Arts & cultural events

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR MUSICAL | NOW – 3 AUG
The global phenomenon Jesus Christ Superstar storms the QPAC stage this June with an electrifying new production. Told through the eyes of Judas, this bold reimagining of the final weeks of Jesus’ life blends timeless rock anthems, gripping storytelling, and jaw-dropping stagecraft for a theatrical experience like no other.

DISCOVERING ANCIENT EGYPT | NOW - 7 AUG 
Journey back through time to explore the mysteries, artistry and rituals from one of the world's most captivating civilisations in Discovering Ancient Egypt at Queensland Museum. This remarkable exhibition from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden) offers a rare glimpse into the culture, daily life and beliefs practiced in Ancient Egypt.

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).

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.   

CLANCESTRY | 23 JUL – 10 AUG 
QPAC’s immersive Clancestry Festival returns with powerful First Nations storytelling, music, dance, art, and culture. This year’s festival promises a landmark program featuring acclaimed creatives and emerging talent across concerts, workshops, theatre, and family events celebrating identity, connection, and the richness of First Nations voices. 

BRISBANE FASHION FESTIVAL | 24 – 29 AUG 
Brisbane Fashion Festival returns in 2025, lighting up King George Square and Brisbane City Hall with the latest Spring/Summer styles from Queensland’s top designers. The Festival showcases the best of local, national, and emerging talent through dazzling runway shows and events. Don’t miss this celebration of creativity, style, and Queensland fashion at its finest!

EONARIUM ENLIGHTENMENT | 5 JUL – 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.

NAIDOC WEEK 2025 EXHIBITION OPENING | 7 JUL
In celebration of 50 years of NAIDOC Week, Birrunga Gallery presents a powerful new exhibition inspired by this year’s theme: “The Next Generation – Strength, Vision & Legacy.” Featuring works by emerging and established First Nations artists, the collection explores stories of resilience, self-determination, and Culture in a contemporary context. Be among the first to experience these influential new pieces, connect with artists, and delve into the narratives that shape their work. Enjoy an evening of storytelling, community, and connection, complete with canapés and refreshments infused with Native ingredients.

QAGOMA WINTER DESIGN MARKET | 26 – 27 JUL
Enjoy a cosy winter weekend at the QAGOMA Winter Design Market, with over 80 of Queensland’s finest independent artisans showcasing handmade ceramics, jewellery, homewares, textiles, and more. Held on the GOMA Forecourt, it’s the perfect day out for the whole family. While you’re there, don’t miss the Wonderstruck exhibition inside GOMA, featuring over 100 artworks and interactive experiences by more than 70 international and Australian artists.

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. 

Festivals & live shows

OPEN SEASON 2025 | NOW – 26 JUL 
Open Season 2025 is back and bigger than ever, transforming Brisbane into a vibrant playground of music, arts and cultural events. Now in its fifth year, Open Season features over 30 dynamic events, from intimate gigs to spectacular performances that light up iconic venues across the city. With world-class artists, boundary-pushing acts, and unforgettable live experiences, Open Season is your ticket to the very best of Brisbane’s creative scene.  

2025 BRISBANE ANYWHERE FESTIVAL | 4 JUL – 3 AUG 
Uncover Brisbane’s hidden gems during the fourteenth annual Anywhere Festival, a citywide celebration of comedy, cabaret, circus, theatre, music, dance, film, spoken word, and immersive experiences popping up in the most unexpected places. From backyards and basements to warehouses and airport lounges, this vibrant festival brings bold performances to every corner of Brisbane - from Windsor to Wynnum, Archerfield to Albion, and everywhere in between.

LASSO COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL | 5 JUL 
The Lasso Country Music Festival is back - bigger, louder, and more unmissable than ever! Get ready for a full day of epic live country music in Logan City plus a massive local market, exclusive Ringers Western merch, and top-notch food and drinks to keep the good times rolling. Leading the stacked lineup are multi-Golden Guitar winners The Wolfe Brothers, Australian Idol finalist Denvah, Robbie Mortimer, Tori Forsyth, and Australian Idol winner Wes Carr.

ABBEY MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL | 12 – 13 JUL 
Step back in time, as the Abbey Medieval Festival brings the Middle Ages to life, with thrilling jousts, re-enactments, performances, and medieval markets. One of Australia’s premier living history events, it's proudly hosted by the Abbey Museum. 

BIGSOUND | 2 – 5 SEPT 
BigSound lights up Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, transforming the precinct into a global hub for the future of Australian music. As the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest celebration of new music, BigSound brings together emerging artists, industry leaders, brands, media, and passionate music lovers for a week of showcases, conferences, and unforgettable live performances.   

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!

RIVERFIRE| 6 SEP 
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 – 29 OCT 
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! 

Foodie Festivals

CUSTOMS HOUSE WINTER CHALET | NOW – 31 AUG
Customs House’s iconic terrace has transformed into a chic alpine escape with the Veuve Clicquot Winter Chalet, complete with luxurious European-style igloos, stunning views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge, and a seasonal menu perfectly paired with a glass (or two) of Veuve Clicquot. It's an elegant escape filled with alpine charm, flowing champagne, and unforgettable dining experiences. 

A FIERY WINTER WARMER AT SIRROMET | NOW – 31 AUG  
Experience the magic of a cosy evening under the stars at Sirromet Winery with a private firepit and hamper experience. Settle in with a picnic blanket, rustic barrel table, and a gourmet hamper filled with savoury meats, artisan cheeses, sweet treats, and signature mulled wine.

CELEBRATE BASTILLE DAY AT BISOU BISOU | 1 – 31 JUL 
This July, contemporary-chic brasserie Bisou Bisou invites guests to enjoy the joie de vivre of France with a month-long Bastille Day celebration. From iconic French winter dishes, to a limited-edition cocktails, and an indulgent High Tea, Bisou Bisou is your destination for all things French.

SCENIC RIM FARM GATE TRAIL | 20 JUL 
Fill your baskets and your senses on the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trails - a deliciously down-to-earth adventure through one of Queensland’s most vibrant food regions! Imagine overflowing larders stocked with farm-fresh goodies, just-picked produce from paddocks you can see, and handmade preserves crafted with care and local love. Wander from farm to farm, meet the passionate growers and makers behind the magic, and soak up the stunning countryside along the way. From indulgent wine tastings and behind-the-scenes farm tours to hearty country hospitality and surprises around every corner, this is your chance to eat, sip, shop, and explore straight from the source.

SUMMER LAND BUSH FESTIVAL | 26 JUL 
Join the Summer Land Bush Festival for an unforgettable country experience while supporting regional and rural businesses, families, producers and makers from across Queensland! Eat, shop, have a great time, enjoy the stunning views from the Summer Land Camel Farm, and relax to the sounds of a local ‘bush’ entertainers while you browse through over 100+ stalls. 

JAMES STREET FOOD + WINE TRAIL | 27 JUL 
The James Street Food + Wine Trail transforms the iconic precinct into an open-air culinary playground. This free community event will be the biggest yet, with over 40 stalls from 26 of James Street’s favourite venues serving up more than 170 restaurant-quality dishes. Newcomers Hideki Izakaya and Penelope join trail veterans like Biànca, Hellenika, ēmmē, Gerard’s, and Sushi Room for a day of alfresco feasting. Expect returning favourites like Jocelyn’s Provisions’ iconic lamingtons, ESSA’s fried chicken with caviar, and Gelato Messina’s indulgent Gold Digger dessert, plus plenty of new bites and sips to discover.

MORETON BAY FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL | 22 – 24 AUG 
The Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival returns bigger and bolder than ever, serving up delicious flavours and gourmet experiences, with celebrity chefs like Julie Goodwin and Miguel Maestre, plus stunning waterfront views for an unforgettable foodie celebration.

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

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS VS QUEENSLAND REDS | 2 JUL
The British and Irish Lions will return to Australia to take on the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium. This highly anticipated festival of rugby will see the Lions play nine matches across the country. Whether you grab tickets to the game or head to one of Brisbane’s iconic sports bars, this is set to be an atmosphere you won’t want to miss.

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS VS WALLABIES | 19 JUL 
Mark your calendar - the British and Irish Lions will go head-to-head with the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium on 19 July. As part of the Lions' blockbuster 2025 Tour, this match will be one of the biggest rugby events of the year, showcasing world-class talent, fierce rivalry, and an electric stadium atmosphere. Don't miss your chance to be part of sporting history!

WATCH BRITISH & IRISH LIONS AT HOWARD SMITH WHARVES | 2 JUL & 19 JUL 
The British & Irish Lions tour returns to Australia for the first time in 12 years—and there’s no better place to catch all the action than Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane’s vibrant riverside dining and entertainment hub. Watch the matches live and loud at Felons Barrel Hall, where you can enjoy award-winning local brews, electric atmosphere, live entertainment, and even a live podcast show during the Lions vs Wallabies weekend. Just steps from the city, Howard Smith Wharves is the ultimate spot to eat, drink, cheer, and celebrate. 

THE GUZZLER ULTRA | 19-20 JULY
An unforgettable adventure awaits at one of Australia’s largest and most exciting trail running events – the Guzzler Ultra! With four amazing distances to choose from – 10km, 21km, 50km, and 100km – this Brisbane event has something for everyone. And here’s the kicker: it’s a qualifier for the legendary Western States Endurance Run in California, one of the most coveted ultramarathons in the world. Starting and finishing at Brisbane’s iconic Mt Coot-tha, runners will take on a stunning journey through Brisbane’s oldest reservoirs, all while being cheered on by an incredible team of supporters and volunteers. Feel the energy and support as you experience a super rewarding race-day experience!

JETTY 2 JETTY FUN RUN | 20 JUL
Soak up the stunning coastal vibes of the Redcliffe Peninsula in the heart of the Moreton Bay region for the annual Jetty 2 Jetty Fun Run! Whether you're a hardcore runner, a casual cruiser, or just chasing a fun-filled day out, this vibrant community event has something for everyone. With distances to match every pace and passion - choose from the thrilling half marathon, the inclusive 10km (open to wheelchair participants), the breezy 5km, or the super fun 3km dash - you get to pick your challenge and make it your own. Let’s hit the course and make some memories!

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! 

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. 

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! 

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.   

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!

EKKA | ROYAL QUEENSLAND SHOW | 9 – 17 AUG 
The EKKA is Queensland’s annual agricultural show, attracting the best in local produce, farming and entertainment. The exhibition is the perfect family fun-filled activity, offering all sorts of entertainment from rides to petting zoos, to agricultural competitions to thrilling rides, showbags, live music, monster trucks, fireworks and more. Explore the best the Queensland landscape has to offer at this momentous cultural event for all ages. 

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. 

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.