Tongan Brass and Food Trucks – Saturday June 3
It’s pretty much impossible to be sad when you’re listening to brass music – the bouncy, booming sounds of a lively group of musicians is straight up good for the soul. Lucky for us that the Brisbane Excelsior Band and Park Church Tongan brass bands have teamed up for an uplifting display of brass magic and choral tunes accompanied by dancers from the Pacific Islands. There will be a great range of food available from the Downey Park Food Trucks on the day, so pack up your folding chairs and head to the gardens for a wholesome and multicultural day out.
Brisbane Twilight Markets – Saturday June 3 and Friday August 4
It wouldn’t be the LIVE Guide without a mention of the Brisbane Twilight Markets, one of the most hotly anticipated market days on the calendar. This is one of the only markets where everything you can purchase is 100 per cent local and handmade, ensuring a unique and quality selection. How cool is the concept of buying something off the person who actually made it? As well as the great product offering, the Twilight Markets also have live music, a free craft workshop and some of the city’s favourite food vendors.
Bands in Parks: By the River with Jazz – Sunday June 4, July 2 and August 6
Lazy Sundays are called that for a reason – it’s the perfect chance to kick back, while away the hours and hang out with your friends and fam. If you’re looking for a place to facilitate this, Bands in Parks is the place to be. Live jazz bands provide a smooth soundtrack, while some of Brisbane’s best food trucks from The World Food Markets dish up delicious grub to keep the masses fed. Those who fancy a tipple can hit up the Newstead Brewing Co. pop-up bar, with proceeds going to Newstead House. When you add a dreamy river view and a picnic rug, this becomes a pretty unbeatable way to cap off your weekend – plus, it’s pet-friendly!
The QUBE Effect Awards – Saturday June 17
Brisbane’s music scene is positively booming, and the proof is in the QUBE Effect Awards. Some of the town’s best new and undiscovered talent will be performing live at the ceremony, which follows on from the QUBE Effect event back in April. A group of 24 finalists spanning a huge range of genres will be vying for awards and prizes, including a chance to play at this year’s BIGSOUND conference. Do yourself a favour – head along to the awards and you may just find your new favourite artist that nobody knows yet.
Winter Solstice Festival – Saturday June 17
The solstice is magical time celebrating the shortest day of the year as well as nature’s abundance, so it makes sense to make a big deal out of it. The Northey Street City Farm will come alive once again for the annual Winter Solstice Festival, a family-friendly event packed with awesome activities and all-around good vibes. Patrons can pick and choose from a range of eco-themed workshops to participate in during the day, then settle in for a toasty bonfire complete with live music and (of course) plenty of dancing.
