World Science Festival Brisbane returns in 2026 with a calendar of curiosity and cosmic wonder
16 November 2025
Mark your calendars and prepare to embark on a celebration of science, storytelling and curiosity as World Science Festival Brisbane launches the first program announcement for 2026 with tickets on sale Sunday!
From Friday 20 March to Sunday 29 March 2026, audiences can immerse themselves in more than 100 events across Queensland Museum Kurilpa, the Queensland Cultural Centre, Fish Lane, and beyond, including a regional tour taking in Ipswich, Toowoomba, Chinchilla, and Townsville.
Where art and science collide, expect everything from mind-expanding talks and interactive experiences to family fun, live performances, hands-on experiments, and unforgettable moments of inspiration.
Leading the 2026 program is renowned theoretical physicist and World Science Festival Co-Founder Professor Brian Greene, returning with a powerful new live experience that brings to life humanity’s journey to understand our cosmic beginnings.
“The story of the universe is the story of us,” said Professor Greene.
“This festival dares to ask the deepest questions: Why are we here? How did it all begin? And can science ever explain it all? Brisbane is where we turn those questions into an unforgettable, living conversation.”
Also returning is Australia’s most beloved science communicator, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, bringing his signature enthusiasm and curiosity to the QPAC stage.
“From the depths of the oceans to the edges of space, science helps us make sense of the universe and have a blast doing it,” Dr Karl said.
“I’m coming back with weird wonders, and answers to questions you didn’t even know you had, and exploding more myths.”
And for fans of humour and intriguing science, award-winning journalists Leigh Sales AM and Annabel Crabb bring their sharp wit and warm curiosity back to QPAC with An Afternoon of Science.
Set your sights beyond the stars with Tracy Drain, celebrated NASA engineer and National Geographic star, who will explore “Cosmic Adventures” a journey through space exploration, planetary science, and the challenges of interstellar travel.
The festival is also set for the Australian Premiere of Bat Night Market in 2026. Direct from Taiwan, and originally commissioned by LIFT and Taipei Performing Arts Centre, Bat Night Market is an Asian night market of the future, where science, creativity and imagination collide.
Queensland Museum CEO Dr Jim Thompson said World Science Festival Brisbane isn’t just about celebrating science, it’s about making it accessible, exciting, and something we all belong to.
“The festival has turned Brisbane, and Queensland, into a playground of ideas. We’ve watched young minds light up with discovery, and whole communities engage with science in ways that are deeply personal, powerful, and fun,” Dr Thompson said.
“We invite everyone to come and be curious, to ask big questions and explore big ideas.”
Minister for Education and the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek said World Science Festival Brisbane is a flagship event on Queensland’s cultural calendar, inviting visitors of all ages to engage with unique arts and science experiences.
“Over the last decade, the World Science Festival Brisbane has fuelled creativity and innovation inspiring countless future scientists, engineers and artists, engaged nearly two million people, and injected more than $55 million into the state’s economy,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Queensland Government investment supports Queensland Museum to present the World Science Festival Brisbane and World Science Festival Queensland, and other exhibitions and programming across its network, championing curiosity, growing the state’s experience economy and building pathways for the next generation of changemakers across Queensland.”
Tickets for these select events are now on sale!
The full program for World Science Festival Brisbane 2026 will be released in January 2026.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the World Science Festival Brisbane website.
Media enquiries
Kylie Hay, PR and Media Manager - 0434 565 852
Christine Robertson, PR and Media Manager - 0417 741 710
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