Redefining what an international arts festival looks and feels like, Brisbane Festival is the city’s most anticipated event as it warms the streets in the post of winter with an array of captivating performances and unique experiences.
As it gears up to take Brisbane by storm across September, here are our top picks as to what you should be seeking out at Brisbane Festival this year.
Escape With Us | King Street, Bowen Hills (1st – 23rd September)
A free pop-up of nostalgia for those who remember the arcade life and the experience of playing video games standing up, Escape With Us brings the screens to the streets of Bowen Hills for the most throwback of evenings. Play old-school arcade games on oversized puffy gaming consoles inspired by the 80’s staples of Fanta, Tang and Lifesavers, and just in case the retro vibes weren’t enough, on the 16th September from 5pm – 9pm there’ll be an 80s Street Party to really drive home the classic charm; hope you’re ready for the dance battles!
Credit: Brisbane Festival
Salamander | Northshore Brisbane (1st – 24th September)
A promenade dance-theatre work, Salamander sees a warehouse at Northshore, Brisbane transformed into a fully immersive, climate-fiction dream-like world through light, sound, design, and movement. A transformative performance experience set in an epic installation created by the legendary Es Devlin, Salamander is a visceral dance experience that has the ability to change people at their very core.
Kidchella | Westfield, Chermside (2nd – 23rd September)
A music festival that celebrates family, Kidchella will see shoppers serenaded by some of Brisbane’s favourite musicians on Thursday nights, and then on Saturday mornings, you can don your dancing shoes, grab your crew and join in an 80s dance party or a break dance battle with the much-loved Elements Collective! There’s also kazoo making and breakdancing classes, not to mention the ultimate cap-off with the Bris Fest Disco on the 21st September from 5pm. You know what they say, the family that breakdances together, stays together.
Stunt Double | Brisbane Powerhouse (6th – 9th September)
Inspired by films such classic Aussie films as Wake In Fright, Razorback and BMX Bandits, Stunt Double is a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek dive into the complex and absurd power dynamics of the film industry, into exploitation as a bloodsport, and the human cost of celebrity. An interactive experience for the audience – don’t be surprised if you get chosen to actively participate on stage – Stunt Double is a genre-bending blockbuster by groundbreaking dance and theatre collective, The Farm.
Credit: Brisbane Festival
Paul Kelly – Time | The Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba (6th – 7th September)
Over two very specials nights this September, The Princess Theatre will play host to Australian music icon Paul Kelly, as he takes audiences on a live journey through his 2022 compilation: TIME. Over a two year period, Australia’s favourite troubador released a series of themed compilations; Time is the first. These albums see him draw from his vast catalogue and trove of unreleased recordings, digging deep into Australia and how it feels, looks, tastes, and sounds.
Siva Mai Club | South Bank Piazza (13th – 16th September)
Siva Mai – meaning “come dance” – transforms the South Bank Piazza into an oceanic village, where all are invited to gather and party under one hut. Get ready for one big island social, packed with a bit of drama, a lot of competition, and an influx of outright pandemonium!
Cut Chilli | La Boite Theatre, Kelvin Grove (14th September – 7th October)
Serving up a feast of family drama, Cut Chilli is a sharp-witted new comedy packing as much emotional and intellectual heat as its namesake suggests. This captivating world premiere work from playwright, journalist and filmmaker Chenturan Aran lulls us into a familiar setting – a dinner table at a family home – before plating up course after course of intrigue, revelation, big laughs and high drama.
Bite Club – 2nd Serve | The Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba (19th – 23rd September)
Sahara Beck, hailed as one of Australia’s most arresting performers, will unleash her soaring vocals, while the ferociously fierce talents of the beloved BRIEFS boys sweep the stage. Brace yourself for a decadent extravaganza packed with awe-inspiring talent, serving up a reimagining of signature acts blending circus, drag, and burlesque; pushing the Princess Theatre to its limits. And, if your idea of espresso is in a martini and you like your morning juice with a dash of champagne, the Bite Club Boozy Brunch is the place to be on Sat 23 Sep at 12pm, where you’ll be served with flashes of flesh, flirtation, and daytime drinking.
Credit: Brisbane Festival
FilmHarmonic ‘23 | Conservatorium Theatre, South Brisbane (23rd September)
Featuring original collaborations between student composers and filmmakers, as well as established and iconic film music performed as a live soundtrack to the moving image, this concert is underpinned by research around visual technology in the concert hall, collaborative performance art and groundbreaking advances in interactive media.
There’s certainly something for everyone this Brisbane Festival so grab tickets to whichever tickles your fancy via their website.
