Brisbane is once again preparing to dazzle, with the 2025 Brisbane Festival unveiling its most spectacular program to date — and it’s more than a festival this year. It’s a heartfelt farewell from Artistic Director Louise Bezzina, who in her sixth and final year, is going out with an explosive, colourful bang.
For 23 glorious days this September, the city will hum with creativity — from riverbanks to rooftops, theatres to street corners. This year’s program isn’t just bold, it’s an invitation to fall in love with Brisbane all over again.
Bezzina describes the program as “a love letter to Brisbane,” and that’s exactly what it feels like — a carefully curated celebration of community, culture, and fearless imagination. Expect 21 world premieres, 4 Australian exclusives, and over 2,260 artists taking part in 1,069 performances. Even better? Almost 40% of the events are free — a beautiful reminder that art should belong to everyone.
Walk This Way: A Bold Public Art Trail
The Festival kicks off with a massive public art project that will quite literally change how we walk through the city. Brisbane-born, globally famous artists Craig & Karl have reimagined some of the city’s most iconic pedestrian bridges in a work titled Walk This Way. Part of a wider exhibition, Double Vision at Griffith University Art Museum, the installation is set to turn heads — and transform commutes — across the CBD.
World Class Dance and International Stars
In a major global coup, the Festival welcomes Benjamin Millepied’s L.A. Dance Project for the world premiere of Gems — an exquisite trilogy of works backed by luxury house Van Cleef & Arpels and featuring collaborations with Philip Glass, Barbara Kruger, and Alessandro Sartori. It’s dance, design and music in sublime synchronicity.
A Spotlight on First Nations Stories
True to Bezzina’s ongoing commitment to First Nations voices, this year features some of the most powerful storytelling we’ve seen. Legendary creative Stephen Page returns home to present Baleen Moondjan, a stunning ceremony performed on the Brisbane River that honours Ngugi, Nunukul and Moondjan cultural heritage — complete with giant whale bones and evocative movement.
Preparing Ground, directed by Marilyn Miller, Jasmin Sheppard and Katina Olsen, is another standout — weaving language, dance and resistance into a vivid celebration of Country and connection.
Musical Magic and Theatre Triumphs
Theatre lovers are spoilt for choice. From Back to Bilo, the powerful true story of the Nadesalingam family’s return to Biloela, to The Lovers, a fizzy Shakespeare-meets-pop musical twist by Laura Murphy, there’s something for everyone.
Also on the must-see list:
Bad Nature, a dazzling contemporary dance show created with the Netherlands’ Club Guy & Roni.
Elements of Freestyle, blending breakdancing, BMX, skating and freestyle basketball into a gravity-defying spectacle.
Milestone, by photographic storyteller William Yang, with a moving score by Elena Kats-Chernin.
AMPLIFIED, with powerhouse performer Sheridan Harbridge channeling the spirit of Chrissy Amphlett in a blistering cabaret rock show.
Community, Colour and Connection
What sets Brisbane Festival apart is its heart. Programs like 100 Guitars, where local musicians play together in a joyous mass performance, and A Place in the Sultan’s Kitchen, a sensory journey through memory, food and family, speak directly to that.
Then there’s the return of Brisbane Serenades, Skylore (400 drones dancing in the night sky), and Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust, lighting up the city like no other event can.
The revitalisation of the Twelfth Night Theatre also deserves a cheer — it’s back in the spotlight with Gatsby at the Green Light, a glittering cabaret affair.
And in true Brisbane style, music fans can party under the stars at Night at the Parkland with ICEHOUSE, Amy Shark, Grinspoon, Xavier Rudd, Cut Copy, Lime Cordiale, and more. Intimate live sessions at Tivoli in the Round will feature the likes of Phantastic Ferniture and Odd Mob.
The End of an Era, the Beginning of a Legacy
Louise Bezzina’s leadership has reshaped Brisbane Festival into one of the country’s most loved — and artistically fearless — events. Her final program is not just a curtain call, but a crescendo. It’s an invitation to be present, to be surprised, and to be proud of the city we call home.
Brisbane Festival 2025 runs from 5–27 September.
For full program details and tickets: brisbanefestival.com.au
Brisbane Festival returns 5 – 27 September 2025.
Tickets to Brisbane Festival performances are on sale from 10am Wednesday
11 June. See the full program, subscribe for updates and purchase tickets at
brisbanefestival.com.au.
