FAQs

What is the date of Riverfire in 2024? 

Riverfire will be at the start of the Festival on Saturday 31 August. 

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 — The Rainbow Serpent. 

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 2024? 

ADF practice runs: 

Thursday 29th August
12.30pm
C17 and ARH Tiger Helicopters

Friday 30th August
12.30pm
F/A 18 Hornet

Riverfire by Australian Retirement trust 
Saturday 31st August
ADF displays from 4.55pm 

All display times are subject to change and ADF operational considerations.

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 at Kangaroo Point Cliffs for 300 patrons with access requirements and their companions.

Accessible viewing platform bookings are now closed as we have reached capacity. 

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 2024? 

There will be road, bridge and river closures affecting Brisbane City, South Brisbane, Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley areas. You can view all road, bridge and river closures here.

How do I get a boat permit for Riverfire?

Applications for aquatic permits have closed and applications are being processed by Maritime Safety Queensland. The successful applicants have been notified by email. You can find more info on our Aquatics Permit page.

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.

Dates, entry & event information

When is Lightscape open?

Lightscape runs from Thursday 29 August – Saturday 12 October

Open every day between Thursday 29 August to Sunday 29 September, aside from Friday 30 August, Tuesday 17 September and 26 September.
Open Wednesday 2 October to Sunday 6 October and Wednesday 9 October to Saturday 12 October.

See the Lightscape event page for all date and time information.

Tickets for this event are timed in 15-minute increments from 5:45pm onwards. Last entry onto the trail will be 10 minutes after the final advertised timeslot. 

Each event day, the City Botanic Gardens will close at 3:30pm and open to Lightscape audiences from 5:45pm onwards.

Where can I enter Lightscape?

The entrance to Lightscape is:

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, GATE 1: Cnr Albert St and Alice St, Brisbane City

A box office will be available at the entrance if you need to pick up tickets at the event, or if you have any queries on the day.

What happens if it’s raining?

Lightscape will go ahead in the event of rain or wind, so check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. If the weather presents a hazard and a risk to safety, the Festival’s decision to cancel the event will be made at 2pm on the day of the event where possible. You will be notified via email of any cancellation and the re-booking process which will include the ability to book on another day or a refund if this is not possible. Please check our website and social media pages for updates.

How long is the trail? 

The trail is approximately 2kms around Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.  

How much time should we allow for this event? 

That depends on your pace and how often you stop. However, as a general rule, you should allow about 90 minutes to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the full experience. 

How should I dress for this event? 

This is an outdoor event, so please come prepared for the elements by wearing appropriate footwear and dressing warmly. Umbrellas are allowed on the trail, but we ask that you are courteous of other patrons when using them. 

Will there be a cloak room? 

No cloaking facilities will be supplied, so please travel light. 

Will there by food and drinks available? 

Yes, there will be a range of food on offer during the trail.

Can I bring food and drinks? 

No alcoholic drinks can be brought into the event; however, food and beverages will be available during the trail. This is a promenade event, so please do not bring eskies or picnics. 

Can I bring a chair? 

The experience is designed to be walked through, so no chairs are allowed. 

Are there restrooms along the trail? 

Yes, there are several areas along the trail that have restrooms for visitors. 

Can I take pictures? 

Absolutely and we would love you to share them! Be sure to tag #Lightscape #BrisFest and #sonymusic and tag @brisbanefestival in your posts on social media. For safety reasons no tripods or monopods will be allowed. 

Will the lights affect the animals? 

A Fauna Assessment Report has been undertaken by an external ecologist for Lightscape. The recommendations from this report have been incorporated into the planning of the event to minimise any impact on fauna. 

Can I explore other parts of the Gardens during Lightscape? 

No, you must remain on the designated Lightscape trail. Whilst you enjoy Lightscape please stay on the paths unless the stewards advise you otherwise. For your safety and to protect the Gardens, please do not walk in the garden beds or on the lawns. 

Ticket Information

Peak Tickets*
Adult	$42
Child (3-12 years)	$34
Family (2 adults & 2 children) **	$144

Regular Tickets*
Adult	$40
Child (3-12 years)	$32
Family (2 adults & 2 children) **	$136
Off-Peak Admission Tickets*
Adult	$32
Child (3-12 years)	$24
Family (2 adults & 2 children) **	$104

Anytime Access Admission

Anytime Access Tickets***
Peak	$58
Off-peak	$54

Groups of 20+ are eligible for a discount of 10% on Lightscape tickets.

Tickets purchased on the day (online and at the box office) will incur an additional fee of $4 per person.

*Price Tiers

Please see the calendar colour coding to determine which price tier you have selected.

**Family ticket price conditions

A family ticket admits 2 adults and 2 children. Children must be aged 12 years and under to be eligible for the family ticket. Children aged 3 years and under are free of charge.

***Anytime Pass ticket price conditions

An Anytime Pass permits access to the trail on a chosen date, any time between the first advertised time-slot and last entry (10 minutes after the last advertised time-slot).

Tickets are only valid on the date for which they are purchased. There are no child or family discounts on Anytime Pass tickets. Customers with an Anytime Pass may still be required to queue when they choose to enter.

Do you accept Companion Cards? 

Yes, holders of a government issued companion card can access a free ticket for their companion. Proof of eligibility will be required upon entry. 

Please book these tickets using the booking link on our event page.

Group Bookings

Groups of 20+ are eligible for a discount of 10% on Lightscape tickets. If you wish to buy more than 20 tickets for a group, please contact Ticketek here or by calling 1300 364 001.  

Do I have to book in advance?

We recommend booking in advance online. Each timed entry has a limited capacity, and we expect this event to sell out. Tickets will be on sale at the venue when not sold out, on events nights only.

If I book the wrong date, can I transfer my ticket to another date?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. It is important to make sure that you choose the right date and time slot when you buy tickets, as we are not able to offer exchanges or refunds after tickets have been purchased. 

If I am delayed and miss my timeslot, can I join a later slot?

Yes. We will accommodate you in the next available timeslot on the same night. 

If I am visiting Brisbane City Botanic Gardens during the day, will I have to leave the Gardens before entering Lightscape in the evening?

Yes, to ensure that only ticket holders for Lightscape have entry to the evening event, daytime visitors must vacate the Gardens. On Lightscape event days, the Gardens will close at 3:30pm and will reopen for ticketed guests at 5:45pm.

What does the school holiday offer include?

A must for the school holidays, families can attend for just $78, with single adult tickets from $24 and child tickets from $18. Use the code ‘HOLIDAY’ to redeem. Available for a limited number of orders, so get in quick!

Please note that the offer excludes Saturdays before 7:15 pm.

How do I redeem this offer?

Click on the date and time you would like to attend.

Input the code in the big box and click on 'unlock tickets':

The discounted prices willl automatically be applied.

If this message shows up, this means that the allocation has been exhausted or the code is not valid for the session.

Accessibility

Are the pathways wheelchair accessible? 

The route is designed so that it can be navigated on paths. There are some paths whose gradients are steep and audience members may benefit from assistance.  

If the weather conditions prohibit the trail from being fully accessible, for those needing mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.), consideration will be made on a case-by-case basis to allow for tickets to be transferred to alternate dates.  

If you have particular access requirements, please contact Ticketek here or by calling 1300 364 001 for further enquiries. 

Is Accessibility parking available? 

Accessible car parking is available behind The Gardens Club (entry via Gardens Point Road), but please note that it's approximately 750m from the entrance.

For accessible parking, there are three designated spots on Alice Street, located on the left (Garden) side of the road, just northeast of the entrance gates, directly across from 210 Alice Street. You can view the map here.

Are strollers allowed? 

Yes, strollers are allowed.  

Are pets allowed? 

No pets allowed, except for service animals. 

Is there white strobe lighting or flashing lighting effects? 

Some lighting sequences will include flashing, flickering and pattered effects, however there will be no strobe lighting. 

Will smoke or haze effects be used? 

Smoke and haze effects may be used in some areas of the trail.