Brisbane will welcome in 2026 with the biggest and boldest fireworks display ever produced in the city.
The free Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks will feature two new drone shows as well as a record 100,000 pyrotechnic effects.
The City of Dreams-themed celebration, showcasing Brisbane as Australia’s lifestyle capital, will launch from six barges on the Brisbane River.
A family-friendly fireworks show will take place at 7.45pm, followed by a midnight spectacular, with both shows running for ten minutes and visible from all participating precincts.
For the first time ever, 200 drones will take to the sky for two drone light shows at 9.00pm and 11.00pm, best viewed from South Bank and Queen’s Wharf.
The fireworks spectacular is designed and delivered by local Brisbane company Skylighter, with 10 months of planning and design going into the event.
New firework styles in this year’s show include heart multi-shots, rain effects, sphere cakes and a signature halo ring at South Bank.
Best viewing locations:
• South Bank Parklands
• Landing at Queen’s Wharf
• Howard Smith Wharves
• Riverside Centre
• Kangaroo Point
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, with road, parking and public transport changes in place across New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Free public transport will be available from 8.00pm on New Year’s Eve (Wednesday 31 December 2025) until 5.30am on New Year’s morning (Thursday 1 January 2026) across all Translink services, including buses, CityCats and ferries.
A record number of bus services will run on the night, with more than 630 additional buses put on for the event, almost 200 more than last year.
To find a list of road closures and full event details, visit Council’s website.
Quotes attributable to Civic Cabinet Chair of Community and the Arts, Cr Vicki Howard:
“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and that will be on full display during the City of Dreams celebration.
“This much-loved Brisbane tradition will be our biggest and best yet.
“I encourage everyone to plan ahead, use free public transport and whether you’re celebrating in the city or the suburbs, support local businesses.
“Stay safe, have an amazing night and a very happy New Year’s to everyone in Brisbane.”
Quotes attributable to Skylighter Fireworks Project Manager, Dale Norris:
“As a Brisbane-based company, we’re incredibly proud to deliver the Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks once again.
“We’ve been producing this event since 2009 and 2025 is our biggest production to date.
“This show brings together bold pyrotechnics, precision timing and a city-wide celebration designed to unite Brisbane as we welcome the New Year.”
