A gig-lovers guide to Open Season Music Series in Brisbane

When: May - July 2025

Lineup | Eat | Kick-on | Stay

The mercury rarely dips low during winter in sunny Brisbane, but it’ll be even hotter as Open Season Music Series returns for its fifth year.  

Cemented as one of Brisbane’s premier festivals, this year’s three-month-long program welcomes an eclectic lineup of music, with over 30 gigs hosted across six iconic Brisbane venues, including The Tivoli, Princess Theatre, QPAC and more. 

Read on and get ready to book your calendar solid with electrifying shows and intimate gigs – and find our tips to make the most of Open Season Music Series in Brisbane.

What to expect from Open Season 2025

Open Season 2025 promises an incredible journey through music, celebrating both international icons and local talent.

You'll have to be quick to score tickets to the must-see QPAC experience, as ethereal Icelandic group Sigur Rós performs with The Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra (28 May). The international lineup continues with USA R&B songstress Ravyn Lenae (27 May), Emmy and two-time Grammy-nominated jazz legend Kamasi Washington (12 June), while the uniquely talented Pale Jay delivers a one-of-a-kind performance orchestrated with a string trio (25 May). 

For those who love supporting Aussie music, the local lineup is a treasure trove of nostalgia and new blood. Surf punkers Skeggs will bring their high-energy with The Buoys and Fool Nelson (28 June), Killing Heidi takes the stage (26 June), and The Preatures reunite to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their breakthrough album Blue Planet Eyes (19 July). But perhaps the most anticipated local performance comes from Cloud Control (30 May). The band will play together in their original line-up for the first time in over a decade, promising a night of lush harmonies and psych-folk magic that long-time fans have been waiting for.

The electronic scene isn't left behind, with HANDSOME bringing their electro-pop vibes to QUIVR's iconic laneway bar (25 June), while UK's boundary-pushing Mount Kimbie will deliver one of their first Australian shows in seven years at The Princess Theatre (4 June).

A highlight of Open Season continues to be Blak Day Out, now in its fourth powerful year (26 July). The Princess Theatre will come alive with an electrifying lineup of First Nations artists, including iconic Christine Anu, ever-charming Thelma Plum, and fierce Miss Kaninna. Curated by Alethea Beetson from Blak Social and co-presented with QPAC's Clancestry, expect an unforgettable night of music, culture, and community. 

There’s so much more on during Open Season 2025. For the complete lineup and calendar of events, head here.

Where to grab a bite before the show

Heading to The Tivoli? The vast majority of Brisbane’s best restaurants are scattered through The Valley’s streets. From James Street’s upscale favourites or quick bites from around the globe along King Street (look out for great dining deals here), to bustling laneways or vibrant Howard Smith Wharves, where you can soak up a meal overlooking the river and see the city lights come alive.

There’s no shortage of eateries to satisfy hunger pangs in Woolloongabba either, if your gig is at Princess Theatre. Just steps from the venue you’ll find Brisbane Brewing Co, C’est Bon (with its own rooftop bar), Boo’s Kitchen for Thai bites, or Frankie’s Smokehouse. Ten minutes’ stroll away is a local dining hotspot on Logan Rd, home to classic Italian restaurants, small bars, breweries and everything in between.

Catching a show at QPAC? Wander down Fish Lane, through West End, or take advantage of South Bank’s smorgasbord of offerings.

Post gig kick-on spots

The Tivoli is set a short stroll from Fortitude Valley’s entertainment hub, while if you caught an electronic set at QUIVR you're already in the heart of the action. Whether you’re in the mood for cocktails, dancing or prefer to sit back with a cold brew to debrief on the evening, night owls can keep the party going here.

If a nightcap is calling after encore at The Princess Theatre, feel free to stay local - there's unique drinking holes and plenty of pubs to pull into. Our picks? Tucked into a vintage clothing store, Can You Keep a Secret? is known for a strong wine and cocktail offering, while hidden speakeasy Mrs. J Rabbits boasts a range of rare whisky and gin whipped into curious and classic cocktails. 

QPAC sits just a stones throw from expertly crafted cocktails at Maker, Bar Brutus or Midtown, whisky den Cobbler, or French-chic wine bar Maeve. Those who caught a gig at Grand on Ann are dangerously close to underground fun factory, Brooklyn Standard, slinging solid drinks and live music six nights a week.

Where to stay 

Making a night (or two) of it? As Brisbane continues to flourish with its distinctive suburbs and growing havens of shopping, dining and entertainment, so too does its accommodation scene, and everyone’s invited.

Rest your head in one of Brisbane’s trendiest hotels. Treat yourself to luxury at Fortitude Valley’s The Calile, Hotel X and Ovolo The Valley. Take a look at the CBD’s lavish W Brisbane or watch the city lights from the exquisite Emporium Hotel South Bank. 

And if you find yourself with a little free time in Brisbane, this guide will show you the best of the city and surrounds.