One of the best parts of living in Brisbane is the spring weather (it’s called the Sunshine State for a reason!).
While your friendly southern neighbours in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart might still be reaching for their warmer clothes, Brisbane comes alive with plenty of options for activities in springtime.
Check out our top picks for the best events and activities in Brisbane this spring.
Brisbane Pride Festival
When: 26 September – 31 October
Where: Various locations across Brisbane
Entry: Free and ticketed events
Brisbane Pride began in 1990 and today brings together thousands of LGBTQIA+ people, allies and organisations for a celebration of pride, diversity and community.
One of the biggest events is Fair Day, taking place at New Farm Park on Saturday 24 October from 10am to 5pm. Expect live performances, Rainbow Markets, food and stalls from LGBTQIA+ organisations, services and businesses.
The Rally and March takes place the same morning, gathering at the corner of Ann and Brunswick Streets in Fortitude Valley before making its way to New Farm Park. The march is free to join, while Fair Day is ticketed.
It’s also worth visiting the Brisbane Pride website to find other events taking place throughout the festival.
Oktoberfest
When: Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday in October.
Where: Brisbane German Club – 416 Vulture St, Kangaroo Point
Entry: From $40
The Brisbane German Club has been celebrating Oktoberfest since 1975, and in 2026 the festivities are taking place across all five weekends in October.
Put on your best Lederhosen or Dirndl and get ready for traditional German food, live entertainment, festival games and plenty of Bavarian atmosphere.
This year, all six official Munich Oktoberfest breweries will be represented on tap, alongside non-alcoholic drinks. First-release tickets also include a commemorative half-litre stein and its first fill, which can be a beer, non-alcoholic beer or soft drink.
Food markets
When: Every Saturday morning
Where: New Farm Park – Lamington St, New Farm | Davies Park – Montague Road and Jane Street, West End
Entry: Free
With winter officially over, fresh food and delicious coffee by the river is a perfect start to your Saturday. At the Powerhouse in New Farm and Davies Park in West End, you can enjoy produce and food from a variety of local suppliers, farmers and small businesses.
At the West End Markets, you’ll find more than 150 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and international street food to handmade goods. During spring, the markets run every Saturday from 6am to 2pm.
In New Farm, you can also check out the Powerhouse Farmers Markets, which focus on connecting farmers and primary producers with people living in and around the city. They run every Saturday from 6am to noon, so you can stock up on fruit and veg for the week, grab a coffee and enjoy the backdrop of Brisbane Powerhouse and the river.
Italian Film Festival
When: 24 September – 18 October
Where: Palace James St, Fortitude Valley | Palace Barracks, Petrie Terrace
Entry: From $16 for student Palace Movie Club members
If you’re a film lover, the 2026 ST. ALi Italian Film Festival is a great excuse to head to the cinema this spring.
Running at Palace James St and Palace Barracks, the festival showcases new Italian cinema, including comedies, dramas and documentaries, alongside special events and a retrospective celebrating iconic Italian actor Anna Magnani.
Many of the films have limited screenings, so it’s worth checking the program and booking ahead if there’s something you really want to see.
Japanese Film Festival
When: October – November
Where: Brisbane cinemas
Entry: Ticket prices vary
The Japanese Film Festival is also returning to Australia in 2026, bringing a selection of Japanese films to cinemas around the country.
The national festival runs from October into November, with everything from anime and historical thrillers to contemporary Japanese cinema on the program. Keep an eye on the Palace Cinemas festivals program for Brisbane dates, venues and ticket information as they’re announced.
Yatala Drive-In Cinema
When: Check current session times
Where: 100 Stapylton Jacobs Well Rd, Stapylton
Entry: Ticket prices vary
With warmer weather in the air, settling into your car or bringing along some outdoor chairs to watch a movie under the stars is a great way to spend a spring evening.
Yatala Drive-In is located between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and screens a changing selection of movies across its outdoor screens.
Grab some friends, load up the car and make an evening of it. Just remember to check the current program and session times before you head out.
