Brisbane’s absolute favourite night of family magic is gearing up to take over the city skyline once again. On Saturday, 5 September 2026, Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust officially returns to kick off three non-stop weeks of the Brisbane Festival, promising a bigger, bolder, and even more immersive display for local parents and kids.
Bringing the action closer to South Bank
This year’s event is taking the visual spectacle to a whole new level. For the first time in the event’s history, Brisbane Festival is adding a sixth fireworks barge to the river network.
Positioned directly between the Victoria Bridge and Neville Bonner Bridge, this extra launch site brings the dazzling pyrotechnics even closer to South Bank and the CBD, ensuring little ones get a denser, front-row experience right from the riverbank.
Fireworks light up the bridge in Brisbane at Riverfire. Credit: Supplied by Brisbane Festival
For families rolling out their picnic rugs at the Verso Projects Festival Village at South Bank, you will get an uninterrupted view of the unfolding magic of Riverfire alongside a vibrant, family-friendly festival atmosphere.
“There’s nothing quite like seeing families arrive early to claim a spot along our riverbanks, in our parklands and on rooftops,” said Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. “This year the new sixth barge will bring the spectacle even closer to the heart of the city.”
Aircraft, music, and First Nations culture
You definitely will not want to wait until dark to pack up the pram and head in. The excitement of Riverfire kicks off well before twilight from 4:00 pm, with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) taking to the skies for jaw-dropping aerial flyovers featuring C-17 Globemasters and F/A-18 jets.
The pre-fireworks entertainment also features a moving cultural presentation by First Nations artists Tribal Experiences, welcoming families through song and dance before the night sky lights up.
When the main display begins, world-renowned display specialists Foti Fireworks will unleash a massive show precisely choreographed to a custom soundtrack broadcast live on Triple M, inspired by this year’s festival invitation: SWITCH ON. LIGHT UP. COME ALIVE.
Key event details for families
Planning your night out with little ones in tow? Here is everything you need to know before heading into the city:
- When: Saturday, 5 September 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
- Cost: Completely FREE and non-ticketed.
- Where: Prime vantage points stretch across South Bank, the Brisbane CBD, city parklands, and riverfront precincts.
- Family mascot: Keep an eye out for Artie, the event’s enthusiastic mascot, who has curated a list of prime family viewing spots available to download online.
- Sizing up the show: A team of 30 expert pyrotechnicians will manage the display across six river barges, five city rooftops, and two major bridges.
- Tuning in at home: If you are staying cozy on the couch with tired toddlers, you can catch the exclusive television broadcast on Channel Nine.
Download the vantage point map here.
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