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Brisbane is set to come alive with the BrisAsia Festival 2025, running from Friday, 31 January to Sunday, 9 February 2025. This year’s festival celebrates the Lunar New Year and the transformative energy of the Year of the Snake, symbolising wisdom, rebirth, and new beginnings.
Over ten spectacular days, attendees can immerse themselves in more than 25 activities and events that blend traditional and contemporary Asian culture. The festival’s diverse program includes street performances, contemporary art exhibitions, K-Pop showcases, live music, and dynamic dance displays.
Festival Highlights:
- Southside by Night: Kicking off the festival on Friday, 31 January, this event at the Unidus Community Centre brings together Brisbane’s hottest hip-hop talent, artists, street cars, and food under one roof. Expect impressive car displays from the city’s best car crews and tasty eats from popular street food stalls.
- Lush on Fish Lane – Asian Street Festival: On Saturday, 1 February, the Fish Lane Arts Precinct hosts a contemporary Asian street festival merging food, culture, and creativity. Celebrate the Year of the Snake with traditional performances, live music, street theatre, breakdancing, and cosplay. Enjoy delicious Asian cuisine from top local vendors like Southside Restaurant, Hello Please, Chu the Phat, and Bird’s Nest.
- Lunar New Year in the Gardens: Celebrate the Year of the Snake on Sunday, 2 February, at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. This family-friendly event features lion dancers, martial arts displays by the International Wushu Academy, live music from sitar virtuoso Sudha Manian, renowned Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal, and tabla virtuoso Dheeraj Shrestha. Attendees can also enjoy traditional dance, K-Pop performances, Henna face painting, and more. Bring a picnic rug and savour delicious Asian street food in a serene garden setting.
- Asia Pop Showcase: Hanmaum Kpop: On Saturday, 8 February, grab your glow sticks and fan chants for a night of electrifying K-Pop performances at the Thomas Dixon Centre. Experience Brisbane’s favourite K-Pop acts live on stage, showcasing addictive melodies, choreography, and high production values.
- A Weekend in Seoul: From Friday, 7 February to Sunday, 9 February, Longwang invites you to experience ‘A Weekend in Seoul.’ This exclusive culinary journey celebrates Head Chef Andy Choi’s Korean heritage with a special menu capturing the spirit of his hometown through inventive interpretations of Korean flavours. Enjoy vibrant dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced produce infused with traditional Korean spices and modern twists.
- BrisAsia Stands Up: Prepare for an unforgettable night of laughs on Friday, 31 January, at Big Fork Theatre. This showcase features Brisbane’s top Asian-Australian comedy talent, bringing together sharp local voices lighting up stages nationwide and making waves on TV, radio, and online.
- Asia Pacific Triennial: Running from 30 November 2024 to 27 April 2025 at QAGOMA, immerse yourself in the most compelling new artwork being produced across Asia, the Pacific, and Australia. The Asia Pacific Triennial features bold, groundbreaking contemporary works from over 70 emerging and established artists, collectives, and filmmakers spanning more than 30 countries. This free exhibition is a must-see, offering dynamic installations, paintings, sculptures, photography, and video art.
- Singapore Symphony Orchestra: Experience a captivating afternoon of Romantic masterpieces on Sunday, 16 February, at QPAC’s Concert Hall. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Music Director Hans Graf, makes its highly anticipated debut at BrisAsia Festival 2025 as part of its inaugural Australian tour. The program features Romantic favourites and a new work by award-winning Singaporean composer Koh Cheng Jin, inspired by the discovery of a new species of firefly in Singapore’s Nee Soon Forest.
BrisAsia Festival 2025 offers a vibrant mix of creativity and cross-cultural insight, providing a platform for artists, producers, and creatives to celebrate the unique cultural experiences of Brisbane. Whether you’re a fan of high-energy performances or serene artistic beauty, this festival has something for everyone.
Most events are free, but some require tickets. For detailed information and bookings, visit the official BrisAsia Festival program on the Brisbane City Council’s website.