Running from 30 August to 21 September 2025, this year’s Festival brings over three weeks of creative energy, transforming theatres, parks, and riverbanks into stages for world-class entertainment. Whether you're an arts lover, culture chaser, or just here for the city atmosphere, this itinerary will help you squeeze every glittering drop out of your Brisbane Festival weekend.

Day one

Afternoon 

Head to your accommodation and ready yourself for a dazzling few days experiencing Brisbane’s arts and culture scene. Whether you’re checking into the art-filled Crystalbrook Vincent, the eclectic W Brisbane, or the boutique style accommodation Ovolo the Valley, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore the festival’s heart and soul.

After dropping your bags, head straight to the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, as the sun sets you can experience the Afterglow. A multisensory trail that encompasses a magical blend of fire sculptures, live performances and ambient illuminations.

Evening 

If you’ve timed your trip with the opening weekend, be sure to stop and watch Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust. This exciting fireworks spectacle will paint the night sky in colour, lighting up the Story Bridge, South Bank and the surrounding city skyline. For those that are visiting in the later half of September, Skylore - Nieergoo: Spirit of the Whale comes to life. Brought to life by drones, illuminating the night sky along the Brisbane River is a display to behold.

Feast before, during or after these light shows long the Brisbane River for some of the best vantage points. Dine at one of the renowned restaurants or bars at Howard Smith Wharves, or take your tastebuds on a culinary journey at one of Brisbane City’s riverside restaurants.

Day two

Morning

Fuel up for a day of adventure with coffee and pastries at one of Brisbane’s best bakeries. Scatteredall throughout Brisbane, these local gems are never far, just follow the irrestiblesmell of buttery, flaky goodness, often just a short walk away from your accommodation. If you’re looking for something more substantial, find Brisbane’s best breakfast spots like The Green or King Arthur Cafe found along James Street or find Cafe Disco and Morning After in West End. You’ll need the energy, because today’s lineup is packed with exciting activities, big shows and unforgettable experiences.

Midday  

Start your cultural crawl with a visit to one Brisbane’s beautiful museums, the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum or Museum of Brisbane which all hold permanent and rotating exhibitions that are bound to awe and inspire. Learn about Brisbane’s history or ponder at art that has travelled world-wide.

If you’re in need of a new outfit for one of the upcoming events, take the opportunity to experience Brisbane’s openair shopping precincts. Find luxury brands and international retailers in the heart of Brisbane City, at Queen Street Mall. Spend the morning browsing through over 500 brands that feature in this mall, spoiling you for choice. For Australian brands and boutique stores, James Street is the hub for fashionistas. Or for unique and quirky finds, we recommend strolling through the suburban streets of Paddington.

Later in the afternoon, it’s time to take your inspiration and get artsy! Find Sea of Light in Queensland Museum and Creative Art Workshops with Sam Harrison in Mount Gravatt.

Evening

Find a delicious pre or post show bite and drinks in Fish Lane, one of Brisbane’s most vibrant dining precincts. Southside and Hello Please serve up Pan-Asian and Vietnamese plates that more than satisfy with big flavours and paired cocktails. Craving Italian? Enjoy woodfired pizzas at Julius or head to sister venues, Bar Rosa or Como Restaurant for fresh Italian in stylish settings.

Settle in for an evening of world-class entertainment at QPAC with the Australian exclusive premier of GEMS. Twelve years in the making, this extraordinary trilogy  ballet performance combines three chapters, each inspired by a precious gemstone, rubies, emeralds and diamonds. GEMS promises a dazzling journey of movement, emotion and artistry.

Once the curtains close, follow the rhythm into Brisbane’s nightlife. Sip late-night martinis at the moody Dark Blue, explore hidden whisky nooks at the intimate The Nixon Room, or throw on your dancing shoes and find these vibrant restaurants transform into late-night dancefloor gems at Central or Tama Supper Club.

Day three

Morning

Ease into Sunday with a gentle start at one of Brisbane’s bustling weekend markets. The Jan Powers Farmers Markets, Milton Markets or the West End Markets, to name a few, are packed with fresh produce, live music, and strong coffee -the essentials after a night out. Wander through the stalls, pat a few dogs in bandanas, and snack your way through breakfast with a pastry (or three) in hand.

Afternoon  

If you’re craving a bit of movement, sign up for a Riverlife Adventures and kayak down the Brisbane River or abseil from the Kangaroo Point Cliffs for one of the most thrilling and scenic views of the city. Or, if speed is more your thing, jump on a jet ski with Jet Ski Tours Brisbane and zip across the water with the city skyline as your backdrop.

Later in the day, enjoy one of Brisbane Festival’s most wholesome offerings: Brisbane Serenades. These pop-up concerts bring local music and good vibes to neighbourhood parks, from the suburbs to the city. From St Lucia, Moorooka and Manly, bring a picnic rug, stock up on snacks from local markets and enjoy the rhythm of Brisbane’s creative pulse in the sunshine.

Then, make your way to Brisbane Powerhouse for Pasifika Made, a powerful and joyful celebration of Pasifika culture through dance, music and storytelling. This event pulses with energy, pride and tradition, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Brisbane’s vibrant Pasifika communities. It’s the kind of show that leaves your heart full and your feet tapping.