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.