What is the date of Riverfire in 2025?
Riverfire will be at the start of the Festival on Saturday 6 Sep 2025. Riverfire will be at the start of the Festival on Saturday 6 Sep 2025.
Why has Riverfire moved to the start of the Festival?
We believe Riverfire is a spectacular way to kickstart the excitement for 23 days of joy and wonder across our city and suburbs.
With Riverfire now on opening weekend, we can bookend Brisbane Festival with another major celebration, our our three-dimensional multicolour drone show Skylore.
Another bonus in moving Riverfire forward is that it no longer clashes with school holidays when many families go away, so now they can all enjoy the most spectacular night of the year.
Will there be COVID restrictions and crowd regulation at Riverfire?
Brisbane Festival events, including Riverfire, will adhere to current COVID-19 restrictions as specified in the Queensland Chief Health Officer Public Health Directions.
We hope there will be no restrictions but the best way to stay up to date with Festival news and announcements is to check for updates on our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Will there be ADF Aerial Displays in 2025?
ADF times and events will be shared closer to the date.
Where are the best viewing points for Riverfire?
Best vantage points along the Brisbane River and surrounds can be viewed here. Of course, some of the best ways to enjoy Riverfire will again be Triple M’s live soundtracked broadcast and Channel Nine’s exclusive television coverage!
Will there be accessible viewing areas for Riverfire?
Brisbane Festival is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible celebration of arts and culture. This year, there will be an accessible viewing platform available for patrons with access requirements and their companions.
Will South Bank be fenced?
South Bank is a popular place for families to watch Riverfire. The venue is fenced for public safety and will be closed if capacity is reached.
What time can I enter the fenced area at South Bank?
On the day of Riverfire, gates to the fenced area at South Bank will open at 9am.
What can’t I bring to South Bank?
Please don’t bring pets, bikes, scooters, drones, drink bottles with broken seals (including water bottles and soft drink), glass, metal cutlery or alcohol to South Bank for Riverfire. Those items will be confiscated by South Bank security staff on arrival.
If you’re unsure about whether to bring an item, please contact the South Bank team via visit@south-bank.net.au. Bag checks will commence at 9am.
Can I take my dog to South Bank?
No. Dogs will not be permitted in the parklands for Riverfire. See the pet section below for recommendations on keeping your pets safe at home during the fireworks display.
Can I take my own drinks or alcohol into South Bank?
Sealed water bottles and empty water containers are allowed. South Bank is an alcohol-free zone. Please do not bring glass, alcohol or any liquid in a container that has already been opened. These items will be confiscated by South Bank security staff.
Will Riverfire still be on if it rains?
Yes, Riverfire will go ahead if it rains. Rain doesn’t affect the fireworks, which can proceed in wet weather and moderate wind, and will only be cancelled if winds are excessive.
How can I hear the playlist for Riverfire?
Tune in to Triple M to hear the playlist. South Bank, River Terrace and Capt Burke Park, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Wilson Outlook, Fortitude Valley will have audio systems installed to play Triple M’s broadcast on the evening.
Will roads be closed for Riverfire in 2025?
There will be road, bridge and river closures affecting Brisbane City, South Brisbane, Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley areas. When available, you can view all road, bridge and river closures here.
How do I get a boat permit for Riverfire?
Applications for aquatic permits will become available in June via our online booking system. More information here,
What should I do with my pet on Riverfire night?
Here are some tips to ensure your animals are safe and secure:
Contain your animal in your house or garage overnight; ensure there is a comfortable bed, plenty of water and some food.
It is advisable to close the curtains and turn on the TV or radio to provide some distraction.
Leave your pet with a friend or family member who is not going out.
Always ensure your pet wears appropriate identification, just in case they do escape. If your dog becomes distressed during fireworks or thunder, speak to your local veterinarian as they may be able to recommend something to help keep animals calm.
For more information on caring for your pets during Riverfire head to the RSPCA’s website.
Will there be additional public transport services for Riverfire?
Additional Citytrain, bus and Citycat services will operate to and from Riverfire. For full information about timetabled services, fares, temporary stops and additional services visit the Translink website or call 13 12 30 closer to the event.
More information will be available on the Translink website closer to the event.
Can I use a drone during Riverfire?
Due to the increased risk posed by low-flying aircraft and fireworks during the event and practice days, drones are prohibited to be flown within 1500m of the event venue areas (i.e. Brisbane City, South Brisbane, Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley) at any time, as such flights may pose a significant risk to both the aircraft and people viewing the event on the ground. Further information about the safe use of drones can be found on the CASA website.
How does Brisbane Festival manage the environmental impact of fireworks?
Foti Fireworks Queensland are the creators of Riverfire; they are a leading manufacturer of fireworks and the most awarded fireworks display company in Australia.
Since March 2009 Foti has been offsetting the carbon emissions of all its business operations by purchasing carbon credits with the Carbon Reduction Institute, with certification that Foti has purchased sufficient credits in order to remain carbon neutral.
Foti actively reduces waste created from its operations and maximises the use of recyclable and sustainable materials in all of its processes. Their materials management strategy aims to reduce the use of toxic and environmentally unfriendly materials from its fireworks products.
Consideration is given to all areas of the manufacturing process of fireworks. Foti is a leader in the fireworks display industry for reducing the amount of perchlorate in its fireworks products. The company’s management strategy is evolving as more technologies become available and suitable chemical substitutes are found.
Will there be a dump and burn?
There will not be a dump and burn this year. The last F-111 dump and burn was in 2010. The practice, which started in 1998, was stopped because the planes replacing the F-111s did not have the ability to do a dump and burn.
