Brisbane Festival 2026: A Celebration of Arts and Culture on the Riverbanks
Brisbane's annual festival has come to a close, leaving behind a legacy of artistic expression and a boost to the city's cultural scene. The event, which drew over 1.7 million attendees, has set the stage for Brisbane's bid to become a world-class city ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Brisbane's vibrant cultural scene has come alive once again with the conclusion of the city's annual festival, which has left an indelible mark on the city's reputation as a hub for artistic expression. The month-long celebration, which wrapped up on September 27, brought an eclectic mix of events to the city's riverbanks, showcasing the best of Queensland's creative talent.
The festival, which is part of Brisbane's ambitious bid to become a world-class city ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, drew massive crowds, with over 1.7 million people attending ticketed and free events produced by nearly 2,000 artists. The festival village at South Bank was a major drawcard, attracting 535,000 visitors.
Ebony Bott, the festival's artistic director, reflected on the success of this year's event, saying her first year at the helm had seen the festival's box office haul jump 46 per cent from 2025.
"There has been a generosity and an openness in the way Brisbane has responded that has been incredibly moving to witness," Ms Bott said.
"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."
The festival featured a diverse range of performances, including music, theater, and comedy acts. Some of the standout shows included The Choir of Man, Strong is the New Pretty, Icehouse, Werewolf, Ocean in Concert, Make, Believe, Magic, and The Cruel Sea.