Winter has begun, and things are getting pretty chilly! And there’s a whole stack of winter events for us to enjoy, like Lightscape, Winter Night Market and Puffing Billy’s Train of Lights. And if you’d like to warm up a little more, the free Firelight Festival is coming back to Docklands. This time around, you can look forward to a new laser and light show, featuring water fountains and high-impact lasers, synchronised to music throughout the night. There will also be over 130 performers, including fire artists, musicians and roving entertainers, as well as a fleet of 30 food trucks. Firelight Festival will take over Harbour Esplanade from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5.
Firelight Festival 2026
Over 100,000 people are expected to flock to Docklands for this beloved annual event. Feel the heat of the fire pits and flame jets, then look out at the water to admire the laser and light show. Spanning almost 90 metres across the harbour, you’ll feel dazzled by 30 laser projectors and 20 choreographed water fountains. There will be two shows each night, with fire performers at 6:30pm and 8:30pm.
See the bright show against the Echo installation, which features 147 illuminated buoys that trace the footprint of the former Central Pier.
Another new highlight this year is glow-in-the-dark pickleball. Taking place at the Docklands Community Hub Reserve, there will be glowing neon courts for you to have fun in, with areas for tournaments and free play.
The fun continues with silent disco, neon face painting, fire performers, circus acts, live music and more across the weekend.
If you’re feeling hungry, there will be 30 food trucks, serving up warm winter favourites like smoky barbeque, crepes, s’mores, mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Linger around Docklands during Firelight Festival, because local restaurants, bars and shops will be putting up special offers to celebrate the event, such as fire-themed cocktails at 30ML Bar & Restaurant, Firelight boat and kayak rides with Melbourne River Cruises and Kayak Melbourne, 20% off stays at 1Hotel Melbourne and more.
Key details:
📅Friday July 4 to Sunday July 5
🕒5pm to 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday, 5pm to 10pm on Sunday
🎫Free entry
📍Harbour Esplanade, between Latrobe and Collins St, including Docklands Park and
Docklands Community Hub Reserve.
To see the full program, explore deals and learn more, click here.