Mark your calendar – five unmissable events for 2020
From sun-soaked music festivals to stage shows straight from Broadway, 2019 brought us a unique array of impressive events which dazzled and delighted the senses. As we near closer to the festive extravaganza that is New Year’s, we become more and more curious for what the roaring twenties will bring. With a new decade comes a new calendar full of key events, so we’ve collated five exciting happenings in 2020 that are worthy of a save the date.
Bon Iver – June 20 at Riverstage
Indie folk success Bon Iver – who infamously debuted his last album on a cassette tape deck in a laneway in Melbourne’s Fitzroy – is returning to Australia in June 2020 with a spectacular show in support of his latest, highly-acclaimed album i,i. Justin Vernon and his band will take to the Riverstage to share his unique brand of musical artistry. The immersive new production is set to make these his most ambitious Australian shows to date. Nab yourself some tickets here.
Byron Bay Bluesfest – Thursday April 9 to Monday April 13 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm
Australia’s premier contemporary blues and roots music festival, Bluesfest showcases music from around the world annually on the Easter long weekend on 120 hectares at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, just north of Byron Bay in New South Wales. The 31st annual Bluesfest line-up is one of the most exciting offerings to date. The packed roster includes the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Crowded House, Kool & the Gang, Lenny Kravitz, Patti Smith and Her Band, George Benson, Brandi Carlile, John Butler, Xavier Rudd, The Cat Empire and Guy Sebastian, to name a few. Want to secure your spot at the greatest annual Easter party there is? You can lock down Bluesfest tickets through the festival’s official website.
Brisbane Comedy Festival – Friday February 21 to Sunday March 22
Boasting a four-week program featuring 85 acts across four hilarious weeks of fun and frivolity, the Brisbane Comedy Festival kicks off on February 21 with a bevy of Brisbane talent and emerging superstars who will be taking over stages and spaces in and around Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane City Hall, Newstead Brewing Co. and for the first time, The Tivoli and Fortitude Music Hall. The festival again shines the spotlight on top Queensland talent including Mel Buttle, Steph Tisdell, Becky Lucas and Matt Okine, local collectives Act/React, Brisburned and Politics in the Pub, and the dazzling return of a ‘90s icon – Agro with Jamie Dunn. Grin, giggle and guffaw with a slate of national comedy heavyweights such as Dave Hughes, Peter Helliar, Fiona O’Loughlin, Nazeem Hussein, Geraldine Hickey, Gen Fricker, Rosie Waterland, Frank Woodley, Sammy J as well as Paul McDermott and Steven Gates. Buy your tickets here!
In Conversation with Margaret Atwood – Saturday February 22 at QPAC
The iconic author of The Handmaids Tale discusses her life and career live on stage at QPAC on Saturday February 22. This Australian premiere literary event spans the breadth of Margaret’s remarkable career, her diverse range of works and why, in the Booker Award-winning The Testaments, she has returned to her seminal story, 34 years later. This is an unmissable evening of conversation, discussion and Q&A with one of the most vital authors of her generation, as Margaret Atwood shares her signature insight, humour and intellect. Grab your tickets quick before they sell out!
Jonathan Van Ness – Thursday February 20 at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Emmy-nominated television personality, podcaster and hairstylist to the stars, Jonathan Van Ness, is bringing his Road to Beijing world tour to Brisbane in February 2020. The Queer Eye star will bring his fabulous, unstoppable energy to this unforgettable live show, serving up a stand-up set so good you’ll be doubled over with stitches from laughter. It’s all inspired by his ongoing attempt — and lifelong obsession — to become a figure-skating prodigy just in time for the next Olympics in Beijing. Secure tickets early to avoid missing out!
To find out more about what’s on in Brisbane, head to our Event Guide.