Things to Do in Brisbane in 2026

Experience the power of live theatre with Queensland Theatre’s 2026 Season, All Feeling. No Filter., featuring landmark collaborations, reimagined classics, fresh voices and bold new works. With performances across Bille Brown Theatre and QPAC, highlights include The Sapphires, Pride & Prejudice, Do Not Go Gentle, Strong Is The New Pretty, Small Mouth Sounds and Into the Woods.

Catch the excitement of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, with Brisbane Lions home games bringing thrilling footy action to The Gabba throughout the season. From passionate crowds and big tackles to unforgettable match-day atmosphere, AFL in Brisbane is a must-do experience for sports fans visiting the city.

Get ready for a month of laughs as Brisbane Comedy Festival returns, bringing more than 130 artists to venues across the city. With stand-up, sketch, improv, gala events and fresh local talent taking over Brisbane Powerhouse, The Fortitude Music Hall, The Tivoli and The Princess Theatre, it’s a must-see event for comedy lovers visiting Brisbane.

Discover performance in unexpected places as Brisbane Anywhere Festival is set across various locations around Brisbane. Now in its 16th year, the festival transforms warehouses, libraries, planetariums and other unique spaces into stages for theatre, comedy, music, circus and cabaret, creating a fresh and memorable arts experience throughout the city.

Explore Brisbane’s creativity as Brisbane Street Art Festival transforms the city into a vibrant open-air gallery. Featuring large-scale murals, live art battles, installations, workshops, cycling tours and exhibitions, this free festival celebrates local and international street artists while bringing colour, culture and fresh energy to Brisbane’s neighbourhoods.

Enjoy cinema under the stars at Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema, running at New Farm Park beside Brisbane Powerhouse and the Brisbane River. With films screening Thursday to Sunday evenings, outdoor lounge seating, wireless headphones, food and drinks delivered to your seat, it’s a relaxed riverside experience for movie lovers of all ages.

Experience Deftones live in Brisbane as the alt-rock legends bring their immersive, genre-defying arena show to Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Joined by special guests Interpol and Ecca Vandal, this explosive concert promises a powerful night of heavy sound, atmospheric energy and unforgettable live performance.

Experience the ultimate weekend of rugby league, featuring Game II of the Ampol Women’s State of Origin followed by three days of NRL match-ups, live music, activations and family-friendly entertainment, it’s one of Brisbane’s biggest sporting festivals of the year.

Watch elite fitness in action as Torian Pro returns to the Queensland Tennis Centre. As an official CrossFit Games Semifinal Event, Torian Pro brings together athletes and fans from around the world for three days of high-intensity competition, community spirit and world-class athletic

Buckle up for an action-packed family event as Monster Truck Mania Live roars into Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Featuring larger-than-life monster trucks, freestyle FMX motocross, a flame-throwing jet car and high-energy arena entertainment, this indoor show promises thrills, noise and fun for all ages.

Experience Brisbane’s contemporary music scene as Open Season 2026 returns to QPAC’s new Glasshouse Theatre in South Bank. Presented by QPAC and The Tivoli Group, the 2026 program features acclaimed international acts Mogwai and Sparks, bringing cutting-edge live music and immersive performance to one of Brisbane’s leading cultural venues.

Get ready for heart-pounding arena action as the Professional Bull Riders Monster Energy Tour brings PBR Origin II to Brisbane Entertainment Centre Featuring Team NSW and Team QLD riders facing off against the PBR’s All Star Bulls, this adrenaline-fuelled event promises fierce state rivalry, powerful performances and the toughest sport on dirt.

Get ready for the time of your afterlife as Beetlejuice The Musical arrives at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane. Based on Tim Burton’s beloved film, this wildly funny and supernatural musical brings big laughs, bold staging, unforgettable characters and an original score to one of Brisbane’s leading theatre venues.

Lace up for one of Queensland’s most historic running events as the EVA Air Brisbane Marathon Festival returns to Brisbane City. Celebrating its 34th year, this AIMS-certified event welcomes elite athletes, recreational runners and the local community for a day of fitness, endurance and vibrant city atmosphere.

Feel the intensity of Australia’s greatest rugby league rivalry as Ampol State of Origin Game III comes to Suncorp Stadium. Watch the NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons battle for state pride in a high-energy night of elite sport, passionate fans and unforgettable stadium atmosphere.

Watch the world’s fastest BMX riders compete as the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships come to Brisbane, Featuring elite riders from across the globe, this high-speed championship promises thrilling jumps, tight turns, finish-line sprints and an exciting international sporting atmosphere right here in Queensland.

Celebrate Queensland’s largest and most loved annual event as the Royal Queensland Show, affectionately known as Ekka, returns to Brisbane Showgrounds this August. Ekka brings the country to the city with agricultural displays, animal experiences, showbags, award-winning food, live entertainment and family-friendly fun.

Celebrate style, creativity and local design as Brisbane Fashion Festival returns. Marking 21 years as Queensland’s premier fashion event, the festival showcases the best of Queensland and Australian designers, with runway shows, stylish events, emerging talent and first-look Spring/Summer collections.

Discover the future of Australian music as BIGSOUND Festival returns to Fortitude Valley. Bringing together emerging artists, music lovers and industry professionals across multiple live music venues, this iconic Brisbane festival offers four nights of fresh talent, energetic showcases and vibrant inner-city atmosphere.

Celebrate creativity, culture and entertainment as Brisbane Festival returns with a vibrant city-wide program of theatre, music, cabaret, visual art, family events and large-scale performances. From the spectacular Riverfire opening weekend to major shows and immersive cultural experiences, this annual festival is one of Brisbane’s most exciting spring highlights.

Watch Brisbane light up as Riverfire returns, launching Brisbane Festival with one of the city’s most spectacular nights of celebration. Featuring dazzling fireworks by Foti Fireworks, vibrant city-wide atmosphere and stunning views along the Brisbane River, this free event is a must-see highlight for visitors and locals alike.

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Brisbane, with German-inspired food, beer, live music, dancing and festive celebrations across the city. From Brisbane CBD and South Bank venues to lively events at the Brisbane Showgrounds, it’s a fun spring experience for guests looking to enjoy Bavarian flavours and vibrant local atmosphere.

Step into a world of pop culture, cosplay, comics, gaming and entertainment as Oz Comic-Con Brisbane returns to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. With celebrity guests, artist showcases, cosplay competitions, gaming zones, panels and fan experiences, this colourful weekend is a must-visit for pop culture fans of all ages.

Celebrate queer art, culture and community as Melt Festival returns to Magandjin/Brisbane. This citywide LGBTQIA+ arts and culture festival showcases artists, allies, icons, sport and ideas across multiple venues, with highlights including the River Pride Parade and a vibrant program of performances, events and creative experiences

See global pop phenomenon Robbie Williams live at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, as he brings his BRITPOP World Tour to Australia. Joined by G Flip and Lottery Winners, this major stadium concert promises a spectacular night of iconic hits, show-stopping entertainment and unforgettable live energy.

Take a trip back to a defining era of indie music as Two Door Cinema Club bring their Tourist History 15th Anniversary Tour to Brisbane Riverstage. Performing their iconic debut album in full alongside greatest hits, with special guests The Vaccines, this outdoor concert promises a night of dancefloor-ready indie anthems and festival-style energy.

See UK rock band Wolf Alice live at The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane. Following the release of their fourth studio album The Clearing, the Grammy-nominated band brings their acclaimed sound, commanding stage presence and summer headline tour energy to one of Brisbane’s favourite live music venues.

Get ready for a legendary night of rock as Guns N’ Roses bring their World Tour 2026 to Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Joined by special guest Airbourne, this massive stadium concert promises an unforgettable evening of iconic hits, powerhouse performances and classic rock energy.

Experience A Perfect Circle live at Riverstage Brisbane. Known for their atmospheric alternative rock sound, powerful vocals and immersive live performances, this highly anticipated outdoor concert promises a memorable night for fans in one of Brisbane’s favourite live music venues.

Ring in the new year as Brisbane lights up with spectacular fireworks over the river, with South Bank Parklands traditionally one of the city’s favourite places to celebrate. From family-friendly early evening displays to the midnight countdown, Brisbane New Year’s Eve offers a festive city atmosphere, riverside views and a memorable way to welcome 2027.