Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside

Overview

More than just that patch of grass and trees at the edge of the CBD, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens boasts a whole heap of wonders — gorgeous greenery, ponds filled with cute turtles, free exercise classes and more. From Friday, May 7–Sunday, May 16, it'll also be the site of Brissie's returning major outdoor contemporary art exhibition, Botanica. And this time, it's happening after dark.

For ten days, from 5pm onwards, the gardens will come alive with artworks, talks, installations and microprojections — plus talks, workshops, guided tours, a live drawing performance, spoken word events and a poetry slam evening. Also on the bill: live music, food trucks and a pop-up bar on the fest's two weekends.

The full program will drop in early April, but you can pencil in seeing nine dazzling new outdoor pieces from artists Hiromi Tango, Simone Eisler, Georgie Pinn, Esem Projects, Charlotte Haywood, Jenna Lee, Kellie O'Dempsey, Paul Bai and Georgia Hillas.

If you missed the first two fests in 2018 and 2019 — or if you went along and loved it — 2021's event promises a whole heap of new garden wonders. Either way, prepare to roam through the centre of Brisbane and see its natural splendour in a whole new way.