Brisbane is set to ring in 2026 with a massive lineup of celebrations, ranging from high-energy festivals to intimate live performances. The city will be buzzing on New Year’s Eve with major international DJs and Australian vocal powerhouses taking the stage, while New Year’s Day offers the perfect recovery—or continuation—with the city’s biggest annual music festival. Whether you are looking for a masquerade ball, a techno rave, or a soulful acoustic set to start the year, the first week of January delivers an impressive variety of entertainment.
Wildlands Festival 2026
1 January 2026 | Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
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Kick off the new year at Brisbane’s biggest New Year’s Day music festival. Wildlands returns to the Showgrounds with a massive lineup of electronic, hip-hop, and indie acts, promising high-end production and a vibrant festival atmosphere to set the tone for 2026.
CONRAD SEWELL – NEW YEAR’S EVE
31 December 2025 | LiveWire, Level 5 – The Star Brisbane, Brisbane City
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Celebrate the countdown with chart-topping Australian artist Conrad Sewell. Known for his powerful vocals and hits like “Healing Hands,” Sewell will deliver a soulful and energetic performance at The Star’s premier entertainment venue, LiveWire.
I Hate Models
31 December 2025 | The Fortitude Music Hall, Fortitude Valley
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For those who want to dance into the new year with intensity, French techno heavyweight I Hate Models takes over the Fortitude Music Hall. Expect a blistering set of industrial beats and trance influences in one of the city’s most impressive venues.
Joy Crookes
3 January 2026 | The Triffid, Newstead
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Acclaimed UK singer-songwriter Joy Crookes brings her sophisticated blend of neo-soul, jazz, and R&B to Newstead. With her storytelling lyrics and timeless voice, this intimate show at The Triffid is a cultural highlight for the first weekend of the year.
BUSBY MAROU – BACK ON THE TOOLS (ACOUSTIC TOUR)
4 January 2026 | Lefty’s Music Hall, Petrie Terrace
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Beloved Australian duo Busby Marou strips it back for a special acoustic performance at Lefty’s. Their “Back on the Tools” tour showcases their signature harmonies and guitar work in a relaxed, storytelling format perfect for a Sunday session.
New Years Eve at the Prince
31 December 2025 | The Prince Consort, Fortitude Valley
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The Prince Consort throws a multi-level party to farewell 2025. With different vibes across its various bars and spaces, it is a go-to destination for groups looking for variety, drinks, and a buzzing atmosphere in the heart of the Valley.
TYLER ICU LIVE BRISBANE – NYD
1 January 2026 | After Dark (Kenjin), Fortitude Valley
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Keep the party going on New Year’s Day with South African Amapiano star Tyler ICU. Known for his viral hits and infectious rhythms, he brings the heat to the Valley for a night of deep grooves and dancing.
Sam Gellaitry
2 January 2026 | The Prince Consort, Fortitude Valley
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Scottish producer and vocalist Sam Gellaitry brings his genre-defying sound to The Prince. Blending electronic, trap, and pop elements, his live set is a must-see for fans of innovative production and forward-thinking dance music.
INJI
3 January 2026 | The Brightside, Fortitude Valley
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Viral sensation INJI hits Brisbane with her energetic and cheeky brand of electronic pop. Expect a high-octane show featuring her catchy tracks that have dominated social media feeds over the past year.
49th & Main
4 January 2026 | Crowbar Brisbane, Fortitude Valley
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Irish indie-pop duo 49th & Main bring their hazy, sax-infused electronic tunes to the Crowbar. Their laid-back yet upbeat sound is the perfect soundtrack for a Sunday evening gig to close out the holiday week.
NYEMO MASQUERADE BALL BRISBANE
31 December 2025 | The Brightside, Fortitude Valley
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Put on your eyeliner and a mask for the ultimate alternative New Year’s Eve. The NYEMO Masquerade Ball combines emo anthems with a formal dress code, offering a unique way to scream your lungs out when the clock strikes midnight.
UNDER PRESSURE – New Year’s Eve Tribute Spectacular!
31 December 2025 | The Lou Lou Room, Wynnum
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Celebrate the legends of rock with a double-header tribute show featuring the Killer Queen Experience and The David Bowie Show. This spectacular at the Lou Lou Room promises a night of singalong anthems and glam rock nostalgia.
Duelling Pianos: NYE Edition
31 December 2025 | Felons Barrel Hall, Brisbane City
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Ring in the new year by the river with a high-energy musical battle. The Duelling Pianos team will be taking requests and leading the crowd in a raucous singalong at Felons Barrel Hall, complete with craft beer and river views.
High Voltage AC/DC Show – NYD!
1 January 2026 | The Prince Consort, Fortitude Valley
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For those who prefer rock and roll to recovery, The Prince Consort hosts a high-voltage tribute to Australia’s greatest rock band. Shake off the hangover with the thunderous riffs of AC/DC on New Year’s Day.
Friday Night Comedy w/ Brett Blake & Friends!
2 January 2026 | Good Chat Comedy Club, Petrie Terrace
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Start the first weekend of 2026 with a laugh. Larrikin comedian Brett Blake headlines a night of stand-up at Good Chat, bringing his rowdy stories and sharp improvisational skills to the stage.
Saturday Night Standup w/ Sam Bowden & Friends!
3 January 2026 | Good Chat Comedy Club, Petrie Terrace
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The comedy continues on Saturday with Sam Bowden leading the charge. Known for his clever writing and engaging stage presence, Bowden and a lineup of friends will ensure the laughs keep coming at Petrie Terrace.
Stefan Hauk
2 January 2026 | Royal Quarters, Nundah
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Guitar virtuoso Stefan Hauk brings his impressive blues-rock stylings to Nundah. A must-see for guitar enthusiasts, Hauk’s performance blends technical skill with soulful expression in an intimate club setting.
Good Folk Summer Special
3 January 2026 | The Cave Inn, Woolloongabba
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Enjoy a relaxed evening of local folk music at The Cave Inn. Featuring Amaidi, Charley Castle & the Boys in the Well, and Lizzie Flynn & The Runaway Trains, this showcase highlights Brisbane’s rich grassroots music scene.
THE DARK ARTS ACADEMY
3 January 2026 | Crowbar Brisbane, Fortitude Valley
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Dive into the underground with The Dark Arts Academy at Crowbar. This event promises a showcase of alternative performance and darker aesthetics, catering to those looking for something edgy and different to start the year.
From the explosive energy of Wildlands Festival to the nostalgic rock tributes and intimate comedy nights, Brisbane offers a dynamic start to 2026. Whether you plan to party through midnight on New Year’s Eve or enjoy a laid-back acoustic Sunday session later in the week, securing tickets early is recommended as holiday events tend to sell out quickly.