
The Outback River Lights Festival is a celebration of community, culture, and creativity set along the banks of the Warrego River in Cunnamulla, Queensland.
Get ready for a weekend of intimate food experiences, free live entertainment, art & culture workshops and dazzling light shows under the stars. It’s one magical weekend you won’t want to miss, thanks to our Platinum Partners Precision Sports Lighting and Paroo Shire Council.
What’s Happening in 2026!
Free Live Performances

A dynamic country duo made up of Katelann Maree and Maddie Cail, bringing crowd-favourite country hits and high-energy originals to the main stage.

A captivating fire-twirling duo delivering a hypnotic, rhythmic performance set to music—an unforgettable visual and musical experience.
Food Experiences

Friday 17th April from 7-9pm
Ticketed Event: $130pp (Max 60 pers.)
Savour a 3-course Bush Tucker-inspired feast with drinks and canapés on arrival, while enjoying performances by Indigenous solo artist Lloyd Saunders and mesmerizing fire twirlers—all beneath the Outback night sky. Limited to 60 guests, this unforgettable evening is not to be missed!

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th April from 10am – 12.30pm
Ticketed Event: $100pp (Max 6 Per Class)
Join Nullawokka First Nations Tours for a hands-on Bush Tucker cooking class using locally sourced ingredients. After cooking, enjoy an intimate lunch with your hosts. Limited to 6 participants per class, with two classes available—an authentic and personal culinary experience.

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th April from 6.30-8.30pm
Ticketed Event: $130 per couple
Enjoy a private, curated bathing experience at the Cunnamulla Hot Springs with the River Lights Soak & Savour Package, including:
Exclusive evening bathing on either Saturday night (Live Music) or Sunday night (Fireworks Show), Complimentary towel & robe hire, Charcuterie box for two, Complimentary drink for two, Full day bathing pass for the following day (bathing only). Limited to only 20 Couples per night!

Free Bush Tucker Cooking Demo’s and Tastings with Nullawokka First Nations Tours.

Free Spit Roast Goat Cooking Demonstration and Tastings with Ranger Nick.

Free Cup Cake Decorating Workshop with Cakes By Casey – decorate and enjoy your free Cup Cake!
Arts Hub & Workshops

Create and decorate your own unique lantern for free to light up the Festival Lantern Parade!

Learn the art of fire twirling or circus skills with our Free Circus & Fire Workshops!

Capture the imagination with free face painting using specialised UV paint, ready to hit the Glow Zone once the sun goes down!

Paint your own boomerang using traditional techniques and learn how to throw it on the village green

Hair braiding for the young and young at heart! Available both Sat 18th & Sun 19th in the Arts Hub. Bookings will apply, pricing based on type of service booked.

Saturday 18th April – join Children’s Discovery and discover the science of Sherbet with a ‘Cunnamulla Creeper’ – a ‘spider’ style drink to create and enjoy – it’s delicious free fun for kids and adults!

Sunday 19th April – head back to the Children’s Discovery Booth to learn about geometric shapes while creating your own special geometric lantern for the Lantern Parade!
Festival Competitions
Art Gallery Festival Exhibition Opening Night
Thursday 9th April at 6pm.
Join us for a complementary drink and some nibbles as we celebrate the official opening of the 2026 Festival Art Exhibition. Be the first to view the art and sculpture entries and cast your vote in the People’s Choice Awards!
Festival Favourites and Cultural Highlights

Join the locals for the iconic Festival Lantern Parade along the banks of the Warrego River

Be awed at the beautiful Fireworks display both in the sky and reflected in the river below

There will be plenty of interactive light installations lighting up the night throughout the entire festival

All New for 2026! Welcome to the Glow Zone, where UV lights make everything glow in the dark – be sure to get your face painted first!

Join Gary Fogarty and Ranger Nick on Sunday morning as they cook a giant camp-oven damper and entertain with stories that will make you laugh and cry. Walk-ups welcome!

Hear from one our Kunja Elders, the traditional owners on the land where the Outback River Lights Festival takes place as they officially welcome you to Country.

Enjoy a great day out in the park as you browse local stalls from homemade delights to locally grown produce and everything in between!

New for 2026! Wrap up the festival with Campfire Stories and Songs—a relaxed, BYO gathering around the campfire where anything goes. Bring an instrument, share a tale, and finish the festival in style.
























