ΩHM Festival, until April 20
Brisbane’s answer to Dark MOFO is back for another year of curious culture, music legends and genre-bending performances. ΩHM Festival kicked off last month with another boundary-pushing programme that unites fringe artists with new-wave creators and historic heavyweights. For its last month, you can catch a riotous range of shows such as the mesmerising movement of Stephanie Lake’s new exhilarating contemporary dance performance Colossus and rock-matriarch Kim Gordon’s photographic exhibition. Explore the full program here.
Brisbane Comedy Festival, April 26 to May 26
Some of the world’s best and brightest comedians are en route to Brisbane this April for Brisbane Comedy Festival. The annual event welcomes festival favourites and fresh new faces, for more than 300 side-splitting shows taking place across Brisbane. 2024 edition sees the likes of Josh Thomas, national favourites Nazeem Hussain, Joel Creasey, Rhys Nicholson, Reuben Kaye, Luke Heggie and Ivan Aristeguieta and international artists Melanie Bracewell, Guy Montgomery, Laura Ramoso and many more. You’ll also find special events like Sh!t-faced Shakespeare, queer improv and whodunit theatre. Find the program here.
Hopelessly Devoted: A Celebration of Olivia Newton-John, April 6
Queensland Symphony Orchestra is uniting with internationally acclaimed drag superstar Courtney Act for a tribute in memory of Australian legend Olivia Newton-John. This homage to the original Pink Lady has enlisted stars of the stage and screen like David Campbell, Jess Hitchcock, Georgina Hopson and Christie Whelan Brown to lead ONJ’s most celebrated hits. Conducted by Nicholas Buc, this evening toasts to Olivia with a fabulous show of toe-tapping tunes that’s a worthy farewell to the prolific pop icon.
Italian Renaissance Alive, March 29 to August 4
If that Euro-summer holiday never made it out of the group chat in time for the winter holidays, fear not. HOTA is bringing all decadent culture of Europe’s best museum to the Gold Coast this month with its Italian Renaissance Alive. The immersive installation fuses the icons of Renaissance history with the museum’s modern technology to create a mesmerising digital gallery that takes you inside the canvas of works like the Sistine Chapel, Mona Lisa, and Birth of Venus. Italian Renaissance Alive engages breathtaking visual displays with a spectacular score to create a sensory escape into the rich world of Renaissance art. Perfect for all ages of art lovers, book your tickets here.
Ocean Alley and Hockey Dad at Sandstone Point Hotel, April 7
Off the back of its new found viral-status, Ocean Alley is set to join forces with fellow Aussie-indie band Hockey Dad for one night only at Bribie Island’s Sandstone Point Hotel. Both bands were born beachside and their laidback rock sounds have become staples of the national scene. Hockey Dad will support Ocean Alley alongside a surprise rotation of local artists as well. Grab your tickets to this indie battle of the bands here.
IMAGINATOR, from Tuesday March 26
After its highly successful run in Brisbane, IMAGINATOR (formerly IMAGINARIA) is coming to Surfers Paradise. The immersive playground is a thrilling fusion of audio-visual art, lighting installations, futuristic gaming and inflatable architecture. Attendees can explore 15 immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences under one roof (five of which are new and exclusive to the Gold Coast). With mind-bending sensations like an anti-gravity sunset, an electronic hall of mirrors and a digital wishing well, IMAGINATOR is an unmissable experience for kids (big and small) during these school holidays. Grab your tickets here.
Midsummer’s Night Dream, April 12 to 27
Celebrated choreographer Liam Scarlett has reimagined the Shakespearean classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream for a mesmerising ballet of mayhem and mischief. Discover the true whimsy of this fantastical comedy masterpiece with a captivating performance from Queensland Ballet. Escape to a world of fairies and woodland characters, enhanced by magical sets and costumes as well as a sensational score from Felix Mendelssohn. Tickets for this limited run are on sale now.
James Taylor and his All-Star Band, April 21
Legendary musician James Taylor is making his return to Brisbane for A Day on the Green at Mount Cotton. Experience the iconic singer-songwriter strumming his famed hits, alongside special guests Josh Pyke and Ella Hooper. The performance will be backdropped by the rolling green fields of Sirromet Wines, with the winery’s cellar door, restaurant and terrace all open as well. The event offers fans of the beloved baritone the rare opportunity to unwind in the breathtaking scenery of Moreton Bay and experience his generation-defining music. Tickets are on sale for James Taylor and his All-Star Band now.
Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail, April 28
Scenic Rim locals, artisans and farmers are inviting everyone out to their neck of the woods to enjoy a taste of country Queensland. This one-day event features more than 2o stops primed with goodies, fresh produce and creations so you can stock up on world-class groceries straight from the source. This farm-to-your-fridge experience lets us city folk experience regional flavours, along with a good dose of country air. Beyond the bundles of fruit and veg, you can also expect plenty of lamb cuddles, selfies with camels, flower-crown making and wine, beer and cheese tasting and so much. Plan your route and grab the esky for the ultimate foodie day trip.
Alice in Wonderland, April 2 to 3
Get curiouser and curiouser for this one-weekend-only theatre event that adapted Lewis Carroll’s thrilling childhood story for the stage. Alice in Wonderland returns to Brisbane Powerhouse this month to take you on a tumble down the rabbit hole, bringing the story’s eccentric host of characters alive in a magical production. Don’t be late for this very important date, snag your tickets now.
