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Brisbane Festival continues through 26 September with more than 700 performances, including 420 free or low-cost events, giving families still weeks of activities to plan around before the festival wraps up.
What Happened
Brisbane Festival’s 2026 program runs from 4 to 26 September. The festival’s opening weekend included Riverfire on 5 September, which has now passed, along with a temporary ferry service suspension for that event. Normal river transport has since resumed for the remainder of the festival.
Why It Matters
With more than half of the festival’s 700-plus performances offered free or at low cost, this is a genuine opportunity for Brisbane and South East Queensland families to plan low-cost activities over the festival’s remaining fortnight, without needing to book expensive tickets.
Who Is Affected
Brisbane and South East Queensland households, particularly families looking for free or low-cost activities, and anyone travelling through the CBD or riverside precincts on major event nights.
What to Do / What to Watch
Check the official festival program for free family sessions in the remaining weeks. Ongoing road, bridge and river closures apply around major events for the rest of the festival, so allow extra travel time near the CBD and riverside on event nights, and check the festival’s official closures page for current dates before you travel.
Official Source / Verification
This article is based on the official Brisbane Festival 2026 program and the Queensland Government’s ministerial statement on the festival, current as at 9 September 2026, with no cancellations found on recheck.
For more low-cost family activity ideas beyond the festival, see our guide on school holiday activities that don’t cost much.
This article is general information only. Always check the official Brisbane Festival program and closures page directly before travelling to an event.
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