Beautiful Brisbane always puts on a show, and the River City has plenty planned for 2021. From food festivals to major sporting events, there’s something for everyone. It’s time to break open the calendar and start booking in your Brisbane events.
Here are just a few of the exciting happenings planned for the coming year.
Entertainment
Curiocity Brisbane | Mar 12 – 28
Held at various locations across Brisbane, Curiocity is a celebration of art, science, and tech, with events and exhibits designed to educate, engage, and entice visitors. From interactive installations across the city to the World Science Festival Brisbane, Curiocity offers plenty of chances to get involved.
Brisbane Comedy Festival | Jul 16 – Aug 08
Get down to the Brisbane Powerhouse this year for a wide range of comedic talent, from internationally acclaimed superstars to upcoming performers. Hosted in a unique venue on the banks of the Brisbane River, be prepared for a hilarious night out.
Arts
European Masterpieces at GOMA | Jun 12 – Oct 17
A rare opportunity to see some of the priceless works from the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Brisbane Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) will host a range of works spanning 500 years from a number of incredible historic artists.
Brisbane International Film Festival | Oct 1 – 11
With films from talented Australian filmmakers and from all around the world, the Brisbane International Film Festival is a celebration of global cinema that has something for everyone. With over 70 films on offer at a range of locations, you can take your pick and find something to delight you.
The 10th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art | Dec 4 – Apr 25 2022
Showcasing a range of artists across the Asia Pacific region, this celebration of contemporary art from our neighbouring regions is insightful and inspiring. With a focus on indigenous artists and those living outside their home countries, the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art hosts the landmark 10th edition of this important artistic event.
Sports
Australian PGA Championship | Feb 18 – 21
With the original dates in 2020 cancelled, the 2020 Australian PGA Championship will now be held in February this year, with the Royal Queensland Golf Club hosting the event. It’s a great chance to get outside and watch the stars tee up, aiming for a major title win.
NRL Magic Round | May 14-16
Sixteen teams. Eight matches. Two days. One stadium. Suncorp will be the centre of rugby league action this May as all NRL teams gather to compete over the Telstra Premiership Magic Round. It’s any NRL fan’s dream round, and it’s all happening in Brisbane.
Brisbane Marathon Festival | Jun 5-7
One of the fastest growing marathons in Australia, the Brisbane Marathon Festival has a number of events, from the full 42 km run through the city to the RMHC 2 km Mini Marathon. The main race finishes in the beautiful Botanic Gardens after a scenic run throughout the River City.
Nitro World Games | Oct 23-24
This year, Suncorp Stadium will set the stage for an action-packed weekend of adrenaline-fueled action sports. Athletes from across the world will all meet to compete in various events featuring FMX, BMX, skateboarding and scooters. Records will be broken, competition honours will be won, and the action-packed program will definitely not disappoint.
Festivals and Shows
EKKA | Aug 7 – 15
It’s a staple on the Brisbane yearly calendar, and this year it’s back. With the 2020 Royal Exhibition cancelled due to Covid, this year is set to be better than ever. Country meets city in 10 days of rides, animals, talent, and competitions.
Brisbane Festival | Aug – Sep
Celebrating the arts in all their forms, the Brisbane Festival offers countless opportunities to be delighted and entertained. Activities and events are spread across the city at a range of venues, culminating in the famous Riverfire night with world-class pyrotechnics at various locations across the river.
Abbey Medieval Festival | Dates TBC
One of the largest celebrations of medieval times in the world, visitors are treated to re-enactments, costumes, workshops, a jousting tournament, and a range of historically accurate displays as the past comes to life. With events for the whole family, this unique, educational festival is full of fun.
Getting Around in Brisbane City
Airtrain will get you quickly and comfortably from the airport to Brisbane City in 20 minutes. You can disembark at your chosen city station – Airtrain runs express from the airport, but stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations.
Brisbane is a beautiful city for walking, and many fantastic destinations are within an easy stroll along attractive walkways. To get to your destination faster or to see more of the sights, Brisbane is connected by an extensive bus network and the river is crisscrossed by the CityCat ferries.
All Brisbane public transport uses a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket. Short term visitors should check out the go seeQ card, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport. For longer stays, travel like the locals with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination.
Celebrating Brisbane
If you’re planning to visit Brisbane and join in on the fun, Airtrain’s secure and reliable services mean you can get to where you need to go on time and in comfort. With so many events happening, and so much to see and do – the year ahead looks bright for Brisbane.
