Where To Get Your Culture Fix in Brisbane

Brisbane might not quite have the reputation for culture that it’s more cosmopolitan counterparts do, but the scene is steadily growing, much to the joy of all Brisbane creatives.

From your local gallery to the Queensland Muesum, to the oft-forgotten Museum of Brisbane, there’s always something to do and see, and often something that is free.

So if you’re feeling uninspired or have a creative block, take a scroll through our guide to the performances, installations and exhibitions on around Brisbane, and find something to immerse yourself in this week.

WICKED – The Untold True Story of the Witches of Oz

The utterly iconic WICKED returns to Brisbane this month, bringing the award-winning and three-time Tony Award-winning show to musical theatre lovers.

WICKED tells the tale of the witches in the Land of Oz before Dorothy twirled in on her tornado. Showing the unlikely friendship between a fiery young woman born with emerald skin and a popular bubbly blonde, this Broadway musical classic is a must-do when making plans this month.

From $75 per person

Thursday 12 September to Sunday 17 November

QPAC Lyric Theatre, Grey Street, South Brisbane

LUZIA by Cirque du Soleil

Inspired by the people, places and stories that define Mexico, LUZIA by Cirque du Soleil is a must-do this month, for anyone who loves circus acts or performances.

Luzia takes you on a journey through an imaginary Mexico, from old folklore to the urban landscape of the modern day. Expect a surrealistic series of visual surprises and acrobatic performances that will take your breath away.

From $84 per person

Wednesday 25 September to Sunday 10 November

Under the Big Top, Next to Royal Queensland Golf Club, 431 Curtin Ave West, Eagle Farm

‘We Call It Ballet: Sleeping Beauty’

It’s sleeping beauty, like you’ve never seen it before. Fusing classical ballet with modern technology, the dancers will light up the stage with illuminated, glow in the dark costumes.

The combination of their elegant movement, floating through space as they leap across the stage with the careful costume design makes for a ballet performance that leaves a lasting impression.

Until February 2025

The Princess Theatre, 8 Annerley Road, Woolloongabba

New Light: Photography Now + Then

Arriving at the Museum of Brisbane in August, New Light: Photography Now + Then offers a curation of past and present photography from the museum’s most prolific archive, the Elliott Collection.

Catapulting the past perspectives into the present day, are images from local photographers and image makers, offering a juxtaposition that will spark wonder and amazement at the change our city has seen.

Sitchu Tip: The Elliott Collection showcases the work of an amateur photographer by the name of Alfred Henrie Elliott, whose black and white photography was found preserved in cedar cigar boxes under a Red Hill home in 1983.

Free admission

From Saturday 17th August 2024

Museum of Brisbane, Level 3, City Hall

Titanic: The Human Story

Following sold-out sessions in London, New York and DC, Titanic: The Human Story is coming to Brisbane!

Discover the human stories of the Titanic passengers by exploring personal possessions, photographs and relics both from people aboard, and from the ship itself. You’ll also get to view a recreation of the ship’s interior, from the first-class suites to the humble third-class cabins.

From $39 per person

Wednesdays to Sundays, 10:00am to 6:00pm

Level Q, Uptown, 91 Queen Street, Brisbane

Discovering Ancient Egypt

Step back in time at the Queensland Museum this month and explore mysteries, art and rituals from ancient times. The Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition has just arrived from the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities, and offers a peek into the culture, daily life and beliefs practiced in ancient Egypt.

Explore 3D light projections of the Temple of Taffeh, sculptures, Book of the Dead scrolls, jewellery, artwork and so much more.

Friday 25 October

Level 3 Queensland Museum Kurilpa, Grey Street &, Melbourne Street, South Brisbane

Art Deco Tours

Have a passion for the vintage art deco aesthetic? Hop into a 1937 Dodge Convertible sedan, or a 1936 Chrysler AirStream sedan, and discover the hidden architectural gems of Brisbane’s art deco residences and buildings.

The tour takes around two hours to explore Brisbane’s CBD and fits up to four passengers for the perfect way to travel back in time.

Melt Festival

Melt Festival returns in 2024 to celebrate the queer community, promoting inclusivity and visibility amongst the greater Brisbane population. This year the program features over 120 events, 220 different performances, 70 different venues and a big boat parade.

With evocative discussions, art and photographic exhibitions and performances by some of Brisbane's best creatives from the LGBTQIA community, there’s a wide variety of mediums to enjoy at the Powerhouse this month in Brisbane.

From $32 per person

23 October to 10 November

Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm

Spring Salon

Welcoming the new season, is a colourful new exhibition at Mitchell Fine Art, by the name of Spring Salon. Drawing from the gallery’s stockroom, this curation showcases Indigenous and contemporary artists such as Bernard Ollis, Carlos Barrios, David Hayes, Eunice Napanangka Jack and many more.

Surround yourself in the colours of spring by exploring this exhibition when you’re in need of a little extra inspiration.

Free admission

1 to 26 October

Mitchell Fine Art, 86 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley

Limbo - The Return

West End’s most exciting new theatre and bar is welcoming an international circus spectacle this month with Limbo - The Return opening to the public on the 29th of August. The award-winning performance has toured 17 countries and has now been reimagined, in time to form part of the Brisbane Festival 2024.

Prepare to be dazzled by a cast of world-renowned circus performers, prolific musicians and magnificent magicians in this captivating show.

From $59 per person

From 29 August

The West End Electric, 125 Boundary Street, West End

Imaginator

The Gold Coast’s most exciting new immersive playground has arrived this month, ready for kids of all ages (and yes, by that we mean young-at-heart adults!).

Imagination and technology collide in the heart of the GC to create a futuristic audio-visual experience that you can take at your own pace. Envelop yourself in shimmering lights, vivid colours and rich sounds, or challenge yourself by diving off a four- metre ledge into the unknown.

You can even spark up a conversation with the most advanced AI. If you’re feeling overstimulated, take a break in the Parachute cinema room and observe a curated list of some of the world’s most talented digital artists. No matter how you choose to explore Imaginator, you’re guaranteed a great time.

From $29.95 per person

3241 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

‘Embers of Heritage’ Dylan Sarra Exhibition

With a focus on exploring identity and place, Dylan Sarra’s latest exhibition at Mitchell Fine Art showcases artwork that starts conversations about Indigenous history.

This exhibition offers a gentle welcome to those who are intrigued or curious about Indigenous culture, and invites you to explore this curiosity by poring over the various mediums of artwork Dylan has produced.

Mitchell Fine Art, 86 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley

Hiromi Tango - MoB Artist Residency

For an exhibition you can fit into your lunch break, stroll through Hiromi Tango’s artist residency at MoB. This community-led art project has seen Adelaide Street Pavilion explode into a blus of colour, after having members of the community make blooms from upcycled materials.

The blooms will be changes and added to, as the seasons shift, so wonder through a few times over to see what’s growing in this community garden.

Level 3, City Hall, Adelaide Street Pavilion, Brisbane

Birds of Passage - Ian Fairweather & Paul Jacoulet Exhibition 

Birds of passage cover long distances, sometimes travelling from one end of the earth to another. The same could be said for artists like Ian Fairweather and Paul Jacoulet, who travelled across Asia and the Pacific in the first half of the twentieth century.

This travel and cultural immersion reflects in both artists work, with Fairweather’s deep knowledge of Chinese art, and Jacoulet’s preoccupation with Japanese woodblock printing.

Until 26th January 2026

GoMA, Stanley Place, South Brisbane 

Prince Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition

One of the most photographed people in history, Princess Diana maintains her charm and allure in the mind of many, making this new photography exhibition one we’re keen to clap our eyes upon.World-famous royal photographer Anwar Hussein and his two sons, Zak & Samir, have shared their experiences with the Princess and the Royal Family in this brand new exhibition. There’s plenty of new depth and detail to discover at this event, so be sure not to miss out, whether you’re a die-hard Di fan or not!

Dates TBC

Now that you’ve got Brisbane’s best exhibitions and cultural events on your radar, what’s next? Find more fun events around Brisbane in our What’s On guide, or explore our arts & culture pillar for more inspiring ways to spend an afternoon.