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Quick Answer
Riverfire 2026 is on Saturday 5 September. Australian Defence Force flyovers run from 4:45pm to 5:30pm, and the fireworks start at 7:00pm and burn for about 20 minutes. It is free to watch from any public spot along the Brisbane River, and it is the night that launches Brisbane Festival.
- Date: Saturday 5 September 2026
- Flyovers: 4:45pm to 5:30pm · Fireworks: 7:00pm, about 20 minutes
- Cost: free from public areas along the river
- Best free spots: South Bank Parklands, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Captain Burke Park
- Getting home: public transport is free to and from the event, so leave the car at home
Riverfire 2026 lights up the Brisbane River on Saturday 5 September, opening Brisbane Festival with Defence Force flyovers from 4:45pm and a 20 minute fireworks show from 7:00pm. It is free, it is loud, and you can watch the whole thing from the parklands and cliffs without paying a cent.
For one night, the Brown Snake gets the glow-up it deserves, with fire launching from barges, bridges and city rooftops. Below you will find the full schedule, the vantage points worth turning up early for, where to eat, how to get in and out, and where to crash so you are not fighting 500,000 people for a train home.
Riverfire 2026 Times and Schedule
Riverfire 2026 runs on the evening of Saturday 5 September, with the fireworks at 7:00pm. Here is the run sheet.
- Date: Saturday 5 September 2026
- Entertainment from: 4:00pm
- Defence Force flyovers: 4:45pm to 5:30pm
- Fireworks start: 7:00pm
- Fireworks run for: about 20 minutes
- Cost: free from public areas along the Brisbane River
- What it opens: Brisbane Festival, which runs 4 to 26 September 2026
- New for 2026: a sixth fireworks barge between the Victoria and Neville Bonner bridges, pulling the action closer to South Bank and the CBD
Fireworks Locations and Schedules
The fireworks launch from six barges on the river plus city rooftops and the Story Bridge, so anywhere with a clear river view works. Ready to get ahead of the crowds this Riverfire Brisbane? Get in the know with this list of best fireworks viewing spots and the Brisbane Festival 2026 and Riverfire schedule.
Brisbane Festival Schedule
Brisbane Festival 2026 runs from 4 to 26 September, and Riverfire is the 7pm bang that gets it going on Saturday 5 September. But what happens next?
It just keeps banging.
Cabaret, theatre, music, comedy and more, the 2026 line-up is a true dedication to the cultural roots of the Brisbane Festival. The Choir of Man turns the stage into the best pub in the world, Attenborough’s Ocean in Concert pairs the documentary with a live orchestra, and the Fijian Flying Circus throws acrobatics into the mix.
On a budget? Bright Nights by ANZ is free, and it is a full symphony of water, light and sound.
Zero fizzlers. All fire. Check out the full Brisbane Festival schedule here.
Best Vantage Points
The best free spots are South Bank Parklands, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Captain Burke Park, and you do not need a ticket for any of them. Despite what you might hear, you don’t need to fight the masses to score the best spots for Riverfire Brisbane. Knowing where to go for the ultimate vantage points for the big show isn’t just local knowledge. Sometimes the best spots are the obvious ones.
Check out these vantage points for Riverfire Brisbane 2026 so you can see the fireworks without having to push your way through the crowds.
South Bank Parklands: Front and Centre
South Bank Parklands is the heart of it, home to the Festival Village and right beside the new sixth barge. It is also the first place to fill, and it closes once it hits capacity, so get there by mid-afternoon and claim your patch of grass.
Getting there is easy: South Bank train station, the CityCat to South Bank terminals, or a five minute walk over the Victoria or Neville Bonner bridges from the CBD.
River Terrace and Cliffs at Kangaroo Point: Get Close to the Action
This is the best free view in Brisbane, elevated and unobstructed straight across the river to the CBD skyline. Walk over the Kangaroo Point Bridge from the City Botanic Gardens, or take the ferry to Thornton Street and climb the stairs. Bring something warm, it gets breezy up there after dark.
The stunning Kangaroo Point region of Brisbane is a no-brainer for Riverfire Brisbane. Atop the ancient cliffs, you’ll be able to look directly down onto the river, or across to the fireworks launching from the CBD rooftops.
Down below the cliffs, the Kangaroo Point River Terrace hugs the river all the way around to under the Storey Bridge opposite the Howard Smith Wharves. Here in the riverside parklands, gather the crew for a BBQ or picnic under the fireworks and gaze out at the marvel of Brisbane.
Whether you want a top view or river view, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or River Terrace is unbeatable.
Our hot tip, if you’re wanting to drive in, go early and book a council carpark before time.
Captain Burke Park: Directly Under the Story Bridge
A flat, grassy park tucked under the Story Bridge on the Kangaroo Point side, so the bridge pyrotechnics go off almost directly overhead. It is a local favourite for picnics and it fills fast, but it is still calmer than South Bank.
Take the ferry to Holman Street, or walk five minutes down from the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
Wilsons Lookout Reserve: The Quiet One
A small elevated lookout off Bowen Terrace in New Farm, looking straight down the river bend to the Story Bridge and the city. It is the spot to go if crowds are not your thing, because most people still do not know it is there.
Walk up from New Farm or Merthyr, or take the CityCat to New Farm Park and stroll over. Street parking disappears early, so go on foot.
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane: Riverfront Without the Grass Stains
Brisbane’s newest riverfront precinct sits right where the extra barge is anchored, with the Mangrove Walk and Sky Deck looking straight out over the water. Plenty of bars and restaurants if you want a roof and a cocktail instead of a picnic rug.
Walk down from Queen Street or George Street in the CBD. Book venues well ahead, they sell out for Riverfire.
Wheel of Brisbane: Be the Eye in the Sky
Often overlooked, the Wheel of Brisbane is the place to overlook everyone else. Rising 60 metres above the South Bank crowds, the Wheel of Brisbane puts you in the skies as they light up.
Rainy? Chilly? Windy? No problem for those in an air-conditioned gondola with the best seats in town. The Wheel of Brisbane will make your evening not only unforgettable, but comfortable too.
Secure your spot on the Wheel of Brisbane for Riverfire now.
Streets Beach, Southbank: Cool Off Under the Fireworks
Make a day of Brisbane before a night of wonder at Streets Beach in Southbank. September is known to bring in some warmer days so make the most of the sun before it sets at this riverside beach.
Soak up the sun with the sand and surf in the middle of the city. Then throw out a towel and save your spot for when the show begins after dark. Scoring one of the best seats in town for Riverfire Brisbane isn’t always luck, it’s preparation.
Howard Smith Wharves: Watch from Under the Bridge
Set yourself up for the best night out at the Howard Smith Wharves precinct. Located under the Storey Bridge in the centre of Brisbane, this culture and dining precinct can offer you a table, and a coveted seat, at some of Brisbane’s best restaurants. Walk in along the New Farm Riverwalk or down the stairs from Fortitude Valley, and book early because tables go months out.
Eat, drink, and be merry under the fireworks by the river. It’s no wonder this is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike for the grand opening of the Brisbane Festival.
Where to Stay for Riverfire 2026
Stay in Kangaroo Point or Woolloongabba and you can walk to the best free viewing spots, then walk straight back to bed while everyone else queues for a train.
Rambla @ Story House is the pick for Riverfire. It is in Kangaroo Point, a few minutes’ walk from the Cliffs and Captain Burke Park, so you can wander up, watch the sky go off, and be home before the crowd has finished moving.
Want a skyhigh spot without having to leave home? Rambla @ South/City/SQ and Rambla @ Berwick House both have a rooftop terrace and pool, perfect for kicking back and watching the sky while the crowds rush to the riverside. Cheers to views on the house.
Book your stay at a Rambla Brisbane location now to play where you stay this Riverfire.
History of Brisbane Festival and Riverfire
Although Brisbane Festival only officially emerged in 2009, Brisbane has been celebrating its heritage since 1961. Back then, it was called The Warana Festival and its purpose was ‘entertainment for the people, by the people’. A much loved staple in locals’ lives, The Warana Festival showcased writers, pageanty, art, as well as various sporting, outdoor, and religious activities.
As time moved on, so too did the festival. After the World Expo of 1988, it was time for a festival face-lift. By mid-1990, renewed ambitions required a new approach and Brisbane Festival was born - but not like you know it today. In 1996, the Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government launched the Brisbane Festival to foster the arts as a biennial festival.
It was two years later in 1998 that Brisbane City Council created River Festival as an 10-day annual event. A river-based cultural celebration, it was led through community engagement focusing on art, sport, sustainability, and environmental science. The two standouts of this new festival were the International Riversymposium with an environmental awareness focus, and Riverfire.
Finally in 2009, the two Brisbane festivals combined to create a large annual festival for the arts. The youngest major annual Australian arts festival, Brisbane Festival holds its own on the world stage and is ignited yearly by the famous Riverfire fireworks display.
Travel and Transport Tips
Public transport is free to and from Riverfire, so leave the car at home and get in by mid-afternoon. You want your Riverfire Brisbane experience to be enjoyable from start to finish. The best way to ensure that happens, is to plan. Here are our top tips for making the most Riverfire travel and transport.
Get in Early
If you are planning on venturing into the city for the show, the best thing you can do is to get in early. Beating the crowds may seem like the obvious choice, but we know sometimes time slips away from us in the fun that’s had before the fireworks.
Keep yourself accountable by booking an early table at your favourite restaurant, setting an early meeting point for your group, or just making a day of it in the city. If you want the flyovers, be in position by 4:30pm.
That way, no matter if you’re driving, bicycling, walking, or using public transport you’ve put yourself on the right path to a great night out.
Know Your Way Out
You’ve had an incredible night filled with fun and frivolity, now for the hard part… getting home. In Brisbane, public transport is your best friend. The Brisbane City Council goes above and beyond to help get you home without a hiccup.
Yes, you heard that right. If you’ve ever needed a better reason to catch public transport know that you don’t have to pay a dime if you’re heading into Riverfire Brisbane.
For more information about Riverfire public transport, visit the TransLink website or call 13 12 30 closer to the event.
Stay Close to the Scene
Want to skip the crowds and head straight to bed? A Rambla location is ready and waiting for you.
Stay close to the action at a Rambla Brisbane location. Rambla @ Story House puts you in Kangaroo Point within walking distance of the Cliffs, Rambla @ South/City/SQ is just a half an hour walk from Kangaroo Point, and Rambla @ Perry House is a short CityCat and walk away from the CBD.
Snuggle up into bed sooner than you think and wake up refreshed for the Brisbane Festival the next day. Stay at a Brisbane Rambla location this Riverfire festival.
Where to Eat During Riverfire
Book a riverside table well ahead, because the good ones near the water are gone weeks out. You can’t enjoy Riverfire 2026 on an empty stomach. While there’s more than enough food to go around, these venues are serving up food close to the action so you don’t have to miss a single firework.
Soleil Pool Bar: Swim Above Southbank
If you want the relaxing Southbank beach vibes without the crowds, head up to Soleil Pool Bar. Sip their signature cocktail range as you float above Southbank, with the pool deck looking out over the parklands and the river beyond. It's one of the few spots in South Bank where you can get above the crowd without booking a restaurant table.
Greca: A Front-Row Firework Feast
At the Howard Smith Wharves, Greca is putting on a show for the fireworks. Their jaw-dropping Greek menu has waterfront tables waiting for you this Riverfire. With options to book your table for two-hours or for the whole night, Greca is giving the people the front-row feast they deserve.
Choose your package and table inside, outside, or on the mezzanine now for Riverfire Brisbane 2026.
Lina Rooftop: Sky-High Vibes
180-degrees of luxury rooftop bar and dining, Lina Rooftop is upping the ante this Riverfire. This year, Lina Rooftop is offering an all-inclusive three-hour premium drinks and food package at their exclusive Fortitude Valley venue. Dine on duck, porcini, beef tartare and more while the streets get rowdy below.
It’s time to party the night away with roving canapés, drinks, live entertainment, and DJs for Riverfire 2026. Space is limited so book in with Lina now.
Bonus Riverfire Tips
Traffic Changes: Keep an Eye on the Roads
While the majority of the firework action is on the river, some thoroughfares will be closed during Riverfire Brisbane. Based on past years, the main road closures will affect Brisbane City, Kangaroo Point, South Brisbane, and Fortitude Valley.
The best way to avoid getting stuck in a dead-end is to walk or trust the professionals and opt for public transport. If you choose to drive, check out the Brisbane City Council’s full list of Riverfire Brisbane 2026 road closures closer to the event.
Bathroom Breaks: Know Where to ‘Go’
Busting for a toilet break? Optimise your time away from the show by knowing where to go. Believe it or not, the Government has you covered with this map of public toilets across the city.
By forward-planning and knowing your break points, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is whether or not there’s paper handy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Riverfire 2026
TLDR? Here’s some rapid fire FAQ’s for the fast-paced Riverfire reader.
What date is Riverfire 2026?
Riverfire 2026 is on Saturday 5 September 2026. It is the opening night of Brisbane Festival, which runs until 26 September.
What time does Riverfire start?
The fireworks start at 7:00pm. Entertainment along the river kicks off from 4:00pm and the Defence Force flyovers run 4:45pm to 5:30pm, so get in early if you want the full show.
What time are the jets for Riverfire?
The Australian Defence Force flyovers run from 4:45pm to 5:30pm. Be in position by 4:30pm, because they come in fast and they do not circle back for stragglers.
Where is the best spot to watch Riverfire?
Kangaroo Point Cliffs is the best free spot, with an elevated view straight across to the CBD. South Bank Parklands puts you closest to the action but closes once it hits capacity, and Captain Burke Park or Wilsons Lookout Reserve are the quieter picks.
How long does Riverfire go for?
The fireworks run for about 20 minutes from 7:00pm. The wider event runs all afternoon and evening, from entertainment at 4:00pm through the flyovers and on to the finale.
Where should you stay in Brisbane for Riverfire?
Stay in Kangaroo Point or Woolloongabba so you can walk to the river and walk home again. Rambla @ Story House is minutes from the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, while Rambla @ South/City/SQ and Rambla @ Berwick House both have rooftop terraces and pools if you would rather watch from above the crowd.
Further Reading: Have more than one night to stay and enjoy Brisbane? Discover the city’s epic nightlife here. Or see what else is on in Brisbane this year.
