At Brisbane Festival we believe in the magic of making memories with your family. Step into a world where creativity knows no bounds and every moment is a chance to bond and create lasting experiences. Join us as we explore the top family-friendly activities designed to make your festival experience unforgettable.
Sat 21 Sep
Common People Dance Eistedfodd
The most fun you have ever had at a dance comp. The Common People Dance Eisteddfod has now become a tradition here in our fair city. Join 1500 delighted fans for an evening of spandex, sequins, and pure joy.
12 — 22 Sep
Rachel Burke's Fancy Long Legs
This is So Exciting! A brand-new glittery musical adventure for children based on a new picture book by international tinsel and craft icon Rachel Burke. Fancy Long Legs is a groundbreaking, fully accessible work for young audiences and the young at heart. A must-see adventure of acceptance, staying true to yourself, celebrating differences and harnessing your inner fanciness!
30 Aug — 8 Sep
ChronoHARP
Set in the heart of Festival Garden, ChronoHARP interprets and extends the beauty of the traditional harp into a visual experience. This incredible sculpture responds to the interactions of the audience, creating a unique experience every time! Head to Festival Garden at South Bank to take in this incredible spectacle.
11 — 28 Sep
Adrift
Part mystery, part game, Adrift is a participatory theatre work that invites participants to explore a series of fantastical true stories of infatuated dolphins, lonely whales, and remote lighthouses. Following instructions through headsets, participants create detailed worlds as tiny architecture reveals itself, inviting participants to interact with and discover the world around them.
18 — 20 Sep
Cirque Bon Bon - Le Retour
Get ready to cheer, Cirque Bon Bon will once again set the Piazza alight, bigger, better, and more breathtaking than before! Bon Bon's talented performers have been hand-picked from around the world, each bringing their unique skills and talents to create a show that will leave you speechless. A cirque show that will have the whole family amazed!
Sat 31 Aug
Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust
Of course, it wouldn’t be Brisbane Festival without the biggest party of the year! Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust takes place on Saturday 31 August, so mark your calendars and head to your favourite vantage point for a breathtaking fireworks display.
19 — 21 Sep
Skylore – The Rainbow Serpent
If Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust is the brilliant opening event, Skylore is the incredible closing spectacle. Last year we were wowed by Nieergoo: Spirit of the Whale. This year, experience the story of The Rainbow Serpent, sparkling in the night as 400 synchronised drones take to the sky.
28 Aug — 12 Oct
Lightscape
After an incredibly successful debut in 2023, Lightscape returns by public demand to the City Botanic Gardens with a new site-specific show, featuring both local and international artists. The gardens will be transformed into an after-dark wonderland of light, colour and sound, with plenty of beautiful vantage points to take the perfect family photo!
Sun 1 Sep
Be Iconic
Check out the incredible fashions by our workshop participants and their guests, swagger, glide, stomp, crawl or dance down the transformed Piazza runway. Fashion Collab is a collective of creatives who have diverse lived experiences and a broad array of artistic practices, and young fashionistas will love to see all the incredible artworks!
September
Brisbane Serenades
There are no less than five incredible one-day festivals that you can explore with your family – and all for free! Check out the vibes at Pasifika made, and get on the dancefloor at Moorooka Block Party. Bring a picnic, or enjoy food from local vendors while taking in music and roving performances.
31 Aug — 21 Sep
Spectrum of Happiness at Portside Wharf
Spectrum of Happiness is an interactive swing set that invites participates to experience moments of childlike joy and community together. Watch your little ones smile with glee as they create beautiful rainbows on this LED swing.
