📅 Date: November 9, 2025
📍 Location: South Bank Parklands, Brisbane

A serene and meaningful celebration, the Brisbane River Lantern Festival is one of Queensland’s most picturesque annual events. Held during twilight at the vibrant South Bank Parklands, the festival features the release of thousands of illuminated lanterns onto the river, symbolizing hope, remembrance, and community.

Guests can participate in lantern-decorating workshops during the day, followed by cultural performances including traditional music and dance from local Indigenous and multicultural groups. Food stalls offer a diverse culinary journey, from Asian street food and vegan delights to traditional Aussie barbecue.

As the sun sets, a moving candle-lighting ceremony opens the river release, where visitors float their lanterns carrying personal messages, wishes, or memorials for loved ones. The evening culminates in a spectacular fireworks show, accompanied by a live orchestral performance.

The festival supports mental health awareness initiatives, with donations going toward local organizations providing counseling and support services across Brisbane.