Last month, Australia’s largest international art festival dropped its 2025 program, featuring more than 1,000 performances across 23 gloriously jam-packed days. Brisbane Festival will kick off with a serious bang on Saturday, September 6, as Riverfire lights up the skyline with the city’s biggest and most beloved fireworks spectacular.
Sparks will fly from bridges, barges and rooftops, painting the night sky in a kaleidoscopic display of colour and light. In a Queensland first, Riverfire 2025 will feature pyrotechnic drones illuminating the sky in 600 thrilling formations. Here’s everything you need to know about Riverfire 2025, including the best viewing spots and pre-show entertainment.
What is Riverfire Brisbane?
A highlight on Queensland’s cultural calendar since 1998, Riverfire has grown to become one of Australia’s largest public events, attracting more than 500,000 people each year. Crowds flock to Brisbane’s riverbanks, parks, bridges and rooftops to watch the explosive spectacle, with fireworks shooting from 17 firing locations, including two bridges, five barges and seven city rooftops.
Riverfire 2025 is set to dazzle with more fireworks than ever before and a powerful synchronised soundtrack curated by acclaimed composer and sound designer Guy Webster, broadcast live on Triple M. For the first time in Queensland, this year’s fireworks display will also feature a never-before-seen drone concept, with three specially-made pyrotechnic drones firing nearly 600 laser effects in various thrilling formations.
When is Riverfire 2025?
Brisbane Festival will kick off with a bang, with the launch of Riverfire on Saturday, September 6. The festivities will run through to September 27, featuring a smorgasbord of 1,000-plus performances, including 500 free events and 21 world premieres.
What time is Riverfire 2025?
The fireworks display officially starts at 7pm local time, but the fun begins earlier with live entertainment from 4pm. This includes loud and legendary aerial displays from Australian Defence Force aircraft. The pre-show entertainment will also feature a powerful dance and song performance by First Nations artists, Tribal Experiences.
Where to watch Riverfire?
If you want to be right in the heart of the action, South Bank Parklands is the place to be. Gates to the free, fenced zone at South Bank open at 9am on September 6.
Other popular viewing spots for Riverfire 2025 include:
- Mt Coot-tha Lookout – for one of Brisbane’s highest vantage points
- Kangaroo Point Cliffs – for a panoramic experience over the Brisbane River
- The Star precinct – for close-up viewing from a multi-level venue
- The Terrace at Emporium Hotel South Bank – for front-row views in the city
- City Botanic Gardens – for a pretty riverside setting
- Victoria Park/Barrambin – a family-friendly spot for a picnic
- Howard Smith Wharves – for a range of ticketed drinking and dining experiences, complete with roving entertainment and DJs, including Fiume Rooftop Bar, Felons Barrel Hall and Babylon Rooftop
Is Riverfire on TV?
Prefer to watch from the comfort of your couch? You can watch the fireworks display live on Channel Nine. If you’re enjoying the show from a distant lookout, tune in to Triple M to enjoy the synchronised soundtrack.
How much does Riverfire cost?
Riverfire is a free event, but many of Brisbane’s top hotels, bars and restaurants will offer ticketed experiences. You can find out more about Riverfire 2025 here.