Come and see the City Botanic Gardens in a whole new light at Afterglow! Presented by Sony Music Entertainment as part of the 2025 Brisbane Festival, Afterglow is a world premiere fire and light trail that shines in the park’s stunning landscape.
Following the overwhelming success of Lightscape in 2023 and 2024, Afterglow is designed to better complement the gardens and promote local artistry.
Each exhibit illuminates the relationship between fire, nature and Australian heritage. Peaceful, awe-inspiring music plays throughout the dreamscape, encouraging thoughtful wonderment at the designs.
The trail starts with the Ba-nguru Milpa (Spiritual Awakening) exhibit that welcomes patrons into Afterglow with a radiant mix of light, sound and storytelling.
Thousands of LEDs and candles snake across the lawn of the Royal Palm Circle in a colourful and captivating display. Traditional owner and storyteller, Shannon Ruska, sets the scene in a speech accompanied by original sound composition from Guy Webster. It’s a stunning opening that will certainly stop patrons in their tracks.
While most of the trail consists of vivid displays, there is one exhibit that is memorable for its heartwarming simplicity. The Fire & Flourish Lantern Project gives new life to local artwork submitted by the Brisbane community.
Paintings depicting Australian culture and fire by artists of all ages are featured on the lanterns that line the pathway. Their warm glow and emotive renderings instil an unforgettably cosy atmosphere in the area.
Sparks fly in the electrifying fire performance by Flux, who are celebrated for their bold and boundary-pushing shows. Feel the heat from this pyrotechnics group’s explosive combination of flames and dance! Known for their flashy fire displays at the EkkaNites show, Afterglow is the perfect opportunity to watch them up close.
An array of food and drink options are available from the food trucks located near the trail’s entrance. From Greek and Japanese food, Dutch mini pancakes and delicious gelati, there is surely something for everyone.
There is also a marshmallow toasting station located halfway through the trail, where you can stop and have a chat over the warm open fire barrels.
Afterglow is the ideal family night, filled with bewilderment and creativity. Entry is through the City Botanic Garden’s iconic gates, where the journey into a fantastical world of fire and shadows awaits.
Enjoy one of Brisbane’s perfect Spring nights this September, surrounded by bright colours, imagination and art in this spectacular display.
Afterglow runs from 5 – 27 September at the City Botanic Gardens in Alice Street as part of 2025 Brisbane Festival.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/ and https://www.afterglowau.com/brisbane
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/brisbanefestival/ and https://www.instagram.com/afterglow_australia
Photo credits: Sony Music Entertainment
Afterglow is scrupulously planned and executed in consultation with fire and wildlife experts to ensure a safe and responsible experience.
