Here’s our selection of where to see Brisbane’s best art festivals this month:
There are plenty of outdoor art festivals and exhibitions taking place this month, with many in full swing, so make sure you don’t miss out.
New artworks, live entertainment, pop-up bars and gigs are just some of what’s currently on offer so there’s never been a better time to get out and about and soak up some culture.
Indigenous Art Program: Hyperlocal – 1 May – 31 July 2021
Head to the CBD to enjoy Indigenous Art Program: Hyperlocal. Stunning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works take over city streets and laneway spaces as part of Council’s permanent Outdoor Gallery. View large-scale banners, vitrines and projections, whilst uncovering hidden gems to eat and drink at along the way. Once you’ve taken it all in, make your final stop at Howards Smith Wharves to enjoy an evening on the Brisbane River.
Visit Council’s website for a map and to view guided tour options.
Anywhere Festival – 6-23 May 2021
Anywhere Festival is reimagining the live event experience through unique, curated local performances in places you wouldn’t expect. Discover performances in gyms, underground reservoirs, backyards, ferry stops, rooftops, warehouses, cafes, trams, parks and heritage homes. Online, virtual and both at the same space and time. Anywhere Festival is THE place to discover local performances before they become big. We dare you to find another festival that connects audiences, locations and shows with local nooks and crannies in quite the same way.
Check out anywhere.is for the full program and event locations.
Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside – 7-16 May 2021
This one is not to be missed! A string of renowned Australian artists are bringing their dazzling art installations to life after dark at the City Botanic Gardens as part of Brisbane’s Botanica – Contemporary Art Outside. Nine new artworks with eye-catching and interactive installations will take you on a sensory journey through the gardens from 5pm daily. It’s the perfect destination for a night out with friends, a date or the kids. On the weekends, enjoy live music, food trucks and an outdoor pop-up bar.
Visit the ‘What’s On’ page of Council’s website for more information.
Brisbane Art and Design Festival (BAD) – 7-30 May 2021
Join the Brisbane Art and Design Festival (AKA BAD) in uncovering the movers and shakers of Brisbane’s art and design sector during a month-long program of dynamic exhibitions, open-studios, outdoor interventions, talks, tours and workshops. The festival will profile more than 60 venues across four weekends, featuring launch parties, design classes, markets and much more!
Sign up for BAD news and event information via brisbaneartdesign.com.au
MELT: Festival of Queer Arts and Culture – 19-30 May 2021
The Brisbane Powerhouse is set to host a mix of events including MELT Beauty Pageant, dazzling performances including Showguys and provocative discussions, all in celebration of the LGBTQIA+ culture. This program raises the curtain on LGBTIQ+ arts and culture to promote visibility and inclusivity among the queer community. Don’t miss out on the fun – check out cabaret, music, live theatre, visual arts and more experiences as part of this spectacular festival.
Check out the Brisbane Powerhouse website for further detail.
Where to see art all year round
Take a stroll through Brisbane’s streets and laneways to explore Brisbane’s Outdoor Gallery. It turns our city into one giant exhibition space and is open 24/7.
Across spots like Burnett Lane, Fish Lane, and Howard Smith Wharves you’ll see a mix of installations, light boxes and projections by top local artists. The displays are continually being updated so you can keep coming back to discover new artworks.
Check out Council’s Outdoor Gallery to see what’s on.
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