A Weekend of Culture: Brisbane’s Arts Lineup 23 to 25 May 2025

From stirring jazz sets and timeless classical recitals to literary workshops and theatre premieres, Brisbane’s arts and culture scene offers an elegant and eclectic weekend lineup. Here’s what’s on across the city.


South Brisbane

23-May-25
Breathe, Buzz and Slide
Classical
An inspiring recital showcasing brass ensemble works performed by talented musicians at the Ian Hanger Recital Hall. A night of refined sound and artistic precision.
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24-May-25
Crafting Human Stories in Speculative Fiction with Trent Jamieson
Workshop
A practical writing workshop at Queensland Writers Centre focused on character and emotion in speculative fiction. Hosted by acclaimed author Trent Jamieson.
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20–24 May 2025
Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria (The Return of Ulysses)
Opera
A baroque masterpiece staged by Queensland Conservatorium, reimagining Monteverdi’s tale of loss and return. Final performances this weekend.
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23–24 May 2025
Art of the Score: The Music of Hans Zimmer
Orchestra
The Queensland Symphony Orchestra brings Zimmer’s film scores to life with epic orchestration and immersive visuals at QPAC.
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24-May to 8-Jun 2025
Frankenstein
Theatre
Shake & Stir Theatre Co presents a gothic and gripping adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein at QPAC. A darkly thrilling stage experience.
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25-May-25
Young Voices Festival 2025
Choir, Festival
A vibrant showcase of youth choirs from across the region, held at Valmai Pidgeon Performing Arts Centre. Expect harmonies, energy, and heart.
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Kangaroo Point

23-May-25
BLUE TURTLES – The Music of STING
Jazz
A soulful tribute to Sting’s jazz-influenced solo work by a stellar ensemble at Brisbane Jazz Club. Smooth, nostalgic, and richly arranged.
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24-May-25
Swing Central featuring Brad Leaver
Jazz
Swing standards and smooth vocals take over the Brisbane Jazz Club with Brad Leaver’s seasoned stage presence. A night made for jazz lovers.
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25-May-25
The Kate Street Big Band presents JAZZ: AN EVOLUTION
Jazz
Travel through time with this big band celebration of jazz history, from swing to modern soul. A high-energy, horn-filled performance.
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25-May-25
BEMAC Supports The Voices of Africa: DiBruin Gospel Project
Choir
A powerful choral performance celebrating African heritage, music, and spirit. Presented by BEMAC at the Queensland Multicultural Centre.
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West End

24-May-25
The Mojo Webb Band
Blues
Blues roots and raw energy fill The Bearded Lady with Mojo Webb’s signature gritty vocals and guitar riffs. An electric Saturday night session.
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25-May-25
Jazz Music With Stephanie Larman
Jazz
Stephanie Larman brings warm vocals and elegant melodies to the stage for an afternoon of jazz at The Bearded Lady.
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Woolloongabba

25-May-25
Courtenay Cleary, Oliver Scott & Alex Raineri (Sunday Matinee Show)
Classical
An afternoon of classical brilliance at FourthWall Arts. This trio delivers chamber works with refinement and emotional depth.
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Brisbane’s creative core shines bright this weekend, offering everything from intimate jazz gigs to sweeping orchestral scores and thought-provoking workshops. Whether you’re here to be moved, inspired, or simply entertained, the city’s arts calendar is fully stocked.

From Gothic Films to Baroque Music: Brisbane’s Creative Weekend 15 to 18 May 2025

Whether you’re a fan of cinema classics, Baroque music, theatre, contemporary art, or cultural community fun, Brisbane’s creative scene is thriving this weekend. Explore immersive exhibits, atmospheric films, musical retrospectives, and interactive events across the city and beyond.


Brighton

May 18, 2025
Swedish Kubb & Picnic Fun
Cultural
Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy a Swedish lawn game in the park. Great for all ages, this community event is a relaxed way to explore another culture.
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Brisbane City

May 6 – June 2025
Opera Queensland Costume Display
Fashion
A behind-the-scenes look at the stunning craftsmanship of Opera Queensland’s costume department. Free and on display at Brisbane Quarter.
Get TicketsFacebook


Fort Lytton

May 11–18, 2025
A Narrow Strip Along A Steep Edge
Art, Art Exhibit
Set in a historic military fort, this contemporary exhibition examines the boundaries between nature, place, and human experience.
Get TicketsArtsHub


Fortitude Valley

May 16, 2025
The Tony’s In Concert: A Retrospective
Musical
Celebrate Broadway’s greatest moments in one powerhouse revue. Presented live at Big Fork Theatre by a cast of Brisbane’s rising stars.
Get TicketsBig Fork Theatre


Kangaroo Point

May 17, 2025
One Equal Music: Baroque Masters
Classical
A stunning program of Baroque compositions performed live at the beautiful St. Mary’s Church. Perfect for lovers of classical music and choral harmony.
Get TicketsOne Equal Music


South Brisbane

May 16, 2025
House of Usher (1960)
Film
Vincent Price stars in this gothic horror masterpiece from Roger Corman, screening at GOMA’s Cinematheque.
Get TicketsQAGOMA

May 16, 2025
The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
Film
A visually rich adaptation of Poe’s haunting tale, screening as part of the Roger Corman program at GOMA.
Get TicketsQAGOMA

May 17, 2025
A Bucket of Blood (1959)
Film
Satirical and macabre, this cult favorite adds a touch of absurdity to the art world. Showing at GOMA.
Get TicketsQAGOMA

May 17, 2025
The Little Shop of Horrors (1960)
Film
Feed the plant and enjoy the original black-and-white horror-comedy that inspired a Broadway hit.
Get TicketsQAGOMA

May 16 – June 22, 2025
Roger Corman B-Movie Maestro
Film
A curated program celebrating the wild world of B-movie legend Roger Corman. Multiple cult classics screening across several weeks.
Get TicketsQAGOMA


South Bank

May 18, 2025
Creative Arts Open Day
Art, Community
Explore Griffith University’s arts campus and meet emerging creatives in visual arts, music, film, and performance. Interactive, insightful, and open to all.
Get TicketsGriffith


From stage to screen, gallery to park, Brisbane’s cultural calendar this weekend celebrates the creative spirit in all its forms. Dive into artistic retrospectives, discover emerging talent, and enjoy timeless cinematic gems in settings that elevate the entire experience.

Explore Brisbane’s Creative Side: Art, Jazz, and More – 9 to 11 May 2025

As the crisp autumn air settles over Brisbane, the city is buzzing with a dynamic lineup of cultural happenings. From visual arts and classical music to jazz, literary workshops, and live performances, here’s your guide to the must-see events for the weekend of May 9 to 11, 2025.


South Brisbane

May 9, 2025
Chat 10 Looks 3 Live
Category: Musical
Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb bring their popular podcast to life with sharp wit and spontaneous charm.
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May 9, 2025
Continuum
Category: Jazz
A captivating recital featuring top jazz talent from Queensland Conservatorium.
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May 10, 2025
Writing Life Naturally with Mary-Rose MacColl
Category: Workshop
Explore personal storytelling in a reflective session led by a celebrated author.
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May 10 & 11, 2025
The Strauss Gala
Category: Orchestra
Enjoy the elegance and grandeur of Strauss in this orchestral celebration.
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May 11, 2025
Words and Pictures with Shannon Horsfall
Category: Workshop
A creative session blending illustration and storytelling for all ages.
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May 11, 2025
An Extended Sound Performance by Dean Ansell
Category: Art Exhibit
A thought-provoking fusion of sound, story, and urban space.
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Kangaroo Point

May 9, 2025
Galapagos Duck
Category: Jazz
Legendary jazz ensemble returns for a night of vibrant, soulful music.
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May 10, 2025
Dezzie D & the Stingrayz
Category: Jazz
Get your groove on with retro jazz and swing classics.
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May 11, 2025
The Trombone Kellie Gang – Mother’s Day Special
Category: Jazz
A festive Mother’s Day celebration with lively jazz by the river.
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Bowen Hills

May 8 to 11, 2025
Affordable Art Fair
Category: Fair
Dive into a world of creativity with works from emerging and established artists at this vibrant art marketplace.
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May 10, 2025
Refracted – Voxalis
Category: Classical
An innovative performance blending light, music, and emotion.
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Brisbane City

May 9, 2025
HRBRT
Category: Jazz
Live grooves and chilled brews at this riverside performance space.
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Runcorn

May 10, 2025
Artist Talk with Melissa Stannard
Category: Art Exhibit
A meaningful discussion on art, memory, and culture.
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Lytton (Port of Brisbane)

May 10 to 18, 2025
A Narrow Strip Along A Steep Edge
Category: Art Exhibit
An immersive outdoor exhibition set against Brisbane’s industrial history.
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West End

May 11, 2025
Brunswick Street Parade Live
Category: Live Music
A Sunday session featuring vibrant local sounds in a beloved venue.
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Whether you’re in the mood for music, visual storytelling, or community connection, Brisbane is brimming with unforgettable moments this May weekend.

On Stage and In the Park: Best Arts Events 2 to 4 May 2025

Brisbane’s cultural calendar is in full bloom this weekend. Whether you’re after powerful theatre, mellow jazz, or thought-provoking art, the city has a little something for every curious and creative mind. Here’s a curated list of what’s on.


April 29 to May 4, 2025

New Farm (Brisbane Powerhouse)

Sh!t-faced Shakespeare
Category: Theatre Comedy
A raucous, unfiltered take on the Bard with one actor drunk and the rest trying to keep it together.
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May 2, 2025

South Brisbane (Queensland Conservatorium)

Ba Da Boom
Category: Percussion
An explosive percussion ensemble showcasing bold rhythms and world influences.
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Bowen Hills (JMI Live)

Mt Gravatt SHS Jazz Night with JMI
Category: Jazz
A swinging night of student talent, improvisation, and big band energy.
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May 3, 2025

Indooroopilly (Indooroopilly Library)

Meet Laura Elvery
Category: Meet and Greet
Join author Laura Elvery for a personal discussion on writing, inspiration, and creativity.
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South Brisbane (QPAC)

Shakespeare’s The Tempest
Category: Theatre
A classic tale of magic and revenge brought to life by Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
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Bowen Hills (JMI Live)

Jeff Usher with Brunswick Street Parade
Category: Jazz
An intimate jazz night with Brisbane legend Jeff Usher and ensemble.
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May 4, 2025

New Farm (New Farm Park)

Bands in Parks: A Touch of Tango with Asian Spice
Category: Music
A unique fusion of Latin rhythm and Eastern flair in this open-air concert series.
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West End (The Bearded Lady)

Gypsy Jazz Sundays
Category: Jazz
Mellow gypsy swing in one of Brisbane’s coziest live music spots.
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The Big Jazz Party!
Category: Jazz
A late-night jazz celebration with bold solos, surprise acts, and spirited crowd energy.
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May 2 to 10, 2025

South Brisbane (QPAC)

Carrie: The Musical
Category: Musical
A dark, dynamic retelling of Stephen King’s classic story—with songs that slay.
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May 1 to 6, 2025

Toowong (Richard Randall Art Studio)

Orangutan in Art
Category: Art Exhibit
A compelling exploration of conservation and creativity featuring works inspired by great apes.
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Step Into Brisbane’s Creative Side

This weekend, Brisbane’s arts scene offers everything from Shakespearean storms to jazz improvisation and immersive art. Whether you’re settling into a seat at QPAC or strolling through a riverside gallery, the city is your stage.