There’s already been so much to see and do this month thanks to Brisbane Festival and we’ve been loving it. Sadly, the festival is set to end this weekend so we’ve gathered a list of stuff you should see before it’s over.
Spectrum of Happiness
Spectrum of Happiness is an interactive swingset at Northshore Brisbane, inviting all ages to experience shared moments of happiness together. The rainbow swingset is a synchronisation between creativity, technology, and hope. Let your inner child play! (And take some aesthetic footage for socials while you’re at it).
WHEN: Until Saturday 21 September (Tuesday to Sunday)
WHERE: Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules St, Hamilton
TICKETS: Free
INFO: Find out more here.
Portside Seranades
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of carnival-style jazz at Portside Serenades, where the river meets the rhythm. Nestled in the picturesque setting of Portside Wharf, this one-day festival offers an unforgettable evening of jazz performances, with food stalls and other festivities. Acts include Afro Beat Brazilian Drumos, Brunswick Street Parade, and Melody Graves and the Hokum Redemption.
WHEN: Sunday 15 September
TIME: 4pm – 7pm
WHERE: Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules St, Hamilton
TICKETS: Free
INFO: Find out more here.
Friday Feels
Enjoy Friday Feels for one final Friday of the Festival! Friday Feels features music events featuring a range of entertainment acts, roving performances and workshops. Join us this weekend for Pop Night at the fabulous Troubadour Stage at Portside Wharf to celebrate the end of your work week.
WHEN: Friday 20 September
TIME: 4pm – 7pm
WHERE: Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules St, Hamilton
TICKETS: Free
INFO: Find out more here.
Fancy Long Legs
Underneath a crafter’s cart lived a lively young arachnid. Fancy Long Legs was her name, and she was easily distracted. Fancy Long Legs is a brand-new glittery and vibrant musical adventure for children, based on a new picture book by Brisbane’s international tinsel and craft icon, Rachel Burke.
Fancy Long Legs is the story of Fancy, a spider who loves to create but struggles to stay focused on her creative task of web-building. With the support of her friends, Fancy goes on a beautiful journey of self-discovery to find her own style and make something no one else can.
Fancy Long Legs is a groundbreaking, fully accessible work for young audiences and the young at heart. This uplifting story takes a sparkly and relatable look at neurodivergence, offering a playful and glitter-covered adventure of acceptance, staying true to yourself, celebrating differences and harnessing your inner fanciness!
WHEN: Until September 22.
TIME: Various times, check info for more details.
WHERE: La Boite Theatre, 6 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove
TICKETS: From $29
INFO: Find out more here.
Common People Dance Eisteddfod
The Common People Dance Eisteddfod has now become a tradition here in our fair city. Teams from across South-East Queensland will battle it out over one epic night and need you to cheer and shout as they dance the night away.
Dressed in sequined armors, the mighty suburban gladiators will meet on neutral territory and dance it out to see who will be the 2024 Common People Dance Eisteddfod winner. The competition is fierce, the outfits are bold, and the moves are body rollin’. But who will be crowned the champion and take home all the glory? It’s the ultimate dance battle of the ‘burbs… so slap on some sequins, bring some attitude, and come join the fun barracking for your favourite team on the closing night of Brisbane Festival.
WHEN: September 21
TIME: 6pm
WHERE: South Bank Piazza, 186 Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane
TICKETS: from $30
INFO: Find out more here.
Briefs Factory—The Art Boat
The Art Boat, reimagined, is curated by the world-class local legends Briefs Factory. Resident artists Fez Faanana, Mark Winmill and Brett Rosengreen will be joined by a dazzling array of special guests selected from Brief’s fabulous friends and artists from across the festival.
Step aboard and immerse yourself in an unforgettable voyage through the heart of Brisbane. Against the stunning backdrop of the ever-expanding city skyline, journey along the iconic waterways, tracing the mighty banks that shape the Brisbane River. The city ambience is remixed into decadent DJ sets soundtracking the extravaganza and punk that is burlesque, the drama and defiance of drag and the addictive and attention-grabbing power of circus. The Art Boat, transformed into a giant floating immersive experience, showcases stunning patterned tentacles rising from the depths of Maiwar, designed by Josh McIntosh.
All aboard for a unique and memorable experience, the adventure starts now!
WHEN: September 19-21
TIME: cruises at 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and 9pm depending on days.
WHERE: Pontoon B, Clem Jones Promenade, South Bank
TICKETS: $45
INFO: Find out more here.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
