Start planning for September because Brisbane Festival’s program is full to bursting with incredible art, performances and, of course, live music shows, so if you want to catch most — or even all! — of them, you’ll need a calendar, your most type-A friend, and the following information.
Starting with the jaw-dropping Tivoli in the Round, which is back to transform one of Brisbane’s most legendary live music venues into an immersive — and impressive — 360-degree arena for another year, letting come closer than ever to your musical idols. First off, hometown hero Mallrat, whose most recent album, Light Hit My Face Like a Straight Right, was released just earlier this year, will be kicking things off with a bang on September 5, supported by ethereal pop outfit Sissy and 2Charm.
Then, get your dancing shoes on because it’s garage-pop trio Phantastic Ferniture’s turn to make you groove, supported by indie-folk emerging darling Juice Webster, on September 9. The day after may be September 10, 2025, but you will be travelling back in time thanks to C.W. Stoneking’s jazz, calypso and gospel early 20th-century rhythms, preceded by the powerful country vocals of Freya Josephine Hollick.
It’s time then to journey back to the future, with Scottish producer Franck bringing his rave-ready sound to the stage and getting techno fans bopping to his beats, along with ISGWAN, Emma Moon and SF Fudge on September 12 and, last but most definitely not least, electronica trailblazer Odd Mobb will close out Tivoli in the Round with his unique, chart-topping mix of house, bass and club on September 13.
That doesn’t mean the show’s over though! Brisbane Powerhouse will join in on the melodies, fusing contemporary and classical music as world-famous violinist Véronique Serret performs her ARIA-nominated album Migrating Bird live for the first time ever on September 14, joined by special guest William Barton, who will bring the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo to the mix.
On that same day, but in no way playing second fiddle, the unforgettable surround-sound spectacle 100 Guitars will leave you in awe of the power of music and community as 100 electric guitarists from all over the city unite to create an incredible sound. This very special performance will also feature musicians from famed local arts organisation, Topology, helping to round out the melody.
The Powerhouse’s Underground Theatre on September 18 will see JADE Ensemble premiere its groundbreaking work, 響和 Kyo-Wa, Harmonic Resonance, which combines the artistry of First Nations and Asian musicians, for an entirely unique sound unlike anything you’ve heard before. Followed by vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and Brisbane local Hannah Macklin and her band threading together songs from her new album with elements of improvisation on September 20.
Brisbane’s historical buildings also get a turn, with The Princess Theatre playing host to multi-platinum artist Winston Surfshirt’s signature blend of R&B, funk and hip-hop on September 26, and then Indo Warehouse will be showcasing their unparalleled feel for the dance floor and innovative marriage of organice percussion, South Asian cultural elements and club aesthetics the next day.
Guitarist and songwriter John Butler’s appearance on September 19 is sold out already, as is English rock band Wunderhorse’s show, so keep your eyes peeled for tickets on resale if you were hoping to catch them. Beloved singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko’s first performance is also sold out, but don’t worry! She has added a second show on September 23, so if you’ve been dreaming of hearing the wonderful tunes off albums such as The Overture & The Underscore and What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have, you still have a chance.
If you prefer your concerts under the skies, Night at the Parkland, taking over Brisbane’s spectacular Roma Street Parkland Amphitheatre throughout September is what you’re looking for, with iconic headliners including ICEHOUSE, Xavier Rudd, GRINSPOON, Amy Shark, and much more. Meanwhile Brisbane Serenades also makes a return, bringing free outdoor concerts to life in parks, gardens and neighbourhoods across the city. Plus, the Festival Club at QPAC’s Melbourne St Green will be the place to be, with live DJ sets, and bites and drinks to keep you fuelled and dancing through the night!
Practical info
Tivoli in the Round
See the full program and get your tickets here.
- September 5 – Mallrat with Sissy and 2Charm
- September 9 – Phantastic Ferniture with Juice Webster
- September 10 – C.W. Stoneking with Freya Josephine Hollick
- September 12 – Franck with ISGWAN, Emma Moon and SF Fudge
- September 13 – Odd Mob
- September 25 – Sarah Blasko (sold out)
📍The Tivoli, 52 Costin St, Fortitude Valley
Brisbane Powerhouse
See the full program and tickets here.
- September 14 – Migrating Bird by Véronique Serret featuring William Barton
- September 18 – JADE Ensemble
- September 20 – Hannah Macklin
📍The Tivoli, 52 Costin St, Fortitude Valley
The Princess Theatre
See the full program and tickets here.
- September 19 – John Butler with Emma Donovan (sold out)
- September 23 – Sarah Blasko
- September 24 – Wunderhorse (sold out)
- September 26 – Winston Surfshirt
- September 27 – Indo Warehouse
Brisbane Serenades
See the full program and tickets here.
- September 7 – Pasifika Made at Brisbane Powerhouse
- September 12 – Manly Serenades at George Clayton Park
- September 13 – Moorooka Block Party at Peggs Park
- September 20 – St Lucia Serenades at the University of Queensland
Night at the Parkland
See the full program and tickets here.
- September 5 – ICEHOUSE
- September 6 – Lime Cordiale & Jack River
- September 7 – Xavier Rudd
- September 11 – Amy Shark
- September 12 – Grinspoon
- September 13 – Cut Copy & guest KLP
- September 14 – James Johnston