Arts & cultural events

EONARIUM ENLIGHTENMENT | NOW - 27 SEPT
Eonarium Enlightenment is a breathtaking immersive experience making its Australian debut at Brisbane’s St Stephen’s Cathedral. Created by Zurich-based artist collective Projektil, the audiovisual journey transforms the cathedral with vibrant light projections, reimagined compositions of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, and stunning soundscapes. Guests can recline on cushioned chairs or bean bags and be transported through the seasons, a captivating experience for all ages. 

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).

UNDER A MODERN SUN | NOW – 26 JAN 
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.   

GEMS, BRISBANE FESTIVAL | 4 - 7 SEPT 
A dazzling world premiere and Australian exclusive, Gems by Benjamin Millepied reimagines Balanchine’s Jewels for a new era. Performed by L.A. Dance Project in collaboration with Van Cleef & Arpels, this bold contemporary ballet is presented in full for the very first time at Brisbane Festival through the chapters, Reflections, Hearts & Arrows and On the Other Side. A glittering fusion of dance, music, and art not to be missed. 

QUANDAMOOKA FESTIVAL (BRISBANE FESTIVAL) | 13 - 14 SEPT 
The Quandamooka Festival returns to North Stradbroke Island/ Minjerribah, celebrating the culture and arts of the Nughi, Nunukul, and Goenpul clans. Kicking off with a Traditional Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, the festival comes alive with corroborees, music, weaving, food, film, arts, and mor, offering a vibrant celebration of living Culture during the yalingila (whale) migration season.

LASSU COSMIC CABARET | 19 - 28 SEPT 
LASSÙ Cosmic Cabaret Saloon invites you to the galaxy’s edge, where space cowboys, alien drifters, and the dazzling Rodeo Sisters deliver out-of-this-world acts. Guided by Rodeo Clown Rusty, this adults-only risqué circus collides past and future in a spectacular cosmic cabaret brimming with magic, mischief, and unforgettable performances.

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 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  
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.  

Festivals & live shows

BRISBANE FESTIVAL | 5 - 27 SEPT 
Back for another year of out-of-the-box, creative and immersive experiences, Brisbane Festival is set to be bigger and better than ever. From the river to rooftops, parklands to theatres, celebrate the city in a blaze of colour. Immerse yourself in Brisbane Festival this year, with hundreds of theatre, music and arts performances guaranteed to entertain, inspire, delight and disrupt!

AFTERGLOW | 5 - 27 SEPT 
Lighting up the City Botanic Gardens this September, Afterglow is a stunning after-dark experience of fire sculptures, candlelit installations, and live performances. Wander through a glowing trail of flame and shadow, where light dances through trees, embers flicker, and soundscapes stir the soul. Whether it’s a date night, family outing, or quiet escape, Afterglow is a magical, multisensory journey designed to leave you glowing.

NIGHT AT THE PARKLAND | 5 - 14 SEP
Night at The Parkland is a new open-air concert series lighting up Brisbane’s stunning Roma Street Amphitheatre over seven magical nights. This premium experience combines Australia’s finest live acts with top-tier sound, lighting, and gourmet food and drinks. With expansive video screens, a commitment to sustainability, and an unbeatable atmosphere under the stars, Night at The Parkland is set to be an unmissable celebration of music and magic in the heart of the city. 

RIVERFIRE | 6 SEPT 
Brisbane bursts into vibrant colour as Brisbane Festival kicks off with the breathtaking Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust. Watch as fireworks light up the sky from bridges, barges, and rooftops in a dazzling spectacle of sound and light. Riverfire is Brisbane’s most iconic night- so grab your friends, find your perfect spot, and dive into the energy and joy of this unforgettable celebration! 

MELT | 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. 

Foodie Festivals

FESTITALIA | 7 SEPT
Step into the heart of Italy without leaving Brisbane at Festitalia for a joyful celebration of Italian heritage, tradition, and flair. From the vibrant rhythms of live music and traditional folk dances to the irresistible aromas of freshly made pasta, woodfired pizza, and cannoli, Festitalia brings together the very best of Italian culture in one spectacular event at the Brisbane Showgrounds. 

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.

Sporting showdowns & endurance events

BRIDGE TO BRISBANE | 14 SEPT 
Bridge to Brisbane is back, bringing thousands of runners, walkers, and spectators for one of the city’s most iconic fun running events. Whether you're chasing a personal best or soaking up the atmosphere, the 4.5km and 10km courses offer stunning views, live entertainment, and an unbeatable finish line experience at Brisbane Showgrounds. 

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! 

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 
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. 

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.

REDCLIFFE KITEFEST | 20 SEPT 
The Redcliffe KiteFest is back with a fresh new format that puts the magic of kite flying front and centre, and best of all, entry is completely free! Held at Pelican Park, Redcliffe in the Moreton Bay region this vibrant two-day festival brings the sky to life with massive inflatable and artistic kites from some of the world’s best flyers, plus food trucks, kids’ kite-making workshops, a public fly zone, and plenty of space to relax and soak it all in. 

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.