October in Brisbane: Coffee, Feasting and Free Live Music

Visiting Brisbane in Spring? The party has only just started….

Suddenly, trees you never noticed before are blooming, and once again the Jacarandas cover Brisbane in a canopy of pale to deep purples. The sight still conjures a mental invocation in the locals of "when Jacarandas bloom, exams loom," but if those panicked university days are behind you, then their gentle purple sway is a wonder.

September might launch Brisbane into Festival mode but October transforms the city into a little something for everyone. October is all about feasting, free live music, and literary A-listers.

But before we look at what’s happening across town, let’s get you comfortable. It’s already growing warmer in our beautiful sub-tropical city, so where do we recommend you go for coffee in the cool while you’re out exploring inner Brisbane?

Brisbane’s coffee culture is as deep and rich as any good Australian brew should be, but here are our TOP THREE choices for ‘coffee in the cool’...

1. JOHN MILLS HIMSELF

Tucked away down an alley in the back of a heritage building, think cool brick walls and friendly, expert baristas. The basement walk through to Charlotte street is arguably the coolest spot to stand in Brisbane’s entire CBD. Or try their sister location in an old WWII bunker on Railway Terrace, Milton -  loads of shade and neighbourhood vibes.

Known for: The cool story behind the name and excellent coffee every time

Where: 40 Charlotte Street (or enter down driveway of 77 Elizabeth Street)

2. MARCHETTI

Tucked away in the classic Tattersalls Arcade is an Italian café and wine bar. After shopping along Edward and Queen Streets at the likes of RM Williams and Delvene Cockatoo Collins take a break here and people watch over your Italian espresso.

Known for: European vibes, excellent café food and eclectic crowd

Where: Tattersalls’ Arcade, corner of Queen and Edward Streets

3. STRAUSS

Strauss is Australian coffee culture at it’s best – pouring fair trade coffee with expertise. It is humble, relaxed and down a quiet laneway so shoppers, visitors and workers can pause and meet up to enjoy the classic food menu until 2pm.

Known for: Classic café fit out, discreet co-worker catch ups and true coffee house vibes

Where: 189 Elizabeth Street, Laneway

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Now that you're cooled down and sufficiently caffeinated, it's time to explore just what is on this month in the river city...

BRISBANE WRITER'S FESTIVAL features more than 100 live events including author talks, conversations, panel discussions and special events. Two hundred artists, half of them from Queensland, form part of the blockbuster line-up of national and international guests.

• WHEN: 9th - 12th October
• WHERE: Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm

Now in its 29th year, VALLEY FIESTA is Brisbane’s biggest annual party with 4 outdoor stages featuring free music supported by the best local acts as well as a packed schedule of events and parties that will electrify the Fortitude Valley precinct.

• WHEN: Saturday 11th October
• WHERE: Multiple sites, Fortitude Valley

OKTOBERFEST IN THE GARDENS is Australia’s biggest Oktoberfest celebration with a huge range of authentic German beers, wines, cider, and food stalls accompanied by all your local favourites.

• WHEN: Saturday 11th October
• WHERE: Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills

NIGHT FEAST is a month-long sensory celebration of feasting and art set within a temporary village of Queensland fretwork, Cantonese lacquer and luminous neon. A selection of Brisbane's top chefs will feature their exclusive dishes, and entry is free.

• WHEN: 15th October to 9th November
• WHERE: Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm

THE GREAT ARTIST MARKET connects local artists & makers with the friendly faces in the local area, showcasing more than 70 local artists. Entry is free and it's family friendly with delicious food, workshops and entertainment throughout the day. 

• WHEN: Saturday 18th October
• WHERE: Felons Barrel Hall, Howard Smith Wharves

MELT is an annual open-access festival of Queer arts and culture staged across the city, showcasing queer art, artists, allies, icons, sports and ideas.

• WHEN: 22nd October - 9th November   
• WHERE: Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm

And for the best spots to see and take Insta-worthy photos of the Jacaranda blooms, try:

1. The University of Queensland, St Lucia
2. New Farm Park
3. Brisbane Botanic Gardens, CBD (the first Jacaranda in Australia was planted here in 1864)
4. Wilson Outlook Reserve, above Howard Smith Wharves, New Farm
5. Dockside Walk, Kangaroo Point