This spring, Brisbane Festival kicks off three weeks of entertainment, art, music and culture across the city. But as much as we love our city-wide festival, there’s more to September in Brisbane than installations, concerts, and Riverfire.
1. Join in on the Brisbane Festival fun
There’s not much like a city-wide festival to awaken us from our winter slumber and get us moving again. This year, The Brisbane River and city landmarks will once again be transformed into a stage for an explosion of arts and performance to occur between September 5 and September 27 for Brisbane Festival. Whether it be watching on in wonder at a multicolour drone show, seeing a mindblowing show, or getting a good spot for Riverfire, there’s something for everyone this year.
2. Be dazzled by the jaw-dropping light and sound show, Enlightenment
Another one for light show lovers, the breathtaking immersive experience Enlightenment has been lighting up the historic St Stephen’s Cathedral, with a 30-minute spectacle that combines cutting-edge projection mapping with the timeless beauty of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, creating a multi-sensory journey through the cycle of life. Grab your tickets here so you don’t miss out.
📍St Stephen’s Cathedral, 249 Elizabeth St, Brisbane CBD
3. Nerd out at Oz Comic-Con
Nerds, geeks, gamers, and pop culture fans of all kinds this one’s for you! Oz Comic-Con is coming back to the BCEC on September 13 and September 14, and it’ll be packed with iconic guests and unmissable experiences! With cosplay competitions and parades, a comic lounge, interactive games and even a tattoo booth, there’s something for every fandom.
📍BCEC, Merivale St, South Brisbane
4. Admire some of Australia’s most impressive LEGO displays at this huge expo
Unleash the kidult within at this huge two-day LEGO expo, returning to Brisbane on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14. The BrisBricks LEGO Fan Expo is back and ready to showcase the country’s biggest, most jaw-dropping displays.
📍Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
5. Head to Toowoomba for its annual spring flower festival
For the whole month, this Insta-worthy flower festival will take over Queens Park in Toowoomba, which is around 1.5 hours west of Brisbane. In previous years, the celebration has attracted massive crowds, and with good reason — the flower displays are magnificent and the events are guaranteed to put a spring in your step.
6. Experience a Candlelight Concert
Listen to talented classical musicians play against the glow of candlelight at one of these special shows in Brisbane. From heartfelt tributes to beloved artists like Taylor Swift and Adele, to soul-stirring performances honouring music maestros like Vivaldi, Brisbane welcomes a candlelit performance tailored to every music enthusiast’s taste. Check out upcoming Brisbane Candlelight Concerts here!
7. Plunge into the world of Bluey
This month will be your last chance to visit this acclaimed interactive life-size set for an immersive 70-minute experience for the whole family. Featuring your favourite places and characters of the beloved animated show, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
📍281 MacArthur Ave, Hamilton
8. Wander around GOMA’s latest exhibition
QAGOMA is hosting another major exhibition, showcasing jaw-dropping installations and captivating small treasures that will serve as a reminder of the wonder hidden in everything around us. Presented across six chapters until October 6, Wonderstruck includes more than 100 works by international and Australian artists that’ll leave you with a new appreciation for the mundane.
MORE LIKE THIS: The Most Thought-Provoking Art Exhibitions To See In Brisbane And Beyond This Year
9. Putt your way around spooky props at this Halloween-themed mini golf course
Get into the Halloween spirit at Spooky Putt Putt when it returns to Victoria Park this September. The course is getting a haunted makeover, decked out with giant props such as wicked witches, spiders, zombies, skeletons, and pumpkins.
10. Grab a bite at a new restaurant
One of the most highly anticipated new restaurants this year, from celebrity chef Shane Delia, Layla opened its doors very recently, with a menu heavily featuring aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. With small plates that bring more flavour per bite than most and outstanding seafood creations, Delia once again exceeds expectations.
📍Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Rd, West End
11. Look up at a rare Blood Moon
A total lunar eclipse will cast its reddish glow over Australian skies on the night of September 7 to September 8 and you won’t want to miss it — we don’t even know when the next one will happen! Head over to a dark spot and bask in the glory of the night sky.
12. Kick off NFL season at Felons Brewery Co
Welcome the NFL back on Saturday, September 6, as Felons Brewery Co hosts the 2025 NFL Kickoff Festival and tune-in to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Los Angeles Chargers. With NFL-style challenges, tailgate games, a flag football zone and chances to get your photo taken with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, NFL team mascots and more, the day is sure to be a touchdown!
📍5 Boundary St, Brisbane CBD
13. Pay a magical visit to the pop-up Disney Story
Until September 14, make your own wishes come true at Westfield Mt Gravatt, with over 200 products to shop — plus new arrivals over the course of its run — at the pop-up Disney Store. Fans of all ages can explore collectibles, apparel, toys, décor and more, including exclusive items not available anywhere else in Australia not just from Disney but also Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.
📍Westfield, Kessels Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt
14. Or live out the magic at the Mary Poppins Festival
Maryborough, P.L. Travers’ birthplace, honours the Aussie author and her most iconic character with a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious celebration on September 28 with live performances, pavement art, kite decorating, food vendors and, best of all, a grand sing-along parade, to delight people of all ages!
15. Discover new musicians at BIGSOUND
From September 2 to September 5, more than 130 artists are set to perform over four massive nights at this year’s BIGSOUND Festival in the Valley. Now in its 24th edition, the festival will showcase some of Australia’s best rising musical talent. See the full program and get your tickets here!
16. Say ciao to Festitalia
On Father’s Day, September 7, live out your Italian dreams with traditional dancers, opera stars, roaming acts and, of course, world-class pizza! Fire up the ovens, knead the pasta and lick your way through all the gelato at this celebration of all things Italy. Bellissimo!
📍Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
17. Get your endorphin fix at Bridge to Brisbane
Brisbane’s most iconic fun run is back, bringing thousands of runners, walkers, and spectators togther for either a 4.5km or a 10km course, with stunning views, live entertainment, and an unbeatable finish line experience at Brisbane Showgrounds! Register here.
18. Celebrate Father’s Day with wine and BBQ
Sirromet Winery will have dads spoiled for choice this Father’s Day on Sunday, September 7, with a 3-course lunch at Tuscan Terrace or a relaxed BBQ on The Lawn, including wine, beer, live music and even activities for the kids, so parents can truly enjoy their day.
📍850-938 Mount Cotton Rd, Mount Cotton
19. Relax at a Brisbane day spa
Brisbane certainly isn’t lacking in the day spa department, so it’s easier than ever to find a haven of relaxation in the city and beyond. Relax your worries away at one of these wellness hubs, whether it be soaking at a bathhouse or getting a well-deserved massage and facial.
20. PYO juicy strawberries
September is prime strawberry season! And if you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, you’ll find plenty of charming farms near Brisbane that will allow you and your friends, family or that special someone to pick your own delicious fruits!
21. Feel the rush of spring at Dopamine Land
If you want a mood boost, look no further Dopamine Land, Brisbane’s feel-good playground packed with colour, creativity, and pure joy. This multi-sensory wonderland will transport you, through neon lights and bubble machines to an otherworldly realm of happiness, and the brand-new the 5-minute interactive VR Ride will take the dream to the next level!
📍Uptown, 91 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD
22. Go hiking amongst the wildflowers
If you’re an outdoor adventure lover, then you’ll know spring is a wonderful time in and near Brisbane. The surrounding hiking trails start blooming with colour. The wattle and jacaranda flowers begin popping up around the city. Here are some of the best places to see wildflowers around Brisbane this spring.