Brisbane is a city full of exciting events throughout the year. It’s a major destination for global events, especially after being chosen to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
There are plenty of big sporting events to look forward to, like the Brisbane International Tennis in January, where top players compete and the Brisbane Cycling festival in March and April which brings together cyclists from all over. Throughout the year, Brisbane’s stadiums host major sports events, from rugby and cricket to tennis. You can catch a test cricket match at The Gabba, see a AFL game during footy season, or watch top-level rugby and tennis.
You can also explore cultural festivals like the Quandamooka Festival on North Stradbroke Island, a beautiful celebration of Indigenous culture through storytelling, music, art, and dance. In September, the city comes alive with the Brisbane Festival, one of the biggest cultural events of the year. It features everything from music and theatre to dance and art and finishes with the spectacular Riverfire fireworks display. The city also hosts BIGSOUND, one of the biggest festivals in Australia showcasing emerging artists across all kinds of genres, performing at different venues around the city. Brisbane’s live music scene is always alive, with local shows, big music festivals, and international artists playing all year round. If comedy is more your thing, check out the Brisbane Comedy Festival in April and May, with performances from top comedians.
Brisbane has also some great food festivals, starting with Scenic Rim Eat Local Month in June. Just an hour from the city, it celebrates local produce with farm-gate events, long lunches, cheese-making workshops and wine-tasting with stunning countryside views. Then, don’t miss the Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival if you are in Brisbane in August. The festival offers a coastal vibe with cooking demonstration, live entertainment, and local produce, all by the water with a beautiful view!