Brisbane Festival returns this September, transforming the city into a month-long celebration of art, culture, and community. From grand outdoor spectacles to intimate theatre, cutting-edge music to large-scale public art, the 2025 program brings together local and international artists in a vibrant showcase of Brisbane’s creative spirit.
Born from the much-loved Warana Festival in 1961, Brisbane Festival has evolved into one of Australia’s most exciting international arts events. Each year, theatres, venues, parks, streets, and rooftops become stages, inviting audiences to experience the unexpected — moments that are bright and electric, raw and revelatory.
Program Highlights
-
Baleen Moondjan (18–21 September) — Stephen Page’s monumental outdoor ceremony inspired by Ngugi/Nunukul/Moondjan stories, set on the Brisbane River beneath giant floating whale bones.
-
Riverfire — The city’s iconic fireworks spectacular returns to light up the Brisbane skyline.
-
Preparing Ground (5–7 September) — A powerful dance work six years in the making, exploring displacement, reclamation, and strength.
-
Skylore – Nieergoo: Spirit of the Whale (25–27 September) — Hundreds of drones tell ancient creation stories in the night sky.
-
TINA – A Tropical Love Story (18–20 September) — Miss Ellaneous’ joyful cabaret tribute to Tina Turner, Darwin, drag, and identity.
-
Sea of Light (20 September – 5 October) — Elizabeth Close’s luminous interactive installation for families at Queensland Museum Kurilpa.
-
The Great First Nations Songbook (20 September) — Free, all-ages outdoor concert celebrating iconic First Nations music in big-band style.
-
Quandamooka Festival (13–14 September) — Two days of culture, connection, and community on Minjerribah.
Beyond the headline events, Brisbane Festival’s 2025 program spans theatre, dance, music, circus, comedy, visual art, and large-scale installations — with performances and activities happening across the city from day to night.
Our Values
Brisbane Festival is guided by commitments to:
-
First Nations leadership — Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices at every level.
-
Accessibility — A Barrier Free Festival with inclusive access to all events.
-
Sustainability — Reducing environmental impact and supporting local communities.
Image: Baleen Moondjan | Photo credit: Daniel Boud
