Located in leafy New Farm Park, Brisbane Powerhouse is Brisbane's home of contemporary culture, performance and art. A pre-war industrial building by the river, its architecture is pretty striking as well. The former power station was built in the 1920s and reopened in 2000 as a vibrant centre for all things creative.
Each year, the Powerhouse hosts more than 1,250 performances in its 11 separate venues: theatre, dance, comedy, panel talks, movies, cabaret, burlesque, concerts, markets and visual arts. Highlights include Brisbane Comedy Festival, Melt, OHM Festival of Other Musical, Brisbane Festival and Night Feast. Fascinating one-hour tours of the building are available that take in the venue's industrial past and its heritage-listed graffiti, while two bars and restaurants (Bar Alto, Mary Mae's and Vertigo) offer refreshments and river views. Brisbane Powerhouse is also home to weekly farmers' markets, held every Saturday.