Indulge your inner artist with the best art events in Queensland

The next chapter in QAGOMA’s flagship exhibition series - the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11) – will debut on the gallery floor at the end of 2024. The exhibition will feature the works of over 200 artists from across Australia, Asia and the Pacific – and each piece contributes to a broader story around themes that span intergenerational experiences of migration and labour, environmental protection and more. APT11 will be accompanied by live performances, public discussions, cinema programs and projects for young visitors, along with ongoing community engagement activities and research partnerships.

Learn more: Plan your Brisbane weekend around the Asia Pacific Triennial at QAGOMA

Those more swayed by science will already be looking forward to the return of World Science Festival Brisbane in March, which is proudly presented by Queensland Museum Network. While the 2025 program is still under wraps, for now, expect fascinating science experiments and workshops, mind-bending conversations with leaders of the industry, and the interactive Art/Science program which blends new ideas and creativity.  

Learn more: Get your Einstein on at Brisbane's World Science Festival

Horizon Festival

When: 2 - 11 May 2025

The Sunshine Coast's creativity shines during The Horizon Festival. Imagine 10 days (and nights) of visual art, music, theatre, dance, words, film and creative workshops, all in an ode to the wonders of the surrounding Sunshine Coast (Kabi Kabi and Jinibara country). Last year’s event saw the public invited to speak to country directly, take in a performance of Yirinda at Lake Baroon, and take part in a collage workshop with The Butiner. While the festival hub is at Cotton Tree, events will be taking place across the region. Pro tip: don't miss Dawn Awakening, Horizon's signature event. 

One of the best art events in Queensland is a celebration of the Sunshine State’s original inhabitants - the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is heralded for its cultural and artistic merits and is a must-visit for those in Tropical North Queensland. Hosted at Cairns Convention Centre this foray into the vibrancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture offers the public a chance to get your hands on a piece of Indigenous art for your own home.

The Rangebow Festival

When: 9 - 12 October 2025

If you need another excuse to spend a long weekend in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, The Rangebow Festival is it. This community not-for-profit event takes over the towns of Maleny, Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton with film, theatre, music, cultural experiences, cabaret, drag and more – including authentic First Nations cuisine.

Bleach* Festival

When: 30 July - 10 August 2025

One of the Queensland capital’s most anticipated annual events is Brisbane Festival, a dynamic and immersive explosion of the arts that welcomes performances and experiences across the month of September. ‘The river and iconic city landmarks are our stage as we create the art that enlivens, delights and disrupts’ explains the multi-arts program of the event which encompasses everything from cabaret to food fairs and music.

Learn more: Your must-read guide to this year's Brisbane Festival

Swell Sculpture Festival

When: 12 - 21 September 2025

But few of the best art events in Queensland can compete with the level of immersion offered by Swell Sculpture Festival. The much-adored event is based across Currumbin Beach and sees the sand and neighbouring grassy verge adorned with 65 large-scale sculptures from artists based all over the globe. 

Learn more: Your guide to the SWELL Sculpture Festival 2025

North Australian Festival of Arts

When: 19 September - 4 October 2025