“Switch On, Light Up, Come Alive” is the theme of this year’s Brisbane Festival, which runs from 4-26 September. This is Ebony Bott’s first Brisbane Festival as Art Director, featuring a range of events, including live music, theatre, opera, dance, talks, and film. We’ve chosen five must-see events that showcase new voices, storytelling, and local talent.
Theatre: Strong is the New Pretty
Strong is the New Pretty is a play written by Suzie Miller and directed by Sarah Giles that will celebrate its world premiere at QPAC as part of the Brisbane Festival. The play tells the story of the AFLW league, starting from the 2010 report that recommended a national women’s league, and the seven-year process of its creation. It stars Lucy Bell, Amy Hack, Amy Ingram, and Alex King among many other talented actors, and is sure to be a favourite with Brisbane Festival audiences.
It runs from 1-19 September and tickets can be found HERE.
Film and Live Music: Attenborough’s Ocean in Concert
Attenborough’s Ocean in Concert features Camerata, Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, playing composer Steven Price’s original score alongside Sir David Attenborough’s film documentary Ocean. The score aligns with Attenborough’s cinematography and his narration about the beauty and importance of the ocean, along with the environmental threats it is currently facing.
Attenborough’s Ocean in Concert will be shown at QPAC on 16 and 17 September, tickets are available HERE.
Live Music: Night at the Parkland Series
Night at the Parkland is a concert series that takes place between 11 and 20 September. The 2026 lineup includes: The Cruel Sea supported by Magic Dirt, The Temper Trap, Human Nature, ICEHOUSE, PNAU, and Missy Higgins. Each concert will be held at the amphitheatre, located within the serene surroundings of Roma Street Parkland. Relax at the back of the venue in the picnic blanket zone, or secure a seat closer to the action.
11th September – The Cruel Sea with Magic Dirt
12th September – The Temper Trap
13th September – Human Nature
18th September – Icehouse
19th September – Pnau
20th September – Missy Higgins
Tickets can be found HERE.
Ballroom: The Alexander Ball 2026
That’s right – they’re throwing a ball, darlings. The Alexander Ball is a ballroom competition inspired by the scene that originated in the 1970s in Harlem, NYC. The House of Alexander, led by House Mother Ella Ganza, will compete alongside walkers from Australia and the rest of the world, to be awarded the Grand Prize in various categories. This is a must-see event for any fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the TV series Pose, or the legendary documentary Paris is Burning. It will have you declaring tens, tens, tens across the board! It takes place at The Princess Theatre on 12 September, and tickets are available HERE.
Dance and Circus: Living Sculptures: How the Birds Got Their Colours
Living Sculptures: How the Birds Got Their Colours takes place outdoors at the Brisbane Festival Village in Southbank. It is a performance that blends storytelling, contemporary circus, and First Nations dance to re-tell the traditional Dreamtime story. It features the ARC Circus, Luther Cora, and members of the Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers. The performance is free, and runs from 5-9 September. Find out more information HERE.
In addition to these events, the 2026 Brisbane Festival will host a series of Neighbourhood Centres workshops, block parties in select suburbs, classical music concerts, choirs and singalongs, and many more events catered for a wide range of ages and interests. Start planning your 2026 Brisbane Festival experiences HERE.
Brisbane Festival Village South Bank image credit Sean Dowling and Atmosphere Photography
