Everything You Need To Know About Brisbane Festival
We <3 Brisbane
While we should celebrate our River City every day of the year, it’s in September that the real party begins, as Brisbane bursts into a flurry of culture and festivity.
Returning for another exciting year, Brisbane Festival will be igniting the city this September from 30 August to 21 September. With the cold weather almost behind us by then, Brisbanites will be coming out of hibernation and ready to party, making for a memorable month of celebrations.
What’s on the agenda you ask?
Led by Artistic Director Louise Bezzine, we’ve been told to ready ourselves for almost a month-long string of world premieres, Aussie exclusives, Queensland commissions, and Brisbane spotlights to grace our city during the Brisbane Festival.
Sit back, grab a bev, and relax while we tell you what’s on the cards this year.
Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show
30 Aug – 15 Sep | South Bank Piazza
Hold onto your hats fashion lovers, do we have news for you! Hailing from France and strutting the streets of South Bank will be Jean Paul Gaultier’s Freak Fashion Show, where a clash of fashion, music, pop culture, cabaret and art will wow audiences in its exclusive Australian premiere. Debuting in the show will be Indigenous artist Grace Lillian Lee whose exciting collaboration with the iconic designer will be exhibited.
Volcano
30 Aug – 14 Sep | Brisbane Powerhouse
Think Netflix but make it live with Volcano, the never-before-seen hybrid production that plays out over four, 45-minute episodes. Combining theatre and dance with television sci-fi thriller, this is one for the binge-watchers.
Straight from the Strait
28 – 31 Aug | QPAC Playhouse
Experience the world premier of opera production Straight from the Strait. This show tells the chilling true tale of Torres Strait Islander workers who built a railway track in a single day, delving into the hardships experienced.
Lightscape
29 Aug – 12 Oct | Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Feast your eyes on Brisbane’s iconic multisensory experience of light, colour, and sound held in Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Showcasing acclaimed local and international artists, lose yourself under canopies of light and immerse yourself in the art.
Trent Dalton’s Love Stories
10 – 29 Sep | QPAC Playhouse
Author of the best-selling novel and hit Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe, Trent Dalton is coming to QPAC for his world premiere of Love Stories, the acclaimed anthology of true tales of love.
The Art Boat
30 Aug – 21 Sep | South Bank
All aboard the Brisbane Festival’s Art Boat, the unforgettable voyage through the heart of Brisbane setting sail from South Bank. Against city vistas, experience art like never before with a stellar lineup of guest artists and performers.
Skylore – The Rainbow Serpent
19 – 21 Sep | South Bank
After the major success that was last year’s Nieergoo: Spirit of the Whale, the mesmerising drone show returns for another year featuring over 400 synchronised drones that will animate an incredible First Nations story.
Riverfire
31 Aug | South Bank
And of course, Riverfire. Undoubtedly one of the most exciting days in Brisbane’s calendar, Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust returns for another spectacular year, lighting up the skies of our gorgeous city. Fire by Foti Fireworks will sparkle from Brisbane’s bridges, barges, and rooftops, wowing crowds huddled riverside.
@BrisbaneFestival
Many of these showcases are exclusive and limited, so with kick-off in just under 3 months, be sure to grab your tickets before they sell out.
Check out Brisbane Festival’s full program here.
Header: @BrisbaneFestival
