Three ways to celebrate – Townsville’s epic NYE line-up

IMPORTANT UPDATE - NEW YEAR'S EVE

Townsville City Council advises of further changes to planned New Year's Eve events due to current weather conditions.

The midnight and 8pm fireworks at Strand Park on The Strand have been combined into a bigger, brighter display for everyone to enjoy at 8pm before weather conditions are forecast to worsen later tonight.

Park with ease - Park and ride from Dean Street carpark to Strand Park, with free buses running every 15 minutes. The first bus service will leave Dean Street carpark to Strand Park at 4pm. The last bus service to Dean Street carpark will leave Strand Park at 12.40am, Thursday morning.

All other events have been cancelled including:

• All events and fireworks at Riverway Stadium.
• Midnight fireworks at Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island
• Sounds on the Sand concert, food trucks and amusements at Strand Park.

Our community’s safety is our priority. Please take care in wet conditions.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

Whether marking the occasion with a movie under the stars, dancing the night away on The Strand or a quiet night on the island is your pick, Townsville City Council has you covered when it comes to fun, free and family-friendly options for New Year’s Eve.

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said the city’s New Year’s Eve events were a highlight for locals and visitors alike.

“Townsville knows how to celebrate, and this year we’re very excited to celebrate the end of 2025 in a big way,” Cr Dametto said.

“New Year’s Eve is about more than fireworks – it’s about taking a moment to reflect on the year that’s been and kicking off the next one with a bang.

“After a big 2025, we all deserve a night to let our hair down and enjoy ourselves.

“Whether you’re catching a movie at Riverway or dancing to The Potbelleez on The Strand, there’s something for everyone.

“As they say, the way you end one year is how you begin the next so set the tone for a positive 2026 by having a great night with family and friends under the stars.”

Whether you’re catching a movie at Riverway or dancing to The Potbelleez on The Strand, there’s something for everyone.

Mayor Nick Dametto

With the night sky set to light up at three locations, this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are ones not to be missed – see further details about what’s on below:

Riverway Stadium, Riverway Precinct

Pack a picnic rug and enjoy food trucks and a movie under the stars!

• 4pm – Gates open
• 6pm – Movie on the big screen: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
• 8pm – Fireworks

Sounds on the Sand – Strand Park, The Strand

Enjoy an amazing night of live music, food trucks and amusements!

Free buses will operate every 15 minutes between Dean Street carpark and Strand Park from 4pm to 12:40am for easy access.

• 4pm – Event kicks off
• 6pm – Midnight – Live music on the main stage featuring an incredible lineup: Tropical Low, Winifred, Dubbzone, DJ Nate Swan, Josie, MiG, ARYEL, Late November and THE POTBELLEEZ!
• 8pm – Fireworks
• Midnight – Fireworks

Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island

• Midnight – Fireworks

For more information about Council’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations, head to the What’s On Townsville website.