Inspiration ignites at 2026 World Science Festival

• World Science Festival Brisbane opens today, featuring more than 175 performances, hands-on science sessions and outdoor installations.
• Festival set to provide $55 million boost to the state’s economy, reaffirming Queensland as the events capital of the nation.
• Several activations to take over Brisbane, including the Queensland Museum Kurilpa, the wider Queensland Cultural Centre, and the Brisbane Botanical Gardens and Planetarium.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, proudly supporting the World Science Festival Brisbane and enhancing the state’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination.

The 10-day program combines hands-on science with the arts and innovation, inspiring locals and visitors of all ages with greater access to thriving educational experiences.

From today, more than 100 performers, guest speakers, and scientific experts will embark on a journey of discovery through almost 200 awe-inspiring performances across 78 events.

After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is cementing Queensland as Australia’s events capital, facilitating an economic boost that’s set to ripple through local hotels, restaurants and businesses.

The festival’s Australian premieres include The National Geographic Live: Cosmic Adventures with NASA aerospace engineer Tracy Drain, and the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Beautiful Equations which invites audiences to appreciate the mathematics of music.

World Science Festival Brisbane features free and low-cost events for families including Ask an Astronaut with 2026 Australian of the Year, astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, as well as free admission to Robots and Rocketry, Smelly Science, the Microverse, Citizen Science Fair and Digital Detox walking tours.

The thriving science spectacle will also bring artistic displays to regional Queensland, including Toowoomba, Townsville, Ipswich and Chinchilla.

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said World Science Festival Brisbane offers an exciting blend of arts, culture and science.

“This festival is the largest celebration of scientific discovery in Australia and enhances Queensland’s identity as a creative powerhouse,” Minister Langbroek said.

“Since its inception, World Science Festival Brisbane has attracted more than two million visitors, including over 54,000 school students.

“We know this festival creates jobs for Queenslanders and contributes more than $55 million to the state’s economy.

“The Crisafulli Government wants all Queenslanders to have opportunities to access and engage with the arts.”

Queensland Museum CEO Renai Grace said the event reflects the Museum’s commitment to connecting communities with ideas that shape our world.

“For more than a decade, Queensland Museum has proudly presented World Science Festival Brisbane, creating a powerful platform to connect Queensland with global thinkers, creators and changemakers,” Ms Grace said.

“The festival reflects our vision to be a museum for the future, one that shares knowledge, sparks curiosity and creates meaningful experiences for visitors.

“In 2026, we continue that momentum with a program that is ambitious, inclusive and designed to inspire new ways of thinking.”