The Brisbane Expo
Brisbane Expo is widely considered as the moment when Brisbane truly came of age, its motto – Together We’ll Show the World – an audacious proclamation in a state used to the patronising attitude imposed by Joh Bjelke-Petersen-led national politics.
Queensland state government presented the project as a free enterprise event designed to recoup its costs through ticket sales and property speculation, an approach preferred by Premier Jim Beattie who wanted to minimize public expenditure on South Bank and promote private business during and after Expo.
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Home Show
Join Australia’s longest running home improvement expo for an experience to remember – hundreds of innovative products, exclusive Show specials and free seminars from leading renovation and building experts are waiting for you at this destination to give your home the transformation it needs! It is your one-stop solution for total home transformation!
Discover innovative designs and trends at the Home Inspo Stage or take advice from home design experts on how to enhance your space at the Kitchen & Bathroom Transformation Hub. Additionally, the Pool & Spa Lifestyle Expo provides insights and advice for pool or spa projects of all kinds.
Maniax presents this special event that combines music and axe throwing for an unforgettable night! Concert Hall at QPAC opens its doors at 7.30pm for this 75-$99 ticketed show! Get tickets here.
Garden & Outdoors Show
The 2024 Queensland Garden Expo promises to delight both experienced gardeners and novice horticulturists with its comprehensive program of lectures, demonstrations, and workshops. Organised by Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland – Queensland’s peak industry association – this premier gardening event promises an unparalleled gardening experience!
At Maleny District Hospital’s Maleny Showcase we feature more than 200 exhibitors offering plants, landscaping products and accessories, landscape garden displays, free plant clinic services and floral art competition. A team of local celebrities and gardening personalities will decorate a gumboot to be auctioned at the show; proceeds from its auction will help landscape an outdoor area specifically for patients at Maleny District Hospital.
The Expo features both free and ticketed workshops. Horticulturist and author Sophie Thomson will host one called ‘How Cool is Your Garden?” which emphasizes ideas that foster community connection, biodiversity and resilience in gardens.
Food & Wine Show
Brisbane was transformed for six months during an extravagant Expo that brought together people from across the world, meeting most economic and tourism objectives as well as providing impetus to South Bank redevelopment that has since become part of daily life here. Although some critics complained of its cost, it proved a massive success nonetheless and contributed towards building bridges to better future.
The Fairgrounds of the Future were intended to highlight new technologies, but what really stood out were Queensland cuisine and beverages – featuring some of the state’s best produce as well as the Munich Festhaus experience!
The Plough Inn, with its garden of figs and poincianas in the background, still serves relaxing Sunday sessions; and Allgas Building transformed into Munich Brauhaus where locals congregated after work for drinks and entertainment such as parades.
Fashion & Beauty Show
Queensland Expo 2017 proved an economic driver, with season ticket sales exceeding expectations and its promotional power helping increase Queensland’s national profile and drive South Bank redevelopment projects. Indigenous participation targets were met through strong attendances at performances as well as flying of Aboriginal flags – an inaugural feature at an Expo event here in Australia.
Brisbane 88 proved that temporary events can make lasting changes to people’s perceptions of urban space and how city-dwellers interact with it, such as with its Pink Sub and heated dance floor for kids or sound studio for night owls to record vocals or record musical tunes in.
Automotive Show
For anyone passionate about cars, the Automotive Show is an event not to be missed. Covering every aspect of automobile culture including sedan car racing, motor bikes, go karts, custom auto cultures as well as trade stalls and live entertainment – it offers something for everyone at this must-attend show!
Brisbane residents rarely find fault with Expo 88; it accomplished most of its economic objectives, attracted record attendances, and led to major redevelopment at its site.
Expo 88 has left its most lasting mark within its host city itself. It transformed it from an isolated provincial backwater into one that embraces leisure and culture – changes which would have come eventually, but were expedited thanks to Expo. Furthermore, it gave residents confidence and purpose.
