Programs, attractions and events
Have you been inspired by a great painting, created art at a local arts space, or enjoyed a performance at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre or at an arts festival near you?
Then you’ve probably taken part in one of the many creative experiences that we have supported.
Programs and activities
- Events Queensland—concerts, sporting events, lifestyle shows and festivals around Queensland
- Tourism Queensland events—art and cultural activities, markets, performing arts, sports, festivals and exhibitions in Queensland
- Theatre
- Queensland Theatre Company—plays, comedies and theatrical performances in Brisbane
- Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts—contemporary dance, music, visual arts, circus, multimedia, Indigenous theatre, youth arts and screen culture
- QUT Theatre
- La Boite Theatre Company
- Brisbane Powerhouse
- Metro Arts
- Jute Theatre
- Music and performance
- Visual art
- Museums
- Your local council may also list activities in your area.
Activities for children
- The Corner is the State Library of Queensland’s program for children under 8 years. With their parents and families, children can be creative and experience a digital exhibition, online games and reading activities at the South Bank building or online.
- Out of the Box Children’s Festival is a biennial festival for children aged 8 and under. The next festival is in 2014.
- Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art have an art centre for children at the gallery.
Creative spaces for students and young adults
- The Edge is a digital culture centre in South Bank where you can explore your creativity. Hire space or equipment to experiment across the arts, science and technology.
- Visible Ink is part of Brisbane City Council’s program where young people aged 12–26 can hire equipment or space for their creative projects.
- The Transit Lounge (Moreton Bay region) supports young creative people in art, film, music, dance, drama, design and writing.
- Linx Youth Space is a place for young people living near Wynnum and Manly to hang-out and get involved in art, music and competitions.
- Many local libraries have spaces just for youth.
- Your local council may also offer spaces for young people.
Programs for migrants and refugees
- Brisbane Multicultural Art Centre (BEMAC) gives people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, migrants and refugees a chance to experience and create art.
- Gold Coast Magic is a community arts organisation that supports artists on the Gold Coast.
- Multicultural Development Association helps new refugees settle in Brisbane, Rockhampton and Toowoomba.
Attractions and things to do
Cultural Precinct—South Bank, Brisbane
The Cultural Precinct is a popular destination for locals and visitors looking for the best in arts and culture. Here, home-grown talent takes centre stage alongside international exhibitions and productions.
You can see some of the world’s best art, learn about Queensland’s history, experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture, or just watch the world go by, as well as enjoy a meal with family at restaurants at the precinct or spend some time in the retail outlets.
For more information on what you can do at the Cultural Precinct, visit the:
- Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art
- State Library of Queensland
- Queensland Performing Arts Centre
- Queensland Museum and Sciencentre.
Access for people with disability
Arts and cultural venues in Queensland are making venue access easier for people with disability.
Check with your local venue before visiting. The following venues have facilities for visitors with disability.
- Queensland Art Gallery or Gallery of Modern Art has guided tours for visitors with special needs
- Queensland Performing Arts Centre has services and facilities to help those with individual needs attend performances and programs.
- State Library of Queensland offers access to people with disability to its services, facilities and resources.
- Queensland Museum has information on how to access the different museums.
Carers of people with disability may be eligible for a Companion Card that gives carers free entry to arts and cultural venues participating in the scheme.
View ways to get out and about and enjoy arts and culture.
Festivals and events
Festivals are about coming together as a community to experience and explore arts and culture and to celebrate shared history and identity.
Around the state
- Queensland Music Festival is a statewide celebration of musical excellence that aims to create unforgettable musical experiences.
- Brisbane Festival is an annual arts festival in Brisbane.
- Woodford Folk Festival is an annual celebration of music, the arts, the environment and culture.
- Swell Sculpture Festival is an annual outdoor festival that shows off the beauty of the Currumbin coastline as the backdrop for innovative works of art from national and international artists.
- Australian Festival of Chamber Music is one of Queensland’s longest-running festivals in Townsville with chamber musicians from across the globe enlivening the city with music for 10 days each year.
- Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair is a unique 3-day event that merges an art market with a celebration of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
- Brisbane International Film Festival is an annual festival featuring the best of the world’s cinema.
- Anywhere Theatre Festival allows artists to use affordable venues for their theatre productions.
- Brisbane Writers Festival is an annual event with a reputation for its friendly atmosphere and popular program.
- Queensland Poetry Festival promotes a poetry culture in Queensland with an annual 3-day festival.
- Laura Dance Festival is a biennial event in Cape York Peninsula. Its aim is to pass on culture across the generations and showcase the strength, pride and uniqueness of Aboriginal people.
- World Theatre Festival features theatre productions from around the world.
In your local area
Visit your local council for information about festivals in your area.
