Lunar Soul Parties and Feline Classics: What's On in Brisbane Today

Cultural Vibrancy and Blockbuster Shows

Brisbane is alive with cultural energy this Tuesday, 17 February 2026, as the city continues its month-long celebration of the BrisAsia Festival alongside a series of high-profile theatrical and artistic residencies. From the West End to the South Bank, today offers a mix of soulful music, grand theater, and immersive art that showcases the city's diverse creative landscape.

BrisAsia Festival Highlights

The centerpiece of today’s community calendar is the Lunar Soul Party at the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End. Kicking off at 6:00 pm, this event is a flagship of the BrisAsia Festival, blending the energy of the Lunar New Year with a deep, soulful soundscape. Curated by Neo Soul DJ Saie, the night features performances from local hip-hop artist Chong Ali and the ethereal vocals of Chinese opera singer Zi Wang. It is an 18+ event that promises a seamless fusion of musical traditions and bold, modern flavors.

For those taking an evening stroll, look toward the river where the Victoria Bridge will be illuminated in vibrant shades of red, pink, and blue. This city-wide light-up is part of the festival's effort to mark the Year of the Horse, symbolizing a period of momentum and confidence.

Theatrical Masterpieces at QPAC

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) remains the heart of Brisbane's theater scene today with two major productions. At the Lyric Theatre, audiences can catch the 40th-anniversary Australian tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS. Featuring an all-star cast including Todd McKenney, this legendary musical brings the Jellicle Ball to life with spectacular choreography and the timeless hit "Memory."

Meanwhile, at the Playhouse, Queensland Theatre and Shake & Stir Theatre Co present their stunning adaptation of The Great Gatsby. This production transports viewers into a glittering, gin-soaked world of 1920s jazz and tragedy, perfectly capturing the shimmer and eventual shatter of Jay Gatsby's American Dream.

Public Exhibitions and Museums

If you are looking for daytime activities, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is currently hosting the landmark exhibition Olafur Eliasson: Presence. This multi-sensory journey involves more than 20 interactive artworks, including the massive "Riverbed" installation, which brings a rocky Icelandic landscape directly into the gallery space.

At the Museum of Brisbane, visitors can explore Sacred Circles, a residency project by artist Sara Nejad. The exhibition features intricate mandalas inspired by the city’s architecture and the personal stories of its residents. For history buffs, the MacArthur Museum is also open today, showcasing a new physical and digital exhibit detailing the experiences of Australian Prisoners of War in the Pacific during World War II.