Brisbane Festival 2026: Our favourite shows
Brisbane's ode to the world of arts and culture has said goodbye for another year, with Brisbane Festival wrapping up after three weeks of creative treats. Here's seven shows we caught this year.
The Brisbane Festival concluded in September, offering a diverse array of events along the Brisbane River in preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This ambitious celebration of Queensland's creative spirit drew more than 1.7 million attendees to both ticketed and free events, featuring over 2,000 artists. Artistic director Ebony Bott expressed pride in the festival's growth, noting a 46 percent increase in box office sales from the previous year.
The festival village at South Bank saw 535,000 visitors alone. Bott emphasized the festival's spirit of generosity and openness, stating, "I'm immensely proud of what we've made, but more than anything, I'm leaving these weeks with an even greater sense of what is possible here." Among the standout shows experienced by the reporter were:
1. The nostalgic and engaging performances that drew audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
2. Cutting-edge theatrical creations that pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
3. A fusion of local talent and international acts, showcasing the city's vibrant artistic community.
4. A mix of ticketed events and free performances, ensuring accessibility for all festival-goers.
5. The festival village at South Bank, a hub of creative energy and community engagement.
6. The immersive atmosphere created by the Brisbane River setting, enhancing the overall festival experience.
7. The collaborative efforts of nearly 2,000 artists, demonstrating the collective power of the arts in Brisbane.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
