11 Things To Do In Brisbane When It’s Raining

Rain forecast for the weekend? While it’s tempting to stay indoors, I urge you to take your umbrella on an outing. Don’t let a little grey weather dampen your spirits! Here’s 11 things you can do in Brisbane when it’s raining.

Get competitive with a round of putt putt

Photo Credit: Holey Moley Fortitude Valley

Get some pals together for a round of putt putt at Holey Moley Golf Club. Play at either Fortitude Valley or Brisbane Wintergarden, both of which are indoors and are unlike any other mini golf courses you’ve been to before! Secure a spot online before heading in and keep hydrated while playing with one of their delicious cocktails.

See a show at QPAC

Check out the QPAC website to see what’s on! You can often snag last minute tickets for a fraction of the price. There’s plenty of covered parking and public transport options making it easy to head in to see the latest production. No need for a rain coat at QPAC, take the opportunity to dress up for the occasion!

Check out the new and improved Queensland Museum

Head to the Queensland Museum for an educational and interactive outing. Check out the new science gallery SparkLab, located in The Sciencentre. While general admission to the Queensland Museum is free, you’ll need to get tickets for special exhibitions. Avoid disappointment by getting tickets ahead of time.

Try a new coffee blend

Arrange to meet a friend at your favourite cafe and catch up over coffee. We’re lucky to have some pretty talented baristas in Brisbane who can recommend a tasty new blend and even ensure your cappuccino has a shape of a swan on top. If you’re getting takeaway, do your bit for the planet and take your keep cup.

… or taste a locally brewed beer

Photo credit: Newstead Brewing Co

Head to a local brewery like Newstead Brewing Co or the Green Beacon – ‘cause there’s nothing like a craft beer with a few mates.

Take your workout indoors

Hit up a local gym or studio for a rainy day workout. Challenge yourself by trying something new like aerial yoga, barre, crossfit or a spin class! The options are endless and committing to a workout early in the day is a sure-fire way to get all those endorphins pumping. Feeling more adventurous? Why don’t you grab a friend and go indoor rock climbing? We guarantee you’ll have a ball of fun.

Shop local

Grab your reusable bag and support local boutiques and businesses by shopping local. You’ll often find that bread and produce is even more fresh when bought from an independent store. As for fashion, you can pick up quality and handmade goods that will have everyone asking “where did you get that?”

Hunt for a good read

If you prefer to curl up with a blanket and a good book on a rainy day, take a quick trip to your local bookstore for a new read. Independent bookstores such as the Avid Reader in West End, Riverbend Books in Bulimba and Mary Ryan’s Books, Music & Coffee in New Farm offer all the classics, bestsellers and everything in between. Step away from your usual go-to authors and try the work of an emerging writer. 

Book a weekend workshop

Learn a new skill by booking yourself a weekend workshop! Channel your inner Picasso during an art class or flex your green thumb at a terrarium workshop. Photography, pottery, writing – you name it, Brisbane’s got it. 

Beat the high score at an arcade & bar

Photo credit: B. Lucky & Sons arcade

Whip out the coins and head out to a classic arcade for a bit of fun. Venues like Netherworld and B. Lucky & Sons in Fortitude Valley or Pincadia are perfect spots to crack the high score. You’re sure to find some old school classics at these spots in the city. 

Check out the exhibitions at GOMA

GOMA Water installationview Things To Do MyBrisbane
Water Exhibition no.2019.26 Organisation: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Start date: 7 December 2019 End date: 26 April 2020 Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) Level 1 installation view

Get cultured and check out what’s on at GOMA. Touring exhibitions are ticketed and others are free. You can familiarise yourself with what’s on at GOMA by checking out their website before heading in. Take your visit to GOMA to the next level by joining in on a volunteer guided tour.


Are you out and about doing any of these things this rainy weekend? Let us know! Tag @Brisbane on Instagram.