Brisbane Archives - West End Today

West End Arts Venue Featured in Dancing With The Stars Spin-off

Photo Credit: John-PaulLangbroekMP/Facebook

A West End landmark will step into the international dance spotlight, with the Thomas Dixon Centre among the Brisbane locations used for Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, a new Robert Irwin-hosted series following emerging dancers competing for a professional place in the franchise.

West End Steps Into The Dance Spotlight

West End’s Thomas Dixon Centre has become part of a new chapter in the Dancing with the Stars franchise, with the Robert Irwin-hosted spin-off completing filming in Brisbane.

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro is an ABC US series produced by BBC Studios. The show is hosted by Queensland-born wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, who was previously named champion of Dancing with the Stars season 34.

The series follows 12 up-and-coming dancers as they live together and compete for a place as a professional dancer in the next season of Dancing with the Stars. Unlike the main program, the focus is on emerging dance talent seeking a professional role within the franchise.

Thomas Dixon Centre Among Brisbane Filming Locations

Filming took place in Brisbane earlier in 2026, with locations including the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End, the home of Queensland Ballet.

The choice of location gives the series a clear connection to Brisbane’s performing arts scene. The Thomas Dixon Centre is closely associated with dance in the city, making it a natural setting for a program centred on ballroom performers competing for a place on a major television stage.

The production also brought screen work to Brisbane during filming, with an estimated $7.2 million contribution and around 110 local cast and crew employed.

Photo Credit: John-PaulLangbroekMP/Facebook

Robert Irwin Leads The New Format

For Robert Irwin, The Next Pro continues his connection with Dancing with the Stars, moving from competitor to host.

The judging line-up includes Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas, bringing established dance figures into the new competition format. The series is produced by BBC Studios, with Conrad Green serving as showrunner and executive producer.

BBC Studios’ recent work connected to Queensland also includes the upcoming Bluey feature film from Brisbane’s Ludo Studio.

Brisbane-filmed Series Heads to US Television

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro is scheduled to premiere on Monday 13 July on ABC in the United States.

The series places a local arts venue within a new dance-focused television format. For Brisbane, it adds another screen production to the city’s recent film and television activity, while giving the Thomas Dixon Centre a role in a program built around the next generation of professional dancers.

Published 21-May-2026

The West End Park Where Aboriginal Girls Were Once Sent Into Service Is Now a Place of Reconnection

Brooke Prentis/Facebook

Link-Up (Qld) has identified more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls connected to the former Aboriginal Girls Home at West End, making their names available online as part of a research project aimed at helping descendants reconnect with that history.

The work is among the most direct efforts yet to restore identity and family connection for those touched by the institution, which operated from 1899 to 1906 on the land now known as Cranbrook Place within Orleigh Park. For descendants across Queensland and beyond who may have had gaps in their family history they could never fully explain, the project offers something concrete to reach toward.

Link-Up (Qld) chief executive Patricia Thompson AM said the research is fundamentally about recognition. “It is about recognising the women and girls who were removed from their families, and creating opportunities for descendants to reconnect with that history,” she said.

The history behind the former Aboriginal Girls Home

The Aboriginal Girls Home operated under the Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897, one of the most sweeping pieces of legislation in Queensland’s history. The Act gave the Chief Protector of Aboriginals extensive control over the movements, employment and daily lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the state.

The West End home functioned as a receiving depot and transit point. Girls and young women were brought to Brisbane from communities across Queensland, held at the home, and then placed into domestic service in white households, often far from their families and Country.

Any single woman travelling through Brisbane or between domestic postings was required to stay there. The institution was classified as a reserve under the Act in 1904.

By 1900, 22 Aboriginal young women were in domestic service in Brisbane. That number had climbed to 121 by the time the home closed in 1906 following a public inquiry into conditions there. The house itself, known as Cranbrook, was demolished years later. Only a set of concrete steps remains at the site today.

Names that were nearly lost

The research Link-Up undertook drew on historical records to identify 80 women and girls who are directly or indirectly referenced in connection with the Home. That work builds on earlier research and represents years of archival effort to recover names and details that were never intended to be easily found.

Those names are now published on Link-Up’s website as part of an ongoing commitment to honour the lives of women who passed through the institution and to support healing for the families who came after them. Descendants who register their interest through the site can also receive updates about the project and be invited to contribute to future stages of the work.

A community that gathers every year at Orleigh Park

Link-Up has held a Sorry Day event at Cranbrook Place each year during Sorry Week, the period leading up to National Sorry Day on 26 May. This year’s breakfast drew Stolen Generations survivors, performers Kristal West and the Nunukul Yuggera Dancers, and community members from across the region to the site where the Home once stood.

National Sorry Day marks the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in federal parliament in 1997, which documented the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. A memorial to the Stolen Generations was erected at Orleigh Park in 2012, four years after the federal apology in 2008.

For descendants wanting to connect with the research or register their interest in the project, click here. Link-Up (Qld) can also be reached directly through their website for family reunion and reconnection support services.

Published 21-May-2026

Function Well Has Arrived in West End, and It’s Unlike Anything Else on Brisbane’s Southside

Function Well has opened its West End flagship, bringing a $15 million, four-level wellness hub to Brisbane’s southside that combines 24/7 training, five boutique studios, a full recovery zone and an on-site Turkish café under one roof for the first time in the brand’s history.

The West End location, which opened its doors on Monday 27 April, is the most ambitious project yet from founders Darren and Natasha Bain, who have spent more than 16 years shaping Brisbane’s fitness and wellness landscape. Their original Function Well opened in Newstead, where it still operates across three levels in the Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct.

A second location at Toombul was lost to the 2022 floods. West End is the fresh chapter, and at 3,000 square metres it is built to be the definitive expression of everything the brand has been working toward.

“Function Well West End is our most elevated offering,” Darren Bain said. “We set out to design a premium, high-performance environment that brings together our four pillars, mindset, movement, nutrition and restoration, to support total wellbeing for our members.”

Four Levels Built Around Yin and Yang

The philosophy running through Function Well has always balanced intensity with stillness, effort with recovery. That yin and yang approach shapes how the West End space is designed, with high-performance training zones on one side of the member experience and a genuinely luxurious restoration offering on the other.

The training side covers a 24/7 gym floor alongside five custom-built boutique studios offering reformer Pilates, a heated immersive yoga room and functional training sessions. The space is also an official HYROX training club, making it one of Brisbane’s primary destinations for the global fitness racing movement, which combines eight kilometres of running with eight functional workout stations.

The recovery side is equally considered. Members move between a sauna, hot and cold plunge pools, compression boots, massage therapy, red light therapy, a Recovery Cave and private recovery suites. It is the kind of restoration offering that previously required a dedicated day spa visit, now built directly into a gym membership.

A premium business and social lounge gives members a third mode entirely: a space to linger, connect, or catch up on work after training.

A Turkish Café Completes the Picture

The nutrition pillar at West End takes the form of Sureyya Kahve, a nutrient-led Turkish café from the team behind KAILO Wellness Medispa. The café reinforces what Function Well has always argued: that food is not a footnote to a fitness routine but an integral part of it. The presence of a full café operator of this calibre on-site signals that West End is designed as a destination, not just a gym you pass through.

“We’ve always believed in a holistic approach, where community and results sit at the core of everything we do,” Bain said. “What excites us now is bringing that philosophy to a new level within a true all-in-one lifestyle destination. Our team is incredibly proud and excited to officially open the doors and welcome the West End community into something truly unique.”

Visit Function Well West End

Function Well West End is at West Village, 97 Boundary Street, West End. Membership options are available at here. Follow Function Well on Instagram for class schedules, studio bookings and member updates.

Published 30-April-2026

Metro Arts Secures Grant to Bring Touch to Contemporary Art in West End

Metro Arts

Metro Arts has secured a grant through Brisbane Airport‘s record 2026 Community Giving Fund, using the funding to install and deliver an eight-week tactile exhibition and events programme designed specifically for the blind and visually impaired community.

The grant is one of sixteen awarded across the city as Brisbane Airport distributed its largest-ever Community Giving Fund, sharing $125,000 among grassroots organisations working across education, health, environment and community inclusion. For Metro Arts, the funding arrives at a meaningful moment.

The West End arts centre is rebuilding its programme through a “rewiring” process after losing federal Creative Australia funding for the 2025 to 2028 period. The Brisbane Airport grant gives the organisation a concrete new project and a new community to reach.

This tactile exhibition addresses a significant gap in accessible arts programming that many venues overlook. Brisbane Airport Community Engagement Manager Portia Allison said each recipient in this year’s fund plays an important role in building a stronger, more connected community.

“Our Community Giving Fund is about giving back where it counts,” Allison said. “From youth programs to grassroots sport, there are organisations and groups across every corner of Brisbane delivering important work to support their local communities.”

An Arts Centre That Has Always Backed New Ideas

Metro Arts has occupied a distinctive position in Brisbane’s cultural life since its founding more than 40 years ago. Its theatre, two galleries, rehearsal rooms and the Factory Lane outdoor precinct sit inside the West Village development at 97 Boundary Street, offering a purpose-built home for contemporary work across theatre, dance, cabaret, circus, music and visual art.

The organisation champions artists who take creative risks and develop new works, and over its history has served as a launchpad for some of Australia’s most significant contemporary artists. Its current “rewiring” programme, announced earlier in 2026, is focused on building new partnerships, rethinking how it presents art, and strengthening the infrastructure that supports both artists and audiences for the long term.

The tactile exhibition programme fits that forward-looking ambition directly. Tactile art experiences, which use raised surfaces, textures, soundscapes and physical interaction rather than visual contemplation, represent one of the most significant frontiers in accessible arts programming internationally. For a venue built around experimentation, it is a natural fit.

A Step Forward for Inclusive Arts in West End

Since 2016 the Brisbane Airport Community Giving Fund has poured more than $655,000 into local community organisations. This year’s round was expanded by $25,000 over 2025, when $100,000 was distributed to coincide with 100 years of Brisbane Airport.

For Metro Arts and the West End community, the tactile exhibition and events programme represents something the suburb’s arts scene has rarely seen: a dedicated, extended programme designed from the ground up for audiences who are blind or have low vision. West End has long been one of Brisbane’s most culturally diverse and community-minded neighbourhoods, and Metro Arts sits at the centre of that identity.

Metro Arts is at 97 Boundary Street, West End, inside the West Village precinct, accessible via Factory Lane. The venue’s window gallery is open 24 hours a day, and its office operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. For programme updates, event details and to subscribe to the Metro Arts newsletter, visit metroarts.com.au or follow the organisation on Instagram at @metroarts.

Published 20-April-2026

Upstate Has Opened Its First Brisbane Studio in West End

Upstate

Upstate, the Melbourne-born reformer pilates and hot yoga brand that has built a devoted following across Victoria and expanded into Queensland and New South Wales over the past year, has opened its first Brisbane studio at 391 Montague Road in West End.

The studio marks another significant step in one of Australian fitness’s more compelling growth stories. Upstate launched in Victoria and spent more than a decade becoming a genuine institution, before opening its first interstate location at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast in July 2025, then landing in Sydney’s Five Dock in September 2025. West End now brings the brand to Brisbane proper, and according to co-founder and co-CEO Gail Asbell, the neighbourhood was the obvious choice.

“Brisbane has such an incredible energy and community spirit, and West End in particular has a character that feels perfectly aligned with Upstate,” Asbell said. “It’s creative, vibrant and social — exactly the kind of neighbourhood where people want to move, connect and feel good.”

What the Studio Actually Looks Like

True to Upstate’s identity, the West End studio is not subtle. Bold and neon interiors in the brand’s signature sunshine yellow run throughout, designed specifically to lift mood on arrival before a single class has begun. Studios are designed to boost members’ mood and motivation, with bright interiors decked in positive hues and energising neon as defining features of every Upstate location.

Upstate's sttudio — Photo Credit: Upstate

The space at Studio 7 on Montague Road splits across two workout rooms. The first is a 24-bed reformer studio for the pilates crowd, and the second is a 35-person hot mat studio for those who prefer a sweatier experience. Three unisex toilets and showers mean members can freshen up and flow straight back into their day without interruption.

The class timetable spans reformer pilates, hot mat pilates, hot power yoga, yin and sound baths, giving members plenty of range depending on whether they want to push hard or wind down.

The Brand Behind the Neon

Upstate was founded by Gail Asbell and her sister Charelle Cuolahan, and started as 100 per cent yoga before evolving over the years to add hot mat pilates, reformer pilates and boxing as the brand grew. As a female-led powerhouse, Upstate prioritises community and real career paths for women over growth for growth’s sake.

The co-founder has been deliberate about keeping classes approachable, describing the ideal room as “full of diversity, from people doing their first classes ever, to someone who’s gone for a long time.” That philosophy carries through to West End, where the studio welcomes everyone from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners.

With locations now spanning Victoria, the Gold Coast and Sydney alongside the new Brisbane opening, Upstate has moved from a Melbourne institution to a genuine national presence in the space of less than twelve months.

Getting Started at Upstate West End

A launch offer gives new members 14 days of unlimited access for $29, covering reformer, hot mat and hot yoga classes. Upstate West End is at Studio 7, 391 Montague Road, West End. Bookings and membership are available here.

Published 13-April-2026

This Week in Brisbane: Horror Icons and Arthouse Classics from 26 February to 4 March 2026

Cinemas across Brisbane light up this week with the terrifying return of a horror icon and a brand-new drama. Whether you’re ready to face Ghostface once again or looking to dive into international cinematic masterpieces at GOMA, there’s something fresh to enjoy on the silver screen.

Opening This Week

Scream 7

In cinemas from 26 February

Do you like scary movies? Ghostface is back to terrorize a new set of victims in the highly anticipated seventh installment of the iconic slasher franchise. Catch it at Event Cinemas (City, Carindale, Chermside, Indooroopilly, Mt Gravatt), Palace, Dendy, Five Star Cinemas, Cinebar, Angelika, Reading, Cineplex, and HOYTS.

Solo Mio

In cinemas from 26 February

A fresh new drama hits the screens this week. Catch it at Event Cinemas (City, Carindale, Chermside, Indooroopilly, Mt Gravatt), Angelika, Cinebar, Cineplex (Balmoral, Victoria Point, Redbank), Reading, HOYTS, and United Eldorado.

GOMA: Cinema Masterpieces

Special screenings at the Gallery of Modern Art

Days of Heaven (1978) – 27 Feb
Querelle (1982) – 27 Feb
Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965) – 28 Feb
The Colour of Pomegranates (1969) – 28 Feb
The Lighthouse (2019) – 4 Mar

Still Showing

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert

The King’s immersive concert experience continues to rock major cinemas across Brisbane.

Fackham Hall

The hilarious British period drama spoof is still delivering laughs at Event, Palace, Dendy, and Five Star Cinemas.

Crime 101

Chris Hemsworth’s gritty heist thriller continues its run at Event, Palace, Dendy, and HOYTS.

Wuthering Heights

Margot Robbie’s modern take on the gothic romance is still showing across the city.

From edge-of-your-seat slashers to visually stunning art-house classics, Brisbane’s cinemas are packed with incredible stories this week. Grab some popcorn and enjoy a screening near you.

Weekend Arts Edit: Nell Gwynn Premiere and Candlelight Concerts on 27 February to 1 March 2026

This is a massive weekend for the arts in Brisbane. The blockbuster Art of Banksy exhibition enters its final days in the CBD, while QPAC is buzzing with everything from the lush cinematic sounds of The Music of John Williams to the lavish stage production of The Great Gatsby. For art lovers, Saturday offers a rare chance to hear directly from contemporary painters like Carlos Barrios and Helle Cook at their respective gallery talks.

The Art of Banksy “Without Limits” Chapter Two

20 February – 1 March 2026 | Uptown, Brisbane City
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Do not miss your last chance to experience the underground energy of the world’s most elusive street artist. This unprecedented new chapter features over 300 artworks—including more than 100 original pieces—alongside cutting-edge holograms, sculptures, and immersive installations.

The Music of John Williams

27 – 28 February 2026 | Concert Hall, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Experience the cinematic magic of the world’s greatest film composer. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra brings the iconic, sweeping scores of Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter to life in a spine-tingling live performance.

The Great Gatsby

12 February – 8 March 2026 | Playhouse, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Step into the roaring twenties. Queensland Theatre’s lavish production of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece continues its dazzling run. Expect glitz, glamour, and tragedy as Jay Gatsby tries to win back his lost love in a world of excess.

Blanc de Blanc Encore

19 February – 19 April 2026 | The West End Electric, West End
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The champagne-soaked party is back in West End! Blanc de Blanc Encore serves up a hedonistic blend of vintage French cabaret, jaw-dropping circus acts, and cheeky comedy. It’s a high-energy, adults-only night out.

Nell Gwynn

28 February – 7 March 2026 | New Benner Theatre, Metro Arts, West End
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Travel back to 17th-century London in this vibrant, award-winning comedy. Nell Gwynn tells the story of an unlikely heroine who goes from selling oranges in the West End to becoming Britain’s most celebrated actress (and the King’s mistress).

Institute of Modern Art (IMA) Events

28 February 2026 | IMA, Fortitude Valley Immerse yourself in contemporary discussions and live art this Saturday at the IMA:

Platform 2026 Performances: Experience bold new performance art from emerging creatives pushing boundaries. More Info
Are the Arts for Everyone?: A thought-provoking panel discussion tackling accessibility, inclusion, and the role of art in modern society. More Info

The Other Side of Me

27 – 28 February 2026 | Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane
Get Tickets

Catch this compelling theatrical exploration of identity, culture, and connection. It is a deeply personal and physically dynamic performance playing for two nights only in the intimate Cremorne Theatre.

Live Jazz at the Brisbane Jazz Club

27 February – 1 March 2026 | Kangaroo Point

Emma Pask Quartet (Fri 27 & Sat 28): One of Australia’s favourite jazz vocalists brings her effortless charm and swing to the riverside. Tickets
Andy Cowan Band (Sun 1 Mar): Wind down your weekend with some premier blues and roots piano. Tickets

Candlelight Concerts

27 – 28 February 2026 | Grand on Ann, Brisbane City

Experience the magic of live music illuminated by thousands of candles in a stunning heritage venue:

Tribute to Taylor Swift: Classical renditions of the pop icon’s biggest eras. Tickets
Tribute to Queen & The Beatles: A string quartet takes on the greatest hits of British rock royalty. Tickets

Gallery Exhibitions & Artist Talks

Various Locations

Carlos Barrios | ‘Heart Songs’ (Artist Talk: Sat 28 Feb, 2pm): Mitchell Fine Art, Fortitude Valley. Hear Barrios discuss his life-affirming, expressive paintings informed by his upbringing in El Salvador. More Info
Helle Cook | Nature of Light (Artist Talk: Sat 28 Feb): Jan Manton Gallery, Teneriffe. Engage with the artist on her luminous, atmospheric works before the exhibition closes this weekend. More Info
Fiona Omeenyo | Night & Day: FireWorks Gallery, Bowen Hills. Explore striking contemporary Indigenous works from the celebrated Lockhart River artist. More Info

Hush

1 March 2026 | Concert Hall, QPAC, South Brisbane
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The Southern Cross Soloists present Hush, a sublime Sunday afternoon concert featuring exquisite chamber music designed to soothe the soul and showcase breathtaking virtuosity.

British Film Festival Premiere: Midwinter Break

1 March 2026 | Palace Barracks & Palace James St Cinema
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Get a sneak peek at the Russell Hobbs British Film Festival with this special preview screening of Midwinter Break, a touching and beautifully acted drama about a couple reflecting on their long marriage during a trip to Amsterdam.

This weekend is a pivotal one for Brisbane’s arts scene. With the blockbuster Art of Banksy exhibition finally closing its doors, this is your absolute last opportunity to experience its immersive installations. Meanwhile, theatregoers are spoiled for choice with the opening of the lively comedy Nell Gwynn in West End and the ongoing spectacle of The Great Gatsby at QPAC. Whether you are losing yourself in the sweeping cinematic scores of John Williams or exploring contemporary conversations at the IMA, there is a profound depth of culture to experience before autumn officially arrives.

Cultural Fun: Holi Festival and Lunar New Year Rooftop Party on February 27 to March 1, 2026

This weekend offers some truly spectacular, once-a-year experiences for families. From getting gloriously messy at the Brisbane Festival of Colour (Holi) in Mount Gravatt to exploring the dinosaur skeletons after dark at A Night at the Museum, there is plenty of magic to be found. It is also your absolute last chance to play the artist-designed mini-golf course at the Powerhouse.

Brisbane Festival of Colour – Holi

28 February 2026 | Mount Gravatt Showgrounds, Mount Gravatt
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Get ready for a vibrant, messy, and joyous Saturday. Celebrate the traditional Indian festival of Holi with music, dancing, and the iconic throwing of coloured powders. It is a wonderfully inclusive, high-energy event that kids absolutely love (just make sure everyone wears an old white t-shirt!).

A Night at the Museum

27 February 2026 | Queensland Museum Kurilpa, South Brisbane
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Have you ever wondered what happens in the museum after the doors close? Grab your torch and find out! This special Friday night event offers exclusive after-hours access to exhibits, hands-on activities, and a rare chance to explore the galleries in a thrilling, low-light atmosphere.

Lunar New Year Rooftop Party

28 February 2026 | Sunnybank Plaza – Cinema Rooftop, Sunnybank
More Info

Sunnybank wraps up its Lunar New Year celebrations with a massive rooftop party. Expect a bustling evening filled with incredible Asian street food, traditional lion dances, cultural performances, and a festive atmosphere perfect for the whole family to enjoy together.

Swingers – The Art of Mini Golf

10 January – 1 March 2026 | Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
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Time is up! This is your final weekend to putt your way through this unique, artist-designed mini-golf course set up around the Powerhouse. It is a fantastic, interactive art experience that doubles as a fun, competitive game for the family.

Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs: The Smurfs

28 February 2026 | Regent Park, Cannon Hill
More Info

Pack a picnic rug and some snacks for a free movie under the stars. Regent Park is hosting a family-friendly screening of The Smurfs. Arrive early to grab a good spot on the grass and enjoy the community atmosphere before the film begins at sundown.

UQ Alumni Book Fair 2026

27 February – 1 March 2026 | UQ Centre – St Lucia Campus, St Lucia
More Info

Build your home library on a budget! The famous UQ Book Fair is a treasure trove for families. Spend a few hours hunting through thousands of high-quality, pre-loved children’s books, educational materials, and young adult fiction at bargain prices.

Library STEAM & Museum Science Sessions

27 February – 1 March 2026 | Various Locations

Ignite your child’s curiosity with these free educational sessions:

Little Sparks (Fri 27 Feb): The final day of the Museum’s play-based STEM program for 3-5 year olds. Info
Family STEAM Morning (Sat 28 Feb): Science, tech, and art activities for families at Carina Library. Info
STEAM Sundays (Sun 1 Mar): Weekend science fun at Indooroopilly Library. Info

First 5 Forever & Storytime in the Park

27 February 2026 | Various Locations

Friday morning is all about early literacy and outdoor fun for the littlest Brisbanites.

Babies, Books and Rhymes: Held at Corinda, Wynnum, Annerley, Mt Gravatt, Kenmore, Stones Corner, Bracken Ridge, Sandgate, Carina, and Mitchelton libraries. Info
Storytime in the Park: Enjoy fresh air and a good book at Dorrington Park, Ashgrove. Info

Vipoo Srivilasa: Express Yourself

Until 13 September 2026 | Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Brisbane
More Info

If you need an indoor, air-conditioned activity, the Children’s Art Centre at GOMA continues to host this delightful, interactive exhibition where kids can engage in creative, hands-on art-making centered around themes of joy and kindness.

This weekend is a brilliant mix of education and pure celebration. A Night at the Museum is an unforgettable way to kick off Friday evening, while Saturday is dominated by massive cultural parties with Holi on the southside and the Lunar New Year closing party in Sunnybank.

Hip-Hop to House: De La Soul, Kerser, and Basement Jaxx Live on February 27 to March 1, 2026

This weekend brings massive outdoor parties and heavy-hitting comedy to Brisbane. The Riverstage hosts double headliners with G Flip on Friday and dance legends Basement Jaxx on Sunday, while Eagle Farm gets drenched for the S2O Australia music festival. For a laugh, Aussie icon Carl Barron kicks off a massive residency at QPAC, joined by international comic Chris D’Elia hitting the Valley.

G Flip

27 February 2026 | Riverstage, Brisbane City
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One of Australia’s most dynamic live performers takes over the Riverstage. G Flip’s high-energy show—featuring their signature drumming, powerful vocals, and infectious pop-rock anthems—is guaranteed to be a massive, crowd-pleasing start to the weekend.

Basement Jaxx

1 March 2026 | Riverstage, Brisbane City
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Where’s your head at? UK dance music pioneers Basement Jaxx bring their legendary live show to the Riverstage to close out the weekend. Expect a euphoric, colourful spectacle packed with classic house and electronic anthems from the late 90s and 2000s.

S2O Australia – Brisbane 2026

28 February 2026 | Royal Queensland Golf Club, Eagle Farm
Get Tickets

Prepare to get wet. The famous “Songkran Music Festival” arrives in Brisbane, transforming Eagle Farm into a massive outdoor dance party. Combining world-class EDM and hardstyle DJs with 360-degree water cannons, it is a uniquely high-energy summer festival experience.

Droppin’ Science: De La Soul with Oddisee & Good Company

1 March 2026 | Cultural Forecourt, South Brisbane
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Hip-hop royalty graces South Bank. Legendary trio De La Soul brings their Native Tongues flavor and iconic daisy-age rap to the Cultural Forecourt, supported by the soulful sounds of Oddisee and rising star Miss Kaninna.

Carl Barron: Just Wondering Why

28 February – 15 March 2026 | Lyric Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Australia’s most popular stand-up comedian kicks off a massive two-week run at the Lyric Theatre. Carl Barron returns with his trademark observational humour, blending deadpan delivery with hilarious musings on everyday life.

Black Country, New Road

28 February 2026 | The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley
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Critically acclaimed UK experimental rock band Black Country, New Road makes their highly anticipated return to Brisbane. Known for their sprawling, emotive instrumentation and deeply affecting live performances, this is a must-see for indie music fans.

Ty Segall

27 February 2026 | The Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba
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The prolific king of modern garage rock and psychedelic fuzz, Ty Segall, tears up the Princess Theatre. Expect face-melting guitar solos, frantic energy, and a setlist pulled from his vast and eclectic discography.

Kerser

28 February 2026 | The Fortitude Music Hall, Fortitude Valley
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The king of Australian underground hip-hop hits the Valley. Kerser’s raw, unfiltered storytelling and massive cult following ensure that his shows are always loud, rowdy, and unforgettable.

Chris D’Elia

1 March 2026 | The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley
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American stand-up comedian and podcaster Chris D’Elia brings his highly physical, off-the-cuff brand of comedy to The Tivoli for a Sunday night special.

Clare Bowditch with Iain Grandage: What Was Left Reimagined

28 February 2026 | Powerhouse Theatre, New Farm
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ARIA Award-winning artist Clare Bowditch teams up with acclaimed composer Iain Grandage for a deeply intimate performance. They will be reimagining Bowditch’s beloved songs with lush new arrangements in the beautiful setting of the Powerhouse.

Hothouse Flowers

27 February 2026 | The Triffid, Newstead
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The beloved Irish rock band brings their fusion of traditional folk, gospel, and rock to Newstead. Decades into their career, their live shows remain a joyous and soulful celebration.

The 046 – Legacy In Motion Tour

27 February 2026 | The Brightside (Outdoors), Fortitude Valley
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Western Sydney rap group The 046 bring their G-Funk inspired hip-hop to the Brightside’s outdoor stage, proving why they are one of the most exciting acts in the current Aussie drill and rap scene.

Choirboys – Great Australian Rock N Roll Stories

28 February 2026 | The Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba
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It’s not just a gig; it’s a history lesson with guitars. The Choirboys play their classic hits while sharing the wild, untold stories of the 80s Australian pub rock scene.

Brisbane FITC 2026 (Turf Games)

28 February – 1 March 2026 | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
More Info

If you prefer lifting over moshing, the BCEC hosts a massive functional fitness competition. Watch athletes push their limits across the weekend in a high-adrenaline arena environment.

More Weekend Live Music

27 Feb – 1 Mar 2026 | Various Venues

Aaradhna (Sat 28): The award-winning NZ R&B and soul singer plays Mansfield Tavern. Tickets
The Australian Van Morrison Show (Fri 27): Classic hits at Royal Quarters, Nundah. Tickets
Bradley McCaw in 52nd Street (Sat 28): A stunning Billy Joel tribute at The Old Museum. Tickets
Frost Children (Sun 1): Hyperpop and glitchy electronic chaos at the Crowbar. Tickets
Rise and Vibe (Sat 28): A morning social and music meetup at Queen Amann Bakery. More Info

This is an incredibly strong weekend for outdoor events before autumn truly sets in. Whether you want the pop-rock energy of G Flip at the Riverstage, the classic hip-hop vibes of De La Soul on the South Bank forecourt, or the absolute sensory overload of the S2O Water Festival, make sure you plan your transport early.

Culture Weekend: The Great Gatsby, Tiger Lillies, and Bossa Nova on February 20-22, 2026

This weekend in Brisbane is a powerhouse of performance. Sir Tony Robinson graces the QPAC Concert Hall for a night of history and humour, while The Great Gatsby continues its dazzling run at the Playhouse. It’s also the final weekend to catch the global phenomenon CATS before it leaves town.

An Audience with Sir Tony Robinson

20 February 2026 | Concert Hall, QPAC, South Brisbane
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From Blackadder to Time Team, Sir Tony Robinson is a British television icon. In this exclusive evening, he shares stories from his incredible career, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the worlds of comedy and history with his signature wit.

The Great Gatsby

12 February – 8 March 2026 | Playhouse, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Step into the roaring twenties. Queensland Theatre’s lavish production of The Great Gatsby brings the glitz, glamour, and tragedy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece to the stage. It’s a visually stunning show that captures the excess and hollowness of the Jazz Age.

CATS

6 – 22 February 2026 | Lyric Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane
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The Jellicle Ball is ending. This is your last chance to see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical before it departs Brisbane. Don’t miss the spectacular choreography and the timeless song “Memory” one last time.

The Tiger Lillies: Serenade from the Sewer

22 February 2026 | Powerhouse Theatre, New Farm
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The Olivier Award-winning “godfathers of alternative cabaret” return to Brisbane. The Tiger Lillies are known for their dark, twisted, and hilarious mix of pre-war Berlin cabaret and anarchy. Expect accordions, falsetto vocals, and songs about the underbelly of life.

Blanc de Blanc Encore

Season Extended to March 2026 | The West End Electric, West End
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Due to popular demand, the champagne-soaked party continues! Blanc de Blanc Encore is a hedonistic blend of circus, cabaret, and comedy. It’s a high-energy, adults-only night out that feels like a vintage French party gone wild.

Camerata: Classic Alchemy

21 February 2026 | Concert Hall, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, Camerata, presents a concert of musical transformation. Classic Alchemy features works that have been reimagined or transcribed, showcasing the ensemble’s versatility and passion for breathing new life into classical repertoire.

Crossing the Divide

17 – 20 February 2026 | Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Catch this thought-provoking new work before it closes on Friday. Crossing the Divide explores themes of connection and separation, offering a compelling theatrical experience in the intimate Cremorne Theatre.

Brisbane Jazz Club Weekend

20 – 22 February 2026 | Kangaroo Point

A stellar lineup at the city’s home of jazz:

Ollie McGill (Cat Empire) (Fri 20): The keyboard wizard brings his “Songs of Jatt” project for a night of virtuosic playing. Tickets
The View from Madeleine’s Couch (Sat 21): Samba de Verão celebrates the smooth, rhythmic sounds of Brazilian bossa nova. Tickets
Soultown (Sun 22): Wrap up the weekend with a soulful Sunday session featuring classic hits. Tickets

Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty

21 February 2026 | QUT Gardens Theatre, Brisbane City
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Experience ballet in a new light. This performance of Sleeping Beauty features costumes adorned with LED lights, creating a magical, glowing spectacle that adds a modern twist to the classic fairy tale.

Experimental Drawing with Spencer Harvie

21 February 2026 | Institute of Modern Art, Fortitude Valley
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Challenge your creativity. Artist Spencer Harvie leads this workshop at the IMA, encouraging participants to break the rules of traditional drawing and explore new techniques and materials in a fun, supportive environment.

Alliance Française French Film Festival Preview: Jean Valjean

22 February 2026 | Palace James St & Barracks
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Get a sneak peek of the upcoming festival. This special preview screening of Jean Valjean offers film lovers an early look at one of the headline acts of the 2026 French Film Festival.

Visual Arts Highlights

Various Locations

BrisAsia 2026: Lois Kim & Hannah Seong: Thomas Dixon Centre (Ends 23 Feb). Info
Heart Songs | Carlos Barrios: Mitchell Fine Art (Until 7 Mar). Info
The Fire Horse Ignites: The Star Brisbane (18–22 Feb). Info

This weekend marks the end of an era with CATS finally closing its Brisbane run, making it a priority if you haven’t seen it yet. However, the arrival of Sir Tony Robinson and the dark cabaret of The Tiger Lillies offer fantastic alternatives for those looking for storytelling and comedy.