Brisbane Festival 2026 returns in September 2026, offering local families and kids an unforgettable spring season across Brisbane’s iconic landmarks. Launching with the spectacular, free Riverfire fireworks display on Saturday 5 September, the citywide celebration features a mix of ticketed and free events perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Brisbane Festival 2026
Brisbane Festival 2026 runs from 4 to 26 September, filling the city’s rivers, gardens, and iconic landmarks with three weeks of free and ticketed spring celebrations for the whole family.
The festival launches on Saturday 5 September with Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust, Brisbane’s biggest night of the year. From dusk, the sky and river come alive with Australian Defence Force flypasts and a spectacular fireworks display from Foti Fireworks, lighting up the skyline from the Story Bridge to South Bank. It’s completely free to watch from riverside spots, parks, and rooftops right across the city, with live entertainment from around 4pm ahead of the fireworks.
Running every night of the festival, 4–26 September, is Bright Nights by ANZ – a free, 15-minute water, light and sound spectacular staged on the Brisbane River at Festival Village, South Bank. Floating fountains, waterscreens and water jets shooting up to 80 metres high are lit by a dazzling laser show, set to an exclusive soundtrack from The Veronicas. Shown three times nightly, it opens with a Welcome to Country from Traditional Owner Shannon Ruska and is a beautiful free way to experience the river with family and friends.
Families with young children will also love Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company, an exhibition exploring the imaginative world-building behind the Jim Henson Company, running from 12 September at QAGOMA.
Other free, family-friendly favourites across the festival include the Fijian Flying Circus (4 September – 4 October), Family Fun Day supported by Brisbane Airport (20 September), the Giant Sing Along and The Knock ‘Em Downs sideshow (both running 4–26 September in Festival Village), Moorooka Block Party and Brisbane Serenades: St Lucia Block Party, plus dozens of free community dance, music and craft workshops for all ages held throughout the season.
With a huge mix of free spectacles, live music, theatre and family entertainment, Brisbane Festival 2026 has something for everyone across the city this September.
Brisbane Festival 2026 details
When: 4th –26th September 2026
Where: Various Brisbane locations
Cost: Mix of free and ticketed events
More information here
