Arts & cultural events

WONDERSTRUCK | NOW - 6 OCT 
Wonderstruck invites you to rediscover the magic in both the everyday and the extraordinary, with more than 100 artworks and interactive projects by over 70 international and Australian artists. Spanning the ground floor of QAGOMA, this captivating exhibition features everything from large-scale masterpieces to intimate treasures, including audience favourites like Nick Cave’s Heard (2012), Ron Mueck’s In bed (2005), and Yayoi Kusama’s The Obliteration Room (2002–present).

ARCHIE MOORE: KITH AND KIN | NOW - 18 OCT 
Archie Moore’s Kith and Kin makes its Australian debut at QAGOMA, following its acclaimed premiere at La Biennale di Venezia 2024. This powerful work traces the artist’s Kamilaroi and Bigambul relations across 65,000+ years, connecting human ancestry with animals, plants, waterways, and landforms to affirm the enduring kinship and responsibilities we share with each other and the natural world. 

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.     

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL | 5 OCT - 23 NOV
Pretty Woman: The Musical brings the beloved rom-com to life on stage at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre. With dazzling direction by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, a hit score by Grammy winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and a book by the film’s original creators, this feel-good musical delivers all the romance, glamour, and iconic moments you love in an unforgettable night out. 

THE 39 STEPS | 7 - 19 OCT 
Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic spy thriller gets a hilarious twist in The 39 Steps, a turbo-charged comedy sensation packed with Monty Python-style madness. Performing at QPAC Playhouse, this high-octane production stars Lisa McCune, Ian Stenlake, and The Umbilical Brothers, with four actors playing 130 roles in just 100 minutes of non-stop action. Full of intrigue, absurdity, and razor-sharp wit, The 39 Steps is a fast-paced comedy thriller that will leave you breathless with laughter. 

BRISBANE WRITERS FESTIVAL | 9 - 12 OCT 
Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF) returns to the Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm. As Australia’s longest-running writers’ festival, BWF brings together readers and writers to celebrate stories, ideas and conversation. With author panels, performances and dedicated programs for schools and young adults, there’s something for every kind of book lover. 

OLAFUR ELIASSON: PRESENCE | 6 DEC - 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. 

Festivals & live shows

VALLEY FIESTA | 11 OCT 
Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the best local acts for Brisbane’s biggest annual street party. Featuring free live music and a huge line-up of artists, this is set to be an awesome celebration of all things music, culture and community, that will electrify Fortitude Valley. Headliners this year include Hockey Dad, Sycco and Keli Holiday and so many more. 

MELT FESTIVAL | 22 OCT - 9 NOV
Queensland’s premier open-access festival is set to queer the town in a colourful celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. Taking over Brisbane, from the river to Fortitude Valley and Fish Lane to the Redlands Coast at Sirromet Winery, this melting pot of cultural events and activities is (literally) not one you can miss! 

THE LONG SUNSET | 1 – 3 NOV 
The Long Sunset returns to the Scenic Rim with a brand-new basecamp in Boonah and a stellar lineup headlined by indie favourites Boy & Bear and pop powerhouse Vera Blue. Joining them is Gretta Ray, The Buoys, Jem Cassar-Daley and Playlunch, bringing everything from heartfelt pop to funky chaos and bluesy rock. Beyond the music, festival-goers can enjoy sunrise yoga, workshops, roving performers, local food trucks, and more.

RIVER PRIDE PICNIC | 8 NOV 
Celebrate pride, community, and connection at the River Pride Picnic in New Farm Park, a free family-friendly event as part of the Melt Festival. Settle in by the river to watch the dazzling River Pride Parade, with a spectacle of colour-filled boats, as you enjoy an afternoon of food trucks, live entertainment, and all-ages fun, capped off with a grand rainbow fireworks finale. 

WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL | 26 DEC – 1 JAN 2026
The vibrant arts and cultural Woodford Folk Festival is back for another year of sensational performances, great food and new experiences. You won't want to miss a second with a program that is filled with music, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, workshops, street theatre, films, a children’s program and specialty presentations. 

Foodie Festivals

OKTOBERFEST IN THE GARDENS | 11 OCT 
Head to the Brisbane Showgrounds for steins, sausages, and signature good times at Oktoberfest in the Gardens. Enjoy an epic weekend filled with authentic German beers, wines, ciders, delicious food stalls, and all your Oktoberfest favourites plus live music, entertainment, and more frothy fun than ever before. 

NIGHT FEAST | 15 OCT - 9 NOV 
Spotlighting the best in Queensland’s culinary and art scene, Night Feast is returning for a Spring edition! The event will welcome a stellar line-up of chefs and restaurants, renowned bars serving delicious drinks, and an awe-inspiring art program.

STRADDIE OYSTER FESTIVAL | 29 NOV 
Join in a celebration of local and fresh oysters and prawns at North Stradbroke Island/ Minjerribah, at Straddie Oyster Festival where live entertainment, market stalls, mud crab races, face painting and entertainment for the kids makes for a great family day out. 

Sporting showdowns & endurance events

AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEERING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 | 27 OCT – 4 NOV 
The Australian Orienteering Championships brings seven thrilling events to bushland terrain and university campuses across Brisbane. With courses designed for all ages and skill levels this exciting outdoor sport challenges both mind and body. Lace up your runners, grab a map and compass, and join the adventure in the heart of Brisbane.

MEN’S 5TH T20I SERIES VS INDIA | 8 NOV 
Don’t miss the electrifying conclusion to the Australia vs India white ball series as the 5th T20I lights up The Gabba. After dominating the red ball to secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia faces a fired-up Indian side in this final showdown, who will take the white ball crown? Be there to witness the action live! 

QUEENSLAND PGA CHAMPIONSHIP | 17 - 24 NOV 
The Queensland PGA Championship returns this November to the newly redeveloped Nudgee Golf Club. Set on the stunning Kurrai course, this 72-hole stroke play event with a 36-hole cut will see Australia’s best golfers go head-to-head across four thrilling days. More than just elite competition, the championship is celebrated for its strong community engagement, creating lasting impact and inspiring the future of golf. 

BMW AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP | 27 - 30 NOV 
The BMW Australian PGA Championship returns to Brisbane this November at the iconic Royal Queensland Golf Club. From 27–30 November, witness world-class Australian and international players battle it out for the prestigious Joe Kirkwood Cup in one of the country’s premier golfing events. 

ASHES SERIES | AUSTRALIA V ENGLAND: NRMA INSURANCE ASHES TEST TWO | 4 - 8 DEC 
The most iconic series in world cricket is coming, the NRMA Insurance Men's Ashes Series heads to the Gabba for an unmissable day-night Test. As Australia takes on England in this legendary rivalry, fans can expect five days of gripping action, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. The Ashes remains one of the most historic and hotly contested events in world sport and you won't want to miss a ball. 

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. 

Family fun

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! 

HARRY POTTER: A FORBIDDEN FOREST EXPERIENCE | NOW - 6 OCT
Step into the magic of Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience—a spellbinding night time trail through enchanting woodland filled with creatures and wonders from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. Brought to life by award-winning designers, and located at Sirromet Winery in the Redlands Coast, this immersive adventure is perfect for fans of all ages. Explore the forest, meet magical beings, and end your journey at a Harry Potter themed village offering delicious treats, and drinks. It's an unforgettable evening of wizarding fun for the whole family!

MICRO MUSEUM | NOW - AUTUMN
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. 

Coming Soon

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. 

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.