The Art Boat

Overview

Brisbane is a river city, and there are plenty of things that you can do while you're on, near or around the Brown Snake that winds through the centre of town. But The Art Boat, which returns as part of Brisbane Festival again in 2024, just might be the most-creative option — because it'll have you floating along the waterway while immersed in a cruising art party.

Unsurprisingly, this event has proven a hit in the past, which is why it is back again this year. This time, it's setting sail from Pontoon B on the Clem Jones Promenade at South Bank, taking a 75-minute voyage between Thursday–Sunday from Friday, August 30–Saturday, September 21.

Whichever day and time you hop onboard — at 5pm and 7pm on Thursdays; the same slots plus 9pm on Fridays; all three and also 2pm on Saturdays; and 2pm, 5pm and 7pm on Sundays — you're in for the BRIEFS FACTORY experience. The crew is doing the curating, while Fez Faanana, Mark Winmill and Brett Rosengreen will be your guides alongside special guests.

Josh McIntosh has designed patterned tentacles to deck out the vessel, and DJs will be spinning music to suit the mix of burlesque, drag and circus, too — plus more awaits depending on which sail you take. The 2pm slots are designed for all ages, Thursday evenings are about date nights and Fridays will mark starting the weekend. On Saturdays, celebrating pride and glamour will shape the fun, and there's bingo and unplugged tunes on Sundays.