Hot Nights, City Lights: The Brisbane Art Events You Can’t Miss On 24-26 October 2025

Get ready, Brisbane! The city is absolutely buzzing with world-class theatre, incredible live music, and stunning art exhibitions. Whether you’re in the mood for a glamorous night at a Broadway musical, an evening of symphonic movie magic, or discovering the city’s vibrant local talent, something is exciting happening just around the corner. Clear your schedule, text your friends, and start planning your week with this guide to the hottest tickets in town.


Pretty Woman: The Musical

Venue: Lyric Theatre – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane — Date: 5 October – 23 November 2025
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The dazzling stage adaptation of the beloved romantic comedy comes to Brisbane. This joyous musical hit features an electrifying original score by Grammy-winners Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance.


Cinematic: The Oscars

Venue: Concert Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane — Date: 24 – 25 October 2025
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The Queensland Symphony Orchestra returns with its popular concert celebrating iconic scores from beloved, Oscar-worthy films. Conductor Benjamin Northey and soprano Nina Korbe will guide audiences through a night of Hollywood glamour and spectacle.


Under a Modern Sun Art in Queensland 1930s–1950s

Venue: Queensland Art Gallery (QAG), South Brisbane — Date: 16 August – 26 January 2026
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This exhibition showcases Queensland artists from the 1930s–1950s, exploring the development of a modernist sensibility in the state. It highlights the important role of women artists and ceramicists from the era.


Shimmer – CITY WIDE EXHIBITION

Venue: Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City — Date: 18 October 2025 – 18 March 2026
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Leading artist Gerwyn Davies presents a series of striking photographic portraits developed with trans and gender-diverse young people from Open Doors Youth Service. The works celebrate self-expression and resilience through handcrafted sculptural costumes.


Whitefella Yella Tree

Venue: La Boite Theatre, Kelvin Grove — Date: 23 October – 8 November 2025
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In the early 19th century, two teenage boys, one from River Mob and one from Mountain Mob, meet under a lemon tree and fall in love. Their story of young love and survival unfolds on the brink of a world about to be declared ‘Australia’.


Northern Lights, Southern Stars

Venue: Concert Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane — Date: 26 October 2025
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This concert features two rising superstars, baritone Jake Lyle and conductor Sam Weller, performing a program of operatic hits. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra will present iconic works, including Grieg’s ‘Peer Gynt’.


Still Lives: Brisbane

Venue: Turbine Platform, Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm — Date: 15 October – 9 November 2025
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This performance-installation captures moments in local history through the art of rope bondage. The Brisbane edition revisits the city’s punk legacy, specifically referencing The Saints, with instruments bound and suspended in the Turbine Platform.


The Lucky Country

Venue: Underground Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm — Date: 22 – 26 October 2025
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Following a celebrated Sydney season, this moving chamber musical digs deep into themes of identity and belonging. The show features an original score that pays homage to iconic Australian musicians.


Demon Rhythm

Venue: Fairfax Studio – Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm — Date: 24 – 26 October 2025
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This exhibition features a collection of 1000 images stolen from Instagram and replicated by artist Micah Rustichelli. The artist placed themselves in the role of a human image generator, processing the images through paint to question ownership in the digital age.


The Lark

Venue: Cremorne Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane — Date: 15 – 26 October 2025
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A haunting and poetic one-woman show starring Noni Hazlehurst as a woman sifting through the ghosts of her past in a pub awaiting demolition. It is a beautifully crafted monologue about memory, life, and the strength to let go.


Brisbane Fashion Month : Brisbane Designer Showcase

Venue: The Beaumont, Fortitude Valley — Date: 26 October 2025
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Celebrate 10 years of Brisbane Fashion Month at this special designer showcase. The event highlights the best of local design and champions the strong community of creators in Queensland.


Vera Polozkova

Venue: The Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba — Date: 26 October 2025
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The artist comes to Brisbane for a live show and a presentation of her new book, ‘Lost and Found’. The performance, which will be in Russian, blends poetry, recitation, and music in the ancient genre of antiphons.


Zugub, the mask, the spirits and the stars documentary screening

Venue: Queensland Museum Kurilpa, South Brisbane — Date: 25 October 2025
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This compelling 60-minute film invites you into the world of renowned Badu artist Alick Tipoti. It brings to life the stories, language, and traditions of his people through music, dance, and art.


A World of Rhythm Workshop with Ronny Ferella (MELB)

Venue: JMI Live, Bowen Hills — Date: 25 October 2025
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Explore the concepts of polyrhythm, cross-rhythm, and odd time metres in this hands-on workshop with Ronny Ferella. The session applies to any instrument and musical genre, with no music theory essential.


Ella Doneman sings the Blossom Dearie Songbook

Venue: JMI Live, Bowen Hills — Date: 25 October 2025
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Vocalist Ella Doneman and her band present a tribute concert bringing the Blossom Dearie Songbook to life. The show spans five decades of timeless music, weaving in Ella’s own stories and original tunes.


The Mojo Webb Quartet

Venue: Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point — Date: 24 October 2025
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Hailing from Northern NSW, Michael ‘Mojo’ Webb brings his dynamic stage presence and showmanship to the Brisbane Jazz Club. Prepare for an evening of weeping guitar riffs, striding piano licks, and a powerful, bluesy voice.


Live at Melbourne Street Green: Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC) artists

Venue: Melbourne Street Green, (QPAC), South Brisbane — Date: 24 October 2025
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Enjoy the ultimate Friday night wind-down with free performances at QPAC’s vibrant outdoor space. This week features a rotating lineup of music and dance in collaboration with artists from the Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC).


The Art of Voice and Bass – Masterclass with Hetty Kate & Thierry Fossemalle

Venue: JMI Live, Bowen Hills — Date: 26 October 2025
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Acclaimed jazz vocalist Hetty Kate and bassist Thierry Fossemalle explore the intimate and special duo format. This masterclass is open to vocalists and curious bassists of all levels, combining demonstration and discussion.


Hetty Kate ‘Spring’ Quartet

Venue: JMI Live, Bowen Hills — Date: 26 October 2025
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Paris-based Australian jazz vocalist Hetty Kate presents songs from her newest release, a sparkling homage to the season of spring. The evening will feature beautiful music, classics, and curiosities from her new four-album odyssey.


St Clement’s Anglican Church presents: Nabanga Ensemble – an afternoon Concert

Venue: St Clement’s on the Hill Anglican Church, Stafford — Date: 26 October 2025
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St Clement’s on the Hill welcomes Vanuatu’s first youth orchestra for an afternoon concert. The ensemble will perform sensitive interpretations of traditional Vanuatu lullabies and popular hymns to raise funds for Anglicare’s Youth Homelessness Project.


This is just a snapshot of the amazing events lighting up Brisbane. With so much to see and do, the only hard part is choosing where to start. Grab your tickets before they sell out, and get ready to make the most of everything our incredible city has to offer!

Brisbane Comes Alive: The Top Theatre, Exhibitions, and Concerts to See in 17-19 October 2025

As the vibrant heart of Queensland, Brisbane is bursting with a fantastic array of events this October. From world-class theatre and evocative art exhibitions to intimate musical performances, there is something to captivate every interest. Whether you are seeking a glamorous night at the musical, a thought-provoking gallery visit, or a soul-stirring concert, our city’s cultural calendar is packed with memorable experiences waiting for you.


Archie Moore kith and kin

Venue: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Brisbane — Date: 27 September – 18 October 2025

This major exhibition charts the artist’s Kamilaroi/Bigambul heritage through a vast, hand-drawn genealogical chart. It is a powerful statement on family, identity, and the continuity of First Nations history.
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Dangerous Liaisons

Venue: Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre, West End — Date: 2 – 18 October 2025

Queensland Ballet presents a story of seduction, betrayal, and revenge in this sumptuous and dramatic production. Expect breathtaking choreography and powerful storytelling that brings this classic tale of aristocratic intrigue to life.
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Pretty Woman: The Musical

Venue: Lyric Theatre – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane — Date: 5 October – 23 November 2025

Based on the iconic Hollywood film, this dazzling musical brings the beloved romance to the stage with spectacular flair. Featuring an original rock score by Bryan Adams, it’s a guaranteed feel-good night out.
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Malacañang Made Us

Venue: Bille Brown Theatre, South Brisbane — Date: 18 October – 1 November 2025

This compelling new play explores themes of power, family, and cultural identity against a rich historical backdrop. It promises a thought-provoking and engaging theatrical experience that will resonate with audiences.
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Bell Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet

Venue: Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm — Date: 17 – 18 October 2025

Australia’s national theatre company presents a fresh and urgent take on Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy. This dynamic production brings the epic story of star-crossed lovers to life for a new generation.
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The 39 Steps

Venue: Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane — Date: 7 – 19 October 2025

Experience a riotous blend of Hitchcock masterpiece and spy novel in this inventive and hilarious stage comedy. Four actors deftly play over 150 characters in a fast-paced whodunnit full of non-stop laughs.
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Candlelight: Tribute to Queen

Venue: St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City — Date: 17 October 2025

Immerse yourself in the legendary music of Queen, performed by a live string quartet in a stunning, candlelit setting. This unique concert offers a magical new perspective on the band’s greatest rock anthems.
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Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

Venue: St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City — Date: 18 October 2025

Experience classical music in a new light with this mesmerising Candlelight concert dedicated to Vivaldi’s masterpiece. Let the sublime sounds of ‘The Four Seasons’ wash over you in the awe-inspiring ambiance of St John’s Cathedral.
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Candlelight: Rings & Dragons

Venue: St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City — Date: 18 October 2025

Embark on a musical journey to your favourite fantasy realms with this concert featuring epic scores from film and television. Hear breathtaking themes from iconic sagas performed by a string quartet under the gentle glow of candlelight.
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Vince Jones Quintet

Venue: Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point — Date: 17 – 18 October 2025

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with one of Australia’s most acclaimed jazz artists, Vince Jones. His quintet delivers a sublime performance, blending masterful musicianship with Jones’s iconic vocal style.
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Still Lives: Brisbane

Venue: Turbine Platform, Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm — Date: 15 October – 9 November 2025

Part of the Melt Festival, this powerful installation gives voice to the stories of rainbow families and individuals who have experienced stillbirth. It is a moving and deeply personal exploration of love, loss, and remembrance.
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Demon Rhythm

Venue: Fairfax Studio – Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm — Date: 15 October – 9 November 2025

As a highlight of the Melt Festival, Demon Rhythm is a captivating performance that delves into complex themes through dynamic movement. Prepare for a visually stunning and emotionally charged theatrical experience.
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Inscribing a life

Venue: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Brisbane — Date: 27 September – 18 October 2025

Explore the profound ways in which stories are recorded and remembered in this compelling exhibition. The artworks on display delve into personal and collective histories, showcasing the enduring power of memory.
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Shimmer – CITY WIDE EXHIBITION

Venue: Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City — Date: 18 October 2025 – 18 March 2026

This expansive city-wide exhibition explores Brisbane’s subtropical identity through themes of light, water, and shimmering colour. Discover works from various artists that capture the unique essence and vibrant atmosphere of the city.
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Brisbane Big Band

Venue: Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point — Date: 19 October 2025

Get ready for a swinging afternoon as the Brisbane Big Band takes the stage with their powerful sound and infectious energy. This performance is a must-see for lovers of classic jazz and big band music.
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Creative Trail

Venue: Various Locations — Date: 18 – 19 & 25 – 26 October 2025

Discover the vibrant local arts scene by exploring open studios, galleries, and hubs across the Sandgate region. This self-guided trail is a wonderful opportunity to meet local artists and see their creative processes up close.
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With so much on offer, be sure to plan your month and book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Get out there and immerse yourself in the incredible creativity and talent that makes Brisbane’s cultural scene so special. Enjoy the show, the art, and the music!

Music Journeys: How St Margaret’s Old Girls Are Inspiring the Next Generation

At St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, music has long been more than an extracurricular. For many students, the school’s rich and diverse program has provided the spark for lifelong careers in the performing arts. Three Old Girls – Meleia Richardson (’21), opera singer Nina Korbe (’15), and violinist Annabelle Traves (’14) – show just how far that spark can reach.


Read: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Australian Education Awards Finals (Again!)


For Meleia Richardson, music shaped every corner of her school life. From choirs and rock bands to lead roles in school musicals, she embraced every opportunity to perform. In her senior year she played Miss Honey in Matilda, a role that felt symbolic of the encouragement she had once received from older girls and was now passing on to younger students.

“I spent most of my spare time in the Sister Helen Orchestra Room and absolutely loved it,” she recalled. “I feel very lucky to have been part of a school that offered such a rich, diverse, and high-quality music program.”

Meleia Richardson (Photo credit: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School)

After graduating, Meleia studied Contemporary Voice at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, where she developed as a solo artist and songwriter, experimenting with recording and production as well as performance. In 2025, she returned to Classics in the Cathedral, a St Margaret’s tradition she always loved, before stepping into professional performance. 

Now represented by an agent, she is working towards contracts as a vocalist on cruise ships and has also begun exploring the growing field of music therapy after her experiences in disability support.

While Meleia’s career is taking flight, two other St Margaret’s alumnae are already established names in the performing arts.

Old Girls
Photo credit: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School/Facebook

Nina Korbe (née Wildman ’15) has become one of Brisbane’s rising opera stars. Recently listed among Style Magazine’s 30 Under 30, she is fresh from playing the lead role of Maria in Opera Australia’s West Side Story. Next year she will take to the stage at QPAC’s Glasshouse Theatre as Molly Johnson in The Drover’s Wife, marking another milestone in her fast-growing career.

Old Girls
Photo credit: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School/Facebook

Annabelle Traves (’14) has taken her violin to some of the world’s most celebrated concert stages. She has toured globally with André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra, performed alongside Bruce Springsteen, and earlier this year released her debut single. Also featured in Style’s 30 Under 30, Annabelle continues to balance large-scale international tours with her own creative projects.


Read: St Margaret’s Principal Named One of Queensland’s Most Influential Educators


Together, these three Old Girls represent the breadth of opportunity that begins at St Margaret’s: from opera and orchestral touring to contemporary performance and music therapy. Each has followed a different path, yet all share the same foundation – a school community that nurtured their talents, challenged them to grow, and inspired them to dream boldly.

Their stories now inspire the next generation of St Margaret’s students who, like them, are discovering their passions and imagining their futures in music and beyond.

Published 22-September-2025