Short+Sweet Festival – July 14–16, 21–23
The popular short theatre and cabaret showcase Short + Sweet is a highlight on Brisbane’s arts calendar as it offers some of the best up-and-coming talent in the realm of stage performance. 30 new works by local artists will be staged over two weekends, showing off miniature theatre and cabaret shows – offering bites of burlesque, comedy and contemporary work, with the finalists decided by the audience! Short + Sweet offers the chance to see upwards of ten plays or six cabaret shows all at once – talk about value for money!

Youth Cultural Day – Tuesday July 19
Youth Cultural Day is dedicated to telling the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to high school students, with the aim of boosting their understanding and appreciation of the history of the First Nation people. Garret Lyons and Kaylah Tyson will be hosting the festivities, which include talks, performances and tales from Chris Tamwoy (Australia’s Got Talent), The Verandah Chix, ACPA (Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts), Digi Youth Arts, Bush Tucker Expert – Dale Chapman, the Oodgeroo Unit (QUT) and many more.

Black Stories – Monday July 25
As part of Black History Month, which celebrates the culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Black Stories will bring together prominent voices in Australian theatre to offer reflections and thoughts on the importance of Indigenous representation in the arts community. Wesley Enoch, Katie Beckett and Nakkiah Lui will be at the Brisbane Powerhouse to discuss the merits of the Balnaves Foundation Indigenous Playwright’s Award and it’s importance to increasing the volume of Indigenous performers.

Soi Cowboy – July 28–30
Ever been soul searching inside of a Bangkok karaoke bar? If you haven’t, don’t worry – Soi Cowboy will give you a glimpse into what happens to adventurous travellers on gap years. Soi Cowboy is a comedic and musical theatre show places two characters outside of their comfort zone, following them on their travels as they explore their role as tourists in a developing country and examine their lives from a different point of view.

Baby et Lulu – Thursday July 28
Abby Dobson and Lara Goodridge are touring Australia once again with a swag of French-language songs made famous by the likes of Edith Piaf, Brigitte Bardot and Francoise Hardy, as well as a few of their own compositions from their second record, Album Deux. These two ladies were last here for the 2015 Queensland Cabaret Festival and were a program highlight – be sure to grab a ticket or two if you are a bonafide Francophile.