Brisbane is a city known for scenic views and green parklands, but this Queensland hub is also the location of several major events and festivals throughout the year.
From art showcases to sports and races, there’s something for everyone here. Check out our top picks for events and festivals in Brisbane.
Tour de Brisbane
Tour de Brisbane is open to hard-core riders looking to push themselves or beginners seeking a fun day with friends and family. This closed road event is designed to showcase the beauty of Brisbane, with every race passing the iconic Story Bridge and the city’s top attractions.
For serious competitors, placing in the top 20 percent of your age group in the Long Ride UCI Gran Fondo will give you the opportunity to represent Australia at the 2024 World Championships.
As part of the event, the Brisbane Showgrounds will host a variety of activities, food vendors and stalls to keep families entertained.
Date: 14 April
Brisbane Marathon Festival
The first official Brisbane Marathon was held in 1992, and since then it has grown to attract participants from more than 35 countries every year. The fun, welcoming atmosphere encourages participation from all levels of runners, with a focus on building fitness as a community.
Participants can choose to enter a wide range of events, including the full marathon, 10km fun run or 2km mini marathon. As the event is AIMS certified, marathon finishers can qualify for major events around the world, including the London and New York marathons.
Dates: 1-2 June
World Science Festival Brisbane
A festival that takes science out of the labs and brings it to parks, museums, galleries and other venues all around the city in order to make science accessible and engaging for everyone.
Since its inception in 2016, World Science Festival Brisbane has attracted 1.5 million visitors. Hosted by the Queensland Museum Network, the 2024 program will feature events for kids and adults alike. Join Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb in a discussion on curiosity and discovery with renowned Aussie scientists. Or, watch robots battle it out as bot builders from around the country set their creations on each other to take the title of Robowars champion.
Dates: TBA
Anywhere Fringe
Anywhere Fringe is a combination of Brisbane’s popular Fringe Festival and Anywhere Festival. The program includes comedy, cabaret, circus, theatre, dance and spoken word, but with a twist; events can be held anywhere except traditional performance venues.
Whether it be a park, a library, or somewhere else entirely, shows will pop up all around the city. Anywhere Fringe also hosts escape rooms and immersive shows to really help visitors dive into the world of performance. This unique festival is a way to show us that art is all around us in every little thing.
Dates: 18 July – 3 August
Brisbane Festival
As a celebration of art and culture, Brisbane Festival showcases the best theatre, circus, music, comedy and interactive art found in the country. It works closely with top local artists to develop vibrant performances and installations, set against the backdrop of Brisbane’s most iconic locations.
Each year, the festival opens with Riverfire, a dazzling fireworks display that lights up the night sky. In 2024, visitors can also expect theatre shows such as Fancy Long Legs, a children’s musical extravaganza developed by Brisbane’s own Rachel Burke, and Spirit of the Wild, a musical performance transporting listeners to wild natural places.
Dates: 31 August – 28 September
Asian Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art
The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11) is a celebration of diversity in every form, made up of 70 incredible projects featuring more than 200 artists from Australia, Asia and the Pacific.
Through exhibitions, performances and discussions, visitors are encouraged to engage with major themes of environmental care, intergenerational migration, histories of storytelling and more. APT11 champions First Nations and minority communities, highlighting how art can bring people together
The program also includes activities for young people, as well as cinematic events and research projects designed to challenge ideals and spark new ideas.
Dates: 30 November 2024 – 27 April 2025
Can’t get enough of these wonderful events and festivals in Brisbane? Check out what’s on offer in Hobart.
Travel to Brisbane
Rex flies to Brisbane. Book your flights here or check out the route map below.
