Brisbane art fairs & exhibitions: October 2026
Portraits at the State Library, a Saturday market at Felons and an evening of local making in King George Square: three different starting points for October.
A gallery visit, a market or an evening out
The Brisbane Portrait Prize is the flexible gallery option, continuing throughout October. The Great Artist Market has a single October date, Saturday 17 October. BrisStyle Twilight Market follows on Friday 23 October, making it the evening option in this selection.
These events serve different interests. Choose portraits if you want time with an exhibition; choose a market if you want to browse work and speak with makers. You do not need to combine all three to have a worthwhile outing.
The October shortlist
Selected for a mix of formats and settings. Dates and visitor details come from the linked organisers; the suggestions are ours.
Brisbane Portrait Prize 2026: Finalists Exhibition
- When
- 19 Sept – 8 Nov
- Where
- SLQ Gallery, State Library of Queensland
- Entry
- free
The finalists exhibition at the State Library of Queensland offers an indoor visit centred on portraits and Brisbane stories. It continues until 8 November.
Before you go: Entry is free. Weekend gallery hours start at 10am; weekdays start at 9am.
The Great Artist Market Brisbane (TGAM): Spring Edition
- When
- 17 Oct
- Where
- Felons Barrel Hall
- Entry
- free entry
A Saturday opportunity to browse local makers at Felons Barrel Hall, with stalls across indoor and outdoor spaces.
Before you go: The organiser lists free entry on 17 October, 8am–3pm. Workshops may require separate tickets.
BrisStyle Twilight Market (Oct/Nov/Dec editions)
- When
- 23 Oct
- Where
- King George Square
- Entry
- free entry
Local art and handmade goods in King George Square during an evening market. The October edition is on Friday 23 October.
Before you go: Use the October date, not the whole recurring series: 4pm–9pm on 23 October.
Check the side of the river and the session
The State Library is in South Brisbane, while Felons Barrel Hall and King George Square are separate destinations. Read the venue address before planning travel. An exhibition date range is not an indication that its gallery is open late.
The Portrait Prize lists 9am–5pm on weekdays and 10am–5pm on weekends. The Great Artist Market runs 8am–3pm on its advertised October date; BrisStyle’s October twilight session is 4pm–9pm. Check organiser updates before setting off.
- Choose a venue and allow time for the return journey.
- Use the event’s official link for access details and any weather-related changes.
- If buying, ask about packaging or collection before carrying work to another stop.
Start with an admission budget
The Portrait Prize exhibition and The Great Artist Market advertise free entry. Workshops, purchases and refreshments can have separate costs. Check an activity’s own booking page even when the main market is free.
Sources & checking
Event dates and selected visitor details were checked against these organiser pages on 26 September 2026. Check again before travelling: programs, admission and access arrangements can change.
- Brisbane Portrait Prize 2026: Finalists Exhibition ↗
- The Great Artist Market Brisbane (TGAM): Spring Edition ↗
- BrisStyle Twilight Market (Oct/Nov/Dec editions) ↗