If there's one equation that holds true, it's Brisbane + September = Music.
Calling all music lovers and adventure seekers!
September is about to become the most exhilarating month of your year as Brisbane, the sun-soaked capital of Queensland, gears up to host an electrifying array of music festivals and events that will leave you begging for an encore. Presented by the Queensland Music Trails, meet the Brisbane Music Trail, a month-long celebration of the city’s unique and vibrant live music culture.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Picture this: Brisbane, synonymous with music, buzzing with an eclectic mix of melodies that reverberate through its streets and venues. For the first time ever, three premier music and cultural festivals – Sweet Relief!, BIGSOUND, and Brisbane Festival – have united to create an unrivalled music experience. From Australian exclusives to globally acclaimed acts, this super September is guaranteed to be the most music you’ve ever seen in your life.
Brisbane Festival sets the tone with its internationally renowned arts festival, offering a captivating music program that will keep you dancing all month long. Across 23 days, more than 1000 performances will take over venues and some of the city’s most iconic spots, as well as cathedrals, warehouses, and suburban parks.
We’ve got our eye on Paul Kelly at The Princess Theatre, new musical comedy Bananaland, and the decadent circus, drag, and burlesque spectacular Bite Club: 2nd Serve. Other live music highlights worth your time include a unique theatrical experience by Deborah Conway & Willy Zygier, Birds of Tokyo’s collaboration concert with Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Busby Marou, Butchulla Songman Fred Leone and musical innovator Samuel Pankhurst in Yirinda, and indie pop favourite Gretta Ray.
Don’t miss the grand finale of Brisbane Festival 2023 at Victoria Park with the free Closing Concert – All Together Now. Expect a final feast of late night cabaret, musical magic, and high drama, and join the world’s biggest, kazaniest orchestra ever – 10,000 kazoos-strong.
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But that’s just the beginning. BIGSOUND – the southern hemisphere’s biggest music industry gathering – takes centre stage from 5-8 September, presenting a lineup of over 140 bands and artists across four days and three epic nights in the iconic Fortitude Valley. Championing the future of the music industry, expect to see performances from the likes of Baby Prince, Bella Amor, Dice, J-Milla, Nat Vazer, Pookie, The Slingers, and so many more. .
There’s also a swathe of industry titans stopping by for the music conference, including the legendary Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, Christine Anu and ROC Nation’s Oman Grant, plus heaps more.
For anyone in the Australian music industry or even just interested in a good time, the huge four-day event is not to be missed.
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As if that’s not enough, the brand-new Sweet Relief! Music Festival will make its debut on 16 September, at Brisbane’s Maritime Green, Northshore. This riverside festival brings legendary electronic music titans Groove Armada (DJ Set) from the UK and cult Australian dance act The Avalanches to the stage for an exclusive performance.
These two iconic acts will also be joined by the likes of Ladyhawke, Cut Copy DJs, Nina Las Vegas, Latifa Tee and YO! Mafia, while Australia’s favourite Queer Dance Party, Poof Doof Pride Patrol featuring Jimi The Kween will host some of the country’s best party-starting DJs.
But that’s not all – Sweet Relief! invites festival-goers to unleash their creativity and join Australia’s Biggest Dress Up Contest. With beloved presenter Osher Günsberg and drag superstar Jimi The Kween on the judging panel, the festival will transform into a spectacular runway of imagination. Whether you opt for otherworldly face paint, a dazzling costume, or an abundance of glitter, there are no limits.
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The warm Queensland sun, the city’s picturesque riverside, and the pulsating beats of the music scene: it doesn’t get much better than this. So, mark your calendars, book your tickets, and prepare to experience the most music you’ve ever seen in your life.
Brisbane Music Trail takes place across Brisbane from 1 – 23 September 2023. Explore the full program and find out more here.
All of that sounds pretty sweet, right? Now, picture the cherry on top of this already delectable musical cake – you and a friend jet-setting to the sunny state’s capital for the ultimate Springtime getaway.
Sweet Relief! and Crystalbrook Vincent have joined forces to curate an impressive giveaway, where one lucky winner will score return flights for two to Brisbane, a two-night stay in the luxurious Riverview Room at Crystalbrook Vincent, cocktails at an epic rooftop bar, daily breakfast, a Twilight Kayak adventure along the picturesque river with River Life Brisbane, a Dawn Bridge Climb, lunch at the iconic Howard Smith Wharves, and of course, the pièce de résistance – two tickets to the Sweet Relief! Music Festival, where you’ll dance to the tunes of Groove Armada and Cut Copy!
This spectacular prize, valued at over $3,000, is your ticket to the ultimate Brisbane immersion. The lucky winner will be drawn on September 6, 2023.
You can enter the competition here.
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This article was made in partnership with Queensland Music Trails
