During the Brisbane winter (which means the summer months for may of us), travelers can take advantage of not only the less-crowded attraction sites but also a number of fun festivals that highlight local culture. Brisbane’s festival focus on everything from eating farm fresh ingredients to paying homage to the French culture in Australia.
From food festivals to patriotic celebrations, you have to check out these Brisbane summer festivals:
Scenic Rim Eat Local Week (June – July)
Scenic Rim Eat Local Week takes place in Southeast Queensland, an hour away from Brisbane and Gold Coast by car. The festival emphasizes the ‘eat local’ movement and pays special attention to the food growers of Scenic Rim.
During the week, festival-goers can partake in free or low-cost activities including farm tours, cooking classes, special dinners and food and wine tastings. At the end of the week, participants join for the Winter Harvest Festival for live music, delicious food and cooking demos. Enjoy the culinary delights of Brisbane at the Scenic Rim Eat Local Week.
Schedule: June 30, 2018 – July 8, 2018
Pro-Tip: Head over to the official website and check out the events section to plan out your festivities!
Regional Flavours (July)
Held in South Bank Parklands, Regional Flavours is Queensland’s biggest annual food and wine festival. Featuring live music and entertainment, a bustling market, cooking demos by celebrity chefs and even activities for kids, this Brisbane festival has something for everyone.
The festival takes place over two days and (bonus) it’s totally free for admission. Guests can expect a pop-up bistro, stalls hawking tasty streetfood and picnic patch so visitors can savor their market buys.
Schedule: July 21, 2018 – July 22, 2018
Pro-Tip: There’s a number of ways to get to the festival including walking, cycling and public transport so make a day of it and enjoy your festival experience from start to finish.
Ekka – Royal Queensland Show (August)
The Royal Queensland Show, also known as Ekka, is one of Queensland’s most anticipated annual events. The Ekka has been running since 1876 and while the festival has changed over the years, it still retains some of the traditions that make it so great. This Brisbane festival highlights the best of Queensland’s farming community. Visitors can take in competitions of everything from dog and cat shows to produce to woodchopping.
Of course, this festival isn’t all cattle, it also draws in Queenslanders with exhilarating carnival rides, world-class live entertainment and shopping. During the day, take advantage of family-friendly shows like the ‘Heritage Bank Racing Pigs’ and ‘The Crackup Sisters Whip Cran’n Comedy and Circus Acrobatics’. At night, sit back and witness a spectacular firework display.
And don’t forget about one of the most important features of the festival- food! With four different food areas, guests can book a table at a steakhouse, savor charcoal BBQ or head to the massive food pavilion for sweet treats, comfort foods and more.
Schedule: August 10, 2018 – August 19, 2018
Pro-Tip: Ticket prices start at AU$35 for adults and $20 for children
Eat Street Northshore Market (open weekends, year-round)
Calling all foodies! You won’t want to miss out the Eat Street Northshore Market. This Queensland market is open year-round, every weekend and requires an affordable entry fee of AU$3.00 per person. This Brisbane market is built from 180 shipping containers that have been transformed into restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment venues.
Treat your tastebuds to Instagrammable eats like Kit Kat Doughnut Fries and guilty pleasures like nacho bowls loaded with cheese, sour cream, and of course, guac.
Or, go on a tasting tour of the world and sample noodles from Singapore or shawarma goodness or fresh oysters.
Schedule:
Friday and Saturday: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Pro-Tip: When food coma hits, sit back and relax with a number of live music acts at the market. Check out the official site’s schedule for more info.
Le Festival (July)
Brisbane’s francophiles make their way to Le Festival on the South Bank Cultural Forecourt every year. This French culture festival allows tourists and locals to get a slice of the Parisian lifestyle from the other side of the world. Grab your beret and journey to the festival to enjoy the Wine Pavilion, French Market and live entertainment.
Head to the main stage and observe French musicians, Polynesian dancers and watch French performers demonstrate the can-can. Pay a visit to the market to dine on gourmet foods browse French boutiques. Learn about French culture and take in Brisbane’s landscape during this festival.
Schedule: July 6, 2018 – July 8, 2018
Pro-Tip: Buy your ticket and get access to the hands-on Le Cordon Bleu Masterclasses to gain insight into gastronomy, taste champagne and relish wine and cheese.
The dip in temperature in Brisbane actually makes for the perfect vacation season for those looking to escape the heat. Brisbane’s winter temperatures get to a high of 21°C, meaning travelers still have the opportunity to get outside, get some fresh air and enjoy the sights of this picturesque city. And what better way than to explore Brisbane’s vibrant festival scene?