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FAQs


#General Festival Questions

What are the dates of Brisbane Festival 2022?

Brisbane Festival 2022 is currently planned for 2-24 September. 

When is the Brisbane Festival 2022 program announced?

Full details of the program will be announced in mid-2022. To receive announcements, join our email list and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter

How do you ensure patron safety at Brisbane Festival?

The safety of our performers, audience members and staff is and always will be of paramount importance to us. Brisbane Festival ensures all social distancing requirements are adhered to as part of the organisation’s COVID-19 safety plan. Read more on our Stay COVID Safe page.

In 2020 and 2021 we focused on finding ways to bring Brisbane together safely. We look forward to delivering another safe and exciting program in September 2022!

Can I use my camera or recording device inside the theatre?

Photography and recording during in-theatre performances is generally not allowed, however please check the individual event information available at the venue on the day or evening of the performance.

What is happening with the giant finches after the festival?

Florentijn Hoffman’s artwork Messengers of Brisbane was created as a beacon of hope, and to bring joy to all those who witness the larger-than-life sculptures perched on iconic landmarks of Brisbane. The message is simple, but powerful: look up and smile. We are delighted that the Finches will have a life outside the Festival. Stay tuned for the details. 


#Riverfire FAQs

Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust

What is the date of Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust in 2022? 

Riverfire will now be at the start of the Festival on Saturday 3 September. 

Why is there a new name for Riverfire? 

Sunsuper has been involved with Brisbane Festival for 14 years and was the proud sponsor of Riverfire for more than a decade. Sunsuper has now merged with QSuper to become Australian Retirement Trust who will continue to support this wonderful community celebration and play a major role in bringing Riverfire to Brisbane into the future.

Why has Riverfire moved to the start of the Festival? 

We believe Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust is a spectacular way to kickstart the excitement for 23 days of joy and wonder across our city and suburbs. 

With Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust now on opening weekend, we can bookend Brisbane Festival with another major celebration on closing weekend – mark your diary and stay tuned for more news on what’s planned. 

Another bonus in moving Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust 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 by Australian Retirement Trust in 2022? 

Brisbane Festival events, including Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust, will always comply with Queensland Health’s COVID Safe Events framework and health authority directions. We hope there will be no restrictions in September 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, Instagram and Twitter.  

Will there be ADF Aerial Displays in 2022? 

As we move closer to September we will update information on our website. The best way to stay up to date is to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  

Where are the best viewing points for Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust in 2022? 

As we move closer to September we will update information on our website. The best way to stay up to date is to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  One of the best places to watch Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust in 2022 is at home on Channel 9, tuned into the soundtrack on Triple M. 

Will there be accessible viewing areas for Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust? 

As in previous years, Brisbane Festival will establish a dedicated accessible viewing platform at Kangaroo Point for people with disabilities and their companions. Bookings for these areas will be essential. As we move closer to September we will update information on our website, including the date when bookings will open. 

Will South Bank be fenced? 

South Bank is a popular place for families to watch Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust. 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 by Australian Retirement Trust, 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 by Australian Retirement Trust. 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 info@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 by Australian Retirement Trust. 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? 

South Bank is an alcohol-free zone. Please do not bring glass, alcohol or any liquid in a container that has already been opened including reusable drink bottles. These items will be confiscated by South Bank security staff.  

Will Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust still be on if it rains? 

Yes, Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust 2022 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 by Australian Retirement Trust

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 by Australian Retirement Trust in 2022? 

There will be road, bridge and river closures affecting Brisbane City, South Brisbane, Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley areas. As we move closer to September we will update information on our website. 

What should I do with my pet on Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust 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 by Australian Retirement Trust head to the RSPCA’s website

Will there be additional public transport services for Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust

Additional Citytrain, bus and Citycat services will operate to and from Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust. For full information about timetabled services, fares, temporary stops and additional services visit the TransLink website or call 13 12 30.

More information will be available on the TransLink website closer to the event. 

Can I use a drone during Riverfire, by Australian Retirement Trust

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 by Australian Retirement Trust; 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.


#Riverfire boat permits

Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust

I want to view Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust from my boat on the Brisbane River. How do I get permission? 

All recreational spectator vessels attending must be registered for an Aquatic Permit and be issued with an Entry Flag in order to gain access to the dedicated spectator mooring zones.

Permits are limited and will be issued on a first come, first served basis. The process to gain Aquatic Permits and Entry Flags will be outlined on our website in coming months.


#Ticketing FAQs

How do I buy tickets?

All tickets can be booked online via our website or over the phone. You can find more information on our Ticketing Information page. 

I want to cancel/change/refund my ticket.

Once a sale is finalised, there will be no refunds, cancellations or exchanges, except as provided for in the LPA Ticketing Code of Practice for event ticketing. Please see our Ticketing Information page for more information.

What are your COVID-19 ticketing policies?

Please read the Conditions of Sale on our Ticketing Info page, which includes COVID-19 Terms and Conditions.

I bought my ticket from a ticket resale website, will it be valid?

Brisbane Festival is unable to verify the validity of tickets that have been purchased via an unauthorised ticket reseller. Other resale sites such as Viagogo are not official resellers and are not endorsed by Brisbane Festival or our venues. We retain the right to cancel tickets purchased via unauthorised ticket resellers. See Ticketing Information for details.

Can I collect my ticket at a box office?

Due to COVID regulations all tickets will be issued electronically via email or text message, dependent on the ticket provider.

Patrons with accessibility needs

For any access information, please check with the venue before booking. More information about this year's venues can be found on the Venues & Access page.


#Get Involved

Can I perform at Brisbane Festival?

Brisbane Festival is a curated event and the character of the Festival is dependent on the vision of the Artistic Director. Unfortunately, Brisbane Festival is unable to offer assessment and feedback on unsolicited submissions. Please contact brisbanefestival@brisbanefestival.com.au for more information.

How can I volunteer this year?

To ensure you hear when our 2022 volunteer program is announced, join the the Brisbane Festival email list and follow us on Linkedin.

How can I be an intern?

To ensure you hear when 2022 internships are announced, follow us on Linkedin.

How do I apply for a job?

Open positions and details on how to apply are listed on the Employment page.

Can I hold a stall at a Brisbane Festival event?

We do not accept applications for stalls.


#Supporting the Festival

How do I become a partner of the Festival?

Read more about how you can partner with the Festival on our Partners page or contact our Partnerships Team at partnerships@brisbanefestival.com.au to discuss unique ways to collaborate.

Can I donate to the Festival?

Our donors help Brisbane Festival to deliver performances of scale and ambition from both local and international artists. Read more about how you can donate to the Festival on our Giving Program page.


#Festival publications

2021 brochure

Want to look through the whole 2021 program in PDF format? Download a copy below.

2021 In Review

Want to know more about how we delivered the 2021 Festival, looking for an annual report, or just plain love numbers? Download our 2021 In Review below.


#More questions?

If your question is not answered on this page or you have feedback for us, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact the Brisbane Festival office on 07 3833 5400 or email brisbanefestival@brisbanefestival.com.au.

Stay up to date on all Brisbane Festival news, events and special offers by signing up for emails below.

Brisbane Festival expresses deep respect to and acknowledges the First People of this Country.