Brisbane at Night, Qld.  Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

So you’re planning on visiting Australia this month and you’re thinking that maybe you’ll just be throwing another snag on the barbie; it is spring after all. Maybe you’re thinking about going for a swim – or maybe not after the latest shark attack. Perhaps just catching a few rays? But there may be more on offer if you take a look around, especially if you’re Brisbane-bound.

October is the height of the Jacaranda season, and although it isn’t a native species these shrubs turn the city purple from the end of September to the beginning of November and herald the start of spring. We’d like to say look out for them, but you’d have to have your eyes closed to miss them! And they provide a stunning backdrop to all this:

What’s on in Brisbane, October 2014

Brisbane Oktoberfest: Held over two weekends: 10-12 and 17-19 October at the RNA Showground, Brisbane Oktoberfest is the largest German festival in Australia. It is the place to enjoy all things German, from oompah bands to lebkuchen (that’s gingerbread to me and you), and of course the odd glass of beer! There’s a Miss Oktoberfest Brisbane and for the men there are beard and moustache competitions, as well as dancing, cow bell ringing and more lederhosen than you could throw a stick at!

Diwali Festival of Lights: 10 October in King George Square from 11 am until 11 pm – and it’s free. There will be Indian music and dance as well as stalls selling gifts and food.

Brisbane Kite Festival: If you’re free on Sunday 12 October head over to Murarrie Recreational Ground when hundreds of people will be flying their kites. Brisbane Kite Festival is free to enter and complete novices can fly their kites beside professionals. We didn’t know that there were professional kite flyers, but that sounds like one heck of a job! There will be food stalls, along with the inevitable kite stalls and workshops.

SpringFlare Festival: On Sunday 26 October, ahead of the G20 Summit Brisbane and part of the city’s cultural celebrations, Riverside in the Botanic Gardens will be awash with colours thrown by the crowd in what the organisers describe as a “celebration of the human spirit.” It’s free to join in but bags of colour will cost you $10 and you’re advised to wear something white so that the colour will be seen. Also, make sure you wear a hat, sunglasses and lots of Factor 30 sunscreen! As well as the opportunity to lob pots of colour around there will be music, stalls and food, but bear in mind it is an alcohol free event.

Other things to do in and around Brisbane this October

Mt Tambourine Scarecrow Festival, 17-19 October
Head inland to explore the rainforested hinterland and follow the 17 km scarecrow trail.

Indie Twilight Market, King George Square, 24 October
Browse 80 lantern-lit stalls of Hand made goods and crafts accompanied by the sounds of the city’s best jazz bands. Shopping at its most chilled.

The Australian Small Winemakers Show, Stanthorpe Showground, 25 October.
Sample over 1500 different wines from Australia and New Zealand. It costs $60, but for that you get unlimited tastings, light finger food, an etched glass and free return travel to accommodation in Stanthorpe.

As well as these events, there’s an Italian Film Festival, plenty of live music and lots of galleries to visit. Enjoy exploring Brisbane this October.

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