The Best Riverfire 2026 Events In Brisbane To Book Before They Sell Out
Kayla Wratten
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List Queensland
Every September, Brisbane's iconic skyline erupts in a spectacular display of fireworks, fighter jets and celebrations as Riverfire returns to officially launch Brisbane Festival. Drawing hundreds of thousands of people to various locations around the river each year, it's easily the city's biggest annual event, and one that rewards planning ahead.
Whether you're after a rooftop party, a high-energy river cruise or a waterfront dinner with uninterrupted views, the Urban List team has rounded up the best Riverfire events in Brisbane for 2026 that are worth booking now—before they sell out.
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When is Riverfire 2026?
Mark your calendars: Riverfire 2026 will take place on Saturday 5 September. Festivities kick off from around 4pm with live entertainment and the iconic Australian Defence Force aerial displays, before the fireworks light up the Brisbane skyline from 7pm. Better yet, it also marks the official opening of Brisbane Festival, kicking off three weeks of performances, events and city-wide celebrations.
Where is the best place to watch Riverfire?
If you're planning to watch for free, you'll want to arrive early. Popular vantage points like South Bank Parklands, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Wilson Outlook Reserve, Howard Smith Wharves, Captain Burke Park and the City Riverwalk fill up quickly, with some areas closing once they reach capacity. Watching from home instead? You can catch the full spectacle live on Channel 9 or Triple M.
What are the best venues and events for Riverfire 2026?
Want front-row views without spending half your day saving a spot on the riverbank? From rooftop parties and waterfront restaurants to river cruises and exclusive events, keep reading for the best places to experience Riverfire in 2026 on land and on water.
The Best Riverfire Events On Land
Ciao Papi
With front-row Story Bridge views, Ciao Papi is hard to beat on Riverfire night. Better yet, the scenery comes with an epic Italian feed. The share-style menu kicks off with focaccia topped with burrata and prosciutto, plus zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, before moving onto lobster ravioli and Stockyard beef tagliata. And for dessert? Tiramisu, of course.
The Details
Where: 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane CBD
Cost: $195 per person
Felons Barrel Hall
Want to be right in the thick of the action? Felons Barrel Hall's Riverfire package includes a set menu and three-hour beverage package starring oysters, charcuterie, wagyu sirloin, roast chicken and more. Round up your crew and settle at a long table inside the brewery with DJs keeping the party going all night.
The Details
Where: 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane CBD
Cost: Inside Barrel Hall $160 per person
Felons Brewing Co
If you'd rather be outside for the main event, Felons Brewing Co has you sorted. Score an alfresco table on the riverfront deck or settle in with a bar stool overlooking the water for panoramic views. While you’re waiting for the fireworks to take over the skyline, tuck into the venue's Riverfire set menu and free-flowing drinks.
The Details
Where: 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane CBD
Cost: $165 per person
Fiume Rooftop Bar
Swap the riverbank crowds for rooftop views at Fiume. Sitting above Howard Smith Wharves, the rooftop bar is hosting a Riverfire celebration with a three-hour beverage package, signature cocktails, wine, beer and sparkling, plus roaming canapes, food stations and live entertainment from 4:30pm.
The Details
Where: 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane CBD
Cost: $249 per person general admission
Mr Percival’s
If there's one place that knows how to do Riverfire, it's Mr Percival's. Hanging out over the Brisbane River beneath the Story Bridge, this waterfront favourite puts you right in the thick of the action with DJs to fire up the vibe. Choose from a deck package with Champagne, cocktails and share plates, or go all out with premium riverfront seating for some of the best fireworks views in Brisbane.
The Details
Where: 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane CBD
Cost: Absolute Riverfront $250 per person, Deck Seating $150 per person
Stanley
For a Riverfire dinner worth dressing up for, book a table at Stanley. The acclaimed Cantonese restaurant is serving its signature banquet alongside front-row fireworks views, with dishes like wagyu xiao long bao, Queensland coral trout and MB9+ wagyu on the menu. Want to level up? The river-view deck package includes premium seating and a 2.5-hour beverage package for the ultimate Riverfire experience.
The Details
Where: 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane CBD
Cost: River View Deck $295 per person, Dining Room $185 per person
OTTO
What better way to kick off Riverfire than with a sparkling glass of Champagne on arrival? OTTO's Riverfire dining experience includes a three-course menu led by head chef Richard Ptacnik, with an optional 2.5-hour beverage package and premium menu upgrades. Refined Italian dining plus sweeping river views equals an elevated way to experience Brisbane's biggest night.
The Details
Where: River Quay, Sidon Street, South Bank
Cost: $220 per person (plus $85 for the optional beverage package) and $60 per child
Riverland
Riverland is pulling out all the stops with two dazzling Riverfire packages, starting with a two-hour beverage package, roaming canapes and live food stations. But push the boat out with the VIP Sky Deck experience and you’ll be rewarded with a spritz on arrival, premium drinks, and exclusive bar access. Best of all, you'll nab front-row views from Riverland's elevated Sky Deck.
The Details
Where: 167 Eagle St, Brisbane CBD
Cost: From $139 to $199 per person
Stamford Plaza
You don’t have to be a guest at Stamford Plaza to take advantage of its excellent river views. Simply book a table and feast on a premium buffet loaded with grilled barramundi, roast lamb, Angus striploin and an over-the-top dessert station, while enjoying three hours of free-flowing drinks and live DJ sets—all with prime seats to the fireworks.
The Details
Where: 39 Edward St, Brisbane City
Cost: $189 per person
Southbeach
Southbeach is keeping things relaxed with a cocktail-style Riverfire party right on the river. From 4pm, you'll be treated to roaming canapes, beer, wine, sparkling and soft drinks, plus live music to set the mood before the fireworks begin. There are no allocated seats, so arrive early if you want to snag one.
The Details
Where: 30aa, Stanley Street Plaza, South Brisbane
Cost: $110 per person
Southbank Beer Garden
If your ideal Riverfire involves an ice-cold beer and a lively riverside crowd, Southbank Beer Garden is calling your name. With a top-notch South Bank location and buzzing atmosphere, this is an easy pick for a fun night with roaming canapes and drinks to boot.
The Details
Where: 30ba, Stanley Street Plaza, South Brisbane
Cost: $110 per person
River Quay Fish
River Quay Fish is putting the focus on good food and even better views this Riverfire. Expect a Modern Australian menu showcasing premium seafood and seasonal produce, paired with a 2.5-hour beverage package. Better yet, this family friendly venue is offering discounted tickets for kids.
The Details
Where: 3 Sidon Street, South Brisbane
Cost: $199 per person and $99 for children under 12
Lina Rooftop
Watch Riverfire from high above the city at the Mediterranean-inspired Lina Rooftop. The evening includes a three-hour premium food and drinks package with roving canapes, live food stations and cocktails, while resident DJs keep the energy high before the celebrations roll straight into a rooftop afterparty.
The Details
Where: 74/80 Tribune Street, South Brisbane
Cost: $225 per person
Yoko
Waterfront izakaya Yoko has front-row seats and a feast of Japanese favourites to look forward to this Riverfire. While they’re taking inside and upstairs bookings, the prime spot is on their outside deck where you’ll be digging into a premium banquet with the likes of miso eggplant, assorted sashimi, wagyu kushiyaki, and more. You’ll also enjoy a two-hour beverage package to make the most of the buzzy atmosphere.
The Details
Where: 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane CBD
Cost: From $119 per person (outside seating is $285 per person)
Greca
Say opa this Riverfire over a Greek feast at Greca with the best views of the fireworks beneath the Story Bridge. For perfect positioning, you’ll want to lock in an outdoor seat with a premium banquet heading your way and two hours of drinks. Highlights on the menu include Greca’s famed spanakopita, lamb skewers and the astakos kritharaki: baked tropical painted lobster pasta.
The Details
Where: 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane CBD
Cost: From $155 per person (outside seating is $288 per person)
The Best Riverfire Events On Water
Oasis
Take your Riverfire celebrations to the water and step aboard Oasis. This multi-level floating venue pairs unbeatable fireworks views with live DJs, entertainment and unlimited cocktails, making it one of the liveliest ways to spend Brisbane's biggest night. Want to level up? Snap up a VIP booth for premium views and extra goodies.
The Details
Where: City Botanic Gardens River Hub
Cost: From $179.95 per person
Seadeck
If your ideal Riverfire includes DJs, dancing and front-row river views, Seadeck is where you'll want to be. Spread across three levels, the floating party serves up live entertainment, a welcome drink on arrival and a light dinner, with VIP booths available if you're feeling fancy.
The Details
Where: TBC
Cost: From $180.75 per person
Micat
Swap Moreton Island for the Brisbane River with Micat's special four-hour Riverfire cruise. Expect prime views of the fireworks, a gourmet barbecue dinner by Red Smoke and live entertainment to keep the good times rolling between the aerial displays and fireworks finale.
The Details
Where: Kingsford Smith Drive River Hub
Cost: $199 per person
River City Cruises
Hop aboard MV Neptune for four hours on the Brisbane River with peak Riverfire views, a welcome drink on arrival and a generous hot and cold buffet complete with dessert. It's a classic option if you're after a more laidback evening on the water.
The Details
Where: Cultural Centre Public Pontoon, South Bank
Cost: $200 per person
Brisbane Whale Watching
Brisbane Whale Watching's adults-only cruise anchors beside Kangaroo Point Cliffs for spectacular fireworks views, with a buffet dinner, welcome Champagne and live entertainment keeping the festivities going onboard until 9pm.
The Details
Where: New Farm Park River Hub
Cost: $235 per person
Check out what else is happening at Brisbane Festival here.
Image credit: Brisbane Festival | JD Lin