Brisbane's cultural world is as exciting as the lush landscape. Take your pick from intriguing international shows, heart-pounding sport and spectacular open-air festivals.

Bound into QPAC from 30 May and be blown away by Moscow's Bolshoi Ballet. Almost two decades since the world-renowned company performed in Australia, Bolshoi is back for a 12-show season exclusively in Brisbane.

Unleash your team colours this June as football fever roars into Brisbane. There will be plenty of action on and off the field as theBritish & Irish Lions arrive on our home soil to kick off one of Australia's biggest months of football.

Glam up and gallop into Brisbane from 11 May and revel in the excitement and style of the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival, Queensland's biggest racing carnival.

Almost twenty years since the award-winning Australian smash hit first wowed audiences around the world, Hot Shoe Shufflereturns to Brisbane from 3 May.

Anywhere Theatre Festival takes theatre anywhere but actual theatres for ten exciting days in May – dance in shop windows, drama in karaoke bars, opera in science centres, plays in bowling clubs, abandoned sheds and 120 year old houses.

Direct from its world premiere hit season on Broadway, Spiegelworld: Empire will wow audiences from 24 May with somersaulting, slapsticking and stripteasing.

Exploring over 200 years of British patchwork and quilt-making, Quilts 1700-1935 features the extraordinary textiles from the world's greatest museum of art and design, London's Victoria & Albert Museum. Visit Queensland Art Gallery from 15 June.

Brisbane now has its own version of the world's biggest run. The inaugural 14km City2South, sister event to Sydney's City2Surf, will see elite runners, joggers, pram-pushers and walkers hit the pavement on 16 June.

With seven straight years of State of Origin victory, Queenslanders will be going for glory as Brisbane hosts the second, and often deciding match, of the series on 26 June at Suncorp Stadium

Don't miss War Horse, one of the world's most celebrated productions. From 6 July, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre will bring breathing, galloping full-scale horses to life on stage.

From 12 July, the Queensland Music Festival promises a jam packed program and two unforgettable nights of Australian music history. Join James Morrison in the World's Biggest Orchestra or listen to country's stars at Brisbane's iconic River Stage.

On 4 August, the internationally recognised Brisbane Marathon will celebrate its 21st year with competitors racing through the streets of our beautiful capital.

The Royal Queensland Show holds a special place as Queensland's largest and most anticipated annual event. Better known as the Ekka, this year's show will return on 8 August with more fairy floss, thrill rides, showbags and animals.

For more information, visit www.visitbrisbane.com.au

Media enquires: Dan Anderson
T: (07)3006 6203 | E:danderson@brisbanemarketing.com.au