What’s On in Brisbane in 2026: Events, Festivals and Pop-Ups

Whether you’re a Riverfire regular, a Paniyiri pro or a Melt maniac, everyone has a favourite event they attend each year. But why stick to a routine? There’s always something new going on in this city – the only hard part is finding out about it before it gets booked out.

To ensure you don’t miss a thing, here’s a guide to the major events happening in and around Brisbane this year. No matter what you’re into – literature, comedy, film, food, music or all of the above – you’ll want to add these to your calendar.

March

La Mexicana: Margarita Week, March 5 to 15

Margarita Week is stepping things up this year. Howard Smith Wharves will host a takeover from El Vilsito, a Michelin-recommended taqueria from Mexico City. The taqueria, which also featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, is known for its al pastor tacos. Alongside the visit from El Vilsito’s chefs, Margarita Week will include a range of cocktail specials and vibrant fit-outs and entertainment. Margarita Week runs from March 5 to 15; La Mexicana runs from Thursdays to Sundays during the same period.

April

Brisbane Comedy Festival, April 10 to May 24

The Brisbane Comedy Festival showcases local and international stand-up, improv, sketch comedy, drag and burlesque. It’s all going down at the Powerhouse over six weeks. The opening gala is on April 24, but there’s a whole host of shows – featuring the likes of The Umbilical Brothers and David O’Doherty – in the two weeks leading up to it. Get in early to book tickets for popular comedians including Rove McManus, Harry Jun, Celia Pacquola and Lizzy Hoo. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for the first solo show by Aunty Donna’s Zachary Ruane, and Wankernomics, a ruthless office satire featuring Charles Firth from The Chaser. Tickets are on sale now, prices and times vary.

May

Paniyiri Greek Festival, May 23 & 24

One of Australia’s longest running Greek festivals celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Paniyiri started as a small Greek picnic back in 1976 and has since become a weekend-long celebration that sees around 50,000 people flock to Musgrave Park in West End. The food is a big draw, of course – yiros, loukoumades, halloumi, baklava – but the party really kicks off when the Hellenic dancers take the stage. Tickets are not on sale yet but the event will run on Sat, midday–10pm, and Sun, 10am–7pm.

June

Scenic Rim Eat Local Month, June 1 to 30

Head to the Beaudesert region for this paddock-to-plate food festival. Just an hour’s drive from Brisbane, the Scenic Rim is home to some of Queensland’s most vibrant farms, pubs and wineries. Throughout June, they host long lunches, tours, workshops and degustation dinners, all with a focus on local produce. It’s a perfect opportunity to try one-off menus from destination restaurants like Blume in Boonah. If you prefer to take a more hands-on approach to your food, you can learn how to make cheese, harvest honey and brew beer. Bring the kids along for camel rides and campfire cooking. Tickets go on sale in April, prices and times vary.

July

Night Feast, July 29 to August 23

Since its first edition in 2023, Night Feast has established itself as one of the major culinary events in Brisbane. It’s a cross between a food festival and a night market, which sees a string of food stalls set up in the Powerhouse forecourt. These aren’t your typical market food stands, though – they’re pop-ups by some of the city’s most beloved restaurants, serving a mix of favourite dishes and exclusive menu items. Each Night Feast line-up is different, but past iterations have included E’cco Bistro, Taro’s Ramen, Southside, Donna Chang and Layla. Along with the food, there’s a live music showcase, and art installations and light displays in and around the Powerhouse. Even better: Night Feast also runs in spring, usually from October to November. Free entry, times vary.

August

Ekka, August 8 to 16

One of the largest events in the state, the Ekka (aka the Royal Queensland Show) draws more than 400,000 visitors to the Brisbane Showgrounds each year. Now in its 150th year, the Ekka has maintained its agricultural show roots, with competitions for dairy cows, horseriding and woodchopping, along with sheepdog trials and a giant pumpkin contest. There’s also plenty of live music and a range of food trucks – be sure to grab the traditional Ekka snacks: a dagwood dog and a strawberry sundae. If you’ve got kids in tow, head to Sideshow Alley for the rides and the Showbag Pavilion to introduce them to the concept of decision paralysis. When it gets dark, make your way to the main arena for the fireworks display. Tickets are not on sale yet, prices and times vary. 

September

Bigsound, September 1 to 4

Turning 25 this year, Bigsound is a music industry conference by day and the Valley’s biggest music festival by night. Conference sessions include seminars and workshops to support up-and-coming artists with the next step in their careers. In the evening, new faces and big names take to stages all over the Valley, performing showcase sets for industry professionals and punters. Gigs on the Brunswick Street Mall stage are free, and a three-night festival pass gets you into the paid shows and after-hours events. It’s a great place to discover your new favourite artist before they make it big – Flume, Violent Soho and Keli Holiday all performed at Bigsound in their early days. Tickets are not on sale yet, prices and times vary.

Brisbane Festival, September 4 to 26

September doesn’t feel like September until Brisbane Festival turns the city into one big stage. The full program is usually announced in June, but the opener is always Riverfire, the synchronised fireworks display along the central stretch of the river from the Go Between Bridge to Mowbray Park. It’s free and the best viewing spots fill up fast, so stake out space at the Kangaroo Point cliffs or befriend someone with a place in New Farm that has river views. Grab tickets to the world premiere of Strong is the New Pretty, a play about the founding of the AFLW by Suzie Miller (Prima Facie). After dark, Afterglow sets luminous art installations around the City Botanic Gardens, using the trees and water features as a canvas. Some tickets are on sale now, prices and times vary. 

October

Brisbane Writers Festival, October 8 to 11

One of Australia’s oldest continuously running writers’ festivals, BWF is a fixture on any literature lover’s calendar. Over four days, the Powerhouse plays host to internationally renowned writers, with talks, workshops and discussions. From childhood favourites like Andy Griffiths to journalists like Jana Wendt and crime writers like Michael Connolly, you’ll find all genres and styles represented. Don’t just sign up for your favourite author’s solo session – the standout events are often the panel conversations, with authors brought together by a shared theme or question in their work. Tickets are not on sale yet, prices and times vary.

Melt, October 21 to November 8

A citywide queer festival, Melt showcases drag, burlesque, comedy and musical artists from around the world. Previous headliners include Broadway veteran Bernadette Peters and Brisbane-born drag superstar Courtney Act. Look out for pop-up performances and art exhibitions around the city, like the 1000 Voices choir. The centrepiece of the festival is the River Pride Parade, a colourful fleet of boats of all sizes cruising down the river – hop on a Citycat, book a spot on a party boat, or settle in at a park beside the river and get ready to cheer. Tickets are not on sale yet, prices and times vary.

Dates to be announced

Brisbane International Film Festival: Brisbane’s premier film festival came under new management in 2025, necessitating a shorter-than-normal event while organisers planned for a full relaunch in 2026. With an increased focus on female filmmakers and a larger budget this year, BIFF is set to be bigger than ever.

Matsuri Brisbane: A celebration of all things Japan, Matsuri Brisbane is modelled on the country’s ubiquitous summer festivals. Expect about 100 stalls selling everything from yakitori and matcha to kimonos and pottery, a traditional taiko drumming performance, martial arts demonstrations, calligraphy workshops, ikebana displays and more.

Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival: Head north to Apex Park at Woody Point for this three-day food festival on the bay. There’s a strong focus on cheese and wine, along with events like indigenous ingredients workshops, cocktail masterclasses and pasta-making demonstrations. There are also talks and dishes by celebrity chefs – previous festivals have seen appearances by Ready Steady Cook’s Matt Golinski and original Masterchef winner Julie Goodwin.

Festitalia: It seems like Festitalia gets bigger every year. In 2025, the event moved to the Showgrounds to make room for its heaving line-up of Italian food, music and culture. Freshly made pizza and pasta are on hand, naturally, but you won’t want to miss the acrobatic dough tossing, roving theatre performances and world-class opera singing.