Cailin Sheppard

From storied inner-city institutions and refreshing tidal baths to Olympic-sized swimming complexes out in the burbs, the Queensland capital’s public pools offer something for everyone from the serious swimmer to those looking to simply cool off with the kids.

No plans to celebrate? No worries. Go for a hike and a post-walk dip, chow down on yum cha, hit the beach or catch the latest flick.

In the mood for a HCB? Expect everything from traditional spiced buns to pull-apart wheels and a gluten-free option with maple-espresso “butter” slathered on top.

A luxe lobster roll pop-up, free croissants for all of July and a Belgian-style block party taking over Fish Lane. Plus, Nodo's gluten-free doughnuts and ooey-gooey egg and bacon muffins are coming to West End.

There’s been everything from a rooftop brewpub in the heart of the Valley to a brilliant whisky bar inside an old CBD ironworks. Here’s what caught our eye.

A coffee favourite is giving away free roasted sandwiches, Jocelyn’s Provisions is back, and see out the final weeks of Eagle Street Pier with champagne. Plus, a pop-up bar with magic acts and Japanese cocktails.

Deep-fried sand crab lasagne, a three-day cheese festival, and a luminous lantern parade. Plus, a twilight market with Tibetan momos, South American barbeque and more, and a showstopping cocktail by one of the world’s best bars – served inside a treasure chest.

A giant mural of Bob Hawke in budgie smugglers and a massive art and science trail, plus a Southside dinner with a talented Sydney chef, Customs House gets a pop-up igloo bar and a Katy Perry-themed boozy brunch.

He brings with him over 15 years’ experience as a pizzaiolo (including time spent running the kitchen at Merivale’s Newport in Sydney) and a 36-hour proved dough that’s ditching the Neapolitan style for an “even better” pizza base.

Milksha is the Aussie spin-off of bubble tea chain Milkshop, which has more than 200 stores around the world. Its Brisbane store is the first local outpost outside of Victoria, and it’s making drinks from scratch, to order, using fresh milk from Maleny Dairies.

This welcoming LED-lit gym lets you sweat (and punch) it out to party tracks (curated by one-half of electro duo Flight Facilities) in classes where your fitness level doesn’t matter.

The Mrs Brown’s team has transformed two World War II-era hangars into a spacious and versatile new local. Inside you’ll find a lofty arched glasshouse, 35 cocktails, and a border-hopping menu that also includes char siu, an Iranian shirazi salad and a chicken karaage milk bun.