65 Festivals Brisbane: Kid-Friendly Festivals Near You!

There are so many amazing festivals Brisbane has to offer right through the calendar year! If you’re looking for something fun that the whole crew can enjoy, then we might have just the activity you’ve been looking for (and some of them are cost-free, woohoo!)

If you’re looking for the best Brisbane festivals, consider this your ultimate guide. We know where to go (because we go, too!)

Festivals in Brisbane are a great opportunity to really take part in what our beautiful city has to offer. From riverside delights to cultural celebrations to everything food – there truly is something for everyone.

Here are a few tips on making the most of Brisbane’s festivals. Make sure you also keep a close eye on our constantly updated festivals page so you don’t miss a minute of the fun!

The best family festivals Brisbane in January 2025

1. Brisbane Ukrainian Festival: Holland Park West 2025

• 11 January 2025, 7pm – late

Enjoy a free day out of culture, music, food, flower-crown making and dancing at Brissie’s annual Ukrainian Festival while supporting a great cause. The festival promises to be a great day out for families, offering a rich cultural experience and fun activities for all ages, including cultural performances, market stalls with unique Ukrainian goods, authentic cuisine, and plenty of kids’ activities! Join the Queensland Ukrainian Community on Saturday 11 January for a night of Ukrainian culture, music and celebration!

2. Australia Day 2025: Various Venues

• January 26 annually 

Australia Day is celebrated at various venues and in many ways across Australia. Most council regions will host their own events, usually including citizenship ceremonies and fireworks. Here are some ideas of things to do on Australia Day with kids and things to do on the Gold Coast with kids on Australia Day

3. BrisAsia Festival

• 31 January 2025 – 9 February 2025

BrisAsia Festival returned from Friday 31 January to Sunday 9 February 2025 to celebrate Lunar New Year and the transformative energy of the Year of the Snake.

Symbolising wisdom, rebirth and new beginnings, this festival was an extraordinary fusion of tradition and modern creativity.

Do you have any great family festivals in January? We’d love to hear about them! We’ll continue to hunt for them and update this section when we find ’em.

The best family festivals Brisbane in February 2024

4. Moreton Bay Region Lunar New Year 2025: Caboolture

• 8 February 2025, 3pm – 8pm

The Moreton Bay Region Lunar New Year event is once again bringing the vibrant celebrations of the East to Caboolture. It is sure to be a jam-packed, family-fun evening to celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year! This amazing free-to-attend event will feature traditional music and dance, mouth-watering traditional oriental food, Chinese Dragon dancing, cultural displays, cracker displays, pyro showcases, market stalls, and workshops.

The best family festivals Brisbane in March 2025

5. Brisbane Holi – Festival of Colours 2025

• 1 March 2025, 11am – 6pm

Get ready for the most vibrant and colourful day of the year! Join thousands of attendees for a joyful celebration of unity, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil. Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or on your own, the atmosphere will be buzzing with excitement, cultural performances and colour throw countdowns. Click here for more information.

6. Brisbane Cycling Festival 2025: Various Locations

• 21 March – 13 April 2025

The Brisbane Cycling Festival will return in 2025, with a jam-packed line-up of rides, races, events, expos and entertainment to light up Brisbane. From the elite right through to mass participation events, there is something for every cyclist of all abilities. The Active Lifestyle Expo is also moving to a brand-new home at South Bank Parklands on 12 – 13 April, setting the stage for an action-packed final weekend alongside the Tour de Brisbane.

7. World Science Festival 2025

• 21 – 30 March 2025

This is one of our favourites. The World Science Festival showcases a huge variety of all things science. From engaging and enthralling conversations with leading scientists and experts to a collision of science and art. There is something for all ages at World Science Festival Brisbane. The festival will once again hit the road! World Science Festival Queensland is returning to Regional Queensland throughout the year to Townsville, Chinchilla, Gladstone, Toowoomba, and Ipswich. Definitely not one to be missed! There is plenty to see and do. 

8. ImagiNation Children’s Festival 2025: Kingston

• 22 March 2025, 9am – 3pm

The iconic ImagiNation Children’s Festival event is returning to Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct!

Prepare for a day jam-packed with fun activities, vibrant displays, imagination, and adventure. Best of all, it’s entirely free! It’s the perfect opportunity to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays.

Please note that this is a pet-free and alcohol-free event.

9. Oxley Community Festival 2025: Oxley

• 29 March 2025, 1.30pm – 8.30pm

The Oxley Community Festival is back on 29 March 2025, from 1.30pm – 8.30pm. This year will be bigger and better than ever before! Head along to this family-friendly event to enjoy free rides, a splash pool, live music, fireworks, and plenty of fun entertainment for all the family. 

The best family festivals Brisbane in April 2025

10. Bluewater Festival 2025: Shorncliffe

• 17 – 18 April 2025
  • Thursday 17 April: 4pm – 8pm
  • Friday 18 April: 9.30am – 8pm

Organised by the Sandgate Bayside Chamber of Commerce, the famous Bluewater Festival held at Shorncliffe Pier is an event not to be missed. Held on the scenic foreshore at Shorncliffe in conjunction with the annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race it’s the perfect vantage point to watch the start of this iconic race. Head to Lower Moora Park, Shorncliffe for free entry to the food festival, markets, entertainment throughout the day including live bands, kids’ activities, rides, and fireworks in the evening. We wrote about our visit to the Bluewater and give you some ‘Insider tips” here.

11. Bluesfest 2025: Byron Bay

• 17 April – 20 April 2025

Byron Bay Bluesfest is proudly Australia’s premier contemporary Blues & Roots music festival. Entertaining 6,000 in the first year, Bluesfest now attracts over 100,000 music fans and is proudly the premier festival in Australia as a safe, fun, family-friendly event. 

12. Straddie Easter Carnival: Dunwich 

• 19 April 2025

Where better to celebrate Easter Saturday on the 19 April 2025 than on Stradbroke Island!

This annual Easter community event coordinated by Straddie Sharks Rugby League Club has rides for the kids, showbags, animals, market stalls, and a spectacular fireworks display to end a fantastic day out. Find out the details here.

13. Brisbane Comedy Festival 2025: Various Locations

• 23 April – 25 May 2025

Comic musings, side-splitting stories and tear-inducing tales…the Brisbane Comedy​ Festival returns in 2025, bursting at the seams to host a hand-picked selection of the funniest folk in the country. Get skit-faced with many of your favourite rib-tickling rascals from across Australia. From stand-up to improv and sketch comedy, they’ve got your tastes covered. Plus, they’ll shine a light on the best new talent, here and now! Bookings required.

The best family festivals Brisbane in May 2025

14. The Hills Festival 2025: Multiple locations

• 1 May – 31 May 2025

The Hills will come alive this May with fireworks, rides, entertainment and workshops for the month-long program of Hills Festival.

Just north of Brisbane, encompassing the suburbs of Arana Hills, Bunya, Draper, Everton Hills, Ferny Hills and Albany Creek, The Hills District will be stacked with an expansive program of unique events and activities spanning the entire month of May. Find out more here.

15. Buddha Birth Day Festival 2025: Priestdale

• 2 – 4 May 2025

The Buddha Birth Day Festival celebrates Australia’s harmony and diversity, and this year the festival will be held at Chung Tian Buddhist Temple. The festival includes unique experiences such as traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, multicultural performances, meditation, vegetarian food stalls, Buddhist talks, Baby Blessing ceremony and much more! Entrance to the Buddha Birth Day Festival is free and open to the whole family. 

16. Sunflower Festival 2025: Kalbar

• 2 – 4 May 2025

The 2025 Sunflower Festival will return to Kalbar in May. This year, organisers have planted one million sunflowers for your enjoyment! Plus, there will be lots of new props and photography areas for you to get that special family shot. Take a stroll through the sunflowers, be a-mazed at the 4-acre sunflower maze, enjoy the live entertainment, pick some flowers to take home and get a professional photo taken. There is so much to do! The Children’s Hub will also include an animal petting farm for the first time, lots of free art and craft activities, and free face painting and tattoos – sunflower ones of course.

17. Moreton Bay Multisport Festival 2025: Clontarf

• 10 – 11 May 2025

The Moreton Bay Multisport Festival is held at Pelican Park on the beautiful Moreton Bay foreshore, the event has partnered with local charity, Children’s Hospital Foundation, to help raise vital funds for sick and injured kids right across the state.

Enjoy the perfect twilight running conditions and cooler evening temperatures on Saturday with distances available for all running (and walking) abilities. The triathlon on Sunday morning then features a safe swim in the protected bay, followed by a fast ride over the Ted Smout Bridge and a flat foreshore run.

18. Blues on Broadbeach 2025: Gold Coast

• 15 – 18 May 2025

Featuring a wide array of international and homegrown artists performing across multiple indoor and outdoor stages, Blues on Broadbeach is one of Australia’s largest non-ticketed music festivals. Situated within the heart of the Gold Coast in Broadbeach, come enjoy four days and nights of live rhythm and blues music! Surrounded by plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and a wide range of accommodation options, this is a blues festival experience like no other.

19. Ipswich Show 2025: Ipswich

• 16 – 18 May 2025

Celebrations for The Ipswich Show kick off on Friday 16 May with show favourites including animals, arts, craft, food, showbags, pig racing,  nightly fireworks, sheep dog demonstrations, sideshow rides and much more. 

20: Greater Springfield Community Festival 2025: Springfield

• 17 May 2025, 9am – 9pm

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day filled with excitement, entertainment, and community spirit! Join the Greater Springfield Festival for an action-packed day full of fun and experience a vibrant mix of multicultural dance performances, delicious local and international food stalls, carnival games, live DJ music, fireworks and more!

21. Paniyiri Greek Festival 2025: West End

• 17 – 18 May 2025
  • 17 May: 12pm – 10pm
  • 18 May: 10am – 7pm

One of Australia’s longest running festivals, Paniyiri celebrates all things Greek, including food, dance, grape stomping, plate smashing, cooking and cultural activities. Located in Musgrave Park in South Brisbane and also in the Greek Club across the road. There’s always plenty happening on the entertainment stages and don’t forget the legendary honey puff eating competition. Tickets on sale no

22. The Brookfield Show 2025: Brookfield

• 23 – 25 May 2025

The Brookfield Show in 2025 is set to amaze and delight show-goers across three jam packed days. This stage will be up top, next to sideshow alley, where you can also experience up-close encounters with reptiles.

Roving performers, school bands and the talent show will keep the vibe alive in daylight hours. After dark, enjoy the dare-devil rodeo.

The full entertainment schedule will be released soon. Find out more here.

23. Goomeri Pumpkin Festival

• 23 – 25 May 2025

The Goomeri Pumpkin Festival is back! Some of the exciting events include The Great Australian Pumpkin Roll, the Pumpkin Street Parade, and the Pumpkin Festival Sunday. Full festival program is coming soon. Find out more here.

Sustainable BNE Festival 2025: Roma Street Parkland

• Sunday 25 May

Formally known as Green Heart Fair, this free, family-and-dog-friendly event brings together Brisbane’s leading sustainability experts ready to share practical tips and tricks to help you live an eco-friendlier lifestyle. 

Don’t miss the free native plants, live entertainment – including the Bluey Live Interactive Experience, preloved clothing markets, wildlife displays, food trucks, yoga classes, kids’ activities and much more! Find out more here.

25. Dayboro Day Festival 2025: Dayboro 

• 26 May 2025

The Dayboro Day Festival is held in conjunction with the Dayboro Antique & Collectables Fair on the township’s main street. The Festival and Fair is an opportune time for locals and tourists to explore the gorgeous Dayboro Valley area, uncover its hidden gems and experience all that this quaint rural township has to offer.

Since 1991, this festival has grown to attract over 20,000 visitors to their beautiful country town. Experience a touch of rural hospitality from a historical town at Dayboro.

26. Scenic Rim Eat Local Week 2025: Multiple Locations 

• 30 May – 29 June 2025

Eat Local Month has something for foodies of all ages, from free and low-cost activities for children and families, including farm tours and cooking classes, to exclusive dining experiences hosted by some of Queensland’s finest Chefs.

With over 120 events, explore the Scenic Rim through hands-on workshops, masterclasses, and farm tours. Meet passionate producers and indulge in locally sourced dishes at long lunches, flavour-filled dinners, and exclusive dining experiences hosted by top Queensland chefs. Find out more here.

The best family festivals Brisbane in June 2025

27. Logan Eco Action Festival (LEAF) 2025: Meadowbrook 

• 1 June 2025, 9am – 3pm

It’s time to celebrate making small changes everyday to help our planet. Head to Logan Eco Action Festival aka LEAF and join in learning big and small tips to live a more sustainable lifestyle!

There are interactive presentations and workshops from some of our country’s leaders in sustainability, gardening and waste reduction! Plus eco stall holders, sustainable cooking demos, hands-on craft making, eco-markets, plant sales, an array of food trucks, live music and fun kids’ activities. Find out more here.

28. Brisbane Marathon Festival 2025: Brisbane CBD 

• 1 June 2025

The Brisbane Marathon Festival is one of the most historic and iconic events on the Australian running calendar, attracting thousands of participants each year. Choose from the full 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km, 5km or 2km. The course gives you the incredible opportunity to run over the main deck of the iconic Story Bridge before enjoying a rock star finish at the Riverstage. Bookings required.

29. Cooly Rocks On 2025: Coolangatta

• 4 – 8 June 2025

Celebrate the music, memories and moments of the 50s, 60s and 70s at Cooly Rocks On. With multiple stages throughout the Coolangatta precinct, you’ll be able to enjoy the very best in rock ‘n’ roll, swing and rockabilly music on the Gold Coast. The beachside festival will see thousands of visitors flock to Coolangatta on the Gold Coast across five action-packed days. Some of the festival’s highlights include the Show ‘N’ Shine, Live Music, Elvis Precinct, Markets, Pin-up Pageant and more. The Strand Coolangatta.

30. Caboolture Show 2025: Caboolture

• 6 – 8 June 2025
  • 6, 7 June: 8am – 9pm
  • 8 June: 8am – 3.30pm

The Caboolture Showgrounds was established in 1914 along with its annual Caboolture Show, making it one of the oldest and most successful showgrounds in Queensland. Fun for all the family guaranteed with side show alley, show bags, great food, and so much more! Find out more here.

31. RACQ MotorFest 2025: Brisbane Showgrounds

• 15 June 2025, 10am – 3pm

The fun, atmosphere and excitement of RACQ MotorFest returns on Sunday, 15 June 2025 at the iconic Brisbane Showgrounds.

A unique celebration of all things motoring, this annual event is a showcase of past, present, and future and offers something for everyone including free kids’ rides and family entertainment, a variety of food stalls, an array of unique, prestige and collector vehicles, as well as a dedicated zone featuring future vehicle technology and sustainable living solutions. Find out more here.

32. Out of the Box Festival 2025: South Bank

• 17 – 22 June 2025

A full‑venue takeover, packed with theatre experiences, workshops, free events and activities with additional programs across the cultural precinct at the State Library, Queensland Museum and QAGOMA. This year’s Out of the Box places children at the centre of the festival as artistic collaborators and experts in imaginative play.

For this year’s festival, we have been inspired by the theme of Hope, and as theorist Paulo Friere acknowledges, not as an aspiration but a necessity, and especially so in the lives of children in our post‑COVID world. Find more information here.

33. Celestial Festival 2025

• 18 – 23 June 2025

Celestial Events returns to Brisbane for its second year, featuring over 25 incredible events across five magical nights – there’s truly something for everyone! Find out more here.

34. Where We Belong Festival 2025: Redcliffe

• 28 June 2025, 10am – 11pm

Redcliffe’s biggest music festival will be happening at Picnic Hill, 28 June. The one and only FRENZAL RHOMB will be headlining this years event, bringing with them a huge showcase of local bands! With food trucks, Merch stands and a Beer Garden! Everything you could ever need for a good ole fashion day on the green. Buy your tickets here.

35. The Redcliffe Show 2025: Redcliffe 

• 27 – 29 June 2025

Enjoy three days of fun for the whole family at Redcliffe Show. With rides, shows, animals, entertainment and games, there is a packed programme of activities to keep you entertained. 

36. Mudgeeraba Show 2025: Worongary

• 28 – 29 June 2025

Brisbane families might like to take a day trip to the Gold Coast’s Mudgeeraba Show for a fabulous day out experiencing a wide variety of tastes, sights, sounds and delights.  With live music, entertainment, displays, fireworks, competitions and animal attractions plus plenty of food and drink, there is fun for all the family.   

The best family festivals Brisbane in July 2025

37. Snowflakes in Stanthorpe 2025

• 4 – 6 July 2025

Grab your beanies, scarves and mittens and join the fun at Snowflakes in Stanthorpe 2025! The coolest tow in Queensland is gearing up to host thousands of visitors on a winter family holiday with a guaranteed chance of throwing snowballs. The whole family is invited to join in on the street pavement games, kids craft, the chalk art competition, and the snowman toss. Rug up and enjoy the on stage performers, winter markets and incredible ice sculpture challenge competition.

Accommodation fills up quickly so visitors are encouraged to book early.

38. Le French Festival 2025: South Bank Parklands

• 4 – 6 July 2025

The Le Festival – Brisbane’s French Festival is back for 2025! From Friday 4th to Sunday 6th July 2025, explore a French Market, French Bar, French and French-inspired Artists’ Tent, French Kids’ Corner… plus much more! Find out more here.

39. Dayboro Show 2025: Dayboro

• 5 – 6 July 2025
  • 5 July: 9am – late
  • 6 July: 9am – 4pm

Enjoy a traditional country fair complete with sideshow alley, show bags, rides and kids’ entertainment. Of course, there will be the classic wood-chopping, rodeo and dog show displays, plus heaps more agricultural family fun. When the sun goes down, prepare yourselves for Walter Whip and the Flames sho,w plus an amazing fireworks display in the main arena. Dayboro Showgrounds. Find out more here.

40. Bonfire Night 2025: Sandstone Point

• 6 July 2025

Selling out time and time again, Bonfire Night is back at Sandstone Point Hotel to warm up your winter night on Sunday 6 July!

From 3pm, gather ‘round for a blazing lineup of entertainment, including fire twirlers, fire combat performers, kids’ rides, campfire singalongs, and live music. Toast up marshmallow magic at the roasting stations and dig into Bonfire Night’s famous gooey, melted chocolate-covered s’mores – best paired with a steamy hot choccy or a toasty glass of mulled wine. We have all your favourite winter warmers to keep the chills at bay!

Get ready for an explosive night of epic proportions! Bonfire Night is bringing the heat with flame shows, pyro displays and two almighty bonfires! Find out more here.

41. Abbey Medieval Festival 2025: Caboolture

• 11 – 13 July 2025

This is the Abbey Museum’s biggest event and is a drawcard every year for lovers of both history and fantasy. There are re-enactments, sizzling meats (oh, the meats), and tasty mead with which to quench your mighty thirst, and an all-around cool historical experience. There are plenty of things for kids to do (and big kids as well) at the Abbey Medieval Family Fun event. Read our review here.

42. SPARK Ipswich 2025: Ipswich 

• 11 – 20 July 2025

SPARK Ipswich is a city-wide event celebrating the people, places, arts and culture of Ipswich. The 2025 SPARK Ipswich program will deliver up fresh new festival content.  Music, comedy, arts, exhibitions, circus, projection, culture, cabaret, technology, collaboration and discussion will take over the city.

43. Noosa Alive! Festival 2025: Noosa

• 18 – 27 July 2025

NOOSA alive! Festival is an annual arts and culture festival, returning from 18th to 27th July to celebrate their 23rd birthday. The program is jam-packed with special performances, including the below family-friendly events of Noosa Stars Alive, Light Stand Up Comedy and Cirque Bon Bon Encore. Find out more here.

44. Anywhere Theatre Festival 2025: Multiple Locations 

• 18 July – 3 August 2025

Anywhere Festival helps you make all the world your stage to perform anywhere. You can expect theatre in car parks, comedy in laneways, opera in reservoirs, dance in stairwells and quirky workshops exploring arts and craft. 

45. Queensland Outdoor Adventure Expo 2025: Toowoomba

• 25 – 27 July 2025

Are you ready to embark on your next exciting outdoor adventure? Look no further than the Queensland Outdoor Adventure Expo, happening in July 2025 at the Toowoomba Showgrounds! This event is the ultimate showcase for all your outdoor needs, featuring the latest gear and equipment to take your next excursion to the next level.

46. Mt Gravatt Show 2025: Mt Gravatt

• 26 – 27 July 2025
  • 26 July: 9am – 9pm
  • 27 July: 9am – 4pm

The Mt Gravatt Show is one of the oldest exhibitions on Brisbane’s southside having been held at the iconic Mt Gravatt Showgrounds on Logan Road since 1918. With so much to do and so many exhibitions to look at, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Find out more here.

47. Einbunpin Festival 2025: Sandgate

• 27 July 2025

This incredible festival, running since 1992, is a celebration of all things Sandgate. It’s the village atmosphere, the gorgeous environment and the quirky and talented characters that make the area so special. Stalls, performances, games and activities make this a great day out for the whole family. Find out more here.

48. BLEACH Festival 2025: Gold Coast 

• 31 July – 10 August 2025

BLEACH*, the Gold Coast’s annual contemporary arts festival, is back, creating experiences and telling stories that are out of the box, authentic and uniquely connected to place.

BLEACH* is proudly local, celebrating the city’s best artists, welcoming renowned Australian and international artists and engaging a broad audience through a range of experiences with the magnificent coastline of southern Queensland as a backdrop. Learn more here.

The best family festivals Brisbane in August 2025

49. Pine Rivers Show 2025: Lawnton

• 1 – 3 August 2025
  • 1 August: 9am – 10pm
  • 2 August: 9am – 10pm
  • 3 August: 9m – 4pm

One of the biggest exhibitions on the Northside, the Pine Rivers Show is a grand extravaganza that the whole family can enjoy. The show features a host of activities, carnival rides, displays, concerts and competitions that everyone is sure to love.

50. GreazeFest 2025: Redlands 

• 1 – 3 August 2025
  • 1 August: 7pm – midnight
  • 2 August: 10am – 10pm
  • 3 August: 9am – 6pm

Held every year in the Redlands, just outside of Brisbane, GreazeFest brings you a crankin’ weekend of cool cars, rockabilly music, fashion parades, pinups, vintage bikes, lowrider cycles, low brow art, pinstripers, tattoos, markets and heaps more. Additionally, they have a Little Greazers kids’ area that features jumping castles, giant games, and face painting. Kids can also get creative with their hot rod-themed colouring-in books or set up a cool photo in the Chevrolet selfie-screen.

51. The Ekka – Royal Queensland Show 2025: Brisbane Showgrounds

• 9 – 17 August 2025

At Families Magazine, we love the Ekka! We believe that when it comes to festivals, Brisbane’s beloved Ekka is the cream of the crop. It’s been around since 1876 (if you can believe it!) and showcases all the best things about living in Queensland. Rides, showbags, displays, agricultural pursuits, games, media displays and so much more are on offer for families looking to have a brilliant day (or couple of days) off. We’ve even got some advice on how to do the Ekka on a budget. Score! 

52. Pacific Airshow 2025: Gold Coast

• 15 – 17 August 2025

The inaugural Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is set to be one of Queensland’s biggest annual events, turning the skies over Surfers Paradise Beach into the world’s largest stage. The event will feature 4+ hours of non-stop action from some of the world’s best military aviators and civilian performers. Find out more here.

53. Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival 2025: Woody Point 

•  22 – 24 August 2025

Foodies, get your tastebuds ready to eat, drink and enjoy at SEQ’s most delicious festival. The Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival will run from 22 – 24 August at Apex Park, Woody Point.

For three delicious days, soak up the sunshine by Moreton Bay as you explore cooking demonstrations, seaside pop-up bars, local produce, live entertainment and fireworks on Friday and Saturday at 8pm. Find out more here.

54. World of Cultures: Logan

• 30 August 2024, 4pm – 8pm

Come along to one of Logan’s biggest multicultural festivals, which is being held at the iconic Kingston Butter Factory. This year’s incredible cultural lineup includes Polynesian, Brazilian, Chinese, Filipino, Latin American, Burundi and First Nations performances! There will be plenty of free activities for children and families too, plus lots of yummy food from around the world. Come dressed in your traditional cultural attire and celebrate your heritage in Logan! Find out more here.

The best family festivals Brisbane in September 2025

55. Mary Valley Scarecrow Festival 2025: Mary Valley

• 1 September 2025

The Gympie/Mary Valley region is hosting a wild west-themed scarecrow festival, and locals are currently yeehaw-ing and cracking the whip to come up with their remarkable creations!

This year, you might see scarecrows resembling Wild Bill Hickok or Annie Oakley on display – and one supporter is creating Woody the Cowboy for a scarecrow hunt competition. There are prizes to be won for visitors and scarecrow artists.

Visitors will be able to download a Google map and enjoy scarecrow spotting as they drive around the lush Mary Valley and its historic villages such as Brooloo, Imbil, Ridgewood, Kandanga, Amamoor, and Dagun. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants, and picnic spots to enjoy the superb local Mary Valley produce.

56. Brisbane Festival 2025: Multiple Locations

• 5 – 27 September 2025
• Riverfire: 6 September 2025

Thinking festival? Brisbane Festival is an absolute corker. Across the whole city for three weeks in September, you’ll find dance, music, art, drama and displays that aim to excite and delight. There are also plenty of kids’ shows and free events to be found. Most of the action takes place at South Bank. Don’t miss Riverfire on 6 September 2025! Woohoo!

57. SWELL Sculpture Festival 2025: Gold Coast

• 12 – 21 September 2025

Queensland’s largest outdoor sculpture festival SWELL will return to Currumbin Beach.

Come face to face with over 70 awe-inspiring sculptures by local, national and international artists at the 23rd SWELL Sculpture Festival. The free exhibition is open all hours with a selection of sculptures revealing a new verve as they are lit up under the southern sky.

Stay a little longer and discover a range of unique experiences; guided twilight walks through the artworks, artist talks next to the sculptures and artist-led workshops.

SWELL Sculpture Festival inspires and captures the hearts and minds of all who visit. Learn more here.

58. Oz Comic-Con 2025

• 13 – 14 September 2025, 9.30am – 4.30pm

Oz Comic-Con is Australia’s ultimate pop culture event, showcasing all the latest studio activations, comics, anime, cosplay and video games. Whether you’re a seasoned convention-goer or attending for the first time, Oz Comic-Con promises an immersive and enjoyable experience for all. Visit Comic-Con, ignite the spark of excitement and celebrate the diverse tapestry of pop culture that unites us all.

59. Nundah Festival 2025: Nundah 

• 14 September 2025, 9am – 3pm

Join Nundah for the annual festival celebrating food, live music and entertainment, stalls, rides and more. Free entry. For more event details, click here.

60. Redcliffe KiteFest 2024: Clontarf

• 20 – 21 September 2025, 9am – 4pm

Get ready to soar into a sky-high weekend at Redcliffe KiteFest! Experience two days of non-stop fun and entertainment at one of Australia’s best Kite Festivals. Enjoy the thrills of international kite displays, boogie with our popular kids headline acts, enjoy live music, interactive activities, workshops, markets, delicious food and a whole lot more!

• 26 – 28 September 2025, 10am – 2pm

Welcome to Springtime on the Mountain 2025! Join us for three days of blooming flowers, fresh air, and beautiful gardens. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the beauty of spring at Tamborine Mountain! Click here for more information.

62. Mary Poppins Festival 2025: Maryborough

• 28 September 2025

Celebrate the art of storytelling and be transported into a world full of play and imagination at the Mary Poppins Festival. Maryborough’s heritage streetscapes and riverside parks are transformed through a storytelling program that transcends genres and presents a mix of art, culture, music and literature. This free event is guaranteed to delight both young and the young at heart, with festival favourites, chimney sweeping, nanny races and the grand parade plus street food vendors, market stalls, rides, pavement art and live entertainment.

The best family festivals Brisbane in October 2025

63. Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival 2025: Tamborine 

• 26 – 28 October 2025, 10am – 4pm

The Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival is an annual event to celebrate the great lifestyle enjoyed on the Mountain. It is essentially a huge sculpture show with scarecrow-related subjects!

The Scarecrows on the Discovery Trail can compete in several categories for great prize money and local fame. Young, old, clever, and artistically challenged all participate, and the result is hundreds of scarecrows that have to be seen to be believed. Families can enjoy market stalls, rides, games, street performers, pig racing and food trucks. Gold coin entry fee.

The best family festivals Brisbane in November 2025

64. Supanova! 2025: South Brisbane 

• 7 – 9 November 2025

This is for lovers of all things pop culture! Supanova is a celebration of the small and big screens. It’s held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in South Bank – expect to see tons of cosplay! (People dressed in costume as their favourite characters)

The best family festivals Brisbane in December 2025

65. Christmas in Brisbane 2025!

Christmas is the best time of year in Brisbane, and we couldn’t close this article without mentioning it. While it’s not *technically* a festival, there’s so much to see and do in the city at this time of year! Check out our wrap up here!

Future festivals 2026

Mind Body Spirit Festival 2026: South Brisbane

• 6 – 8 March 2026

The Mind Body Spirit Festival, Australia’s largest health, well-being and natural therapies event is coming to Brisbane.

Learn from over 200 exhibitors, attend inspirational seminars, book yourself a psychic reading, try some body pampering, watch stage performances, join a meditation session and taste some delicious health foods!

See, try and buy unique products and gifts including jewellery, cosmetics, music, books, gift ware, clothing, crystals, educational courses, body treatments and more! Find out more here.

Brisbane Dog Lovers Festival 2026

• 16 – 17 May 2026, 9am – 5pm

The Brisbane Dog Lovers Festival is returning to the sunshine state in 2026! It will run alongside (but in separate halls) the inaugural Brisbane Cat Lovers Festival! The event will be bursting with attractions, and it will be one of the best value days out in Brisbane as soon as you walk through the door. Everything to see and do is free! This paw-some festival promises a tail-wagging good time for all ages.

Brisbane Cat Lovers Festival 2026

• 16 – 17 May 2026, 9am – 5pm

Get ready for the ultimate paw-some experience at the Brisbane Cat Lovers Festival – a celebration of all things feline! Whether you’re a devoted cat parent, a passionate cat enthusiast, or simply enchanted by whiskered wonders, this is the ultimate event for you! Check out more details here.

Previous festivals in Brisbane

Check back, as some of these past events are yet to be confirmed for 2025.

Teneriffe Festival 2025: Teneriffe

• 2025 TBC

Teneriffe Festival is back again for another incredible year of bringing the best beats, eats, arts and drinks to the biggest and most vibrant street party Brisbane has ever seen.

This year, major Australian jazz/funk band, The Cat Empire, will be headlining the Festival, co-headlined by Australian hip hop group, Thundamentals.

Winterfest at Dreamworld 2025: Coomera 

• 2025 TBC

Winterfest will return in 2025! Shake up your winter at Dreamworld as it turns into a winter wonderland and a foodie’s haven during Winterfest, back and cooler than ever this June! From the illusion of snow throughout the park, to tobogganing, ice skating and themed entertainment, Dreamworld will become the home of winter on the Gold Coast for two weeks during the school holidays. Enjoy an action-packed Winter-themed event and ride your favourite rides at night. 

StoryArts Festival: Ipswich

• 2025 TBC

Ipswich’s biennial StoryArts Festival returns in August 2024! Presented by the Ipswich District Teacher-Librarian Network, the festival brings you award winning authors, illustrators, storytellers and performers from all over Australia to deliver an exciting program of literary experiences through an eight-day schools, family and adult program. 

Brisbane Kite Festival: Tingalpa 2025

• 2025 TBC

Bring the family to Brisbane Kite Festival at the Murrarie Recreation Grounds on Brisbane’s southside and enjoy celebrating all things that fly. With rides, food stalls, market stalls, live entertainment and live workshops, it will be an entertaining day for all ages.

Moreton Bay Eco Fest 2025: Caboolture

• 2025 TBC

Moreton Bay Eco Fest 2024 is a vibrant celebration of sustainable living and eco-conscious practices.

This free, family-friendly event at Caboolture Town Square offers a day full of inspiration, education, and entertainment, making it the perfect outing for green thumbs, waste-warriors, and eco-enthusiasts of all ages.

RedFest Festival 2025: Redlands 

• 2025 TBC

Join in the celebrations with singers, dancers and artists from around. Families can enjoy carnival rides, reptile show, circus workshops, lantern decorating and parade, various craft activities and fireworks displays. Select from a range of food trucks and consider entering the annual Strawberry Eating Competition. RedFest has something for everyone.

Sandgate Youth Festival: Sandgate 2025

• 2025 TBC

The Sandgate Youth Festival is the Northside’s newest youth music festival.

Wynnum Fringe Festival 2025: Wynnum

• 2025 TBC

Wynnum Fringe is back – Bigger, better and bolder in 2024!

Enjoy three days of big-name artists, legendary ambassadors and spectacular performances. Hundreds of interstate and Queensland artists and entertainers will converge on Australia’s latest and greatest performing arts hub from 26 to 29 September 2024 for the fourth annual Wynnum Fringe.

Valley Fiesta: Fortitude Valley

• 2025 TBC

Brisbane’s music scene is ready to party this spring with the return of Valley Fiesta.

The music epicentre of the River City will come alive with outdoor stages, featuring a huge line-up of artists including headliners Meg Mac, May-A, The Buoys, Daste, Velvet Trip, Deafcult, Andras, Sophie McAlister, along with local acts curated by the team at Brisbane’s iconic Tivoli Theatre.

The program also features a packed schedule of events and parties that will electrify the Valley precinct – and the best part – it’s completely f

Brisbane Water Oyster Festival 2025: Woy Woy

• 2025 TBC

The Brisbane Water Oyster Festival is back! Dive into an ocean of things to see and do! Join them on Sunday 10th November at Lions Park, Woy Woy for a wonderful day of tasting food, wine and craft beer.

Sherwood Community Festival 2025: Sherwood

• 2025 TBC

The Sherwood Community Festival is a not-for-profit family-friendly event, organised entirely by a team of volunteers who give their time willingly to make it happen. And, thanks to the support of the Brisbane City Council and local businesses, and to the hard work of the organisers, this event is free – a gift to the community.

Technicolour Multicultural Festival 2025: Newmarket

• 2025 TBC

The Technicolour Multicultural Festival returns! The Multicultural Community Centre proudly presents the 12th annual Technicolour Multicultural Festival, themed ‘Light of the World’. You can expect a ton of fun activities at the festival, including a jumping castle, petting zoo, unique gifts and artisanal market stalls, a variety of multicultural, freshly made food from delicious food trucks, and live Christmas music and performances to set the festive mood!

The Technicolour Multicultural Festival is a family-friendly event that offers something for everyone. This festival is more than just celebration – it’s an opportunity to foster understanding and promote inclusivity. Best of all, entry is free!

Woodford Folk Festival 2025: Woodford 

• 2025 TBC

The Woodford Folk Festival is held annually over six days and six nights, from Dec 27th through to January 1st. More than 2,000 local, national and international artists, musicians and presenters grace the stages of Woodfordia. As well as the fun stuff for the kids, you’ll find a wide variety of folk music as well as another genre on display for your listening pleasure. There are comedy acts, visual arts, theatre, circus tricks and oh-so-much more. You can camp or caravan onsite too. It’s a peaceful yet exciting way to round out the year. You can even pitch your tent on Christmas Day! Find out all the details here.

Little Splendour at Splendour in the Grass: North Byron Parklands

Please note that Splendour won’t be back in 2025.

With the countdown to Splendour in the Grass well and truly on, the festival is thrilled to reveal the lineup for Little Splendour, a secure, dedicated, magical kids’ space for dance, play and exploration. There is so much for small people to enjoy from crafts and sports, to music and workshops. There is even a babysitting service you can use if you want to rock out at the main stage! Little Splendour runs from 12pm – 12am Friday to Sunday.

Luminous Lantern Parade: South Bank Parklands

• 2025 TBC

The annual Luminous Lantern Parade celebrates Queensland’s culture, heritage, people, places and industry. Hosted by Multicultural Australia, the Luminous program includes events in Toowoomba, Rockhampton, local neighbourhoods across Brisbane and South Bank Parklands. Register in advance for this free event. 

DogFest 2025: Fernvale

• 2025 TBC

The upcoming DogFest is a first for Somerset and promises to be a fantastic day out for families and their furry friends. At DogFest, local dog-related businesses will showcase their products, and they’ll be hosting free training sessions for dog owners plus great food and many fun activities on the day.

This even will be a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a day dedicated to our beloved four-legged companions!

Steam Fair 2025: Whiteside

• 2025 TBC

Old Petrie Town will come to life for its Steam Fair from 1-2 June 2024 with the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone era when Steam was King.

Take the kids to see beautifully restored steam machines at their magnificent best showing off on the streets of Old Petrie Town. There will be heritage equipment displays showing how things were done on the farm and in the cities. Plus markets, food, heritage shops, kids activities and even a heritage hotel. Something for everyone!

Plus, each day will include with a Grand Parade of Magnificent Machinery thru the ages, chugging along the streets of the town. Find out more here.

Mould – A Cheese Festival 2025: Bowen Hills

• 2025 TBC

Australia’s favourite cheese festival, MOULD, is coming back to Brisbane for an even bigger mozzare-hella good time! MOULD will bring together the best artisan cheese producers from across the country for a day of cheese, wine, masterclasses and more. To make sure cheese-crazed fans can access as many dairy delights as possible this year they have over 25 top artisan cheese producers lined up for you. See more here.

Red Thunder Airshow 2025: Cressbrook

• 2025 TBC

Red Thunder brings together the experience of ex Military pilots, giving Warbird owners a snapshot of combat type operations and detailed training events. Find out more here.

Curiocity Brisbane: Various Locations  

• 2025 TBC

Let your imagination roam free! Curiocity Brisbane is a celebration of science, art and tech, where new possibilities play and big ideas collide. Explore a packed program of interactive installations and events including World Science Festival Brisbane. Watch as the city around you is transformed into a world of discovery. Curious visitors of all ages can explore, create and play with the physical and digital Curiocities. 

VAN JAM™: Willowbank

• 2025 TBC

Get your kids ready to rock out at an Australian-first music festival and caravanning / RV experience, VAN JAM™, a rock showcase, featuring some of the country’s top artists and emerging talents.  

VAN JAM™, is an epic three-day festival for all ages, giving families the opportunity to combine their love of camping with rock ‘n’ roll from September 22 to September 23 at Willowbank Raceway, presented by Caravanning Queensland.  

Parents can boogie away to 8 Ball Aitken, Adam Brand, Daryl Braithwaite, Eskimo Joe, Fanny Lumsden, Frente, Lecia Louise, The Radiators, Russell Morris, Sue Ray, Thirsty Merc and Vixens of Fall to name a few. The kids can rock out with special guest appearance from none other than children’s television rockstar, Bluey at miniVAN! 

The kids can join in on the family festival lifestyle at miniVAN, an experience for kids of all ages to rock out participating in a wide variety of arts, crafts, and activities. In addition, a fully supervised, paid child-mining service, will give parents an opportunity to enjoy the music and festivities.   

Strawberry & Dessert Festival: Sandstone Point 

• 2025 TBC

The Strawberry & Dessert Festival you know and love is back, and it just got even sweeter! 

The sweetest event of the year returns with strawberry-eating competitions, dessert food trucks, dessert cooking and cocktail-making demonstrations, live music, fireworks, kid’s rides, plus so much s’more! Find out more here.

Grazed & Grown by Regional Flavours: South Bank

• 2025 TBC

Hosted by Alastair McLeod and Matt Kirkegaard, Grazed & Grown will be sure to dish up a buffet of skillful cooking demonstrations featuring seasonal produce, food philosophy and sustainability. Taste test the very best produce and innovative ingredients in The Marketplace, filled with producers and artisans from within 250km of Brisbane City. Unwind to live music while soaking up the winter rays with a cool craft beer from a home-grown brewer or a signature cocktail from The Country Club bar. Kids under 12 enter free. Bookings required.

NAIDOC Wild Foods and Cultural Festival: Beenleigh

• 2025 TBC

This free community event on Sunday 3 July at Spirits of the Red Sand in Beenleigh will feature a talented line-up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, amazing Wild Foods menu, live cultural and cooking demonstrations, market stalls, kids’ activities including arts and crafts, games and face and boomerang painting and more. Bookings essential. See more here.

MOSAIC Multicultural Festival: Roma Street Parkland

• 2025 TBC

Multicultural Australia’s MOSAIC Festival is a vibrant celebration of the many cultures that make up our great state. MOSAIC celebrates the contributions all of us bring to our multicultural Queensland through dance, music, spoken word poetry and storytelling, visual arts and crafts, children’s and family activities and delectable foods and cooking demonstrations.

This year, MOSAIC will feature over 70 leading multicultural performers from across Queensland and Australia, sharing their incredible talents from across the world. Highlights include the ‘Cultural Kitchen’ cooking demonstration by refugee and migrant community cooks, sharing their settlement stories through food and the International Drumming Workshop and a MOSAIC Choir performance. Bring your whole family to this free event and enjoy all MOSAIC has to offer.  

Festivals Brisbane – did we miss your fave?

Let us know what your favourite festival in Brisbane is in the comments!