The best events across Queensland this spring

Bluey’s World Brisbane

When: Tickets are currently on sale until February 2026

Explore the world’s biggest kids’ TV show for real life at the immersive Bluey’s World Brisbane, 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.

Brisbane Festival

When:  5 - 27 September 2025

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.

Melt 

When: 22 October – 9 November 2025

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

Australian PGA Championship

When: 27 – 30 November 2025

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 Elvis Smylie 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.

Men's T20I Australia v India

When:  6 November (Gold Coast) and 8 November (Brisbane) 2025

See Australia and India clash when they take the field at Gold Coast Stadium for the fourth T20I of the cricket series on 6 November. This is the Indian men's first time playing on the Gold Coast.

The Australia V India white ball series concludes at the Gabba on 8 November. Australia ruled with the red ball winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy – who can claim the white ball cricket crown?

SWELL Sculpture Festival

When:  12 - 21 September 2025

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 2025.

Crafted Beer Festival

When: 13 September 2025

Can’t resist a cold one? You’ll be spoilt for choice when the Gold Coast’s Crafted Beer Festival (main image) 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: TBC October 2025

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.

Groundwater Country Music Festival

When:  17 - 19 October 2025

Get ready for a city-meets-country experience like no other! Groundwater Country Music Festival will return to Broadbeach in 2025 to bring the best of country vibes back to the coast.

This year's line up includes Troy Cassar-Daley, Jackson Dean, Brad Cox, Shane Smith and the Saints, The Wolfe Brothers, Lane Pittman, Max Jackson, Sara Berki, The Buckleys and many more!

Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500

When: 24 – 26 October 2025

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.

Over 30 years since the big V8s first hit the world-famous Surfers Paradise circuit, the 2025 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.

Savannah in the Round

When: 9 - 12 October

Savannah in the Round is set to light up the tropical north with a huge weekend of country, rock and roots music in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands, featuring Zac Brown Band, Jackson Dean, Kasey Chambers and more. Think paddock parties, local flavours and big-name acts under the stars—this is Far North Queensland’s answer to a boot-scootin'’ good time.

Queensland Music Trails’ Tropics Trail

When: 9 - 26 October 2025

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.

The return of Dream Aloud Festival at Munro Martin Parklands on October 18 will see an all-star, all-First Nations lineup (think: Budjerah, Kaiit, South Summit, DENNI) backed by storytelling, food, art, and a Welcome to Country by the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Traditional Owners.

Shine on Gimuy

When: 17 - 26 October

Shine on Gimuy is a vibrant celebration of First Nations culture and storytelling, transforming Cairns with powerful art, light installations and live performances. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Esplanade and Trinity Inlet, this multi-sensory event invites you to connect with Country through a rich tapestry of sound, movement and meaning. 

IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast (Sunshine Coast)

When: 14 September 2025

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: 19 – 22 September 2025

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, locally grown produce and free on-site camping (for tents, caravans and RVs—you can even bring the dog!).

Taste Bundaberg Festival

When:  5 - 14 September 2025

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.

North Australia Festival of Arts (NAFA)

When:  24 September - 12 October 2025

North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) is an annual celebration of arts, culture, inclusion, and community.

During the festival period, NAFA transforms Townsville with eclectic and vibrant shows and events that include comedy, dance, theatre, circus, music, visual arts, cabaret, workshops and so much more.

NAFA welcomes audiences of all ages, interests, and abilities as it offers a platform for everyone to access, discover and experiment with the arts.

Airlie Beach Festival of Music

When: 7 – 9 November 2025

Live music and the Great Barrier Reef come together at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, featuring more than 60 of the hottest music acts playing in the heart of the Whitsundays and its 74 islands.

From 7 - 9 November, this multi-day festival transforms the vibrant town of Airlie Beach into one giant stage, with performances across bars, cafes and iconic local venues. The main stage, set under a big top at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, offers unforgettable seafront performances from artists like Jessica Mauboy, The Screaming Jets, Diesel, Choirboys and more.

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

Laidley Spring Festival

When:  12 - 14 September 2025

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: 12 September – 6 October 2025

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.  

CelticFest Warwick

When:  4 - 5 October 2025

CelticFest celebrates the Southern Downs’ rich Scottish and Irish heritage. The two-day event will be held on the King's Birthday weekend in October at the Warwick Showgrounds.

CelticFest Warwick 2025 will include Highland Games heavy events, a full line-up of Scottish and Irish music, a bustling medieval encampment, thrilling pipe bands, Highland creatures including gorgeous Highland cows, Celtic-themed markets, and much, much more (all to be confirmed)! Traditional Scottish and Irish food and drink will be on offer too, including haggis pies, potato cakes, Guinness, cider and of course, whisky! Other food options will also be available.

Warwick Rodeo & Gold Cup Campdraft

When: 20 - 26 October 2025

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 of the gate at men's, women's 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.

Birdsville Races

When: 5 - 6 September 2025

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.   

Outback Festival

When:  23 - 27 September 2025

Whip out to Winton this September for Australia’s quirkiest event, the Outback Festival.  Five days of quintessential outback fun will take over the Outback Queensland town of Winton, during the Queensland school holidays.

The festival's signature event, the Quilton Australian Dunny Derby, will top off five days of outback celebrations including warm Outback hospitality and nightly live entertainment. Sports fans can test their skills in True Blue Aussie Sports, Outback Ironman and Ironwoman, Century Cycle Challenge and a swag of novelty events. Combine this with live bands, bush poets breakfasts, roving artists and kids events, this is a must-do event.