Kid-Friendly Events in Brisbane This 28 to 30 March 2025

Looking for something fun and family-friendly this weekend? From interactive stage shows to outdoor play, cultural celebrations to community festivals, Brisbane is packed with activities for kids and grown-ups alike. Here’s your go-to guide for making the most of 28 to 30 March with the whole family.

Friday, 28 March

Candyland Putt Putt
Venue: Victoria Park Golf, Herston
Step into a world of sweets and colour with this themed mini golf experience, running daily throughout the school holidays. A great pick for all ages.
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Making Rainbows Mini-Classes
Venue: Cannon Hill Kmart Plaza Shopping Centre, Cannon Hill
A musical movement program designed for little ones to explore rhythm, coordination, and creativity. Held Friday mornings.
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Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank
The magical world of Gabby’s Dollhouse comes to life on stage in a vibrant, interactive musical adventure for preschoolers and their families.
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Saturday, 29 March

Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank
Final day to catch this fun-filled show featuring Gabby and her adorable cat friends.
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The Brazilian Carnival: Family Day
Venue: Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
A family-focused version of the famous carnival featuring kid-friendly activities, performances, food stalls and vibrant Brazilian culture.
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Oxley Community Festival
Venue: ClubOxley, Oxley
A fun, free community event with live entertainment, food trucks, market stalls and kids’ activities. Perfect for a relaxed family day out.
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Sunday, 30 March

The Black Blues Brothers
Venue: Kings Theatre, The Events Centre, Caloundra
Acrobatics, comedy, and rhythm collide in this family-friendly tribute to the Blues Brothers, performed by a high-energy African circus troupe.
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Whether you’re exploring mini golf wonderlands, dancing to carnival beats, or enjoying a kids’ stage show, Brisbane has something lined up for every kind of family adventure this weekend. Take your pick, make a plan, and enjoy the fun from 28 to 30 March.

This Weekend: Best Brisbane Gigs and Events 28 to 30 March 2025

Another huge weekend is here, and Brisbane’s stages, clubs, and venues are overflowing with live music, stand-up comedy, and vibrant cultural events. Whether you’re catching a legendary band, hitting a block party, or laughing your way through the night, here’s your curated list of the best gigs and events happening across the city.

Friday, 28 March

Tomorrows Forecast – Ribbons Single Launch
Venue: The Bearded Lady, West End
A high-energy indie rock night as Tomorrows Forecast launch their latest single, Ribbons. No supports—just one focused, full-throttle set.
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Guitar Wolf (Japan)
Venue: Crowbar Brisbane, Fortitude Valley
Japanese garage rock legends Guitar Wolf bring their signature noise-fueled energy to the Valley.
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MODELS and Boom Crash Opera
Venue: The Triffid, Newstead
Two iconic Aussie acts on one stage for a night of nostalgic hits and big choruses.
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Soundwave Anniversary Party with Resurrection (Live)
Venue: The Brightside, Fortitude Valley
A throwback to the golden age of alt-rock and metal with a tribute to Soundwave Festival.
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Friday Night Comedy w/ Al Del Bene & Friends
Venue: Good Chat Comedy Club, Petrie Terrace
A night of hard-hitting stand-up featuring Al Del Bene and a killer support lineup.
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Brooklyn Standard Live Music
Venue: Brooklyn Standard, Brisbane City
Live music into the late hours at this basement bar hotspot in the heart of the city.
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Saturday, 29 March

80s Mania with Wang Chung
Venue: The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley
Step into a time machine of synth-pop, dance anthems and 80s classics.
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The Borough Live
Venue: The Bearded Lady, West End
An eclectic night of local live acts at one of Brisbane’s most beloved small venues.
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Thornhill – BODIES Album Tour
Venue: Crowbar Brisbane, Fortitude Valley
Melodic metalcore with big production and deep emotion.
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REVOLVE feat MEMPHIS LK (DJ) & 3NDLES5
Venue: The Triffid, Newstead
A dancefloor-focused DJ showcase of electronic beats and future-forward production.
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OUTRA Presents: AlpaKa MuziK (Label Showcase)
Venue: The Brightside (Outdoors), Fortitude Valley
Underground house and techno curated by Berlin-based label AlpaKa MuziK.
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Bootleg Rascal – Booty Block Party
Venue: The Brightside, Fortitude Valley
Genre-bending sounds and feel-good party vibes from Bootleg Rascal.
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Toby Wren – Songs for Dead Sailors | ΩHM Festival
Venue: Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
A haunting and beautiful performance that blends jazz, composition, and storytelling.
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Saturday Night Stand-Up w/ Harley Breen & Friends
Venue: Good Chat Comedy Club, Petrie Terrace
Big laughs and punchy comedy from Harley Breen and guests.
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The Gong Show | Stand-Up At Its Most Brutal (with Dusty Rich)
Venue: Good Chat Comedy Club, Petrie Terrace
Comedians battle it out in a chaotic, crowd-judged night of cutthroat stand-up.
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The Brazilian Carnival 2025
Venue: Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
A colourful and high-energy celebration of Brazilian music, dance, and culture.
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The Trinity Throwdown 2025
Venue: Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
Fitness, adrenaline, and athletic competition come together for this cross-training event.
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Brooklyn Standard Live Music
Venue: Brooklyn Standard, Brisbane City
Second night of weekend sounds from rotating local bands.
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Sunday, 30 March

Stone Age a Go-Go Jungle Rumble
Venue: The Bearded Lady, West End
A wild night of psych, punk, and garage rock to wrap the weekend.
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Marbled Eye (USA) Live
Venue: The Bearded Lady, West End
Post-punk from the Bay Area—one night only.
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Whether you’re chasing live music in hidden corners of West End, dancing in the Valley, or laughing it out in a packed comedy room, this weekend in Brisbane is stacked with something for everyone. Plan ahead, grab your tickets, and make the most of what the city has to offer.

Paddington Grieves as Jess Gambaro Dies After Cancer Battle

Jess Gambaro, a cherished mother of four and long-time Paddington resident, has passed away at 46 after a courageous battle with oesophageal cancer, leaving her family and local community heartbroken.



A Community in Grief

Jess, wife of restaurateur Donny Gambaro, died on 23 December, just two days before Christmas. Diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer in August 2023, her condition came as a shock, as she initially sought medical care for what she thought was pneumonia. 

Despite her illness, she remained active in both her family life and the community, displaying immense resilience throughout her treatment.

Her husband reflected on her determination to beat the disease, recounting how, even a year ago, she was body surfing at Coolangatta during Christmas. He described her as a calming presence with a radiant smile that brought warmth to every room she entered. Friends and neighbours in Paddington remember her as an inspiring figure who balanced her family commitments with professional contributions to the Gambaro Group’s restaurants.

Family and Business Legacy

Jess leaves behind her husband and their children: Don, 16; Zara, 12; Massimo, 9; and Nico, 7. She is also survived by her parents, Lloyd and Joan Bennett, and siblings Zoe, Rhys, and Philippa. 

The Gambaro couple, who met as students at QUT, married in 2007 at St Brigid’s Church in Red Hill, where her funeral will be held on 3 January.

Jess played a pivotal role in the Gambaro Group, a family-owned hospitality business that started with a fish and chip shop on Caxton Street in 1953. The business has grown into a prominent restaurant empire in Brisbane, with venues such as Black Hide Steak & Seafood, Persone Italian, and Pipi’s Restaurant at Coolangatta.

Up until the last few months of her life, she was actively building websites for the family’s enterprises, combining her marketing and IT expertise to support their operations.

Jess Gambaro Paddington
Photo Credit: Jessica Gambaro/Facebook

Raising Awareness About Oesophageal Cancer

Jess’s diagnosis brought attention to oesophageal cancer, a rare condition affecting around 1,700 Australians annually, predominantly older men. The disease often develops without noticeable symptoms, making early detection difficult. In Jess’s case, her diagnosis was especially surprising as she was a non-smoker and did not consume alcohol, both of which are common risk factors.

Despite extensive treatments, including radiation, multiple chemotherapy regimens, and a trial drug, the cancer ultimately spread to other areas of her body. Her family expressed gratitude for the medical teams who supported Jess during her fight and hope that increased awareness of this illness can help others in the future.



Final Farewell

The Gambaro family has invited friends, neighbours, and community members to join them in celebrating Jess’s life at her funeral at St Brigid’s Church. The same church that marked the beginning of her married life will now host a farewell for a woman remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, and vital part of the Paddington community.

Published 26-Dec-2024

Paddington Ward’s Cr Matic Announces This Year’s Recreate Twilight Market and Paper Fashion Show

Cr Peter Matic of Paddington Ward is very happy to invite everyone to celebrate Brisbane’s recycling efforts this year at the Recreate Twilight Market and Paper Fashion Show on 10th November in King George Square.

The fashion show will showcase Brisbane’s best designers. There will also be food trucks, artisan markets and music by local bands as well.

The paper fashion on the runway is the highlight of the event plus attendees will be educated on how to keep Brisbane clean, green and sustainable.

Last year, residents were able to recycle more than 90,000 tonnes of paper, cardboard, firm plastics and metal.

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