Arts & cultural events 

UNDER A MODERN SUN | NOW - 26 JAN 2026
Under a Modern Sun, QAGOMA’s free, sun-kissed exhibition showcases over 140 paintings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative works capturing life in Queensland from the 1930s to 1950s. Featuring celebrated Brisbane artists like William Bustard, Vida Lahey, and Margaret Olley, alongside regional luminaries Kenneth Macqueen and Joe Alimindjin Rootsey, the exhibition offers a light-filled vision of Queensland while revealing the early stirrings of experimental expression. 

PRECIOUS | NOW - AUTUMN 2026 
Prepare to be amazed with Museum of Brisbane's exhibition, Precious, showcasing the most awe-inspiring collections across Brisbane with more than 3,000 items from around 30 remarkable collections and collectors. From international dolls to Queensland Rugby League memorabilia, model ships to ornamental eggs, immerse yourself in the incredible stories of some of the prolific collectors of Brisbane, and get to know what makes a keepsake and collectible truly Precious.

OLAFUR ELIASSON: PRESENCE | NOW - 12 JUL 2026 
Olafur Eliasson brings a Brisbane-exclusive exhibition to QAGOMA, inviting visitors on a multi-sensory journey through rocky landscapes, optical puzzles, and visionary cityscapes. Spanning three decades of one of the world’s most influential contemporary artists, the exhibition features major works and site-specific installations inspired by the dramatic forms of his Icelandic homeland. 

ANNIE THE MUSICAL AT QPAC | 27 DEC - 31 JAN 2026 
The beloved musical, Annie, returns to QPAC’s Lyric Theatre this December for a strictly limited season. This inspiring family musical has captured hearts for generations, celebrating hope, family, and friendship through the story of a small but mighty young girl who proves that brighter days are always just around the corner. 

SWINGERS THE ART OF MINI GOLF | 10 JAN - 1 MAR 2026
Brisbane Powerhouse is transforming into a playful, art-filled wonderland with Swingers The Art of Mini Golf, an imaginative exhibition created by visionary female artists. This quirky nine-hole course mixes creativity, rebellion and pure fun, featuring latex tail putters, square balls, candy-coloured sculptures and whimsical mythologies. Equal parts joyful, absurd and thought-provoking, it turns mini golf into a hands-on adventure designed to make you play, ponder and laugh. 

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO | 12 - 15 FEB 2026 
For the first time ever, the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will march into Brisbane in February 2026, celebrating its 75th anniversary with an unforgettable spectacle at Suncorp Stadium. The full-scale production, The Heroes Who Made Us, will feature over 1,000 elite performers, including the iconic Massed Pipes and Drums, in a powerful display of music, military precision, and pageantry. 

MJ THE MUSICAL | 27 MAR - 26 APR 2026
Experience the magic of one of the greatest entertainers of all time in MJ The Musical, the multiple Tony Award-winning production celebrating Michael Jackson’s unparalleled artistry. Set during the creation of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, this electrifying musical goes beyond the iconic moves and hits to reveal the creative genius and collaboration behind the legend. MJ The Musical is a must-see celebration of music, movement, and the making of a global icon. 

THE LAST SHIP FEATURING STING | 9 APR - 3 MAY 2026 
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime cultural moment as music icon Sting stars in The Last Ship, making its Southern Hemisphere debut exclusively at QPAC’s stunning Glasshouse Theatre. This moving musical blends folk roots and heartfelt ballads to tell a story of resilience, pride, and connection inspired by Sting’s own childhood in a shipbuilding town. With unforgettable songs including Island of Souls, All This Time and When We Dance, this Australian-exclusive production is an unmissable chance to see a legend perform his most personal work live on stage. 

Festivals & live shows

SOUTHWAVE: SUMMER ELECTRONIC SERIES | NOW - 21 FEB
This Summer, South Bank's Rainforest Green transforms into a lush open-air dancefloor for nine spectacular nights of world-class electronic music, completely free. Southwave brings international heavyweights like Maribou State, Folamour, Rose Gray, DJ Seinfeld, Jimi Jules, and Bimini alongside Australia's freshest local talent to create riverside afternoons that slide into twilight sets.  With pop-up bars, delicious food, and the city skyline as your backdrop, Southwave turns music, dance and culture into an open invitation with no charge.

AN EVENING WITH YOTAM OTTOLENGHI | 17 FEB
One of the world's most beloved culinary voices brings his vibrant energy to Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Concert Hall for an unforgettable night of live cooking, storytelling, and kitchen wisdom. Watch Yotam Ottolenghi prepare an entire meal on stage while sharing the inspirations, techniques, and cultural influences behind his globally celebrated career. With warmth, wit, and his signature philosophy that cooking is an act of love, Ottolenghi celebrates bold experimentation, beautiful imperfection, and the joy of bringing colour and flavour to every table.

HALSEY: BACK TO BADLANDS | 17 FEB 2026
Ten years after her acclaimed album BADLANDS exploded into music history, pop force Halsey returns to Brisbane’s ‘Riverstage’ to relive the debut that changed everything. Taking the stage in Brisbane for the first time since 2018, Halsey’s anniversary spectacular is a full-circle moment where nostalgia meets now.

S2O MUSIC FESTIVAL | 28 FEB
 The world's biggest water-themed music festival makes its Australian debut at the Royal Queensland Golf Club, bringing Bangkok's wildest party tradition to Brisbane's riverside. Having already sold out shows across Asia and North America with its signature blend of world-class EDM, massive water cannons, pyrotechnics, and immersive production S20 now has its sights set on Brisbane. Whether you’re keen on diving headfirst into the drenched dance floor or staying dry in designated zones, this 18+ experience promises to be the wettest, wildest, most immersive party Brisbane has ever seen.

WORLD SCIENCE FESTIVAL BRISBANE | 20 - 29 MAR
Luminaries of science from across the world present the beauty, complexity and importance of science through diverse, multidisciplinary programming and conversations at this stimulating event. The festival will showcase an exciting program, bringing together local, national and international thought leaders to address some of the most pressing scientific questions of our time. Discover a range of focus areas, including all things Quantum, First Nations knowledge, neuroscience, the natural world, space travel, robotics, the future of food and more!

CMC ROCKS | 19 - 22 MAR
Australia's biggest international country music festival is back in a celebration that unites fans with the heart and soul of country music. Featuring Riley Green, Old Dominion, Jordan Davis and Carly Pearce, CMC Rocks is an unmissable event. The unique on-ground festival experience includes a one-of-a-kind bar - Big Time Charlie’s, Honky Tonk Stomp line dancing, the incredible Songwriters Show, Live Band Karaoke, plus so much more.

Sporting showdowns & endurance events

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL | 4 - 11 JAN 2026
The Brisbane International is one of the city’s premier sporting events, bringing world-class tennis action to the Queensland Tennis Centre. Featuring top-ranked international players from both the ATP and WTA tours, the tournament delivers high-energy matches, thrilling rallies, and an electric summer atmosphere as fans gear up for the tennis season ahead.

WOMEN’S ODI SERIES VS INDIA | 24 FEB 2026 
The series kicks off at Allan Border Field as Australia takes on India in the opening One Day International. Don’t miss the world’s best cricketers going head-to-head in this unmissable clash. 

SQUASH AUSTRALIAN OPEN | 10 - 15 MAR 2026
The Squash Australian Open brings together the world's top squash players to compete for the title of Australian Open Champion. This exciting tournament showcases high-level squash action as elite athletes battle for glory on one of the sport's biggest stages. With a festival around the precinct including kid’s activations, food, and beverage options the event will cater to all sport fans. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this unforgettable week of Squash! 

AUSCYCLING TRACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS | Mar 24 - Mar 29 2026
Australia's fastest track cyclists return to Anna Meares Velodrome for six electrifying days of racing as the nation's elite, under-19, and para-cycling champions battle for the coveted green and gold jersey. Marking the tenth anniversary of TrackNats being consecutively held in Brisbane, this premier event ignites the boards with sprint showdowns, endurance battles, and tactical masterclasses across every discipline. Watch Australia's Olympic rising stars push the limits of speed and power in one of the most thrilling showcases of cycling.

BRISBANE TO GLADSTONE YACHT RACE | 3 APR 2026
Steeped in history and stature as Australia’s second longest running offshore sailing race and one of the highest profile Easter sport events, Queensland’s iconic 308 nautical mile Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race will set sail from Moreton Bay for the mighty race. As one of the most fiercely fought blue water yacht races in the southern hemisphere, take part in the action from Moreton Bay as the racing yachts set sail.

TOUR DE BRISBANE | 12 APR 2026
Get ready to roll through the city like never before at Australia’s ultimate Sunday ride, the Tour de Brisbane! Take on over 120 kilometres of fully closed city roads in this unmissable cycling event. With multiple distances and challenges to suit every rider, from family cruisers to podium chasers, it’s the perfect way to ride for fun, fitness, and the thrill of the open road.

UCI BMX RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026 | 16 - 25 JUL 2026
Get ready for high-speed action as Brisbane welcomes the UCI BMX Racing World Championships! Thousands of the world’s best riders will go head-to-head, tackling heart-stopping jumps, tight turns, and lightning-fast sprints in a battle for global glory. Whether you’re a die-hard BMX fan or just love world-class sport, this is your chance to experience the thrill and energy of BMX racing at its best. 

Family fun

MICRO MUSEUM | ON NOW
For maximum fun for mini museumgoers, the curators of tomorrow are invited to bring their imagination to life at Museum of Brisbane’s Micro Museum, offering immersive and interactive experiences. Little art lovers of all ages are encouraged to get hands-on and create their own 'Micro Museum' where children can select, sort and arrange their own curated collections from a huge range of vintage treasures. 

BLUEY’S WORLD | ON NOW
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!

MOONLIGHT CINEMA | NOW - 15 FEB
Brisbane's most magical movie experience returns to Roma Street Parkland for another summer of cinema under the stars. Celebrating 30 years of outdoor screenings, Moonlight Cinema transforms the lush amphitheatre into an enchanting alfresco cinema showcasing everything from heart stopping blockbusters and family favourites to beloved classics. Spread out on the grass with a picnic and drinks or kick back and relax in one of the cinemas bean bags as you take in some cinema gold in a truly unique cinema experience.