General admission events mean standing room only, unless stated otherwise.
Riverstage
Experience live music in an open-air, outdoor setting at Riverstage. Find out about events, ticketing and transport.
About Riverstage
Located by the Brisbane River in the City Botanic Gardens, Riverstage is Brisbane’s iconic outdoor entertainment venue.
The versatile facility, with a capacity for 9,000 patrons, offers a relaxed yet intimate outdoor concert experience. It can also be hired for private and community events.
Enjoy live performances in the open air against a garden and river backdrop. Ed Sheeran, Florence and the Machine and Powderfinger are just some of the local and international artists who have brought their shows to Riverstage.
Visiting Riverstage
Find information to ensure your visit to Riverstage is safe and enjoyable.
Tickets | Entry | Facilities | Accessibility
Tickets
Ticketmaster is the contracted digital ticketing provider for this venue.
All patrons must present a valid ticket.
Learn more about tickets for people with accessibility requirements.
Reserved seating events have seating installed, with general admission ticketholders standing or seated behind.
For reserved seating, check the venue map before ticket purchase.
If you're over 18, have one of the following forms of current identification on hand:
- Australian driver's licence or learner's permit
- passport (from any country)
- adult proof of age card
- a recognised proof of age card (e.g. Keypass identity card)
- foreign driver's licence.
These can be hard copy ID or digital ID.
When attending an all ages event:
- adults must accompany children 12 years and under
- adults are strongly recommended to accompany children between 13 and 15 years
- all patrons must hold a valid ticket regardless of age, unless specified.
Arrive early to avoid disappointment for non-ticketed events. Once Riverstage has reached capacity, we are unable to admit anyone else.
VIP tickets are arranged by promoters and artists, not Riverstage.
Make sure you buy tickets from Ticketmaster - the authorised ticketing agency for Riverstage events. We can't verify the validity of tickets purchased elsewhere.
Occasionally, we may sell through another vendor. Check the event listing on What’s On in Brisbane.
All refund requests need to go directly through your point of purchase, most likely Ticketmaster.
Riverstage is an outdoor amphitheatre. If rain or bad weather occurs, the show will proceed, unless deemed unsafe to do so. We’ll only issue refunds if an event is cancelled.
A temporary Ticketmaster box office is generally open outside Gate 1 for Riverstage concerts. It opens approximately 30-60mins prior to gates and closes at approximately 8pm (subject to change).
If tickets are for sale at the box office, Ticketmaster is unable to hold tickets for patrons. We sell tickets on a first come, first served basis.
Entry
There may be bag searches, personal safety and security checks, and security wanding as part of the entry process.
- sealed unopened soft plastic water bottles up to 600 ml - lids will be removed (event dependent)
- empty plastic water bottles (up to 600 ml) without lids for filling at Riverstage's free water stations (if available)
- rugs and blankets (event/capacity dependent)
- working guide dogs and assistance dogs
- strollers (event dependent).
- backpacks
- bags larger than A4 size
- cameras with detachable lens
- chairs or elevated seating
- domestic animals (excludes working guide dogs and other assistance dogs)
- eskies
- fireworks (of any kind)
- full (or empty) beverage bottles, cans or containers of any kind (excludes soft water bottles - event dependent)
- food
- iPads
- large flashlights and torches
- laser pointing devices
- prams
- selfie sticks
- skateboards
- studded fashion items
- umbrellas
- video or audio recorders of any type
- weapons of any kind
- any other items considered to be harmful to others.
We may add more items to this list if needed.
Special notes:
- If you have prescription medication, keep it in original packaging with your name on the script.
- You may bring fruit or a small sealed bag of lollies.
- We do have a number of food vendors on site for each event. However, to bring additional food or drink for medical reasons, contact the venue to confirm.
- We will search your bags.
- We will do personal safety and security checks.
- Security wanding may occur.
- You can leave non-permitted items at the cloakroom.
- We will confiscate any illegal items.
- You must not stand on bins or fences.
- We do not allow camping in the City Botanic Gardens.
For more questions about entry conditions, email Council or call 07 3403 7921 during business hours.
Pass outs (tickets that allow you to leave and re-enter later) will not be given.
Riverstage is an outdoor amphitheatre. If rain or bad weather occurs, the show will proceed, unless deemed unsafe to do so.
We will only authorise refunds in an event is cancelled.
The gate opening time for your concert will be displayed on the:
- What's on in Brisbane event listing
- Ticketmaster website.
You may also be able to view set times at the above locations, however not all events announce set times. Watch social media channels for the promoter or artist for more information a few days before a concert. Set times are subject to change.
If you cannot see an end time, all events must end by 10pm.
Facilities
You can’t bring food and open drinks into Riverstage. If you’re hungry, there are various food and drink outlets to choose from.
If you have special dietary requirements, email Council.
The Deck is a second-storey bar space. You need a package that includes The Deck to enter this area. Patrons can view the skyline and stage from this venue.
You can arrange access to this area through Ticketmaster.
You can use the free cloakroom located outside, near gate 1, for storing items not permitted in the venue. We'll confiscate any illegal items.
We encourage you not to bring bags and to travel light.
For any questions about the cloakroom, email Council.
You can smoke in designated smoking areas only.
The first aid station/medical tent for all events is to the right of the stage. Look for the first aid sign or speak with security staff at the venue.
For most concerts at Riverstage, artists will sell merchandise. You''ll find a merchandise stall inside the venue near Gate 1 during events, and sometimes another outside.
An external operator manages this stall (or these stalls), not Riverstage.
If you need help during an event, speak with one of our friendly security officers for assistance.
Accessibility
You can drop off patrons with accessibility needs or mobility concerns at the roundabout on Gardens Point Road. The closest carpark is QUT next door. This road often becomes congested, so allow extra time.
An accessible sign at the bottom of Gate 1 directs patrons to the entry. Speak with security if you need further assistance for entry.
You cannot bring chairs into the venue. If you require a chair contact Ticketmaster to book onto the accessible viewing platform .
Riverstage offers a limited accessible viewing platform at the top of the hill for patrons with accessibility needs. You’ll find a wheelchair-accessible portable toilet nearby.
You can book accessible options through Ticketmaster including the platform by:
-
clicking the accessible toggle button on the Ticketmaster website
-
by phoning Ticketmaster on 1300 446 925
-
or by using their dedicated online request form.
Council accepts the Queensland Government Companion Card. This card allows free entry to Riverstage to anyone accompanying a person with disability who needs attendant care support. You can book your companion ticket with Ticketmaster (see above).
When you arrive, speak to the security guard there for help finding your spot. Portable foldable chairs are available in this area for patrons who need one. As it is an outdoor venue some chairs may not be undercover.
For questions about the platform, email Council or call 3403 7921 during business hours.
If you’re in front of the stage and need an accessible toilet, ask security for the nearest one.
The venue currently offers no quiet room and does not permit passouts after entry. Speak with security, medical tent, or Police at the event to see how we can help on the night.
If you bring an assistance animal, ensure it wears an ID vest or you have ID.
Ask security at the gates for relief area locations if needed.
Events may include sudden loud noises, fireworks, strobe lights, lasers, and crowded areas. You can bring sunglasses, a hat, noise-cancelling headphones, and sensory tools.
The upstairs of the bar is currently only accessible via stairs.
We indicate Auslan-interpreted events in the What's on in Brisbane event listing.
Transport, parking and accommodation
Getting there
Taking public transport is the easiest and recommended way to travel to and from Riverstage.
By train
The closest train stations are South Bank (850-metre walk via the Goodwill Bridge) and Central (1.9 kilometre walk via Edward Street and the City Botanic Gardens).
By ferry
The closest ferry terminal is QUT Gardens Point, a stop for CityCat and Express CityCat services (280-metre walk).
By bus
The closest bus stops are South Bank bus station (1 kilometre walk via the Goodwill Bridge), and bus stops on Alice Street and George Street (800-metre walk via George Street and Gardens Point Road).
Free bus service
The free City Loop service (route 40 and 50) stops in front of the City Botanic Gardens Gardens on Alice Street.
Plan your trip with Translink’s Journey Planner.
There is no onsite parking at Riverstage.
There is limited parking on Alice Street and other streets around the City Botanic Gardens. Paid parking is available in parking stations in the CBD and in South Bank.
View the on-street disability parking spaces map to see on street parking in the CBD. You must have a disability parking permit to use these spaces.
Riverstage is a short walk from the Brisbane CBD and the South Bank precinct.
There are many accommodation options in the city or South Bank.
Hiring Riverstage
Riverstage holds up to 9,000 patrons and is scalable for a number of different event modes.
It’s available to hire for:
- local, national and international performances and music events
- corporate functions and events
- community events.
If you hire Riverstage for a ticketed event, we'll work with you and our ticketing provider to deliver ticketing services.
Technical facilities at Riverstage include:
- 50 square metre backstage storage
- 6 metre x 6 metre front of house with underground cable access that can be modified to meet your requirements
- power supply audio 150 amps per phase
- power supply lighting 350 amps per phase
- rigging points and weight loadings
- internet access.
Riverstage has 4 levels. Use the floor plans to plan your event.
Ground floor stage plan - offices
Level 1 stage plan - stage, production office and two dressing rooms
Level 2 stage plan - green room, kitchen facilities and two dressing rooms
Level 3 stage plan - covered rooftop hospitality area
Noise levels
The following noise-related conditions apply to Riverstage concerts:
- noise levels cannot be greater than 100dB(A) LAeq when measured 30 metres from the stage over any 5-minute interval during the event
- all amplified noise must finish by 10pm
- noise levels are measured by an independent company.
To raise a concern about noise at Riverstage during an event, phone the Riverstage Hotline on 07 3403 7921.
Riverstage video
(This video has no narration, just background music.)
This virtual fly-through shows the Brisbane Riverstage venue and surrounds. It begins at the City Reach of the Brisbane River, near Eagle Street, and flies toward Riverstage. It shows the location of Riverstage, plus the city centre, the City Botanic Gardens, Captain Cook Bridge, South Bank and South Bank station, as well as Goodwill Bridge and QUT Gardens Point ferry terminal.
When the fly-through reaches Riverstage, it highlights the location of Gate 1 and Gate 2.
Once the fly-through is finished, 12 still shots are displayed one after the other.
The end screen has the following text: For more information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/riverstage.
Frequently asked questions
Shows at Riverstage will proceed even if there rain or bad weather, unless it's unsafe to do so.
We will only give refunds if an event is cancelled.
You can find details about upcoming Riverstage events or concerts in the What's on in Brisbane calendar.
If an event shows as sold out or low quantity, it usually means no more tickets will be available. All tickets are on the Ticketmaster website, including resale if available.
A small number of tickets may be available at the box office on the night. This is first in best dressed and not guaranteed.
Yes, but only if the event is all ages and the adult and junior ticket prices are the same.
If you didn’t buy through Ticketmaster or an approved agent listed for the event, we can’t help check your ticket.
We will refuse entry if your ticket doesn’t scan.
The promoter or artist arranges VIP, and it varies for each event. Refer to the inclusions, terms, and conditions associated with your VIP ticket at the time of purchase.
The event’s VIP team usually emails ticketholders the week before the event—check your junk folder.
If you haven’t heard anything on the week of the event, reach out to the venue on 07 3403 7921.
Each event is different. Please check the customer email from Ticketmaster in the week leading up to your event. Or refer to permitted and non permitted items.
We do not allow camping in the City Botanic Gardens.
We encourage patrons to line up no early than 2 hours before gates. If you arrive early, we may ask you to move if the gates aren’t ready or you’re blocking nearby businesses.
Riverstage is an amphitheatre so there is great viewing angles from almost anywhere on the hill.
You can bring an A4-size poster made of soft materials and free of offensive language. Security may ask you to bring it down if obstructing views.