Brisbane’s live music scene is gearing up for one of its biggest seasons yet, with Open Season 2025 set to deliver an electrifying mix of world-class performances, homegrown talent, and unforgettable live experiences this winter.
Running from May to July, this citywide festival—now in its fifth year—has expanded once again, with The Tivoli and The Princess Theatre joining forces with QPAC for the first time to present a truly stacked line-up. Making full use of the cities venues, Brisbanites will be treated to intimate club gigs and grand symphonic spectacles as Open Season 2025 brings more than 30 must-see events across six of Brisbane’s most iconic venues, cementing the festival as one of the city’s premier cultural highlights.
The program kicks off with a massive collaboration between Icelandic post-rock legends Sigur Rós, backed by the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra, bringing an expansive, otherworldly sound to QPAC’s Concert Hall. Kamasi Washington, one of the most celebrated jazz musicians of his generation, will also take the stage, as will UK-based electronic innovators Mount Kimbie and Kiasmos, with the long-awaited reunion of Ólafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen.
“This program is designed to inspire, to awaken our adventurous spirit, step out of the house and get amongst some seriously excellent live music,” says Dave Sleswick, Creative Director of The Tivoli Group.
“Every year, Open Season expands and evolves. This time, with QPAC on board, we’re taking over the whole damn city. International icons, national treasures and incredible local talent will take over a variety of intimate and grand venues throughout Brisbane. It’s an open invitation for everyone to experience the magic of live performance and the power of community through music.”
we’re taking over the whole damn city
Indie and alternative fans can look forward to DIIV, touring their new album Frog in Boiling Water, and Jessica Pratt, whose folk stylings have captivated audiences worldwide. Australian acts are well represented too, with Skegss bringing their signature high-energy show and a trio of major anniversary tours including Cloud Control (15 years of Bliss Release), Killing Heidi (25 years of Reflector), and The Preatures (10 years of Blue Planet Eyes).
The festival also continues its commitment to showcasing First Nations artists with Blak Day Out, an annual celebration of Indigenous talent. This year’s lineup is led by the legendary Christine Anu, celebrating three decades of Stylin’ Up, alongside acclaimed singer-songwriter Thelma Plum and rising star Miss Kaninna.
Beyond the impressive line-up, Open Season 2025 is a showcase of what makes Brisbane such a dynamic live music city. Venues like The Tivoli and The Princess Theatre continue to provide intimate yet electric settings for local and international artists, while QPAC’s grand stages open up new possibilities for large-scale productions. With additional pop-up shows at The Inchcolm Hotel, Fortitude Valley’s Winn Lane, and King Street’s Green Beacon Brewery, the extension of the festival’s footprint across the city is an exciting prospect.
QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy said the partnership was a great opportunity to throw open QPAC’s doors to a wider audience and to work with another of Brisbane’s leading live performance presenters.
“…we love that we’re increasing the footprint and audience of this awesome festival. Both QPAC and The Tivoli Group are all about ensuring as many people as possible experience live performance together. We’re passionate about presenting both new and emerging artists as well as those established and already loved, and shouting from the rooftops that Brisbane is well and truly a live music capital.”
Brisbane has long been home to a thriving music scene, but Open Season 2025 makes a clear statement: this is a city that knows how to put on a show. From the jazz-funk of Ezra Collective, a club set from 1tbsp, or a raw booming set from Soccer Mommy, this festival is an open invitation to experience the magic of live music. The doors are open, go play!
Tickets go on sale to the general public from 9am AEST, Thursday 27 March, with presale access from 8am AEST, Wednesday 26 March.
Find the full program, info & tickets HERE
Open Season 2025 lineup:
1tbsp | Accomplice Collective | Christine Anu | Cloud Control | DIIV | Emma Volard
Ezra Collective | Handsome | Jessica Pratt | Kamasi Washington | Kiasmos
Killing Heidi | Miss Kaninna | Moktar | MonoNeon | Mount Kimbie
Pale Jay | Purient | Ravyn Lenae | Sahara Beck | Shouse
Sigur Rós w Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra | Skegss | Soccer Mommy
Surprise Chef | The Gin Club | The Preatures | Thelma Plum
+ more to be announced
More info & tickets: openseason.live
Header image credit: Darcy Goss Media
