New Years Eve Party

Next date: Thursday, 31 December 2026 | 05:00 PM to 10:00 PM

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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.

What’s on?

Live entertainment

Performances start from 5pm, featuring:

  • Chris Bax Band (headline act)
  • The Elysian Duo
  • Benevolent
  • SAND
Fireworks

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. 

Family fun

Enjoy a selection of pay-as-you-go family rides, with food and non-alcoholic drinks available to purchase from onsite vendors.

Licensed bar

Wards Brewery will operate a licensed bar within a designated fenced area for patrons aged 18 and over.

Celebrate with us

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.

FAQs

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.

Event Highlights

Stage Entertainment

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.

Stage Program 

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

Additional Free Entertainment 

Funtime Amusements kids’ entertainment – pay as you go. Experience Twirly Tubs, Mega Slide and a Jumping Castle. 

Food and Drink Vendors

  • 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 and Transport

Where can I park? 

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. 

Is accessible parking available? 

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. 

Is public transport available? 

No public transport is available for this event. Carpooling is encouraged. 

When

  • Thursday, 31 December 2026 | 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location

Gladstone Marina Parkland A, 613 Bryan Jordan Drive, Callemondah, 4680, View Map

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