Twelve Sizzling Queensland Events Coming in Hot This Summer

Queensland will roll out a jam-packed program of events this summer to make the most of the state’s idyllic warm climate and extended daylight hours. Kicking off in just over a week with the unveiling of Bluey’s World Brisbane — a world-first experience exclusive to Queensland — the glittering calendar will showcase family-friendly events alongside awe-inspiring athleticism and sporting spectaculars, bold artistic feats, spine-tingling live music and cultural celebrations that champion Queensland’s outdoor lifestyle and summer holiday atmosphere.

1. Bluey’s World Brisbane, from 7 Nov 2024, Brisbane

Celebrating the global TV phenomenon, the highly anticipated opening of Bluey’s World Brisbane in the animated character’s hometown is just 10 days away (7 November 2024). The world-first immersive experience, staged at Northshore on the banks of the Brisbane River, invites guests to explore life-size sets of the Heeler family’s living room, kitchen and kids’ bedroom, before chilling their beans under the backyard’s sprawling Poinciana tree. Plus, there’s games, a cafe, children’s playground and gift shop to keep the entire family starry-eyed for hours.

2. 2024 Australian PGA Championship, 21 – 24 November 2024, Brisbane

In a major coup for Brisbane, the 2024 Australian PGA Championship will serve as the opening event of the DP World Tour season, bringing the world’s best golfers Down Under. Teeing off at Brisbane’s Royal Queensland Golf Club in Eagle Farm, just 15-minutes’ drive from the city centre, reigning champion Min Woo Lee will compete for the Joe Kirkwood Cup and $2 million in prizemoney — the biggest prize package on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia. Youngsters are invited to go gaga for the MyGolf Kids Carnival’s activity-riddled Kids Day on 23 November 2024, and the Callaway Kids Course on the final day.

3. Hamilton Island Endurance Series’ Triathlon, 23 November 2024, The Whitsundays

The Hamilton Island Triathlon, one of four nail-biting events in the Hamilton Island Endurance Series, will push the limits of Australia’s toughest triathletes when it makes a splash next month. Azure-blue vistas off the Whitsundays Island set a spectacular backdrop to a 750m swim through Catseye Bay, 20km cycle and 5km run around the Hamilton Island Marina.

4. The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11), from 30 November 2024, Brisbane

Marvel at the world’s most fearless artwork at the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11), a cultural eye-opener at Brisbane’s cultural precinct, South Bank. Staged across the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) on the banks of the river in Queensland’s capital, the art extravaganza will house pieces from 70 artists across 30 countries, spanning painting, sculpture, installation and more when it opens at the end of the month.

5. NRMA Insurance Brisbane Test v India, 14 — 18 December 2024, Brisbane

A five-day battle between the world’s best cricketers, the NRMA Insurance Brisbane Test v India will emblaze the iconic Gabba, just ten minutes’ from Brisbane’s CBD, with fierce rivalry backed by Australia’s most enthusiastic cheer squads. The team means business this year as they aim to snatch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy back from India after a 2023 defeat.

6. Woodford Folk Festival, 27 December 2024 — 1 January 2025, Brisbane

Australia’s largest gathering of performers, the Woodford Folk Festival keeps the cheers and festivities rolling beyond the Christmas celebrations. More than 25,000 daily performances will converge in Woodfordia, one hour’s drive north of Brisbane, as music, parades, dance, cabaret, film, comedy and even a dedicated children’s festival welcomes in the new year. Families are invited to camp throughout the stunning 500-acre parklands site to make the most of the multi-day festival.

7. Brisbane International, 29 December 2024 — 5 January 2025, Brisbane

Australia’s summer of tennis serves up heart-racing matches at the Brisbane International where crowds raise the roof of Pat Rafter Areana, as the world’s biggest stars take to the court across 14 day and night sessions, shifting their Australian Open campaigns into top gear.

8. The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival, 1 January — 15 January 2025, Gold Coast

South East Queensland dazzles at the annual The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival, with the Aquis Raceday and Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping leading the festivities before the Gold Coast Turf Club in Bundall, with the sprawling Surfers Paradise skyline as the course backdrop, plays host to the carnival’s glamourous frock-friendly Raceday on 11 January 2025.

9. AACTA Awards Ceremony, 7 February, Gold Coast

The final month of summer will see the AACTA Awards Ceremony take centre stage at the Gold Coast’s HOTA (Home of the Arts), welcoming the country’s most acclaimed and up and coming talent for a night of celebration. Honouring the achievements of Australia’s flourishing screen industry, writers, producers, directors and actors (Margot Robbie joined the fun last summer!) the glitzy evening is sure to inspire a new generation of creative minds across Australia.

10. 2024 Gold Coast Open, 14 — 16 February 2025, Gold Coast

Like sausages and sauce, the Gold Coast and surfing are a match made in heaven. At the 2024 Gold Coast Open, Burleigh Heads’ famed right point break will be sliced and swerved by Australian and international elite, as live music and a festival atmosphere extend the good vibes. Forming part of the 16-kilometre World Surfing Reserve that stretches from Burleigh Point to Coolangatta’s Snapper Rocks, it’s one of most acclaimed and coveted surfing destinations on the globe. Previous event winners include Taj Burrow and Owen Wright.

11. Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival, 21 — 23 February 2025, Southern Great Barrier Reef

Music lovers are invited to let their hair down at the Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival, held in Queensland’s Gladstone region in the seaside town of Agnes Water, looking out towards the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Three days of live performances, including a set from headliners Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks, food vendors, markets stalls and bars will keep spirits soaring as Autumn approaches.

12. 2025 Noosa Summer Swim Festival, 22 — 23 February 2025, Sunshine Coast

Spanning amateur to ultra-pro, the 2025 Noosa Summer Swim Festival is one of the country’s most populated open water swimming events. While soaking up the relaxed coastal lifestyle of Noosa Heads, the water’s edge will rumble as visitors cheer on more than 2,500 swimmers splashing towards the finish line to claim victory.

For more information on Queensland’s ultimate events to make the most of summer, visit www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/events.