Caper Byron Bay Food & Culture Festival, May 17 to 26
This ten-day festival is a foodie-fuelled celebration of the Rainbow Region, curated this year by legendary local chef Louis Tikaram (Stanley, Longrain). Discover a mouth-watering line-up of dining events featuring iconic chefs from Byron and beyond. Highlights include the Taste the Cape Opening Party where Three Blue Ducks will host more than a dozen bucket-list restaurants; the ‘Fire with Fire’ dining experience with Jake Kellie and Ross Magnaye; and the tiki-themed closing party at North Byron Hotel with flame-licked food by Louis Tikaram, Ross Magnaye (Serai Melbourne), Jedd Rifai (North Byron Hotel), and Karl Kanetani (Beach Byron Bay). Tickets are on sale here.
Noosa Eat and Drink, May 30 to June 2
The ever-popular food festival returns for its 21st year at the end of this month, celebrating Noosa’s epicurean edge with a range of events, dining experiences and beach parties. From May 30 to June 2, locals and holidaymakers are invited to indulge with the likes of Australia’s best chefs from Adriano Zumbo to Chris Hemsworth’s private chef Sergio Perrera. Once again, The Festival Village will take over the shores of Noosa Woods with stalls of produce, pop-up restaurants and the main stage, hosting live cooking demonstrations and celebrity cooking competitions. Tickets to Noosa Eat and Drink naturally include a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival and are available here.
Affordable Art Fair Brisbane, May 9 to 12
First originating in London, Affordable Art Fair offers art lovers the chance to shop works from emerging and established artists at accessible price points. The four-day festival will see 40 independent galleries take over the Showgrounds Exhibition Building with works priced between $100 and $10,000. Peruse and snag a piece or two for your own collection, as well as witness live painting sessions, withdraw original pieces from the Art ATM and catch performances from Dead Puppet Society. Find your guide to Affordable Art Fair Brisbane here.
Festival of Outback Opera, May 14 to 20
Opera Queensland will take centre stage in some of the state’s most iconic regional towns this year for the fourth run of its Festival of Outback Opera. From 14 – 20 May, the company will be bringing its packed program of community and culture to the outback towns of Longreach and Winton – headlined by the likes of Kate Miller-Heidke and internationally renowned vocalists. Experience mesmerising musical events like the open-air concert Dark Sky Serenade atop a 75-m mesa during sunset or Singing in the Night at Camden Park Station, backdropped by 360-degree views of the spectacular Longreach landscape. From opera balls to community sing-along nights, Outback Opera promises another year of unforgettable music and merriment. Book your tickets here.
Flotsman Festival, from May 1 to 12
This arts and culture celebration is back to carve up Gold Coast shores with a showcase of the region’s rich surf heritage. With a swell of new exhibitions and initiatives, the extensive arts trail will once again focus on surf photography and film, through Coolangatta, Kirra, Tugun, Currumbin, Palm Beach, and Burleigh. Highlights include a screening of prominent surf artist George Greenough’s adulated short films, an evening of female creator-led panels on women in surf and plenty more. Find out more information here.
Brisbane Comedy Festival, April 26 to May 26
Some of the world’s best and brightest comedians are en route to Brisbane this May 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. The 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.
Romeo & Juliet, May 17 to 18
After a sold-out season last year, famed ballet company BIG Live returns to HOTA with a haunting performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. The classic tragedy will delve into the realms of love, rivalry and destiny with captivating sets, mesmerising music and couture costumes. With a strictly limited run, this event lets you experience the iconic story through the refined delicacy of BIG Live’s acclaimed dancers and choreography. Find out more here.
Missy Higgins, May 23 to June 6
The beloved Australian songstress is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her seminal album The Sound of White with a slew of shows across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The Second Act Tour is a special two-act show, with Missy set to perform her newer hits in the first half and close the show by playing the iconic 2004 album in its entirety. Experience this one-in-a-generation talent in Brisbane at QPAC’s Concert Hall and on the Gold Coast at HOTA’s open-air outdoor stage.
Brisbane Writers Festival, May 30 to June 2
The State Library of Queensland is set to welcome world-renowned writers and industry-leading creatives this month for Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF). With a page-turning program of 150 live events, BWF will see international icons and local loves flock to Brisbane for fascinating discussions, insightful panels and impactful workshops. The festival welcomes names like Booker Prize-shortlisted author Paul Murray, contrarian novelist and screenwriter Lexi Freiman and current Women’s Prize longlister Sarah Ogilvie as well as many more. Discover the full line-up and grab your tickets here.
Paniyiri Greek Festival, May 18 to 19
The annual extravaganza of all-things Greek will have you going ‘Opa!’ with its 2024 edition. Paniyiri Greek Festival will once again be coming to life at Musgrave Park with a sprawling hub of mouth-watering street-food stalls, live music, plate smashing, Zorba dancing, wine tasting and much more. The 2024 festival is headlined by a pop-up Greek Village where visitors can tour the regions and experience the sweet Greek life without needing their passport – not to mention a menu of succulent souvla, golden haloumi and honey puffs as well. Snag your tickets to Paniyiri Greek Festival here.
