Bluewater Festival
The beloved Bluewater Festival is set to return in 2025, bigger and better than ever, to light up the Easter Long Weekend on Brisbane’s bayside.
Proudly presented by the Sandgate & Bayside Chamber of Commerce and held at the stunning Shorncliffe Pier and Moora Park, the Bluewater Festival promises a vibrant mix of seaside charm, family-friendly fun, and spectacular entertainment.
Thursday 17th April, 4pm–8pm
The festival kicks off with a relaxed twilight celebration by the water. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, live music, face painting, rides, and the return of the RE/MAX Sandgate Giant Ferris Wheel. It’s the perfect way to ease into the long weekend with the bayside breeze and a festive atmosphere.
Friday 18th April (Good Friday), 9:30am–8pm
This is the main event! Moora Park comes alive with bustling markets, even more food trucks, and non-stop entertainment on the Elvy’s Café Main Stage from 11:30am. There’s a full day of rides, kids’ workshops, and classic side show alley fun, all set against the backdrop of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, offering spectacular views of the race’s dramatic start and the thrilling fire-cannon launch of the Multihull Yachts from Shorncliffe Pier.
As the sun sets, the festival reaches its peak with a beach party atmosphere and the Bayfire Full Moon Hotel Fireworks Display lighting up the foreshore at 7:30pm.
Live Music Line-Up – Friday 18th April
11:40am – Jot Garrott
12:45pm – Aussie Aussie Aussie
2:00pm – Wards Express
3:15pm – MissRiot
4:30pm – Abba Girls Tribute Show
5:35pm – Sirocco – The Australian Crawl & James Reyne Tribute Show
6:40pm – Rumours – The Australian Fleetwood Mac Experience
More Festival Fun Over the Weekend
The Bluewater Festival fun continues into the Easter weekend:
• Saturday 19th April, 9:30am–5pm – Rides and side show alley (note: no markets or food trucks)
• Sunday 20th & Monday 21st April, 9:30am–5pm – RE/MAX Sandgate Giant Ferris Wheel operating only
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).
• Mini Train: The crowd-favourite trackless train runs Friday from 10am–5pm, thanks to Pete Vance Music. Gold coin donation. Catch it from the corner of Cliff Street and Flinders Parade (Lovers Walk) to the Pier.
• 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.
Bluewater Festival
When: Thursday 17th April – Monday 21st April.
Where: Moora Park, Shorncliffe
Cost: Free entry
More information: Bluewater Festival
