What’s on in Brisbane this month

Turn your leisure hours up a notch at one of the many thrilling events happening across Brisbane in February. From festivals to cultural celebrations and big band tunes, here is what’s on in Brisbane this month.

Swing That Music
Music

Tap your toes to the sounds of the big band era when singing master Tom Burlinson, jazz sensation Emma Pask, renowned musician Ed Wilson and The All-Star Big Band combine for Swing That Music. This unforgettable evening will feature timeless tunes ranging from ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing’ to ‘In the Mood’ and ‘Mr Bojangles’.

8 February at QPAC

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Music

In the fourth instalment of this popular live film series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire will play in high definition on the big screen as the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performs the stirring musical score live. Join fellow Harry Potter fans for a dose of dragons, enchanted mazes and extraordinary music.

9 February at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Lunar New Year
Community

Welcome the Year of the Pig at the city’s Lunar New Year festivities. There will be Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese dances, cultural performances, firecrackers and workshops. This lively cultural celebration falls at the start of the month-long BrisAsia Festival.

9–10 February at Chinatown Mall 

Sweet Charity
Theatre

Hit Broadway musical Sweet Charity has been reimagined for the intimate surrounds of Visy Theatre as Naomi Price takes on the role of Charity Hope Valentine. Plant yourself in 1960s New York and shake it to classics such as ‘Big Spender’ and ‘The Rhythm of Life’ in this entertaining musical comedy.

Until 10 February at Brisbane Powerhouse

An Evening with Nigella Lawson
Performance

Culinary queen Nigella Lawson has a way of talking about food that makes you want to stick your head into the nearest tub of butter. Now she’s bringing that compelling passion to the QPAC stage, where she’ll share her thoughts, stories and insights, as well as invite you to ask your most pressing questions at An Evening with Nigella Lawson.

10 February at QPAC

Talking Ideas: An Evening with Lynda La Plante
Performance

If you’re a fan of the crime genre, you won’t want to miss an evening with British author and screenwriter Lynda La Plante in her only Queensland appearance. The Emmy and BAFTA-winning creator of the acclaimed Prime Suspect TV crime series and author of new release Widows’ Revenge will share her personal tales in Talking Ideas: An evening with Lynda La Plante.

13 February at State Library of Queensland

Single Asian Female
Theatre

Michelle Law’s comedy returns for a second season. After premiering at La Boite in 2017, Single Asian Female picked up a sell-out season in Sydney last year, and now it’s back to continue tackling race and gender stereotypes in modern Australia. 

16 February to 9 March at La Boite

MoB Makers: Drawing the Body Easton Pearson Edition
Workshop

Hone your fashion illustration skills with Leigh Buchanan as Museum of Brisbane’s Drawing the Body series gets an Easton Pearson makeover. MoB Makers: Drawing the Body Easton Pearson Edition will see local Brisbane women modelling Easton Pearson outfits in celebration of current exhibition The Designers’ Guide: Easton Pearson Archive.

22 February, 8 March, 5 April at Museum of Brisbane 

Brisbane Comedy Festival
Comedy

Charlie Chaplin once said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” So seize the day at the 2019 Brisbane Comedy Festival, with acts ranging from Charlie Pickering to Felicity Ward, Ronny Chieng and local favourite Mel Buttle.

22 February to 24 March at Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane City Hall and SunPAC

Next to Normal
Theatre

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Next to Normal explores the meaning of family in the 21st century. From mental health issues to provocative teenagers, this powerful rock musical will turn suburbia on its head – and tug heavily on your heartstrings.

23 February to 23 March at Brisbane Arts Theatre

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Ballet

The Australian Ballet’s extravagant telling of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a fusion of ballet, puppetry, eye-bending illusions and playful costumes. See the delightful madness unfold to compelling choreography and a live score by Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

25 February to 2 March at QPAC

Crystal Moonlight
Music

JADE New World Collective brings together Indigenous didgeridoo musician David Williams, Japanese koto master Takako Haggarty Nishibori, Nepalese tabla virtuoso Dheeraj Shrestha and Australian guitarist Dr Anthony Garcia to create the newest ensemble in residence at QPAC. Their premiere concert Crystal Moonlight presents a diverse range of international sounds for your listening pleasure.

26 February at QPAC

Image: Single Asian Female, photography by Daniel Boud