G20 Cultural Celebrations

Brisbane is set to come alive with the sound of music, buildings awash with colour, giant free community gatherings, parades and fiestas for the G20. For while the world leaders gather for the G20 Summit, a host of fun free and cultural get-togethers of a different kind are planned for the residents of Brisbane, to take part throughout the laneways, streets and open space of the city.

Here’s an overview guide to the main events which will be happening before, during and after the summit, with something for everyone:

The Music Program – Across Brisbane 24 fabulous musical events, (all of them free), will be held in iconic venues large and small throughout the streets of Brisbane. From jazz with James Morrison and Queensland Ballet’s Coppelia at Riverstage, Global Groove featuring Tyrone Noonan at The Old Museum to Hallowe’en at the New Globe, The Camerata of St John at St John’s Cathedral to Women in Docs at Samford and The Medics at West End’s Hi-Fi, there’ll be music emanating from the city, suburbs, valleys and hills. Oct 24-Nov 16.

Great Neighbourhood Get-Together

There’s no need to stay inside on the weekend of the summit, for in Brisbane’s north, south, east and west, mega free community gatherings are planned. These celebrations of food, fun, community and creativity will be held in 6 locations and will feature entertainment, live music, street performances, gourmet food, BBQ’s, bars, communal dining, market stalls and children’s activities. Pack a picnic and BYO rug or chair or pull up a seat at a trestle table. (Food and drinks are also available to purchase on site).

Colour Me Brisbane - In the lead up to the G20 Summit weekend, Brisbane’s iconic buildings and signature landmarks will be flooded with colour in luminous displays with spectacular effects.

Brisbane’s favourite downtown precincts will be bathed in images of contemporary art, flags of the world and Queensland heritage as awe-inspiring Son et Lumieres (sound and light shows) are created by some of Australia’s leading projection artists. This unique display will offer some very special photographic opportunities so pack the camera and use #colourmebrisbane to share them online. Oct 24-Nov 9....more

Brisbane on Parade & Latin Fiesta

This monster parade of community groups, sporting organisations, dance groups and club members of every kind makes its way through South Bank and is a one-off chance to show every day Brisbane people to the world. Groups of five or more can register as a unit or register as an individual and arrangements can be made for those who wish to join a group. Groups and organisations already registered include members of the Girl Guides, lifesavers, whip-cracking country women, Latin dancers, a wheelchair basketball squad and hip hop dancers – in short, there’s a place for everyone. The parade route starts at the Southbank parklands and snakes along the Southbank promenade to finish up back at the Cultural Forecourt alongside the 'Brisbane' sign at Southbank Parklands. Nov 1. Combine it with the lively Fiesta Latina in the Cultural Forecourt from 3pm.

Full program here

*Don't forget to use #g20cultural when sharing photos on social media