10 Fun (And Cheap) Things To Do In Brisbane This October
There's a heap of festivals in the city this month.
Spring has hit the city. And to take advantage of that sweet heat, we’ve rounded up the best fun and cheap events happening in BrisVegas this October.
Prepare to listen to tonnes of good music and eat plenty.
Don Your Best Your Lederhosen
It’s that time of year again! We’re getting our beer and pretzel game on for the highlight of Brisbane German Week – Oktoberfest. Come along for six days of food, music, and some unique entertainment that’s truly a celebration of all things German.
What: Oktoberfest Brisbane
When: 6-8 and 13- 15 October
Where: Brisbane Showgrounds
How much: $22 – $30
More info: here
Crack A Smile
Once a week you can catch Brisbane’s up and coming comedy acts in an adults-only free event, Knockoff, at the Powerhouse. This mix of local and national comedians is guaranteed to get you giggling with some epic one-liners and cheeky stories.
What: Knockoff, Free Comedy Fridays
When: Every Friday, from 6pm
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse, Turbine Platform
How much: Free
More info: here
Light It Up
Brisbane’s Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, is a non-stop carnival of colour, music, food, crafts, and dance that’s not to be missed.
It’s an engaging cultural experience like no other, and with so much to see and do, there’s something for everyone.
What: Diwali, Indian Festival of Lights
When: 6 October, 10am to 10pm
Where: King George Square, Brisbane
How much: Free
More info: here
Play With Fire
Looking for something completely different? Brisbane’s homegrown fire spinning festival is a night full of great music, resonant drums, eye-catching fire arts, and even a little magic. Food trucks and bathrooms are onsite.
What: West End Fire Fest
When: 7 October, 5pm to 10pm
Where: Orleigh Park, Orleigh St, Brisbane
How much: Free
More info: here
Get Into All Things Italian

Photo: Festitalia/Facebook
Grab a gelato and watch some exhilarating historical swordplay, talented dancers, and a carnival atmosphere that will get your mind off the books.
For the shopaholics, why not admire the elegant hand-blown glass jewelry, Venetian masks, and Vespa displays.
What: Festilalia, Italian Festival
When: 8 October, 10:30am to 7pm
Where: Spencer Park, Newmarket
How much: $10
More info: here
Bag A Bargain
For the market-lovers out there, you can’t pass up the Riverside Markets at the Botanic Gardens. This popular Brisbane pastime boasts fresh fruit and veg, international meals and coffee, imported and local crafts, and much more.
Bring your furry friends along – it’s a rare dog-friendly event in heart of the city.
What: Riverside Markets
When: Every Sunday, 8am to 3pm
Where: Botanic Gardens, Cnr Alice & Albert St, Brisbane
How much: Free
More info: here
Gigs For Days

Photo: City Sounds/Facebook
Known as Australia’s largest free live music program, City Sounds has an ever-changing lineup of local and touring bands.
You can catch them in the Queen Street Mall, Post Office Square, South Bank, and a few other locations around the city playing a diverse range of musical genres very week. Check out the upcoming gigs here.
What: City Sounds, Live Music
When: Most days
Where: Brisbane and Southbank
How much: Free
More info: here
Urban Culture
West End Street Art Festival is Brisbane’s first street festival and market dedicated to urban design and street art.
Showcasing some of Australia’s best creative talent alongside a multitude of market and food stalls, and live music, this is the event for budding artists and admirers alike.
What: West End Street Art Festival
When: 22 October, 9am to 5pm
Where: Russell St, West End
How much: $10 ($5 presale)
More info: here
Face The Music
Brisbane’s biggest free music festival is on this month with a great lineup of local and international acts. This year is expecting a massive turnout of 65,000 punters and 50 musical acts over two jam-packed days.
Don’t miss out!
What: Valley Fiesta
When: 27-28 October
Where: Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
How much: Free (public stages)
More info: here
Get Cooking
Discover new food, wines, and the latest in foodie fun at the Good Food & Wine Show 2017. Sample your way through hundreds of quality local and international exhibitors, attend a class, or catch a glimpse of a celebrity chef or two.
Not a cook? Not a problem – this is the event to demystify cooking and make food fun.
What: Good Food & Wine Show
When: 27-29 October
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
How much: $25 – $30
More info: here
(Lead image: Oktoberfest Brisbane/Facebook)

