Start planning ahead for your Easter in Gladstone
Published on 19 February 2026
The countdown until Easter in Gladstone celebrations is on with six weeks left until the Port City comes alive with harbourside celebrations centred around the iconic Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.
From attending the family-friendly Gladstone Harbour Festival, lining East Shores to welcome the fleet from the Gladstone Ports Corporation 78th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, or attending the multitude of events in and around the Brisbane to Gladstone (B2G) Village, there’s no shortage of things to do during Easter in Gladstone.
Easter in Gladstone begins from Thursday 2 April with the opening of the Gladstone Harbour Festival from 6pm and a fireworks display at 8pm.
Across the water, festivities within the Brisbane to Gladstone (B2G) Village begin on Good Friday (3 April) with the Yachtsman’s Long Lunch running from 10.30am until 2.30pm.
IMAGE: The B2G Village is home to many Easter in Gladstone events.
Good Friday also marks the start of the Gladstone Ports Corporation 78th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race with the starter’s gun firing off the coast of Shorncliffe at 11am (AEST).
The race will be available to watch via live stream on the Brisbane to Gladstone website, Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race Facebook page, Gladstone Regional Council’s Facebook page or on the big screen at the Gladstone Harbour Festival’s GECC Foodcourt, with coverage from 10am until 12pm (AEST).
The celebrations continue across the long weekend at B2G Village and Gladstone Harbour Festival, while other entertaining events suitable for all tastes will take place around the precinct.
IMAGE: Gladstone Harbour Festival (foreground) and B2G Village (background).
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said Easter is the perfect time to be in Gladstone, whether visiting from afar or holidaying at home.
“If you’re a local, invite your friends or family to stay for the long weekend,” Mayor Burnett said.
“If you’re planning to visit from outside the region, make sure to book your accommodation early because Gladstone is the place to be at Easter time with thousands of visitors travelling to the region to experience the excitement and festivities centred around the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.
“There are so many free events and activities happening, creating a fantastic atmosphere unlike any other time of the year.”
A free shuttle bus will also be in operation across the long weekend, with further details including pick-up and drop-off locations, and timetable, available online.
Visit www.gladstoneregion.info/easter-in-gladstone for more information about what’s on at Easter in Gladstone.
Easter in Gladstone events
Yaralla Gladstone Harbour Festival
The annual 64th Gladstone Harbour Festival program will once again be packed full of fun and excitement. Featuring fantastic free entertainment, food trucks, thrilling rides, free activities for the kids, roving entertainers, all the fun of sideshow alley, spectacular fireworks and much more!
IMAGE: Gladstone Harbour Festival.
Thursday 2 April | 6pm to 10.30pm (Family Night) | 8pm fireworks
Friday 3 April | 10am to 10.30pm
Saturday 4 April | 10am to 10.30pm
Sunday 5 April | 10am to 10.30pm
Cost: Free entry
Location: Gladstone Ports Corporation Marina Parklands, Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone
Visit www.gladstonefestival.com/yaralla-harbour-festival for more information.
WICET’s Marina Markets
There is something for everyone at this fabulous two-day market.
IMAGE: WICET’s Marina Markets.
Friday 3 April | 8am to 4pm
Saturday 4 April | 8am to 4pm
Cost: Free entry
Location: CQUniversity carpark, Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone.
Gladstone Road Runners 49th Annual Fun Run
Join Gladstone Road Runners at East Shores Parklands on Good Friday morning for the 49th Gladstone Harbour Festival Fun Run. All ages and abilities are welcome. 3km and 10km courses available.
IMAGE: Gladstone Road Runners Fun Run.
Friday 3 April | 7am (arrive between 5.45am and 6.45am)
Cost: 3km race – Junior $20, Senior $25 | 10km race – Junior $35, Senior $45
Location: Gladstone Ports Corporation’s East Shores Parklands
Visit www.facebook.com/Gladstone-Road-Runners-271672892867428 for more information including registration.
Great Raft Regatta
The free Auckland Creek Great Raft Regatta is back for Easter 2026 proudly sponsored by Boluda Towage Australia. Don’t miss out on this iconic event. Apply today and get ready to build your rafts.
IMAGE: The Great Raft Regatta is popular for participants and spectators.
Friday 3 April | 9am race start
Cost: Free entry – spectators encouraged to arrive early to secure the best vantage points
Location: O’Connell Wharf, Flinders Parade, Gladstone
Note: Matthew Flinders (Gladstone Marina) Bridge will close to vehicular traffic from 7am to 11am
Visit www.gladstonefestival.com/forms to register. Registrations close Monday 30 March.
McCosker Easter Street Parade
McCosker Gladstone Speedway will stage a parade and display of vintage, classic and sprint cars.
IMAGE: 2025 McCosker Street Parade.
Friday 3 April | 9.15am start
Cost: Free – spectators are encouraged to
Location: Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone Marina Parklands.
Live stream of the 78th Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race
It has never been easier to watch the start of Gladstone Ports Corporation’s Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race and follow the action as the yachts make their way to Gladstone. Whether you are on the water, standing on the shoreline or watching the world leading live streaming of the Race you will not miss a second of the action. The live stream is proudly brought to you by Gladstone Regional Council.
Friday 3 April | 10am to 12pm (Race starts at 11am AEST)
IMAGE: Watch the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race live stream from 10am-12pm on Good Friday.
Watch online at:
Yachtsman’s Long Lunch
Enjoy a spectacular vantage point by the water while watching the Gladstone Ports Corporation’s Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race live stream. Indulge in a stunning three-course seafood lunch (alternate menu available) with all-inclusive beer, wine, spirits and select cocktails, along with live music.
IMAGE: Yachtsman's Long Lunch.
Friday 3 April | 10.30am to 2.30pm
Cost: $275 per person (18+ event)
Location: B2G Village, O’Connell Wharf, Flinders Parade, Gladstone
Visit www.gladstoneregion.info/easter-in-gladstone to purchase tickets.
Seafood Festival
This fun family day is a must for visitors and locals alike. With fresh and cooked seafood of all varieties available, licensed bar, live entertainment, free activities for the kids, free face painting and more.
IMAGE: Prawn Peeling Competition at the Seafood Festival.
Saturday 4 April | 10am to 6pm
Cost: Free entry (all ages event)
Location: B2G Village, O’Connell Wharf, Flinders Parade, Gladstone.
Live Music at Gladstone Yacht Club
Experience 24 hours of live music across two days at Gladstone Yacht Club – easy walking distance from the Gladstone Harbour Festival and B2G Village.
Saturday 4 April | Noon to midnight
Sunday 5 April | Noon to midnight
Cost: Free entry
Location: Gladstone Yacht Club, 1 Goondoon Street, Gladstone
Visit www.gyc.com.au for more information.
Sound Sanctuary @ The Village
Get your dance on with headline DJ Danyon and the Sound Sanctuary team.
IMAGE: Sound Sanctuary @ The Village.
Saturday 4 April | 6pm to 9pm (all ages) | 9pm to midnight (18+ only)
Cost: Free entry
Location: B2G Village, O’Connell Wharf, Flinders Parade, Gladstone.
B2G Village Line Crossing Party
Celebrate the finish of the 78th Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. Join competitors, supporters and the community for an epic evening of live music and vibrant energy. The iconic Hamilton Band will headline the night, with DJ Danyon spinning the beats, ensuring a non-stop party. Grab drinks at multiple bars and indulge in delicious takeaway food from a variety of stalls. It’s the final night you won’t want to miss!
IMAGE: B2G Village Line Crossing Party.
Sunday 5 April | 2pm to 9pm (all ages) | 9pm to midnight (18+ only)
Cost: Free entry
Location: B2G Village, O’Connell Wharf, Flinders Parade, Gladstone.