Major Concerts and Cultural Performances Announced for Riverstage in 2026
The Brisbane City Council has confirmed the 2026 events calendar for Riverstage, a major outdoor performance venue in New Farm, featuring headline acts from across Australia and international touring artists. The lineup includes multiple large-scale concerts, theatre productions, and community-focused cultural events scheduled between March and November 2026.
According to the council’s official events portal, the venue will host at least 28 major performances over the year, with the first major concert announced for March 15, 2026. The full schedule was released on January 10, 2025, and is now available on the Brisbane City Council website.
Confirmed 2026 Performances and Headline Acts
Among the first announced acts is pop singer Dua Lipa, who will perform at Riverstage on May 22, 2026, as part of her global “Radical Optimism” tour. The show is expected to draw over 15,000 attendees, making it one of the largest concerts ever held at the venue.
Also confirmed is a special concert by Australian rock band Powderfinger, marking their first full reunion performance since 2010. The show is scheduled for September 18, 2026, and will feature a full set of their classic albums, including *Dream Days at the Hotel Existence* and *Internationalist*.
Local theatre company Belvoir will present a new adaptation of *The Tempest* in June 2026, staged in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology’s School of Creative Industries. The production will include digital projections and live soundscapes designed to reflect the riverfront setting.
Historical Context of Riverstage and Previous Events
Riverstage, located on the banks of the Brisbane River in New Farm, opened in 1989 as a temporary venue for the Brisbane Festival. It was intended to be a seasonal performance space but has since become a permanent fixture in the city’s cultural calendar.
According to the Brisbane Times, the venue has hosted over 1,200 events since its opening, including performances by Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Paul Kelly. In 2019, the council invested $2.3 million in upgrades to the sound system, seating, and accessibility features.
Before 2026, the most recent major concert at Riverstage was a sold-out show by Tame Impala in March 2023. That event drew 12,800 people and was the first large-scale concert at the venue since the pandemic. The 2026 lineup marks the first full calendar of major events since then.
Community Impact and Local Concerns
Residents of New Farm, Teneriffe, and Fortitude Valley have expressed mixed reactions to the 2026 schedule. While many welcome the cultural boost, some have raised concerns about noise, traffic, and parking during peak events.
According to a survey conducted by the New Farm Neighbourhood Watch in November 2024, 62% of respondents supported the concerts, citing economic benefits and community engagement. However, 38% said they were worried about disruption during weekend events.
Local businesses, particularly those along Brunswick Street and the New Farm Park precinct, have reported increased foot traffic and sales during past concerts. A 2023 report by the Brisbane City Council found that events at Riverstage contributed approximately $4.1 million to the local economy annually.
Transport and Infrastructure Adjustments
To manage increased visitor numbers, the council has announced a series of transport changes for 2026. Free shuttle buses will run from the Central Station and Roma Street Parkland to Riverstage on event days. The service will operate from 3 PM to 11 PM.
Additionally, the council will implement temporary road closures on Riverstage Road and parts of the Brisbane Riverwalk during major concerts. Cyclists and pedestrians will be rerouted via the new pedestrian bridge at Teneriffe.
According to the ABC, the council has also partnered with TransLink to extend the frequency of the CityCat ferry service to the New Farm stop on event nights. The extra service will run every 15 minutes between 5 PM and 10 PM.
Next Steps and Public Consultation
Public consultation on the 2026 Riverstage schedule will open on February 1, 2025, and close on March 15, 2025. Residents can submit feedback through the Brisbane City Council’s online engagement portal.
Further details about ticketing, accessibility, and event safety protocols will be released in the coming months. The council has confirmed that all 2026 events will be subject to environmental impact assessments, as required under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
Final event dates and additional performers will be announced by June 2025. The full 2026 calendar remains available on the Brisbane City Council’s events website.
