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Best Things to do in Hawthorne

Updated: Mar 24, 2026

The leafy charming riverside suburb of Hawthorne has a tree-lined street running through the middle with a smattering of cafes, restaurants, parkland, and a state-of-the-art cinema. Here's 10+ of the best things to do in this eastside gem:

Cartel del Taco

Cartel Del Taco brings an authentic taste of Mexico City to Brisbane with traditional tacos, tequila cocktails and more

The Chemistry Of Coffee

Taking coffee to a whole new level, this Hawthorne based café is serving all sorts of unique drinks that look like science experiments

Sweet Tooth Gelato & Desserts

Sweet Tooth Gelato & Desserts is a cute candy pink-walled gelato and dessert bar in the leafy eastern suburb

Hawthorne Cinemas

One of a few historical Brisbane movie theatres still in operation, the Hawthorne Cinemas started life as The Roxy in 1922

Downtown Istanbul

Downtown Istanbul is a cool contemporary Turkish restaurant on a leafy corner of a lively little dining precinct

Fish Boy

A slick contemporary fish'n'chippery in the inner-eastern suburb of Hawthorne sharing a premise with a dessert shop

Hawthorne Garage

This fantastic gourmet deli, providore and fresh food market inhabits a century-old garage on Hawthorne's leafy main street

Microlot Coffee House

Microlot Coffee House in Hawthorne is a charming, specialty coffee café offering filtered, single origin and a house blend

Hawthorne Deluxe Cinema

Hawthorne Deluxe Cinema is the glamorous 21st century sibling to the historic Hawthorne Cinema across the road

View of interior of Marinara Trattoria Hawthorne

The cosy trattoria is a traditional slice of Italy nestled on Hawthorne Road, where locals descend for their fix of pasta and pizzas

Livvi's Place

This fully fenced playground is a haven for young children and resembles a big top circus with its strikingly coloured sails

Looking to discover more hidden gems of Brisbane, check out our Guide to Brisbane Suburbs HERE! Happy exploring!

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Science Night - Amphibians with Dr Ian Brennan

Combine Friday night drinks with a fascinating journey into the world of frogs

Aug 21

ARCO - Bohemian Dreams Tour

Experience the magic of timeless classical masterpieces with ARCO

Aug 21

Cocktails and food in front of the Story Bridge

Bottomless Brunch

Enjoy bottomless brunch on Saturday's at Bar Pacino

Every Saturday

Suntory -196 MEKKA Raceday 2026

The yearly sell-out Suntory -196 MEKKA Raceday 2026 is back

Aug 22

Brisbane Ukrainian Festival 2026

Ukrainian Festival Brisbane is back with Ukrainian food, music, and community spirit in August.

Aug 22

Southern Realm Festival

Jousting, armoured combat, living history and fantasy is returning to Boonah

Aug 22-23

Walkabout Creek Wedding Showcase

Brisbane's favourite rainforest venue is hosting a wedding showcase

Aug 23

Vivaldi’s Legacy

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra returns to Brisbane this August with Vivaldi's Legacy

Aug 25

Xavier Rudd – Raising Funds for HEAL

See Xavier Rudd live in Brisbane for a powerful night of music supporting HEAL

Aug 26

Brisbane Festival 2026

Get ready to switch on, light up and come alive at this year's Brisbane Festival - the city's biggest and boldest celebration of art and community

Brisbane Festival 2026

MUST DO

Origins Italian Cooking Classes

Bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen with Origins Italian Cooking Classes, where authentic recipes, family traditions and the joy of gathering around the table take centre stage

Origins Italian Cooking Classes

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Aug 21-23

From a vibrant Ukrainian festival, a medieval fantasy weekend and Brisbane’s biggest trackside party of the year, to a dazzling Barbra Streisand tribute and a brand-new romance-only bookstore

This Weekend Aug 21-23

Brisbane Festival - Festival Village South Bank

COMING UP

What's on in September in & near Brisbane

From Brisbane Festival taking over the city to the magical Jim Henson blockbuster at QAGOMA and Laidley Spring Festival, the best things to do in and around Brisbane in September:

What's on in September 2026

HOT TICKET

Southern Realm Festival

Southern Realm Festival is returning to Boonah this month transforming the Boonah Showgrounds into a weekend of jousting, armoured combat, living history and fantasy

Southern Realm Festival

BEST OF BRISBANE

50+ Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Looking for the best restaurants in Brisbane? Then check out this guide for the must-do dining experiences from the city to the suburbs

Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Best Of Brisbane

Brisbane's Best 50 Bars

Whether you're after breezy drinks by the river, a stiff whiskey in an underground bar, a cosy laneway hideaway or a rooftop with views, here's 50 of Brisbane's best bars

Best Bars in Brisbane

Experience the wit, elegance and enduring brilliance of Gilbert & Sullivan