Brisbane Festival Has Launched: Over 1000 Performances Captivate the City Over the Next 23 Days
From colourful installation art to never-before-seen ballet performances, Brisbane Festival offers an unmatched adventure over the next four weeks.
Ready to see Brissie at its most vibrant? The Brisbane Festival launches Saturday, September 6, paving the way for 23 days of exceptional performance, public art and participatory adventures. Running until Saturday, September 27, visitors can get stuck into 106 productions and 1069 performances, with a staggering 2260 artists involved from start to finish.
With so many highlights to explore, it's hard to pick just a few. Yet perhaps the most unmissable is Walk This Way — a kaleidoscopic series of installations crafted by Brisbane art and design duo, Craig & Karl. Transforming the Goodwill, Neville Bonner and Kangaroo Point bridges with large-scale art, there's a good chance you'll never see these structures like this ever again. Meanwhile, pop over to Griffith University's Art Museum for an exhibition that honours the pair.
Marking one of 21 world premieres on the program, Afterglow will fill Brisbane City Botanic Gardens with fire sculptures and candlelit installations. Another global debut is The Great Gatsby-themed show and pop-up club GATSBY at The Green Light, which is heading to Twelfth Night Theatre to celebrate 100 years since F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic book first hit shelves.
"This year's festival is a vibrant tribute to Brisbane – its energy, its creativity, and its people," said Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina. "As my final program, I wanted it to reflect the incredible journey we've shared: bold ideas, heartfelt stories, and unforgettable moments. From large-scale spectacles to intimate community experiences, every event is rooted in a love for this city. I invite everyone to join us this September and be part of something truly special."
JD Lin
Contemporary dance is also a significant focus of this year's schedule. All three chapters of Gems will be presented for the first time, featuring acclaimed choreographer Benjamin Millepied in collaboration with the L.A. Dance Project. Plus, First Nations artist and Bangarra Dance Theatre founder Stephen Page is back home in Brisbane, presenting Baleen Moondjan, which explores the link between baleen whales and Country.
With literally hundreds of more events taking place, now is the perfect time to start planning your Brisbane Festival adventure. "Brisbane Festival is more than just an arts event. It's the jewel in our festival calendar that brings us all together, creates more to see and do in the suburbs and adds to our fantastic lifestyle," says Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.
Laurent Philippe
Brisbane Festival runs from Saturday, September 6–Saturday, September 27, at various locations across Brisbane. Head to the website for more information.
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