South East Queensland is brimming with diverse entertainment options in 2025. Across the region, Brisbane and the Gold Coast continue to cement themselves among Australia’s premier entertainment hubs offering something for everyone, including live music, theatre, comedy and family-friendly events. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, our guide to entertainment in Brisbane and the Gold Coast this year will help you make the most of SEQ’s vibrant offerings.

Entertainment in Brisbane

Brisbane Comedy Festival (April – May)

Brisbane continues to champion cutting-edge entertainment with the 2025 Brisbane Comedy Festival. Get ready for a laughter extravaganza from April 23^rd to May 25^th as more than 130 artists perform their laugh-out-loud sets at Brisbane Powerhouse, The Tivoli, The Princess Theatre and The Fortitude Music Hall.

Brisbane Festival (September)

A city-wide celebration of arts, music and culture, with a signature fireworks finale, Brisbane Festival is the epitome of entertainment in Brisbane. Experience the curated multi-arts program full of captivating performances and installations over 10 days from September 3^rd to 13^th.

Ekka (August)

Queensland’s largest and most loved annual event, Ekka, returns from August 9^th to 17^th. This event is where the country and the city come together for a celebration of agriculture with competitions, shows, rides, games, showbags and much more.

Bigsound (September)

Bigsound is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest music industry gathering, showcasing emerging talent in the Australian music scene. From September 2^nd to 5^th Fortitude Valley will come alive with a global gathering of musicians, industry, brands, media and music lovers galore.

Melt Festival (October – November)

Melt Festival takes pride in showcasing queer arts and culture with a huge lineup of venues and artists across the city. The festival program features more than 200 dazzling performances and events, including exhibitions, outdoor installations, parties and a spectacular river parade. Dates for 2025 are yet to be announced – watch this space!

Entertainment on the Gold Coast

Gold Coast Film Festival (April – May)

The Gold Coast Film Festival has firmly established itself as a key event in the Australian film festival circuit. From April 30^th to May 11^th the GCFF will showcase amazing films, inspirational panels, outdoor screenings and special events at Home of the Arts.

Blues on Broadbeach (May)

The streets, parks and venues of Broadbeach will burst with musical talent for Blues on Broadbeach. Australia’s largest free music festival, held from May 15^th to 18^th, will serve up an incredible array of live blues mecca entertainment.

Cooly Rocks On (Jun)

Step back in time and enjoy the nostalgia of the 50s at Cooly Rocks On. The iconic beachside streetscape of Coolangatta will transform as it celebrates the music, motors and lifestyle of yesteryear.

Bleach* Festival (August)

For some of the year’s best entertainment on the Gold Coast, you can’t miss of the best cultural Gold Coast events, you can’t miss Bleach* Festival. This unique coastal festival will once again transform the GC with a diverse and dynamic program of music, dance, theatre, food, culture and immersive experiences.

Groundwater Country Music Festival (October)

Enjoy three whole days of rocking country music on the beach at Groundwater Country Music Festival from October 17^th to 19^th. This free music event brings together 50 homegrown and international artists across 15 stages for a lively music-filled weekend.

Travel to this year’s entertainment events with Airtrain

Make Airtrain part of your journey as you enjoy the best of this year’s entertainment in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Airtrain runs express from the Brisbane Airport and stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street and South Brisbane stations. With services running every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes off peak, we’ll help you get there on time and in comfort. The helpful staff at the Airtrain counter can assist you with pre-booking tickets to attractions and experiences – see our staff on arrival to find out more.  

For entertainment on the Gold Coast, you can enjoy a seamless connection from Brisbane Airport to the heart of the Gold Coast with Airtrain & Tram. Catch Airtrain to Helensvale station, then take the G:link tram to Southport, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach.  

Travel to your entertainment events is easy with a go card, accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. All South East Queensland train stations, including the Domestic and International Airtrain stations at Brisbane Airport, also have the Smart Ticketing system. Simply tap and travel with Visa, Mastercard and American Express.