EXCLUSIVE: Brisbane's The Brightside Outdoors Is Getting A Major Revamp

Brisbane venue The Brightside is revamping its Outdoors space, transforming it into an impressive permanent feature.

Today, the Brightside is introducing The Next Stage – a purpose-built, open-air performance space that’s been designed with input from artists, bookers, promoters, and the Brightside’s crew.

Yes, The Brightside is introducing a brand-new outdoor area to its space. It will transform the venue's car park into the area known as The Brightside Outdoors. The venue is set to implement the changes across two phases, with the first phase scheduled to begin this year.

Phase one will include a brand-new outdoor stage powered by a permanently installed, state-of-the-art concert sound system. It’s being built to reduce production costs, streamline setup, and enable The Next Stage to host more shows more frequently.

Also part of Phase One planning is having a dedicated green room for artists, where they can breathe, rest, and feel relaxed before taking the stage. In addition to the fresh green room, the venue is planning an adaptable VIP, friends, and family private mezzanine that’s linked directly to the backstage area. The mezzanine is designed with flexibility in mind—it can be fully closed off or have some sections left open.

Lastly, the venue will install a new bar, cold storage facilities, and additional storage space.

Phase two is expected to begin in 2026. The venue plans to install a fully retractable roof over Brightside Outdoors, making it an all-weather space that can host shows regardless of the weather, from hail and rain to shine.

Other plans include new toilet facilities, accessible amenities, and a new rooftop bar overlooking the Brightside Outdoors.

Venue owners wrote on their website, “Our goal is simple: to invest in live music, upgrade our space, and evolve The Brightside into a future-ready multi-faceted venue where rising local acts, touring bands, and all-day festivals can come alive in the heart of Fortitude Valley. A completely unique space, loud, live, and under the stars.”

You can head to The Brightside’s website and social media at 5 pm today to find out more about The Next Stage and Brightside Outdoors’ transformation.

The Brightside has proudly operated in the heart of Brisbane for over a decade, and in the last year alone, has hosted over 350 acts on its stages.

Bands and artists who have graced The Brightside’s stages include but aren’t limited to King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, IDLES, The Peep Tempel, Alex Lahey, Holy Holy, Amy Shark, Northlane, and many more.

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