From world-class exhibitions and jazz under cathedral ceilings to rare films and hands-on workshops, Brisbane is a paradise for art lovers this July. This guide brings together the city’s most vibrant creative offerings from July 18 to 20 — whether you’re a gallery wanderer, live music enthusiast, or cinema aficionado, there’s something here to spark your imagination.
South Brisbane
July 18
Footlight Parade (1933)
Venue: GOMA, Cinema B
Category: Film
A glittering gem of early musical cinema, this Busby Berkeley classic dazzles with choreography and old-Hollywood charm. A rare treat on the big screen for vintage film lovers.
Get Tickets: Event Link
July 19
Office Baroque (1977)
Venue: GOMA, Cinema B
Category: Film
A contemplative film about Belgian artist Gordon Matta-Clark, blending architecture and art in powerful ways. Ideal for lovers of conceptual and performance-based art.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Columbus (2017)
Venue: GOMA, Cinema B
Category: Film
A modern visual poem about architecture, relationships, and stillness, beautifully shot in Columbus, Indiana. An introspective choice for cinephiles.
Get Tickets: Event Link
July 20
Monkey Business (1931)
Venue: GOMA, Cinema B
Category: Film
The Marx Brothers cause chaotic hilarity in this screwball comedy full of wit and slapstick. Perfect for fans of old-school comedic timing.
Get Tickets: Event Link
L’Illusionniste (2010)
Venue: GOMA, Cinema B
Category: Film
This hand-drawn French animation explores the fading magic of stage illusions through a bittersweet lens. A moving, artful experience for animation lovers.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Kangaroo Point
July 18
Evans Robson Quartet
Venue: Brisbane Jazz Club
Category: Jazz
Get swept away by the cool tones of the Evans Robson Quartet in a relaxed riverside venue. Smooth jazz and warm vibes await.
Get Tickets: Event Link
July 19
Paul Hendon’s Goodman Sextet
Venue: Brisbane Jazz Club
Category: Jazz
A swinging tribute to the King of Swing, Benny Goodman. Toe-tapping rhythms and impeccable solos make for an unforgettable evening.
Get Tickets: Event Link
July 20
Brisbane Big Band
Venue: Brisbane Jazz Club
Category: Jazz
This powerhouse 20-piece band will bring you jazz standards, Latin grooves, and big-band energy. Sunday never sounded so good.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Brisbane City
July 18
Candlelight: Rings & Dragons
Venue: St John’s Cathedral
Category: Classical
Fantasy meets music in this magical candlelight concert featuring themes from epic tales like Lord of the Rings. Performed live in a soaring Gothic space.
Get Tickets: Event Link
July 19
Bands in Parks: Music that Resonates
Venue: St John’s Cathedral
Category: Ensemble
An ensemble performance celebrating the richness of brass and wind instruments in sacred space. Free, family-friendly, and deeply moving.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
Venue: St John’s Cathedral
Category: Classical
Experience the seasons in sound, brought to life by talented string musicians surrounded by candlelight. A timeless work in a timeless setting.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Candlelight: Best of Fleetwood Mac
Venue: St John’s Cathedral
Category: Classical
Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits receive a lush classical makeover in this unique concert. Expect stirring string renditions of your favourite songs.
Get Tickets: Event Link
July 20
Bands in Parks: Bands at City Hall
Venue: Brisbane City Hall
Category: Ensemble
A free musical event in one of Brisbane’s grandest venues featuring local brass ensembles. A delightful cultural escape.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Bands in Parks: Pipers at Parliament House
Venue: Parliament House
Category: Ensemble
Traditional Scottish bagpipes echo across the Parliament grounds in this stirring performance. A unique and ceremonial musical experience.
Get Tickets: Event Link
West End
July 18–19
Choral Choreographed
Venue: Thomas Dixon Centre
Category: Choir/Chorale
Where music meets movement, this performance blends choral vocals with contemporary dance. A multi-sensory artistic encounter.
Get Tickets: Event Link
July 19
Brass for Brunch
Venue: Tom’s Kitchen
Category: Ensemble
Enjoy a gourmet brunch while listening to a lively brass ensemble. A unique mix of fine dining and local music.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Pointe Shoe Craft
Venue: Thomas Dixon Centre
Category: Ballet, Workshop
Learn the craftsmanship behind ballet footwear in this interactive workshop. Ideal for ballet students and costume enthusiasts.
Get Tickets: Event Link
QLD Ballet Company Dancers Insights – Make Up
Venue: Thomas Dixon Centre
Category: Ballet, Workshop
Peek behind the curtain as professional dancers share secrets about stage makeup and transformation. Insightful and inspiring.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Adult Ballet Taster Class
Venue: Thomas Dixon Centre
Category: Ballet, Workshop
Always wanted to try ballet? This beginner-friendly class is a fun and graceful introduction for adults.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Kite Terrace: Jazz at Sunset
Venue: Thomas Dixon Centre
Category: Jazz
Relax with a drink in hand as sunset jazz fills the West End air. A blissful close to a creative day.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Seven Hills
Ongoing
Parade – The Musical
Venue: Ron Hurley Theatre
Category: Musical
A Tony Award-winning musical that confronts injustice and prejudice through compelling story and music. Raw, riveting, and unforgettable.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Newstead
July 18–27
David Henderson: Australian & European Landscapes
Venue: Newstead Studios
Category: Art Exhibit
David Henderson’s lush oil landscapes bridge continents, capturing the light and soul of two distinct worlds. Quiet, refined, and evocative.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Brisbane Powerhouse – New Farm
July 19–20
Brisbane Open House 2025
Venue: Brisbane Powerhouse
Category: Various Activities
Architecture, talks, and behind-the-scenes tours in one of Brisbane’s most iconic venues. Artistic discovery for every interest.
Get Tickets: Event Link
WORLD PRESS PHOTO EXHIBITION 2025
Venue: Turbine Platform
Category: Photography
See the world through the lens of award-winning photojournalists in this powerful annual exhibition. Visual storytelling at its best.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Bowen Hills
July 19
Ella Doneman sings the Blossom Dearie Song Book
Venue: JMI Live
Category: Jazz
Vocalist Ella Doneman revives the delicate swing and wit of jazz icon Blossom Dearie. A night of charm and sophistication.
Get Tickets: Event Link
Mt Coot-tha
Ongoing
Brisbane Sculpture Festival 2025
Venue: Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
Category: Festival, Art
Explore striking sculptural works in a lush garden setting as part of this expansive outdoor exhibition. Art meets nature in perfect harmony.
Get Tickets: Event Link
New Farm
July 9–29
Tara Marynowsky: Cave
Venue: Edwina Corlette Gallery
Category: Art Exhibit
This solo exhibition by Tara Marynowsky explores femininity, myth, and surreal imagery through mixed media. A must-see for contemporary art lovers.
Get Tickets: Event Link
From candlelit concerts and jazz brunches to intimate exhibitions and bold performances, Brisbane offers a stunning cultural landscape this July. Whether you’re sipping wine at a gallery, sketching at a workshop, or being swept away by orchestral soundscapes, this weekend invites you to experience art from every angle.