The most jaw-dropping, breathtaking, heart-stopping fireworks display is back for another year! Kicking off Brisbane Festival on Saturday, September 6, Riverfire will set the city skyline ablaze with its dazzling pyrotechnics. This year, it will be bigger and brighter than ever, with heavy payload specialised drones used for the first time ever in Queensland launching nearly 600 effects, in a thrilling concept created by Australian Retirement Trust specifically for Riverfire.
Before the main event, Brisbane’s skies will roar to life with sublime aerial displays from Australian Defence Force (ADF) aircrafts, making heads turn skyward and setting the tone for the rest of the unforgettable evening. The pre-show will also feature a performance by First Nations artists, Tribal Experiences, incorporating traditional dance and song.
The epic fireworks display will be synchronised to a dynamic soundtrack curated by acclaimed composer and sound designer Guy Webster, broadcast live on Triple M. Inspired by the vibrant colour and playful energy of ANZ’s Walk This Way by Craig & Karl, the soundtrack promises to be as bold and joyful as the city it celebrates.
A highlight for Brisbanites ever since 1998, Riverfire has grown into one of the largest events in the country, attracting over half a million people every year to our beautiful city’s outdoor areas to witness the night-time spectacle. Over 1,500 hours wen into preparing this year’s display, which includes 17 firing locations, such as barges, rooftops, bridges and even drones.
Although the event itself is, of course, free entry, The Landing, Queen’s Wharf will have a strictly limited number of tickets available for purchase starting today, featuring uninterrupted views of the show, reserved seating and a licensed bar, for $45 per person.
However, there are plenty of other options — both ticketed and unrestricted — for places to witness the colourful magic from! Stunning rooftops such as Lina Rooftop or Fiume offer premium experiences that include food stations, bars, roving canapés and live entertainment.
But if you’re looking to simply enjoy the view, there are several free spots around the city where you can bask in the glow of fireworks without having to reach into your pocket. Starting with The Star Precinct, from The Star itself to the surrounding parks, this is a classic area to watch from. South Bank may be the most obvious choice — and, as such, the most crowded — but there’s no denying that’s where the heart of the action is. Howard Smith Wharves is a similarly popular location, but if you want dinner and a show, it’s tough to beat!
A bit of elevation can make the display seem even more awe-inspiring, which makes Kangaroo Point Cliffs an excellent spot or, if you want even more elevation, head up to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout for unbelievable views. The City Botanic Gardens will already be lighting up for Afterglow, so why not keep the theme going and watching Riverfire from there? For a more intimate experience, Captain Burke Park and the Wilson Outlook Reserve are a bit more off the beaten path, but still amazing vantage points.
Wherever you choose to watch, one thing is for certain: this year’s Riverfire is not to be missed, not just because of the astonishing beauty of the show — although that’s definitely part of it — but also because it marks the beginning of three weeks of extraordinary arts and cultural programming from September 5 to September 27!