Visitor Numbers Set to Soar as Brisbane Launches into Mega May
Footy fan Ray Cramm, Torian Pro athlete Belinda Keogh, Brisbane Racing Club's Scarlett Young, & Camerata Orchestra's Marian Heckenberg
Image credit: Nigel Hallett
This May, Brisbane ushers in the first of three powerhouse months in 2025, with a standout events lineup set to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to our city and drive an estimated $100 million economic impact for Brisbane.
With double the headline major events of last year, the mega May schedule kicks off on 1 May with Women’s State of Origin - Game One, then straight into the blockbuster NRL Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium.
Across the four action-packed days, Brisbane will come alive as the epicentre of rugby league, with more than 150,000 fans expected to descend on the city. Caxton Street will transform into a vibrant Magic Round fan zone, and hotel bookings are already soaring past 75% for 2-3 May.
Sporting action continues with a homegrown showdown between the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns at The Gabba, followed by the glamour and grit of The Star Stradbroke Season galloping into view from 3 May.
Brisbane Truck Show will continue the flow-on economic effect for the city’s hotels, restaurants and tourism experiences with a predicted 45,000 industry professionals and enthusiasts from around the globe gathering from 15 to 18 May.
May also spotlights Ballet Preljocaj’s bold reimagining of Swan Lake direct from France as part of the QPAC International Ballet Series, captivating audiences from 31 May to 7 June plus the Affordable Art Fair and Brisbane Comedy Festival will enhance Brisbane’s cultural appeal.
The mega month is bookended by local, national and international events including Artistic Gymnastics State Championships, elite CrossFit athletes competing at Torian Pro, Men’s State of Origin - Game One and the 33rd Brisbane Marathon Festival welcoming thousands of participants from more than 35 countries to enjoy an unrivalled outdoor experience on 1 June.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the lineup of events this May was world class.
“We’re ecstatic to see so many world-class events coming to Brisbane and boosting our economy this May,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Our incredible range of events shows why we’re fast becoming globally recognised as a must-visit destination with a reputation for putting on a show.
“It’s going to be an amazing month of entertainment, providing so much to see and do in the lifestyle and events capital of Australia.”
Brisbane welcomed a record 9.4 million visitors* in 2024, driving average hotel occupancy to 76%**, and with a packed events calendar, 2025 is set to break even more records.
Supported by Brisbane Economic Development Agency, in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland, the packed calendar of events is poised to inject millions into the local economy, generating thousands of local jobs.
For more information on Brisbane’s year-round calendar of major events visit: https://visit.brisbane.qld.au/
*Tourism Research Australia data year ending December 2024
**CoStar Accommodation Data
