Brisbane Entertainment

Entertainment in Brisbane

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of 3

  1. A

    Breakfast Creek Hotel

    In a great rambling building dating from 1889, this historic pub is a Brisbane institution. Built in French Renaissance style, the pub encompasses various bars (including a beer garden and an art-deco 'private bar' where you can still drink draft beer tapped from a wooden keg). The stylish, modern Substation No 41 bar serves boutique beers and cocktails.

    reviewed

  2. B

    South Bank Cinema

    The cheapest for mainstream flicks.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Gabba

    Brisbanites are fanatical about sport, particularly the variety that involves ‘wielding the willow’ and ‘bowling a bouncer’. At the start of every summer, the first international test cricket match of the season is always played at the famous Gabba ground. The drama unfolds over five days, or there are shorter versions of the game to check out. One-day internationals and the slog-fest Twenty20 matches (lasting about three hours) are usually played between January and March.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Tivoli

    International artists such as Nick Cave and Noel Gallagher have graced the stage at this elegant, old art deco venue built in the early 20th century. Hosting a range of touring acts, you’re likely to see quality comedy here, too.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Queensland Performing Arts Centre

    Blockbuster musicals, orchestral performances, dance and other theatre is staged at this colossal centre. There are four world-class concert venues for everything from French ballet to Chicago.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Suncorp Stadium

    One of the fiercest rivalries in Australian sport is the State of Origin rugby league match held at least once a year at the ‘cauldron’, Suncorp Stadium, between the mighty maroons (Queensland) and the blues (NSW). The local rugby league team, the Brisbane Broncos, play home games at Suncorp Stadium and it also hosts international tests.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Press Club

    The Press Club is an elegant spot of amber hues, leather sofas and ottomans, glowing chandeliers and fabric-covered lanterns, giving it a touch of Near Eastern glamour. Live music happens on Thursday – jazz, funk, rockabilly – while DJs spin on weekends.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Suncorp Piazza

    The Suncorp Piazza is an open, outdoor theatre that screens free international sporting events, free movies during the school holidays and short films during festival periods. It also acts as a concert venue and a place for impromptu performances by street artists. Free swing dancing classes are held here on the last Saturday of every month.

    reviewed

  9. GPO

    The old post office in Fortitude Valley is the setting for this funky bar. Downstairs you'll find a stylish bar filled with young trendies, while upstairs offers chilled tunes and the occasional live band. It seems the clientele are ready for a party any night of the week, as Paris Hilton discovered when she arrived late one Wednesday.

    reviewed

  10. I

    Bowery

    Exposed-brick walls, gilded mirrors and antique chandeliers lend a classy, old-fashioned vibe to this long, narrow bar. The cocktails are top-notch (and priced accordingly), and there's a tiny patio in the back. Live jazz Tuesday to Thursday; DJs spin on weekends.

    reviewed

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  12. J

    Family

    One of Brisbane's best nightclubs, Family exhilarates dance junkies every weekend on four levels with two dance floors, four bars, four funky themed booths and a top-notch sound system.

    reviewed

  13. K

    Brisbane Jazz Club

    Beautifully sited overlooking the river, this tiny club has been a beacon for jazz purists since 1972. The space is small and intimate, and anyone who's anyone in the jazz scene plays here when they're in town. Sets happen Thursday to Sunday nights; there's usually a cover charge of $15 to $20.

    reviewed

  14. L

    Story Bridge Hotel

    Beneath the bridge at Kangaroo Point, this beautiful old pub with beer garden is the perfect place for a pint after a long day exploring. Live jazz on Sunday (from 3pm).

    reviewed

  15. M

    Uber

    This superstylish club has free entry every night, which means you might catch an international touring DJ for nothing. The design is pure glamour with copper, stainless steel and dark wood fittings. The front bar is for lounging; hit the dance floor in the back room.

    reviewed

  16. N

    Zoo

    A long-standing supporter of independent music: most touring Australian bands have earned their stripes playing the Zoo at some stage in their career. A mid-sized venue with a well-raised stage, acts range from hip hop, rock and dub to acoustic, folk and reggae.

    reviewed

  17. O

    Little Jumbo Cocktail Bar

    After sunset, from Wednesday to Sunday, the permanent decks at this city cafe-cum-bar get a good workout when DJs spin funk into the wee hours. More lounge bar than dance venue, the funky punters sip boutique beers and cocktails in-between buzzy conversations.

    reviewed

  18. P

    Cru Bar & Cellar

    A mind-boggling menu of 400 wines (20 by the glass) is on offer at this classy bar, which also features a very impressive on-site cellar for connoisseurs. Sommeliers can help you with gourmet food and wine matching.

    reviewed

  19. Q

    Queensland Conservatorium

    South of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Conservatorium hosts opera, as well as national and international artists playing classical, jazz, rock and world music. Many concerts are free.

    reviewed

  20. R

    Lychee Lounge

    Sink into the lush furniture and stare up at the macabre doll-head chandeliers at this exotic oriental lounge bar, with mellow beats, mood lighting and an open frontage to Boundary St.

    reviewed

  21. S

    Beat MegaClub

    Five dance floors, six bars and hardcore techno equals the perfect place for dance junkies who like their beats hard. It's popular with the gay and lesbian crowd, with regular drag performances.

    reviewed

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  23. T

    Alhambra Lounge

    This place caters to clubbers who have outgrown their glow sticks. Themed around a Spanish castle, the dark red interiors are filled with sofas and private booths. Tunes are typically break-beat, house and new-school funk.

    reviewed

  24. U

    Ric’s Café

    Squeeze in if you can: this tiny but very cool venue in the Brunswick St Mall has indie, rock and acoustic acts playing every night of the week. There’s outside seating and a balcony upstairs for some breathing space.

    reviewed

  25. V

    Sportsman's Hotel

    A popular gay venue, this lively no-frills pub is famous for 'camp karaoke' and fabulous drag shows. There are also pool tables and hearty pub fare.

    reviewed

  26. W

    Alibi Room

    Kitschy trinkets are scattered around this fun retro bar, which is a popular hang-out for New Farm locals. The downstairs tiki bar houses Alibi’s ultimate tacky attraction – a mini in-house waterfall.

    reviewed

  27. X

    Belgian Beer Cafe

    Tin ceilings, wood-panelled walls and globe lights lend an old-fashioned charm to the front room of this buzzing space, while out the back, the beer garden provides a laid-back setting for sampling brews (including 30-plus Belgian beers) and high-end bistro fare.

    reviewed