Each year in September, Brisbane transforms into a city-wide stage as part of the annual Brisbane Festival. The month-long celebration features a spectacular program of music, theatre, dance, art and outdoor experiences, making it one of the highlights of the Brisbane entertainment calendar. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time festival fan, Brisbane Festival is an unforgettable way to experience the best of the Brisbane entertainment and arts scene.
The best part? Many of the festival’s attractions and events are just a short walk from Brisbane’s train stations, making it easy to leave the car behind and enjoy a seamless journey into the city with Airtrain. So book your tickets, plan your journey and get ready to discover why September is one of the most exciting times to visit the River City.
Music
From intimate gigs to large-scale concerts, Brisbane Festival presents an eclectic line-up of musical performances spanning classical, jazz, indie, electronic and world music. Whether you’re after a relaxed evening under the stars or an energetic live show, the festival’s music program showcases some of the very best Brisbane entertainment on offer.
Music highlights at Brisbane Festival 2026 include:
- Musical Mantras with Camerata – Spend your Sunday morning with Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, whose breathtaking music will guide you into serenity.
- Night at the Parkland – Various popular Australian bands and solo acts play at Roma Street Parkland on different nights, including Missy Higgins, Human Nature, The Temper Trap, PNAU and more.
- Piano Man – A late-night piano bar party in South Bank, with everything from piano bar classics through recent pop hits, jazz standards and showtunes.
Theatre and live performance
Brisbane Festival features acclaimed theatre productions, thought-provoking performances and contemporary works from around the world. If you’re looking for world-class Brisbane entertainment, the festival’s theatre and live performance program delivers something for every taste.
Theatre and live performance highlights at Brisbane Festival 2026 include:
- The Choir of Man – The West End acclaimed, worldwide smash hit featuring music from artists such as Queen, Sia, Guns N/ Roses, Adele, Avicii and Katy Perry.
- Fijian Flying Circus – A spectacular, high-energy celebration of spirit, culture and joy.
- Escape – A show of boundary-breaking human movement that blends dance, stunt work, acrobatics and circus acts.
Outdoor art and installations
Part of the magic of Brisbane Festival is discovering unexpected artworks and installations in public spaces. Throughout the inner-city suburbs, keep an eye out for interactive displays, illuminated sculptures and pop-up performances that bring laneways, parks and plazas to life. These free experiences are a great way to enjoy the festival atmosphere while exploring different parts of the city.
Art highlights at Brisbane Festival 2026 include:
- Bright Nights – A rock-pop symphony of water, light and sound, with free shows three times nightly throughout the festival.
- Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company – An exhibition exploring the imaginative storytelling and world-building of The Jim Henson Company.
- Queensland Regional Art Awards – Australia’s largest regional art award, showcasing new artworks by artists living in regional Queensland.
Getting to Brisbane Festival with Airtrain
If you’re flying in to experience the some of the best Brisbane entertainment at Brisbane Festival, Airtrain offers a convenient connection from the airport to the heart of the city. Services run frequently between Brisbane Airport and Brisbane’s key stations, including Central, South Brisbane and Roma Street, placing many festival venues within easy reach.
Travelling to Brisbane Festival is easy with a go card, accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. You can also pay for your journey with Smart Ticketing – simply tap and travel using your Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards.