New Year Archives - Manly Today

Hello 2026: Top New Year Family Events in Brisbane for 2-4 January 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, Brisbane families have a spectacular array of options to celebrate. The week is anchored by the massive Lord Mayor’s NYE Fireworks along the river, but also features major sporting events like the Brisbane International Family Fun Day. Whether you are looking for a bayside picnic to watch the early fireworks or a quiet craft workshop to start the New Year, there is plenty on offer.

Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks

31 December 2025 | South Bank & Brisbane City
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Brisbane’s biggest party returns to the river city. Families can head to South Bank or various vantage points along the river to witness the spectacular 8:30 pm fireworks display, followed by the midnight show for the night owls. It is a dazzling, free community celebration to ring in 2026.

Bluey’s World

26 – 31 December 2025 & 1 January – 15 March 2026 | Northshore Pavilion, Hamilton
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The immersive Bluey experience continues to delight families through the holiday season. Step inside the Heeler home, play games, and enjoy exclusive photo opportunities in this world-class attraction that brings the beloved animated series to life.

Kids Go Free: Brisbane International Family Fun Day

4 January 2026 | Queensland Tennis Centre, Tennyson
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Kick off the summer of tennis with a special family-focused day at the Brisbane International. With free entry for kids, the precinct will be buzzing with entertainment, player appearances, and mini-tennis activities, offering a perfect introduction to the sport.

New Year’s Eve at Little Bayside Park

31 December 2025 | Cambridge Parade, Manly
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For a relaxed, family-friendly New Year’s Eve, head to the Manly foreshore. Enjoy a picnic by the water, explore local food stalls, and watch the dazzling fireworks display light up the harbour at 9 pm, perfect for families with younger children.

NEW YEAR’S EVE (OUTDOOR EVENT)

31 December 2025 | Aspley Hornets Football Club, Carseldine
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The Aspley Hornets host a massive outdoor party on the field to farewell 2025. Expect live music, food trucks, pop-up bars, and a relaxed community vibe where the kids can run around and parents can unwind.

Christmas Putt Putt at Victoria Park

7 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 | Victoria Park, Herston
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The festive fun continues at Victoria Park through to the first week of January. Swing your way through magical Christmas-themed obstacles and twinkling lights in this popular outdoor activity that suits all ages.

MoB Kids: Dazzle Discs

13 December 2025 – 26 January 2026 | Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City
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Get creative at the Museum of Brisbane with this hands-on workshop. Inspired by the sparkling city lights, children can design and craft their own light-reflecting discs to take home, adding a bit of shimmer to their holidays.

MoB Kids: Tiny Totes

13 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 | Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City
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A fun fashion activity for little designers. Kids can decorate their own tiny tote bag using stamps, stencils, and fabric markers, creating a unique accessory to carry their holiday treasures.

Holidays Kids Combo

12 December 2025 – 27 January 2026 | Pacific Golf Club, Carindale
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Keep the kids active with Pacific Golf Club’s holiday combo. This value-packed offer includes a round of mini-golf and other treats, providing a simple and fun day out in the fresh air at Carindale.

New Year’s Eve 2025 – Dance Through the Decades

31 December 2025 – 1 January 2026 | Carina Leagues Club, Carina
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Get your dancing shoes ready for a nostalgia-filled night at Carina Leagues. Celebrating the greatest hits of the past, this event invites you to boogie your way into 2026 with classic tracks and a fun, festive atmosphere.

STEAM Sundays

4 January 2026 | Indooroopilly Library, Indooroopilly
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Spark curiosity with this engaging Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths workshop. Designed for school-aged children, these sessions offer fun challenges and problem-solving activities to get young minds working before school returns.

First 5 Forever STEAM storytime

2 January 2026 | Sunnybank Hills Library, Sunnybank Hills
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An interactive storytime session that introduces basic STEAM concepts to children aged under five. Through stories, songs, and play, toddlers can explore the world around them in a fun and supportive library setting.

First 5 Forever children’s storytime

2 January 2026 | Carina Library, Carina
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Ideally suited for babies and toddlers, this session focuses on early literacy through nursery rhymes, singing, and reading. It is a wonderful way for parents to bond with their little ones and meet other local families.

The transition from 2025 into 2026 brings a wealth of excitement for Brisbane families. From the spectacle of the city fireworks to the engaging educational workshops at local libraries, there is a perfect mix of high-energy celebration and quiet, creative play to start the new year right.

Hello 2026: Wildlands, Conrad Sewell, and Top Parties in Brisbane for 2-4 January 2026

Brisbane is set to ring in 2026 with a massive lineup of celebrations, ranging from high-energy festivals to intimate live performances. The city will be buzzing on New Year’s Eve with major international DJs and Australian vocal powerhouses taking the stage, while New Year’s Day offers the perfect recovery—or continuation—with the city’s biggest annual music festival. Whether you are looking for a masquerade ball, a techno rave, or a soulful acoustic set to start the year, the first week of January delivers an impressive variety of entertainment.

Wildlands Festival 2026

1 January 2026 | Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills
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Kick off the new year at Brisbane’s biggest New Year’s Day music festival. Wildlands returns to the Showgrounds with a massive lineup of electronic, hip-hop, and indie acts, promising high-end production and a vibrant festival atmosphere to set the tone for 2026.

CONRAD SEWELL – NEW YEAR’S EVE

31 December 2025 | LiveWire, Level 5 – The Star Brisbane, Brisbane City
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Celebrate the countdown with chart-topping Australian artist Conrad Sewell. Known for his powerful vocals and hits like “Healing Hands,” Sewell will deliver a soulful and energetic performance at The Star’s premier entertainment venue, LiveWire.

I Hate Models

31 December 2025 | The Fortitude Music Hall, Fortitude Valley
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For those who want to dance into the new year with intensity, French techno heavyweight I Hate Models takes over the Fortitude Music Hall. Expect a blistering set of industrial beats and trance influences in one of the city’s most impressive venues.

Joy Crookes

3 January 2026 | The Triffid, Newstead
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Acclaimed UK singer-songwriter Joy Crookes brings her sophisticated blend of neo-soul, jazz, and R&B to Newstead. With her storytelling lyrics and timeless voice, this intimate show at The Triffid is a cultural highlight for the first weekend of the year.

BUSBY MAROU – BACK ON THE TOOLS (ACOUSTIC TOUR)

4 January 2026 | Lefty’s Music Hall, Petrie Terrace
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Beloved Australian duo Busby Marou strips it back for a special acoustic performance at Lefty’s. Their “Back on the Tools” tour showcases their signature harmonies and guitar work in a relaxed, storytelling format perfect for a Sunday session.

New Years Eve at the Prince

31 December 2025 | The Prince Consort, Fortitude Valley
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The Prince Consort throws a multi-level party to farewell 2025. With different vibes across its various bars and spaces, it is a go-to destination for groups looking for variety, drinks, and a buzzing atmosphere in the heart of the Valley.

TYLER ICU LIVE BRISBANE – NYD

1 January 2026 | After Dark (Kenjin), Fortitude Valley
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Keep the party going on New Year’s Day with South African Amapiano star Tyler ICU. Known for his viral hits and infectious rhythms, he brings the heat to the Valley for a night of deep grooves and dancing.

Sam Gellaitry

2 January 2026 | The Prince Consort, Fortitude Valley
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Scottish producer and vocalist Sam Gellaitry brings his genre-defying sound to The Prince. Blending electronic, trap, and pop elements, his live set is a must-see for fans of innovative production and forward-thinking dance music.

INJI

3 January 2026 | The Brightside, Fortitude Valley
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Viral sensation INJI hits Brisbane with her energetic and cheeky brand of electronic pop. Expect a high-octane show featuring her catchy tracks that have dominated social media feeds over the past year.

49th & Main

4 January 2026 | Crowbar Brisbane, Fortitude Valley
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Irish indie-pop duo 49th & Main bring their hazy, sax-infused electronic tunes to the Crowbar. Their laid-back yet upbeat sound is the perfect soundtrack for a Sunday evening gig to close out the holiday week.

NYEMO MASQUERADE BALL BRISBANE

31 December 2025 | The Brightside, Fortitude Valley
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Put on your eyeliner and a mask for the ultimate alternative New Year’s Eve. The NYEMO Masquerade Ball combines emo anthems with a formal dress code, offering a unique way to scream your lungs out when the clock strikes midnight.

UNDER PRESSURE – New Year’s Eve Tribute Spectacular!

31 December 2025 | The Lou Lou Room, Wynnum
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Celebrate the legends of rock with a double-header tribute show featuring the Killer Queen Experience and The David Bowie Show. This spectacular at the Lou Lou Room promises a night of singalong anthems and glam rock nostalgia.

Duelling Pianos: NYE Edition

31 December 2025 | Felons Barrel Hall, Brisbane City
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Ring in the new year by the river with a high-energy musical battle. The Duelling Pianos team will be taking requests and leading the crowd in a raucous singalong at Felons Barrel Hall, complete with craft beer and river views.

High Voltage AC/DC Show – NYD!

1 January 2026 | The Prince Consort, Fortitude Valley
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For those who prefer rock and roll to recovery, The Prince Consort hosts a high-voltage tribute to Australia’s greatest rock band. Shake off the hangover with the thunderous riffs of AC/DC on New Year’s Day.

Friday Night Comedy w/ Brett Blake & Friends!

2 January 2026 | Good Chat Comedy Club, Petrie Terrace
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Start the first weekend of 2026 with a laugh. Larrikin comedian Brett Blake headlines a night of stand-up at Good Chat, bringing his rowdy stories and sharp improvisational skills to the stage.

Saturday Night Standup w/ Sam Bowden & Friends!

3 January 2026 | Good Chat Comedy Club, Petrie Terrace
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The comedy continues on Saturday with Sam Bowden leading the charge. Known for his clever writing and engaging stage presence, Bowden and a lineup of friends will ensure the laughs keep coming at Petrie Terrace.

Stefan Hauk

2 January 2026 | Royal Quarters, Nundah
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Guitar virtuoso Stefan Hauk brings his impressive blues-rock stylings to Nundah. A must-see for guitar enthusiasts, Hauk’s performance blends technical skill with soulful expression in an intimate club setting.

Good Folk Summer Special

3 January 2026 | The Cave Inn, Woolloongabba
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Enjoy a relaxed evening of local folk music at The Cave Inn. Featuring Amaidi, Charley Castle & the Boys in the Well, and Lizzie Flynn & The Runaway Trains, this showcase highlights Brisbane’s rich grassroots music scene.

THE DARK ARTS ACADEMY

3 January 2026 | Crowbar Brisbane, Fortitude Valley
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Dive into the underground with The Dark Arts Academy at Crowbar. This event promises a showcase of alternative performance and darker aesthetics, catering to those looking for something edgy and different to start the year.

From the explosive energy of Wildlands Festival to the nostalgic rock tributes and intimate comedy nights, Brisbane offers a dynamic start to 2026. Whether you plan to party through midnight on New Year’s Eve or enjoy a laid-back acoustic Sunday session later in the week, securing tickets early is recommended as holiday events tend to sell out quickly.

Manly’s Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Invites You to a New Year Family Feast

Another transition is about to happen as one year ends and another begins. With everyone down for celebrating the New Year to symbolically welcome new beginnings, the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly is hosting a fun-filled family event on the 31st of Dec 2019. What better way to start a brand new year than by enjoying the last night of 2019 with your loved ones!

The New Year’s Eve celebration at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron will kick off at 5:30 p.m. until the first hour of 2020 rolls. Dubbed the “Seafood Smorgasbord and Movie Night Under the Stars,” this party will include a generous table spread filled with healthy and delicious food, a feast for the children and two fun movies at the lawn!

Adult guests may indulge in salt and pepper calamari, spicy gumbo, grilled prawns, mussels, sand crab, oysters, as well as rolled pork, sumac grilled chicken, and a generous helping of fruits and salad greens at the smorgasbord. With a choice as generous as this, it’s fitting to relish and reflect on how good you’ve got it in 2019 whilst you sit, dine and look forward to 2020 overlooking the gorgeous view of the Manly Harbour.

*Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron – Social/Facebook*

The kids, on the other hand, may enjoy a special menu consisting of wood-fired pizza, hotdogs and slushies. These treats are perfect for enjoying the movies on the big screen set up at the lawn.

The film screening will promptly start at 5:30 p.m. followed by the next movie at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of the planned fireworks, the Manly Chamber of Commerce has made a charitable donation this year.

Reservations are at $85 per person (adults) and $25 (children). For bookings and inquiries to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron New Year’s Eve party, email reservations@rqys.com.au or phone 07 3396 8666.

The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron at the Royal Esplanade is one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing clubs in Queensland. For generations, this bayside venue has also been a popular choice for events and celebrations.