As Chair for Community and the Arts, I want you to Saddle Up for the Year of the Horse.
I’m proud to deliver programs like BrisAsia so there is always more to see, more to do, and more ways to connect across our lifestyle capital.
Things kick off on Friday 13 February with Southside By Night, an electrifying celebration of street, luxury and performance cars. Featuring hip‑hop and DJ sets from talented local artists, along with street food and family‑friendly entertainment, this event is all about activating our city and giving residents more to see and do close to home.
Supporting young people, creativity and active lifestyles is a key focus of the Community and Arts portfolio. Families are invited to bring the kids along to skateboarding workshops at Bracken Ridge Skate Park as the inaugural BrisAsia Sk8 Zone rolls in on Saturday 14 February — another way we’re delivering engaging experiences right across our lifestyle capital.
Experience a vibrant fusion of rhythm, colour and connection with ON:STAGE, a high‑energy K‑pop dance showcase on Saturday 14 February. Dance workshops will follow on Saturday 17 January at the Thomas Dixon Centre, continuing our commitment to accessible creative opportunities and ensuring there’s always something new to see and do in our city.
Pack a picnic blanket and head to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot‑tha when Lunar New Year in the Gardens returns on 15 February. Set in one of Brisbane’s most beautiful green spaces, this much‑loved event reflects how we deliver culture and community experiences in places people love to spend time.
The popular BrisAsia Dance Battles return to the Queen Street Mall across Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February, bringing high‑energy freestyle competitions in hip hop, popping and open‑style categories right into the heart of the city — activating our CBD and adding to the vibrancy of our lifestyle capital.
Rounding out the month, Sunnybank’s Lunar New Year Rooftop Party returns on Saturday 28 February. This free, family‑friendly event features fireworks, live entertainment, lion and dragon dances, and kids’ activities — delivering joyful, shared experiences and even more reasons to get out and enjoy our city.
I’m also excited to see a range of new festival experiences delivered this year through our Community and Arts program, including:
- Lunar Soul Party at The Kite Terrace, Thomas Dixon Centre — a sophisticated cocktail‑style evening
- Hyoshi in Counterpoint, a free, all‑ages concert by an all‑female Asian fusion band at the Queensland Multicultural Centre
- Velvet Lounge at Mr Vain Restaurant and Bar, celebrating smooth neo‑soul and R&B
- BrisAsia Comedy, expanded this year to include fun improv workshops at Big Fork Theatre
- 守破離 – Shu Ha Ri, a special BrisAsia Festival performance presented through Lord Mayor’s City Hall Concerts
This is exactly what the Community and Arts portfolio is about — delivering a city with more to see, more to do, and more opportunities to enjoy life in our lifestyle capital.
I encourage everyone to explore the full BrisAsia program and enjoy everything this fantastic festival has to offer
See the program HERE