Arts & cultural events

PRECIOUS | NOW - AUTUMN
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
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.  

SWINGERS THE ART OF MINI GOLF | 10 JAN - 1 MAR
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. 

JIMMY CARR | 25 FEB
One of the world's most beloved comedians brings his razor-sharp wit to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre this February with a brand-new show! Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny delivers exactly what the UK comedy legend does best - rapid-fire, edgy one-liners with his signature deadpan delivery and that instantly recognisable laugh. 

MJ THE MUSICAL | 27 MAR - 26 APR
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
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. 

GOMA FRIDAY NIGHTS - OLAFUR ELIASSON: PRESENCE | 1 MAY - 26 JUN
End your week immersed in light, art and good vibes at QAGOMA's legendary after-hours experience. Every Friday night throughout May and June, the Gallery transforms into an unmissable social celebration built around the Brisbane-exclusive exhibition Olafur Eliasson: Presence. Beyond the exhibition, you can expect Brisbane's best DJs, captivating pop-up performances, bespoke bars and delicious bites to fuel the night.

PROFESSOR BRIAN COX | 30 MAY
Prepare to have your mind expanded. One of the world's most beloved science communicators brings his most ambitious live shows yet to Brisbane. Blending cosmology, biology, philosophy and history into an all-encompassing experience that'll leave you contemplating the beauty of nature and questioning everything you thought you knew about the universe.

MAKE, BELIEVE, MAGIC - THE WORLDS OF THE JIM HENSON COMPANY | 12 SEP - 18 APR 2027
Celebrating 70 years of creativity and innovation, the exclusive-to-Brisbane exhibition ‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’ will be an unprecedented exploration of world-building and imaginative storytelling. Immense and immersive, the exhibition will explore the Company’s dynamic trajectory from practical puppetry to today’s animatronic and digital innovations, and will feature hundreds of objects from Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, the Muppets and Sesame Street.

Festivals & live shows

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.

BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL | 24 APR - 25 MAY
This may be Brisbane’s funniest event of the year, but it certainly holds true talent as the biggest month of laughs returning for its 17th year. Transforming the city into a comedy playground with over 130 artists across five weeks. Packed with international stars, homegrown legends, and fresh talent ready to deliver real, unadulterated, rolling-on-the-floor moments, 2026 promises to be the festival’s biggest year ever.

MUMFORD & SON'S | 28 APR
The Grammy Award-winning folk-rock powerhouse returns to Brisbane Entertainment Centre for their first Australian shows since 2019, bringing the full-scale arena experience that's made them one of the world's most in-demand live acts.

THE BOOK OF MORMON | 31 JUL - 6 SEP
Australia's biggest ever musical comedy show returns to QPAC's Glasshouse Theatre with the outrageous show that's been called "the best musical of this century" by The New York Times and "the funniest musical of all time" by Entertainment Weekly. 

HILARY DUFF | 22 OCT
Multiplatinum pop icon Hilary Duff is coming to Brisbane for the first time in 18 years with her Lucky Me tour, bringing nostalgia, new music, and all the millennial feels to Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The face of a generation raised on Lizzie McGuire, low-rise jeans and emotionally formative mall pop, Duff is celebrating her sixth studio album with a full-scale global arena tour that's been nearly two decades in the making.

LILY ALLEN | 23 OCT
British pop maverick Lily Allen returns to Australia this year for a one off show at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, making her biggest Australian headline show in seven years. In support of her most recent record, which has received global praise, the British icon will be performing West End Girl in full and in order. 

FOO FIGHTERS | 5 NOV
One of the biggest and most beloved rock bands of all time returns to Suncorp Stadium for a stadium-shaking night of pure rock power. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Foo Fighters bring their Take Cover World Tour to Brisbane, delivering the marathon, career-spanning performances they're legendary for.

J. COLE | 25 NOV
Hip hop royalty returns to Brisbane Entertainment Centre for his first solo headline tour in five years - and his first full global arena run in nearly a decade. Grammy-winning rapper and producer J. Cole brings The Fall-Off Tour in support of his seventh and final studio album The Fall-Off.

Sporting showdowns & endurance events

WOMEN’S ODI SERIES VS INDIA | 24 FEB 
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
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! 

BRISBANE CYCLING FESTIVAL  | 12 MAR - 12 APR
Australia's biggest multi-disciplinary cycling festival is set to transform Brisbane into a two-wheeled heaven this March and April, with over 100 events and activities for every rider - from elite competitors to leisurely weekend pedallers. Anchored by the legendary Tour de Brisbane on April 12, the festival showcases everything cycling has to offer.

AUSCYCLING TRACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS | 24 MAR - 29 MAR
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
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
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.

MASTERS SWIMMING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS | 28 APR - 3 MAY
Dive into history at the 50th edition of Australia's most prestigious Masters Swimming event, hosted by Masters Swimming Queensland at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. Five days of short course pool competition bring together the nation's finest Masters swimmers - from age-group champions to endurance specialists - with over 50 events celebrating speed, stamina, and the pure joy of racing.

WOMEN'S STATE OF ORIGIN  | 14 MAY
Australia's greatest sporting rivalry takes centre stage at Suncorp Stadium when the mighty Queensland Maroons host the NSW Blues in what promises to be a blockbuster clash. Watch, cheer and feel the rumble as the second game of the State of Origin season keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s time to find out if there will be a winner, or a decider match. 

NRL MAGIC ROUND | 15 - 17 MAY
The world's largest rugby league festival returns to Brisbane this May for four days of non-stop footy, live entertainment and an unmatched energy that turns the entire city into rugby league heartland. Every one of the NRL's 16 teams descends on Suncorp Stadium for eight blockbuster matches across one epic weekend. Don’t miss your only chance all season to see every team live and in person. 

UCI BMX RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026 | 16 - 25 JUL
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. 

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2027 | 2 - 31 OCTOBER 2027
The world's greatest rugby tournament is coming to Brisbane for a once-in-a-generation celebration at Brisbane Stadium. Discover 10 of the most heart stopping matches across the month of October, featuring a once in a lifetime chance to see the Wallabies go head-to-head with some of the world’s toughest opponents on home soil.

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!