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Brisbane is currently in the midst of its peak cultural season. From the roar of Suncorp Stadium to the experimental stages of the Anywhere Festival, the next six weeks offer a diverse lineup for locals and visitors alike.
🎭 Arts & Culture
Brisbane Comedy Festival 2026
The city’s biggest laugh-fest is officially underway. Spanning five weeks, the festival features over 100 artists, from international heavyweights to the brightest local stars.
- Dates: April 24 – May 25, 2026
- Venues: Brisbane Powerhouse, The Tivoli, and The Princess Theatre.
- Key Acts: * Celia Pacquola: May 8–10 (Powerhouse)
- Josh Thomas: May 13–17 (Powerhouse)
- Tommy Little: May 8–10 (The Tivoli)
- Dave Hughes: May 22–23 (Powerhouse)
- Tickets: Varies by show ($35 – $85); available via the official festival website.
Anywhere Festival Brisbane
This unique festival takes performance art out of traditional theaters and into Brisbane’s “nooks and crannies”—think backyard sheds, laneways, and even ferries.
- Dates: May 1 – May 31, 2026
- Venues: Various non-traditional locations across the CBD and suburbs.
- Tickets: Many shows are Free; others require bookings via the Anywhere Festival portal.
🏉 Sport & Major Events
NRL Magic Round 2026
The crown jewel of the NRL calendar returns to Milton. All 16 teams (plus the bye) descend on one stadium for a three-day rugby league marathon that injects millions into the local economy.
- Dates: May 15, 16, and 17, 2026
- Venue: Suncorp Stadium
- Tickets: High demand. Single-day from $45; 3-day passes from $130 via Ticketek.
Other Key Sporting Fixtures:
- NRL: Brisbane Broncos v Bulldogs: April 24 (Tonight), 8:00 PM at Suncorp Stadium.
- NRL: New Zealand Warriors v Brisbane Broncos: May 17, 4:05 PM at Suncorp Stadium (part of Magic Round).
- NRL: Brisbane Broncos v St. George Illawarra Dragons: May 31, 2:00 PM at Suncorp Stadium.
🎸 Live Music & Concerts
The Brisbane music scene is heating up with several major tours stopping by the Riverstage and the Valley.
| Artist | Date | Venue | Ticket Info |
| Maximo Park | April 29 | The Triffid | From $65 |
| Boy & Bear | May 8 | Riverstage | From $89 |
| Tommy Little | May 8–10 | The Tivoli | Comedy/Music Hybrid |
| J.I.D | May 15 | Fortitude Music Hall | Moved from Riverstage |
📅 Save the Date: Quick Look Calendar
Editor’s Note: For our MediaTimes readers planning ahead, please note that the Bone Thugs-N-Harmony concert previously scheduled for May 10 at the Riverstage has been CANCELLED. Check with your point of purchase for refunds.
- April 24: Brisbane Comedy Festival Opening Weekend.
- May 1: Launch of the month-long Anywhere Festival.
- May 8: Boy & Bear take over the Botanic Gardens (Riverstage).
- May 15–17: NRL Magic Round (Expect heavy traffic in Milton/Paddington).
- May 25: Final night of the Comedy Festival.
MediaTimes Tip: If you’re heading to South Bank for the Comedy Festival, the Queen Street Mall is hosting “Gathering: Blak Story Song” on April 29 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)—a fantastic free cultural performance for your lunch break.