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When it comes to celebrations in Australia, the name Fortunato “Forch” Foti burns very brightly indeed.
For decades, Foti has spearheaded the creation of the nation’s favourite fireworks displays, including Sydney’s world-famous New Year’s Eve show, and – since 2005 – Brisbane’s annual Riverfire.
“Riverfire is a great event to be part of,” Foti says.
Riverfire returns on Saturday September 6, with a twist.Credit: Mellumae
“It’s the largest individual fireworks display in Queensland; it brings together up to half a million people around the river to watch the show.”
Fortunato Foti has directed the Riverfire fireworks since 2005.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
For the first time in 2025, Foti will activate three “pyro drones” as part of the spectacular. These heavy-payload drones, operated by certified pilots, will take off from Kangaroo Point and launch almost 600 effects on the night.
“The fireworks shoot outwards and have a spread of about 80 metres,” Foti says.
“We can do chase sequences in the air, basically. It’s not something you could do with a normal firework.”
The drones will complement five barges, seven city rooftops and two bridges for the big display at 7pm on Saturday, September 6.
Riverfire is the biggest, and loudest, free event taking place for Brisbane Festival this year. But it’s not the only one.
You can access some remarkable talent at the following events throughout September, ranging from a dance showdown and a concert for 100 electric guitars to a lunchtime mini-opera and a furious comedy debate.
None of the events listed require payment, but booking online is crucial for several.
When: Saturday, September 6, 4pm-8pm (fireworks 7pm)
Where: Brisbane CBD, river and surrounds
Riverfire is Brisbane’s biggest fireworks display, and also involves ADF flyovers.
A small number of tickets are available for the special viewing platform, River’s Edge at The Landing, Queen’s Wharf, for $45. But there are free viewing points at South Bank, The Star, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, City Botanic Gardens, Victoria Park/Barrambin, Mt Coot-tha Lookout, Highgate Hill Park, Captain Burke Park, Wilson Outlook Reserve, and Howard Smith Wharves.
If you’re serious about seeing the show, be sure to arrive a few hours early. For instance, the South Bank fenced area opens at 9am. You can’t bring alcohol, pets, bikes, scooters, drones, or drink bottles with broken seals.
For the full effect, tune in to Triple M’s live broadcast of the curated music. Fun fact: the music broadcast contains the time codes that actually trigger the fireworks.
Street closures will be in place in Brisbane City, South Brisbane, Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley.
A visualisation of Craig and Karl’s planned installation for the Kangaroo Point Bridge.Credit: Jared Hinz/Dirty Puppet
Walk This Way by Craig and Karl
When: September 5-27, 24 hours
Where: Neville Bonner Bridge, Goodwill Bridge, and Kangaroo Point Bridge
Brisbane designers Craig and Karl will transform the city’s walking bridges with colourful inflatables. If general fitness and exciting views are not reason enough for you to do a three-bridges walk, this might be the motivation you’ve been looking for. Feeling energetic? Keep going and cross the city on the Craig and Karl Public Art Trail.
When: June 14-October 20, 24 hours
Where: Brisbane City and South Bank
In the latest exhibition in Brisbane City Council’s Outdoor Gallery, city laneways, streets, and car parks become colourful and joyous sites for Craig and Karl’s signature imagery.
When: August 28-January 17, Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm
Where: Griffith University Art Museum
Craig Redman and Karl Maier first teamed up in 1996 after meeting as students at the Queensland College of Art & Design, Brisbane. Now the university is hosting a retrospective of their work, exploring their influence on global public art and design trends.
Common People Dance Project will present The People’s Dancefloor at Museum of Brisbane.Credit: Claudia Baxter
When: August 30-October 6, daily, 10am-5pm
Where: Fairfax Gallery, Museum of Brisbane
Common People Dance Project run regular dance classes and events in Brisbane for people of all ages and abilities. During the festival, they are taking over the museum’s Fairfax Gallery for an immersive exhibition about community stories.
When: Friday, September 5, 6pm & 8pm
Where: UQ Art Museum
Pipe organist and composer Robert Curgenven is world renowned for pieces that expand the instrument’s possibilities. He will perform Earth Works on the museum’s 3283-pipe organ, on the heels of its performance at the 2025 Dark Mofo festival.
When: Sunday, September 7, 7pm
Where: Ian Hanger Recital Hall, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University
An acclaimed string-piano trio from Los Angeles, Trio Azura will perform works by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Jennifer Higdon, with guest Jonathan Brown on viola. It’s free, but bookings are essential.
When: Sunday, September 7, 3pm-8pm
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse
The Powerhouse will be transformed into a “cultural village”, with performances, ceremonies, demonstrations, workshops, and a marketplace. Pacific artists and communities from across the region will share ancestral knowledge and contemporary practice. Online registration is essential.
Lord Mayor’s City Hall Concerts are free lunchtime events held during the festival.Credit: Jade Ellis
When: September 9, 16, 22 & 23, 12pm
Where: Brisbane City Hall
Book online for organist David Bailey accompanying three silent films (Tuesday, September 9); one-act English-language comic opera The Telephone starring Katie Stenzel (Tuesday, September 16); children’s performance TheatreDome (Monday, September 22); and jazzy vocal septet Invoices (Tuesday, September 23).
When: Friday, September 12, 5.30pm-8.30pm
Where: George Clayton Park
Rachael Fahim, one of the highest streamed Australian female country artists, will perform along with US-Aussie duo Midwest Molly and rising Brisbane country star Briana Dinsdale at this free down-home concert by the water.
When: Saturday, September 13, 3pm-7pm
Where: Pegg’s Park
Funk veterans The Bamboos headline this year’s Block Party, with Simba and the Echoes of African Music, Mahogany Flow, dance teachers Cloud 9 Zouk, and Yani Mills. Food trucks and market stalls will be operating.
The 100 Guitars event is a free concert featuring volunteer performers.Credit: Laurence Labat
When: Sunday, September 14, 3pm & 4pm
Where: Brisbane Powerhouse
Love a good cacophony? Canadian composer Tim Brady has written a 20-minute piece for 100 electric guitars, will local volunteers playing alongside Brisbane-based ensemble Topology. Be quick, the four free performances are booking out fast.
When: September 11-25, various times
Where: Westfield Chermside
Bringing festival fun to the northside, Westfield will have Craig and Karl installations, roving entertainment, live music and DJs under its famous Level 2 dome. Check the schedule for full details.
When: Saturday, September 20, 6pm
Where: Melbourne Street Green, QPAC
This year’s topic is: Which side of the river is better – north or south? Famous locals will face off in a friendly contest of wits hosted by 612 ABC Brisbane. Booking is essential online.
St Lucia Serenades takes place at the amphitheatre at the University of Queensland. Credit: Mellumae
When: Saturday, September 20, 4pm-7pm
Where: Dr Mary Mahoney AO Amphitheatre, University of Queensland
“Quandamooka Crooner” Adam James and the Dreamtime Swing will take the stage, refashioning the songs of famous First Nations musicians in the style of ’60s big-band music. Also performing will be Western Gugu Yalanji and Birri Gubba songman Jungaji, accompanied by classical quintet Topology and 16-year-old singer-songwriter Layla Havana.
Free School Holiday Dance Workshops
When: September 20-October 6, 10.30am, 11.30am & 12.30pm
Where: Fairfax Gallery, Museum of Brisbane
Common People Dance Project will teach people of all ages fun, easy-to-follow moves powered by iconic dance anthems. You can use your mad dance-floor skills to take part in a King George Square Showdown on Saturday, September 27 at 4pm.
When: Thursday, September 25, time TBA
Where: Westfield Chermside
Join a night of celebration in the Level 2 outdoor dining precinct, with music, giveaways and fireworks. Check the website for more information.
The drone show is becoming a much-loved part of the Brisbane Festival. Credit: Atmosphere Photography
When: September 25-27, 7.15pm, 8.15pm & 9.15pm
Where: Queen’s Wharf and South Bank
The eight-minute drone show wraps up the Brisbane Festival in spectacular style. Hundreds of drones will fly above the Brisbane River while Yuggera and Turrbal man Shannon Ruska and Tribal Experiences retell a creation story of the Moreton Bay islands, with original music by Guy Webster.
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