Arts and culture in Brisbane and the Gold Coast have filled the calendar with experiences and plans for an incredible year ahead. Our cities come to life with installations and shows. There are many different works throughout the two cities on permanent display, but don’t miss the world-class travelling exhibitions that are featured in Brisbane and the Gold Coast’s leading venues. This year, join in and be a part of the thrills and inspiration.

Here are some of Airtrain’s top picks for experiences in arts and culture in Brisbane this year.

Year Round Arts and Culture in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

In Brisbane, you’ll find year-round arts and culture in the Cultural Precinct in Southbank. Within a short walk you’ll find the Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Museum, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. For some Brisbane history in a truly beautiful setting, check out the Museum of Brisbane, with art and displays dedicated to the history of Brisbane.

In the Gold Coast, head to the Home of the Arts (HOTA) for travelling exhibits and their incredible collection. The Gold Coast has art installations dotted around the length of the city, and host many events that showcase the city’s love of arts, culture, science, and the performing arts.

Upcoming Events

Until 23 April | Air

See the Air exhibition before it goes! Covering the whole first floor of the Gallery of the Modern Arts, the element of air is explored in ambitious, breath-taking works. Join in regular viewing sessions or get involved with “Air after Dark”, special viewings hosted by GOMA.

Opened March 11 | Our Country 360

The Our Country 360 exhibit utilises 40 screens to provide a 360 degree cinematic experience that celebrates the best of Australia. Allow yourself to be taken away to see the land, sea, and sky of our beloved country and view some of the most breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. Head to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre for this incredible look at Australian natural treasures.

18 February – 4 June | Pop Masters

A world exclusive exhibition, Pop Masters : Art from the Mugrabi Collection, New York celebrates ground-breaking artists. View pieces from Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, including works that have never been seen before in Australia. The exhibition will feature art from these iconic artists and pieces from later artists that they inspired. Created and presented by HOTA, the Gold Coast will host these treasures from February until the beginning of June.

17 – 26 March | GC Laughs Festival

Come and have a laugh! The GC Laughs Festival is the proud host to local comedians and international talent for a range of comedy events. The HOTA (Home of the Arts) in the Gold Coast will host the biggest acts, with other shows being offered in locations around the city.

22 March – 2 April | Curiocity Brisbane

Science, tech and art collide in Brisbane’s leading science festival, held in various locations across March and April. Indulge your curiosity with outdoor installations and get involved with a program of tours, workshops, and Curious Conversations. Curiocity will inspire and challenge you, and give you a new appreciation for the city of Brisbane.

29 & 30 March | Ocean Film Festival World Tour

Dive beneath the waters with the Ocean Film Festival World Tour. Mesmerising short films document the beauty, power, and diversity to be found in the ocean, and the people who connect with it. See the ocean from a new perspective as you journey with these filmmakers.

19 – 30 April | Gold Coast Film Festival

Join in on 12 days crammed with over 100 events, across the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast Film Festival is a yearly event that gives local and international actors, film makers, and more a chance to showcase their special talents. Catch films, parties, pop-up cinemas, and other events in various locations across the city that showcase the best in Australian film.

28 April – 28 May | Brisbane Comedy Festival

An unbelievable line-up of talented artists will entertain crowds across three Brisbane venues for this year’s Brisbane Comedy Festival. Check out the line-up and get along to see the leading international and local talent. You can visit the Tivoli, Powerhouse, and Fortitude Music Hall for some of the funniest people on the planet.

6 May – 21 May | Brisbane Street Art Festival

A leading celebration of street art in all its forms, locations around Brisbane highlight important works and emerging artists while celebrating inclusivity and artistic expression. Visit established works, watch live mural painting, attend workshops and discussions. The Brisbane Street Art Festival embraces street art as an important part of the art that surrounds us every day.

11 May – 12 May | Ballet Revolucion 2023

A European sensation returns to Australia with a new show and the same captivating talent. Ballet Revolucion combines traditional ballet and contemporary dance styles, with a Latin flavour throughout. Experience the athleticism, grace, and talent of the performers and the captivating soundtrack.

12 May – 21 May | Botanica

12-21 May 2023

Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside offers special art in a beautiful setting. The City Botanic Gardens in Brisbane will showcase 10 largescale installations that range from sculpture to interactive light displays. Other events will run concurrently, with live performances, food and drink, the AfterDark Walk and Children’s Discovery Trail just some of the added extras that make the outdoor gallery even more exceptional.

16 May – 27 July | Moulin Rouge

See Baz Luhrman’s revolutionary film given new life in an epic stage production. Moulin Rouge opens in May for a truly breath-taking experience. The Lyric Theatre in Brisbane proudly hosts the cast and all the glitz, glamour, and extravagance that goes along with the captivating tale.

7 June – August 6 | Monet in Paris

This international exhibition is making its debut in Brisbane! A multi-sensory, immersive look at the works of Claude Monet and impressionist contemporaries, Monet in Paris allows you to truly experience the art in ground-breaking displays utilising technology to showcase the finest art from the period.

17 Jun 2023 – 27 Aug 2023 | Kungka Kuṉpu: Strong Women

Kungka Kuṉpu: Strong Women hosts major contemporary works by celebrated women artists from the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands. With a culture rich in storytelling, these women share their breathtaking pieces that provide a ground-breaking insight into their representations of oral tradition and the role of women both individually and collaboratively. – cultural custodians of an oral tradition that epitomises the art of storytelling.

3 – 13 August | Bleach Festival

Highlighting the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Gold Coast, Bleach Festival partners with artists from around the state to provide a vibrant, diverse range of events, installations and exhibitions. Celebrate the Gold Coast and its artists as you discover a new world of artistic wonder.

1 – 23 September | Brisbane Festival

An eagerly anticipated yearly event, Brisbane’s culture, heritage, artists, and talented citizens are celebrated at the Brisbane Festival in September. You will find installations and performances in locations around the city, and features an exhilarating line-up including the famous Riverfire on 2 September.

8 – 17 September | Swell Sculpture Festival

Queensland’s largest exhibition of outdoor sculpture returns to the Gold Coast. The highlight of the Swell Sculpture Festival is the sand sculptures that are set on the stunning Currumbin Beach, but there is more to be seen. Walk amongst the intricate works that are crafted for the festival, and visit pop-up installations dotted throughout the Gold Coast that celebrate incredible Australian artists.

1- 21 December | The Ring Cycle

Exclusive to the Lyric Theatre, join in on this 15-hour epic operatic adventure over four nights. Wagner’s Ring Cycle has been brought to the stage by director Chen Shi-Zeng, and is performed by international stars and some of Australia’s best talent.

Travelling to Your Arts and Culture Events in Brisbane and the Gold Coast

Whether you’re travelling to Brisbane or returning home, you can count on our reliable service to travel between the Brisbane Airport and the city, or to your final stop on the Gold Coast. And for a limited time, it’s more affordable than ever! Check out our Return for Free* offer here.

With Airtrain, you will arrive quickly and comfortably from the airport to Brisbane City in 20 minutes. You can disembark at your chosen city station – Airtrain runs express from the Brisbane Airport, but stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations. From there, you can continue on to the Gold Coast, and access buses or trams from Helensvale station to take you further into the city.

Once you have arrived, you can use a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket. Visitors should check out the go seeQ card, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport. The go explore smartcard allows you travel in the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast for up to 8 days, but you don’t have to use them consecutively.

You can easily get around with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination. The go card is accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Use the Translink Journey Planner to plan your travel to the many excellent exhibits and experiences around the cities.

To purchase your smartcards or to find out more, head to the nearest Airtrain counter. You’ll be able to purchase tickets for travel, attractions, and events around South East Queensland. 

Arts and Culture in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

If you’re journeying to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, don’t miss the breath-taking displays of artistic talent that our cities have to offer. From unique cultural and personal viewpoints, arts and culture are celebrated year round making Brisbane and the Gold Coast a captivating destination for lovers of the finer things.

On your explorations, make your trip easier and travel with Airtrain. Bringing you between the Brisbane Airport and the rest of the world, Airtrain are proud to be a part of your journey of artistic discovery in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.