What’s on in Brisbane: Events to lure more than 1 million visitors this year

A blockbuster line-up of major events is set to bring more than 1 million visitors to Brisbane and inject $150 million into the city’s economy this year. See what’s coming our way in 2023.

A blockbuster line-up of major events is set to bring more than 1 million visitors to Brisbane this year.

In the biggest calendar since 2019, the Brisbane Economic Development Agency will support more than 30 new and returning events between now and the end of the year, injecting an estimated $150 million into the local economy.

Events are becoming increasingly big business for tourism, with sporting spectacles or music festivals among the main reasons luring visitors to destinations.

Brisbane’s action-packed 2023 calendar is the centrepiece of a new tourism campaign asking visitors “It’s all here, why aren’t you?”

Sport will take centre stage, with the NRL’s Magic Round, State of Origin and the women’s football World Cup headlining a blockbuster line-up, but the arts and entertainment are also pulling their weight with exhibitions, festivals and shows set to bring thousands of extra visitors to the River City.

Footy fans Chloe Brand, Boston Milburn, 5 and Hannah Milburn at Suncorp Stadium are excited about all the major events that are going to bring more than a million people to Brisbane this year. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said major events were a mega driver of economic benefit to Brisbane, encouraging visitors to stay longer and support local business.

“Major events are the perfect excuse to make a weekend out of coming to Brisbane, creating a buzz across the city, filling precincts, hotels and restaurants with tourists and staycationers alike,” he said.

“This year’s jam-packed major events calendar is set to create some serious FOMO (fear of missing out) for travellers wanting to see the best events in Australia this year.

“Of course, we are most proud to support our Brisbane born-and-bred events, which continue to grow in popularity with fans from across the country.

“Culture and sport are cornerstones of the community and with the rising cost of living biting, we’re proud that there are plenty of free and affordable events in the mix too to be enjoyed by everyone.

“We are seeing more and more mega events coming to Brisbane and expect that to continue growing in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Picture: David Clark

BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan said the campaign will tease travellers by highlighting the exclusive events only on offer in Brisbane.

“This year, Brisbane is showcasing an incredible and exciting line-up of major events that you simply don’t want to miss,” he said

“We saw sell-out crowds last year for many of the city’s major events and expect their popularity to peak again in 2023.

“Attracting a diverse calendar of stellar sporting and cultural major events to the city is a key priority as we prepare for Brisbane’s biggest and greatest global event in nine years.”

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