Events in Brisbane Australia

A Guide to the Main Events in Brisbane Australia

Brisbane never ceases to amaze me with the depth and diversity of events, concerts, international celebrities, shows, and entertainment that come through this city. Below are some of the annual events you can enjoy including the month in which they are held. Follow the links to find out more about the events.

• Brisbane International Tennis Tournament (January)
• Australia Day Brisbane Celebrations (26 January)
• Chinese New Year Celebrations (January/February)
• St Patrick's Day Parade Brisbane (17 March)
• Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival (May/June)
• Paniyiri Greek Festival (May)
• Brisbane Marathon (August)
• The EKKA Brisbane Show (August)
• Brisbane Boat Show (August)
• Riverfire Festival of Brisbane (September)
• Bridge to Brisbane (September)
• Valley Fiesta - September/October
• Brisbane International Film Festival (November)
• New Years Eve events in Brisbane (31 December)

Brisbane International Tennis Tournament - early January annually

The year kicks off with the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament at the Queensland State Tennis Centre in Tennyson, a riverside suburb in south Brisbane. If you love tennis these are the 10 days to spend in Brisbane watching the stars from the international tennis circuit battling it out in the first matches of the year.

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Australia Day Brisbane Celebrations - 26 January Annually

Australia Day is celebrated around Australia on 26 January each year. Brisbane is no exception with formal and informal celebrations, picnics in the parks and on foreshores and Citizenship Ceremonies.

St Patrick's Day Parade Brisbane - 17 March Annually

The St Patrick's Day Parade in Brisbane is quite something. A sea of green to be sure ;-) When it comes to celebrating the Irish certainly know how to make the most of it, so this is a day when you will see lots of dressing up in green, drinking of very dark beer (Guiness) and general merriment.

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Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival - May and June Annually

Brisbane Racing Club runs the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival during May and June. These often highstakes horse races are held at both the Eagle Farm and Doomben Racecourses in Brisbane. These prestigious events often lure the Brisbane establishment out to the fields to strut their fashion, enjoy the incredible weather and have a flutter on the horses. Definitely, some fun to be had during the carnival.

Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival Dates for 2011 - 14 May 2011 to 11 June 2011.

Paniyiri Greek Festival - Mid May Annually

There is a large Greek community in Brisbane particularly around the South Brisbane area. Each year the festival runs over a weekend to showcase Greek culture, food, fireworks, dancing, singing, music and entertainment. It is a fun filled weekend suitable for all members of the family. The festival is held in both The Greek Club and Musgrave Park, South Brisbane. Both are a short walk from South Bank or South Brisbane train stations. It runs from 12 noon on Saturday and 10am Sunday.

There is a small entry fee for Adults and Pensioners, children under 13 years free. Paniyiri in 2011 was our first, and I am sure it won't be our last! Here's more about our visit to Paniyiri Greek Festival in Brisbane.

Paniyiri Dates for 2012 - Saturday 19 May 2012 and Sunday 20 May 2012.

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Brisbane Marathon - August Annual

A huge event for runners, the Brisbane Marathon has been drawing particpants for many years. Varying distances and courses to suit a variety of fitness and commitment levels including full marathon (42km run), half marathon (21km run), 10k Run and 2k Beginners and Kids Run events.

If you are visiting Brisbane, it is useful to know the dates for this event as there are many road closures around the course which could affect your plans for sightseeing or even getting to the airport on time!

Brisbane Marathon website for more information www.brisbanemarathon.com.au

Brisbane Marathon Dates for 2012 - Sunday 5 August 2012.

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The EKKA Brisbane Show - Mid August Annually

The Ekka is an institution in Brisbane! I didn't realise that until I actually went for the first time in 2010. It is totally awesome and well worth visiting if you are in Brisbane. A traditional country comes to the city show on a par with the Sydney Easter Show and the Royal Melbourne Show. Animals, exhibitions, food, fun, music, entertainment and of course show bags!

Ekka dates for 2012 - Thursday 9 August 2012 to Saturday 18 August 2012.

2012 People's Day (EKKA Brisbane Show Day holiday) is Wednesday 15 August 2012.

Brisbane Boat Show - August Annual

The Brisbane Boat Show is held over 4 days annually at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in South Brisbane and showcases recreational and leisure boats and marine accessories from around Queensland and Australia.

Brisbane Boat Show Dates for 2012 - 23 August to 26 August 2012

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Riverfire Brisbane and RiverFestival of Brisbane - September Annually

Riverfire is a vibrant choreographed firework and musical celebration and in 2012 becomes the closing event of the 3 week long Brisbane Festival (Riverfestival).

In previous years Riverfire opened the River Festival of Brisbane which is held each year in September in and around the South Bank Parklands precinct. The Brisbane River is the lifeblood of the city of Brisbane and the celebrations revolve around the river areas and highlight it's importance and significance to the area.

Santos City of Lights will open the festival with lasers and light show literally lighting up the city and river.

If you are in Brisbane at Riverfire time the best vantage points are those high up in high rise blocks with views to the city and South Bank Areas.

Many families head down to South Bank and Kangaroo Point with picnics to enjoy Riverfire. Views of the fireworks can also be seen from Botanical Gardens and on the hills surrounding the city including Highgate Hill which has a park on Dornoch Terrace with a fabulous view.

Brisbane Riverfestival Dates for 2012 - 8 September to 29 September 2012

Santos City of Lights Date for 2012 - Saturday 8 September 2012

Riverfire Date for 2012 - Saturday 29 September 2012

Bridge To Brisbane Annual Fun Run - September

A popular fun run from the Gateway Bridge (now known as the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge - South) to the RNA Showgrounds.

You can choose 10km or 5kms (start at Hamilton and finish at RNA Showgrounds) and can run or walk.

If you are visiting Brisbane, it is useful to know the dates for this event as there are many road closures around the course including the Gateway Motorway which could affect your plans for sightseeing or even getting to the airport on time!

Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run website for more information www.bridgetobrisbane.com.au

Bridge to Brisbane Run Dates for 2012 - Sunday 2 September 2012.

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Brisbane International Film Festival - November Annual

Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) brings 11 days of international films of all types shown at selected venues in Brisbane city area and Fortitude Valley. This is one of the largest and most prestigious of the film festivals in Australia.

Brisbane International Film Festival Dates for 2012 - Wednesday 14 November to Sunday 25 November 2012.

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Valley Fiesta - September/October Annual

The Valley Fiesta is a three day street festival (party) based around Ann Street Fortitude Valley. It has been on again off again over the last few years. It was held in September 2010.

Valley Fiesta Dates for 2011 - 7 to 9 October 2011. 2012 Dates TBA

New Years Eve events in Brisbane - 31 December Annually

It's New Year's Eve and time to celebrate the ending of one year and new beginnings. Brisbane likes to party and there are many venues with parties and even some good old fashion Balls to bring in the New Year in Style. Fireworks, parties and fun. Lots to be had around Brisbane. More about events to celebrate New Years Eve around Brisbane.

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