Soak up the sun-drenched days in Queensland this summer with a bucket-full of world-class events. From thrilling sporting spectacles to cool cultural celebrations, and the return of international tennis, now is the time to get out that calendar and start plotting a summer of event-hopping festivities.
United Cup (Brisbane): 29 December 2022 – 04 January 2023
The world’s top tennis stars are set to serve up a storm at the inaugural United Cup in Brisbane from 29 December 2022 – 04 January 2023, heating up Australia’s summer of sport ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne. The international team event sees two groups of three countries battle it out in Brisbane, competing in a round-robin format across seven days at Pat Rafter Arena. Perth and Sydney will also host simultaneous events as part of the United Cup tournament. It will be the first time since 2019 that the River City has hosted an ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) and WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) tournament. Be quick, tickets are on sale today (11 November 2022) and it will be game, set and match before you know it.
Wynnum Fringe (Brisbane): 16 November – 04 December 2022
Brisbane’s bayside hub of Wynnum kicks off summer, hosting a vibrant program of live music, theatre, contemporary arts, dance and comedy at the Wynnum Fringe. The 2022 festival is expected to attract over 35,000 festivalgoers, showcasing a mix of local and interstate performers across more than 100 productions. For those looking for a belly-rolling laugh, comedic favourites Cal Wilson, Dave Hughes and Akmal will have audiences in stitches. The event includes both ticketed performances and free events.
Air at GoMA (Brisbane): 26 November 2022 – 23 April 2023
A contemporary take on the unseen but essential element that surrounds us each day, Air at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) brings together international and Australian creatives in a captivating large-scale exhibition. Artists to feature include Ron Mueck, Anthony McCall, Jonathon Jones and Tomás Saraceno. Air runs from 26 November 2022 – 23 April 2023, taking up temporary residence on the entire ground floor of GoMA. This is a ticketed exhibition and pre-purchasing tickets is recommended to guarantee entry.
Urban Sport Fest (Gold Coast): 9 – 11 December 2022
Turn up the adrenaline and party like a pro when the first Urban Sport Fest lands on the Gold Coast in December. A hybrid event that combines thrilling BMX action with an electrifying music festival, Urban Sport Fest sees the world’s best action sport athletes go head-to-head for World Cup glory and eventgoers dance it out to a pumping program of music and entertainment. The Terrys, Shag Rock and The Hard Aches headline the artists that will perform alongside the BMX competition at the Gold Coast Sports Precinct.
NRMA Insurance Brisbane Test, Australia V South Africa (Brisbane): 17 – 21 December 2022
It wouldn’t be a Brisbane summer without a scorching hot showcase of international test cricket. From 17 December, the GABBA will host the first test between Australia and South Africa where some of the world’s best cricketing talent will bat and bowl for the ultimate bragging rights. This is one not to be missed.
Woodford Folk Festival (Brisbane): 27 December 2022 – 01 January 2023
Combine colour, creativity and good vibes to see out 2022 and welcome the new year at the Woodford Folk Festival. An estimated 132,000 revelers make the annual pilgrimage to Woodfordia, located just over an hour’s drive northwest of Brisbane, for six days of music, performances, arts and workshops. The 35th Woodford Folk Festival kicks off on 27 December 2022 and parties through to New Year’s Day. With more than 2,000 creatives converging on Woodfordia, the festival is the largest gathering of musicians and artists in the country.
The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival (Gold Coast): 4 – 17 January 2023
Glitz, glamour and celebrities hit the Gold Coast in January for the prestigious The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival. The event showcases a stellar line up of pedigree thoroughbreds at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale alongside a glittering roster of equestrian events. The public gather to watch horses and jockeys thunder along Surfers Paradise beach for the highly anticipated Barrier Draw – something you don’t see every day – while fashionistas frolic on the field at The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday and Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping.
Noosa Summer Swim Festival (Sunshine Coast): 18 – 19 February 2023
Summer calls for fun in the sun, on the sand and in the water, and the Noosa Summer Swim Festival delivers all of this in spades. Taking place on the third weekend of February 2023, the event is a highlight on the ocean swim calendar. Over 2,500 competitors from juniors and beginners to seasoned marathon swimmers will kick and stroke their way through the 300m, 1km, 2km, 3km and 5km courses starting at iconic Noosa Main Beach, cheered on by more than 5,000 supporters and spectators.
Agnes Blues Roots and Rocks Festival (Gladstone): 17 – 19 February 2023
Scoot north along the Bruce Highway and don your best dancing boots for the Agnes Blues Roots and Rocks Festival. A toe tapping celebration of blues and rock music, the festival is held over two days in the town of Agnes Water on the Southern Great Barrier Reef and sees more than 30 performers and bands take to the stage. Headlining the 2023 event is Queensland music duo Busby Marou.
Chinchilla Melon Festival (Southern Queensland Country): 16 – 19 February 2023
Roll on through to Chinchilla, approximately a three-and-a-half-hour drive northwest of Brisbane, for a fruity festival like no other. The Chinchilla Melon Festival returns in 2023 where visitors try their hand at a basket-full of quirky melon-themed activities such as melon skiing, melon bungee, melon throwing and cracking open dozens of melons with none other than your own melon!
Port Douglas Hot n’ Steamy Festival (Cairns & Great Barrier Reef): 16 – 19 February 2023
Get Mardi Gras ready and soak up the sunshine in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef at the Port Douglas Hot n’ Steamy Festival. Held for the first time in 2020 the region’s premier LGBTQIA+ event turns up the volume ahead of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Expect plenty of colour, celebrations and good vibes across a four day program of long lunches, glitzy performances and themed parties.
Events in Queensland are coming in hot and there’s never been a better excuse to bask in the sunshine with friends, family and like-minded travellers. Start planning your summer events schedule now and book tickets to your favourite festival, sporting match or cultural showcase today at queensland.com.
