Top 10 shows to see in Brisbane
Discover 10 standout shows scheduled from March to December 2026.
Brisbane, Australia's lifestyle capital, has a full schedule of exciting shows to enjoy from March-December 2026. No matter if you like ballet, stand-up comedy, or music, there’s something for every culture lover.
Add these top 10 must-see shows and festivals to your calendar.
Queensland Theatre 2026 season
Queensland Theatre’s 2026 season features Pride & Prejudice, Into the Woods and a new work by Suzie Miller. Catch a matinee to enjoy a weekend afternoon in South Brisbane visiting a nearby cafe, restaurant or bar.
Olafur Eliasson: Presence, GOMA – until 12 July
The Brisbane-exclusive exhibition, Olafur Eliasson: Presence, draws from the 3‑decade career of Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. Spanning GOMA’s ground floor galleries, it includes important early works and expansive site-specific installations.
Choose your own path through an ancient landscape and explore ideas for the city ahead.
Make a day of it by visiting one of the many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby.
MJ the Musical, Queensland Performing Arts Centre – from 27 March
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, award-winning MJ the Musical will thrill audiences in Brisbane by showcasing Michael Jackson's music and life.
The musical focuses on the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. It shows more than just Michael Jackson's famous dance moves and unique sound. The show gives insight into his creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted him to fame.
Brisbane Comedy Festival Opening Gala 2026, Fortitude Music Hall– 24 April
Brisbane Comedy Festival Opening Gala returns in 2026, sizzling like a sun-baked sidewalk in February.
Festivities begin at Fortitude Music Hall, reminding us that humour beats wisdom. This night features prominent comedy stars and new talents. Brisbane will stay up late laughing so much that the river might even change direction.
Expect bold jokes, big energy and the kind of laughter that makes you question your bladder control.
For more about the Brisbane Comedy Festival, which runs from 24 May to 24 June, visit Brisbane Comedy Festival.
Elastic Hearts featuring the music of Sia, Thomas Dixon Centre – 30 April to 2 May
Famous choreographer Garry Stewart teams up with Queensland Ballet to create Elastic Hearts. Elliott Wheeler reimagined Sia's music for the show. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra recorded the orchestral score.
Emotionally charged and visually spectacular, Elastic Hearts is a celebration of humanity’s power to bend, adapt, and endure.
Antigone, La Boite Theatre – 5-21 May
Antigone explodes onto the Roundhouse stage with raw energy and unflinching relevance.
This production retells Sophocles’ tragedy through a young woman who refuses to stay quiet.
When Antigone goes against the king’s order to leave her brother unburied, she starts a fierce battle. This battle is between her beliefs and the king's power.
Night Feast, Powerhouse – 29 July to 23 August
If you combine a night market with a food festival you get Night Feast. The New Farm favourite returns, bringing top local chefs together to serve popular and exclusive dishes. Best of all, it’ll be back in spring, too.
BIGSOUND, Fortitude Valley – 1-4 September
Over four days and three nights, Fortitude Valley comes alive for BIGSOUND. Musicians, industry and music lovers gather to hear what’s next. Artists like Tones & I, Tina Arena and Amanda Palmer share insights. Each night, new and emerging artists perform across Valley venues.
Koreaboo, La Boite Theatre – 2-19 September
See Michelle Lim Davidson’s writing debut in Koreaboo. This production follows Hannah as she meets her birth mother and searches for belonging in Korea.
Brisbane Festival, various locations – 4-26 September
Spring in Brisbane is Brisbane Festival. Save the date for Riverfire on 5 September, when world‑class fireworks light up the city skyline. A feast for the senses awaits when this year’s program launches.
'Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company', QAGOMA – 12 September to 18 April
Step into the imaginative worlds of The Jim Henson Company when this exhibition comes to Brisbane in September. Explore beloved characters and stories like Fraggle Rock, Labyrinth, the Muppets and Sesame Street. Learn more.
Brisbane Writers Festival, various locations – 8-11 October
Readers across Brisbane connect at this annual festival. Conversations and stories spark ideas and shared discussions. Stay tuned for this year’s program, or explore out‑of‑season author talks. Learn more.
Melt, Brisbane Powerhouse – 21 October to 8 November
Melt is back for 2026 with its vibrant celebration of Queer arts and culture. Keep your eyes peeled for program updates.
Christmas in Brisbane – December
Festive cheer fills the city with Christmas in Brisbane events for the whole family. See the Christmas Tree lighting and sing along to your favourite carols at the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols.
More things to see and do
Read more articles on things to see and do in Brisbane.
Note: This content helps residents and visitors plan a day out in Brisbane. Brisbane City Council does not endorse featured businesses.