The annual BrisAsia Festival comes back to Brisbane for 2026. With something special for all ages, here’s some of our top picks, and more.
Kicking things off on February 13 is the BrisAsia Multicultural Arts Hub. From 10am-2pm, this intimate morning program features members of Adelaide’s acclaimed Hyoshi in Counterpoint, blending Japanese taiko drumming with Western classical traditions, alongside several of Brisbane’s leading creative practitioners.
As the sun sets, head to Southside by Night. This electrifying event in Willawong brings together street, luxury and performance cars, with hip-hop and DJ sets from local artists adding to the atmosphere. Expect plenty of street food and family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. Unidus Community Centre, 204 Sherbrooke Road, Willawong. 5PM-9PM.
Also worth making time for on the same night is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival at the C.J. Greenfield Complex Park, Richlands. It’s the largest cultural celebration of the Vietnamese community featuring traditional cuisine, lion dances, firecrackers, fireworks, performances martial arts demonstrations, calligraphy, folk games, and so much more. 5:30PM-9:30PM.
The next day, take the kids to the inaugural BrisAsia Sk8 Zone for skateboarding workshops at Bracken Ridge Park. Bookings are essential.
If skating’s not your thing, you can still get your kicks from ON:STAGE, a high-energy K-pop dance showcase on Saturday 14 February at 4PM-5:30PM and 6:30PM-8PM at Thomas Dixon Centre.
Speaking of dance, the BrisAsia Dance Battles are back in Queen Street Mall on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February, bringing two days of high‑energy competition to the heart of the city. Dancers will take over the mall stage with fast‑paced freestyle battles across hip hop, popping and open‑style categories.
Indian fusion singer Menaka, producer/DJ Sai Ishan Chand and astronomer Vanessa Porchet collaborate at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium for Soul Gazing: A Sonic Journey through the Cosmic Skydome. Art and science come together in this immersive, multidisciplinary experience that weaves ancient Sanskrit poetry, narration and music with striking digital imagery. Find tickets here.
Throughout the festival, drop by the Museum of Brisbane for Sara Nejad’s Sacred Circles Exhibition. 10AM-5PM, 13th-22nd of February. Nejad is MoB’s Artist in Residence.
And of course, don’t miss Sunnybank’s Lunar New Year Rooftop Party, returning on Saturday 28 February. It’s a free, family-friendly event including fireworks, live entertainment, lion and dragon dances and kids’ activities. Sat 28 Feb, 5:00pm – 8:30pm, Sunnybank Plaza, Sunnybank.
New Festival Experiences:
- Lunar Soul Party on The Kite Terrace, Thomas Dixon Centre – a sophisticated cocktail event
- Hyoshi in Counterpoint – a free all ages concert by an all-female Asian fusion band at Queensland Multicultural Centre
- Velvet Lounge at Mr Vain Restaurant and Bar – for lovers of smooth neo-soul and R&B
- BrisAsia Comedy which has expanded to include fun improv workshops at Big Fork Theatre
- 守破離 – Shu Ha Ri – a special BrisAsia Festival performance at City Hall.
Find more events, full details and ticket links via the Brisbane City Council website.
