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Brisbane’s festival scene is buzzing year-round, serving up some of the country’s best celebrations. From the iconic Brisbane Festival lighting up South Bank to the agricultural charm of the Ekka, this guide covers the events that make Brisbane Australia’s unofficial festival capital. Pack your best fezzy shirt, it’s time to discover the best events on the River City’s party calendar.
In This Blog
What Makes Brisbane Festivals So Epic?
Brisbane’s compact layout puts most festivals within easy reach of each other. You can catch a morning show at South Bank, grab lunch in Fortitude Valley, and end up at a rooftop bar in Woolloongabba – all without breaking a sweat!
Brisbane’s festivals also embrace the city's laid-back spirit. Even the biggest events maintain that welcoming, unpretentious vibe that makes everyone feel at home. Whether you're a festival veteran or first-timer, you'll find your tribe here.
Plus, with the city’s subtropical climate, festival season never really ends!
Top Brisbane Festivals
Brisbane's festival calendar spans everything from world-class arts to authentic cultural celebrations. Here's your guide to some of the highlights.
Brisbane Festival
The Brisbane Festival in September is Australia's largest arts festival, transforming South Bank into a cultural playground for three weeks. This heavyweight event brings together theatre, dance, music, and visual arts across multiple venues.
The festival's free outdoor events are legendary. Think riverside concerts, street performances, and the famous Riverfire fireworks finale that lights up the entire city. Book accommodation early – this one draws crowds from across Australia.
- When: September (usually mid-month)
- Where: South Bank and venues across Brisbane
- Cost: Mix of free and ticketed events (tickets from $25–$150)
- Family-friendly: Absolutely – kids' programs and free outdoor performances
- How to get tickets: Purchase tickets directly through Brisbane Festival's official website
Woodford Folk Festival
Woodford Folk Festival over December/January is Australia's most beloved folk festival, creating a temporary city of music lovers just one hour north of Brisbane. This six-day camping experience features 2,000+ performers across 35+ venues.
The festival's "cultural menu" includes everything from world music to comedy, poetry, and workshops. Shuttle buses run from Brisbane, but many festival-goers drive and camp on-site for the full experience.
- When: December 27 – January 1
- Where: Woodford (90 minutes north of Brisbane)
- Cost: 6-day pass around $450–$650 (children under 12 free)
- Family-friendly: Extremely – dedicated kids' areas and family camping
- How to get tickets: Buy tickets through the official Woodford Folk Festival website
BIGSOUND
BIGSOUND in September showcases new music talent across Fortitude Valley's live music venues. This industry-focused festival combines public showcases with music industry conferences.
The Valley's layout means you can venue-hop easily, discovering your new favourite band every few hours. Many emerging artists use BIGSOUND as their launching pad to bigger things.
- When: September (usually early to mid-month)
- Where: Fortitude Valley venues
- Cost: Showcase passes from $150–$300
- Family-friendly: Generally 18+ due to venue licensing
- How to get tickets: Tickets available through Oztix via the official BIGSOUND website.
Brisbane Comedy Festival
The Brisbane Comedy Festival in February/March turns the city into Australia's laugh capital, with venues across town hosting local and international comedians. This three-week festival features everything from intimate club shows to big theatre productions.
Popular venues include the Powerhouse and various smaller comedy clubs. Book early for big-name international acts, they sell out fast.
- When: February – March
- Where: Multiple venues city-wide
- Cost: Individual shows $25–$75, festival passes available
- Family-friendly: Dedicated kids' shows and family-friendly performances
- How to get tickets: Tickets available through the official Brisbane Comedy Festival website and individual venue box offices.
NRL Magic Round
NRL Magic Round in May transforms Brisbane into rugby league's unofficial capital, with all 16 NRL teams playing at Suncorp Stadium across one massive weekend. This three-day festival of footy draws over 150,000 fans to the city.
The festival atmosphere spills into the streets, with fan zones, live music, and rugby league legends appearing throughout the city. Book accommodation months in advance – this weekend sells out Brisbane's short-stay options fast.
- When: May (usually second weekend)
- Where: Suncorp Stadium, Milton
- Cost: Individual match tickets from $30–$120, weekend passes available
- Family-friendly: Perfect for families – kids' activities and fan zones
- How to get tickets: Buy tickets through the official NRL website or through Ticketek.
Paniyiri Greek Festival
The Paniyiri Greek Festival in May transforms Musgrave Park into a slice of the Mediterranean. This two-day celebration features traditional Greek food, music, and dancing.
The festival's food stalls are legendary – think fresh souvlaki, baklava, and Greek coffee. Traditional dancing performances happen throughout both days.
- When: May (usually second weekend)
- Where: Musgrave Park, South Brisbane
- Cost: Entry around $15–$25 adults, children free
- Family-friendly: Perfect for families – kids' activities and cultural performances
- How to get tickets: Purchase tickets from the event website or at the gate on festival days.
Scenic Rim Eat Local Month
Scenic Rim Eat Local Month in May celebrates the region's farm-to-table movement through restaurant specials, farmers markets, and agricultural tours. This month-long celebration spans the beautiful hinterland just south of Brisbane.
- When: May (throughout the month)
- Where: Scenic Rim region (45 minutes south of Brisbane)
- Cost: Individual dining events from $25–$150, many free activities
- Family-friendly: Excellent for families – farm visits and educational activities
- How to get tickets: Many events are free; ticketed events can be booked through participating restaurants and venues directly.
Ekka (Royal Queensland Show)
The Ekka in August is Brisbane's beloved agricultural show, combining farm heritage with thrilling rides and showbags galore. This 10-day event at RNA Showgrounds celebrates Queensland's country roots.
The Ekka's agricultural competitions showcase Queensland's farming excellence, while the sideshow alley provides carnival thrills. Don't miss the famous strawberry sundaes, they're an Ekka institution.
- When: August (usually second week)
- Where: RNA Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
- Cost: Adult tickets around $30–$40, children $15–$20
- Family-friendly: Absolutely! Rides, animals, and showbags are kid magnets
- How to get tickets: Purchase tickets through the official Ekka website or at the gate.
Tips for Getting Around Brisbane
Brisbane's public transport system makes festival-hopping easy, with special services during major events.
Transport options:
- CityCat ferries: Perfect for South Bank festivals, running every 15-20 minutes
- Buses: Extra services to major festivals, with dedicated festival stops
- Train: Direct services to RNA Showgrounds for the Ekka
- Ride-sharing: Surge pricing during peak times, but convenient for late-night venues
Of course, when you stay at one of Rambla’s Brisbane stays, you could find yourself within walking distance of many of these events! Check out our properties here.
What to Pack for a Brisbane Festival
Brisbane's weather can shift from sunny to stormy in minutes, so smart packing is essential.
Festival essentials:
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Rain gear: Compact umbrella or poncho for afternoon storms
- Comfortable shoes: You'll be doing lots of walking and standing
- Portable charger: Essential for tickets, maps, and staying connected
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce waste
- Small backpack: For carrying essentials between venues
Many festivals have bag restrictions, so check individual event guidelines before packing.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Brisbane's Festival Scene
Whether you're planning a weekend or a month-long festival adventure, Rambla's Brisbane locations put you right in the heart of the action – Story House in Kangaroo Point for riverside festivals, Perry House in Bowen Hills for unmatched CBD access, Berwick House in Fortitude Valley for music events, and South City SQ in Woolloongabba for everything in between.
Booking directly gets you bonuses like complementary parking and late check-out when you need a bit of a sleep-in.
Ready to dive into Australia's most diverse festival scene? Book your Brisbane base today.
