Celebrate New Year's Eve with live music, family rides, food vendors, and two fireworks displays at Gladstone Marina Parklands.
This page is for the session on Thursday, 31 December 2026.

Date
Time
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Price
Free
Celebrate the end of 2026 and welcome 2027 at Gladstone Regional Council’s free New Year’s Eve Party. Enjoy live music, family rides, food vendors and two fireworks displays, all set against a harbourside backdrop. Performances start from 5pm, featuring: Chris Bax Band (headline act) The Elysian Duo Benevolent SAND Two spectacular fireworks displays will light up the sky. Watch the family fireworks display at 8pm or continue your celebrations after the NYE Party concludes at 10pm and catch the midnight fireworks display over the harbour. Enjoy a selection of pay-as-you-go family rides, with food and non-alcoholic drinks available to purchase from onsite vendors. Wards Brewery will operate a licensed bar within a designated fenced area for patrons aged 18 and over. Gather your family and friends and enjoy a free night of entertainment as we farewell 2026 and welcome the New Year at the Gladstone Ports Corporation Marina Parklands. Proudly delivered by Gladstone Regional Council. Is seating provided? Limited chairs and table seating will be available in the food area. Guests are welcome to bring their own chair or picnic blanket if they prefer not to sit on the grass to watch the main stage. Food & Drinks? No BYO alcohol No glass permitted A selection of food and beverage vendors will be operating onsite, including a licensed bar operated by Wards Brewery. Packed picnics are acceptable. Are animals permitted in the event? While dogs are permitted in the park on a leash, we strongly recommend leaving pets at home due to the large crowds, amplified music and fireworks. Accredited assistance animals are permitted and must remain under the control of their handler. Are there amenities on-site? Yes. Toilets are located behind the Marina Stage, with additional portable toilets available. Accessible toilets are also available onsite. Will First Aid facilities be available? Yes. Pre-Hospital Patient Care will be located at the Information Marquee, and trained event staff will also be available to provide first aid assistance. Where can I go to collect lost property? Lost property will be held at the Information Marquee during the event. After the event, it will be transferred to the GECC Box Office and retained for 48 hours. Any items not collected within this period will be handed to Queensland Police Service. Can I smoke inside the venue/event site? No. Smoking and vaping is not permitted at any GRC event. Please exit the event site if you wish to smoke or vape. Headline performance by Chris Bax Band The Elysian Duo Ben Evolent A musician of integrity and acclaim, songwriter Ben Evolent’s folk-alt-meets-country-blues sound has become a mainstay on stages and festivals throughout the country over the past 15 years. Across his two EPs and debut Album ‘Wanderous’ Ben Evolent has developed a ragged and lively style deeply rooted in the spirit of song. Having cut his musical teeth in a decade spent in the Northern Territory, he drew inspiration from his vivid experiences there while establishing his versatility as a songwriter, delving into alt-country and foot-stomping blues whilst also expanding his more elegant folk side. Ben Evolent has recently laid down new roots in the fertile bush of the East Coast where he has created a nest of inspiration to write and perform his honest tales of life's highs and lows. SAND Sand is a dynamic Gladstone-based band bringing together experienced musicians and fresh talent. With a diverse mix of classic rock, pub rock, blues, country and pop hits, they deliver an energetic live show with something for everyone. 5.00pm–6.00pm – The Elysian Duo 6.00pm–7.00pm – Ben Evolent 7.00pm–7.05pm – Mayor’s welcome 7.05pm–7.55pm – SAND 7.55pm–8.00pm – Mayor’s fireworks countdown 8.00pm–8.10pm – Family fireworks display 8.10pm–8.30pm – SAND 8.30pm – 8.35pm – Stage changeover 8.35pm –10.00pm – Chris Bax Band 10.00pm – Main event finishes Funtime Amusements kids’ entertainment – pay as you go. Experience Twirly Tubs, Mega Slide and a Jumping Castle. No BYO alcohol No glass permitted A selection of food and beverage vendors will be operating onsite. Food options available: *Subject to change without notice* Business Name What they sell Binney's Tornado Potatoes Tornado potatoes, hot chips, dagwood dogs Ciao Baby Gelato Gelato, sorbet, affogatos. 8 flavours, DF, GF, NF options Chennai Express Halal, Vegetarian Indian food - chicken curry with rice, parota, fired chicken, cauliflower pakora, panner pakora, samosa, vadai Culinary Craze Traditional Thai and Balinese foods and drinks. Dessert's N What Crepes, waffles, loukoumades, donut fries Hughesey Que Slow and low BBQ. Mouth-watering smoked meats, loaded burgers and hearty meals Mister B Traditional German Sausages, sauerkraut, onions and sauces Motha Trucka Burgers on our signature soft donut buns, including beef, fried chicken and a vegetarian halloumi option, plus chicken strips, loaded fries and donuts. No Forks Given Narcho's Burritos, Taco's, Mexican and Hotdogs, Coffee Royal Thai and Phen's Kitchen Chinese, Asian and Aussie Dishes Salvos Slushies, popcorn and donuts The Juice Box 1770 Fresh Juices We R Woodfire Pizza's Woodfired Pizza Wholefoods Kitchen Pulled beef feats, miso tofu feast, salmon avo bowls, pulled beef nachos, loaded pulled beef fries, pulled beef baguette, lemonade, Christmas brownies Parking is available along Bryan Jordan Drive and in the surrounding CQUniversity and harbour parking areas. The Navy Cadets will manage overflow parking at Pitt Street Park, a short walk to the event across the bridge. Yes. Accessible parking is available throughout the surrounding parking areas. Three additional accessible spaces and a drop-off/pick-up area will be available behind the stage for vehicles displaying a valid disability parking permit. Access is via Christine Martin Place and will be managed by traffic controllers. No public transport is available for this event. Carpooling is encouraged.
Event information provided by Gladstone Regional Council
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