Most Exciting Events And Things To Do Around Brisbane This August

Queensland’s favourite and biggest celebration, the EKKA, is back in Brisbane from August 8 to August 16, and celebrating its 150th anniversary, so get ready for another round of agricultural celebration, mind-blowing competitions, thrilling rides and unique entertainment — and plenty of strawberry sundaes, of course!

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!

From romantic acts like Laufey to arena-filler icons like Massive Attack, Brissy’s amazing venues are always welcoming some of the world’s biggest artists, and August is set to bring music to our ears!

The 20th edition of the Brisbane Fashion Festival, Queensland’s Premier Fashion Event, is strutting its stuff from August 24 to August 28.

With an undeniable place on the Australian fashion calendar as the seasonal debut for Spring/Summer collections, this chic celebration showcases everything from favourite local designers to leading industry names and most highly anticipated emerging talents.

See the full program and snag your tickets here!

Pacific Airshow is a three-day weekend event featuring heart-pumping aerobatic demonstrations by the world’s finest aviators, and with over 270,000 spectators, it is the largest airshow event to ever take place in Australia!

This year’s program introduces brand-new aircraft, international pilots and never-before-seen stunt routines that push the limits of what’s possible above water.

August 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!

Let awe take over in a world of thrills, chills and edge-of-your-seat surprises at Cirque du Soleil’s globally acclaimed KOOZA. Aussie fans will see the return of the iconic and beloved Big Top, which will house yet another stunning show led by international talent.

Mark your diaries for three unforgettable days of vintage cool, classic cars, and rip-roaring live music at GreazeFest! Celebrating its 25th year of putting the cool in cruise and rock into retro, GreazeFest is a full-throttle celebration of all vintage, with fashion, market stalls, art displays, automobilia and more!

Come face to face with +40 specimens of terrifyingly realistic moving replicas: T-rex, Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Velociraptors, and many more. Or dive into the depths of the seas and interact with Jurassic sea giants in a unique virtual aquarium as you learn more about the periods when dinosaurs ruled the Earth!

Get your tickets here!

Delight in the dark of Brisbane’s captivating culinary spectacular Night Feast, dishing up bold, new flavours this winter, bringing cooler nights and hotter plates.

Now in its fifth season, Night Feast transforms the Brisbane Powerhouse precinct into an immersive playground of large-scale art installations, live DJ sets and irresistible food from 20 renowned dining establishments. The 2026 line-up blends beloved favourites with exciting new names for a can’t-miss festival!

Your favourite heroic canines are coming to Brisbane, celebrating 10 years of the iconic Broadway-style production of PAW Patrol™ Live! “Race to the Rescue.”

The beloved characters from the top-rated animated preschool series PAW Patrol will complete a wagtastic 10th anniversary tour, making stops at Hobart, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne for strictly limited seasons.

After record-breaking seasons in London and New York, the award-winning Heathers the Musical is coming to Queensland. Based on the 1989 film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, this black comedy rock musical is making a stop at the Gold Coast.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 22, because the Ukrainian Community of Queensland is delivering a free day of food, art and culture!

Held the day before Ukrainian Independence Day, the festival offers the opportunity for Queenslanders to soak up everything that this special culture has to offer, such as traditional folk-dance performances and market stalls where you can shop unique Ukrainian goods, including handmade jewellery, intricate hand-painted Pysanky Easter eggs and more!

If you’re a pet owner or just a dog lover, there’s a mega adorable event coming to town and it’s all about dogs. Celebrating the special bond between dogs and humans, the film festival is set to tour the country and coming to Brisbane with a variety of heartwarming and adorable films on the program. The Top Dog Film Festival has previously featured everything from a dog-powered sports flick to dogs in space, dogs out on a hike and more.

The answer to the question, “Is it cake?” will be a resounding and delicious yes at the International Cake Show Australia, which is returning to Brisbane this August for three massive days of cake displays, masterclasses, live cake making, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities for a sugar rush!

Museum of Brisbane and Warwick Art Gallery have snagged a stunning, award-winning art project. Starting in July, you’ll be able to gaze upon the magnificent Red Dress, a globe-spanning garment that perfectly embodies the balance between interconnectedness and self-expression, conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod.

From 2009 to 2023, pieces of The Red Dress travelled the globe, and were embroidered on by a total of 380 people: 367 women, 11 men and two non-binary artists from 51 countries, including refugees, asylum seekers, survivors of war and disadvantaged women worldwide!

Watch a live Jetpack show, participate in a magical light parade, and more at the Hervey Bay Whale Festival! This eclectic event recognises the importance of the ocean to the coastal town and promotes the conservation of the marine environment and animals that are unique and important to the region.

Humpbacks, killers, minkes and more: witnessing the majesty of whales is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and August is an excellent time to try to catch a glimpse! Every year, thousands of gentle giants — including around 25,000 awe-inspiring humpback whales — make the trek along the Gold Coast of Queensland, and there are plenty of spots that pretty much guarantee you a sighting!

We’ve rounded up some fabulous places where you and your favourite person/people in the world can go to escape, relax and refresh. Some of these picturesque cabins, cottages and chalets near Brisbane have wood fires where you can throw on another log to hear it crackle and hiss as it burns throughout the colder winter months, others are surrounded by lush rainforest and a few more have vistas that make waking up a breeze.

Indulge in a cosy evening under the stars with your very own firepit and picnic hamper at Sirromet Wines in Mount Cotton. As part of the experience, you’ll get to enjoy a hamper filled with locally sourced meats, cheese, crackers, and delectable sweets. And to wash it down, mulled wine.

Popping up on the foreshore in August, this feastival for the foodies will not only please your palate – you’ll also be treated to ocean views and a spectacular sunset over the water. Keep an eye out for updates!

Brisbane is home to some of the most breathtaking hikes in the country, there’s no denying it. Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find national parks galore full of trails and walking tracks that you can tackle: a lot of them boasting spectacular views and nature therapy. So what are you waiting for? Pack the car and get outdoors for leg day on one of these epic hiking spots in and around Brisbane.

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.