Brisbane Festival is the city’s biggest celebration of arts, culture, and good times. Every September, the city bursts to life with theatre, dance, music, comedy, visual art, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From blockbuster shows to street parties, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of festival—whether it’s your first time or your favourite time of year.

Brisbane Festival lights up the city every September. In 2025, it runs from 5–27 September.

From iconic venues like Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Brisbane Powerhouse to riverside parks, suburban streets, and surprise pop-ups, the Festival spans both sides of the river and beyond. Whether you’re in the inner city or out by the bay, there’s something happening near you.

This is the tricky part! There's so much to choose from! Check out our categories and articles to help find your perfect fit. We have created a series of articles to help you find the right events for you. Head to this page for more hot tips on this year’s Festival offerings.

Brisbane Festival has a mix of ticketed and unticketed events. Ticketing information can be found on each event's individual page. Make sure to book tickets in advance, as many of our shows will sell out quickly.

The favourites of Brisbane Festival are back once again for 2025. Kicking things off in spectacular style is Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust—Brisbane’s favourite night of the year, lighting up the sky with fireworks from bridges, barges, and rooftops.

Also returning are crowd-pleasers like Skylore, the awe-inspiring drone show; Brisbane Serenades, the free music program that brings the party to the suburbs; and Afterglow, a vibrant new twist on the Festival’s much-loved light shows in the City Botanic Gardens.  

These signature events are the heart and soul of Brisbane Festival, adding that unmistakable springtime magic to the city.

What’s New in 2025

This year, bold and brilliant art duo Craig & Karl are transforming Brisbane into their canvas—activating iconic sites, splashing their signature colours across the city, and even reimagining our walking bridges.

These vibrant public artworks set the stage for a blockbuster line-up, including the world premiere of Gems by L.A. Dance Project, a classic tale reimagined with GATSBY at the Green Light, and Baleen Moondjan, Stephen Page’s powerful new celebration of First Nations stories.

And that’s just the beginning—there’s a whole city of surprises waiting to be discovered.

Dress for the occasion — Whether you are dressing to impress at Festival Club, dancing the night away at Tivoli in the Round or exploring the dreamlike gardens of Afterglow, make sure to wear that look and consider if you need closed-in shoes or comfortable clothes.

Check the weather — We are so excited for the beautiful Brisbane Spring weather this September. Make sure to stay sun-safe at outdoor events, check for rain, and feel prepared so you can focus on the Festival fun!

Avoid FOMO — Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid missing out on the best seats and events at Brisbane Festival. Sessions and entire shows sell out every year, so get in early and dodge the last-minute rush.

Arrive on time — Plan your journey ahead of time and consider using the TransLink route planner if you are taking public transport. Parking may be tricky at some of our popular venues, so consider alternative transportation options, such as ridesharing services, taxis, buses, ferries, and trains. Check out our venue pages for information and make sure to arrive with time to spare to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Keep the fun going — Make the most of your Festival experience with Eat, Stay, Play. Whether you are looking for dinner and a show, casual drinks, somewhere to stay, or something else, check out everything our partners have to offer.

Brisbane Festival is committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy our events and experiences. Find out more about what we are doing to make a festival for everyone, including our Accessibility Guide at the link below.

Want to keep up to date with everything at the Festival, including special offers, giveaways galore, and more? Make sure to follow us on socials and subscribe to our newsletter!

We want you to have the best time possible at Brisbane Festival! Say yes to the unexpected, prepare to be amazed, bring your friends or meet new ones, and get into the Festival spirit. Make sure to tag us at Brisbane Festival events and celebrate #BrisbaneFestival