Festival Spectacles – the biggest must-see events of Brisbane Festival 2026

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You won’t believe your eyes...

Feast your eyes on all the amazing spectacles of the 2026 Brisbane Festival program — circus, fireworks, acrobatics and more to stir the blood, and not in a small way.

These are BIG shows with big WOW factor that are sure to transport you to a magical place.

ESCAPE by Diavolo

23 - 27 Sep

CircusDancePhysical TheatreMost Hyped

This is a show that will leave you breathless. Visceral and high-octane, ESCAPE blends complex, moving architectural structures with multi-talented performers to create a blood-pumping and emotional multimedia experience. An undefinable blend of dance, stunt work, acrobatics, circus arts, and movement, ESCAPE is athletic and completely captivating.

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3 - 26 Sep

MusicCabaretDanceMusicalMost Hyped

Direct from London’s West End, sensational singers perform stunning harmonies and foot-stomping singalongs brimming with hits from Queen to Katy Perry and more.

With a real bar on stage, come drink in the ultimate feel-good show!

23 - 26 Sep

TheatreFamilyMost HypedVisual Theatre

Deep within the underworld, two skeleton friends dig tirelessly for fresh bones as their ancient forms deteriorate. When the Dodo miraculously sprouts feathers, chaos erupts and the order of the dead is shattered. Infused with puppetry, humour, and stunning visuals, this mesmerising musical odyssey follows their epic fight for survival, transformation, and true friendship.

Dead as a Dodo

Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company

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12 Sep - 18 Apr

FamilyVisual ArtInstallation

Exclusively at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company is an immense and immersive journey through the creative process behind some of the most cherished characters and stories in screen history and popular culture.

5 Sep

FamilyMost HypedFree

Come alive with the dazzling Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust, one of Australia’s most electrifying fireworks displays and an unforgettable night of community celebrations. Whether you see the show from the Festival Village at South Bank, find a spot along Brisbane River, or tune in to Triple M’s live broadcast or Channel Nine’s exclusive television coverage, this explosive start to Brisbane Festival is not to be missed!

4 - 26 Sep

MusicInstallationFirst NationsMost HypedFree

Bright Nights by ANZ transforms the Brisbane River into a dazzling choreographed canvas of water, light, and sound with floating fountains, water screens, animated water features and jets shooting up to 80 meters high. Pierced by a stunning laser light show and with an original pop rock soundtrack, this bold installation fills the Festival Village, South Bank with colour, energy, and emotion. Free shows three times nightly throughout the Festival. Featuring an exclusive soundtrack from Brisbane music royalty The Veronicas.