The best events in Queensland this September

From flower festivals to sculptures by the sea and fireworks in the city, springtime in Queensland brings plenty to keep your social calendar full.  

Read on to discover some of the biggest and best Queensland events in September - and find more spring events here.

Brisbane events

Brisbane Festival: 30 August - 21 September 2024

The dynamic Brisbane Festival returns for an explosion of arts performances and experiences across the city, from the captivating fireworks of Riverfire to theatre, circus, music and more. This year's lineup includes the debut of Trent Dalton's newest stage adaptation, Love Stories, accessible productions for families, and so much more.

Redfest Redlands Coast Festival: 6 - 8 September 2024

Redland Coast’s signature RedFest event is back, with over 100 vendors, roving entertainers and fireworks returning to the coast. Saturday begins with an impressive line-up of live music, while the kids will beeline to the Kids Corner. Stay tuned for the program announcement.

BIGSOUND: 3 - 6 September 2024

BIGSOUND is the southern hemisphere’s biggest celebration of new music, where the world’s most influential tunemakers come to Fortitude Valley to discover the future of music.

By day, the industry’s leading players gather at BIGSOUND Conference to grapple with the big issues. And by night, hundreds of artists showcase their talent in venues across Fortitude Valley’s live music precinct come together for one big celebration of music. BIGSOUND has uncovered incredible Aussie artists like Flume, Thelma Plum, Gang of Youths and Courtney Barnett - who will you discover this year?

Redcliffe Kitefest: 14 - 15 September 2024

Boasting a family-friendly environment for families looking for low-cost entertainment in a safe, outdoor setting, the Redcliffe KiteFest features a weekend of international kite flyers and colourful kite displays, aerobatic displays, jet ski stunt shows, stage entertainment, children activities, workshops, market stalls, food vendors and much more, all with a breathtaking backdrop of Moreton Bay.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef events

Port Douglas Gran Fondo: 6 - 8 September 2024

The Port Douglas Gran Fondo courses is the perfect excuse to visit Queensland's tropical north this September. The 136 kilometre, 100 kilometre and 60 kilometre Gran Fondo courses, and the 48 kilometre Medio Fondo (Medium Ride) will be timed. These rides are not a race, so you can challenge yourself for a best time, or take the time to soak in the beautiful surroundings. Stop to take photos of the stunning Great Barrier Reef and enjoy the experience with family and friends.

Cairns Amateurs Carnival: 12 - 14 September 2024

The Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival is three days of fun, fashion, glamour, food and entertainment built around two days of horse racing in Cairns. Sixty-five years on, the Cairns Amateurs Carnival is complemented by a host of social activities including cocktail parties, high tea and galas.

Wallaby Creek Festival: 20 – 22 September 2024

Pack your bags and head north for three days of music, arts and camping fun at Wallaby Creek Festival. Held among the Wet Tropics Rainforest of Rossville (near Cooktown), the festival includes loads of live music, poets breakfasts, workshops, circus and dance performances and much more. Bring the whole family: held during the September school holidays, it’s a family-friendly event with a dedicated Children’s Festival.

Gold Coast events

SWELL Sculpture Festival: 6 - 15 September 2024

Queensland’s crowd-favourite free outdoor sculpture exhibition returns to the Gold Coast’s Currumbin Beach, where up to 50 Australian and international artists are set to showcase their awe-inspiring sculptures.

Stay a little longer and discover a range of unique experiences, including guided twilight, walks through the artworks, artist talks next to the sculptures, and artist-led workshops.

Crafted Beer Festival: 14 September 2024

The Gold Coast's premier craft beer festival, Crafted Beer Festival is back for another year of brews and tunes at Broadbeach. Get up close and personal with brewers and try some of the 400 plus new and exciting brews on offer, including festival exclusives that have been batched specifically for the festival and many of the seasonal small-batch releases.

Premier Invitational: 20 - 29 September 2024

The Premier Invitational is Australia's fastest-growing soccer tournament for boys and girls from U8 to U16's, with teams flying in from all over Australia to participate. The unique way this tournament is played sees all teams competing in the same number of games, with time set aside so soccer fans and visiting teams can explore the glittering Gold Coast. 

Sunshine Coast events

IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast: 8 September 2024

If racing on a spectacular coastal course is the type of endurance event you're looking for, then IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast has the best of everything. Start your swim on Mooloolaba beach, followed by a fast and furious ride overlooking breathtaking views, and finishing with a picture-perfect two-lap coastal run course.

Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Fest: 13 - 16 September 2024

Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Festival is a boutique music and camping event designed to get you out of town and take you on an adventure that connects you with friends, music and like-minded people in an inspirational setting.

With over 100 of Australia's amazing rock and blues artists performing over three days and nights, the caliber of the music is nothing short of incredible.

Queensland Country

Laidley Spring Festival: 6 - 8 September 2024

Lockyer Valley comes alive with spring energy, produce and colour for the Laidley Spring Festival, an annual spring-inspired celebration that embodies community collaboration and sustainable agriculture. Just a one hour’s drive west of Brisbane, the festival features a street parade, twilight food markets, the annual garden fair , craft expo, and much more.

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers: 13 September - 7 October 2024

Excpect yet another jam-packed program at Toowoomba’s iconic Carnival of Flowers, including floral displays, music and parkland entertainment, a Ferris wheel, food trucks and twilight tours.

Over 170,000 blooms have been planted across the city’s major parks and public spaces to create a spectacular canvas of colour for community celebrations throughout September and October.

AvoFest, Blackbutt Avocado Festival: 14 September 2024

Take your love of avocado toast a step further and make your way to Avo-Fest: a free event for all ages where you can enjoy the freshest and finest avocados from professional growers and home-grown products from the region's smaller growers. This festival celebrations include live music, street entertainment, free kids activities, novelty races, cooking classes, historical guided tours and more.  

Outback Queensland events

Birdsville Races: 6 - 7  September 2024

Head to Outback Queensland's wild west for a 'day at the races' to remember. Dubbed 'the Melbourne Cup of the outback' the Birdsville Races attracts over 6000 racegoers for two days of outback racing and entertainment. The 13 race program features horses from all over Australia competing for the coveted TAB Birdsville Cup - and there's endless fun to be had on and off the track. To help plan your trip, check out this list of things to do at the Birdsville Races. 

Cloncurry Beat the Heat Festival: 13 September 2024

Mine cart rally down your alley? Head down to Cloncurry for a street party, spring races and so much more at Cloncurry Beat the Heat Festival, where locals and tourists to come together and celebrate Cloncurry’s mining and pastoral history.

Southern Great Barrier Reef events

Capricorn Food and Wine Festival: 5 - 8 September 2024

Capricorn Food and Wine Festival returns to Rockhampton, showcasing all things food, wine, beer, spirits, live music over four delicious days. Be inspired by talented chef demonstrations, signature food events, wine masterclasses and live music from local musicians across the festival.

FMS Rumble on the Reef: 26 - 28 September 2024

FMS Rumble on the Reef is unlike any other action sports holiday. This Mackay festival combines skateboarding, wakeboarding, hydrofoil kiteboarding and a music festival across three epic days. While you’re there, make the most of your North Queensland experience and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, hop the local island and meet local wildlife.

Agnes Water Triathlon: 28 – 29 September 2024

Make your way to magnificent Agnes Water for a triathlon any athlete – including the kids - can have a go at. This not-for-profit event is run entirely by volunteers, featuring a sprint distance triathlon and an enticer distance event perfect for those who might be attempting their first endurance race. Kids from 5 – 14 years can take the challenge of junior aquathlon events with a variety of swim/run races to suit.

Searching for more Queensland events? Discover more of what's on in spring or head here for the full events calendar.