Event management specialist Judith Mair from the University of Queensland said mini-festivals were a "growing trend" that was more noticeable in cities than they were in country towns.

"With these mini-festivals, each year there seems to be more and more," Dr Mair said.

She said there was distinction between mini-festivals staged by communities and mini-festivals hosted by "groups of traders" or "groups of business associations".

"I think a lot of them are around 'branding' a particular area as a 'foodie-type destination' or as an 'arts' destination," Dr Mair said.

"And it's very much around the business type of thing," she said.

Dr Mair said she did not hold a view whether it was a good or a bad thing if large property groups or hotel chains sponsored street festivals rather than community groups.

"I think it is interesting, however, from a consumer point of view, for the average punter - how much are they aware of that differentiation before they turn up to the festival," Dr Mair said.

"Because your traditional community festival supports the local community," she said.

"They're raising money for local charities, schools; money for local good causes," she said.

"But then there are these other festivals that are pretty much about driving people into the businesses.

"And these are possibly not supported by the local community and possibly giving back the local community in the way that a traditional community festival might do."

Brisbane now has a host of mini-festivals and weekend markets.

In Brisbane's inner city there has been the community-based Spring Hill Fair in the past, while today there is the community-backed Laura Street Festival at Highgate Hill and the Kurilpa Derby at West End.

One new mini-festival opening this weekend for the second time is the Fish Lane Festival at South Brisbane, which is sponsored by Aria Property Group, Colonial Brewing Company and the nearby Fox Hotel.

It was closely supported by local restaurants, bars and businesses and drew thousands of people.

The Stones Corner Festival is also backed by a hotel, the Stones Corner Hotel, and the "Our Stones Corner" local business group. It also drew big crowds.

Paul Kratzman from the Stones Corner Hotel said the Stones Corner Festival was organised to try to boost local businesses after many trade outlets left.

"We lost a lot of community outlets to the big BFO (bedding and furniture outlet) stores and we needed ways to get people back into the area," Mr Kratzmann said.

"And it has worked well, absolutely," he said.

"There are not as many empty shops as there were nine or 10 months ago."

Mr Kratzmann said the pro-business move had led to five new craft beer businesses moving into Stones Corner along Logan Road.

He said his hotel did not see that as competition, but adding character.

"No, not at all. We see this as Stones Corner becoming a really good food and beer location."

Dr Mair said she believed the newer-styled festivals linked to businesses were part of the "gentrification" of the city.

"More power to them I suppose, but I think it is part of a gentrification trend," she said.

"Taking parts of the city that are maybe not as busy on a Saturday or a Sunday and using the festival as a vehicle to drive people back into the part of the city and to those businesses.

"It's a relatively new approach I think."

The Fish Lane Festival was held in Fish Lane - between Cordelia and Grey streets - at South Brisbane on Saturday.

More information from their Facebook page.