It’s Spring in the southern hemisphere and Brisbane celebrates with gusto. If we had to come up with a title for this time of year, it would be Creative Joy.
This month's offering of fine art, al fresco shows, concerts, music, dance, cabaret, outstanding dining and bars is an explosion of pleasure and pure fun. Presented by this very Australian city, it is as you would expect... balmy nights, bold outdoor programming, the sheer delight of being out and about with friends and family, and the friendly embrace that the locals give to so much international talent.
As winter meekly slips away in this sub-tropical climate, the city and surrounds explode with the culturally global powerhouse that is the three week BRISBANE FESTIVAL (yes, even the New York Times waxes lyrical about the creative program). It is a rich and carefully curated assortment of local and international performances, creative arts and music. There is a mix of indoor, outdoor, free and ticketed events, and we’re always left a little weary when the final curtain draws because there is just so much to do! Fortunately, it is food for the soul.
The Festival launches on Saturday the 6th with RIVERFIRE – a fireworks spectacular that erupts along the river, coupled with aerial displays by the Australian Defence Force (think fighter jets and helicopters). Its free, fabulous, and one night only.
- WHEN: 6 - 27 September
- WHERE: All over the city, along the river, its gardens and cultural venues
BIG SOUND is a three day music conference and industry meet-up that takes over the streets and venues of the Valley – aka Fortitude Valley - the gritty, rough around the edges, collection of streets and alleyways home to an abundance of exceptional live music venues, bars and all manner of dining. It is the future of Australian music. Artists come here to be found while global music honchos come to discover new talent... the buzz is electric.
- WHEN: 2 - 5 September
- WHERE: Fortitude Valley venues and laneways
Add to this rich platter of culture THE BRISBANE PORTRAIT PRIZE, now in it’s sixth year. A portrait competition where the artist and sitter must have some connection to greater Brisbane. With over 600 entries this year, the depth of Brisbane’s creative talent can be summed up in that one spectacular number.
- WHEN: 7 September - 9 November
- WHERE: Queensland State Library
It’s the final weeks of WONDERSTRUCK, an exhibition exploring the wonder that can be found in both the ordinary and the extraordinary. Presented throughout the ground floor of the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), the exhibition invites visitors on a journey from spectacular large-scale artworks to captivating small treasures and immersive experiences.
- WHEN: 28 June - 6 October
- WHERE: GOMA, Kurilpa Point
NIGHT AT THE PARKLAND is a concert series under the stars, featuring some incredible Aussie bands like Lime Cordiale, Icehouse, Amy Shark and Grinspoon. Held in the beautiful Roma Street Parklands right on the edge of the city, it's a quintessential Brisbane night out.
- WHEN: 5 - 14 September
- WHERE: Roma Street Parklands
SNAP BLAK is a newly opened, contemporary, First Nations photography exhibit that brings together dynamic examples of photography championing Indigenous self-representation.
- WHEN: 30th August - September 2026
- WHERE: GOMA, Kurilpa Point
Take a day trip or a weekend escape up onto the range for the TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS. Stroll amongst the beautiful florals (40 million petals and counting) before slipping down a laneway to discover great coffee and street art in this lovely and historic regional town. This festival has been blooming since 1949!
- WHEN: 12 September - 6 October
- WHERE: Toowoomba
Yet another day trip opportunity this month will take you to Ipswich for GALVANIZED: A Festival of Heritage. Experience colonial history, workshops, ghost tours, and displays of heritage trades like blacksmithing just for starters. While you're there, don’t miss Ipswich’s beautiful regional art gallery and it's epic Railway Museum.
- WHEN: 5 – 14 September
- WHERE: Ipswich
Oh, and then there's some Sport!
It's Finals month for both the AFL and NRL codes, so catch a game at the Gabba or Suncorp stadium and soak up the fantastic atmosphere that is sport in Queensland… Go Lions! Go Broncos!
September... it's time to go out and be alive!