Looking for weekend plans? Here are 10+ events to keep you busy

Howard Smith Wharves My Brisbane weekends on the lawn

From bottomless brunches to bushfire fundraisers to pet adoption pop-ups, there is an array of things happening in and around Brisbane this weekend. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of just some of the events being held this Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, January 18

RSPCA annual Pop Up Adoption day

Been wanting a pet for ages but keep umming and arring about it? Well, here’s the perfect opportunity to adopt. In it’s sixth annual pop-up adoption event, RSPCA Queensland will return to Southbank this Saturday! To save time on the day, the RSPCA encourages you to pre-register to adopt through their online portal. Visit the event Facebook page for more information.

Please note: RSPCA Queensland has advised that guests are unable to bring their current pets to the venue.

When: Saturday from 9am-2pm
Where: Hall 2, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: Gold coin donation for entry, adoption costs for animals apply

Image: RSPCA World For Pets – Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Lifeline Bookfest Brisbane

Lifeline’s Brisbane Bookfest is open to bookworms, students, collectors or any passerby’s. With thousands of books, magazines, records, puzzles, vinyl, board games and more for as low as a dollar, it’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday. You can find books for as low as $1 but also some in the ‘High Quality’ section which range from $5 – $50. The event is the charity’s largest fundraising event to support the 24/7 Lifeline crisis line (13 11 14). For more information visit the event Facebook page.

When: Saturday, January 18 – January 27 (inclusive of all days) from 7.30am-6pm each day. Friday 24th will have extended opening hours until 9pm.
Where: Hall 3 and 4, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: Free entry, individual items priced as marked

SEQ Climbers Bushfire Appeal

As bushfires continue to ravage the country, SEQ Climbers are encouraged to unite for a ‘vertical challenge’ by collectively climbing 2,500 meters and raising $2,500 for the Red Cross. For more information visit the event Facebook page.

When: Saturday from 4-8pm
Where: Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point
Cost: $5 cash donation on the day, all donations will go to Red Cross. Register on the day at the registration tent.

Beer for Bushfire Relief

In an effort to raise funds for firefighters and communities across the nation affected by the bushfire crisis, Slipstream Brewing will be putting on a Karma Keg of Laguna Tropical Pale Ale while collecting donations and raffling off a mega Slipstream Brewing pack including beer and merchandise. All money raised on the day will be equally distributed to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and the Victorian Country Fire Authority. For more information visit the event Facebook page.

When: Saturday from 12pm-10pm
Where: Slipstream Brewing Company, 94 Wilkie St, Yeerongpilly

Yoga and Beer bushfire relief fundraiser

Whether you’re a beginner or not, you are invited to attend this yoga and beer event on Saturday to help raise funds for the Australian Red Cross bushfire appeal. You’ll also receive a schooner of XXXX Gold in your ticket cost.

When: Saturday at 4pm
Where: XXXX Brewery, corner of Black St and Paten St, Milton
Cost: tickets $20, RSVP essential. Text 0467 322 482 or email yogaflexstudio@gmail.com

No Scrubs early 90s and 00s party

Get your groove on and grab your mates because this Saturday night at the Foundry you will be able to jam out to all your favourite songs from the 90s and early 00s. Over 18s event only.

When: Saturday night, doors open at 9pm
Where: The Foundry, 228 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley
Cost: $12.25 General Admission, tickets here.

One Direction party

One Direction lovers, this is the event for you! In a tribute night full of One Direction music and all other pop favourites, this is a party you won’t want to miss. For more information visit the event Facebook page. For tickets click here. This event is open to over 18s only.

When: Saturday night, doors open from 10pm.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Mane Stage, 633 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
Cost: General Admission $20, tickets online.

Island Session with Love Island’s Sam Withers

Head down to Jade Buddha tomorrow night as Sam Withers from Love Island hits the Shadow Lounge DJ Decks. Over 18s only.

When: Saturday from 10pm
Where: Jade Buddha Bar & Kitchen, Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane
Cost: Free

Sunday, January 19

Seize the Yay Brisbane Community Relief Run

A bushfire community relief run will commence this Sunday to help raise funds for the Australian Red Cross. You can sign up as a solo-runner/walker or run in teams of two for either the 21.1km or 5km run. The event is a virtual run held in locations across the globe to support bushfire relief. For more information visit the event Facebook page. Registrations required, register at reliefrun.com.au.

When: Sunday from 8am
Where: Meeting at the Story Bridge Hotel, Main St, Kangaroo Point
Cost: $50 per entry (individual or team), register online.

‘Love Me Again’ Market returns for 2020

Making its return for 2020, the Love Me Again Market will kick off this Sunday at Paddington Hall. The second-hand fashion market gives fashion lovers the opportunity to rehome their pre-loved outfits while earning some cash through their very own stall. The market will continue to be held once a month following this weekend’s launch. For more information visit lovemeagainmarket.com.au or the event Facebook page.

When: Sunday from 8am-12pm
Where: Paddington Hall, 10 Moreton St, Paddington
Cost: Free entry, $40 for stall pop-up, $15 for rack hire

Image: Love Me Again markets

Conor McGregor vs Donald Cerrone at Pig ‘N’ Whistle

Head down to Pig ‘N’ Whistle Brunswick Street this Sunday for the ultimate screening of the McGregor vs Cerrone UFC match. If you want to make a day of it, you can head down even earlier for a full Irish breakfast between 9.30am and 11am for $35pp! And just to top it off, there is also a VIP area available to watch the match which includes premium seating and viewing and a 4-hour food and beverage package for $100pp.

Pig ‘N’ Whistle West End, Pig ‘N’ Whistle Riverside and Pig ‘N’ Whistle Indooroopilly will also be screening the fight and are now taking bookings.

When: Sunday from 1pm
Where: Pig ‘N’ Whistle, Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Bookings recommended. For more information and to book click here.

Recurring Weekend Events

Weekends on the Lawn at Howard Smith Wharves

When: Saturday from 4-10pm
Where: Howard Smith Wharves, Boundary St, Brisbane
Cost: Free

Image: Howard Smith Wharves

Westin Pool Party

When: Friday from 3-6pm, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-sunset
Where: The Westin Brisbane, 111 Mary St, Brisbane City
Cost: $20 online, $25 at the door. Tickets available online here.

Spritz, Calamari & Chips at The Defiant Duck

When: every Saturday from 3pm-5pm
Where: The Defiant Duck, 84 Longland St, Newstead
Cost: Book by calling (07) 3252 1581

Margarita Sundays at The Defiant Duck

When: every Sunday from 3pm-5pm
Where: The Defiant Duck, 84 Longland St, Newstead
Cost: For table and booth bookings call (07) 3252 1581

Jess is a journalist who grew up on the Sunshine Coast before relocating to Sydney to finish her final years of schooling and then returning to Brisbane for university. Her passions lay in food and drink, event and entertainment editorial pieces and she enjoys keeping up to date with all things Brisbane. She credits her dedication, passion and love for journalism to her time spent in Gladstone as a cadet journalist – what she considers her most valuable experience in the field to date. On her days off (which are rare) you will find her with an almond chai latte in one hand and a book in another while probably still answering her work emails