More than 110 major events are poised to inject millions into the local economy, bolstering the city’s status as Australia’s lifestyle capital.

Fresh off a record-breaking 2023/2024 financial year, which saw Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) driving $1 billion in economic activity and Brisbane achieving $11 billion in overnight visitor spending, the city is ready to raise the bar once again.

With Brisbane's economy set to expand by 68%, reaching $275 billion by 2041, the stage is set for a bigger year of accolades, economic growth and unforgettable experiences.

From the highly anticipated British and Irish Lions Tour to cultural jewels like Brisbane Festival and BIGSOUND, 2025 will bring millions of visitors, create thousands of jobs and drive bold new opportunities for the city.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane's 2025 calendar of events was about more than entertainment as it would also be a driving force for economic growth.

“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and our lineup of major events will create even more for people to see and do in our city in 2025.

"A packed calendar of events isn't just good for people wanting to experience the best of Brisbane's lifestyle.

"It's good for local jobs and the economy too.

"More people in our local hotels, restaurants and bars before and after the main event is great for Brisbane and it's great for business.

"There's already a global buzz about Brisbane and our 2025 calendar of major events will further cement our status as a must do destination in the lead-up to the 2032 Games and beyond."

Brisbane’s event calendar launched with a star-studded showdown at the Brisbane International, featuring grand slam icon Novak Djokovic. The event attracted a record-breaking attendance of 106,000 fans across eight action-packed days.

More history-making milestones will follow when country music superstar Luke Combs embarks on his first ever Australian stadium tour – performing two shows at Suncorp Stadium on 24 and 25 January while setting the stage for a year of live music highlights.

And with performances from international heavyweights like Billie Eilish, Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry, Leon Bridges, and Keith Urban on the cards - the highlights are dazzling.

In the art world, afficionados will continue to flock to the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art where the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11) continues through to 27 April. Featuring 70 artists from over 30 countries, this landmark exhibition is a cultural jewel in Brisbane’s vibrant arts scene and a magnet for cultural tourism.

May will usher in the first of three mega months, headlined by the NRL Magic Round from 1 May. Over four thrilling days, Suncorp Stadium will become the epicentre of rugby league, with an expected 150,000 fans celebrating the sport.

The month also welcomes the Brisbane Truck Show, a global gathering of over 45,000 industry professionals and enthusiasts, and the QPAC International Ballet Series, where Ballet Preljocaj’s daring reinterpretation of Swan Lake will captivate audiences from 31 May to 7 June.

July turns red as the British and Irish Lions Tour roars into the city. Rugby fans will be treated to a test match against the Wallabies on 19 July and a Queensland Reds clash with the Lions on 2 July.

These marquee matches will attract over 30,000 visitors, marking a major milestone in Brisbane’s journey to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

September will mark another mega month, as finals football for the AFL and NRL dominate the city’s sporting landscape. Whilst Brisbane Festival will transform the city into a cultural playground, with BIGSOUND in Fortitude Valley reinforcing the city’s music nous.

The momentum will carry into October, with Melt Festival – now in its second year - celebrating queer arts and culture across Brisbane led by the Brisbane Powerhouse from 22 October to 9 November.

Bluey’s World will continue to enchant families at Northshore Pavilion until mid-September, while December delivers a spectacular finale. The Ashes Test at the Gabba from 4 to 8 December will bring Australia and England head-to-head in cricket’s ultimate rivalry, closing out a year that has redefined Brisbane as Australia’s lifestyle and events capital.

For more information on Brisbane’s jam-packed calendar of events, visit https://visit.brisbane.qld.au/