Brisbane Festival 2026

Get ready to switch on, light up and come alive at this year's Brisbane Festival - the city's biggest and boldest celebration of art and community. 

Igniting Brisbane's streets, rivers and stages from September 4-26, Brisbane Festival promises a jam-packed, low-cost program that stretches from sunrise to sunset. 

The festival's opening weekend announces itself in spectacular fashion with the return of Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust on Saturday 5 September.

One of Australia's most breathtaking annual events, Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust lights up the Brisbane night sky and unites the city with a shimmering fireworks display launched from bridges, barges and rooftops around town, preceded by a thrilling RAAF flyover. 

At the heart of Brisbane Festival 2026 is the Festival Village, South Bank, a vibrant riverside hub packed with free and ticketed events, live entertainment and family-friendly fun.

The iconic Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent returns as the Village's centrepiece, hosting performances including The Choir of Man, The Listies' This Show is a Joke and Are You Lonesome Tonight. Across the Village Green, visitors can enjoy dance workshops, Indigenous-led contemporary circus, wellbeing sessions, talks, live music and interactive experiences.

Festival-goers can also take part in Giant Sing Along, an immersive installation inviting visitors to contribute their voices to a collective choir, while global wellbeing phenomenon DAYBREAKER brings together music, movement and community in an uplifting morning celebration.

As night falls, the Village becomes the perfect spot to experience Bright Nights by ANZ, a nightly river spectacle featuring fountains, lasers, waterscreens and an exclusive soundtrack by The Veronicas.

Brisbane Festival 2026 is packed with major world premieres, international productions and unforgettable experiences.

One of the most anticipated works is Strong is the New Pretty, a powerful new play from acclaimed Australian playwright Suzie Miller that tells the remarkable story behind the creation of the AFLW. Audiences can also experience the breathtaking ESCAPE from Los Angeles company DIAVOLO | Architecture in Motion, blending acrobatics, dance and architecture in a visually spectacular production.

Fresh from New York, Scorched Earth delivers a gripping and thought-provoking theatrical experience, while puppetry company Wakka Wakka brings the enchanting Dead as Dodo to Brisbane audiences. The Farm's No One Gets Out of Here Alive offers a moving and darkly humorous exploration of mortality, while Fijian Flying Circus promises high-flying family entertainment under the big top at South Bank.

Adding to the festival's highlights is Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company at GOMA, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the creative legacy behind beloved characters including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and the Fraggles.

Brisbane Festival's theatre and music program spans bold new productions, outdoor concerts and unforgettable live performances.

At Brisbane Powerhouse, Mama Does Derby combines theatre, live punk music and roller derby in a heartwarming story about family, resilience and finding your place. Other standout theatre works include the disability-led dance theatre production Bleachers, Michelle Lim Davidson's deeply personal Koreaboo, and the acclaimed LEGENDS (of the Golden Arches).

Music lovers are in for a treat with the return of Night at the Parkland at Roma Street Parkland. This year's stellar lineup includes Aloe Blacc, Human Nature, Icehouse, The Temper Trap, Missy Higgins, PNAU and Katie Noonan performing Jeff Buckley's iconic album Grace in full beneath the stars.

Celebrating Brisbane's rich musical heritage, RocKwiz will also return with a special edition dedicated to the city's greatest artists, combining trivia, live performances and plenty of audience participation.

Community remains at the heart of Brisbane Festival, with a range of events designed to bring people together across the city.

The popular Brisbane Serenades series returns with free outdoor concerts in local parks and neighbourhoods, while the Moorooka Block Party celebrates its fifth anniversary with live music, workshops, dance and family-friendly activities.

One of Queensland's most significant First Nations cultural events, the Quandamooka Festival, returns to celebrate the living culture, stories and traditions of the Quandamooka people of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).

Festival favourites including the Common People Dance Eisteddfod, Community Choir: The Musical and the vibrant Alexander Ball will once again showcase local talent, creativity and connection, reinforcing Brisbane Festival's commitment to celebrating communities from every corner of the city.

Brisbane Festival 2026 promises three weeks of world-class theatre, music, art and community celebration. From spectacular riverside experiences and international productions to family-friendly entertainment and local cultural events, this year's program cements Brisbane Festival's place as one of Australia's premier arts festivals.

Image credits: 
Image 1: Festival Village South Bank - Sean Dowling and Morgan Roberts Photography
Image 2: Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust - Credit JD Lin
Image 3: Festival Village South Bank - Credit Sean Dowling and Atmosphere Photography
Image 4: Bright Nights by ANZ - Image Credit Sean Dowling and Atmosphere Photography
Image 5: Strong is the New Pretty - Credit Compadre Picture Co
Image 6: Scorched Earth - Credit Pato Cassinoni
Image 7: Make Believe Magic - Production still from Fraggle Rock Back to the Rock 2022–present Apple
Image 8: Mama Does Derby - Credit Claudio Raschella
Image 9: Brisbane Festival - Night at the Parkland - Credit Supplied
Image 10: Manly Serenades - Credit Nikita Pere
Image 11: Quandamooka Festival - Credit Nikki Michail
Image 12: Family Fun Day - Credit MELLUMAE CAMERA

Brisbane Festival is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com