Spring Solstice Market Set to Light Up West End with Food, Music, and Fun

West End’s beloved community spirit will shine even brighter this spring as the Spring Solstice Twilight Market rolls into Davies Park on Friday, 12 September, promising an evening packed with flavour, music, and festive flair.


Read: 5 of the Best Spring Buys at Harris Farm Markets West End


Running from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the seasonal market will bring together over 150 specialty stalls, transforming the riverside park into a buzzing hub of gourmet eats, artisan goods, and lively entertainment, all under the glow of the spring night sky.

Photo supplied

From sizzling street eats to handmade treasures, the market is set to be a feast for all the senses. Food lovers can indulge in a global selection of dishes. Think smoky barbecue, fragrant curries, sweet pastries and more, while browsers can meander through stalls offering locally made art, crafts, and boutique products.

Photo supplied

The event is more than just a market; it’s a celebration of West End’s creative energy and community spirit. Visitors can expect live music throughout the evening, with performances from local musicians and energetic roving acts creating a festival-style atmosphere. A pop-up bar will serve drinks for those keen to relax and soak up the vibes, while kids’ activities and family-friendly entertainment will keep younger visitors smiling.

Photo supplied

Organisers from Goodwill Projects say the Spring Solstice Market will capture the essence of the changing season — fresh, fun, and full of colour. Entry is free, but those who register for tickets will go into the draw to win a Gourmet Market Hamper, packed with goodies from the night’s stallholders.


Read: Sip & Socialise: Power Moves Brings Wellness to the Streets of West End


Whether you’re a regular at the Saturday West End Markets or a first-time visitor, this special twilight edition is shaping up to be a must-do event for locals. Bring your picnic rug, gather your mates, and enjoy an unforgettable night by the river.

Event Details
Date: Friday, 12 September
Time: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location:: Davies Park, Corner of Montague Road and Jane Street, West End
Free Entry – Register online through West End Markets’ Facebook Page.

Published 25-July-2025

SCARPA Boulderfest 2025 Draws National Climbing Community to Brisbane

Australia’s largest and most popular climbing competition, SCARPA Boulderfest, is set to bring top national athletes and climbing enthusiasts to Brisbane’s West End early next month for a weekend festival celebrating the sport of bouldering.



More Than a Competition

SCARPA Boulderfest 2025
Photo Credit: Visit Brisbane

The annual event will take over Urban Climb’s West End Boulder Hall for the entire weekend of Saturday, 2 August, and Sunday, 3 August. In preparation for the festival, the bouldering hall will be closed to the public from Tuesday, 29 July, allowing for the creation of world-class climbing routes. Organisers state their mission is to unite the climbing community and provide a unique and creative experience that highlights both the sport and lifestyle of climbing for participants and spectators.

A Climb for Everyone

SCARPA Boulderfest 2025
Photo Credit: Visit Brisbane

The festival is structured to be inclusive, ensuring there is a place for climbers of all aspirations. The event is strictly for individuals aged 16 and over. The Competitive Category offers a platform for serious climbers to test their skills against the nation’s best, with Male, Female, and Gender Inclusive divisions. The top six climbers from each division will be invited to a finals showcase to compete for significant cash prizes. 

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the Social Category allows climbers to challenge themselves on fun problems without the pressure of rankings, and includes specific opportunities for para climbers. A Teams Category also encourages collaboration, with groups of two to four working together under a unique, team-based scoring system.

Event Reflects National Growth in Bouldering

SCARPA Boulderfest 2025
Photo Credit: Visit Brisbane

Now a fixture in the Australian climbing scene, SCARPA Boulderfest has grown significantly in recent years. The partnership between host Urban Climb, one of the country’s leading gym chains, and SCARPA, a renowned Italian footwear brand, has elevated the festival’s profile. The event’s consistent success reflects the surging popularity of bouldering across the country, as indoor climbing facilities have become important community hubs for both elite training and introducing newcomers to the sport.



How to Participate

Prospective climbers must purchase a ticket, which entitles them to climb in one round. Registration is required for each individual and closes on the evening of Tuesday, 29 July. While the deadline to guarantee a limited-edition event t-shirt passed on 30 May, shirts may still be available subject to remaining stock. Organisers note that all event shirts must be collected in person at the venue. Discounts on ticket prices are available for Urban Climb members and through an automatically applied early registration discount.

Published Date 22-July-2025

Cameron McEvoy and Wife Welcome Son Hartley James

West End’s Cameron McEvoy has welcomed the arrival of his first child, a baby boy named Hartley James, born on Thursday, July 10.


Read: Cameron McEvoy Strikes Gold: Aussie Veteran Triumphs in Olympic 50m Freestyle


In a joint Instagram post with his wife Madeline, the couple shared the news and revealed that their son’s name was chosen as a tribute to strength of heart.

Hartley James
Photo credit: Cameron McEvoy OAM/Instagram

McEvoy recounted how quickly things unfolded that day, revealing they arrived at the hospital in the afternoon, unaware Hartley James would be born just a few hours later. With Madeline remaining unusually calm throughout early labour, staff were surprised to discover she was already well into the process.

“We had a well thought out birthing plan because of Maddi’s heart which basically involved as little pain as possible to keep her heart rate down. But Hartley seemed to have different plans. Before we knew it, he was earth side in our hands before 7pm,” he wrote.

Hartley James
Photo credit: Cameron McEvoy OAM/Instagram

“It was fast, wild, calm, and beautiful all at the same time. A blur and yet the clearest moments of our lives. Words do so little for how much we love this little guy already. Mum and baby are both doing exceptionally well.”

The couple tied the knot in February after getting engaged late last year. Madeline is a registered nurse and PhD student at Griffith University, focusing on wound care and predictive modelling using machine learning. McEvoy, who holds a degree in physics and mathematics, has spoken about his long-term goal of becoming an astronaut after swimming.


Read: Veteran Sprinter Cameron McEvoy Becomes First Australian Swimmer to Compete in Four Olympics


The new arrival comes as McEvoy prepares for his next big challenge in the pool. He will represent Australia at the World Championships in Singapore later this month, competing in the 50m freestyle. The event kicks off on July 26, with McEvoy aiming for another podium finish following his Olympic triumph in Paris.

Published 18-July-2025

Sip & Socialise: Power Moves Brings Wellness to the Streets of West End

A growing fitness studio in West End is taking a refreshing approach to community wellness, combining casual conversation with matcha tea instead of the usual sweat and reps.



A Community-First Approach to Wellness

Power Moves, a boutique fitness studio with locations in West End and Newstead, has steadily built a name in Brisbane’s wellness scene for making pilates and yoga more accessible. While many studios emphasise performance or aesthetics, Power Moves is centred on inclusivity—welcoming beginners, casual attendees and experienced movers alike. 

Their West End space on Montague Road stands out not just for its polished, modern interior but also for its open-door philosophy. Instead of promoting high-intensity workouts or trendy fitness challenges, the studio encourages people to enjoy movement in a way that fits into their lifestyle. 

This Saturday, their community event, “Sip & Socialise,” will showcase this philosophy. Locals can drop in for organic ceremonial-grade matcha and meet the team—no workout needed.

The event runs from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on 19 July at 2/318 Montague Road, just across from the Power Moves West End studio. The matcha will be provided by Moocha Matcha, a local brand known for its clean, organic blends. For $7, guests can enjoy a high-quality drink while chatting with instructors, neighbours and other curious attendees.

Matcha and Mindfulness

The idea behind this weekend’s event is simple: wellness doesn’t always have to be structured or serious. Sometimes it’s just about slowing down and spending time with others in a welcoming space. By offering a casual drop-in format, Power Moves is reinforcing its core belief—that health and movement should feel like a natural part of life, not a performance.

Moocha Matcha, a Brisbane-based brand, will be serving high-grade ceremonial matcha on-site. The collaboration highlights how wellness staples like matcha and Pilates have shifted from niche trends to everyday rituals for many Australians. With antioxidant benefits and a gentle energy lift, matcha has become the drink of choice for those looking for a clean, calm start to the day.

Rather than promoting a high-pressure fitness agenda, Saturday’s event offers a chance to connect with the Power Moves team, get familiar with the space, and enjoy a high-quality drink in a relaxed setting. Whether you’ve been considering trying a class or just want to experience the atmosphere, the “Sip & Socialise” morning is open to all.

More Than Just Pilates

Power Moves’ popularity has grown significantly since the opening of its first studio, with the recent launch of its Newstead flagship reinforcing demand for a community-minded fitness space. But it’s the original West End studio that laid the groundwork, offering a calming environment where people of all fitness levels feel at home. From hot mat yoga to reformer pilates, the class options are designed with progress and comfort in mind—not pressure.

Photo Credit: Power Moves West End/Google Maps

The studio operates with a strong belief that movement should be fun, social and free from intimidation. Whether someone is recovering from injury, exploring pilates for the first time or just looking for a positive environment, Power Moves aims to be that safe starting point. The interior design by Clements Clarke Architects reflects this tone. It blends soft wood finishes with black steel accents, creating a modern yet welcoming aesthetic that contrasts with the clinical feel of many gyms.



Reviews from West End locals frequently praise not only the studio’s ambience but also the instructors’ ability to adapt sessions to a wide range of needs. The team is trained to support everyone, from long-time enthusiasts to those simply curious about giving pilates a try.

Published 18-July-2025

West End Homeowners and Architects Join Forces for Open Talk on Building Smart

If you’re thinking about building or renovating in West End, a group of Brisbane architects and their clients are coming together to explain why working with a designer from the start could save you time, stress and money.



The panel discussion, The Benefits of Engaging an Architect, will take place on Sunday, 20 July 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Flying Colours on Vulture Street in West End. The free community event is part of the Brisbane Open House program and encourages locals to explore how architectural support can lead to more thoughtful, functional and personalised homes.

The Benefits of Engaging an Architect, West End
Photo Credit: Supplied

Inside the Design Process

Three Brisbane-based architects—Aaron Peters from Vokes and Peters, Melody Chen from Atelier Chen Hung, and Rebecca Caldwell from Maytree Studios—will lead the session. Each of them has designed homes across different suburbs in Brisbane and will be joined by some of their past clients to speak about real-life renovations and builds.

The goal of the discussion is to share how professional design input early on can help homeowners make better-informed decisions, particularly around layout, liveability, council approvals and managing complex builds.

Rebecca Caldwell, Creative Director at Maytree Studios, has seen first-hand how guidance through the process can turn a daunting project into a rewarding one. She noted that when her studio helps manage the project, homeowners often feel more confident and enjoy the experience, rather than finding it overwhelming.

The Benefits of Engaging an Architect, West End
Photo Credit: Supplied

Architects Share What Matters Most

Each architect brings a unique approach to the conversation. Aaron Peters, whose practice is based in West End, believes good design starts with understanding the day-to-day lives of the people living in the home. His focus is on enhancing the character of each site to suit how people actually use the space.

Melody Chen, also based in West End, adds that architects provide spatial insight that helps turn complex site limitations into design strengths. Her studio aims to design homes that feel uplifting and intuitive, tailored to individual needs.

Together, the speakers will share what questions they ask, how their design processes work, and why homeowners should expect more from the spaces they live in.

Local Impact and Broader Invitation

While the event will be held in West End, the conversation is relevant to residents across Brisbane considering a build or renovation. Suburbs mentioned in connection with the speakers’ past work include Paddington, South Brisbane, St Lucia and Indooroopilly.

Lindy Johnson Creative, which supports architects with communications and business development, is co-presenting the panel along with Flying Colours, the West End venue hosting the event.



Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions to the panel, which includes a live Q&A. The discussion aims to be open, informative and community-focused—offering practical takeaways for anyone feeling unsure about where to begin with a home project.

Published 14-July-2025

New Kappo Restaurant +81 Set to Open in West End

A new Japanese kappo-style restaurant, +81, is preparing to open in West End, offering an intimate dining experience shaped by traditional techniques and reimagined for the modern table.



Background and Development

+81 Kappo is the latest addition to West End’s dining scene, following the earlier launch of +81 Aizome Bar. The new restaurant continues the concept introduced by the bar, expanding from a focus on cocktails to a complete kappo dining experience. 

Located on Montague Road, the venue reflects a connection to Japan’s culinary philosophy, with its name referencing the country’s international dial code.

+81 Kappo
Photo Credit: Plus Eight One/Instagram

Kappo Dining Explained

The kappo style at +81 highlights precise methods including cutting, simmering and grilling, with careful attention to seasonality and presentation. The venue aims to honour this tradition through an authentic multi-course offering adapted for a modern dining experience.

Japanese dining
Photo Credit: Plus Eight One/Instagram

Design and Concept

+81 Kappo is expected to feature a minimalist aesthetic inspired by Japanese design principles, using natural materials and refined detailing to support the intimate and focused nature of kappo dining.

Connection to +81 Aizome Bar

The restaurant builds on the success of +81 Aizome Bar, which opened next door in late 2024. The ten-seat bar has already gained attention in West End for its neo cocktail creations and Japanese-inspired small plates. The new restaurant will complement the bar, creating a cohesive hospitality destination.

Japanese cuisine Brisbane
Photo Credit: Plus Eight One/Instagram

Community Expectations

Local interest in +81 Kappo has been strong. A waitlist is already open for early reservations. Food enthusiasts have shown anticipation for this new Japanese dining option in West End.

What Comes Next



+81 Kappo is on track to open in 2025. Further updates are expected as the opening approaches. Priority reservations are offered to those on the waitlist.

Published 27-June-2025

Winter Solstice Twilight Market Returns to West End

A winter-themed night market will bring live music, bonfires, and street food to West End as part of an annual solstice celebration hosted at Davies Park.



Twilight Market to Light Up West End

More than 150 stalls, fire performances, roving entertainers, and family workshops will activate Davies Park in West End for a one-night-only winter market on Friday, 20 June from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Winter Solstice Twilight Market
Photo Credit: West End Markets/Facebook

Seasonal Festivities Return

The event marks the return of the West End Solstice Twilight Market, a community event celebrating the winter solstice with an extended evening of food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Entry is free, and those who register online are eligible to win a gourmet market hamper.

Stalls will offer a variety of global street eats, including grilled Thai chicken skewers, Japanese snacks, and KL-style char kway teow. Notable vendors include Barbie On Charcoal, Tako Tako, and Cocoart, with dessert and drink offerings such as fresh coconut treats and mango-based drinks.

Bonfires and a pop-up bar will be available on-site, with mulled wine and craft beer served throughout the night.

Twilight Market
Photo Credit: West End Markets/Facebook

Activities for All Ages

Live music is scheduled across the six-hour program, featuring acts such as the Aaron West Band and Dave’s Acoustic Music. Roving fire performers, stilt walkers, and bubble entertainers will provide additional atmosphere across the venue.

Interactive activities include children’s lantern-making and a charm bracelet workshop hosted by Get Charmed by Winnie, with limited paid bookings required for both adult and kids’ sessions. A selection of handmade goods, organic skincare, and winter-themed items will also be on offer.

Community and Market Background

The West End Markets, typically held on Saturday mornings, are operated by Goodwill Projects, a Queensland-based events company. The Solstice Twilight Market is operated by the same organisers behind the regular West End Markets held at Davies Park on Saturdays. Unlike the regular Saturday markets, the Solstice event is held in the evening and includes additional live performances and themed activities.

West End Markets
Photo Credit: West End Markets/Facebook


Organisers have encouraged locals to register via event links and mark themselves as attending via social media to stay updated.

Published 6-June-2025

One of West End’s Last Original Queenslanders Sells in Heated Auction

One of West End’s few remaining untouched Queenslanders has changed hands for $2.5 million after a competitive auction that drew over 100 onlookers and 15 registered bidders.


Read: West End Apartment Smashes Price Expectations in Strong Brisbane Auction Week


The three-bedroom, one-bathroom home at 22 Sussex Street had been held by the same family since the 1950s. After decades of accumulation, it took six months to clear out belongings and prepare the property for sale, with only essential updates made to meet compliance standards. 

Queenslanders
Photo credit: Leo Tsimpikas Real Estate

Despite its age and the need for extensive renovations, the home’s elevated position, city views, and generous 536-square-metre flood-free block made it a highly sought-after offering.

Its appeal was further heightened by its location within the prized Brisbane State High School catchment—a key factor for many buyers eyeing the tightly held suburb. Most blocks in West End range between 250 and 300 square metres and offer limited or no off-street parking, giving this property a distinct edge in size, liveability, and future potential.

Photo credit: Leo Tsimpikas Real Estate

Bidding began at $1.6 million and escalated rapidly, narrowing down to a battle between two determined buyers who drove the final price up in large increments. The winning bidders, West End locals, had long been searching for a classic Queenslander to restore and make their own.

Photo credit: Leo Tsimpikas Real Estate

Whilst the home remains largely original, a high-end renovation could cost up to $1.5 million, but the investment is unlikely to deter buyers in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held and character-rich suburbs.

The sale stands out as a rare example of an unrenovated Queenslander still standing in inner-city West End—a suburb where gentrification and redevelopment have steadily reduced the number of original homes. Its result reflects the enduring appeal of character housing in premium inner-Brisbane locations, especially those offering land size, elevation, and strong school zoning.

Queenslanders
Photo credit: Leo Tsimpikas Real Estate


Read: Luxury Property Developer Deepens West End Presence with Second Mega Site Acquisition


The auction was part of a broader weekend of activity across Brisbane, with 144 properties scheduled to go under the hammer. Preliminary figures showed a clearance rate of 44 per cent from reported results, highlighting the selective but still strong interest in unique, high-potential properties.

Published 6-June-2025

Popular West End GoodGood Cafe Undergoes Big Change with New Deli Focus

A well-loved coffee spot in West End has surprised locals by getting a fresh new look and completely changing what it offers to the community. GoodGood on Beesley Street, a familiar name to many, has reopened after a renovation with a brand-new focus as a deli.



The people behind this change are Lachlan Geraghty and Josh Power, who first became known in West End when they opened the small coffee shop Little Peaches in 2021.

They always planned to grow their business in a way that would benefit the community and keep things interesting for themselves. This latest step is a big one for the pair.

From Cafe to Deli

GoodGood
Photo Credit: GoodGood/ Instagram

GoodGood first opened next door to Little Peaches in a much bigger space. They had done much of the work to create a stylish and open feel. At first, it was a cafe during the day and a wine bar at night, hoping to become a central meeting place in West End. However, the owners felt that their design didn’t truly show who they were and what they wanted GoodGood to become.

Mr Geraghty explained that while they thought the original space was beautiful, they designed it without really thinking about their own identity and what they wanted to achieve. He added that he wanted to bring back some of the feeling of Little Peaches into the new space.

So, they decided to make a change. They moved their coffee gear back into Little Peaches for a few months while the inside of GoodGood was redone. This time, they aimed to create a warmer, more inviting space with better sound quality.

Mr Geraghty said that the original GoodGood felt too plain, so they intentionally went in the opposite direction by adding lots of different textures while keeping a simple colour scheme.

The New Space and Menu

GoodGood
Photo Credit: GoodGood/ Instagram

When you walk into GoodGood, you’ll see timber walls, terracotta-coloured tiles, and textured surfaces, with plants adding some greenery. The layout is mostly the same, but the kitchen has been made bigger and better equipped.

The large concrete counter has been replaced with a lighter, floating counter to make serving customers easier. The front of the cafe has also been changed to create a small outdoor area where people can sit with their dogs, although Mr Geraghty mentioned that this area still needs a bit more work.

While the new look was important, the change mainly aimed to focus on a business idea that better matched what the owners wanted. Because of this, they are also changing the name from GoodGood West End to GoodGood Deli. Mr Geraghty stated that they have started the process of changing their business name and that their aim now is to operate as a deli.

GoodGood will still be open in the mornings, serving coffee from Sunshine Coast roaster Tim Adams and a smaller breakfast menu. However, they will now focus more on providing lunch options, which Mr Geraghty believes is lacking in their part of West End.

GoodGood
Photo Credit: GoodGood/ Instagram

He noticed many office workers were going to the supermarket to buy lunch because there weren’t many other choices nearby. He also mentioned talking to customers who said the same thing.

To address this, GoodGood Deli will soon launch a new lunch menu featuring a range of deli-style sandwiches. Mr Power has been in charge of creating these recipes, taking inspiration from his family history in baking. Mr Geraghty explained that Mr Power’s grandfather owned a successful bakery in New South Wales many years ago and that Mr Power has spent the last six to eight months working on different bread recipes.

The sandwiches will be made with a soft focaccia bread and filled with high-quality meats and cheeses, all prepared in-house. The lunch menu will also include a daily salad and a house-made lasagne, but the owners plan to keep the menu flexible, with items changing regularly. Mr Geraghty also noted that they have stopped their evening service but plan to bring back a nighttime offering.



Looking ahead, Mr Geraghty expressed his appreciation for the support they have received from both new and regular customers since Little Peaches’s earliest days. He acknowledged that it is a privilege to be able to make such significant changes, especially at a time when many hospitality businesses are facing challenges.

He said that the renovation wasn’t done because the community asked for it, but because it was something they wanted to do. He feels it’s great that they have been able to adapt and grow with the support of their customers. Mr Geraghty believes they are now finally ready to launch the kind of business they had always envisioned.

Published Date 20-May-2025

Much-Loved West End Music Venue, The Bearded Lady, Announces Permanent Closure

In a significant blow to Brisbane’s live music scene, West End’s cherished venue, The Bearded Lady, has announced it will permanently close its doors, impacting local artists and the community that has supported it.



The popular spot, known for its diverse range of performances beyond just music, will cease operating on Friday, 23 May 2025.

Sudden End to a Community Hub

The closure news was shared via social media, with the venue expressing deep sadness over the decision. Despite recent community efforts to financially support The Bearded Lady, which included a successful fundraising campaign that brought in $27,000, the closure is reportedly due to unforeseen issues arising from negotiations with the landlord.

According to the venue, key individuals within the local music community had stepped forward and were willing to take over the lease. Still, at the last minute, the landlords communicated their decision to withdraw from the hospitality sector altogether. This unexpected turn of events has left the venue management and its supporters feeling devastated and frustrated.

More Than Just a Music Venue

Bearded Lady
Photo Credit: Google Maps

For the West End community, The Bearded Lady was more than just a place to see bands. The 120-capacity venue had cultivated a reputation as a welcoming space that hosted various cultural events, including poetry readings, burlesque and cabaret shows, theatre performances, and art classes. Its closure signifies a loss of a valuable cultural hub in the increasingly gentrified suburb.

A Sign of Wider Challenges

Bearded Lady
Photo Credit: Google Maps

The demise of The Bearded Lady is not an isolated incident. It follows the recent closures of other independent Brisbane venues like Season Three, which faced eviction, and It’s Still A Secret, whose owner, Emily Dennis, highlighted that a concerning number of small to medium-sized Australian live music venues – over a third – have permanently shut down in the past three years.

Nick Smethurst, the owner of Season Three, had previously urged the community to actively support local art and venues to combat the industry’s top-down pressures. The situation underscores live music venues’ ongoing challenges in Brisbane and across Australia.



Community Left Reeling

The Bearded Lady management conveyed their heartfelt gratitude for their support, acknowledging the disappointment felt by the bands and the wider music community. They assured their supporters that their frustrations were understood.

The closure marks a significant loss for Brisbane’s cultural landscape, leaving a void for artists and patrons who valued the West End institution’s unique atmosphere and diverse offerings.

Published Date 16-May-2025