When our first list of Brisbane’s freebies started a few years ago, we thought it would be a one-off mention of a couple of free events we’d found. We never imagined it would become an ongoing, ever-growing list of events for all ages and interests. The result is our always popular freebies page. But here we bring you our pick of Brisbane’s best freebies – the ones you can rely on to be good entertainment and good news when you’ve blown the entertainment budget for the week.
What’s your favourite freebie? Share it with us - leave a comment below.
Free movies
The Brisbane City Council has made the most of two of our city’s best assets – great weather and good parks. Our suburban parks are now the venue for regular free movie screenings for the whole family. Bring your rug and watch a movie under the stars. Other top free movie picks include screenings at the State Library and the Gallery of Modern Art.
Riverfire
When our skies explode with colour and noise, it looks as if half of Brisbane’s population finds their favourite spot to watch the show. Riverfire is a much-anticipated event in Brisbane’s calendar and an amazing annual freebie.
Powerhouse Sundays
For a touch of sophistication and a free way to wind down the weekend, you can rely on the Powerhouse to entertain. Start the afternoon with the varied sounds of Live Spark - free live music in the Spark Bar. Then laugh at the comedic vibe of Livewired free comedy.
Jazz Café
There’s heaps of free music in Brisbane but one highlight is the monthly Jazz Café at South Bank. Featuring students from the Queensland Conservatorium, lovers of jazz love the relaxed outdoor notes of Jazz Café.
Active parks and free lifestyle events
No matter where you live or your level of fitness, there’s an active park event you can join and we reckon they are the pick of Brisbane’s healthy freebies. Whether you want to join a walking group, a fitness circuit for mums and bubs or an early morning cardio workout, cost is no barrier thanks to these council organised activities. So, what’s your excuse now?
Museums and galleries
Everytime I walk into the stunning GoMA building, admire the works in the Queensland Art Gallery or am amazed at the displays of the Queensland Museum, I expect to be charged for the pleasure. But no! It’s completely free to access world class galleries and museums (except for some blockbuster shows, of course). In our opinion, these places can’t be beaten for a free cultural fix.
Library events
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, libraries are one of Brisbane’s best freebies. Yes, of course there are the free books, DVDs, CDs and more you can borrow. But we also love the free events that Brisbane libraries host. There are school holiday shows, workshops and lectures plus storytelling and craft for toddlers. Too good…
Free festivals
Sometimes it’s hard to stretch the budget for ‘incidentals’ like entertainment. But depending on the time of year you can enjoy a cultural exchange at the Brisbane Writers Festival, Buddha’s Birthday celebrations or the various free events at Riverfestival. You will need some cash to buy food and drinks but entry is free and that’s a good thing.
Find out what won Brisbane's best freebie in our Best of Brisbane poll.
Southbank with the pool and BBQ area's is the best freebie