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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

 
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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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
More Info

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.

Have Your Say, Clayfield and Kalinga: More Homes, Sooner Consultation Opens

Clayfield and Kalinga are among 18 Brisbane suburbs where planning rules may change to allow more housing close to public transport and local shops, with a community consultation period now open until Friday 20 March 2026.



The More Homes, Sooner initiative proposes updates to the low-medium density residential zone, known as the LMR zone, which covers around 14 per cent of Brisbane’s residential land and includes pockets of both suburbs. The changes aim to make it easier and more affordable to build the kinds of homes that key workers, younger buyers, couples and downsizers are actually looking for, in suburbs they already know and love, rather than pushing growth to the city’s fringes.

New dwelling approvals in LMR zones across Brisbane fell from around 1,100 homes per year to just 445 in 2023, as rising construction costs made smaller infill projects increasingly difficult to stack up financially. The proposed changes are designed to reverse that trend.

What Could Change in Clayfield and Kalinga

The LMR zone in Clayfield and Kalinga currently allows for two to three storey buildings on lots of at least 400 square metres, accommodating townhouses, duplexes, row houses and small apartment buildings. Under the More Homes, Sooner proposals, the baseline height allowance across LMR zones would rise to a consistent three storeys. Properties within 400 metres walking distance of a high-frequency public transport stop or a shopping centre, classified as Key Locations, would be eligible for up to four storeys on lots of 800 square metres or more.

Minimum lot sizes are also proposed to change, dropping to 120 square metres in some circumstances to enable small freehold houses and terrace-style homes on compact blocks. Low density residential properties within 300 metres walking distance of a shopping centre would also become eligible for subdivision into 300 square metre lots, expanded from the current 200 metre threshold.

More Homes, Sooner
Photo Credit: BCC

On-site car parking requirements would be adjusted citywide to reflect declining car ownership and improved access to public transport. A two-bedroom unit currently requires two car spaces; under the proposed changes that would reduce to 1.5 spaces, or 1.2 spaces in Key Locations. The planning document notes that a single car park space can add up to $82,000 to the cost of a unit outside the inner city, and that reducing this requirement directly improves affordability for buyers and renters.

Neighbourhood Character Protected by Design

The changes come with design safeguards built in. Minimum setbacks from existing freestanding houses, maximum building footprints, and requirements for street tree planting are all part of the proposed framework to ensure new development integrates into existing streetscapes rather than overwhelming them.

Planning consultants from Brisbane firm Therefor Group have noted that character-protected areas in suburbs with heritage overlays are unlikely to be affected. In Clayfield and Kalinga, where well-maintained Queenslander homes and post-war cottages define much of the residential streetscape, that distinction matters. The LMR zone typically occupies pockets near transport corridors and centres rather than the broadest residential streets, meaning character areas and designated heritage precincts sit largely outside the scope of the proposed changes.

Photo Credit: BCC

More than half of all Brisbane households are made up of single people or couples without children, yet 71 per cent of the city’s homes have three or more bedrooms. The initiative responds directly to that mismatch, aiming to create housing pathways for people at every stage of life within established, well-serviced suburbs.

How to Have Your Say

Formal community consultation on the More Homes, Sooner draft amendments is open now and closes Friday 20 March 2026. Residents can share their feedback online at brisbane.qld.gov.au by searching “More Homes, Sooner”, by emailing strategicplanninghousing@brisbane.qld.gov.au, or by calling 07 3403 8888. Written submissions can also be posted to Strategic Planning (More Homes Sooner), BCC, GPO Box 1434, Brisbane QLD 4001.

Following the consultation period, feedback will be reviewed and amendments updated before being submitted for state review and formally adopted into Brisbane City Plan 2014. That process is expected to conclude by late 2026.



Published 23-February-2026.