QPAC

Friday, 30 October with BEMAC.

OFRENDA 2026 is the Día de Muertos celebration presented by Cempoaxochitl Arts Collective and BEMAC, in collaboration with the Meanjin Mexican Community. 

OFRENDA 2026, themed ‘Amor y Memori’ (Love and Memory), celebrates Mexican arts and culture through visual art, storytelling, music, performance, workshops and traditional cuisine, gathered around a community ofrenda at the center of the festivities. The event honours the tradition of remembering and welcoming home loved ones who have departed, and offers Brisbane’s Mexican diaspora a place to connect around this tradition, while inviting the wider community into it as a living, contemporary cultural celebration. 

The event runs from 30 October to 3 November across three sites: an exhibition at Merivale Studios running across the week, a program of music, dance and workshops at Fish Lane from Friday through Sunday, and an Opening Night at Melbourne Street Green on Friday 30 October, which kicks off the full weekend program across the other sites. 

Friday, 16 October with Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

The Kleinschmidt Clear Quintet is a dynamic jazz ensemble based in Brisbane. All currently studying at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, the group is inspired by jazz greats such as Freddie Hubbard and John Coltrane. Fresh from their debut appearance at the Brisbane Jazz Club, these young musicians provide a fresh take on jazz, while maintaining a strong admiration for tradition.

Joining them is Etienne Steven, a Brisbane-based independent artist, vocalist, and songwriter whose work moves fluidly between jazz and contemporary music. A breakout star of The Voice Australia in 2023, Etienne is graduating with a Bachelor of Music specializing in Jazz Voice from the prestigious Queensland Conservatorium. Etienne is anchored in jazz, yet shaped by a broad contemporary palette. Her sound centers on a sweet, expressive, and profoundly versatile voice. 

Friday, 9 October with QMusic.

Hailing from Brisbane’s southside, five-piece indie alt rock outfit Dallow have quickly made noise across the city with a sound best described as indie rock with the rhythm section of a funk band. This quintet of multicultural misfits with big hearts and bigger ambitions lean into individuality, friendship, and honest expression. Drawing influence from some of Australia’s best indietronica outfits, their high energy sets across some of the city’s most iconic venues have built them a loyal following and a vibrant, playful crowd that feels like part of the band’s world. Dallow are proving they’re well beyond their humble high school band room beginnings, with only more to come.

Friday, 25 September with Vulcana.

Collective Circus is one of two companies in residence at Vulcana Arts Hub. They are a group of emerging artists based in Magandjin, Brisbane. They aim to create opportunities for young artists and strive to provide a space where artists can learn, collaborate and push creative boundaries as they take the next step in their circus journey.

Collective Circus, Photo by Cecilia Martin of Circus Obscura 2026.

Friday, 18 September with IndleArts.

Richard Brider is a 25-year-old Brisbane (Meanjin) based pianist specialising in jazz, known for having a melodic touch to his playing, along with a rhythmical flair and playful approach to the piano. A visually impaired artist, Richard just completed his Bachelor of Music degree at the esteemed Jazz Music Institute here in Brisbane. His sound primarily draws upon classical roots, alongside swinging jazz traditions, bossa nova and Afro-Cuban grooves. Richard and his trio will be performing a mixture of American Songbook standards as well as some Latin and bossa nova tunes.

Friday, 18 September with IndleArts.

Feel the beat, connect with the rhythm, and experience the energy of live drumming with a Drum Circle & Jammalong led by Ky Lovell Music, a neurodiverse musician whose passion for music is out of this world! 

Ky’s infectious energy and love for music make every session engaging, dynamic, and inclusive. Whether you're a seasoned musician or have never played an instrument before, everyone is welcome! 

Friday, 18 September with IndleArts.

Ivan & Ian combine the talents of multi-talented singer, songwriter and harmonica player Ivan Collins with award-winning guitarist Ian Bennett. For more than 20 years, this Brisbane-based duo has captivated audiences with inspiring performances that bring Ivan’s personal sung-stories to life through raw emotion, memorable music and the occasional well-timed humour. 

Ivan’s creativity extends far beyond the microphone. A writer, songwriter, producer, director, artist and publisher, his remarkable body of work reflects his country upbringing in Nanango and a life rich in experience. His works include “Yard Grass: An Australian Rural Musical” and “Crack Sniper:The Musical”, both held in the Australian National Library, along with hundreds of original songs capturing the heart, humour and spirit of Australian life. 

Together, Ivan & Ian create an unforgettable blend of storytelling, musicianship and genuine Australian character. 

Friday, 11 September with BEMAC.

Raíssa is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, instrumentalist and producer. Rooted in the rhythms of Brazil and inspired by jazz, MPB and contemporary music, she crafts a sound that refuses to fit into a single genre.

Based in Byron Bay, Australia, she performs in Portuguese and English, bringing authenticity, groove and emotion to every stage.

Now performing simply as Raíssa, she is producing the songs she has been writing for years.

Friday, 4 September with Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

Jamie Lamont is a 21-year-old soul-pop artist carving her lane in Australia’s music scene. Known for her powerhouse vocals, infectious grooves and vibrant storytelling, Jamie creates music that feels both bold and deeply personal.

Inspired by icons like Chaka Khan and Joss Stone, as well as more contemporary artists like RAYE and Olivia Dean, Jamie is drawn to music that feels larger than life. Her songs showcase rich, sultry vocals and honest storytelling that explores themes of self-discovery, growth and learning to embrace your truest most authentic self.