Andrew O'Hagan: On Friendship
About This Event
If there's any subject the great Andrew O'Hagan can't elucidate with his indelible wit and elegant prose, we've yet to find it. In his pithy and poignant new book, the Booker-shortlisted novelist and Editor-at-Large of the London Review of Books reflects on how our friendships - human or animal, fleeting or lasting - animate and enrich our lives. Through memory, music, poetry and history, On Friendship celebrates the connections that make us who we are.Supported by the Taylor family.Brisbane Writers Festival is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council. Discover the full 2026 festival program now via the Brisbane Writers Festival website.
Getting There
More Events on the Same Day Around Brisbane
Discover other exciting events happening on Sunday 11 October 2026
Clock Tower Tour
Discover the hidden secrets of your heritage-listed City Hall building with a guided tour of Brisbane's iconic Clock Tower.The Clock Tower Tour is a "must do" while in Brisbane!For many years, City Hall's Clock Tower elevated the building to Brisbane's tallest, offering visitors a magnificent 360 degree view of the city around them. Whilst the view has changed significantly over the last 90 years, the time-honoured tradition of "taking a trip up the tower" happily continues at Museum of Brisbane.The Clock Tower Tour includes a ride in one of Brisbane's oldest working cage lifts, a look behind Australia's largest analogue clock faces and time to explore the observation platform that shares a unique perspective of your city. See if you can catch a glimpse of the bells!Make a booking online today to secure your spot! Spaces are limited and fill up quickly.Date & Time 10:15am - 4:45pm Daily, every 15 minutes Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour.
Author talk: Yvon's Great Adventure
Join us at Anzac Square Memorial Galleries on Sunday 11 October as author Peter Grose shares his book Yvon's Great Adventure.This is the extraordinary true story of how a French boy, Yvon Calmus, survived the final year of World War I and journeyed to Australia in the protective care of knockabout Australian soldiers. While the story is aimed at children, the tale of Yvon's Great Adventure surmounts age. It beautifully captures the personal relationships that formed during the war, many of which endured well beyond the Armistice.Peter Grose is the grandson of Lieutenant Frank Grose, the YMCA Welfare Officer who rescued Yvon Calmus alongside his 'adoptive' Australian family.Copies of Peter's book will be available for purchase. Questions are welcome.After the talk, visitors can stay to explore the Memorial Galleries, embarking on an interactive journey from the First World War to today, before taking time to reflect on the remarkable stories of bravery and sacrifice in the tranquil parklands.Locations: Anzac Square Memorial Galleries is located at 285 Ann Street, Brisbane. Entry is through the double brass doors located beneath the Shrine of Remembrance.
Come and try lawn bowls
Bookings essential. Discover the fun and friendly game of lawn bowls! Perfect for all skill levels, lawn bowls is a low-impact activity that combines strategy, precision and a touch of competition. You must wear flat-soled shoes or go barefoot.This is a GOLD event suitable for seniors.
Free guided tour - Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
Take a free volunteer guided walk to learn about the plants and features at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. Our volunteer guides all have a love for Brisbane's Botanic Gardens and a desire to share their passion and knowledge with visitors.Walking tours for individuals and small groups (up to ten people) are free and do not require a booking. Have a larger group? Find out more about booking walks for groups 10 or more in size.Meeting point: Meet at the Mt Coot-tha Visitor Information Centre.Walk duration: Walks last about one hour and are taken at a gentle pace.Note: Walks may be subject to environmental conditions and guide capacity on the day.
Music on Sundays 5: Old Worlds, New Sounds
A high-voltage program led by Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici.The concert opens with an overture by First Nations composer Christopher Sainsbury before Violinist Catherina Lee takes the spotlight in Bruch's soaring Violin Concerto.Then Dvořák's Slavonic Dances bursts with folk rhythm and fire. Before Bizet's Carmen Suite brings drama and irresistible melody, from the sultry Habanera to the swagger of Les Toréadors.Australian composer Holly Harrison also adds a jolt of the unexpected with Hi Vis, a groovy piece with plenty of bite.Rich, cinematic, and full of flair, that is music that grabs you from the first note.Queensland Symphony Orchestra is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council.
Bands in Parks: Jacarandas and Jazz
Bands in Parks performs at New Farm Park.Jacarandas are blooming and the jazz is hot.Delicious food from local food trucks will be available so join us for an afternoon of jazz and swing in New Farm Park under the blossoms of the jacarandas with the fabulous Peter Vance and Rachel Pearse and the Brass Roots Live band and musicians from the Jazz Music Institute.
Lord Mayor's Seniors Cabaret Showcase
The Lord Mayor's Seniors Cabaret is a free program for Brisbane seniors. It offers expert guidance and helps develop creative talents in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Prepare, deliver, succeed - if you can dream it, you can do it!This year's theme is Legends and icons: the people, moments and music that shaped our world. This theme is a powerful way to celebrate the extraordinary individuals, defining moments and unforgettable music that have shaped generations.After completing the masterclasses, some participants perform in a showcase which are held across the city. Through song, music, dance and spoken word, performers bring to life a soundtrack of social change, unity, hope and celebration.Come along and support these wonderful, talented seniors at a Lord Mayor's Cabaret Showcase.The Lord Mayor's Seniors Cabaret program is producer by Chris Fennessy, Epiphany Productions (Aust).
Alice Oseman: Heartstopper
In 2016, a young writer called Alice Oseman began publishing a webcomic about two teenage boys who meet and fall in love. Ten years on, Oseman is the third bestselling graphic novelist of all time, and that webcomic, Heartstopper, is a global publishing phenomenon (not to mention a wildly popular Netflix show) and a Gen Z icon lauded for its representation of queer joy. Join Oseman on her first visit to Brisbane as she discusses her tender and hopeful portrait of friendship and first love.Please note that Alice Oseman will not be signing books following this event. Pre-signed copies of Heartstopper Volume 6 are available for purchase with your ticket, or at the venue on the day of the event.Brisbane Writers Festival is proudly supported by Brisbane City Council. Discover the full 2026 festival program now via the Brisbane Writers Festival website.
Bub and me aqua
Bookings essential. Enjoy an aqua work-out designed for you- the Parent, grandparent or carer. This is your time to move, strengthen and recharge in the water while bub is with you, securely placed in a flotation seat. Suitable for all fitness levels.
Yoga
Focus on a range of movements to relax the mind and body. Stretching, breathing, strength and balance exercises are included by incorporating mat work into the session.