The Bluewater Festival is back for Easter 2026, lighting up Brisbane’s bayside at Shorncliffe for a fun-filled long weekend of live music, food trucks, markets, rides, fireworks and family entertainment. Don’t miss one of Brisbane Northside’s most beloved community festivals!
Bluewater Festival 2026
The famous Bluewater Festival is back in 2026 to light up the Easter Long Weekend on Brisbane’s bayside! Organised by the Sandgate & Bayside Chamber of Commerce, the Bluewater Festival at Shorncliffe is one not to be missed.
Thursday 2 April | 4-8pm
For those looking for a quieter, less crowded experience, kick off the festival with a relaxing afternoon by the water. Enjoy food trucks, rides and Side Show Alley (brought to you by Cr Jared Cassidy), plus pop-up choir performances.
Friday 3 April | 9:30am-8pm (MAIN DAY!)
The festival is in full swing! Moora Park, Shorncliffe is packed with entertainment including markets, food trucks, rides and Side Show Alley. The official opening and live music kicks off from 11:30am on the Elvy’s Cafe Main Stage, with a visit from the Easter Bunny (brought to you by the Full Moon Hotel). The day culminates with the spectacular Bayfire Full Moon Hotel Fireworks display at 7:30pm.
Saturday 4 April | 12-8pm
Extend the fun with more rides, Side Show Alley and live music continuing into the evening.
Don’t miss the crowd-favourite Mini Train, running from 10:30am-5:30pm on Good Friday. For a gold coin donation, hop on at the corner of Cliff Street and Flinders Parade in Sandgate and ride to Shorncliffe Pier and back.
The festival is held on the scenic foreshore at Shorncliffe in conjunction with the annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race (Friday).
Getting There
• Street Parking: Available in surrounding areas (5–10 min walk) – limited close access.
• Public Transport: Catch the train to Shorncliffe Station (7–10 min walk).
• Drop-Off Zone: A designated area for taxis and those with limited mobility is located just off Park Parade, near the Shorncliffe Pier car park entry.
Now a staple of the Easter calendar, the Bluewater Festival has grown since its 1997 beginnings under the guidance of Anne Hobbs and her creative team. Set on the picturesque Shorncliffe foreshore, it continues to be a must-visit event each Good Friday, celebrating community spirit, seaside fun, and Brisbane’s iconic sailing traditions.
Plan your visit
When: Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th April 2026.
Where: Shorncliffe Pier & Moora Park, Shorncliffe
Cost: Free entry
More information: here
