Skip the Rides, Hit Fish Lane: Your Guide to a Perfect EKKA Holiday

So, you’ve scored a midweek day off…but if carnival crowds, showbags and spinning teacups aren’t exactly calling your name, we’ve got the perfect alt-EKKA plan. Skip the rides and wander down Fish Lane for a delicious public holiday lineup.

Messina is slinging scoops as usual, so cool off with a weekly special or level up with one of their famously over-the-top shakes… guaranteed to beat any Strawberry Sundae you’ll find at the showgrounds.

Chu the Phat is open as usual and is bringing the goods with their “Super Chu’sday” banquet, serving up a spread of their signature modern Asian dishes, washed down with two hours of beer, wine, and Aperol spritzes. Plus, they’ll have a limited-edition Strawberry Sundae Cocktail to keep the EKKA vibes (gently) alive.

Southside and little sister Kiki will be open from 5pm til late on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Whether you’re chasing dumplings in the courtyard or cocktails at golden hour, these two are serving up late-night goodness all EKKA week long.

Midtown may be closed for the public holiday, but you can ditch the showbags and win something truly tasty with their Tuesday night 7 Before 7 gamble, where with a little luck and a single roll, you can win your dinner! 

Tarbouche is open as usual, dishing up bold, flavour-packed Middle Eastern eats for lunch and dinner. Skip the Dagwood Dogs and fill your table with falafel, shawarma, and fresh tabouli instead.

Looking for something a little less edible but just as vibrant? Pop into Parker Contemporary, open from 12pm–5pm on Wednesday, and take in some of Brisbane’s best emerging and established artists, all just a few steps from your next glass of wine.

Make the most of your midweek freedom and spend it in Fish Lane.