BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 4 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Minister for Education and the Arts

The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek

* Brisbane Festival begins today, delivering more than 750 performances by almost 2,000 artists across 23 days and putting Queensland creativity centre stage. * From South Bank to venues across the city, this year's festival features all-day programming, with hundreds of free and school holiday events for audiences of all ages. * The Crisafulli Government's investment in Brisbane Festival is supporting jobs, tourism and greater access to arts experiences and is part of our 10-year arts strategy Queensland's Time to Shine. * The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy and a plan for Queensland's future, after a decade of decline under Labor.

Brisbane Festival officially opens today, launching 23 days of world-class arts and cultural experiences that will transform and activate the city from 4 to 26 September 2026.

This year's festival features more than 750 performances, including eight world premieres, alongside Australian exclusives and Queensland debut productions.

The three weeks of festivities begin at QPAC with the world premiere of Strong is the New Pretty-the untold story of determination and how the AFLW began.

Queensland arts companies take centre stage across the festival, including Gold Coast company, The Farm which will present No One Gets Out of Here Alive-an eclectic and humorous exploration of mortality that combines multiple artforms and Opera Queensland's Are You Lonesome Tonight featuring songs combining country music and opera with songs by Puccini, Dolly Parton and Slim Dusty.

Arriving direct from Los Angeles ahead of LA28, DIAVOLO | Architecture in Motion will present ESCAPE-a spectacular Festival finale is set to leave audiences breathless.

Activating the riverfront, The Verso Projects, Festival Village at South Bank, the program starts early and finishes late, with standout productions including the London hit The Choir of Man and Opera Queensland's Are You Lonesome Tonight in the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent.

The Village will also host free early morning entertainment and wellbeing sessions, while providing the perfect vantage point for the nightly water wonderland of Bright Nights by ANZ throughout the month, and the much-loved Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust on Saturday 5 September.

Brisbane Festival is part of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to create a vibrant arts scene in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.

The Crisafulli Government's investment is also ensuring Queenslanders can experience all the festival has to offer with free festival activities, performances and community celebrations across the city and suburbs, including the Moorooka Block Party, St Lucia Block Party, Manly Serenades, Pasifika Made and the Neighbourhood Centres Program.

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said Brisbane Festival was one of Queensland's premier cultural events and a powerful celebration of Queensland's creativity.

"With a wealth of major productions, installations across our river city and free suburban community celebrations means more Queenslanders and visitors can experience the joy and energy of the festival in 2026," Minister Langbroek said.

"Brisbane Festival champions our homegrown arts industry, bringing together more than 1,300 Queensland artists and 59 local arts organisations alongside leading national and international talent.

"The Crisafulli Government is proud to support Brisbane Festival which delivers on our 10-year arts and cultural strategy, Queensland's Time to Shine, and strengthens our state's reputation as a vibrant cultural destination in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

"Congratulations to Artistic Director Ebony Bott and the entire Brisbane Festival team on delivering an outstanding program, and I invite everyone to Switch on, Light up and Come alive at Brisbane Festival 2026."

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said Brisbane Festival showcased exactly why Queensland continues to attract visitors from across Australia and the world.

"Brisbane Festival puts our capital city on show, giving visitors every reason to come to Brisbane and experience the energy, culture and excitement of one of Australia's premier events," Minister Powell said.

"Brisbane Festival is the perfect gateway to a Queensland holiday, with visitors able to enjoy the Festival before heading out to explore our world-class regions, from the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast to the Reef and Outback."

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane Festival transforms the city into one enormous stage for 23 days each September.

"Brisbane is Australia's lifestyle capital and there is no better time to experience it than when our parks, riversides and public spaces come alive during Brisbane Festival," Cr Schrinner said.

"More than 70 per cent of the program is free and much of it happens in the suburbs, from Brisbane Serenades in neighbourhood parks to the Moorooka Block Party.

"We are proud to bring four special festival editions of the Lord Mayor's City Hall Concerts to the lunch hour this September, with live music, silent film and incredible local talent.

"Brisbane Festival is a great example of how we're creating more to see and do while making Australia's lifestyle capital even better."

Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Ebony Bott said bringing Brisbane Festival home to South Bank feltlike opening our arms to the whole city, creating a Village where everyone can find their own kind of magic.

"But wherever you are in Brisbane, there's something waiting to surprise, delight or connect you," Ms Bott said.

"Across theatres, parks, streets and neighbourhoods, Brisbane is at its most creative, most generous and most alive, and we can't wait to share it with you."

Brisbane Festival is an initiative of the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council. The Queensland Government is proud to support Brisbane Festival through Arts Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland.

The full program and more information at brisbanefestival.com.au.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Rogers, 0426 414 298

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.