as part of The Tivoli's Open Season program.

Concert / Music
Ticket price

Current Joys

Wed 27 MayThe Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba

An indie music performance by Current Joys, known for their lo-fi and dreamy soundscapes, held at The Princess Theatre as part of Open Season.

Concert / Music
Ticket price

Mogwai

Wed 27 MayGlasshouse Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane

Live performance by Scottish post-rock band Mogwai, known for their instrumental soundscapes, at QPAC's Glasshouse Theatre.

Pop Choir Rehearsal Brisbane - Woolloongabba

Wed 27 May, 6:30 PMTo be confirmed

A rehearsal for a pop choir in Woolloongabba, inviting community members to join and sing popular songs together.

BNE Chapters | May Book Club

Wed 27 May, 6:00 PMTo be confirmed

The BNE Chapters May Book Club meeting, offering a platform for book lovers to discuss their latest read and connect with fellow readers.

Pop Choir Rehearsal Brisbane - Bulimba

Thu 28 May, 9:00 AMTo be confirmed

A rehearsal for a pop choir in Bulimba, offering another opportunity for community members to participate in group singing and musical development.

Concert / Music
Ticket price

Artificial (Live)

Sat 30 MayQUIVR

A live electronic music performance by Artificial at QUIVR, offering an immersive sound experience.

Concert / Music
Ticket price

Sparks

Sat 30 MayGlasshouse Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane

Live performance by the iconic art-pop duo Sparks, known for their eclectic and theatrical style, at QPAC's Glasshouse Theatre.

Concert / Music
Ticket price

Matt Berninger (The National, USA)

Sun 31 May, 7:00 PMThe Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba

Solo performance by Matt Berninger, frontman of The National, at The Princess Theatre, offering an intimate evening of his distinct vocals and songwriting.

Architectural Intelligence: Redefining AI

Thu 28 May - Sat 30 MayBrisbane Powerhouse and various locations

This event explores how the architectural profession can adapt to rapid technological and environmental change, focusing on AI, digital tools, sustainability, and climate resilience, aiming to spark discussion and foster connection.

Open Season: Earl Sweatshirt & MIKE

Wed 27 MayThe Tivoli

Catch live performances by Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE, two influential artists in the indie music scene, presented as part of Brisbane's Open Season festival.

Open Season: Current Joys

Wed 27 MayThe Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba

Enjoy a live performance by Current Joys, known for their atmospheric indie rock, at The Princess Theatre as part of the Open Season program.

Open Season: Mogwai

Wed 27 MayGlasshouse Theatre, QPAC

Witness the acclaimed post-rock band Mogwai live at the Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC, offering a compelling atmospheric and instrumental experience during Open Season.

Concert / Music
$10.00 - $25.00

The New Generation of Jazz presents Angus Bryer

Wed 27 May, 6:00 PMBrisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point

Experience an intimate jazz performance by Angus Bryer, showcasing emerging talent as part of the Brisbane Jazz Club's 'New Generation of Jazz' series.

Open Season: Mulga Bore Hard Rock

Fri 29 May, 6:30 PMVent Space, South Brisbane

Experience the unique sounds of Mulga Bore Hard Rock live at Vent Space, an event promising a strong atmosphere and a distinctive musical experience as part of Open Season.

Open Season: Sparks

Sat 30 MayGlasshouse Theatre, QPAC

Experience the eclectic and influential duo Sparks live, performing their distinctive art-pop and experimental music as part of the Open Season festival.

Open Season: Artificial (Live)

Sat 30 MayQuivr

Dive into an experimental performance by Artificial, offering a unique live music experience presented by Open Season at Quivr.

Eat Slay Zombie (Contemporary Theatre)

Mon 25 May - Sat 30 MayLa Boite Theatre, Kelvin Grove

A contemporary theatre production with a unique title, suggesting an experimental and engaging performance that challenges traditional narrative forms.

Open Season: Matt Berninger

Sun 31 MayPrincess Theatre, Woolloongabba

Experience Matt Berninger, known for his baritone vocals and work with The National, in a solo performance at the Princess Theatre during Open Season.

Make A Scene – Free Exhibition

Ongoing until 19 July 2026Queensland Museum Kurilpa, South Brisbane

A free exhibition at Queensland Museum showcasing 90s Australian queer culture, fashion, and community, featuring self-expressions of LGBTQIA+ identity and stories from the underground nightclub scene.

QAGOMA – Sacred Oleographs Exhibition

Ongoing until 5 October 2026QAGOMA, South Brisbane

A free QAGOMA exhibition featuring stunning and rare oleographs from the late 1800s, exploring faith, visual culture, and the divine in daily life across cultures.

Arts / Exhibition
$40 adults / $30 kids

Ancient Egypt VR Experience – "Walk Like an Egyptian"

Until Sun 31 May 2026Fever Hub Brisbane, 123 Gotha Street, Fortitude Valley

An immersive 45-minute VR experience transporting you 4,500 years back to ancient Egypt, exploring iconic landmarks like the Great Pyramids and the Nile with 360° panoramic views and interaction with other participants.

Georgie Tunny: 'Over to You'

Wed 27 May (TBC), 6:00 PMBrisbane Square Library, Brisbane CBD

A conversational talk by Brisbane-based broadcaster and journalist Georgie Tunny at the Brisbane Square Library, offering an accessible and community-friendly intellectual event.

Midnight Cowgirls Single Launch

Sun 31 May 2026, 12:00 PMLefty's Music Hall, Petrie Terrace

An intimate indie/country music single launch by The Midnight Cowgirls, held at Lefty's Music Hall, one of Brisbane's beloved small live music venues.

Concert / Music
TBC (likely low-cost)

One Equal Music at St Mary's: Brahms Liebeslieder

Sat 30 May (TBC), 7:00 PMSt Mary's, Brisbane

A beautiful choral and chamber concert in a heritage church setting, featuring Brahms' beloved "Love Songs" waltzes performed by a vocal ensemble and piano duet.

Balu Brigada — SECOND SHOW @ The Triffid

Wed 27 May, 7:30 PMThe Triffid, Newstead

Due to popular demand, indie/alternative act Balu Brigada plays a second show at The Triffid, offering another chance to catch their live performance.

Balu Brigada @ The Triffid

Thu 28 May, 7:30 PMThe Triffid, Newstead

Catch popular indie/alternative act Balu Brigada for their scheduled show at The Triffid, promising a vibrant live music experience.

Fónika @ The Triffid

Fri 29 May, 7:30 PMThe Triffid, Newstead

Fónika, an indie/alternative act with a devoted local following, performs live at The Triffid, known for its intimate gig atmosphere.

The Lyrical & Friends @ The Triffid

Sun 31 May, 7:30 PMThe Triffid, Newstead

Experience the unique indie/hip-hop sounds of The Lyrical joined by friends, promising a community-oriented and vibrant performance at The Triffid.

Tawa Drive Soleil @ The Junk Bar

Thu 28 May, 7:30 PMThe Junk Bar, Ashgrove

Emerging indie/alternative act Tawa Drive Soleil performs live at The Junk Bar, offering an intimate gig experience in a small venue.

GOMA Friday Nights — Olafur Eliasson: Presence

Fri 29 May 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PMGallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Brisbane

GOMA stays open late for live performances and DJs, offering a social atmosphere to enjoy drinks and food alongside the multi-sensory art of Olafur Eliasson's exhibition.

Brisbane Comedy Festival — Ongoing Shows This Week

Mon 25 – Sun 31 May 2026 (various shows daily)Various Brisbane venues

Catch a range of stand-up and sketch comedy performances across multiple venues as part of the ongoing Brisbane Comedy Festival, offering diverse comedic talent throughout the week.

Balu Brigada

Wed 27 May, 6:30 PMThe Triffid, Newstead

A live music performance by Balu Brigada at The Triffid, offering an intimate gig experience for an 18+ audience.

International Meetup with Activities

Wed 27 May, 5:30 PMTo be confirmed

An international meetup with various activities, organised by the International and local language exchange Brisbane group, fostering cultural exchange and socialisation.

Concert / Music
Ticket price

2charm

Thu 28 May, 7:00 PMThe Brightside, Fortitude Valley

A live performance by the artist 2charm at The Brightside, offering an intimate music experience in a Fortitude Valley venue.

Frances Whiting: The Nocturnals - Chermside Library

Thu 28 May, 6:00 PMChermside Library

Author Frances Whiting discusses her book 'The Nocturnals' at Chermside Library, likely involving a reading and Q&A session.

Concert / Music
Ticket price

Ben Gerrans

Fri 29 MayThe Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba

Live music performance by Ben Gerrans at The Princess Theatre, as part of The Tivoli's Open Season.

Concert / Music
Ticket price

Bradley Zero and Das Druid

Fri 29 MayEcho and Bounce

A live music event featuring Bradley Zero and Das Druid, likely offering DJ sets or electronic music, presented as part of Open Season.

Concert / Music
Ticket price

Mulga Bore Hard Rock

Fri 29 MayVENTspace, South Brisbane

Live performance by Mulga Bore Hard Rock, an Indigenous hard rock band, offering a powerful musical experience at VENTspace.

FONIKA

Fri 29 MayThe Triffid, Newstead

A live music performance by FONIKA at The Triffid, providing a dynamic experience in a local Newstead venue.

The Lyrical & Friends

Sun 31 MayThe Triffid, Newstead

A free, all-ages live music event at The Triffid featuring The Lyrical and guest artists, providing a casual and community-focused atmosphere.

Mt Coot-tha Songwriters Festival

Sun 31 May, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PMBrisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

A free outdoor festival at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, featuring performances by various songwriters.

Clock Tower Tours

Mon 25 May - Sun 31 May, 10:15 AM - 4:45 PM dailyMuseum of Brisbane, Brisbane City Hall

Explore the historic Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower on a guided tour, learning about its history and mechanics while enjoying panoramic city views. Tours depart every 15 minutes.

Thursday Night Jazz Club Brisbane

Sat 30 May, 7:00 PMFelons Barrel Hall, Brisbane

Enjoy a live jazz performance at Felons Barrel Hall's 'Thursday Night Jazz Club' series, despite being listed on a Saturday for this particular date, promising a vibrant musical atmosphere.

Open Season: Khamari

Sun 31 MayThe Triffid, Newstead

Catch Khamari live at The Triffid, bringing their soulful sound to Brisbane as part of the Open Season music festival.

Precious – Museum of Brisbane Exhibition

Ongoing until July 2026Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane CBD

A free exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane displaying over 3,000 items from various Brisbane collections, offering a glimpse into the rare, beautiful, and intriguing items cherished by local enthusiasts.

Community / Other
TBC (check listing)

Festa Italiana – Weekend 1

Thu 28 – Sun 31 May 2026Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane CBD

An immersive Italian waterfront festival transforming Howard Smith Wharves with pop-up bars, deli, gelato, and Italian styling, offering antipasti, pizza, and cannoli.

Hot Dub Time Machine @ The Princess Theatre

Sat 30 May, 7:00 PMThe Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba

Join Hot Dub Time Machine for an interactive DJ show that takes the audience on a fun, chronological journey through decades of dance music.

2CHARM + Sidney Phillips @ The Brightside

Wed 28 May, 7:30 PMThe Brightside, Fortitude Valley

Catch 2CHARM and Sidney Phillips live at The Brightside, an independently owned Brisbane venue known for its vibrant live music scene.

UQ School of Music — Nickson Room Concert

Thu 28 May 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PMNickson Room, UQ St Lucia Campus, St Lucia

Student winners of Semester 1 performance prizes present their winning repertoire for piano, strings, and voice in an intimate lunchtime concert.

Fun Trivia Fortnightly OXFORD 152 - All Welcome!

Wed 27 May, 6:30 PMTo be confirmed

A fortnightly trivia night at OXFORD 152, welcoming all to join for an evening of quizzes and social interaction.

Speak Easy International

Thu 28 May, 6:00 PMTo be confirmed

An international party meetup aiming to facilitate language practice and social connection in a relaxed environment.

South Bank Seafood Festival

Sat 30 – Sun 31 May 2026River Quay Green, South Bank

A two-day seafood festival at South Bank featuring pop-up stalls, a caviar and champagne bar, live entertainment, and interactive masterclasses with acclaimed chefs and producers.

Arts / Exhibition
Standard cinema ticket price

Palace Cinemas — Movie Preview with Prosecco

Sun 31 May, Evening (check session times)Palace Barracks or Palace James St, Brisbane

Attend a special movie preview screening and receive a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival to enhance your cinema experience.

Big Bag of Brit Bangers @ The Triffid

Sat 30 May, 7:30 PMThe Triffid, Newstead

Enjoy a lively tribute and covers night celebrating the best of British music, bringing classic hits and a fun atmosphere to The Triffid stage.

Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema Screenings

Thu 28 May, eveningDendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema, New Farm Park

Outdoor cinema screenings at New Farm Park by Dendy Powerhouse, offering a unique viewing experience under the stars. Specific films to be announced closer to the date.

Big Bag of Brit Bangers

Sat 30 May, 6:00 PMThe Triffid, Newstead

An 18+ event at The Triffid featuring British music, offering a night of popular UK hits and bangers for dancing.