These Are Brisbane’s Most Epic Nights Out For The Rest Of 2026

We love a long lunch and a cheeky cocktail as much as anyone, but if the group chat is once again defaulting to dinner and drinks, consider this your sign to shake things up. 

Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) is serving up five incredible performances that will ensure the remainder of your 2026 cultural calendar is well and truly stacked. Blending pop culture, nostalgia and spine-tingling scores, these are the QSO performances you won’t want to miss. 

The Music Of Video Games 

Image Credit: Sam Muller Media | Supplied

Gamers, it’s go time! From the medieval battles of Assassin's Creed to the iconic worlds of Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, QSO brings your favourite video game soundtracks to life. 

A true celebration of the art of gaming, settle in as QSO fills QPAC’s Concert Hall with unforgettable scores that accompanied every quest, boss battle and hard-earned win. Round up your fellow gamers, settle in and press play. 

The Details:

When: 24–25 July, 2026
Where: Concert Hall, QPAC
Get your ticket here.

The Cat Empire

Image Credit: Cedric Tang | Supplied

After a sell-out debut in 2024, The Cat Empire returns to Brisbane for one night only at The Fortitude Valley Music Hall with Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Expect their biggest hits reimagined with the power of a full symphony orchestra. Joined by acclaimed flamenco artists Arte Kanela, this performance promises an unforgettable celebration of rhythm, movement and live music.

The Details:

When: 13 September, 2026
Where: Fortitude Valley Music Hall
Get your ticket here.

The Music Of Joe Hisaishi

Image: Sam Muller Media | Supplied

If flicks like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle did things to your soul (same), chances are it had a little something to do with Joe Hisaishi’s magical scores. 

Celebrating the legendary Japanese maestro's breathtaking works, The Music of Joe Hisaishi sees conductor Nicholas Buc, alongside Art of the Score podcasters Dan Golding and Andrew Pogson, guide audiences through his bewitching musical world. 

Featuring rarely heard masterpieces as well as beloved Studio Ghibli favourites (Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbour Totoro), this screen-free concert is straight up magical. 

The Details:

When: 2–3 October, 2026
Where: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Get your ticket here.

Cinematic: The Wonder Of Animation 

Image: Sam Muller Media | Supplied

Bring on the nostalgia—and the tissues, tbh–as maestro Nicholas Buc and QSO take the animated soundtracks that raised us from the lounge room to the live stage with Cinematic: The Wonder of Animation. 

Expect much-loved Disney classics that soundtracked countless childhood sing-alongs including Toy Story, How To Train Your Dragon, Sleeping Beauty and even The Simpsons to name just a few. Adding to the magic, the musicians will perform in costumes, so Millennials (and their minis) can join in the fun. Consider this the ultimate feel-good fam outing.

The Details:

When: 23–24 October, 2026
Where: Concert Hall, QPAC
Get your ticket here.

How to Train Your Dragon In Concert

Image Credit: Supplied

If the How to Train Your Dragon score brings tears to your eyes with every watch, this is one for you. Watch the beloved DreamWorks film on the big screen as Queensland Symphony Orchestra performs John Powell's iconic score live, bringing every soaring moment to life.

Join Hiccup and Toothless on their unforgettable adventure in this feel-good experience that's packed with action, heart and plenty of laughs. Perfect for longtime fans and families alike, it's a magical night at the movies, with a live orchestra.

The Details:

When: 1:30pm and 6:30pm, 14 November, 2026
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Get your ticket here.

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Images: Supplied.