Must-do cultural events and festivals in Queensland this spring

After months of hibernation, Queensland’s creative forces are itching to come out and play every spring. The result? A three-month explosion of energized arts and culture events, stretching right across the state.

Horse racing in the far-flung corners of the Simpson Desert, art installations set against frothy waves and killer dance parties in the Big Smoke — whatever your poison, there’s an exhilarating calendar event just for you.   

Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses (Brisbane)

When: Now until 7 October 2024

Be inspired by the genius of Dutch fashion designer, Iris van Herpen, right in the heart of Brisbane. Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses is an utterly immersive exhibition staged inside South Bank’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), and celebrates the international trailblazer’s unwavering thirst for innovation. Wander through around 100 of her most extraordinary garments in addition to contemporary artworks, natural history specimens and fascinating artefacts.

Get the most out of your visit by checking out our in-depth guide to Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses.

The state’s capital sure knows how to party. Cheers to Brisbane at the annual Brisbane Festival, a three-week celebration that features 1000 live performances spanning theatre, music and the arts. Whether you’re catching an act on one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars or busting moves to DJ sets aboard The Art Boat (which is exactly what it sounds like, floating along the Brisbane River), you’ll be spoiled for go-all-day activity. And don't forget to check out the spectacular launch event, Riverfire.

Get across the hundreds of performances spread throughout the city with our complete guide to this year’s Brisbane Festival.

Birdsville Races (Outback Queensland)

When: 6 – 7 September 2024

Frock up in Outback Queensland for a cultural event like no other. The annual Birdsville Races, held in the remote town of Birdsville on the edge of the Simpson Desert, is a bucket list experience for race lovers. Two jam-packed days dish up quality horse racing, Fashions on the Field, live entertainment and truckloads of parties. Switching soft turf for sandy trails, the event showcases Queensland’s rawest beauty in exhilarating style, all while celebrating one of the country’s most-loved spectator sports.

Make the most of your visit by ticking off our list of the top 10 things to do while you’re at the Birdsville Races.   

Celebrate the return of warmer, longer days at the Laidley Spring Festival, located an hour’s drive west of Brisbane. The annual homage to spring brings together the entire town of Laidley as a street parade, arts and craft workshops, kids’ entertainment, art exhibitions, a blooming garden display, food trucks, circus performances, market stalls and South East Queensland’s most talented musical acts spread sunny vibes right across the weekend.    

SWELL Sculpture Festival (Gold Coast)

When: 6 – 15 September 2024

Dialling up the coastal charms of Currumbin to full-bore, SWELL Sculpture Festival transforms the beach into an art gallery every September. For more than two decades, the Gold Coast event has attracted the city’s most talented artists — established and emerging — to showcase large-scale works against an astounding backdrop. Expect to see an eclectic mix of mediums right across the shore as artist talks, workshops, masterclasses and twilight walks to keep the good times rolling over ten inspiring days.

Don’t miss the highlights by reading our comprehensive guide to the SWELL Sculpture Festival 2024.

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (Queensland Country)

When: 13 September – 7 October 2024

Nothing screams spring quite like a rainbow-hued blanket of blossoming blooms. The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, held annually in the Southern Queensland town of Toowoomba, is a dazzling sight for visitors of all ages. As pristine private gardens are opened to the public, a street parade takes centre stage, public parks are manicured to perfection, food and wine events fill Toowoomba’s best cafes and restaurants, and general merriment flows throughout. Live music, plus arts and crafts displays provide fun-fueled icing on the cake.

Will this be your first time? Check out our guide to things you never knew about the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.  

Redcliffe KiteFest (Brisbane)

When: 14 – 15 September 2024

Indulge your inner child (and delight actual little ones) at the Redcliffe KiteFest, staged at Clontarf’s Pelican Park in Redcliffe each year. While the sheer spectacle of hundreds of kites blowing about in the breeze is a timeless showstopper, there are also aerobatic displays, family-friendly entertainment, kids’ activities and workshops, food stalls and plenty more to be discovered over two days at the waterside destination.

Melt Open (Brisbane)

When: 23 October – 10 November 2024

Following the success of Brisbane Powerhouse’s widely celebrated Melt festival, the Melt Open shines a light on the diverse artistic talents of the LGBTQIA+ community. An open-access arts festival to discover the most daring and emotive Queer artworks, you’ll be treated to installations and performances in venues across the city. Encouraging the participation of both emerging and established artists, the event is bound to ignite bold discussion and creativity.

Stay across the highlights by checking out our complete guide to Melt Open.

Bluey’s World Brisbane (Brisbane)

When: From 7 November 2024

Explore the world’s biggest kids’ TV show for real life at the immersive Bluey’s World Brisbane, to be staged in the city’s new arts and entertainment precinct, Northshore. An interactive recreation of the fictional Heeler family’s home, featuring life-size sets of their toy-laced living room, kitchen, kids’ bedrooms and picturesque backyard, will evoke gasps and squeals from children and grown-ups alike.

Learn more by checking out our guide to Bluey’s World Brisbane and if you’re in the market for fresh activities, take a look at our list of the best kid-friendly things to do in Brisbane, too.

The 11^th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11) (Brisbane)

When: 30 November 2024 – 27 April 2025

Hundreds of world-class artworks are ready to be stickybeaked at the 11^th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11), the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)’s flagship exhibition. Inspired creations, live performances, film screenings and discussions are all part of 70 unique projects that aim to reflect the cultural diversity of Australia, Asia and the Pacific, highlighting our delicate natural environments and unique storytelling.

Lock in your must-sees before you go by checking out our comprehensive guide to the 11^th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11).

For more arts and culture events in Queensland, see here.