SITE PARTNER:  

What is on in Brisbane in May

Crowd at Paniyiri Festival

Updated: Jun 01, 2026

From Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Paniyiri's 50th year, comedy stars, epic musicals, an Australian-themed opera and cheese and wine festival to a mega sunflower festival. the top things to do in and around Brisbane in May 2026:

Brisbane Anywhere Festival
Mythical Creatures at the Brisbane Anywhere Festival 2026
Anywhere in Brisbane becomes the stage this May with the 2026 Brisbane Anywhere Festival
more
Paniyiri 50: Brisbane's Biggest Greek Dinner
Goodwill Bridge by night
Brisbane is about to enjoy a premium one-night Greek dining experience unlike anything before as Paniyiri 50 takes over the iconic Goodwill Bridge
more
Paniyiri Greek Festival
Dancers at Paniyiri Greek Festival
Queensland’s largest cultural celebration and the nation’s longest-running Greek festival, Paniyiri, marks an incredible 50 years in 2026
more
THE DROVER'S WIFE - THE OPERA
The Drover's Wife
The Drover’s Wife – The Opera will have its world premiere in QPAC’s stunning new Glasshouse Theatre
more
AdventureFest
Aerial view of Redlands Adventure Fest
The Redlands Coast AdventureFest is an exciting 10-day festival showcasing a wide variety of citywide events and activities
more
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2026
Aerial view of Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
The Gold Coast will transform into a marine and lifestyle mecca for four days when Australia's premier celebration of boating and luxury lifestyle returns
more
Jan Powers Farmers Markets - Eagle Farm
Crowd at Market
Brisbane’s beloved Jan Powers Farmers Markets has officially expanded to Eagle Farm, with a new Sunday market bringing fresh produce, gourmet eats, artisan stalls and family-friendly vibes to the iconic Eagle Farm Racecourse
more
Radiohead for Solo Piano II
Hero Image Radiohead for Solo Piano II
Master of improvisation, Berlin-based Australian pianist Josh Cohen takes on legendary rock band Radiohead at QPAC
more
Annual Bravehearts Ball
Stage at Annual Bravehearts Ball
This year’s Annual Bravehearts Ball at BCEC is set to be the biggest and boldest in the event’s almost 30-year history
more
Soirée Montrachet
Exterior window view of Montrachet
Brisbane institution Montrachet is putting on the ultimate Parisian dinner, Soirée Montrachet presented by King St
more
Duck Pond
Ballerina in air Duck Pond
Feathers will fly as Circa returns to QPAC with their exuberant take on Swan Lake, the world's most romantic ballet
more
GOMA Friday Nights: Presence
GOMA Friday Nights: Presence
An intimate vinyl listening bar, leading Brisbane DJs, captivating pop-up performances and access to the major immersive exhibition ‘Olafur Eliasson: Presence
more
Through Mununjali Eyes
Photojournalist Wayne Coolwell for the "Through Mununjali Eyes" Exhibition
Trailblazing broadcaster Wayne Coolwell is celebrated at State Library of Queensland for the Through Mununjali Eyes exhibition
more
Planes, Trains And Autos
Big car doing a wheelie at Planes, Trains And Autos 2026
Planes, Trains and Autos returns to the City of Ipswich for a 3 day adrenaline-charged festival of all things aviation, rail & auto
more
Italian Gala
Orchestra on stage
Experience the passion, power and drama of Italy as Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) presents the Italian Gala at QPAC’s Concert Hall
more
Eat Slay Zombie
Actor from Eat Slay Zombie play, La Boite Theatre
Fierce women, bold storytelling and a theatrical zombie apocalypse: La Boite Theatre presents Eat Slay Zombie
more
Double Take
Double Take GOMA
GOMA's Australian Cinémathèque is set to unsettle and beguile audiences with Double Take, a new spine-tingling program
more
Lucas Debargue: L’Enigme Française
One of the most unlikely stars in classical music, pianist and composer Lucas Debargue will launch his Australian debut tour in Brisbane
more
Buddha Birth Day Festival
Dancers in front of Chung Tian Temple
Queensland's biggest Buddha Birth Day celebration returns to the Chung Tian Temple for 3 huge days of festivities
more
Ladbrokes Stradbroke Season 2026
Crowd watching Stradbroke Season 2026
Queensland’s premier winter racing carnival is back bigger than ever
more
Mother's Day at Walkabout Creek
The Deck Walkabout Creek
Say thank you to Mum this Mother's Day by treating her to a delicious buffet breakfast or lunch in beautiful bush surrounds
more
Brookfield Show 2026
horse jumper at Brookfield Show
Get ready for the magic of Brookfield Show, Brisbane’s biggest little country event, across three jam-packed days
more
Unforgettable Mother's Day at Sirromet
Celebrate Mother’s Day in style at Sirromet – the perfect setting to create cherished memories With Mum!
more
Mother's Day at Brisbane Quarter
Mother's Day at Brisbane Quarter
If you’re looking to spoil Mum this Mother’s Day, Brisbane Quarter is serving up a lineup of experiences designed to impress
more
Denise Scott – Tickety Boo
Denise Scott at her show Tickety Boo
After more than a decade, Australian comedian Denise Scott is making a return to the stage with her most personal show yet
more
Brisbane Comedy Festival 2026
Lit up exterior of Brisbane Powerhouse
Comedy heavyweights and rising stars will descend on Brisbane, with over 140 hilarious events happening across 4 iconic venues
more
The Last Ship
Cast on stage The Last Ship
Exclusive to Brisbane, 17-time Grammy Award winning artist Sting will perform in the musical event of the year at QPAC's new Glasshouse Theatre
more
Footloose The Musical
Actors on stage at Footloose The Musical
Footloose The Musical is bringing its infectious energy, unforgettable music, and heart-warming story to the stage
more
Brisbane Bel Canto
-La-Cenerentola-Imagery-
Opera Queensland's festival for the stage returns for its third year, with a program of concerts covering music from the beginnings of operatic song
more
Steel Magnolias
The iconic story that made us laugh, cry, and fall in love with six extraordinary women, Steel Magnolias, is back, live on stage
more
Cribb Island: Brisbane's Lost Suburb Exhibition
People looking at Cribb Island: Brisbane's Lost Suburb Exhibition at Museum of Brisbane
Museum of Brisbane invites audiences to rediscover the largely forgotten suburb of Cribb Island
more
West End Shoe Sale
Shoppers at West End Shoe Sale
Brisbane's biggest and best ladies shoe sale is back for three days only, with an incredible array of winter shoes priced from just $20
more
Mould X Pinot Palooza Festival
People at cheese and wine festival
Australia's favourite cheese festival kicks off this Friday for 3 huge days at the Brisbane Showgrounds
more
Kalbar Sunflower Festival
Kalbar Sunflower Farm
The sunflower festival is coming back in May, when it will be time to get up close to the happiest flowers in the world
more

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

GATHAA First Nations Markets South Bank

GATHAA First Nations Markets

Experience the creativity, culture and community of First Nations makers
Aug 1-2
Dami Im performing live

Queensland Fringe Festival

Queensland Fringe hits the road this August with music, art, food and adventure.
Aug 1–7
Rogue Chef Queensland Fringe Festival

Rogue Chef

Chef Anthony Healy brings bold flavours and unforgettable dining to Queensland Fringe.
Aug 1-7
Crowd

On the Green 2026

On the Green at Clayfield College is back and bigger than ever, headlined by iconic Australian artist Ben Lee
Aug 2
Weddings & Parties Over Coffee

Weddings & Parties Over Coffee

Experience the beauty, wit and timeless brilliance of Bach
Aug 5
Second Coming La Boite Theatre

Second Coming

La Boite Theatre presents Second Coming, a love letter to Earth wrapped in corporate salvation
Aug 6-22
Vanessa Amorosi

Final Night Show - Queensland Fringe Festival

Australia’s biggest voices come together for Queensland Fringe’s spectacular Final Night.
Aug 7
Queensland Symphony Orchestra: Gladiator in Concert

Gladiator in Concert

Step into the world of ancient Rome for Gladiator in Concert
Aug 8
Bundaberg Rum Country Music Raceday

Bundaberg Rum Country Music Raceday

Round up your mates and get ready for a raceday like no other!
Aug 15
See All
EDITOR'S PICK

GreazeFest 2026

GreazeFest, the iconic hot rod and rockabilly festival, is back for three huge days of cool cars, live music and kustom kulture
Read more
GreazeFest 2026
People in cake class
MUST DO

International Cake Show Australia

From full day workshops to mini decorating classes, there's something for everyone at the International Cake Show Australia
Read more
International Cake Show Australia
Luminous Lantern Parade
THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do July 31- Aug 2

Australia's favourite hot red fest cruises into town, Ben Lee takes the stage at On The Green, Luminous Lantern Parade returns to South Bank Parklands and an American-style sports bar opens in the city
Read more
This Weekend July 31 - Aug 2
Crowd at Night Feast
COMING UP

What's On in August in Brisbane

From Greazefest, The Gospel According to Paul, The Music of Barbra Streisand and Peaks to Points Festival to whale watching, the top things to do in August in and around Brisbane
Read more
Wjat's on in August
DINING DESTINATION

Sipping and Snacking on King St

King Street has become one of Brisbane's premier dining destinations, serving up everything from award-winning restaurants and global flavours to casual eats, cocktails and decadent desserts
Read more
Sipping and Snacking on King St
The Summit Restaurant
BEST OF BRISBANE

50+ Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Looking for the best restaurants in Brisbane? Then check out this guide for the must-do dining experiences from the city to the suburbs
Read more
Best Restaurants in Brisbane
The Gatsby Bar
Best Of Brisbane

Brisbane's Best 50 Bars

Whether you're after breezy drinks by the river, a stiff whiskey in an underground bar, a cosy laneway hideaway or a rooftop with views, here's 50 of Brisbane's best bars
Read more
Best Bars in Brisbane
A Spectacular Barbra Streisand Tribute Hits QPAC
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT