The dates of the Brisbane Fashion Festival for 2026 have just been released, returning to King George Square to mark 21 years of operation.
From Monday, August 24 to Friday, August 28, the centre of Brisbane CBD will play host to a series of runways and events featuring Queensland and national designers.
Timed strategically ahead of the peak retail season, Brisbane Fashion Festival is the first runway event in Australia to unveil Spring/Summer collections each year.
Festival director Lindsay Bennett said the 21-year milestone in 2026 represents a shift in national perception.
“Turning 21 is symbolic, Brisbane Fashion Festival has matured into a platform that launches collections, shapes retail momentum both locally and nationally and reflects the direction of Australian fashion right here in Brisbane,” Bennett said.
“Designers are increasingly using Brisbane as the first runway moment of the season. It’s where the conversation begins, especially for the next gen fashion talent of Brisbane and Australia.”
A key focus for the Festival this year is continuing its focus on championing First Nations talent and emerging designers.
Through its partnership with BlakList, the Festival continues to provide a dedicated pathway program supporting First Nations models from across Queensland, offering mentorship, casting experience and professional development.
At the same time, its NextGen designer program supports top graduating students selected by leading fashion colleges to deliver real industry exposure.
The Brisbane Economic Development Agency also returns as principal partner, alongside a raft of other sponsors.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Festival highlighted Brisbane’s growing creative and cultural influence and showcased the entrepreneurial drive of the city’s local fashion industry.
“Brisbane is already Australia’s lifestyle capital and is fast becoming a true creative powerhouse,” Schrinner said.
“For more than 20 years, Brisbane Fashion Festival has shone a spotlight on the incredible talent and innovation of both local and international designers, while bringing more to see and do for residents and visitors right in the heart of our city.”
Lady Mayoress and Brisbane Fashion Festival ambassador Nina Schrinner said she is proud to support the iconic event.
“Our beautiful climate, outdoor lifestyle and vibrant creative community all influence the way we dress and design here in Brisbane,” Schrinner said.
“This Festival is a wonderful celebration of our talented local designers, while also placing Brisbane firmly in the national fashion conversation with a perspective that feels fresh, relaxed and globally relevant.
“It really captures the energy of a city coming into its own style identity - confident, contemporary and distinctly Australian.”
Applications for designers to be showcased in this year’s Brisbane Fashion Festival are now open.
The full 2026 program, including participating designers and retailers, will be released on Friday, May 29. Tickets go on sale through Ticketek from Monday, June 1.