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Events

A concise guide to Brisbane events, weekend plans, markets, exhibitions, gigs, festivals and family-friendly happenings.

Brisbane Beacon original event preview · Arts & family

The Great Aussie Christmas Pantomime

15–19 December 2026 · PIP Theatre, Milton · indelabilityarts

A family-friendly, interactive Christmas show with an Australian twist, created by inclusive theatre company indelabilityarts in collaboration with PIP Theatre.

Read the Brisbane Beacon previewOfficial event details

Independent editorial coverage; production images requested from the organiser.

Brisbane Beacon original event preview · Business & networking

Wednesday 25 November 2026 · 5:30–8:30 pm · The Alva Hotel, Fortitude Valley

Meet Brisbane business owners and hear from Business Chamber Queensland, Dirk van der Lee and Louise Hauser on sustainability, workforce readiness and preparing for new opportunities. Networking, wine and canapés are part of the evening.

Read Brisbane Beacon's event previewOfficial event & registration

Independent unpaid editorial coverage; details supplied directly by the organiser.

BRISBANE BEACON ORIGINAL EVENT COVERAGE

20–22 NOVEMBER 2026 | MORNINGSIDE

Cashless & Care-Free

Circus, movement and live music explore the unseen labour of care.

Vulcana Circus presents an immersive promenade performance at its Morningside Arts Hub, bringing together artists from across generations. Read our independent event preview, including access information and original photographs.

When20–22 Nov · 6:30 pm WhereVulcana Arts Hub TicketsA$25–45

Independent editorial coverage. Photography: Chloe Callistemon, supplied by Vulcana Circus.

Original Vulcana Circus Cashless and Care-Free production photo by Chloe Callistemon Original event photography

BRISBANE BEACON ORIGINAL COVERAGE · ORGANISER-SUPPLIED PHOTOGRAPHY

On the road: two Queensland cycling events for 2027

These are our specially prepared event previews, built from original information and photography supplied directly by Bicycle Queensland. Unlike the automated event feed below, each has a dedicated editorial guide, practical planning advice and credited images.

Original cycling photograph supplied by Bicycle Queensland for Ipswich Scenic 100
Sunday 7 March 2027

ORIGINAL EVENT PREVIEW

Heritage Bank Ipswich Scenic 100

Four cycling challenges — 25 km, 50 km, 100 km and 170 km — beginning and ending at UniSQ Ipswich. Meet the riders, discover the local charity connection and plan your day.

Explore the full event guide and photography →
Original regional cycling photograph supplied by Bicycle Queensland for Weekend at Wondai
23–26 April 2027

ORIGINAL EVENT PREVIEW + FOUR-PHOTO GALLERY

Weekend at Wondai

Gravel, rail trails, supported riding and a country Queensland getaway. See four original Bicycle Queensland photographs and our extended South Burnett event guide.

Explore the full event guide and gallery →

Independent editorial coverage from organiser-supplied materials, 4 November 2026. Please confirm ticketing and details with the organisers.

Brisbane Beacon · Daily city guide

Events happening in Brisbane

Live council listings, markets, free activities and community events. Dates are checked daily; always confirm details with the organiser.

Daily 5:20am AEST

Updated listings are synchronised from official or independently sourced guides when available.

The what's-on edit · November 2026 onward

Coming up around Brisbane

From major musicals and ballet to outdoor concerts and independent arts, here are the Brisbane shows worth planning around. Each event includes the experience, who it might suit and a booking tip; dates and programs are linked to organisers.

21 Oct – 8 Nov 2026Brisbane Powerhouse · New Farm

Melt Festival

Melt brings queer arts and culture to Brisbane Powerhouse through a mix of performance, music and creative expression. The historic riverside venue is part of the experience: arrive early if you want time for a walk around New Farm before the show, or to make an evening of the precinct. Individual productions vary, so read the program rather than assuming every event has the same format or audience.

Before you go: Choose the specific performance first, then confirm its age guidance, accessibility and ticket arrangements.

Official event details & tickets ↗
15 Nov 2026 – 7 Mar 2027Lyric Theatre · QPAC

Disney's The Lion King

The Lion King returns to Brisbane with elaborate puppetry, striking costumes, a large ensemble and a much-loved musical score. It is a substantial theatre outing rather than a short concert, making it an easy anchor for a South Bank afternoon or evening. QPAC lists a running time of around two and a half hours, including an interval, and recommends the production for ages six and over.

Before you go: Book through QPAC or QTIX, check seating and sensory guidance, and consider dinner before or after the show.

Official event details & tickets ↗
1–6 Dec 2026Brisbane Powerhouse · New Farm

Christmas Actually

Christmas Actually is an upbeat stage celebration of the music associated with the film Love Actually, performed by a live band and vocalists. It offers a lively alternative to a traditional Christmas concert and fits well into an evening with friends. Brisbane Powerhouse lists a 90-minute performance and advises that the show contains adult themes and coarse language, so it is better suited to older audiences than a young-family outing.

Before you go: Check the selected session, the venue's age advice and its late-arrival policy before travelling.

Official event details & tickets ↗
9–19 Dec 2026Glasshouse Theatre · QPAC

Queensland Ballet's The Nutcracker

Queensland Ballet's festive production is a classic way to mark December in Brisbane. This reimagined staging brings Clara's story together with striking sets, elaborate costumes and Tchaikovsky's familiar music. It can suit a family tradition, a special evening with visiting relatives or a memorable first visit to ballet. Performance times and suitability guidance are available directly from the company and QPAC.

Before you go: Allow time to reach the South Bank venue, and check the exact performance length and child ticket rules.

Official event details & tickets ↗
12–24 Dec 2026Playhouse · QPAC

A Christmas Carol

The stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol returns to QPAC for Brisbane's festive season. It is a good option when you're after a narrative theatre experience instead of a music-only Christmas event, and it makes an appealing addition to a December city visit. The South Bank cultural precinct gives you plenty of choices for an early meal or a riverside walk around your performance.

Before you go: Read the current production's age and content notes, and check seating availability on QPAC's official calendar.

Official event details & tickets ↗
2 Jan – 14 Feb 2027Playhouse · QPAC

SIX the Musical

SIX turns the six wives of Henry VIII into pop-star storytellers in a fast-paced, concert-style musical. With its sharp humour, colourful staging and songs built for a big night out, it works well for groups of friends and visitors who like contemporary theatre. QPAC lists the performance at approximately 80 minutes without an interval, making it comparatively easy to pair with an evening meal nearby.

Before you go: Check age guidance and accessible-performance listings; the Playhouse may have different entry details from other QPAC theatres.

Official event details & tickets ↗
Feb – Mar 2027Cultural Forecourt · South Bank

On the Banks

On the Banks transforms part of South Bank's Cultural Forecourt into an outdoor riverside concert setting. The announced 2027 program includes artists such as Leon Bridges, The Avalanches, Fatboy Slim and other major acts across different nights. This is not one continuous event: each headline concert has its own date, ticket and conditions, so plan around the performer you actually want to see.

Before you go: Expect an outdoor standing-event format for some concerts; check age restrictions, weather advice and entry times for your chosen show.

Official event details & tickets ↗
19–20 Mar 2027Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert

This concert event offers a different way to experience the original Star Wars film, pairing a live orchestral performance of the soundtrack with a big-screen presentation. It is particularly appealing for film fans, soundtrack lovers and visitors after a shared experience that feels distinct from an ordinary cinema screening. The South Brisbane venue is close to restaurants and other cultural activities if you want to build a longer outing.

Before you go: Check the official ticket listing for exact session times, seating and film classification before booking.

Official event details & tickets ↗

Source: Brisbane City Council events guide. Listed dates are organiser schedules, not a live ticket inventory.

Plan it well · Brisbane events

Make the most of a Brisbane event

Picking a show is only the first step. A good night out also depends on how you get there, where you eat and whether the event suits everyone in your group. These simple checks can make the experience smoother.

Choose the right precinct

QPAC sits within South Bank's cultural precinct, where galleries, river walks and restaurants make a full afternoon possible. Brisbane Powerhouse is in New Farm, while the Cultural Forecourt hosts outdoor programs. Confirm the actual entrance and venue name.

Allow time for the show

A full-length musical or ballet can take more than two hours; a concert may have separate door and performance times. Read your ticket confirmation before committing to a restaurant reservation or public transport connection.

Think about comfort and access

For outdoor concerts, check weather conditions, standing-room rules and age limits. For theatre, review accessible seating, sensory information and Companion Card arrangements directly with the organiser.

These are original Brisbane Beacon planning notes based on current event-organiser information. Prices, running times, cast and dates may change. Expired featured events are removed automatically; historical event guides remain available. Editorial review: 1 November 2026.

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Primary guide

More event and festival guides

These editorial guides may cover previous seasons. Confirm current dates on the official organiser websites before travelling or booking.

Why This Matters

Every events page is edited for Brisbane readers first: useful, current, local and easy to act on.

Related Reading

Brisbane this weekend, things to do in Brisbane and South Bank guide.

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