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.
What’s Coming Up in 2027!
Live & Free on the Main Stage
Wheelhouse Deluxe
Delivering high-octane pub rock with unstoppable energy, killer musicianship, and a setlist built to blow the roof off.
The Lanes
A First Nations sibling duo from North Queensland, performing original music grounded in storytelling and connection. Their sound blends folk, soul and acoustic roots, with stripped-back guitar and close vocal harmonies.
Food Experiences
Long Table Dinner & Show
Back again for it’s third year running, savor a carefully curated 3-course Bush Tucker-inspired feast with drinks and canapés on arrival, while enjoying live music and mesmerizing fire twirlers—all beneath the Outback night sky. Strictly limited to 60 guests, this unforgettable evening is not to be missed! Tickets on sale soon.
More Information Coming Soon!
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.
More Information Coming Soon!
Enjoy a private, curated bathing experience at the Cunnamulla Hot Springs with the River Lights Soak & Savor Package.
Bush Tucker cooking
Join the team from Nullawokka for Free Bush Tucker Cooking Demonstrations in the Yarning Tent
Ranger Nick Camp Oven
Learn all about the art of Camp Oven Cooking with Ranger Nick! Includes free tastings.
Spit Roast Demonstration
Join Ranger Nick as he demonstrates how to spit roast a beast over open flame and enjoy a taste of the results!
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
Saturday – 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 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
All New Competition! Adopt & Decorate a Tree in Centenary Park to be in the running for Cash Prizes!
The Annual Open Art Competition is back again, with cash prizes and people’s choice awards.
The Annual Sculpture Competition is back again, with cash prizes and people’s choice awards.
Art Gallery Festival Exhibition
Festival Art Exhibition open all Festival Weekend from 9am – 4pm at the Cunnamulla Art Gallery in the Visitor Information Centre!
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
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.
2026 Platinum Sponsor
PLATINUM PARTNER
2026 Gold Sponsors
Main Stage Sponsor
Yarning Tent Sponsor
2026 Silver Sponsors
Long Table Dinner Sponsor
Festival Lantern Parade Sponsor
Arts Hub Sponsor
Festival Competitions Sponsor
2026 Bronze Sponsors
2026 Business Partner Offers
Charlotte Plains is offering Festival-Goers a 10% discount on camping & accommodation. Use code CPRL10 when booking online to claim the discount.