Brisbane Archives - The Gap Today

New Two-Storey Childcare Centre Proposed for Waterworks Road to Meet Growing Demand in The Gap

A development application lodged in February 2026 proposes a new two-storey childcare centre on Waterworks Road in The Gap, designed by Raunik Design Group to accommodate up to 100 children across six activity rooms on a 2,551-square-metre site adjacent to The Gap State School.

The application, reference A006964015, involves the demolition of two existing dwelling houses to make way for the purpose-built early learning facility. It arrives as The Gap continues to face one of the tightest childcare supply situations of any suburb in Brisbane, with independently verified data showing the suburb’s demand for long day care places running significantly above the metropolitan average.

A Suburb with a Real Childcare Shortage

The case for additional childcare capacity in The Gap is well supported by supply and demand data. The Gap currently has 2.4 resident children under five years of age per long day care place, a figure significantly higher than the 1.7 children per place recorded across Greater Brisbane as a whole. Put plainly, The Gap has considerably fewer childcare places per child than the Brisbane average, and that gap directly affects families trying to access care, particularly for children under two where demand is most acute.

Site of the proposed childcare centre — Photo Credit: DA A006964015

As of early 2025, The Gap had five long day care centres providing 350 places across the suburb, serving a population estimated at 18,071 residents, of whom approximately 854 are children under five years of age. The Waterworks Road proposal, if approved, would add 100 licensed places to that supply, representing a meaningful increase of roughly 28 per cent in the suburb’s long day care capacity.

The timing is also relevant. From January 2026, changes to the national Child Care Subsidy introduced the Three Day Guarantee, which provides all eligible families with a minimum of 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight regardless of their work or activity status. That change increases demand further without adding supply, making new facilities like the Waterworks Road proposal more important to The Gap’s community infrastructure than ever.

What the Development Proposes

The proposed childcare centre sits on a combined site currently comprising two residential lots on Waterworks Road, directly adjacent to The Gap State School. The development covers a gross floor area of 918.4 square metres across two storeys, with a maximum building height of approximately 9.5 metres and a site cover of 35.3 per cent of the 2,551-square-metre block.

The building delivers six internal activity rooms, each with direct access to outdoor play areas, creating the indoor-outdoor learning environment that contemporary early childhood education frameworks emphasise. Three outdoor play areas totalling 737.8 square metres are distributed across both ground and first floor levels, giving different age groups independent access to outdoor space throughout the day. Acoustic treatments are incorporated into the design to minimise noise impacts on neighbouring properties, reflecting the site’s position within a Low Density Residential zone.

Car parking provides 21 spaces including a PWD space and a van space, all contained onsite and accessed via a single crossover from Waterworks Road. Operating hours are proposed as 6:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday.

Application planners Place Creation describe the building’s design intent as delivering a high degree of architectural merit, with articulation in built form addressing both the Waterworks Road frontage and the adjacent school. The design uses a range of materials alongside varied setbacks, overhangs and a varied roof form to minimise the apparent bulk and scale of the building when viewed from neighbouring properties.

Addressing Local Childcare Demand

For families across The Gap, Keperra, Walkervale and the surrounding northwest Brisbane corridor, the addition of 100 new childcare places on Waterworks Road addresses a real and persistent pressure. The suburb’s family demographic, its distance from the CBD and its limited public transport connections make local childcare access particularly important. Parents who cannot secure a place near home face significant logistical challenges, and the suburb’s above-average childcare demand ratio means waitlists at existing centres in The Gap regularly extend well beyond what most families can plan around.

The Waterworks Road site’s adjacency to The Gap State School also creates a practical convenience for families managing both childcare and school-aged children at the same address, a combination that reduces the complexity of the morning and afternoon care and school run for working parents.

How to Make a Submission

The development application for the Waterworks Road childcare centre is available for public review on the Development.i portal at developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au using reference A006964015. Community members, neighbours and interested residents can view the full application documents and lodge a properly made submission during the public notification period.

A properly made submission must be in writing, include the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly identify the application it relates to, and set out the grounds for the submission with supporting facts and circumstances. Submissions can be lodged through the Development.i portal or in writing to BCC.

Published 28-March-2026.

Enoggera’s Gallipoli Barracks and the 9th Battalion’s Road to Anzac Cove

Australian War Memorial

More than a century after the 9th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, assembled at Bell’s Paddock in Enoggera and marched into history at Gallipoli, the ground beneath Gallipoli Barracks remains one of Queensland’s most significant military sites, carrying a story that reaches directly into the lives of The Gap and Enoggera residents each Anzac Day.

The connection between this stretch of northwest Brisbane and Australia’s defining military moment is not incidental. The 9th Battalion formed at Enoggera near Brisbane and was the first battalion raised in the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Division. When Britain declared war on Germany in August 1914, Queensland answered quickly, and Enoggera became the place where that answer took shape.

From Bell’s Paddock to the Front

The ground now occupied by Gallipoli Barracks has served military purposes since the mid-nineteenth century, but August 1914 marked its most consequential moment. According to a University of Queensland master’s thesis examining the 9th Battalion’s formation, men began arriving at Bell’s Paddock, Enoggera, on 17 and 18 August 1914, pitching tents and beginning to organise. On 21 August, Lieutenant-Colonel H.W. Lee and his fellow officers arrived, and the formal formation of the 9th Battalion AIF began. By early September, the Enoggera camp held the pool from which the battalion’s first contingent was selected.

The 9th Battalion — Photo Credit: Australian War Memorial

The thesis challenges the common assumption that the men who landed at Gallipoli were enthusiastic amateurs with little preparation. Instead, it argues that the 9th Battalion drew on decades of prior military development, training, and inherited tradition that began with Queensland colonial volunteer units in 1867, continued through Federation and compulsory training schemes, and culminated in the battalion’s formal raising in 1914. Enoggera was not simply a mustering point but the culmination of this long military lineage. Locals then and now recognise this connection through the 9th’s identity as the “Moreton Regiment,” a title associated with the pre-war militia that formed the backbone of the new battalion.

The 9th served as the first battalion recruited in Queensland and formed part of the 3rd Brigade alongside the 10th, 11th, and 12th Battalions. Authorities raised the battalion within weeks of the declaration of war in August 1914, and it embarked just two months later. Enoggera played a key role in enabling this rapid mobilisation.

First Ashore at Anzac Cove

What followed made the 9th Battalion’s name permanent in Australian military history. The battalion embarked for Gallipoli on the destroyers HMS Queen, Beagle and Colne and was the first ashore at Gallipoli at 4:28am on 25 April 1915. The battalion formed the vanguard of the 3rd Brigade’s covering force and went on to be involved in all major campaigns on the Gallipoli peninsula until the evacuation in December 1915.

Coming ashore early on 25 April 1915 at Anzac Cove, the battalion joined the rest of 3rd Brigade. Lieutenant Duncan Chapman was identified by historian C.E.W. Bean as the first soldier ashore at Gallipoli. The battalion served at Gallipoli until November 1915, then returned to Egypt before sailing to France in March 1916, where it fought through some of the Western Front’s hardest campaigns, including Pozières, Messines, Ypres and the Hindenburg Line, through to the armistice on 11 November 1918.

A Living Legacy in The Gap and Enoggera

The barracks that witnessed those August 1914 formations carries its history in its very name. On Anzac Day, 25 April 1990, the base was renamed Gallipoli Barracks, a direct tribute to the men who assembled there and made that landing. The Gallipoli Barracks are significant as the training ground for thousands of Queenslanders who served in wars throughout the twentieth century, and the site holds local heritage significance under the Brisbane City Plan 2014.

Today the base remains one of Australia’s largest Army installations, home to armoured, artillery, engineer, signals, infantry, medical and other combat service support units. While the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (8/9 RAR) carries the tradition within the regular army, the 9th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment (9 RQR) also maintains the historic link. As the current reserve unit based at the barracks, 9 RQR keeps the numerical connection to those men who first assembled at Bell’s Paddock alive for a new generation of Queenslanders.

More Than History, It Happened Here

For residents of The Gap and Enoggera, the Anzac story is not something that happened somewhere else. It began here, on the paddocks and training grounds that now sit behind the Gallipoli Barracks gates on their doorstep. The 9th Battalion’s formation in August 1914 drew on men from across Queensland, but it was this specific patch of northwest Brisbane where they came together, trained and prepared for what lay ahead.

Each Anzac Day, that history reasserts itself. The Dawn Service, the Last Post and the roll of honour connect directly to the ground residents walk past every day. For families in The Gap and Enoggera, understanding that the men who were first ashore at Anzac Cove assembled just streets away adds a particular weight to the words “Lest We Forget.”

Anzac Day services in the local area take place on 25 April each year. The Australian War Memorial’s unit record for the 9th Battalion AIF, along with individual service records, are searchable through the National Archives of Australia at naa.gov.au. Further history of the 9th Battalion is held by the 9th Battalions Association at 9bnassoc.org.

Published 27-March-2026.

Keppera Swimmer Jade Gregory Takes on 60km Swim for Laps for Life

Laps for Life

Jade Gregory, a 12-year-old competitive swimmer who grew up in Keperra and now attends Ferny Grove State High School, is spending every day this March in the pool, aiming to complete 60 kilometres of laps to raise $4,000 for youth mental health through the Laps for Life fundraiser, picking up where she left off two years ago as one of the campaign’s standout young achievers.

For Jade, this is not a new commitment. At ten years old, while still a student at Ferny Hills State School, she completed 35 kilometres across March 2024 and raised more than $3,600 for ReachOut Australia, finishing 48th among more than 10,000 swimmers nationally. That result placed her among the top 50 fundraisers in the entire country, at an age when most kids are still deciding what sport to take seriously.

Jade graduated Year 6 from Ferny Hills State School in December 2025 and now attends Ferny Grove State High School. She returns to Laps for Life in 2026 with a bigger goal, a longer distance, and the same conviction that drove her into the pool in the first place.

A Swimmer Who Has Always Known Why She’s in the Water

Jade has been swimming at Ferny Hills Pool since she was two years old, and now trains with a squad. That background of more than a decade in the water gives her 60-kilometre March target genuine credibility. In her first Laps for Life campaign, she pushed well beyond her original distance goal, at one point completing 50 laps of the 50-metre pool in a single session on her second-last day.

That 2024 campaign came with a test of motivation that many adults would have struggled to match. Jade acknowledged that fundraising felt difficult at the start but that knowing she was helping people and building awareness kept her going throughout. Her dad, she said, was her biggest cheerleader. Her final tally reached 700 laps, a figure remarkable at any age.

That combination of endurance, purpose and resolve carries directly into 2026. Her goal this March is straightforward: she is swimming because too many young lives are lost to suicide, and every lap she completes is one more contribution toward making sure there is always a safe place for young people to turn when life feels overwhelming.

Jade Gregory — *Photo Credit: Laps for Life*

Why the Cause Keeps Calling Her Back

The issue Jade swims for does not get smaller between campaigns. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people in Australia, and approximately 75 per cent of mental health problems occur before the age of 25. For a 12-year-old starting high school, that statistic is not abstract. It describes her own cohort, her own classmates, and the years ahead.

More than one in three young Australians are experiencing mental health difficulties, yet over a million are not getting the support they need. That gap between need and access is what ReachOut Australia exists to close. ReachOut operates entirely online, anonymously and without cost, providing young people with peer support, resources, tools and pathways to professional help that they can access on their own terms, at any time.

That model matters most for young people not yet ready to walk into a clinic or pick up a phone, and it is precisely what Jade’s fundraising directly supports.

A Growing Challenge With Growing Support

Jade set a personal fundraising target of $4,000 for 2026, with donations already flowing in from family, classmates and community supporters, including a matched giving programme through the PNI Foundation and Antipodes Partners that doubles every dollar raised. Her swim distance target of 60 kilometres is nearly double her 2024 effort, reflecting both her physical development and her deepening commitment to the campaign.

Laps for Life runs across the entire month of March, welcoming participants of any age and swimming ability. In 2024, more than 10,500 Australians took part, collectively swimming 98,828 kilometres and raising $3.4 million for ReachOut’s programmes. For Jade, the number that matters most is not her rank on the leaderboard but the number of young people her total helps reach.

She has also spoken openly about bigger swimming dreams, including the Olympics. The discipline she builds through campaigns like this one runs alongside those ambitions rather than against them.

How to Support Jade and the Broader Campaign

Donations to Jade Gregory’s 2026 Laps for Life page go directly to ReachOut Australia and can be made here. Every donation is matched through the PNI Foundation and Antipodes Partners programme. Community members and local schools wanting to run their own swim challenge in March can register at lapsforlife.com.au.

For young people seeking support, ReachOut provides free, anonymous and 100 per cent online services at au.reachout.com. Beyond Blue is available 24 hours a day on 1300 22 4636. Anyone in crisis can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Published 2-March-2026.

Upper Kedron’s Eva Ilov Impresses Judges to Earn Australian Idol Golden Ticket

Eva Ilov/Instagram

Eva Ilov, a 20-year-old singer-songwriter who grew up in Upper Kedron and trained at Performance Studios in Loganholme, has secured a Golden Ticket into the Top 30 of Australian Idol 2026 after one of the season’s most talked-about auditions.

Ilov walked into her audition in front of judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines without a prepared song, deliberately leaving the choice in their hands. The calculated risk paid off. The judges selected three contrasting songs: a Whitney Houston ballad, a Chris Stapleton country-soul track that showcased her gritty range, and a Men at Work classic that put a smile on everyone’s face. Her ability to switch genres without missing a step earned immediate praise, with the judges awarding her a Golden Ticket to the Top 30 on the spot.

For a performer who describes herself as a “musical chameleon,” it was an entrance that made the label stick.

A Musical Life That Began in Upper Kedron

Eva Ilov’s connection to music stretches back to childhood in Brisbane’s north-west. Her granddad bought her her first guitar when she was around seven or eight, and her mother, determined not to let the gift go to waste, enrolled her in lessons. Vocals followed naturally not long after.

She appeared in the junior competition Take the Mic in 2012 and later performed in community music series Homegrown Superstars between 2020 and 2022, building stage experience well before any national platform came calling. Her early formal training included the Young Conservatorium Program at Griffith University, where she studied contemporary voice.

View this post on Instagram

By 2025 Ilov had completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music at QUT, while also building a portfolio of live performances, studio sessions and international recognition. Her recent achievements also include finishing runner-up in the 2025 Your Shot DJ competition and releasing her debut US single in collaboration with Roy Hamilton III and The Singers Company. She also performed as a featured artist at QPAC in 2019.

The Role Performance Studios Played

Before stepping onto the national stage, Eva Ilov was making the regular drive from Upper Kedron down to Performance Studios, to train with vocal coach Lisa Lockland-Bell. Ilov said Lockland-Bell had changed her perspective on singing entirely, helping her build confidence, discipline and control so she could approach music with greater intention and artistry.

Lockland-Bell brings more than 35 years of experience as a vocal coach, performance mentor and voice transformation specialist to her work at Performance Studios, coaching singers, performers and professional speakers from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Ipswich and Redlands, as well as online worldwide. Her students have appeared on The Voice, Australian Idol, Eurovision and other high-profile platforms.

Lockland-Bell also founded Performance Studios’ Rise Up Competition, a singing contest for young artists from South East Queensland that offers a cash prize and industry training to help emerging performers build a career path. Ilov was a finalist in that competition across 2023 and 2025, making her path from local student to national Idol contestant a direct product of the studio’s ecosystem.

What Comes Next for Australian Idol’s 2026 Season

As of mid-February 2026, Eva Ilov had advanced to the Top 30 and was progressing through the early competition stages, with the show heading toward its live rounds. She joined the first group of Golden Ticket winners announced on the season’s opening night on 2 February, earning her place among 30 contestants selected from across the country.

Season 11 of Australian Idol features hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie, with judges Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy Shark returning to the panel. The competition airs Sundays at 7pm and Mondays at 7.30pm on Channel Seven, with all episodes available to stream on 7plus at 7plus.com.au. Viewers can watch Ilov’s audition and subsequent performances online now. Follow her progress on Instagram at @evailovofficial or through her official website at evailov.com.

Published 2-March-2026.

This Week in Brisbane: Horror Icons and Arthouse Classics from 26 February to 4 March 2026

Cinemas across Brisbane light up this week with the terrifying return of a horror icon and a brand-new drama. Whether you’re ready to face Ghostface once again or looking to dive into international cinematic masterpieces at GOMA, there’s something fresh to enjoy on the silver screen.

Opening This Week

Scream 7

In cinemas from 26 February

Do you like scary movies? Ghostface is back to terrorize a new set of victims in the highly anticipated seventh installment of the iconic slasher franchise. Catch it at Event Cinemas (City, Carindale, Chermside, Indooroopilly, Mt Gravatt), Palace, Dendy, Five Star Cinemas, Cinebar, Angelika, Reading, Cineplex, and HOYTS.

Solo Mio

In cinemas from 26 February

A fresh new drama hits the screens this week. Catch it at Event Cinemas (City, Carindale, Chermside, Indooroopilly, Mt Gravatt), Angelika, Cinebar, Cineplex (Balmoral, Victoria Point, Redbank), Reading, HOYTS, and United Eldorado.

GOMA: Cinema Masterpieces

Special screenings at the Gallery of Modern Art

Days of Heaven (1978) – 27 Feb
Querelle (1982) – 27 Feb
Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965) – 28 Feb
The Colour of Pomegranates (1969) – 28 Feb
The Lighthouse (2019) – 4 Mar

Still Showing

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert

The King’s immersive concert experience continues to rock major cinemas across Brisbane.

Fackham Hall

The hilarious British period drama spoof is still delivering laughs at Event, Palace, Dendy, and Five Star Cinemas.

Crime 101

Chris Hemsworth’s gritty heist thriller continues its run at Event, Palace, Dendy, and HOYTS.

Wuthering Heights

Margot Robbie’s modern take on the gothic romance is still showing across the city.

From edge-of-your-seat slashers to visually stunning art-house classics, Brisbane’s cinemas are packed with incredible stories this week. Grab some popcorn and enjoy a screening near you.

Weekend Arts Edit: Nell Gwynn Premiere and Candlelight Concerts on 27 February to 1 March 2026

This is a massive weekend for the arts in Brisbane. The blockbuster Art of Banksy exhibition enters its final days in the CBD, while QPAC is buzzing with everything from the lush cinematic sounds of The Music of John Williams to the lavish stage production of The Great Gatsby. For art lovers, Saturday offers a rare chance to hear directly from contemporary painters like Carlos Barrios and Helle Cook at their respective gallery talks.

The Art of Banksy “Without Limits” Chapter Two

20 February – 1 March 2026 | Uptown, Brisbane City
Get Tickets

Do not miss your last chance to experience the underground energy of the world’s most elusive street artist. This unprecedented new chapter features over 300 artworks—including more than 100 original pieces—alongside cutting-edge holograms, sculptures, and immersive installations.

The Music of John Williams

27 – 28 February 2026 | Concert Hall, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Experience the cinematic magic of the world’s greatest film composer. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra brings the iconic, sweeping scores of Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter to life in a spine-tingling live performance.

The Great Gatsby

12 February – 8 March 2026 | Playhouse, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Step into the roaring twenties. Queensland Theatre’s lavish production of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece continues its dazzling run. Expect glitz, glamour, and tragedy as Jay Gatsby tries to win back his lost love in a world of excess.

Blanc de Blanc Encore

19 February – 19 April 2026 | The West End Electric, West End
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The champagne-soaked party is back in West End! Blanc de Blanc Encore serves up a hedonistic blend of vintage French cabaret, jaw-dropping circus acts, and cheeky comedy. It’s a high-energy, adults-only night out.

Nell Gwynn

28 February – 7 March 2026 | New Benner Theatre, Metro Arts, West End
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Travel back to 17th-century London in this vibrant, award-winning comedy. Nell Gwynn tells the story of an unlikely heroine who goes from selling oranges in the West End to becoming Britain’s most celebrated actress (and the King’s mistress).

Institute of Modern Art (IMA) Events

28 February 2026 | IMA, Fortitude Valley Immerse yourself in contemporary discussions and live art this Saturday at the IMA:

Platform 2026 Performances: Experience bold new performance art from emerging creatives pushing boundaries. More Info
Are the Arts for Everyone?: A thought-provoking panel discussion tackling accessibility, inclusion, and the role of art in modern society. More Info

The Other Side of Me

27 – 28 February 2026 | Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Catch this compelling theatrical exploration of identity, culture, and connection. It is a deeply personal and physically dynamic performance playing for two nights only in the intimate Cremorne Theatre.

Live Jazz at the Brisbane Jazz Club

27 February – 1 March 2026 | Kangaroo Point

Emma Pask Quartet (Fri 27 & Sat 28): One of Australia’s favourite jazz vocalists brings her effortless charm and swing to the riverside. Tickets
Andy Cowan Band (Sun 1 Mar): Wind down your weekend with some premier blues and roots piano. Tickets

Candlelight Concerts

27 – 28 February 2026 | Grand on Ann, Brisbane City

Experience the magic of live music illuminated by thousands of candles in a stunning heritage venue:

Tribute to Taylor Swift: Classical renditions of the pop icon’s biggest eras. Tickets
Tribute to Queen & The Beatles: A string quartet takes on the greatest hits of British rock royalty. Tickets

Gallery Exhibitions & Artist Talks

Various Locations

Carlos Barrios | ‘Heart Songs’ (Artist Talk: Sat 28 Feb, 2pm): Mitchell Fine Art, Fortitude Valley. Hear Barrios discuss his life-affirming, expressive paintings informed by his upbringing in El Salvador. More Info
Helle Cook | Nature of Light (Artist Talk: Sat 28 Feb): Jan Manton Gallery, Teneriffe. Engage with the artist on her luminous, atmospheric works before the exhibition closes this weekend. More Info
Fiona Omeenyo | Night & Day: FireWorks Gallery, Bowen Hills. Explore striking contemporary Indigenous works from the celebrated Lockhart River artist. More Info

Hush

1 March 2026 | Concert Hall, QPAC, South Brisbane
Get Tickets

The Southern Cross Soloists present Hush, a sublime Sunday afternoon concert featuring exquisite chamber music designed to soothe the soul and showcase breathtaking virtuosity.

British Film Festival Premiere: Midwinter Break

1 March 2026 | Palace Barracks & Palace James St Cinema
Get Tickets

Get a sneak peek at the Russell Hobbs British Film Festival with this special preview screening of Midwinter Break, a touching and beautifully acted drama about a couple reflecting on their long marriage during a trip to Amsterdam.

This weekend is a pivotal one for Brisbane’s arts scene. With the blockbuster Art of Banksy exhibition finally closing its doors, this is your absolute last opportunity to experience its immersive installations. Meanwhile, theatregoers are spoiled for choice with the opening of the lively comedy Nell Gwynn in West End and the ongoing spectacle of The Great Gatsby at QPAC. Whether you are losing yourself in the sweeping cinematic scores of John Williams or exploring contemporary conversations at the IMA, there is a profound depth of culture to experience before autumn officially arrives.

Cultural Fun: Holi Festival and Lunar New Year Rooftop Party on February 27 to March 1, 2026

This weekend offers some truly spectacular, once-a-year experiences for families. From getting gloriously messy at the Brisbane Festival of Colour (Holi) in Mount Gravatt to exploring the dinosaur skeletons after dark at A Night at the Museum, there is plenty of magic to be found. It is also your absolute last chance to play the artist-designed mini-golf course at the Powerhouse.

Brisbane Festival of Colour – Holi

28 February 2026 | Mount Gravatt Showgrounds, Mount Gravatt
Get Tickets

Get ready for a vibrant, messy, and joyous Saturday. Celebrate the traditional Indian festival of Holi with music, dancing, and the iconic throwing of coloured powders. It is a wonderfully inclusive, high-energy event that kids absolutely love (just make sure everyone wears an old white t-shirt!).

A Night at the Museum

27 February 2026 | Queensland Museum Kurilpa, South Brisbane
Get Tickets

Have you ever wondered what happens in the museum after the doors close? Grab your torch and find out! This special Friday night event offers exclusive after-hours access to exhibits, hands-on activities, and a rare chance to explore the galleries in a thrilling, low-light atmosphere.

Lunar New Year Rooftop Party

28 February 2026 | Sunnybank Plaza – Cinema Rooftop, Sunnybank
More Info

Sunnybank wraps up its Lunar New Year celebrations with a massive rooftop party. Expect a bustling evening filled with incredible Asian street food, traditional lion dances, cultural performances, and a festive atmosphere perfect for the whole family to enjoy together.

Swingers – The Art of Mini Golf

10 January – 1 March 2026 | Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
Get Tickets

Time is up! This is your final weekend to putt your way through this unique, artist-designed mini-golf course set up around the Powerhouse. It is a fantastic, interactive art experience that doubles as a fun, competitive game for the family.

Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs: The Smurfs

28 February 2026 | Regent Park, Cannon Hill
More Info

Pack a picnic rug and some snacks for a free movie under the stars. Regent Park is hosting a family-friendly screening of The Smurfs. Arrive early to grab a good spot on the grass and enjoy the community atmosphere before the film begins at sundown.

UQ Alumni Book Fair 2026

27 February – 1 March 2026 | UQ Centre – St Lucia Campus, St Lucia
More Info

Build your home library on a budget! The famous UQ Book Fair is a treasure trove for families. Spend a few hours hunting through thousands of high-quality, pre-loved children’s books, educational materials, and young adult fiction at bargain prices.

Library STEAM & Museum Science Sessions

27 February – 1 March 2026 | Various Locations

Ignite your child’s curiosity with these free educational sessions:

Little Sparks (Fri 27 Feb): The final day of the Museum’s play-based STEM program for 3-5 year olds. Info
Family STEAM Morning (Sat 28 Feb): Science, tech, and art activities for families at Carina Library. Info
STEAM Sundays (Sun 1 Mar): Weekend science fun at Indooroopilly Library. Info

First 5 Forever & Storytime in the Park

27 February 2026 | Various Locations

Friday morning is all about early literacy and outdoor fun for the littlest Brisbanites.

Babies, Books and Rhymes: Held at Corinda, Wynnum, Annerley, Mt Gravatt, Kenmore, Stones Corner, Bracken Ridge, Sandgate, Carina, and Mitchelton libraries. Info
Storytime in the Park: Enjoy fresh air and a good book at Dorrington Park, Ashgrove. Info

Vipoo Srivilasa: Express Yourself

Until 13 September 2026 | Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Brisbane
More Info

If you need an indoor, air-conditioned activity, the Children’s Art Centre at GOMA continues to host this delightful, interactive exhibition where kids can engage in creative, hands-on art-making centered around themes of joy and kindness.

This weekend is a brilliant mix of education and pure celebration. A Night at the Museum is an unforgettable way to kick off Friday evening, while Saturday is dominated by massive cultural parties with Holi on the southside and the Lunar New Year closing party in Sunnybank.

Hip-Hop to House: De La Soul, Kerser, and Basement Jaxx Live on February 27 to March 1, 2026

This weekend brings massive outdoor parties and heavy-hitting comedy to Brisbane. The Riverstage hosts double headliners with G Flip on Friday and dance legends Basement Jaxx on Sunday, while Eagle Farm gets drenched for the S2O Australia music festival. For a laugh, Aussie icon Carl Barron kicks off a massive residency at QPAC, joined by international comic Chris D’Elia hitting the Valley.

G Flip

27 February 2026 | Riverstage, Brisbane City
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One of Australia’s most dynamic live performers takes over the Riverstage. G Flip’s high-energy show—featuring their signature drumming, powerful vocals, and infectious pop-rock anthems—is guaranteed to be a massive, crowd-pleasing start to the weekend.

Basement Jaxx

1 March 2026 | Riverstage, Brisbane City
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Where’s your head at? UK dance music pioneers Basement Jaxx bring their legendary live show to the Riverstage to close out the weekend. Expect a euphoric, colourful spectacle packed with classic house and electronic anthems from the late 90s and 2000s.

S2O Australia – Brisbane 2026

28 February 2026 | Royal Queensland Golf Club, Eagle Farm
Get Tickets

Prepare to get wet. The famous “Songkran Music Festival” arrives in Brisbane, transforming Eagle Farm into a massive outdoor dance party. Combining world-class EDM and hardstyle DJs with 360-degree water cannons, it is a uniquely high-energy summer festival experience.

Droppin’ Science: De La Soul with Oddisee & Good Company

1 March 2026 | Cultural Forecourt, South Brisbane
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Hip-hop royalty graces South Bank. Legendary trio De La Soul brings their Native Tongues flavor and iconic daisy-age rap to the Cultural Forecourt, supported by the soulful sounds of Oddisee and rising star Miss Kaninna.

Carl Barron: Just Wondering Why

28 February – 15 March 2026 | Lyric Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Australia’s most popular stand-up comedian kicks off a massive two-week run at the Lyric Theatre. Carl Barron returns with his trademark observational humour, blending deadpan delivery with hilarious musings on everyday life.

Black Country, New Road

28 February 2026 | The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley
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Critically acclaimed UK experimental rock band Black Country, New Road makes their highly anticipated return to Brisbane. Known for their sprawling, emotive instrumentation and deeply affecting live performances, this is a must-see for indie music fans.

Ty Segall

27 February 2026 | The Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba
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The prolific king of modern garage rock and psychedelic fuzz, Ty Segall, tears up the Princess Theatre. Expect face-melting guitar solos, frantic energy, and a setlist pulled from his vast and eclectic discography.

Kerser

28 February 2026 | The Fortitude Music Hall, Fortitude Valley
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The king of Australian underground hip-hop hits the Valley. Kerser’s raw, unfiltered storytelling and massive cult following ensure that his shows are always loud, rowdy, and unforgettable.

Chris D’Elia

1 March 2026 | The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley
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American stand-up comedian and podcaster Chris D’Elia brings his highly physical, off-the-cuff brand of comedy to The Tivoli for a Sunday night special.

Clare Bowditch with Iain Grandage: What Was Left Reimagined

28 February 2026 | Powerhouse Theatre, New Farm
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ARIA Award-winning artist Clare Bowditch teams up with acclaimed composer Iain Grandage for a deeply intimate performance. They will be reimagining Bowditch’s beloved songs with lush new arrangements in the beautiful setting of the Powerhouse.

Hothouse Flowers

27 February 2026 | The Triffid, Newstead
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The beloved Irish rock band brings their fusion of traditional folk, gospel, and rock to Newstead. Decades into their career, their live shows remain a joyous and soulful celebration.

The 046 – Legacy In Motion Tour

27 February 2026 | The Brightside (Outdoors), Fortitude Valley
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Western Sydney rap group The 046 bring their G-Funk inspired hip-hop to the Brightside’s outdoor stage, proving why they are one of the most exciting acts in the current Aussie drill and rap scene.

Choirboys – Great Australian Rock N Roll Stories

28 February 2026 | The Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba
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It’s not just a gig; it’s a history lesson with guitars. The Choirboys play their classic hits while sharing the wild, untold stories of the 80s Australian pub rock scene.

Brisbane FITC 2026 (Turf Games)

28 February – 1 March 2026 | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
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If you prefer lifting over moshing, the BCEC hosts a massive functional fitness competition. Watch athletes push their limits across the weekend in a high-adrenaline arena environment.

More Weekend Live Music

27 Feb – 1 Mar 2026 | Various Venues

Aaradhna (Sat 28): The award-winning NZ R&B and soul singer plays Mansfield Tavern. Tickets
The Australian Van Morrison Show (Fri 27): Classic hits at Royal Quarters, Nundah. Tickets
Bradley McCaw in 52nd Street (Sat 28): A stunning Billy Joel tribute at The Old Museum. Tickets
Frost Children (Sun 1): Hyperpop and glitchy electronic chaos at the Crowbar. Tickets
Rise and Vibe (Sat 28): A morning social and music meetup at Queen Amann Bakery. More Info

This is an incredibly strong weekend for outdoor events before autumn truly sets in. Whether you want the pop-rock energy of G Flip at the Riverstage, the classic hip-hop vibes of De La Soul on the South Bank forecourt, or the absolute sensory overload of the S2O Water Festival, make sure you plan your transport early.

Culture Weekend: The Great Gatsby, Tiger Lillies, and Bossa Nova on February 20-22, 2026

This weekend in Brisbane is a powerhouse of performance. Sir Tony Robinson graces the QPAC Concert Hall for a night of history and humour, while The Great Gatsby continues its dazzling run at the Playhouse. It’s also the final weekend to catch the global phenomenon CATS before it leaves town.

An Audience with Sir Tony Robinson

20 February 2026 | Concert Hall, QPAC, South Brisbane
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From Blackadder to Time Team, Sir Tony Robinson is a British television icon. In this exclusive evening, he shares stories from his incredible career, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the worlds of comedy and history with his signature wit.

The Great Gatsby

12 February – 8 March 2026 | Playhouse, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Step into the roaring twenties. Queensland Theatre’s lavish production of The Great Gatsby brings the glitz, glamour, and tragedy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece to the stage. It’s a visually stunning show that captures the excess and hollowness of the Jazz Age.

CATS

6 – 22 February 2026 | Lyric Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane
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The Jellicle Ball is ending. This is your last chance to see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical before it departs Brisbane. Don’t miss the spectacular choreography and the timeless song “Memory” one last time.

The Tiger Lillies: Serenade from the Sewer

22 February 2026 | Powerhouse Theatre, New Farm
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The Olivier Award-winning “godfathers of alternative cabaret” return to Brisbane. The Tiger Lillies are known for their dark, twisted, and hilarious mix of pre-war Berlin cabaret and anarchy. Expect accordions, falsetto vocals, and songs about the underbelly of life.

Blanc de Blanc Encore

Season Extended to March 2026 | The West End Electric, West End
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Due to popular demand, the champagne-soaked party continues! Blanc de Blanc Encore is a hedonistic blend of circus, cabaret, and comedy. It’s a high-energy, adults-only night out that feels like a vintage French party gone wild.

Camerata: Classic Alchemy

21 February 2026 | Concert Hall, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, Camerata, presents a concert of musical transformation. Classic Alchemy features works that have been reimagined or transcribed, showcasing the ensemble’s versatility and passion for breathing new life into classical repertoire.

Crossing the Divide

17 – 20 February 2026 | Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Catch this thought-provoking new work before it closes on Friday. Crossing the Divide explores themes of connection and separation, offering a compelling theatrical experience in the intimate Cremorne Theatre.

Brisbane Jazz Club Weekend

20 – 22 February 2026 | Kangaroo Point

A stellar lineup at the city’s home of jazz:

Ollie McGill (Cat Empire) (Fri 20): The keyboard wizard brings his “Songs of Jatt” project for a night of virtuosic playing. Tickets
The View from Madeleine’s Couch (Sat 21): Samba de Verão celebrates the smooth, rhythmic sounds of Brazilian bossa nova. Tickets
Soultown (Sun 22): Wrap up the weekend with a soulful Sunday session featuring classic hits. Tickets

Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty

21 February 2026 | QUT Gardens Theatre, Brisbane City
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Experience ballet in a new light. This performance of Sleeping Beauty features costumes adorned with LED lights, creating a magical, glowing spectacle that adds a modern twist to the classic fairy tale.

Experimental Drawing with Spencer Harvie

21 February 2026 | Institute of Modern Art, Fortitude Valley
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Challenge your creativity. Artist Spencer Harvie leads this workshop at the IMA, encouraging participants to break the rules of traditional drawing and explore new techniques and materials in a fun, supportive environment.

Alliance Française French Film Festival Preview: Jean Valjean

22 February 2026 | Palace James St & Barracks
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Get a sneak peek of the upcoming festival. This special preview screening of Jean Valjean offers film lovers an early look at one of the headline acts of the 2026 French Film Festival.

Visual Arts Highlights

Various Locations

BrisAsia 2026: Lois Kim & Hannah Seong: Thomas Dixon Centre (Ends 23 Feb). Info
Heart Songs | Carlos Barrios: Mitchell Fine Art (Until 7 Mar). Info
The Fire Horse Ignites: The Star Brisbane (18–22 Feb). Info

This weekend marks the end of an era with CATS finally closing its Brisbane run, making it a priority if you haven’t seen it yet. However, the arrival of Sir Tony Robinson and the dark cabaret of The Tiger Lillies offer fantastic alternatives for those looking for storytelling and comedy.

Free & Fun: Lion Dances in the Valley and Weekend Markets for February 20-22, 2026

The Fortitude Valley Lunar New Year celebration is the headline event, transforming the inner city into a vibrant cultural festival. For families wanting to get active, the YMCA Gymnastics Open Days across multiple suburbs offer a great way to burn off energy, while the Queensland Museum has a STEM workshop for the little ones on Friday.

Lunar New Year in Fortitude Valley

21 – 22 February 2026 | Chinatown Mall & Surrounds, Fortitude Valley
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The heart of Brisbane’s Lunar New Year celebrations beats in the Valley. Expect the Chinatown Mall to come alive with traditional lion and dragon dances, firecrackers, cultural performances, and workshops. It’s a sensory feast perfect for introducing children to the traditions of the Lunar New Year.

The Y Gymnastics Open Day

22 February 2026 | Various Locations
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If your kids have energy to burn, head to your local Y. Four locations—Bowen Hills, Acacia Ridge, Stafford, and Jamboree Heights—are opening their doors for families to tour the facilities, meet the coaches, and let the kids try out the gymnastics circuits for free.

Little Sparks

20 February 2026 | Queensland Museum Kurilpa, South Brisbane
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It’s the final day of this engaging STEM program for young children (aged 3–5). Little Sparks encourages curiosity through play-based learning, experiments, and discovery in the museum environment.

Maal (One Spirit) Connection through the Senses

21 February 2026 | Chermside Library, Chermside
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Part of the BrisAsia Festival, this unique workshop invites children to connect with culture through sensory experiences. It’s a calming, educational session designed to foster understanding and mindfulness through traditional storytelling and activities.

Lighting New Beginnings

21 February 2026 | Multicultural Community Centre, Newmarket
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A family-friendly multicultural festival celebrating the start of the year. Expect food stalls, cultural performances, and activities that highlight the diverse heritage of the local community.

Lunar New Year Portrait Studio

17 – 22 February 2026 | Wentworth Galleries, Brisbane City
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Capture a memory of the festive season. This pop-up portrait studio offers a beautifully styled backdrop for family photos, celebrating the Year of the Horse in style.

Weekend Markets

21 & 22 February 2026 | Various Locations
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Enjoy fresh produce, food trucks, and a family-friendly atmosphere at Brisbane’s best markets.

Powerhouse Farmers Markets (Sat): New Farm.
West End Markets (Sat): Davies Park.
Milton Markets (Sun): Milton Green.

Sunnybank Hills Lunar New Year

Until 1 March 2026 | Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown
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If you want a lower-key celebration while you shop, Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown is running festive activities and displays throughout the weekend to mark the Lunar New Year.

This weekend is vibrant with cultural celebrations, particularly in Fortitude Valley. It’s a fantastic opportunity to take the kids to see the lion dances and soak up the atmosphere. For a more active Sunday, the Y’s open days across the city are a great option for burning off energy before the school week starts.