The Queensland Government is delivering a sporting extravaganza next year the likes of which the state has never seen before, with fans set to celebrate Queensland Day in 2026 with a mega day of sporting action on Saturday 6 June.

Premier David Crisafulli has revealed our sporting codes would be the heartbeat of next year’s celebrations, with fixtures to unite Queenslanders and highlight our passion for competition and camaraderie.

Local rivalries will heat up with four blockbusters across three codes in eight hours on the Gold Coast, Townsville and Brisbane.

Following the release of 2026 seasons schedules, the Queensland Government has worked in partnership with the major codes to deliver the epic clashes for the Sunshine State, including:

• AFL: Gold Coast Suns v Brisbane Lions, People First Stadium, 5.15pm
• NRL: North Qld Cowboys v Dolphins, Country Bank Stadium, 5.30pm
• Super Netball: Qld Firebirds v Sunshine Coast Lightning, Nissan Arena, 7pm
• NRL: Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans, Suncorp Stadium, 7:30pm.

Kicking off with an AFL Q-Clash between the Gold Coast Suns and Premiers Brisbane Lions, Queensland Day will have something for everyone with the quartet of epic clashes.

The NRL provides a double delight with the North Queensland Cowboys hosting the Dolphins and the title-winning Brisbane Broncos taking on the Gold Coast Titans at a packed Suncorp Stadium.

The night will also feature a Super Netball local derby between rivals the Queensland Firebirds and the Sunshine Coast Lightning.

The sporting extravaganza will be the centrepiece of Queensland Day celebrations with more special events to be revealed in the lead up to the big day.

Premier Crisafulli said the sporting extravaganza would delight Queenslanders on Queensland Day like never before.

“We are focused on making Queensland Day something our state can be proud of, and I’m delighted our major sporting codes have answered our call to focus our local teams playing in our state,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“We are a sporting-mad state and what better way to celebrate all that is great about Queensland than a day cheering on our favourite teams.”

Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell the sporting event will draw thousands of visitors to the state.

“Queensland Day is the perfect day for an event extravaganza – and there’s no better way to celebrate being a Queenslander than with an unparalleled sporting derby involving local teams,” Minister Powell said.

“We know Queenslanders will be out in force to support their teams, and the spectacle is sure to attract thousands of visitors as well.

“That’s so important for the thousands of mum and dad businesses that rely on our visitor economy and the Queensland Government is determined to ensure they have the support they need to succeed.”

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Queensland Government was proud to have worked with Australian sporting bodies to bring these Queensland Day blockbusters to life.

“Nothing brings Queenslanders together like sport, and there’s no better way to celebrate Queensland Day than Queensland derbies on home soil,” Minister Mander said.

“Queensland Day is all about celebrating who we are and as Australia’s sporting powerhouse, we’re showcasing the best of Queensland talent, Queensland venues and Queensland passion all in one night.”

ARLC Chair Peter V’landys said they would continue working with Government partners to take advantage of unique opportunities.

“We work with our Government partners to take advantage of unique opportunities and optimise the draw for fans.

“Derbies are really special to fans and clubs, and to be able to schedule the four Queensland clubs on a special day for Queensland made perfect sense to us.

“The Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is also hard to say no to especially when he stands up for Queensland.”

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the Q Clash on Queensland Day would be an historic occasion.

“The Q Clash is fast becoming one of the most electric match ups on the AFL calendar, and to have the reigning Premiers Brisbane and the emerging Gold Coast Suns clash on Queensland day is a huge event for all footy fans in the state, and we look forward to seeing a packed out People First Stadium on June 6.”

Netball Australia CEO Stacey West said the clash on Queensland Day will deliver for fans.

“Netball has a deep and loyal footprint in Queensland, and the Firebirds versus Lightning derby continues to prove it,” said Netball Australia CEO Stacey West.

“Suncorp Super Netball consistently draws engaged crowds and showcases the quality of the world’s best netball league. Having a match of this intensity on the Queensland Day weekend is a great reminder of the passion Queenslanders have for netball.

“We are excited to showcase the rivalry between the Firebirds and Lightning that never fails to deliver, with the kind of intensity that only these two powerhouse teams can produce.”

There will also be a continuation of key programs like All the Best and Local Legends, with plenty more to come to honour and celebrate our great State.