The River Stage in Brisbane is located along the banks of the Brisbane River in the heart of the city. It hosts various concerts and cultural events throughout the year, especially as part of the Brisbane Festival. Some of the most popular events held at the River Stage are live music performances featuring both Australian and international artists.
Opening Act
The opening act for the concert at the River Stage in Brisbane has not been announced yet. The festival organizers tend to keep the opening acts a secret until closer to the event date to build anticipation. However, looking at previous Brisbane Festivals, we can expect the opening act to be an up-and-coming local Australian band or solo musician. This is a great opportunity for new talent to get exposure and play to a large crowd.
Headliner
While the opening act is still unknown, the headliner for the concert at the River Stage has been revealed. American indie rock band The Killers will be the main act for the evening. The band first achieved worldwide fame with the release of their debut album “Hot Fuss” in 2004, which featured hits like “Mr Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me.” Their unique style of synth-influenced alternative rock and explosive live shows have earned them a huge global following. This will be The Killers’ first time performing in Brisbane since 2012 during their “Battle Born” world tour. They’re sure to play fan favorites as well as songs from their more recent albums like “Wonderful Wonderful” and “Imploding the Mirage.”
Full Lineup
While the exact order of the lineup is still to be determined, the full list of artists playing at the River Stage concert has been announced. In addition to The Killers headlining, the lineup features some other major international acts:
- Tame Impala – Psychedelic rock band from Australia
- Iggy Azalea – Australian rapper
- Noah Cyrus – American pop singer-songwriter
Supporting these big name artists will be a selection of popular Australian bands and soloists like Cub Sport, Mallrat, and G Flip. There are also spots for some indie and electronic acts to be announced later. With this diverse mix of genres, from rock to pop to hip hop, there will be something for all music lovers to enjoy.
Set Times
The exact set times are still being finalized for each artist. However, based on typical festival schedules, we can expect the concert to follow this general timeline:
- 5:00pm – Gates open
- 5:30-6:15pm – Opening act TBD
- 6:30-7:30pm – Noah Cyrus
- 7:45-8:45pm – Iggy Azalea
- 9:00-10:00pm – Tame Impala
- 10:30-11:45pm – The Killers
These set times may shift around slightly, but this gives an estimate of when each major artist will take the stage. The opening act is usually a newer performer getting exposure, followed by the rest of the lineup from least to most well-known performer. The Killers will wrap up the night with a headlining set likely lasting over an hour.
Stage Layout
The River Stage has a classic festival setup with the following components:
- Large open-air main stage set up on one end facing the audience
- General admission standing area in front of the stage
- Reserved seating sections on bleachers off to the sides
- Designated mosh pit area right near the stage
- Sound, lighting, and video production rigs surrounding the stage
- Mega-screens on either side of the stage to project visuals
- Space for photographers and videographers to operate in the pit
This layout allows for great views of the stage and high-energy audience zones like the mosh pit for dedicated fans who want to be closest to the action. The reserved bleacher seating offers more comfortable viewing options for other concertgoers.
Event Schedule
Beyond just the musical performances, the River Stage event features additional activities during the day leading up to the concert:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 11:00am | Festival grounds & vendors open |
| 12:00pm | Beer garden opens |
| 1:00-4:00pm | Local DJ sets and entertainment |
| 4:30pm | Gates open for main concert |
| 5:00pm | Main concert starts |
Festivalgoers can arrive early to check out local artisan vendors, get food and drinks, as well as enjoy DJ and dance performances leading up to the main event. This creates an exciting atmosphere and gives attendees plenty to do beforehand.
Food and Drinks
There will be a wide selection of food and drink options available for purchase inside the River Stage festival grounds. Expect to find fare from local food trucks and stalls serving everything from classic Aussie bites like meat pies to ethnic cuisine like pad thai noodles. Bars serving beer, wine, and cocktails will be set up around the grounds. No outside food or drink is allowed to be brought in.
Getting There
The River Stage is centrally located along the Brisbane River downtown, making it easy to access via public transportation:
- CityCat Ferry – Hop on from many stops along the river
- Bus – Several buses run near the venue
- Train – The closest station is South Bank just a 5 minute walk away
- Rideshare – Uber/Lyft drop-offs available onsite
- Parking – Limited pay parking lots nearby
Free bike valet parking will also be provided for cyclists. The venue is best reached via ferry or rideshare to avoid traffic and parking issues downtown. Allow extra time to go through security screening when entering the venue.
Tickets
Tickets to the River Stage concert are available for purchase online through the Brisbane Festival website or authorized ticket sellers. They can also be bought at the venue on the day of the show, pending availability. Ticket options include:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| General Admission | $129 |
| Reserved Seating | $199 |
| VIP | $349 |
VIP tickets include access to a special lounge with premium views, complimentary drinks and food, and a VIP-only entrance. This concert is expected to sell out, so tickets should be purchased well in advance online.
Expected Turnout
As the River Stage is an outdoor venue with a capacity of around 10,000 people, we can expect a full house for this major concert. The Killers are one of the biggest bands on the bill, so they will draw large crowds from their global fanbase. Locals are also eager to see popular Australian acts like Tame Impala perform. We can anticipate around 8,000 – 10,000 attendees if the show sells out.
Parking and Traffic
Due to limited parking near the River Stage, taking public transportation, rideshare, taxi, or cycling is recommended. If driving, expect congested traffic conditions and parking lot delays downtown before and after the concert. Parking lots typically charge $10 – $20 for event rate parking. Traffic may be closed or redirected around the venue at times as well. Allow plenty of extra time when traveling to the concert and be prepared for traffic impacts downtown.
Conclusion
The River Stage in Brisbane is primed to host an incredible concert this year during the Brisbane Festival. The Killer’s are sure to deliver an epic headlining set full of their chart-topping hits that will have the crowd rocking all night. With supporting acts like Tame Impala and Iggy Azalea, the lineup offers something for music lovers of all genres. Attendees can expect delicious food and drink, great local vendors, and a fun festival vibe during the daytime before the huge main event. This concert looks to be one of the most popular and highly anticipated entertainment highlights of the festival calendar this year in Brisbane.
With the relaxing riverfront location, convenient public transportation access, passionate music fans in attendance, and top-tier artists on the bill, the River Stage concert experience will be unforgettable. Don’t miss out on seeing The Killers and other major acts light up the downtown Brisbane night skyline with incredible live music this year. Check the Brisbane Festival website for the latest updates on set times, tickets, and all the exciting happenings at the 2023 River Stage concert!
The colorful lights are blaring, the crowd is roaring, and the iconic opening riff of “Mr. Brightside” starts to blare from the speakers – it can only mean one thing, The Killers have taken over the River Stage! Brandon Flowers struts up to the mic stand wearing a flashy suit, ready to transport the 10,000 ecstatic fans in attendance to rock n’ roll heaven as he belts out the lyrics to one of the most recognizable alternative rock anthems of the 2000s. The energy is electric and the band is loose, playing off each other and feeding off the palpable excitement emanating from the sea of people. Halfway through their set, smoke plumes up from the stage as the synth intro of “Somebody Told Me” kicks in. Everyone sings along in unison to the simple but catchy chorus, waving their hands back and forth overhead. Multi-colored beams of light pierce the night sky, reflecting off the surface of the river. Both diehard fans who’ve memorized every lyric and casual listeners are enthralled by the climatic headlining spectacle.
Earlier in the day, concertgoers of all ages flooded the festival grounds, eagerly exploring the arts and crafts stalls, grabbing a bite from the plethora of food trucks, and sipping on fresh local brews at the beer garden. Laughter and lively conversation filled the air as friends gathered and strangers exchanged stories while enjoying the pleasant Brisbane spring weather and laidback atmosphere. Some relaxed on picnic blankets, while others tossed footballs and frisbees on the sprawling lawns adjacent to the main stage. When the rotating cast of local DJ’s took over the turntables for the afternoon dance party, throngs gravitated toward the open area in front of the now quiet stage. They danced freely without judgement, children improvised their own interpretive moves while seniors swayed gently to the beat – music bringing generations together. The early festivities set the mood for the main event still to come.
When dusk settled in, vendors began packing up their wares as workers prepared the venue for the impending performances. Roadies tested microphones, tuned guitars, and adjusted amplifiers with anticipation. Patrons gradually migrated closer to the stage as the hours passed by, pressed up against the metal barricades eager to secure their spots. Small talk with nearby strangers took on an enthusiastic tone, most voicing their eagerness to finally witness music icons like The Killers and Tame Impala grace the River Stage. Suddenly the house lights dropped, prompting resounding cheers. Bright spotlights flooded the venue, signalling the start of the concert. The energy shifted from excitement to exhilaration. Smiles beamed from ear to ear across flushed faces in the crowd. Each act dazzled attendees with stellar performances that exceeded already lofty expectations. But it was ultimately Brandon Flowers and company’s headlining set that elevated the occasion to an all-time River Stage highlight, the stuff of future nostalgic legend. We danced, we sang, we lost our voices screaming – just to do it all over again at the next Brisbane Festival!