Brisbane's Epic Line-up of Major Events
From show-stopping live performances to sporting showdowns, exclusive art exhibitions to foodie festivals, Brisbane is buzzing with major events and there’s a ticket waiting with your name on it.
Arts & Cultural Events
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo | February
The world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will march into Brisbane and celebrate its 75th anniversary with an unforgettable spectacle at Suncorp Stadium. The full-scale production will feature over 1,000 elite performers, including the iconic Massed Pipes and Drums, in a powerful display of music, military precision, and pageantry.
World Science Festival Brisbane | March
Luminaries of science from across the world present the beauty, complexity and importance of science through diverse, multidisciplinary programming and conversations at this awe-inspiring event. The only city outside of New York to host this event, World Science Festival Brisbane allows you to engage in hands-on science, witness baby turtles hatching and discover the connection between science, technology, art and more!
Brisbane Comedy Festival | April - May
Laughter extravaganza, Brisbane Comedy Festival, brings an outrageous line-up featuring the best, brightest and funniest comedians and entertainment hosted at the city’s most iconic venues, from the Brisbane Powerhouse, The Tivoli and The Fortitude Music Hall.
Affordable Art Fair | May
Bringing together art lovers, artists and connoisseurs alike, Affordable Art Fair offers you the chance to level up your décor with original pieces from established and emerging artists for sale. From sculpture to paintings and more, these works will have you transfixed and begging for more wall space at home.
Brisbane Fashion Festival | August
Lighting up King George Square and City Hall Brisbane Fashion Festival is launching the latest Spring/Summer collections. Showcasing top Queensland designers alongside national and emerging talent, the Festival celebrates creativity, style, and the very best of local fashion through dazzling runway shows and events.
BIGSOUND | September
With home-grown talent performing in various genres over four jam-packed days and nights, BIGSOUND showcases the best in local music shaping the future of Australian music, and it all starts right here in Brisbane.
Brisbane Festival | September
Discover out-of-the-box creative and immersive experiences as Brisbane Festival invigorates the city with stunning international art and experiences. Kicking off with the electric Riverfire fireworks display and followed by a month of dazzling installations and performances, Brisbane Festival connects and inspires The City and beyond. Immerse yourself with hundreds of theatre, music and art performances guaranteed to entertain, inspire and delight.
Gems | September
A dazzling world premiere and Australian exclusive, Gems by Benjamin Millepied reimagines Balanchine’s Jewels for a new generation. Performed by L.A. Dance Project in collaboration with Van Cleef & Arpels, this bold contemporary ballet makes its debut at Brisbane Festival through three captivating chapters; Reflections, Hearts & Arrows, and On the Other Side. Experience this radiant fusion of dance, music, and art that promises to mesmerise.
Night At The Parklands | September
Night at The Parkland is a brand-new open-air concert series transforming Brisbane’s Roma Street Amphitheatre across seven unforgettable nights. Set beneath the stars, this premium experience brings together some of Australia’s top performers with world-class sound, lighting, and gourmet food and drink offerings. With sweeping video screens, a focus on sustainability, and an electric atmosphere, it’s a must-see celebration of music and magic in the heart of Brisbane.
Wonderstruck | September – October
Wonderstruck invites you to rediscover the magic in the everyday and the extraordinary, with over 100 artworks and interactive projects by more than 70 Australian and international artists. Taking over the ground floor of Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), this captivating exhibition features everything from large-scale installations to intimate pieces.
Melt | October – November
MELT is Queensland’s premier open-access celebration of queer arts and culture, an unapologetic fusion of live performances, foodie festivals, and art showcases. From the river to Fortitude Valley, Fish Lane to the Redlands Coast, this vibrant festival transforms Brisbane into a colourful melting pot of pride and creativity.
QPAC Year-Round Performances
Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is Brisbane’s premiere performing arts centre located in the heart in the city’s cultural centre of South Bank. With an extensive program featuring the best performing arts productions year-round from ballet to plays, musicals to comedy, there is always an enthralling show to see at QPAC.
Year-Round Live Music
From day-long music festival takeovers to international and local-grown superstars, Brisbane is no stranger to epic live performances. With world-class music venues including open-air and river front stages to the intimate, refurbished Princess Theatre and the ever-popular Fortitude Music Hall, there’s no shortage of stages or stellar acts to enjoy.
Sporting Events
Brisbane International | January
World-class tennis hits the Queensland courts at the Brisbane International. The combined WTA 500 and ATP 250 tournament is an epic showdown of Tennis’ best athletes. Watch on as the athletes battle it out on the courts at the Queensland Tennis Centre.
Squash Australian Open | March
The Squash Australian Open brings together the world's top squash players to compete for the title of Australian Open Champion. With a festival around the precinct including kid’s activations, food, and beverage options the event will cater to sport fans and casual spectators alike.
Brisbane Cycling Festival | March – April
Experience the largest multi-discipline cycling event in the number one cycling destination - Brisbane! Join thousands of riders as they bike through the city’s iconic streets for the Tour de Brisbane or watch on as the elite compete. From the top riders right through to mass participation events there is something for every cyclist to experience with Brisbane Cycling Festival.
Women’s State of Origin | May
The Women’s State of Origin comes to the field of Suncorp Stadium once a year. Watch as the best in the women’s league set the tone for a mammoth weekend of sport ahead of the NRL Magic Round.
NRL Magic Round | May
Experience the thrill of NRL Magic Round as it takes over Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium to showcase the best of the league. Enjoy the action up close with 16 NRL teams going head-to-head over three mammoth days of sporting glory. Cheer on your team from the stands and lean into the buzzing atmosphere that is synonymous with Brisbane on game days.
Torian Pro | May
Feel the energy as the best of the elite CrossFit athletes from Oceania compete for a spot at the CrossFit Games Final in the Torian Pro. This annual event brings together CrossFit Athletes and fans from across the region to celebrate fitness and community in an impressive display of strength and endurance.
Brisbane Marathon Festival | June
The Brisbane Marathon Festival takes you on a journey through some of Brisbane’s best and iconic features as you tear through the city on foot and race for the finish line. Feel the raw emotion as you test your body to the limits of human endurance with a full marathon and half marathon, 10km, 5km or kids’ 2km fun runs.
Australian PGA Championships | November
The Australian PGA Championship showcases the best in golf over three massive days. Witness a stellar line up of Australian and International players as they compete for the cup.
Foodie Festivals
Scenic Rim Eat Local Month | June
Eat your way through the region’s best produce from local farms, wineries and food stores at Scenic Rim Eat Local Month. A month-long program of farm-gate events, culinary experiences and mini-festivals brings to life a celebration of paddock-to-plate experiences just an hour from Brisbane City. Indulge in luxe long table lunches overlooking sprawling landscapes or pick your own wildflowers to arrange in an owner-led workshop, learn the art of cheese making from boutique dairy producers or kick back in the vineyards with a local drop as the sun sets over the volcanic mountain range.
Festa Italia | May - June
Festa Italia at Howard Smith Wharves serves up two weekends of authentic Italian flavours, spritz-filled fun, live entertainment, and family-friendly vibes by the Brisbane River. Showcasing star chefs and tasty eats, it’s your ultimate Italian escape in the heart of Brisbane. Endless flavour, sunshine and good times await.
Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival | August
Explore the best the region has to offer while overlooking the water and a glass of wine in hand at the Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival. Enjoy seaside cooking demonstrations, panel discussions, live entertainment, local produce and fireworks at this weekend-long celebration.
Night Feast | October - November
Spotlighting the best in Queensland’s culinary and art scene, Night Feast welcomes a stellar line-up of chefs and restaurants, renowned bars serving delicious drinks, and an awe-inspiring arts program.
Family Friendly Events
Abbey Medieval Festival | July
Be transported to an ancient time and far-off worlds at the Abbey Medieval Festival in Moreton Bay region. From jousting to folk dancing, archery to costume competitions – this long weekend is the perfect whimsical outing for kids and adults alike.
EKKA | August
The Royal Queensland Show (EKKA) is Queensland’s annual agricultural show, attracting the best in local produce and farming. The exhibition is the perfect family fun-filled activity, offering all sorts of entertainment from rides to petting zoos, monster trucks to fireworks. Explore the best the Queensland landscape has to offer at this momentous cultural event.
Bluey’s World | Ongoing
Bluey’s World is a one-of-a-kind immersive experience at the Northshore Pavilion in Brisbane, Queensland, where you can play the Bluey way - for real life! Embark on a brand-new immersive journey with Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad in their iconic Queenslander home, backyard and beyond. Explore your favourite rooms, play interactive games, and keep your eyes peeled for surprises around every corner…and maybe even a Longdog or two!
Whether you’re a foodie, sports fanatic, culture seeker or live music fan, Brisbane’s line-up of events is sure to excite and entice. What are you waiting for? Dare you to book.
