Fortitude Valley will sit on the edge of some of Riverfire’s biggest traffic restrictions, with Story Bridge access, nearby streets and riverside routes affected as crowds move towards viewing areas around Howard Smith Wharves and New Farm.
Riverfire will be held on Saturday, 5 September, with Royal Australian Air Force flyovers scheduled from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and fireworks beginning at 7:00 p.m. The display opens Brisbane Festival and is free to attend.
Howard Smith Wharves will draw spectators towards the river
Howard Smith Wharves is one of the official Riverfire viewing locations and places spectators directly beside the Brisbane River beneath the Story Bridge.
The precinct combines river views with dining and hospitality venues, making it one of the closest viewing options for people approaching from Fortitude Valley. Wilson Outlook Reserve, on the New Farm side of the precinct, is another elevated viewing location overlooking the Story Bridge and city skyline.
People heading towards either location will be moving through streets affected by temporary traffic controls before and during the fireworks.
Story Bridge access closes during the busiest period
The Story Bridge will be closed to traffic from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., cutting the direct road connection between Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point while the display is under way.
Several streets leading towards the bridge and Howard Smith Wharves will also close or lose lanes between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Full closures include sections of Ivory Street, Martin Street, Harrison Lane and Bowen Terrace.
Kemp Place will have a partial closure, while lane restrictions will apply on Ann Street, Gipps Street and Wickham Street. Brisbane City Council says signed detours, traffic controllers and police will be in place to manage movements through the affected area.
Ann Street and Wickham Street will remain open with restrictions
Fortitude Valley’s main north-south roads will not be completely shut, but motorists can expect reduced capacity near the Story Bridge approaches.
One of four southwest-bound lanes on Ann Street between Kemp Place and Brunswick Street will close during the Riverfire period. A north-eastbound lane on Wickham Street between Gotha Street and Gipps Street will also close, while two of three lanes on Gipps Street between Wickham Street and Barry Parade will be unavailable.
Drivers travelling through the Valley rather than attending Riverfire may encounter delays around these approaches between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Trains remain a key option for Valley travellers
Fortitude Valley railway station will continue to provide access to the broader train network, while Translink is adding services across the network after the fireworks.
Free post-event travel will run from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. from selected inner-city train and bus stations. Central and Roma Street stations are included in the free-travel zone, but Fortitude Valley station is not listed among the designated free departure points.
Passengers using buses should also check Riverfire service changes before travelling. Translink has advised that major alterations will apply to many Brisbane City bus services after the fireworks, and some additional services will not appear in journey-planning or real-time information.
Saturday night crowds will extend beyond the fireworks
Riverfire falls on a Saturday night in a precinct already known for late-night dining, entertainment and nightlife. Road restrictions around the Story Bridge and Howard Smith Wharves will overlap with regular evening activity in Fortitude Valley.
People moving between the Valley, CBD and riverside precincts will therefore face a different transport pattern before and immediately after the 7:00 p.m. display. Story Bridge access will reopen after 8:00 p.m., but other event-related traffic controls may remain in place longer as crowds disperse.
Riverfire opens three weeks of Brisbane Festival
Riverfire marks the opening weekend of Brisbane Festival, but the citywide program continues well beyond Saturday night. Brisbane Festival runs from 4–26 September, with theatre, music, dance, installations, family activities and free events scheduled across Brisbane, including a substantial program at South Bank. Events range from Bright Nights, running throughout the festival, to concerts, workshops, community celebrations and performances at Festival Village.
Published 4-Sept-2026
