[1] Named after merchant, writer and printer William Caxton[citation needed], the thoroughfare developed considerably alongside the subdivision of land in the 1860s.

[citation needed] Since the 1980s, Caxton Street has established itself as a thriving nightlife precinct, with an array of nightclubs, restaurants and live entertainment venues.

[citation needed] Caxton Street is also famous for the 'running of the buses', an annual event during the National Rugby League's State of Origin series, at which thousands of fans flock to the street in order to cheer their team's bus and boo their respective opposition as they proceed to Lang Park.

[4] During the 2014 G-20 Brisbane summit, Burmese president Thein Sein and German chancellor Angela Merkel, as well as delegates of the United Nations, reportedly stayed at Gambaro's Hotel, located on the street.

[7] During this time a strong police presence was present on Caxton Street, along with a high protective steel and perspex barrier outside the hotel.