December in Brisbane hits the ground running with a lineup of heavy-hitters. The first week of summer is dominated by major festivals and arena spectaculars, bringing some of the world’s biggest electronic and alternative acts to our shores. Alongside these massive touring productions, the city offers a rich selection of intimate comedy, nostalgic rock anniversaries, and the start of the Christmas theatre season. Here are the top picks for the week, ranked by event magnitude.
Good Things Festival
7 December 2025 | Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
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The undisputed heavyweight of the week, Australia’s premier alternative music festival takes over the Showgrounds. Bringing together a massive roster of international punk, rock, metal, and emo icons, this is a full-day pilgrimage for music fans looking for mosh pits and anthemic singalongs.
JUSTICE
7 December 2025 | Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall
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French electronic royalty Justice arrives for a massive arena show at Boondall. Renowned for their spectacular light productions and a genre-defying blend of disco, funk, and heavy electro, this Grammy-winning duo offers one of the year’s most anticipated dance events.
Alan Davies Think Ahead Tour
6 – 7 December 2025 | Concert Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane
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A major highlight for comedy lovers, the star of QI and Jonathan Creek graces the Concert Hall. Davies brings his signature British wit and rambling, observational storytelling to Brisbane for two nights of high-profile stand-up.
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
7 December 2025 | The Fortitude Music Hall, Fortitude Valley
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One of Australia’s most successful global exports returns home. Known for their prolific output and genre-bending sound, this psych-rock juggernaut delivers high-octane performances that have earned them a cult-like following worldwide.
Christmas Actually: The Music Of Love Actually Live On Stage
2 – 7, 10 – 14 December 2025 | Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
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A beloved local tradition, this production marks the true beginning of the festive season in Brisbane. A live band and star-studded cast of vocalists recreate the iconic soundtrack from Love Actually, delivering a feel-good hit of Christmas spirit.
Everclear – Sparkle and Fade 30th Anniversary Tour
5 December 2025 | The Back Room Brisbane, Annerley
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A significant event for 90s rock fans, this tour celebrates three decades of the platinum album Sparkle and Fade. The band will perform the record in full, offering a potent dose of nostalgia in an intimate setting.
Wave to Earth
5 December 2025 | The Fortitude Music Hall, Fortitude Valley
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Riding a wave of international buzz, this South Korean indie outfit brings their “new wave” sound to the Valley. Their blend of lo-fi, jazz, and bedroom pop has captured a massive online audience, making this a hot ticket for indie music fans.
Perfume Genius
7 December 2025 | The Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba
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Art-pop visionary Mike Hadreas brings his theatrical and emotionally raw performance to the historic Princess Theatre. A critical darling, Perfume Genius offers a sophisticated and visceral concert experience for lovers of avant-garde pop.
The Black Sorrows: The Quintessential Best Of Tour
7 December 2025 | The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley
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Witness Australian music royalty in action. Joe Camilleri and his band bring their sophisticated mix of blues, rock, and soul to The Tivoli, showcasing a catalogue of hits that have defined the Australian pub rock landscape for decades.
COG & Caspian (USA) – Bird’s Robe 15th Birthday Tour
5 December 2025 | The Brightside, Fortitude Valley
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A heavyweight double bill for fans of progressive and post-rock. Celebrating 15 years of the Bird’s Robe label, this show features Australian legends COG and American atmospheric giants Caspian for a night of complex, immersive soundscapes.
Creedence Clearwater Collective
6 December 2025 | The Fortitude Music Hall, Fortitude Valley
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A crowd-pleasing tribute to one of rock’s most enduring bands. This show recreates the swamp rock energy of CCR, promising a night of singalong classics like Bad Moon Rising and Fortunate Son for fans of the golden era.
Simon Taylor | Live at Good Chat
5 December 2025 | Good Chat Comedy Club, Petrie Terrace
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For those seeking an intimate laugh, international comedian Simon Taylor hits Petrie Terrace. Known for his sharp delivery and global touring success, this is a chance to see a top-tier comic in a close-up club setting.
Smokey Bubblin’ B
5 December 2025 | Prohibition, Fortitude Valley
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A treat for UK Garage aficionados, this club night features one of the genre’s rising stars. Expect high energy, heavy basslines, and a late night on the dancefloor in the heart of the Valley. Get
The Reflex – The Australian Duran Duran Experience
6 December 2025 | Crowbar Brisbane, Fortitude Valley
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Rounding out the list is a party for the 80s devotees. This dedicated tribute act brings the synth-pop glamour of Duran Duran to Crowbar, ensuring a fun night of nostalgia and dancing.
Whether you are heading to the mosh pit at the Showgrounds or settling into a theatre seat at QPAC, this week showcases the diversity of Brisbane’s event landscape. With high demand expected for the major international acts and festival tickets, we recommend locking in your plans immediately.
