What is Brisbane Festival? And what’s at Brisbane Festival?
Brisbane Festival, or Brisfest, is an annual festival celebrating all things art in the heart of the city. Locals and tourists visiting Brisbane alike are welcome to explore a world of creation at Brisfest. Throughout Brisbane, you’ll encounter a range of events, from immersive art pieces that are open to the public to phenomenal live music gigs featuring some of the best in Australian music.
Most notable is the Sunsuper Riverfire. A mainstay of the festival, Brisfest wraps up each year with a fantastic display of fireworks over the Brisbane River. Busy Brisbane locals who can only attend one event make time to take in the awe-inspiring Riverfire. However, the Riverfire is just one part of Brisfest. There’s plenty more to see, and we know a few great events you should keep on your radar.
Messengers of Brisbane
When: Throughout the festival, Friday 3rd September to Saturday 25th
Where: BOQ Festival Garden, Eagle Street, and Northshore Hamilton
Price: Free
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, completely visual without dialogue or sound
Giant Gouldian Finches in fun party hats are flocking to Brisbane in Messengers of Brisbane. Internationally renowned artist Florentijn Hofman is working with Brisbane’s Urban Art Project to create colourful and spectacular birds to perch atop some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Airship Orchestra
Illuminated, peculiar shapes invite you to approach and immerse yourself in an alien world with Airship Orchestra. Lighting up with different colours as they perform, the orchestra is a treat for the eyes and the ears. The inflatable figures will make Brisbane’s Art Boat their temporary home for the first two weeks of the festival before heading to Northshore, Hamilton.
When: Throughout the festival
Where: Brisbane Art Boat and Northshore, Hamilton
Price: Free (in addition to the price of the Art Boat cruise)
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, includes visual and aural content
Client Liaison
Performing retro revival at its best, Client Liaison are returning to the stage with their signature electronic-pop sound. Their 2016 debut album, Diplomatic Immunity, was full of hits like “World of Our Love” and “Off White Limousine”. And after touring the album and even launching their own touring initiative, which saw them on the road with artists like Alice Ivy and John Farnham, they’re taking to the stage at Brisfest for a night to remember.
When: 9pm, Saturday 11th September
Where: The Tivoli
Price: $63.32 + Booking fee
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, 18+ only
First Nations Fashions: Walking in Two Worlds
Direct from Australian Fashion Week, First Nations Fashions is the runway event to inspire any fashion lover. Multicultural Australian artist Grace Lillian Lee brings together contemporary garments and textiles by First Nations artists in a runway celebration in Indigenous fashion, dance, film, and music. A blending of the old and the new, the runway show will inspire not only the designers in the audience, but anyone who puts care and consideration into their wardrobe.
When: 4pm and 7:30pm, Saturday 5th September
Where: South Bank Piazza, BOQ Festival Garden
Price: $50 per person or $45 per person in groups of four or more
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, primarily visual content with minimal dialogue and music
Let’s Be Friends Furever
A dog show meets a TED talk meets the family photo album. Let’s Be Friends Furever is a community crowd-sourced homage to our furry, canine friends. A mix of documentary and live theatre as the dogs take centre stage, the world premiere production invites audiences into the lives of our beloved pets.
When: 4pm and 7:30pm, Saturday 5th September
Where: Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse
Price: $45 + Booking fee
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, assisted listening systems available
FilmHarmonic
The Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra will perform alongside short films and animations from the Griffith Film School in a unique and immersive collaboration, the FilmHarmonic. Throughout the night, the musicians will perform both classic masterworks and new pieces from emerging composers to a range of films, including the world premiere of Liquefazione by the Director of the Griffith Film School, Herman van Eyken. The one-night performance is a must-see for any art lover.
When: 7:30pm, Friday 24th September
Where: Conservatorium Theatre, Queensland Conservatorium
Price: $35
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, assisted listening systems available
Exploring Brisbane
If you’re visiting Brisbane to take in Brisbane Festival, you’ll want to know what else to check out in the city. First, make sure you’ve booked the Brisbane hotel to suit your needs, whether you prefer to bask in luxury or to keep things simple. Then you know your Brisbane home base from where you can explore the city’s must-see spots.
Discover Brisbane’s best hidden laneways for the ultimate secret bars and cosy cafes. Make the most of the warming weather and take a trip to one or two of the best beaches near Brisbane. Finally, take in even more art and culture by exploring Brisbane’s museums and art galleries.
