What’s on in Brisbane this month

Greek festivals, thought-provoking talks and mesmerising music are all about to be unleashed on our city. And that’s just the start of what is in store this May. Here’s what’s on in Brisbane this month.

Writers+Ideas
Conversation Series

Be inspired by the diverse line-up of conversations taking place at Brisbane Powerhouse this month. From comedian Kitty Flanagan through to social researcher and author Hugh Mackay, Writers+Ideas will canvas a variety of topics. Head along to think about things you have contemplated before.

1–12 May at Brisbane Powerhouse

Cinderella and Scheherazade
Orchestra

Fall into a fairytale world at this whimsical performance. Cinderella and Scheherazade by Queensland Symphony Orchestra presents four fairytale-inspired pieces: Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Strauss’ waltz Fairytales from the Orient, Prokofiev’s Cinderella, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade (one for fans of Aladdin).

6 May at QPAC

American Essentials Film Festival
Cinema

You may be well acquainted with Hollywood, but there is far more to America’s screen culture. The American Essentials Film Festival celebrates independent cinema ranging from thriller to comedy, romance and noir cinema. Most of the films on the program are making their Australian premieres, having been drawn from festivals including Toronto, Sundance, Rotterdam and SXSW.

9–20 May at Palace Centro

Anywhere Theatre Festival
Theatre

Anything goes at Anywhere Theatre Festival. From underground venues to museums and courtyards, the productions in this festival are staged in every imaginable location. See established and emerging theatre creators across a month of comedy, experimental theatre and high drama.

10–27 May across Brisbane

A Prudent Man
Theatre

It might not be a good idea to talk about politics around the dinner table, but there's no such taboo in this show that's back after showing at Brisbane Festival last year. A Prudent Man is a dark comedy that explores the idea of being right through a political lens. If you feel that you cannot relate to politicians and their polarising views, head along to discover what makes the Trumps, the Abbotts and the Hansons of this world tick.

11–12 May at Gardens Theatre

Melt Festival
Culture

Every year Melt Festival proves that there’s no party like a queer party. Celebrating the diversity of our LGTBI+ community, this annual arts and culture festival is legendary for both its creative program and opening and closing parties. Highlights include Resident Alien (pictured) and the return of Briefs and the Melt Beauty Pageant, and it all starts on IDAHOT Day with a remembrance gathering. Following last year’s yes vote, this edition of Melt Festival comes at a landmark yet still very poignant time in our country’s history.

17–27 May at Brisbane Powerhouse 

Harry Potter In Concert
Orchestra/Cinema

The next concert in Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s popular Harry Potter series is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Tapping into the magic of the story and its score, the orchestra will perform the film’s music live as part of a special screening set to transport muggles into an otherworldy realm.

19 May at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Paniyiri
Festival

The honey puffs may be the unofficial headliner of this Greek festival, but there’s a lot more to Panyiri. After 42 years it has become Australia’s longest-running Greek festival, loved for its dancing as much as its food. This year there will be Zorba dancing as well as cooking demonstrations and a Greek Dancing with the Stars show. Opa!

19–20 May at Musgrave Park

Our Race to Reconciliation with Dr Anita Heiss
Talk

As part of the exhibition Our Sporting Greats: Murri and Ailan Athletes in the Spotlight, SLQ is presenting a series of conversations around the Talking Circle. This month author and athlete Dr Anita Heiss is in the spotlight to discuss her new novel, My Australian Story: Our Race to Reconciliation.

24 May at State Library of Queensland

Carmen & The Firebird
Ballet

The next performance from Queensland Ballet is a dramatic double bill featuring Carmen & The Firebird. Carlos Acosta, former Principal of The Royal Ballet has created raw and thrilling choreography for Carmen, while famed choreographer Liam Scarlett adds an unconventional twist to The Firebird.

25 May to 3 June at QPAC

Death Valley Fun Camp
Adventure

Not a festival and not a traditional camp, Death Valley Fun Camp falls somewhere in-between. The weekend promises plenty of wholesome fun in the form of ziplining and kayaking, tinsel crafting with Rachel Burke, Disney karaoke and letter writing to your childhood self with Michelle Janssen. It's presented by John Patterson and Patience Hodgson of The Grates and Southside Tea Room, and Lucky Egg is taking care of the campfire cooking.

­26–27 May at Lake Moogerah

Transboundaries
Exhibition

QUT Art Museum’s triennial explores environmental and social issues. Transboundaries features seven artists within QUT’s alumni, and the experience of viewing their works together raises questions about the implications of our actions and how to relate to the world and the people around us.

Until 3 June at QUT Art Museum

Patricia Piccinini: Curious Affection
Exhibition

GOMA continues its ambitious exhibition schedule with its Patricia Piccinini retrospective, Curious Affection. The exhibition occupies the gallery’s entire ground floor, featuring many of the artist's most recognisable works alongside immersive multi-sensory installations and a large-scale inflatable sculpture.

Until 5 August at GOMA

Egyptian Mummies: Exploring Ancient Lives
Exhibition

Venture deep inside the pyramids of Ancient Egypt at Egyptian Mummies: Exploring Ancient Lives. Presenting six mummies, the exhibition offers insight into their lives using CT scanning technology and more than 200 artefacts from the British Museum’s Egyptian collections. This month a special After Dark is being held on International Museum Day, May 18. There will be live music and entertainment at the up-late event, plus a talk titled Brew like an Egyptian: Ancient Egyptian Beer Making.

Until 16 August at Queensland Museum

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