Brisbane CBD Hosts the Great Artist Market: Art, Food, and Family Fun

The Great Artist Market is set to return to Brisbane CBD this April, bringing together local artists, makers, and the community at Felons Barrel Hall. The popular riverside market will feature over 70 stalls, workshops, entertainment, and a range of food and drink options for attendees.



Great Artist Market Returns to Brisbane CBD: A Celebration of Creativity

The much-anticipated Great Artist Market is making a comeback to Brisbane CBD this April, promising a day filled with art, creativity, and community spirit. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Story Bridge at Felons Barrel Hall, the market will take place on Saturday, 5th April, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bringing Local Art to the Heart of Brisbane

Hosted by Felons Barrel Hall, the Great Artist Market has established itself as a recurring community highlight, connecting local artists and makers with the people of Brisbane. This year, the event will be bigger than ever, featuring over 70 local artists offering a diverse range of handcrafted items, including sculptural jewellery, paper art, pottery, and clothing.

Claire Ritchie, the event’s curator, has carefully selected the participating artists to ensure high-quality, unique creations that showcase the talent within Brisbane’s creative community. The market will also include hands-on activities such as a beading workshop led by DIY Daisy, where participants can craft their own necklaces from second-hand beads.

Family-Friendly Fun and Entertainment

The Great Artist Market is designed to be family-friendly, offering entertainment and activities for all ages. Families can enjoy face painting, balloon twisting, and live acoustic music throughout the day. Pets are not allowed inside the market space, but the nearby Felons Rivergarden lawn will have stalls and dog-friendly activities, including Bad Pet Portraits for those wanting a unique keepsake of their furry companions.

Inside the Barrel Hall, Jet Black Cat Music will keep the atmosphere lively with feel-good vinyl sets. Visitors can also enjoy freshly brewed coffee from Allpress and baked goods from the TGAM baker. For those looking to enjoy a drink, mimosas and Felons’ signature Barrel Aged Beers will be available.

The Great Artist Market
Photo Credit: The Great Artist Market/Instagram

Getting There and Accessibility

Felons Barrel Hall is located at 5 Boundary Street, within the Howard Smith Wharves precinct. The venue is accessible by foot from Brisbane CBD, by taxi or rideshare with a designated drop-off zone, and by bus or ferry, with the nearest terminal just metres away. There is also ample parking available, including spaces for those with disabilities.

The event is wheelchair accessible, with space for prams and mobility aids. Seating is provided in outdoor areas, and the full Felons Barrel Hall menu is available from 11 a.m.

Brisbane local art
Photo Credit: The Great Artist Market/Instagram

A Creative Hub for Brisbane

Felons Barrel Hall, known for its experimental space celebrating live music, art, and barrel-aged beer, is the perfect setting for this vibrant community event. The Great Artist Market not only supports local creatives but also encourages community involvement, drawing visitors from across Brisbane and beyond.

Final Thoughts



As Brisbane’s creative community continues to grow, the Great Artist Market offers a unique opportunity to support local artists while enjoying a family-friendly day out. Whether looking for one-of-a-kind artworks or a day of fun by the river, the event promises something for everyone.

Published 3-Apr-2025

Howard Smith Wharves Announces Melbourne Cup Day Events

Howard Smith Wharves has unveiled its Melbourne Cup celebration plans for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, with multiple venues participating in the racing day festivities.



Cup Day events will be hosted from 11 AM to 3 PM across five distinct venues.

Photo Credit: Supplied

Mr Percival’s will host an outdoor party utilising its overwater decks, while Stanley Restaurant’s four-course Cantonese banquet has already reached capacity and is fully booked.

Photo Credit: Supplied

Felons Barrel Hall will feature live music paired with Thai flavours, and Felons Brewing Co. will provide DJ entertainment on the brew deck. For those seeking Italian cuisine, Ciao Papi is offering a three-course Italian feast.

Photo Credit: Supplied

The events will coincide with the traditional Melbourne Cup race timing, with Howard Smith Wharves providing multiple options for race day dining and entertainment.



Interested patrons can find Howard Smith Wharves at 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City, QLD 4000.

Published 30-October-2024

Seasonal Fruit Hits Felons Barrel Hall for Spring Edition

Seasonal Fruit gears up for its Spring Edition on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Felons Barrel Hall, Howard Smith Wharves, promising an evening of vibrant Australian indie music to usher in the new season.

Photo Credit: Felons Brewing Co.

Organized by Felons Brewing Co. and Jet Black Cat Music, the festival will showcase a diverse lineup of up-and-coming and established Australian acts. The Spring Edition features performances by Gut Health, Clamm, Parsnip, Radium Dolls, and Gimmy, representing a mix of indie, rock, punk, and psychedelic genres.



Gates open at 6 PM, with live music kicking off at 7:20 PM. The carefully curated schedule will see each act take the stage for hour-long sets, culminating in a headline performance by Gut Health at 11:20 PM.

First-release tickets are sold out, with general admission currently available at $36.50. Organizers advise that the event is strictly for those 18 years and over.



In a nod to the festival’s name, Seasonal Fruit, organizers promise to deliver the “freshest produce” in Australian music, showcasing emerging talent alongside more established acts right in Felons Barrel Hall.

Published 27-August-2024

NAIDOC Week 2024 Celebration to Showcase Indigenous Culture and Art

In celebration of NAIDOC Week 2024, Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) is set to host a vibrant event showcasing Indigenous culture and art on July 10th. The celebration, organised in collaboration with Birrunga Gallery, will take place at Felons Barrel Hall from 11 am to 2:30 pm.



This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud!” aims to honour the resilience of Indigenous communities and encourage solidarity in amplifying voices that have historically been marginalised.

The event will commence with a Traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony on the Rivergarden lawn adjacent to Felons Barrel Hall. Attendees will then be treated to a live didgeridoo performance, setting the stage for a day of cultural immersion.

Inside Barrel Hall, visitors can explore an art installation curated specifically for NAIDOC Week by Birrunga Gallery. The artists themselves will be present, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the creators.

A highlight of the afternoon will be a discussion between Trent Wallace and Birrunga Wiradyuri, focusing on NAIDOC Week themes and reflections on the past year.



This year’s theme symbolises the enduring resilience of Indigenous cultures and their deep connection to Country and traditions. It also represents a call for Indigenous Peoples to confidently embrace their heritage and assert their presence in contemporary society.

Tickets for the event include a shared grazing-style lunch featuring a fusion of native ingredients and contemporary cuisine, as well as a welcome drink. Due to limited capacity, interested parties are encouraged to RSVP promptly to secure their attendance.

Published 9-July-2024

Felons Barrel Hall Moves Into Howards Hall at Howard Smith Wharves

Felons Brewing Co at Howard Smith Wharves recently expanded and opened a new Felons Barrel Hall by taking over Howards Hall, the massive space for functions and events next door.

Since the pandemic struck, Howards Hall has been an idle space, unused and in need of a bailout. The transformation to Felons Barrel Hall has been a step in the right direction to revitalise this restaurant and bar precinct. 

Howards Hall, before the pandemic crisis
Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves/Facebook

Pre-pandemic, Felons Brewing Co was always packed with patrons, especially on weekends. With the new venue, guests have more spaces to drink and dine at guaranteed tables and seats. 



To distinguish the two venues, Felons Barrel Hall plans to take it up a notch and bring a fresh selection of food, crafted drinks and cultural performances.

The new bar and restaurant will take inspiration from popular beer halls in Europe. Inside, barrels of wine are lined behind the bar with four different beer tanks churning 6,000 litres of beers regularly. But since a really good drink needs to age, the newly-crafted flavours at the new site won’t be ready by 2021. 

Photo Credit: Felons Brewing Co/Facebook

However, visitors eager to check out the new drinking spot as soon as possible could still be able to enjoy their fill as Felons’ range of drinks, including the seasonal and limited flavours, are all on the drink list.

Food choices paired with a stein of beer include classic beer hall choices like BBQ chicken and pork chops or lemony buttered prawns, crabs and oysters. The menu consists of modern dishes with an Australian twist. 

Photo Credit: Felons Brewing Co/Facebook

“After 2 years of brewing beer for the good people of Brisbane we’re excited to embark on a new adventure that redefines beer and the brewery experience,” the company announced on Facebook. “Felons Barrel Hall is a modern Australian take on a German beer hall. Come enjoy a space which masterfully blends punchy flavours and bold sounds, all washed down with the refreshing range of Felons beer.”



Felons Barrel Hall will also feature family-friendly live entertainment from local artists, as well as arthouse film viewings. 

For updates on trading hours, deals, events and live performances, follow Felons Brewing Co on Facebook.