World Science Festival Brisbane 2023

World Science Festival Brisbane returns to Brisbane’s cultural precinct in 2023 with an out-of-this-world program full of spectacular science, curious creativity and dynamic discoveries, with over 130 events and activities on offer from March 22-26, 2023.

Presented by Queensland Museum Network, World Science Festival Brisbane embarks on a bold journey into new frontiers of science - from the evolution of surgery and claims on having the fiercest dinosaur to discovering new worlds, rewiring the brain, and saving the planet.

With a jam-packed program overflowing with science, art, culture and family fun, World Science Festival Brisbane encompasses experiences for everyone, from inquisitive young minds and families, to industry professionals, creators and designers, experimenters and the naturally curious.

These are just some of the 2023 Festival Highlights: 

Curiocity Brisbane - Mar 22-April 2 

Curiocity Brisbane is back in 2023, showcasing 14 inspirational artworks across South Bank. Visitors can let their imaginations roam free with installations from high-profile artists that celebrate the connections between science, art and technology.

Conversation Series - Mar 22-26, QPAC 

World Science Festival co-founder and renowned physicist Professor Brian Greene, will headline four key conversations including The Golden Age of Space Exploration on opening night, Memory: The Hidden Pathways That Make Us Human, Rewriting the Story of Humankind and The Unfolding Cosmos: Revelations from the James Webb Space Telescope.

Night of the Nerds - Mar 25, 7.30pm-9pm, QPAC, A$60, Con $55

Following two sold-out shows in 2022, Night of the Nerds will return with quizmaster Mark Humphries alongside team captains, comedian Dan Ilic and science communicator extraordinaire Angharad Yeo, vying for victory in the ultimate nerd showdown.

A Rational Fear - Live!, Mar 26, 4.30pm-6pm, QPAC, A$40, Con $35

Winner of Australia’s Best Comedy Podcast, A Rational Fear, is recording a special World Science Festival episode about the beginning of the end of the world. Laugh in the face of the scariest things facing our planet like climate change, superbugs and more.

Erth’s Prehistoric Picnic - Mar 22-26, South Bank Piazza, A$30, Con $25, Child $20 (ages 3-17), Family (2A+2Ch) $80

Erth’s Prehistoric Picnic sends audiences to the wilderness of a distant era. A delight for the whole family, all you have to do is pack a picnic, practise your dino-voice and prepare to get very close to an amazing array of prehistoric creatures.

CORAL: Rekindling Venue - Mar 23-26, Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, Mount Coot-tha 

The Planetarium will take a deep dive into the Great Barrier Reef with a screening of CORAL: Rekindling Venus, from award-winning filmmaker Lynette Wallworth.

Social Science - Mar 24-25, 5.30pm-late, Queensland Museum, A$60, Con $55, Weekend Pass $100

World Science Festival Brisbane's newest night-time program is a festival within the festival, transforming Queensland Museum into a hub of live music, shows, comedy, and of course, science. 

City of Science - Mar 22-26, FREE 

Brisbane will be transformed into a City of Science with an extravaganza of hands-on activities, demonstrations and STEM stations popping-up across Brisbane, while the popular Lunchtime Labs return to Queen Street Mall with explosive science shows for inquisitive minds of all ages!

The Hatchery - Mar 22-26, Queensland Museum, FREE, ticketed (Bookings essential)

Crowd-favourite, The Hatchery, returns to Queensland Museum where visitors can catch a rare glimpse of baby loggerhead turtles hatching in their incubation chambers, with tickets to this free event expected to sell out quickly!

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