The best events across Queensland this spring

Brisbane

Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses

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.

Brisbane Festival

When: 30 August – 21 September 2024

The state’s capital sure knows how to party. Cheers 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.   

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

Queensland Music Trails’ Brisbane Trail

When: September 2024

Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle and buzzing nightlife set the stage for the Brisbane Trail, a month-long celebration of the city’s vibrant music scene.

It all starts with the highlight of Brisbane’s cultural calendar, Brisbane Festival (30 August – 21 September 2024), and continues with BIGSOUND 2024 (3 – 6 September), the southern hemisphere’s largest music industry gathering, featuring a stacked conference program alongside 120 live performances.

Don’t miss Sweet Relief! (16 September)—wind the clock back to the nineties and noughties with a nostalgia-fuelled celebration of dance music headlined by Kelis in her only Australian show.

Redcliffe KiteFest

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’s 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

When: 23 October – 10 November 2024

Following the success of Brisbane Powerhouse’s widely celebrated Melt festival, 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.

Queensland Music Trails’ Scenic Rim Trail

When: 1 – 3 November 2024

Escape the noise and tune into something beautiful on the Scenic Rim Trail. Taking place in the picturesque Scenic Rim—recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top ten regions to visit in 2022—the Trail connects arts, music and culture with the region’s rolling hills and country charms.

It starts with The Long Sunset (1 – 3 November), a three-day festival in the dreamy Elysian Fields headlined by Matt Corby and Angie McMahon, before Taste of Country (3 November)—there you’ll find delicious food, local wine and exquisite music amongst the vineyards of Overflow Estate 1895.

Bluey’s World 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.

Australian PGA Championship

When: 21 – 24 November 2024

The prestigious DP World Tour tees off in Brisbane when some of the world’s best golfers descend on the Royal Queensland Golf Club for the Australian PGA Championship. Reigning champion and rising star Min Woo Lee will lead a world-class field competing for $2 million in prize money.

The action on the fairway is only part of the fun – make sure to hit up the par-3 17^th ‘Party Hole’, where the beats are pumping and the vibes are high, or let the littles try their hand at golf at the Calaway Kids Course and MyGold Junior Zone.

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

When: 30 November 2024 – 27 April 2025

Hundreds of world-class artworks are ready to be sticky beaked 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.

For more spring events in Brisbane, bookmark this ultimate guide.

Gold Coast

SWELL Sculpture Festival

When: 6 – 15 September 2024

Dialing 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 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.

Crafted Beer Festival

When: 14 September 2024

Can’t resist a cold one? You’ll be spoilt for quality choice when the Gold Coast’s Crafted Beer Festival rolls around again this season. Staged right off the sand at Broadbeach’s Kurrawa Park, the festival will collate more than 400 delicious brews, either whipped up especially for the occasion or there to best represent a label’s ethos and meticulous handiwork.

When you’re not frothing over the frothy stuff, there are also food trucks, beer yoga, beer pong, live music and a hot wing eating competition to indulge in.

Don’t miss a minute of the action and discover everything else on offer by checking out our guide to the Crafted Beer Festival.

Coolangatta Gold

When: 12 – 13 October 2024

From the silver screen to the Coolangatta’s golden sands, the Coolangatta Gold Ironman was first held in 1984, when the makers of a movie about a surf lifesaving competition decided to make a real event to film.

40 years later, the Coolangatta Gold is one of Australia’s most prestigious (and toughest!) sporting events, bringing together four surf lifesaving disciplines – swimming, running, board paddling and surf skiing. Four events over two days culminate with the main event, a punishing 41.8-kilometre slog along the strip between Coolangatta and Broadbeach.

Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500

When: 24 – 27 October 2024

Feel the rumble of V8s and watch Mustangs battle Camaros just metres from the sand when the Supercars Championship rolls into the Gold Coast for the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.

Marking 30 years since the big V8s first hit the world-famous Surfers Paradise circuit, the 2024 edition promises to be bigger than ever. With four days of support racing, aerial displays, off-track installations and a Super Kids Zone, you won’t want to miss the action.

Ready to rev up? Read our guide to the event here.

Pan Pacific Masters Games

When: 1 – 10 November 2024

On your marks, get set… Go! More than 16,000 athletes will compete in the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest multisport event when the biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games hits the Gold Coast.

The Games include 46 different sports, with the majority of events open to anyone over 30, and no minimum qualifying requirements. But this is no walk in the park—the competition is fierce as it is friendly.

The action isn’t just in the pool or on the field either, with live music from Sneaky Sound System, the Australian Rock Collective (featuring members from Spiderbait, Jet, and Powderfinger).

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Queensland Music Trails’ Tropics Trail

When: 28 September – 13 October 2024

Follow the music through Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef this spring with the Tropics Trail and wander through paradise as you celebrate the cultural heritage of sun-bathed Tropical North Queensland.

This year’s headline event is Dream Aloud (5 Oct), an inaugural celebration of First Nations contemporary music. Coming to Munro Martin Parklands in Cairns, some of Australia’s most exciting Indigenous artists will take the stage, including Baker Boy, King Stingray, Bumpy, Kee-Ahn and more.

Other events will include Shine On Gimuy (3 – 7 Oct), a diverse program of public light art installations, First Nations culture, markets, music and workshops along the Cairns waterfront; and Mareeba’s Savannah in The Round (11 – 13 Oct) where music lovers can camp out and listen to the best in country, roots, rock and pop. 

Sunshine Coast

IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast (Sunshine Coast)

When: 8 September 2024

Start with an ocean swim off Mooloolaba Beach, cycle up to Coolum with the saltwater drying on your skin, before a coastal run to bring it home. The IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast course is every bit as picturesque as it is challenging, taking in some of the Sunshine Coast’s most stunning locations.

This half-distance ironman event, named after its 70.3-mile distance (113-kilometres), brings together both professionals and amateur triathletes to the Sunshine Coast. Looking to compete? Check out the event website for registration details.

Mitchell Creek Rock N’ Blues Fest

When: 13 – 15 September 2024

Combining the intimacy of a house party with the good vibes of a festival, this year’s Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Fest will feature 120 artists, headlined by the iconic Australian pub rock band, the Radiators.

Set amongst the gumtrees on private property in the Mary Valley, the natural amphitheatre provides for crystal-clear acoustics wafting out over expansive grassy areas bordered by bushland.

The music isn’t the only thing on offer at this family-friendly event, with a multicultural food fest featuring fresh local grown produce and free on-site camping (for tents, caravans and RVs—you can even bring the dog!).

Sunshine Coast Multisport Festival

When: 26 October 2024

Mountain bike your way through rainforest-lined single-track at breakneck speed at the Sunshine Coast Multisport festival—a spectacular mountain bike and trail run festival that brings the TreX Cross Triathlon and the Sunshine Coast MTB festival to Beerwah State Forest.

Whether you're a hardcore mountain biker or a weekend warrior, there’s something for all ages and abilities, from the free ‘Kids Mud Rats’ all the way up to the 47.5-kilometre MTB event or the TreX triathlon.

Southern Great Barrier Reef

Taste Bundaberg Festival

When: 30 August – 8 September 2024

There’s plenty more to Bundaberg than its thirst-quenching rum. At the annual Taste Bundaberg Festival, the region’s most admirable farmers, brewers, distillers, chefs and culinary craftspeople (as well as the excellent Bundaberg restaurants and cafes many of them service) are celebrated through a series of fabulous events.

Spanning food-led discussions, an eight-course degustation, farm tours, gourmet picnics, beach parties and masterclasses, the schedule is jam-packed with local champions spinning magic out of the region’s best spring ingredients.

Capricorn Food and Wine Festival

When: 5 – 8 September 2024

North Queensland’s largest food and wine extravaganza is the Capricorn Food and Wine Festival, an annual homage to the region’s countless culinary charms. Now in its 12^th year, it stretches across official festival grounds at the Rockhampton Riverfront Precinct plus signature events staged throughout Rockhampton and Great Keppel Island off the Capricorn Coast.

You’ll find kitchen inspiration in the way of demonstrations by top chefs, cooking classes and wine-focused master classes, and there’s live music, cocktail parties and memorable dining experiences to keep the good times kicking over four days.

Create your own long weekend itinerary by reviewing our comprehensive guide to the Capricorn Food and Wine Festival, and while you’re at it, be inspired by our list of the best Queensland food experiences.

Townsville

The Whitsundays

Airlie Beach Festival of Music

When: 7 – 10 November 2024

Live music and the Great Barrier Reef come together at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, featuring more than 50 of the hottest music acts playing in the heart of the Whitsundays and its 74 islands.

Catch the stars of yesterday, today and tomorrow—have a ‘Ballroom Blitz’ with the Sweet or make your way to ‘Funky Town’ with Pseudo Echo, alongside other acts including Jebediah, Thirsty Merc, Ash Grunwald and Christine Anu.

Don’t miss Passport to Airlie, Australia’s biggest live original music competition, and the After Party at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill.

Queensland Country

Laidley Spring Festival

When: 6 – 8 September 2024

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.    

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

When: 13 September – 7 October 2024

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 a 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.  

Blackbutt Avocado Festival

When: 14 September 2024

Renowned for harvesting some of the sweetest avocados you’ll ever devour, Blackbutt in the South Burnett region is a hidden foodie gem. Celebrating the fruit of its labour, literally, is the family-friendly Blackbutt Avocado Festival, a day party where the humble avocado takes centre stage.

Expect live entertainment, a street parade, market stalls and something called an ‘Avo Drop’ where parachutists launch from 5,000 feet above ground to grab a marker inside a giant drawing of an avocado. A sight that must be seen to be appreciated (and understood). Visitors can also learn how to grow and cook the fruit better than ever, and there are avocado-themed games with cash prizes up for grabs.  

Warwick Rodeo & Gold Cup Campdraft

When: 21 - 27 October 2024

If you've heard of Warwick, you've no doubt heard of the Warwick Rodeo. Known as Australia's most famous rodeo, the event has been the home of the Australian Championships since 1928 - and it attracts crowds in excess of 30,000 people with competitors and horses travelling from every mainland state to compete.

At this year's Ariat Warwick Rodeo and Pryde's EasiFeed Warwick Gold Cup Campdraft, spectators will be treated to thrills as they watch bull, horse and riders fly out the gate at mens, womens and juniors competitions. There's heaps to explore outside the arena too, with a tradeshow alley for genuine country attire, great country cooking, autograph signings with the riders, live music, and the annual Rodeo Queen Quest.

Outback Queensland

Birdsville Races

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.