From the mysteries of the cosmos to the hidden worlds within our own bodies, World Science Festival Brisbane 2026 invites audiences to wonder, question and explore, with tickets now on sale for the 2026 program.
Running from Friday 20 March to Sunday 29 March 2026, the festival delivers a vibrant program of more than 100 events, celebrating the powerful meeting point of science, art, technology, and storytelling.
Across ten days, Brisbane will become a living laboratory of ideas where space missions meet music, forensics becomes performance, and curiosity takes centre stage.
Audiences will journey from other worlds to our natural one, from digital detoxes in nature to conversations about the brain and the future of humanity.
The festival continues to offer a wide range of free, family-friendly events, including hands-on science activities for curious minds of all ages, outdoor installations and pop-up experiences across Brisbane and interactive talks and demonstrations designed for families and young explorers.
World Science Festival Brisbane events will be hosted at Queensland Museum Kurilpa, QPAC, QAGOMA, State Library Queensland, Fish Lane, Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Sir Thomas Planetarium.
Dr Karl at World Science Festival 2026
Family-focused highlights at World Science Festival 2026
World Science Festival Brisbane 2026 features an outstanding line-up of international and Australian talent, including:
- Aerospace engineer and National Geographic Explorer Tracy Drain along with some special guests sharing first-hand insights from NASA’s Mars missions in Blast Off: Exploring Other Worlds!
- Australian of the Year and Australia’s first astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, reflecting on space, ambition, and discovery in Ask an Astronaut?
- Australia’s favourite science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki delivering his trademark mix of humour and insight in Dr Karl: Live!
- Free fun with The Microverse – a rolling interactive program full of exploration and discovery.
- Playful and thrilling, Moss Piglet is an epic new work about how even the tiniest of things can be the strongest.
- Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive headfirst into the wonderful world of water! Join Urban Utilities’ science experts, as they take you on an exciting adventure through Southeast Queensland’s amazing urban water cycle.
The festival will also present the Australian premiere of Bat Night Market in 2026 a spectacular experience direct from Taiwan, commissioned by LIFT and Taipei Performing Arts Centre. This futuristic night market blends science, creativity and imagination into a sensory celebration of culture and innovation.
Queensland Museum CEO Renai Grace said World Science Festival Brisbane reflects the Museum’s role as a place where curiosity is sparked and knowledge is shared.
“Queensland Museum is proud to present a science festival that invites people to look closer at the world around them and further into the universe beyond,” Ms Grace said.
“This program highlights Queensland’s position as a global leader in science and innovation. By bringing together world-renowned thinkers, local researchers, and diverse communities, the festival creates a unique platform to spark conversations, inspire curiosity, and explore the groundbreaking ideas that will shape our future.”
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said World Science Festival Brisbane offers an exciting program of arts, culture and science that invites curiosity and learning in visitors of all ages.
“The Queensland Government is proud to support the World Science Festival to provide inspiring cultural experiences for Queenslanders and visitors, with a range of free and low-cost activities designed to fascinate and inspire,” Minister Langbroek said.
“The festival is the largest celebration of scientific discovery in Australia and reinforces Queensland’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination in the lead up to the global stage of Brisbane 2032.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.worldsciencefestival.com.au
Related Reads
How to get kids enthusiastic about science (without the stress!)
Queensland private schools unite to drive STEM innovation
