Brisbane Festival 2025 program unveiled

• Brisbane will be transformed into a canvas for exceptional arts experiences from 5 to 27 September for Brisbane Festival 2025. 
• Artistic Director, Louise Bezzina’s sixth and final festival program features bold new work by Queensland arts companies alongside outstanding national and international work.
• The festival generates significant social and economic benefits, engaging more than 2,200 artists and delivering 1,069 performances including 21 world premieres.  

Brisbane Festival’s 2025 program will be revealed today delivering exceptional arts experiences and exhibitions to audiences of all ages and budgets.  

Spanning 23 days, the festival is expected to attract a combined audience of 1.8 million locals and visitors who will enjoy 1,069 performances by 2,260 artists.

From citywide public art trails to breathtaking firework and drone displays, the blockbuster 2025 program celebrates the length and breadth of Queensland’s vibrant arts sector.  

This year marks the final festival to be delivered by Artistic Director, Louise Bezzina, and promises to be the most expansive and city-shaping in its rich 29-year history.  

A collection of Queensland’s most celebrated artists and companies are featured in the program including Shake & Stir’s The Lovers, Camerata and Kate Miller-Heike, Opera Queensland, Stephen Page’s Baleen Moondjan and Australasian Dance Collective’s Bad Nature.  

Much-loved festival favourites Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust and the breathtaking drone display Skylore will return, alongside a new addition Afterglow which will illuminate the City Botanical Gardens night skies.   

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek thanked Louise Bezzina for her work over the past six years and for curating a powerful final program that celebrates Queensland talent.   

“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support Brisbane Festival to showcase our talented artists and grow Queensland’s reputation as a thriving arts destination,” Minister Langbroek said.   

“This blockbuster program has something for everyone and we’re throwing our support behind community events to ensure cost is no barrier to accessing the arts.  

“Bold, colourful, and creative experiences are at the heart of Brisbane Festival, and I have no doubt Queenslanders will fall in love with the spectacular 2025 program. 

“A huge thank you to Louise and Charlie, whose collective vision has inspired a generation of artists and delighted Queenslanders of all ages.” 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said Brisbane Festival was a magnet for visitors from across the country and around the world, and this year's program plans to deliver big and bold options.  

“With a spectacular program of world premieres, large-scale public art, unforgettable performances, and the iconic Riverfire lighting up the skies, the 2025 event will truly feature something for everyone,” Minister Powell said.  

"The festival will deliver a major boost to Queensland's visitor economy as every corner of Brisbane comes alive with the energy and creativity that makes our state so special.  

“We look forward to welcoming up to 20,000 visitors from outside of Queensland travelling specifically for this event, and I hope they make the most of everything Queensland has to offer.” 

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane’s iconic arts festival would be a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to support local artists and experience the city’s creative spirit. 

“Brisbane Festival is more than an arts event — it’s a celebration of our identity as Australia’s lifestyle capital,” Cr Schrinner said. 

“It shines a spotlight on our creativity, diversity, and world-class local talent, bringing them to centre stage for all to enjoy. 

“This year’s program will transform every corner of our city with unforgettable experiences — from large-scale international collaborations to vibrant, community-driven works.  

“I encourage everyone to get involved, explore the city in new ways and be part of this extraordinary celebration that puts Brisbane’s culture, colour and community front and centre.” 

Artistic Director Louise Bezzina said this year’s program is a love letter to Brisbane — bold, joyful, and created with and for the city.  

“My final festival is a celebration of everything Brisbane Festival has become - a world-class event with a fiercely local heart,” Ms Bezzina said.  

“From world premieres to deeply resonant community works, this year’s program is ambitious in scale and grounded in storytelling — transforming the city itself into a stage.  

“As Brisbane comes alive this September, I welcome everyone to take their place in the story.” 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Rogers 0426 414 298