Brisbane’s cultural calendar is bursting into life this January, with world-class theatre, spectacular exhibitions, live jazz, cinema classics, and immersive concert experiences taking over the city. From Broadway favourites and candlelit performances to blockbuster gallery shows and late-night jazz, there’s something here for every kind of arts lover. Whether you’re planning a big night out or a relaxed cultural afternoon, these are the most exciting things happening across Brisbane in mid-January 2026.

Annie

Venue: Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane — Date: 27 December 2025 – 31 January 2026
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The beloved musical returns with all its heart, humour and unforgettable songs. Annie tells the uplifting story of a young girl’s optimism and resilience, brought to life in a dazzling Broadway-style production that’s perfect for all ages.

Little Shop of Horrors

Venue: Cremorne Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane — Date: From 3 January 2026
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This cult musical comedy blends rock, romance and outrageous humour in the story of a florist and his not-so-harmless houseplant. With iconic songs and a darkly funny edge, it’s one of QPAC’s most entertaining productions of the season.

Cluedo

Venue: Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane — Date: 7 January – 1 February 2026
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The classic board game comes to life in this fast-paced stage mystery. Follow the suspects, uncover the clues, and enjoy a clever whodunit filled with comedy, suspense, and theatrical flair.

Shrek: The Musical

Venue: Thomas Dixon Centre, West End — Date: 17 January 2026
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The much-loved DreamWorks story bursts onto the stage in a colourful, funny and heart-warming musical. With big characters, catchy songs and family-friendly storytelling, Shrek is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Olafur Eliasson: Presence

Venue: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Brisbane — Date: 6 December 2025 – 12 July 2026
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One of the world’s most celebrated contemporary artists presents a major immersive exhibition at GOMA. Presenceexplores light, perception and the environment through large-scale installations that invite visitors to experience art in new and unexpected ways.

Candlelight: Tribute to Queen

Venue: St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City — Date: 16 January 2026
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Queen’s greatest hits are reimagined in this atmospheric candlelit concert. Set inside the stunning St John’s Cathedral, this performance blends rock classics with classical strings for a truly magical night out.

Candlelight Ballet: Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake & More

Venue: St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City — Date: 17 January 2026
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Experience the beauty of ballet music performed live by candlelight. This enchanting concert features selections from Swan Lake and other classical favourites in a breathtaking cathedral setting.

Candlelight: 90’s Unplugged on Strings

Venue: St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City — Date: 16 January 2026
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A nostalgic journey through 90s music, reimagined for string ensemble. Expect iconic pop and rock hits performed in an intimate, candlelit atmosphere.

Sparkling Matinée Previews: Blue Moon

Venue: Palace James St Cinema, Fortitude Valley and Palace Barracks, Petrie Terrace — Date: 18 January 2026
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Enjoy a special preview screening paired with a sparkling drink. Palace’s signature matinée events combine cinema with a touch of glamour.

Once Upon a Time in the West

Venue: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Cinema A, South Brisbane — Date: 18 January 2026
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Sergio Leone’s epic western is screened in GOMA’s state-of-the-art cinema. A must-see for film lovers and fans of classic cinema.

Brian and Charles

Venue: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Cinema A, South Brisbane — Date: 17 January 2026
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This heart-warming British film tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a lonely inventor and a homemade robot.

Director’s Choice 2026

Venue: Mitchell Fine Art, Fortitude Valley — Date: 13 January – 7 February 2026
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A curated exhibition showcasing standout contemporary artists selected by the gallery’s director. A great opportunity to discover emerging and established talent.

Brisbane Big Band

Venue: Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point — Date: 18 January 2026
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Swing, brass and big-band energy fill the room as Brisbane’s premier jazz ensemble takes the stage.

David Bentley Trio Plus Two

Venue: Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point — Date: 17 January 2026
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A refined jazz performance featuring piano, rhythm section and guest musicians for a rich and intimate live music experience.

Big Kitty

Venue: Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point — Date: 16 January 2026
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A lively jazz outfit bringing groove, swing and personality to one of Brisbane’s best-loved live music venues.

From Broadway musicals and immersive gallery installations to candlelit concerts and late-night jazz, Brisbane’s arts scene is shining this January. Whether you’re chasing a blockbuster production or a hidden cultural gem, these events offer countless ways to experience the city’s creative energy at its best.

The summer theatre season is in full swing at QPAC, with the opening of the murder-mystery comedy Cluedo joining the already popular runs of Annie and Little Shop of Horrors. For those seeking a more atmospheric evening, St John’s Cathedral plays host to enchanting candlelight concerts, while jazz lovers can enjoy a diverse program by the river at Kangaroo Point.

Annie

27 December 2025 – 31 January 2026 | Lyric Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane
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The world’s favourite red-headed orphan continues her triumph at the Lyric Theatre. With its timeless message of hope and a score featuring hits like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” this production is the quintessential feel-good musical for the summer holidays.

Cluedo

7 January – 1 February 2026 | Playhouse, QPAC, South Brisbane
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Was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the lead pipe? The classic board game comes to life in this hilarious new stage play. Mixing farce, murder mystery, and rapid-fire wit, Cluedo keeps audiences guessing (and laughing) until the final reveal.

Little Shop of Horrors

From 3 January 2026 | Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, South Brisbane
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This cult classic sci-fi musical devours the stage at the Cremorne. Featuring a blend of rock, doo-wop, and Motown, the story of a meek florist and his bloodthirsty plant, Audrey II, offers a deliciously dark and entertaining night out.

Candlelight: Rings & Dragons

10 January 2026 | St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City
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Step into a world of fantasy amidst the gothic grandeur of St John’s Cathedral. A string quartet performs iconic scores from The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and other epic sagas, illuminated by the gentle glow of thousands of candles.

Candlelight: Tribute to Phil Collins

10 January 2026 | St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane City
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Enjoy a classical twist on the pop and rock anthems of Phil Collins. This candlelight tribute strips back the drums for strings, delivering emotive instrumental versions of hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “Against All Odds” in a serene setting.

Something Borrowed: Appropriation in Australian Art

6 June 2025 – 26 January 2026 | Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Brisbane
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Catch this thought-provoking exhibition before it closes later this month. It explores how Australian artists have borrowed and remixed images from history and pop culture to create new meanings, offering a fascinating look at identity and originality.

Under a Modern Sun: Art in Queensland 1930s–1950s

16 August 2025 – 26 January 2026 | Queensland Art Gallery (QAG), South Brisbane
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Travel back to mid-century Queensland through this evocative collection. The exhibition highlights how local artists captured the unique light, landscape, and developing urban identity of the state during a transformative era.

Hamnet

10 – 11 January 2026 | Palace James St & Palace Barracks
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Be among the first to see the screen adaptation of the best-selling novel Hamnet. These preview screenings offer a poignant look at the life of Shakespeare’s family and the grief that inspired one of his greatest plays.

The Wind in the Willows – A Suite for Jazz Orchestra

11 January 2026 | Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point
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Rick Best presents a unique musical interpretation of the beloved children’s classic. This suite for jazz orchestra brings the adventures of Mole, Ratty, and Toad to life through swing and big band arrangements on a Sunday evening.

Dezzie D and the Stingrayz

10 January 2026 | Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point
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Get ready for a high-energy night of rhythm and blues. Dezzie D and the Stingrayz are known for their infectious stage presence, blending 40s and 50s swing with jump blues to keep the dance floor moving.

The Michael Walker Project

9 January 2026 | Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point
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Kick off the weekend with the sophisticated sounds of The Michael Walker Project. Expect a polished performance of contemporary jazz and fusion, showcasing the technical skill and creativity of some of Brisbane’s finest musicians.

With three major productions running simultaneously at QPAC, the cultural precinct is the place to be this weekend. Theatre fans should secure tickets early for Cluedo as it opens its season, while art lovers have only a few weeks left to see the major exhibitions at QAG and GOMA before they close on Australia Day.