Brighten up your world with some superb entertainment in Brisbane. This year the options are endless, with captivating dance, drama, festivals, and action. Make the most of the diverse opportunities to experience something new. Immerse yourself in a sparkling world of wonder with Crystal by Cirque du Soleil, or cheer on your team at the Pro Bull Riders State of Origin – or both!
Here are some of our top recommendations for entertainment in Brisbane.
Art and Theatre
12 – 21 May | Botanica
Come enjoy the best of contemporary art and the best of the Brisbane outdoors with Botanica. With ten large-scale installations and an after dark option, it’s fresh air and fantastic features for the whole family.
16 May to 27 Jul | Moulin Rouge The Musical
Enter a world of glamour and glory, with a theatrical experience like no other. Moulin Rouge brings the world famous story to a Brisbane stage.
Jun 10 | The Lost Thing
Witness Shaun Tan’s beloved book brought to life. The Lost Thing is a theatrical experience that brings magic and storybook wonder to the QPAC.
16 to 25 Jun | Queensland Ballet Trilogy
Immerse yourelf in three distinct ballet performances with exquisite storylines. QPAC are hosting My Brilliant Career, A Brief Nostalgia, and Rooster as a Queensland Ballet Trilogy.
30 Jun – 2 July | The Wizard of Oz
Experience the wonder of this classic tale, brought to the stage by Prospero Arts. The Wizard of Oz offers a land of music, magic, and colour, with a rich musical score and some truly delightful performances.
22 Jun | Musical Theatre Gala
Celebrate all things musical theatre with some of the best loved songs of all time! With live vocals, an orchestra, and a medley of songs from many favourite shows, the Musical Theatre Gala will captivate you.
From 06 Aug | MAMMIA MIA
The beloved tale about life, love, and adventure is coming to the Brisbane stage. With 22 classic ABBA songs and plenty of tears, laughs and wonder, join in on the fun and frivolity with MAMMA MIA! The Musical at QPAC.
09 Aug | The Simon and Garfunkel Story
The show with sellout crowds across 50 countries is coming to Brisbane. The Simon and Garfunkel Story showcases the incredible lives of two men who changed the world of music.
1- 21 Dec | The Ring Cycle
Exclusive to the Lyric Theatre, join in on this 15-hour epic operatic adventure over four nights. Wagner’s Ring Cycle has been brought to the stage by director Chen Shi-Zeng, and is performed by international stars and some of Australia’s best talent.
06 – 20 Dec | Aida
Witness a truly spectacular opera, with soaring voices and breath-taking sets. Aida combines the best of traditional opera with a set that becomes a technological masterpiece, with towering digital displays providing the backdrop of rich symbolism and vivid backgrounds.
Music
27 May | The Umbilical Brothers
Beloved performers with a world-wide audience grace the Brisbane stage to bring their particular brand of physical comedy that will have you splitting your sides. The Umbilical Brothers are a must-see performance for a truly hilarious night out.
10 Jun | Pride Month Celebration Cruise
Music, lights, dancing, food, and a whole lot of rainbows! Get on board the MV Baroness to celebrate Pride Month, with the beautiful Brisbane City as a backdrop.
21 – 22 Jun | Aretha
Pay homage to one of the world’s most iconic musical talents, and her extraordinary life. Aretha is a memoir combining soulful storytelling and captivating music for an unforgettable performance.
24 Jun | Elvis Presley Afloat
Celebrate the king with a cruise that brings all the nostalgic thrills. Baroness Classic Charters Brisbane host the Elvis Presley Afloat cruise with food, drinks, and fantastic views as you’re serenaded by the tribute acts.
8–26 Jul | Chopin’s Piano
Chopin’s Piano takes the audience on an incredible journey. Along with the famous music, pay homage to the musical genius and the remarkable instrument.
20 – 23 Jul | Divas
Explore the spirit of the Diva with a musical look at 10 of the greatest divas of our time. Bernadette Robinson showcases her unique and captivating vocal talents with a production that embodies the true spirit of the diva.
11-12 Aug | Luke Combs
A country singer with some serious achievements and breathtaking music, Luke Combs heads to Brisbane in August. If you’re a fan of country music, it’s not to be missed.
08 Nov | Sam Smith
As part of the global Gloria tour, Sam Smith will stun Brisbane audiences at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre this November. Don’t miss the truly incredible show.
Festivals
19 – 20 May | Ipswich Show
Don’t miss the Ipswich Show, where country meets the lovely little city of Ipswich. You’ll see animals, crafts, and plenty of good country fare with lots of entertainment for the whole family.
25 – 28 May | Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Get into all things maritime at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Check out all the different water craft, browse the stalls, and enjoy the environment.
3 -24 Jun | Ipswich Festival of Horsepower
Ipswich invites you to celebrate all things power and speed. The Festival of Horsepower is a month long event packed with racing and motorsport events. From horses to cars, spectator events to opportunities to be in the driver’s seat, get your heart pumping with this exhilarating festival.
09 Jun | LUMINOUS Lantern Parade
A truly magical, inspiring event – witness the LUMINOUS lantern parade light up the night in the South Bank Parklands.
10 Jun | Great Australasian Beer Spectacular
Visit one of the most important events on the craft beer calendar. The Great Australasian Beer Spectacular is recognised as one of the best beer festivals in the world, and it’s being held in our backyard. Don’t miss out!
10 Jun | Laternenfest
Join in on this important event on the German cultural calendar, and experience the food, festivities, and magical lights. Laternenfest is perfect for the whole family, allowing you to create lanterns and browse the stalls until the sun goes down, and then join the lantern parade with your own creation.
18 Jun | RACQ Motorfest
For just $2 a ticket (and kids go in for free!), visit the RACQ Motorfest at the Brisbane Showgrounds for a celebration of all things motoring.
8-9 Jul | Abbey Medieval Festival
Go back in time with the Abbey Medieval Festival! Witness history come to life with falconry, swordfighting, archery, cannons, banquets, and more.
Events
Opened Mar 11 | Our Country 360
The Our Country 360 exhibit utilises 40 screens to provide a 360 degree cinematic experience that celebrates the best of Australia. Allow yourself to be taken away to see the land, sea, and sky of our beloved country and view some of the most breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. Head to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre for this incredible look at Australian natural treasures
23 May | Out Of the Kitchen
Come witness one of the world’s greatest chefs and follow his journey and his passion. Marco Pierre White will be in Brisbane for one night only, with a truly engaging show Out of the Kitchen.
10 June | PBR – Origin II
The greatest Australian sporting rivalry finds its way to another type of tour. The professional bull riders will face off for Maroons vs Blues in Game II and the toughest 8 seconds in sports.
06 – 09 Jul | Disney on Ice 100 Years of Wonder
Celebrating 100 incredible years, the Disney on Ice performance brings the most beloved characters to the stage, creating an immersive fantasy world full of wonder.
21-30 Jul | Cirque Du Soleil Crystal
The season has been extended, and Brisbane audiences are in for a treat. Explore the vibrant world of ice and acrobatics. Crystal is absolutely unforgettable.
2 Sept | Wizards Brunch
Didn’t get your letter to Hogwarts? That’s ok – with this brunch, you can experience wizard life and celebrate the magic. The Wizard’s Brunch will provide food, spells, and fantastic company as you let your imagination soar.
Entertainment in Brisbane
If you’re after more, why not head to our blog? We’ve got some extra ideas waiting for you. Get along to some rugby league in Brisbane, or immerse yourself in some additional arts and culture. Discover some new ways to spend a day in Brisbane, or find a new experience here. You will be amazed at the options!
Brisbane offers some premium venues with world class facilities. Suncorp Stadium, The Gabba, The Moreton Daily Stadium are the main destinations for sport. The Brisbane Entertainment Centre and the Riverstage hold a range of events from around the world as well as local talent.
The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is located in the heart of South Bank, and hosts regular events, or head to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre for dance, drama, and other incredible creative events. Nestled in New Farm is the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse, providing a beautiful venue for local and international talent.
Travelling Around Brisbane
Whether you’re travelling to Brisbane or returning home, you can count on our reliable service to travel between the Brisbane Airport and the city. To purchase your smartcards or to find out more, head to the nearest Airtrain counter. You’ll be able to purchase tickets for travel, attractions, and events around South East Queensland.
With Airtrain, you will arrive 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 Brisbane Airport, but stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations.
Once you have arrived, you can use a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket. 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. The go explore smartcard allows you travel in the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast for up to 8 days, but you don’t have to use them consecutively.
You can easily get around with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination. The go card is accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Use the Translink Journey Planner to plan your travel to the many excellent exhibits and experiences around the cities.
Entertainment in Brisbane
Brisbane is always entertaining, but you can’t beat a new experience. Rediscover an old favourite, try something new, or create a new tradition with an annual event. Fill your year with wonder and excitement as you make the most of entertainment in Brisbane.
