For a dynamic 23 days in September, from the 5th to the 27th, Brisbane Festival will transform the city into a place where anything can happen and where art can be found in every corner, from towering whale bones on the river to a world premiere dance trilogy, and bridges reimagined as vibrant works of art.
Bringing together 2,260 artists across 1,069 performances, including 21 world premieres, the festival is an absolutely unmissable date on the cultural calendar. And, with accessibility in mind and a commitment to bringing world-class art to the whole city, over 39% of the program this year will be free!
Speaking about her last year as the festival’s Artistic Director, Louise Bezzina said, “This year’s program is a love letter to Brisbane — bold, joyful, and created with and for the city. My final festival is a celebration of everything Brisbane Festival has become: a world-class event with a fiercely local heart. From world premieres to deeply resonant community works, this year’s program is ambitious in scale and grounded in storytelling, deeply connected to the people and places that make this city so special. As the city comes alive this September, I welcome everyone to take their place in the story.”
Perhaps the most striking piece will come in the form of a major new commission from Brisbane’s own Craig & Karl, the globally renowned art and design visionaries who return home with their largest and most ambitious project to date. For ANZ’s Walk This Way by Craig & Karl, the duo will transform three of Brisbane’s most prominent pedestrian bridges — the Neville Bonner Bridge, the Goodwill Bridge, and Kangaroo Point Bridge — into breathtaking, colourful, large-scale artistic interventions that’ll invite even lifelong Brisbanites to see the city through new eyes.
Dance will be well represented with internationally renowned choreographer Benjamin Millepied and L.A. Dance Project bringing together a triptych of visually and emotionally arresting dance works for the first time in a world premiere staging at Brisbane Festival.
On the other hand, at the water’s edge, Baleen Moondjan unfolds as a breathtaking contemporary ceremony from visionary First Nations artist Stephen Page, with a powerful large-scale performance staged on a floating barge beneath the night sky, where towering sculptural whale bones rise from the water.
The festival will also be lighting up the city — literally. Riverfire will ignite the opening weekend with one of Australia’s most spectacular fireworks displays, Skylore is coming back with 400 drones telling a traditional story from Brisbane’s First Nations people, and, finally, Afterglow will take audiences on a mesmerising journey through a dreamscape of fire sculptures, candlelit artworks and live performances with the City Botanic Gardens as the stunning backdrop.
The jam-packed program will also feature cabaret performances, Shakespeare reimaginings, photography exhibitions, comedic performances and a concert series at some of Brisbane’s most iconic venues and outdoor spaces.
Brisbane Festival goes a step further still to make the whole city a part of celebration, with events like 100 Guitars, which unites players of all skill levels in a powerful mass-participation performance that fosters collaboration, connection and the joy of making music as one, and other immersive and participatory experiences.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said this iconic arts festival would be a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to support local artists and experience the city’s creative spirit: “Brisbane Festival is more than an arts event — it’s a celebration of our identity as Australia’s lifestyle capital.
“It shines a spotlight on our creativity, diversity, and world-class local talent, bringing them to centre stage for all to enjoy.
“This year’s program will transform every corner of our city with unforgettable experiences — from large-scale international collaborations to vibrant, community-driven works.
“I encourage everyone to get involved, explore the city in new ways and be part of this extraordinary celebration that puts Brisbane’s culture, colour and community front and centre.”
See the full program and get tickets to your favourite events here!