Queensland is transforming into Australia’s premier events destination, setting the stage for an exciting future as we gear up for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
From major sporting spectacles and world-class business conferences to stadium concerts, theatre performances, and vibrant cultural festivals, we’re building a diverse events calendar that will attract visitors, boost regional tourism, and offer Queenslanders more to experience and enjoy.
With a bold vision to grow Queensland’s events calendar to $4 billion by 2045 – including $2 billion in regional events and a $2 billion business events calendar – we’re cementing our status as a global hub for major events.
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the pinnacle of global events, serving as a springboard for an exciting pipeline of transformative events that will shape Queensland’s future.
Our growing 2026 Queensland Events Calendar is estimated to be worth $1.3 billion. Visit the Queensland Events calendar to find the dynamic and growing sport, arts, entertainment and cultural events near you.
How mega and strategic events benefit Queensland
- attract visitors to Queensland
- boost local economies
- new experiences for visitors and locals
- lasting benefits for local communities
- fill hotel rooms, restaurants and retail businesses
- visitors stay longer and explore more
- support local jobs
- showcase Queensland on the world stage.
Destination 2045 Mega and Strategic Events Fund
Under the Destination 2045: Delivering Queensland’s Tourism Future plan, we’re investing through the first ever dedicated mega and strategic events fund to secure more events for Queensland and grow the state’s pipeline of events. This fund gives us the ability to pursue the very best events for Queensland.
We’ve secured world-class events under the fund:
The Last Ship
Brisbane hosted the Australian exclusive staging of The Last Ship, the acclaimed original musical by Grammy Award-winning icon Sting. Inspired by his childhood, the production told the story of a northern English community facing the closure of their local shipyard. The show marked the first international production at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s new word-class venue, the Glasshouse Theatre.
Date: 9 April to 3 May 2026
Location: Brisbane, with regional screenings
Rugby League World Cup
Queensland is set to shine on the global stage as Brisbane hosts the 2026 Rugby League World Cup Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals at Suncorp Stadium. This international sporting spectacle will also see matches played on the Gold Coast and in Townsville, including a thrilling Australia vs Fiji men’s clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium and a triple-header at CBUS Super Stadium.
Date: 15 October to 15 November 2026
Location: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville
NRL Magic Round
The long-term future of NRL Magic Round has been secured, with the event locked in at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium until 2032. The new agreement with the Australian Rugby League Commission will see Magic Round grow into a week-long festival of rugby league from 2027, delivering even more excitement for fans and benefits for communities across the state.
Date: 2027 to 2032
Location: Brisbane, with regional activations
José Carreras and Friends
This is set to be a historic event as legendary tenor José Carreras takes the stage for an exceptional performance experience at The Gabba. Joined by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and an all-star line-up including Robbie Williams, The Corrs, Ronan Keating, and more, this exclusive open-air concert promises an unforgettable evening of world-class music and entertainment under the stars.
Date: 5 December 2026
Location: Brisbane
World Archery Para Championships
An inspiring international sporting spectacle is coming to Queensland, as the world's best para archers compete in the 2027 World Archery Para Championships. Held in Australia for the first time, the prestigious event will bring elite athletes from around the globe together to compete for world titles and key qualification opportunities on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
Date: 30 August to 6 September 2027
Location: Gold Coast
Bluey’s World
More families can experience the magic of Bluey’s World, with the immersive attraction celebrating the beloved blue heeler extended in Brisbane. Since opening in November 2024, this world-class event has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors and generated $156 million for Queensland’s economy. Created right here in Queensland, Bluey has become one of our greatest global success stories.
Date: Extended to February 2028
Location: Brisbane
Brazil National Football Team
An unforgettable football experience is coming, as the Brazil National Football Team brings their world-renowned talent to Queensland. The most successful team in FIFA World Cup history will face off against Australia’s Socceroos in an electrifying international series. With two matches set to take place across the state, this is a unique chance to witness football greatness and celebrate Queensland’s status as a global sporting destination.
Date: 25 September, 29 September 2026
Location: Townsville, Brisbane
ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup Test
We’re making history securing the first-ever ANZAC Day Bledisloe test matches between the Wallabies and All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium in 2027, 2029, and 2031. The annual match commemorates the bond forged through the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli in 1915. This iconic trans-Tasman clash will honour the ANZAC spirit while driving tourism, jobs, and investment.
Date: 2027, 2029, 2031
Location: Brisbane