Brisbane Festival is just around the corner, and this year's line up is next-level. Scoop up your tickets ASAP to catch the hottest acts in town, but don’t sleep on the epic free events too. We’ve rounded up our top picks and must-sees, so get on it and grab those in-demand tickets before they’re all gone!
Gems
The groundbreaking contemporary ballet trilogy shared in full for the first time. Gems by Benjamin Millepied is a bold, world-premiere ballet reimagining Balanchine’s Jewels through a modern lens. Presented by L.A. Dance Project with Van Cleef & Arpels, this stunning performance features a live score by Camerata and pianist Yanfeng (Tony) Bai. Twelve years in the making, it’s an unforgettable Brisbane-exclusive dance event. Reserve your spot here.
La Bohème
Puccini’s romantic masterpiece returns to tug at the heartstrings. La bohème follows a passionate love story between poet Rodolfo and seamstress Mimì, set against a sweeping score filled with iconic arias and duets. Whether you’re an opera buff or a first-timer, this one will move you. Reserve tickets here.
Preparing Ground
Raw, powerful and urgent. Preparing Ground is a celebration of First Nations storytelling and connection to land, developed over six years with the performers’ communities. It weaves together themes of Sovereignty, memory and care for Country. Reserve your ticket here.
Milestone
William Yang reflects on his extraordinary life in this deeply personal, image-rich performance. Backed by Camerata and Elena Kats-Chernin’s haunting score, Milestone explores family, culture and identity with Yang’s signature warmth and honesty. Book your ticket here.
A Place In The Sultan’s Kitchen
Joshua Hinton serves up memories, music and curry in this funny and moving solo show. As he recreates his grandmother’s chicken curry live on stage, he shares stories that span continents and generations in a powerful exploration of belonging. Secure a ticket here.
The Bogong’s Song – A Call to Country
A bedtime story becomes a dreamlike journey in this heartfelt work blending storytelling, dance, puppetry and song. Created for primary-aged kids, The Bogong’s Song shares deep connection to Country, family and the voices of ancestors. Reserve your ticket here.
Free Events
Riverfire
Brisbane Festival kicks off with the spectacular Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust on 6 September and South Bank is THE best spot to view the fireworks. Experience the spectacle as Foti Fireworks light up the sky from bridges, barges and rooftops in a dazzling celebration of sound and light. Entertainment from 4pm and fireworks from 7pm.
Skylore – Nieergoo: Spirit of the Whale Drone Show
Hundreds of drones dazzle the night sky. Skylore is a larger-than-life highlight of Brisbane Festival and a bright and bold celebration of our city, Culture and place. Catch this magical display from South Bank at 7:15pm, 8:15pm and 9:15pm on 25, 26 and 27 September.
