The best things to do when it rains in Brisbane

Forgo a movie marathon and the comfort of your couch. Experience the magic of the stage, watching a performance at South Bank’s Queensland Performing Arts Centre (better known as QPAC).

Following the completion of a fifth theatre venue in late-2022, QPAC is set to become the country’s largest Performing Arts Centre. There’s plenty of variety in terms of events here; after all, it’s where the Queensland Theatre Company, Queensland Ballet, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Opera Queensland call home.

2. Sip on a local brew

We Queenslanders are serious about our beer. So much so that the state isn’t just home to the iconic XXXX Brewery (where you can take a tour) but boasts one of the largest population of craft breweries in the country.

Seek shelter from the storm outside with a trip to one of the city’s best craft outlets. Mosey your way to Newstead Brewing Co. sampling its core, seasonal or limited editions brews, before making your way to neighbouring Green Beacon Brewery just around the corner. If you’re still thirsty, head to Felons Brewing Co. at Howard Smith Wharves, and then pop across the Story Bridge to find Sea Legs.

Want to check out a few Brisbane bars with plenty of local brews on tap? Head here.

3. Wander the galleries

What better way to escape the wet weather than a foray through the state’s art collection? In South Bank you’ll come to greet two of Queensland’s most esteemed galleries dubbed QAGOMA; the Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery.

This duo of art havens are complementary in their exhibitions, spanning from traditional artworks to the more experimental. GOMA in particular has become globally recognised courtesy of exhibition Asia Pacific Triennial and a renowned kids arts program.

A little up the river in New Farm, Brisbane Powerhouse's arts calendar runs the gamet of exhibitions to comedy, music and theatre. Or head to Meanjin's only Indigenous owned and operated cultural hub, Birrunga Gallery, for First Nations art tours and more. The gallery also opens late each Thursday and Friday so you can enjoy Art Afterhours with the kitchen and bar serving delights too. 

Consider yourself a history buff? Get out of the rain, and better acquainted with Brisbane’s past with a venture to the Museum of Brisbane. Nestled inside a regal historic icon in its own right, the 90-year-old Brisbane City Hall, the museum overflows with tales from the capital’s beginnings, as well as an impressive collection of artwork from local creatives. Just don’t miss out on a ride up the resident clock tower, where the bell rings on the hour, every hour.

4. Sharpen up your skills

Foodies will need no convincing when it comes to taking a cooking class. Golden Pig is one of Brisbane’s best; the award-winning restaurant comes equipped with a school led by ex-Rockpool and Spirit House talent Katrina Ryan.

There’s really no limit to what you can learn at this refurbished Newstead warehouse; classes range in subject matter from French and Chinese cooking to pastry essentials and knife skills.

Prefer to drink your own creations instead? Enrol in Gin School at Brisbane Distillery to spend an afternoon crafting your very own gin from a choice of 180 botanicals. 

5. Unleash your inner artist

Join us for adults-only kind of crafternoon: a painting class partnered with wine. There are a handful of different Brisbane-based offerings which will see you take a brush in one hand and a glass in the other; try Newstead's Brush and Barrel, while Cork and Chroma’s studio sits on the other side of the river in South Bank and South Brisbane.

Channel your inner creative with a class sculpting your own ceramics. There are a growing number of spaces in town happy to teach you the basics of throwing, including Mas and Miek Ceramic Studio in Newstead led by a mother and daughter duo.

6. Find hidden treasures and local boutiques

One of the best things to do when it rains in Brisbane is to go on your own treasure hunt through independent boutiques and designer studios of Brisbane's shopping districts.

Paddington has a more indie vibe, with vinyl, vintage, antiques and one-of-a-kind finds, while James St is home to luxury labels from fashion to homewares and interior design. Both have their fair share of fantastic cafes and bars to dive into when you need to put your feet up. 

7. Taste your way through the city's best

Brisbane's sunshine might be known for its waterfront dining and rooftop bars, but don't worry if it's rained on your parade: our capital is full of laneway speakeasies, hidden restaurants and cosy corners to escape to and wait out the grey. 

Even sprawling global food market, Eat Street Northshore, can be tackled in the drizzle. Held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in Hamilton, the markets provide not only plenty of eating potential, but ample cover from the rain.

Prefer to settle in for a longer meal? Try these fine-diners and degustations around the city instead.

8. Indulge in a little 'me' time

A rainy weekend is the best time to recharge and treat yourself with a little indulgence. It’s in the Sofitel you’ll come across one of Brisbane’s best known; Stephanie’s is an award-winning relaxation specialist.

Think massage, facials, waxing and pedicures, not to mention a ‘steam temple’ which combines steam therapy with cleansing muds and a gentle rain shower. Special mentions should also go to W Brisbane’s Away Spa and KAILO Wellness Medispa at The Calile.

9. Get better acquainted with wine

You don’t need to be a sommelier to learn a thing or two about the world of wine - just pay a visit to City Winery instead. Brisbane's own urban micro-winery offers tours, tastings, food pairings or wine blending experiences.

Brisbane boasts an impressive number of wine bars that are perfect for a rainy day. Continue your education at  Cru Bar + Cellar on James Street or La Lune Wine Co in Fish Lane. You'll end up wishing for more rainy days to come. 

10. Take a challenge

Escape the grey skies and set yourself a pressure test in one of the city's escape rooms, like Escape Hunt or Escape Manor. Or, try your hand at axe throwing: there's Lumber Punks in West End or Maniax in Newstead. 

Prefer to sweat it out? Take an aerial yoga class to find your zen at heights. 

Sticking around Brisbane a little longer? See how you can head from the city to the sand in three days, or get your heart racing with an adventure experience.