Brisbane Festival’s Serenades is taking to the streets of suburbs and parks around town for one of the biggest music extravaganza ever to be staged in Brisbane’s history.
Across the three weeks of the festival, a huge variety of artists will be offering a vibrant series of free outdoor concerts that bring music to life in parks, gardens and neighbourhoods across the city, weaving together traditional melodies and contemporary rhythms, spotlighting both homegrown talent and global influences.
The pop-up concerts and rolling stages will be filled with the sounds of some of the country’s best contemporary musicians as well as local DJs with international chops, jazz, pop, folk and more.
This year’s program is bigger than ever, and includes specific events that showcase different communities, artists and genres. The St Lucia Block Party at the beautiful University of Queensland will present the tunes of Feelin’ the Groove with the UQ Saxophone Ensemble, folk-pop duo Cali Rd, and the captivating Sue Ray live on September 6. With plenty of family-friendly entertainment to make everyone feel included, this is a great option for Father’s Day!
Then, on September 11 at George Clayton Park, don your dancing shoes for Manly Serenades, the free music event with something for everyone! Featuring high-energy live performances and genre-blending sounds, this show perfectly encompasses everything that’s good about contemporary music! Artists Thunder Fox, and Eli Wan will have your heart thumping, while dance company Bring A Plate will help you groove the night away.
The Serenades wouldn’t be complete without a true block party, so make sure you’re at Peggs Park on September 12 for the highly-anticipated Moorooka Block Party! An electrifying celebration of culture, music, and community, this blend of music and dance from all over will showcase an extraordinary line-up of Australia’s finest First Nations and globally influenced artists, alongside captivating dance performances! Local artist Mark Lowndes, and the beloved Steele Syndicate, among others, will bring the beats and grooves to keep you dancing all night long.
Last but certainly not least, Pasifika Made will take place at the Festival Village on September 19 and is all about expressing Pacific cultural and contemporary arts boldly. This event will transform the space into a living arts and cultural village with headline performances, cultural ceremony, live demonstrations, workshops, and a thriving village marketplace.
Aside from the Main Stage, whose incredible lineup showcases the best of contemporary Pacific and Indigenous music with artists like Aaradhna, Jungaji, and JSQZE, the celebration will highlight several other artforms in different areas.
The beginning of the event will be marked with a powerful display honouring the Traditional Custodians of the land through a Welcome to Country, cultural protocol and ceremonial performances by Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander artists.
Swing by the Mana Stage for hands-on workshops such as an introduction to Cook Islands drumming and dance, Māori cultural practices, Kiribati dance, and a contemporary dance interactive workshop presented by Le Moana. Malae will be hosting yet more workshops, including a traditional Fijian Meke workshop with VOU, and a Pacific Fai Popo (traditional coconut husking) demonstration.
Once you’ve had your fill of learning, refuel at the Pacific Village Marketplace, featuring a variety Pacific Island businesses and artisans. Experience authentic products connect with creators and support tradition and artistry, all while taking home unique goods!
Practical info
For the full program of artists and shows, see the Serenades page here.
St Lucia Serenades
Sunday, September 6 at 12pm. Free entry (register here).
📍Dr Mary Mahoney AO Amphitheatre, UQ Lakes, University Dr, St Lucia
Manly Serenades
Friday, September 11 at 6pm. Free entry.
📍George Clayton Park, 55 Upper Esplanade, Manly
Moorooka Block Party
Block Party on Saturday, September 12 at 3pm. Free entry.
📍Peggs Park, 160 Vendale Ave, Moorooka
Pasifika Made
Saturday, September 19 at 3:30pm. Free entry.
📍Festival Village, South Bank
