9 Things to Do in Bowen Hills
Are you looking for something to do in Bowen Hills?
Best known for the Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills is an inner-city suburb that borders Spring Hill, Fortitude Valley, Newstead, Albion, Windsor, and Herston.
Whether you are heading to the Showgrounds, King Street, or to see a show, there are plenty of fun things to do in Bowen Hills.
We lived in Bowen Hills, right next to the showgrounds, for almost 3 years. There is always something fun happening in this Brisbane neighborhood, and we would love to move back!
Keep reading to find the best things to do in Bowen Hills.
Things to do in Bowen Hills
See What Event is on at the Brisbane Showgrounds
As someone who lived next to the Brisbane Showgrounds for a few years, I can attest to there being many events year-round..
The most popular event is EKKA, which takes place over 2 weeks each August.
In addition to EKKA, there are concerts, car shows, caravan and camping shows, markets, and many expos. Some of these events take place outside, while others are located in the Exhibition Building.
Check out the Events on King Street
Located right near the Brisbane Showgrounds, King Street is filled with a few shops and lots of restaurants. King Street hosts events year-round, such as movie nights, book clubs, long table lunches, and other social events.
Free Fitness Classes are offered on King Street, from mindfulness to pilates to yoga. All free fitness classes are 45 minutes long and do not need to be booked in advance.
See a Show at 12th Night Theatre
A small boutique theatre in Bowen Hills, The 12th Night Theatre boasts that every seat is a good seat and that every show is the best.
Shows for children, including Theatre in Education, also occur at the 12th Night Theatre.
Learn About Coffee at Coffee Commune
Local coffee shops can have their coffee beans roasted at Coffee Commune, or they can roast them at Coffee Commune themselves.
In addition to a coffee shop, Coffee Commune has coffee roasters, classes, and workshops for every type of coffee enthusiast.
I took a basic barista class at Coffee Commune, where I learned to make flat whites, lattes, and cappuccinos using their equipment.
See what is happening at the Coffee Commune, or head in for a meal and some coffee.
Play All Day at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq has opened up one of its arcades on King Street in Bowen Hills.
For those looking for something fun to do, especially on a rainy day, head to this fun arcade, win prizes, and drink fun cocktails.
In addition to the arcade, Archie Brothers has bowling, and it is a great place for a kid’s birthday party. We have attended a few parties there that include games, bowling, and karaoke.
See a Concert at The Old Museum
Once a museum and art gallery, now a concert hall and event space, The Old Museum in Bowen Hills offers special events year-round.
The Old Museum was built more than 125 years ago and was originally built for the Queensland National Agricultural and Industrial Association, but it quickly became a concert hall once the state took over the building.
From the symphony to the orchestra, opera to concerts for less than 450 people, the Old Museum is an intimate place to see a performance.
Markets and other shopping events are held at the Old Museum.
Admire the Art and Learn How to Make it Yourself
A not-for-profit, Artisan on King Street is both a gallery and an event space.
While most workshops are ticketed, there are occasionally free workshops at Artisan. Check their calendar for current workshop offerings. Past workshops at Artisan have included carving wooden spoons, making mugs, and jewelry making.
Artisan has a gallery and a shop on King Street.
Drink Gin at Nosferatu
Try unique gin, distilled right in Bowen Hills, at Nosferatu Distillery.
Nosferatu also has events, including live music and dinner parties. While they do not always have food, sometimes, there are food trucks.
Visit the Miegunyah House Museum
See what is currently on display at Meigunyah House, built in the 1880s. Guided tours are included with each museum ticket, and Devonshire Tea is available for an additional cost.
How to Get to Bowen Hills
Train
Take the train to Bowen Hills Station or Exhibition Station. Exhibition Station is currently only open in August during the EKKA, but it is getting updated and will be a full-time rail station in the future.
Fortitude Valley Station is located near the border of Bowen Hills.
Bus
Take buses 300, 301, or 320 to Bowen Hills.
Drive
Paid street parking is available in Bowen Hills. There is a parking garage off of King Street.
Walk
Bowen Hills is located less than 3 kilometers northeast of Brisbane City.
Where to Eat in Bowen Hills
King Street
Though the street is just a couple of blocks long, King Street has a large variety of restaurants.
Find anything from Italian to French, Mexican to Greek, German to Vietnamese, burgers to dumplings, and budget meals to splurges on King Street.
King Street has changed a lot since we moved to Brisbane, with businesses coming and going. In 2026, it looks amazing!
Dessert options are back. Queen Amann Bakery closes early, but you can get gelato at Rose Gelatiera or frozen yogurt from Miniyo.
Bowen Arrow Cafe
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, Bowen Arrow Cafe serves bowls, bagels, and burgers.
Half-Pint Kitchen and Bar
Burgers, mains, and salads are on the menu at Half-Pint Kitchen and Bar, open for lunch and dinner daily.
Supernice
Open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Saturday, Supernice specializes in sandwiches.
Alex Eats at the Courtyard
A Chinese restaurant in Bowen Hills, Alex Eats at the Courtyard, serves Cantonese food during lunch and dinner. Their hours vary, so check before you go.
Accommodations in Bowen Hills
Rydges Fortitude Valley
Don’t let the name confuse you, Rydges Fortitude Valley is located in Bowen Hills. Located on King Street right next to the Brisbane Showgrounds, Rydges Fortitude Valley has an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar.
Family rooms that sleep up to 5 guests are available at Rydges Fortitude Valley
Belise Apartments
For those who want the amenities of an apartment, Belise Apartments in Bowen Hills has 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments that sleep up to 6 guests.
Belise Apartments has an outdoor pool, gym, sauna, and a roof deck with a BBQ.
Note that there is currently construction right outside of Belise as they are building another apartment building. We lived at the Belise Apartment Hotel for a few years.
Bowen Hills FAQ
Bowen Hills is most famous for the Brisbane Showgrounds, where the EKKA takes place each August.
Bowen Hills is located 3 kilometers from the Brisbane CBD. Bowen Hills is considered an inner suburb of Brisbane.
Bowen Hills is located next to 6 different inner-city suburbs, including Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill, Newstead, Albion, Windsor, and Herston.
Brisbane Neighborhoods Near Bowen Hills to Explore
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