Out of the Box Festival Returns to QPAC in 2025

After a seven-year hiatus, Out of the Box, Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) beloved festival for children eight years and under, is making a triumphant return from 17 to 22 June 2025.

Taking over the entire venue, the festival will deliver a week of immersive, arts-rich experiences designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young audiences.

Since its inception in 1992, Out of the Box has welcomed over a million children through its doors, making it one of Australia’s most cherished festivals for early childhood arts engagement. This year’s theme, HOPE, will be celebrated through a large-scale Tree of Hope art installation, featuring artworks created by children from across Queensland. Regional and remote schools will also be invited to participate, ensuring the festival’s reach extends beyond Brisbane.

The 2025 program boasts a diverse lineup of performances, workshops, and interactive experiences, including three world premieres. In the Concert Hall, Circa’s ‘Wolfgang in the Stars’ will transport audiences into space as a young Mozart seeks inspiration for his first masterpiece, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’. The Playhouse will host Monkey Baa Theatre Company’s new stage adaptation of ‘Where is the Green Sheep?’, bringing Mem Fox and Judy Horacek’s beloved picture book to life through puppetry and animation. Meanwhile, ‘Gurril Storm Bird’, an adaptation of Trevor (Bumi) Fourmile’s prize-winning book, will debut in the Cremorne Theatre, blending traditional storytelling, song, and movement with the voices of jarjum from Hymba Yumba Independent School.

Returning to the Lyric Theatre is the globally acclaimed musical adaptation of ‘The Gruffalo’, while interactive performances will take place across QPAC, including ‘Club Origami’ by Sydney Dance Company and ‘Seven Circles’ in the Tony Gould Gallery, where dance and live music merge with the art of origami.

Beyond the stage, children can explore the ‘Lost Lending Library’, a magical immersive storytelling experience by UK-based Punchdrunk Enrichment, presented in collaboration with Queensland Theatre and Imaginary Theatre. ‘Wonderbox’, a sensory theatre experience by Sensorium Theatre, will provide an inclusive space for young audiences with disabilities.

Hands-on workshops include the Little Chefs cooking experience, Mindful Me wellbeing sessions, and Sing on Country with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander songwoman Jessie Lloyd. Bluey fans can get creative in the Bluey Puppetry Workshop, making sock puppets inspired by the hit TV show. Parents can also participate in daily For Mothers workshops, blending ancestral and creative practices for modern parenting.

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek praised the festival’s return, highlighting its role in inspiring young minds through creative learning. “For 40 years, QPAC has presented vibrant, high-quality programs that contribute to Queensland’s reputation as a leading arts and cultural destination,” he said.

QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy reflected on the festival’s enduring legacy. “It fills our hearts to meet parents bringing their children to the festival that they themselves attended as kindy kids. Out of the Box has always placed children at its centre, ensuring a welcoming and inspiring environment for young audiences,” she said.

The festival will extend across the South Bank Cultural Precinct with Art Box for Kids and Moments of Wonder workshops at QAGOMA, Spirits of the Wild at Queensland Museum, and the State Library of Queensland’s Scavenger Hunt. Free activities include the Let’s Dance! party on the Melbourne Street Green and Jarjum Life Museum by Inala Wangarra in the QPAC Tunnel.

Running during the final week of Term 2, Out of the Box provides opportunities for school excursions, kindergarten groups, and family outings. C&K Childcare & Kindergarten continues its longstanding support as the festival’s Principal Partner.

Tickets are now on sale at qpac.com.au/OOTB or via 136 246.