Brisbane Festival has just dropped its full contemporary music program for 2025 and it’s set to be one of the biggest, boldest, most unforgettable years yet.
From powerhouse pop and heart-thumping techno to dreamy folk, vintage jazz and everything in between, this year’s music offering is bursting with big names, bold support acts, iconic venues and massive moments that’ll have the whole city singing.
Tivoli in the Round Returns – And It’s Levelled Up
Back by popular demand, Tivoli in the Round is once again transforming the legendary Tivoli into an intimate 360-degree musical playground. This is not your average gig – it’s a front-row experience no matter where you’re seated.
Things kick off on 5 September with Brisbane’s very own Mallrat, who’s fresh from international stages like Coachella and Splendour. Supporting her are the lush sounds of Sissy and 2Charm – the new dream-pop duo from Cub Sport’s Tim Nelson and Sam Netterfield.
The music keeps flowing with Phantastic Ferniture on 9 September, bringing their beloved garage-pop goodness back after a long hiatus, supported by indie-folk star Juice Webster. Blues fans are in for a treat the following night with the one and only C.W. Stoneking, supported by cosmic-country queen Freya Josephine Hollick.
Then brace yourself – 12 September is a techno lover’s dream as Scottish producer Franck hits the stage alongside local legends ISGWAN, Emma Moon and SF Fudge. Finally, dance floor destroyer Odd Mob closes out Tivoli in the Round on 13 September with a high-energy set of chart-topping house, bass and club chaos.
Powerhouse Vibes and Parkland Parties
Over at Brisbane Powerhouse, the music hits a whole new level. On 14 September, celebrated violinist Véronique Serret will perform her ARIA-nominated album Migrating Bird live for the first time – and yes, she’ll be singing too. She’ll be joined by none other than William Barton on the yidaki/didgeridoo for an absolutely breathtaking set.
That same day, brace for a sonic explosion as 100 Guitars takes over in a site-specific performance that sees 100 local guitarists unite for an electrifying wall of sound, led by Canadian composer Tim Brady and Brisbane’s own Topology.
On 18 September, step into the Underground Theatre for a genre-bending world premiere: 響和 Kyo-Wa, Harmonic Resonance from the JADE Ensemble, featuring a global mix of sounds from didgeridoo, koto, tabla, guitar and more. On 20 September, Brisbane’s Hannah Macklin takes the stage with her dreamy new album in a performance laced with improvisation and soul.
Big Names at The Princess and Starry Nights in the Park
There’s more magic waiting at The Princess Theatre. Winston Surfshirt brings his signature mix of R&B, funk and hip-hop to the party on 26 September, while Indo Warehouse founders Kahani and Kunal Merchant bring a deep, dancefloor-driven set the very next night.
Oh – and if you missed out on John Butler, Wunderhorse or Sarah Blasko tickets, sorry to break it to you, but those shows are already sold out. (Blasko has added a second show on 23 September though, so move fast!)
Brand-new this year is Night at the Parkland, taking over Roma Street Parkland Amphitheatre from 12–21 September. This stunning open-air series will see performances from Aussie icons like ICEHOUSE, Lime Cordiale, Xavier Rudd, Amy Shark, Grinspoon, Cut Copy, James Johnston and more.
Free Music All Over the City
Brisbane Festival is once again bringing the beat to the streets with Brisbane Serenades – a free concert series popping up in parks and neighbourhoods across the city. Experience the joyful cultural mash-up at Pasifika Made (7 Sept), chill out at Manly Serenades (12 Sept), hit the Moorooka Block Party (13 Sept), or vibe at St Lucia Serenades (20 Sept).
Late Nights Sorted at Festival Club
When the main stage ends, the afterparty begins. Festival Club at QPAC’s Melbourne Street Green is the late-night home of live music, drinks and dancing with a killer DJ line-up including Richie Lestrange, GALLEON and QUIVR. This is where the city stays up late.
Get Your Tickets Now
With so many epic shows, killer collaborations and once-in-a-lifetime performances, this year’s Brisbane Festival is shaping up to be an all-out celebration of music in every form.
🗓 Brisbane Festival runs 5–27 September 2025
🎟 Tickets are on sale now at brisbanefestival.com.au
Go on. Mark your calendar. Grab your mates. Get your tickets. And get ready to dance, discover and fall in love with live music all over again throughout Brisbane this September.