Riverstage Glow Up Plans
The Schrinner Council will seek a private partner to upgrade and operate Brisbane’s popular Riverstage – ensuring these costs aren’t borne by residents.
An expression of interest campaign will open next month to seek proposals from experienced venue operators.
Venue operators will be asked to submit options to transform the Riverstage with new and improved facilities along with state-of-the-art sound management.
The Riverstage will remain owned by Council and available for community events.
The new operators will be granted a long-term lease in exchange for significant investment in the much-loved venue.
The new operating model will ensure the Riverstage is upgraded while Council funds are invested in building better roads, improving public transport and upgrading parks.
The Riverstage was built in 1989 and has attracted a range of local and international artists including Powderfinger, Lorde, Benson Boone and Teddy Swims.
There were 38 events hold in the past financial year, which attracted around 245,000 people.
The partnership will future-proof the Riverstage ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when the city will need more world-class venues that showcase our vibrant music and cultural scene.
Brisbane now has the unique opportunity to have both a new indoor arena with the Gabba Arena and a new outdoor arena with an upgraded Riverstage by 2032.
Expressions of interest will launch 22 September 2025.
“Riverstage is one of Australia’s most iconic music venues and we want to make it even better.
“With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games ahead, now is the right time to invest in better venues for our city.
“While we want to ensure the Riverstage remains in public hands and gets even better, investing in music venues is not the core business of our Council.
“We’re also committed to keeping costs down for Brisbane residents and investing in better roads and more public transport.
“By getting a world-class venue operator involved, we’ll lock in significant private investment for the Riverstage while ensure Council funds are spent on our roads, transport and more to see and do in our suburbs.
“Our vision is for Riverstage to attract more events, more visitors and create more unforgettable memories for Brisbane residents and visitors.
“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital, and under this plan the future of live music by the river will be even better.”
“Brisbane is already one of Australia’s fastest-growing visitor destinations, and an upgraded Riverstage will strengthen our reputation as a world-class events city.
“This is an incredible investment opportunity for the right partner that will attract major international acts, create more chances for homegrown talent, and deliver millions of dollars into Brisbane’s economy each year.
“Our State of the City Report showed there is more than $11 billion in experience economy infrastructure is in the pipeline, and this sector is soaring.
“In the lead up to Brisbane 2032, the Riverstage upgrade is another marker of Brisbane’s growth and a signal to investors that our city is one of the most exciting places in Australia to invest in culture, creativity and lifestyle.”
Quotes attributable to Committee for Brisbane CEO Jen William
“While its connection to Expo ’88 is lesser known than South Bank’s, Brisbane’s Riverstage is a wonderful story of the legacy created for the city through hosting Expo ’88.
“The original, temporary Riverstage formed a central component in Brisbane showcasing its local talent and live music scene to the world during the six months of Expo ’88.
“Expo sparked Brisbane’s passion for outdoor dining and entertainment, and the importance of an inner-city, live music venue was acknowledged when the Riverstage found its permanent home in the Botanic Gardens in 1989.
The location of the Riverstage is second to none, and with new public and active transport connections servicing the venue, it is now more accessible than ever.
“While much-loved and well-patronised, the Riverstage itself is in dire need of an upgrade to provide a better user experience and ensure it is accessible year-round.
“With the majority of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues located within the inner-city, there will be increased demand for venues such as Riverstage to showcase the city’s arts, culture and live music scene to locals and visitors alike.
“Now is the opportune time to seek out further investment in this wonderful asset, to ensure it continues to showcase the best of what Brisbane has to offer.”