Mark your calendar with these April events in Queensland

Looking for new and exciting things to do in Queensland this April?

From film festivals by the beach to light festivals in the outback; endurance events that will test your limits and music festivals that will keep you dancing, there’s plenty of energy and community spirit to uncover – and even more events to add to your calendar.

This month also marks Anzac Day – a national public holiday on 25 April – our opportunity to commemorate those who have served and sacrificed. Find Anzac services, marches and events across Queensland with this guide. 

Read on to discover the best Queensland events in April, and make your plans for a getaway. 

Brisbane | Cairns & Great Barrier Reef | Gold Coast | Outback Queensland | Southern Great Barrier Reef

Brisbane

Brisbane Cycling Festival: 21 March - 13 April 2025

The excitement of Brisbane Cycling Festival continues into April, with over 100 events and activities for all ages and abilities, both on and off the bike, planned across the festival. 

The full program will be announced soon, but save the date for the AusCycling Esports National Championships (11 April) and fan-favourite Active Lifestyle Expo (12-13 April) where you can explore the latest and greatest cycling technology, products and trends, as well as new and established health and fitness brands at South Bank Parklands. 

Tour de Brisbane: 13 April 2025

Australia’s ultimate Sunday ride is back to triumphantly close out Brisbane Cycling Festival. Whether you have the lycra or not, Tour de Brisbane is your chance to grab your bike and ride with like-minded cyclists of all levels, with over 110km of fully closed city roads marking your course. There are rides and distances for every type of cyclist, so make it a day out in the sunshine with the kids or race for a place on the podium. 

Here's everything you need to know about Tour de Brisbane.

Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race: 18 April 2025

Make your way to Redcliffe to witness the start of the 77^th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. Considered to be one of Australia’s flagship ocean yacht races, competitors set sail from Redcliffe Point and travel around 308 nautical miles to Gladstone.

Want to secure a front row seat? Brisbane Whale Watching is offering the chance to get out on the water to watch the race’s action-packed first moments on board the luxury MV Eye Spy.

Brisbane Comedy Festival: 23 April - 25 May 2025

Expect a month full of laughs during Brisbane Comedy Festival, when venues across the city host the biggest comics from Australia and around the globe. The calendar of events is huge – with over 100 comedians featured including Jimeoin, Ross Noble, Danny Bhoy, Claire Hooper, Zoë Coombs Marr, Nazeem Hussain and so many more. There are many music and theatre-comedy experiences too, from drunken Shakespeare to improvised musicals, boardroom banter and circus stunts. 

Here's the guide to the best of Brisbane Comedy Festival.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Undara Outback Rock & Blues Festival: 25 - 27 April 2025

Journey a few hours west of Cairns, into Gulf Savannah country, for what’s dubbed the biggest ‘little’ festival in the Outback. Held at Discovery Resorts Undara, beside some of the oldest lava tube systems on earth, this is a truly unique Australian music experience featuring a range of local artists along with talent from across the country. 

Gold Coast

The Aussies: 29 March – 6 April 2025

Nine days. 480 events. 7,000 participants from Australia’s 314 volunteer surf clubs – along with international competitors.

By numbers, the 101st Australian Surf Life Saving Championships – also known as The Aussies – is impressive. In fact, this is the largest event of its kind. But it’s more impressive if you head to the Gold Coast yourself and watch the action play out at Tugun SLSC and North Kira SLSC.

The Aussies will crown the Australian champions across the three national championships - Youth, Open and Masters along with the Aussies Australian Ocean Swim. 

Gold Coast Triathlon: 6 April 2025

Join the action in the Gold Coast Triathlon - Luke Harrop Memorial for fast and flat racing at the beautiful Broadwater Parklands at the northern end of the Gold Coast. With Sprint, Enticer and running distances and a kids triathlon, there's something for every level.

Cooly Classic Ocean Swim Festival: 12 - 13 April 2025

Join swimmers from all over Australia for the Gold Coast’s premier ocean swim, Cooly Classic. With revered Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta and Kirra in your sights, pick your distance (from 1km to 5km) and join the exhilarating action of competing among one of the world's most famous surf breaks.

There’ll be a range of small group sessions and clinics with guest coaches during the week, too. 

Here's everything you should know about Cooly Classic, and what to do while you're in town.

Gold Coast Film Festival: 16 - 27 April 2025

Film buffs need to make plans for the Gold Coast Film Festival, a showcase of incredible films, inspirational panels, SIPFest (Shorts in Paradise), outdoor screenings and special pop-up events to celebrate the best of Australian and International cinema - with a focus on local and independent filmmakers. 

There are also several free-to-attend industry education events for emerging and established screen creatives to learn, connect and grow.

Von Bibra Gold Coast Running Festival: 27 April 2025

Lace-up your joggers and join the fitness fun at Gold Coast Running Festival. With various distances to suit all running (or walking) abilities – including kids events, 5km, 10km, half marathon or ¾ marathon – create a team or simply run in the Gold Coast’s sunshine. The atmosphere at this event is as special as the feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line.

Outback Queensland

Outback River Lights Festival: 11 - 13 April 2025

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the outback through light, storytelling and music at Cunnamulla's Outback River Lights Festival, a joyful celebration for the start of travel season in the state’s southwest. Expect vibrant light installations, fire twirling, and meet the Elders sessions, along with live music. Get crafty in a lantern-making workshop, then join the lantern parade on the festival's final night, which ends with a lights show spectacular and a huge concert.

Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival: 11 - 13 April 2025

This beautiful, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it corner of northwest Queensland comes alive during Julia Creek Dirt n Dust. The annual event is a smorgasbord for the senses and entertains every outback adventurer. Take part in the Adventure Run of the Wild West which will have you laughing to the finish line, place your bets on the Artesian Express Race Day, catch the thrill of the nightly rodeo, and finish off by dancing the night away under the stars with live music. Come once and it’ll be on your calendar every year afterward.

Use this guide to plan your visit.

Roma’s Easter in the Country Festival: 17 -21 April 2025

Want to do something different this Easter? Head west to Roma for Easter in the Country, where outback charm, country hospitality, strong community and good times collide. The five day celebration offers activities for all ages: concerts from some of Australia’s best country music acts, an action-packed APRA qualified rodeo, street parade, markets, camel rides, fishing competitions, novelty events and more. 

Queensland Music Trail’s Outback Trail: 20 April - 3 May 2025

Turn a love of Aussie music into a mighty road trip through the outback following one of the Queensland Music Trails. The magic of our outback landscapes and the magic of music combine along the Outback Trail. And if you complete the epic 14-day, one-of-a-kind, self-drive musical adventure, you'll come to know the rugged heartland of Queensland. 

This year's Outback Trail kicks off at Roma's Easter in the Country with a night of music under the stars by country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley and Wade Forster. Over the next two weeks, you'll wind your way between iconic outback venues including Thallon’s Nindigully Pub, Charlotte Plains Station, Eromanga Natural History Museum and Bollon Civic Centre, uncovering the history and stories of the Outback between gigs spanning country, folk and First Nations music.

The trail ends at Charleville’s Showgrounds for the headline event, Outback Sounds. The family-friendly concert will bring plenty of talent to the stage, including headliner James Johnston. 

Discover more about Queensland Music Trails here. Where will it take you next?

Southern Great Barrier Reef

Rockynats Car Festival: 4 – 6 April 2025

Tyres will burn, street drags will take over the city, and drifting champs will send it sideways at the greatest horsepower party in Rockhampton. Join the Rockynats - Queensland's largest car and bike festival – for an unforgettable and high-decibel weekend. 

Looking for more Queensland events in April and beyond? Head here.